DOD

Troops to Receive Retroactive Pay Next Month

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2008 - Active duty troops will receive retroactive earnings next month, followed weeks later by a supplemental payday for non-active personnel, a Pentagon official said today.

The National Defense Authorization Act signed into law yesterday by President Bush stipulates a 3.5 percent military pay raise. This hike is 0.5 percent higher than an executive order Bush signed Dec. 28 to increase pay by 3 percent, which took effect Jan 1.

In mid-February, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will pay active duty troops the extra 0.5 percent raise earned since the start of 2008. Non-active members will receive the supplement "a couple weeks later," said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary for military personnel policy.

Carr said the Pentagon is "delighted" with the act and praised cooperation by Congress. Disagreement between the president and Congress over non-defense-related earmarks and controversial language about the Iraq war had delayed the bill's enactment.

"I think it's good news for everybody in uniform," Carr said. "This Congress has been terrific in working with us in terms of providing to the troops the things that they need."

Between 2000 and 2007, private-sector pay increased by 29 percent, while military pay jumped 42 percent during the same time, Carr said. Meanwhile, wages paid to noncommissioned officers, which includes corporals and all grades of sergeant and petty officer, spiked by about 52 percent.

"We've made considerable headway, in terms of increasing the value of military pay, to the point where we're now frankly in about the 70th or 80th percentile of similarly educated American earners," Carr said. He noted that the most recent raise, by virtue of exceeding the current inflation rate, will increase servicemember recipients' purchasing power.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said the retroactive payments ensure "that our forces are compensated commensurate to their service and sacrifice." In a news conference at the Pentagon today, Morrell noted that troops will benefit in various ways by provisions codified in the act.

"It lets us resume offering bonuses to new recruits and re-enlisting troops," he said. The act also includes funding to improve health care and benefits for wounded troops and veterans.

The bill became law just a week before the next budget cycle begins as Bush sends his fiscal 2009 request to Capitol Hill. That budget proposal, along with a request for $70 billion in emergency war spending, will be delivered to Congress Feb. 3.

Charleston Operations Speed MRAPs to Theater

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 18, 2008 - It's a typical day in this charming Southern city: cobblestone downtown streets swarm with tourists, magnolias are about to pop, and hundreds of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles are being readied for transport to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Up to 300 MRAPs roll onto a Military Sealift Command large medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship and are readied for transport within the span of eight to 10 hours, thanks to a dedicated team working with the Army's 841st Transportation Battalion, at Charleston Naval Weapons Station, S.C. Photo by Master Sgt. Kevin Young, USA

The glossy travel brochures might not note it, but Charleston has become the epicenter of a massive Defense Department program to get more heavily protective vehicles to deployed troops.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates got a firsthand look today at operations under way to speed up delivery of MRAPs to the combat theaters through a program he moved to the fast track in summer 2007.

The vehicles, with V-shaped hulls that help deflect underbelly blasts, have proven to be lifesavers against improvised explosive devices and the even-more-deadly explosively formed penetrators.

After visiting Naval Weapons Station Charleston, where radios, sensors and jammers are installed in the vehicles, Gates watched as an MRAP bound for the war zone rolled onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Charleston Air Force Base.

The Defense Department initially flew all MRAPs to the theater as soon as they were ready, and the 437th Aerial Port Squadron here continues airlifting an average of 12 vehicles a day, said Air Force Capt. Jim Lovell, the squadron's flight commander. Since getting the MRAP mission in April 2007, the 437th has delivered 1,571 to Iraq and Afghanistan.

They're flown aboard Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-5 Galaxy aircraft that can carry about three MRAPs at a time or on contracted transport planes capable of flying up to six, Lovell said.

Several miles away, along the banks of the Cooper River, another MRAP delivery mission is under way and quickly makes gains on the airlift effort. The Army's 841st Transportation Battalion, based at Charleston Naval Weapons Station, is overseeing a sealift operation capable of moving 200 to 300 MRAPs at a clip.

Shipped aboard a Military Sealift Command ship -- specifically, large medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessels, known as LMSRs -- or commercial cargo ships, the MRAPs take 21 to 23 days transit time to reach Kuwait. They're offloaded there and moved north into Iraq.

The sealift effort began in the fall, when the 841st shipped 48 MRAPs in early November, 180 later that month, and almost 550 in December. "That's certainly a success story," said Army Maj. Isabel Geiger, the 841st Transportation Command's operations officer.

Army Lt. Col. Randolph Haufe, the unit commander, said the pace of shipments will only go up as the production line produces more vehicles.

Army Master Sgt. Kevin Young, the unit's operations noncommissioned officer, described the loading operation that moves hundreds of vehicles onto the ship and secures them for transit within the span of six to eight hours as "a pretty dance, with everyone working in tune."

Because MRAPs come from several manufacturers and in a variety of configurations, there is no one-size-fits-all way to load them, explained Craig Messervy, a marine cargo specialist and Army veteran. Messervy spends hours formulating a load plan that gets as many MRAPs as possible onto a ship while ensuring a safe passage and no damage to the vehicles.

As he watches each vehicle roll up the loading ramp and into position, Young said he likes to "give it a little pat" of encouragement and gratitude for the service it will provide his fellow soldiers.

Haufe said it's no coincidence that Charleston has become the hub for MRAP shipments. The largest MRAP producer, Force Protection Inc., is just a few miles down the road in Ladson, S.C. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command here already had been integrating electronic systems into up-armored Humvees when the MRAP mission kicked into high gear this past summer.

But even more significantly, Haufe said, Charleston is "DoD's premier intermodal hub" with almost unparalleled transportation assets. It boasts a network of rail lines, an Air Force Base with a C-17 wing, and a secure port facility that's able to spill its operations to the North Charleston Terminal directly next door when the need arises.

"This is one of the few secure DoD facilities that has the capability to move general cargo in and out in large quantities," Haufe said.

And because the Navy owns the terminal, the government saves berthing fees that can run as high as a quarter million dollars for an LMSR ship.

"You combine everything -- the added security, the fact that we're a military town, the intermodal hub, and a great, experienced workforce -- and this is just a terrific place for the MRAP," Haufe said. "It's no accident that we're shipping the MRAP out of Charleston."

Everyone involved in the MRAP delivery mission, whether by air or sea, agrees they're happy to carry out a mission that supports deployed troops so directly.

For Lovell, the mission is deeply personal. He lost a family member, a Navy corpsman, to an enemy IED in Iraq's Anbar province. Lovell said he's convinced that if his relative had been in an MRAP rather than an up-armored Humvee, he might have survived.

"We all have a vested interest in getting these out on time, and we're doing everything we can to protect these men and women in uniform," Lovell said. "What we're doing is not for show. It's making a difference."

Army Sgt. 1st Class Frederick Jones, operations noncommissioned officer in charge for the 841st Transportation Battalion, said he witnessed the MRAP's capabilities firsthand while deployed to Tikrit, Iraq. The first "Buffalo" model MRAPs had just arrived in the theater, and troops initially didn't know what to make of the vehicles that have been referred to as "Humvees on steroids."

But after seeing both standard up-armored Humvees and MRAPs come back from missions after being hit by IEDs, the troops were sold. "I saw the difference MRAPs make, and it's a big difference," Jones said.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Frank Douglass, load team chief for the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, had just returned from a deployment to Baghdad in April when he was assigned to the MRAP airlift mission. "I came home and jumped right into it," he said. "Soldiers could die if these don't get there. We know that, so we do everything we can to load them correctly and make sure nothing goes wrong in flight so they can get downrange to the people who need them."

Air Force Capt. Ruth Meloeny, a C-17 pilot with Charleston Air Force Base's 16th Airlift Squadron, said flying MRAPs is little different from flying toilet paper, bubble wrap or any other commodity -- at least until the cargo ramp drops at the destination. "You really see a difference," she said. "When guys see those MRAPs roll off, they're very happy. You've brought them something that's giving them increased safety and helping making them more effective in doing their job. That's pretty rewarding."

Many of the civilian stevedores and longshoreman who represent the heart of the sealift operation are veterans themselves and see the mission as a way to continue serving. Among them is retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Kim Green, former NCOIC of the 841st Transportation Battalion and now a civilian marine cargo specialist supporting his old unit.

"Our fellow soldiers over there are at it 24-7, so this is the least we can do to show we're behind them," Green said. "We're still contributing. We're still serving."

Haufe attributes much of the success of the sealift mission to a workforce that's willing to put in the hours required -- including most weekends -- to keep up with the requirement.

"The vessels just don't stop, but they understand the importance of the MRAP and how much it contributes to the safety of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines," he said. "We're all proud to be moving the MRAP. That thing saves lives, and we're happy to be playing a part."

Net foreign purchases of long-term U.S. securities were $70.3 billion. Of this, net purchases by foreign official institutions were $11.8 billion, and net purchases by private foreign investors were $58.6 billion.

Net foreign acquisition of long-term securities, taking into account adjustments, is estimated to have been $79.7 billion.

Foreign holdings of dollar-denominated short-term U.S. securities, including Treasury bills, and other custody liabilities increased $36.5 billion. Foreign holdings of Treasury bills increased $15.6 billion.

Banks' own net dollar-denominated liabilities to foreign residents increased $33.7 billion.

Monthly net TIC flows were positive $149.9 billion. Of this, net foreign private flows were positive $104.9 billion, and net foreign official flows were positive $45.0 billion.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Curtis A. Christensen Jr., 29, of Collingswood, N.J., died Jan. 11 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 8^th Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The incident is currently under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Keith E. Lloyd, 26, of Milwaukee, died Jan. 12 in Tal Afar, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Watts-Weitz, Novato, Calif., was awarded on Jan. 10, 2008, a $67,675,003 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of trainee barracks. Work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on May 9, 2007, and two bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity W912DQ-08-D-0057.

Cape Fox Professional Services, Ketchikan, Alaska, was awarded on Jan. 10, 2008, an $8,523,776 firm-fixed-price, contract for 12,278 M3 tripod mount. Work will be performed in Ketchikan, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Aug. 1, 2007, and four bids were received. Tank Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill. is the contracting activity W52H09-08-D-0107.

T.E.M., Louisville, Ky., was awarded on Jan. 10, 2008, an $8,451,830 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a BRAC Air Force Reserve Training Facility. Work will be performed in MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 28, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on July 27, 2007, and three bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-0001.

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems of Marietta, Ga. is being awarded a contract modification for $24,839,777. This contract will exercise the option to procure fabrication, support, and assembly of C-5B Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Group A and Spares for seven aircraft. At this time 12,419,889 has been obligated. 716^th Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6473, P00003).

NAVY

Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded an $8,471,776 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2100) for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (74 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (26 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Harper Construction Company, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $7,975,265 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1056) for design and construction services for the repair and renovation of existing 4-story Bachelor Enlisted Quarter, Building 53574 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by July 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

* Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lt. Col. Richard J. Berrettini, 52, of Wilcox, Pa., died Jan. 11 in San Antonio of wounds suffered on Jan. 2 in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Medical Detachment, Erie Clinic, Erie, Pa.

Guard Won't Hold Recruits to Contracts if Bonuses Aren't Authorized

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2008 - Emphasizing that they expect a defense authorization act eventually to pass into law, Army officials indicated yesterday that National Guard recruits who enlist before it does won't be held to their contracts if the law doesn't provide the recruiting bonuses they're expecting.
Army Secretary Pete Geren said he's confident the legislation will come, and that the Army will be able to offer the enlistment and re-enlistment incentives it relies on to attract and keep quality soldiers.

"I just can't imagine that we are not going to end up with an authorization bill at some point," he said adding that he believes Congress will make it retroactive to include the interim period before it takes effect. "I don't know how they'll get to the end game, but they will end up working it out."

The Fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes enlistment, re-enlistment and a variety of other special and incentive pays, is the focus of a standoff between Congress and the administration. President Bush announced Dec. 28 that he won't sign the bill until Congress revises some of its provisions regarding Iraq.

As a result, recruiters find themselves having to tell prospective recruits they may be able to offer enlistment bonuses, but can't make any promises. So recruits end up signing contingency contracts that acknowledge they could feasibly get no bonus.

In the unlikely event that Congress doesn't pass the legislation or doesn't make it retroactive to cover the interim period, the Army National Guard director said yesterday that the National Guard will make good on its commitments to troops now enlisting.

Army Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn said the Guard counts on the trust it has built in communities around the country. He indicated that if recruits sign up expecting an enlistment bonus and don't get it, they won't be required to continue serving.

State adjutants general and governors are responsible for National Guard recruiting in their states and have a lot of leeway in ensuring they keep their promises to their troops, Vaughn said.

"There is no adjutant general that will hold them responsible for something that we told them that didn't happen," Vaughn said. "They have a lot of flexibility to turn around and let them go if they renege on a promise. Some organizations can't do that."

Defense officials have expressed concern that the impasse over the Defense Authorization Act will hurt recruiting. "That can have a chilling impact on the propensity of a person to sign one of those contracts," said Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy. "That might affect their willingness to enter into a contract that conditionally promises a bonus."

Officials are hopeful the delay doesn't reverse positive momentum on the recruiting front. Defense Department officials announced yesterday that all four services met or surpassed their monthly active-duty recruiting goals for December, before authority for bonus payments expired Dec. 31.

The Army recruited 789 active-duty soldiers last month, 105 percent of its December goal. On the reserve-component side, the Army National Guard recruited 4,985 members, 120 percent of its goal, and the Army Reserve, 3,280 soldiers, 107 percent of its goal.

Geren conceded yesterday that the authorization act delay poses yet another challenge to recruiters who work to attract high-quality men and women into a wartime force with a clear recognition that they're likely to deploy into combat. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the Army is increasing its end strength.

Despite these challenges, Geren expressed confidence the Army can overcome them and continue to meet its recruiting goals. "This will be a tough year; last year was a tough year," he said. "We are confident we will meet our goals this year, but I am also confident it won't come without a lot of work by a lot of folks."

While the authorization act situation also affects re-enlistments, Carr said, the impact isn't expected to be as big, or as immediate, as with recruiting bonuses. He said that's because many people already in the military have seen similar situations before -- in 1993, 1996 and most recently in 2006 -- and understand it's probably just a temporary hiccup.

"It has happened before, and Congress in the past has always gone back and made whole any circumstances that occurred during the lapse in authority," he said.

Carr said he's "guardedly optimistic" that Congress will do the same this year and make bonus payments in the authorization act retroactive to Jan. 1, and he's hopeful the situation will be resolved soon.

"The department is concerned whenever we throw a curve at those serving or at those who might choose to serve," he said. "When we upset the plans and the momentum you have in force, that is not good."

Another downside of the authorization act impasse is its impact on servicemembers' paychecks. The 2008 Defense Authorization Act had called for a 3.5 percent pay raise for military members. Bush authorized a 3 percent raise -- an amount based on an economic index – that took effect Jan. 1 until the authorization act passes into law, when the 3.5 percent figure takes effect. Carr said he hopes Congress will approve making the 3.5 percent hike retroactive to Jan. 1, as it has in the past.

Why We Serve: Army Major Wants to Share Her Success Story

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2008 - Army Maj. Lisa L. Carter, a two-time Iraq veteran, wants to share her life's success story with the American public.

Army Maj. Lisa L. Carter. Defense Department photo

Carter recalled her days as a single mother working at a post office in Atlanta while caring for her 2-year-old daughter a few years after her 1984 graduation from Fulton High School there.

"I met a lot of retired military personnel" at the post office, Carter said, noting the veterans encouraged her to join the Army Reserve as a way to improve her life.

Today, Carter is an active-duty Army officer. She also is among 12 servicemembers participating in the sixth quarterly iteration of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public-outreach program. Carter will tell her story to community, business and veterans group audiences, and at other gatherings.

Carter said she enjoys her career as an Army officer and wants the public to know military people have the same dreams and aspirations as their civilian counterparts. "We are human beings just as they are," Carter observed.

And although wartime deployments may be hard on servicemembers' personal lives, military members remain dedicated to their pledge to defend the nation, she said.

"It is stressful to be deployed. It is stressful to be away from your family. But servicemembers know that this is their job and responsibility -- to serve," Carter said.

Following the advice of her post office co-workers, Carter enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1987 as an administrative specialist. During her initial training at Fort Jackson, S.C., she said, she experienced a revelation that jolted her mind.

"I saw a black female officer," Carter recalled. "I looked at her and thought: 'If she can do it, surely I can do it.'"

Then and there, Carter set a personal goal to obtain a college degree and a commission. In 1996, she graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor's degree in social work and earned an Army lieutenant's gold bars through the school's ROTC program.

Her quest to obtain a degree and a commission as a single parent "was a long process," Carter acknowledged, citing the effort and time required to balance work, school, and caring for her daughter.

In 1997, Carter, then a junior Quartermaster Corps officer, took her daughter along on a three-year duty tour in Hanau, Germany. "It was a great experience," Carter said of her service in Germany, noting her daughter learned German while overseas.

In the spring of 2003, Carter was a captain and the commander of a maintenance company in Iraq that supported a Patriot missile unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She earned the Bronze Star Medal for her wartime service.

Carter said all commanders carry responsibility not only in wartime, but also during periods of peace.

"I came to understand the importance of making sure that you take care of soldiers, because the family members depend on you as a leader to bring their son or daughter or husband or wife back all in one piece, and that is a great responsibility upon one individual's shoulders," she said.

Carter, whose maiden name is Weems, said she enriched her personal life when she married a fellow Army officer about three years ago.

In November 2007, Carter deployed to Iraq for a second time, but that tour was cut short due to her selection to participate in the Why We Serve program. By this time, she was an Acquisition Corps officer specializing in the management of unmanned sensors used for reconnaissance and targeting purposes in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation.

The Why We Serve program provides unfiltered communication between military members engaged in the war on terrorism and the American public, Carter said. The program, she added, features servicemembers' thoughts and viewpoints on military life, she noted.

Carter intends to convey a key personal message at each of her Why We Serve speaking appearances: "I wear this uniform and I enjoy doing what I'm doing,"

America Supports You: Country Musician Comes by Patriotism Naturally

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2008 - Growing up as part of a military family, country music star Aaron Tippin learned a crucial lesson early in life: Freedom isn't free.

Country music star Aaron Tippin flashes a big thumbs up as he visits with soldiers serving in the global war on terrorism. Tippin spent his third straight Thanksgiving entertaining servicemembers serving in Iraq and Kuwait. Stars for Stripes photo

"That might be a corny old saying, but you know what?" he asked. "It is still true. Freedom is not free."

Tippin, who was in Washington for some publicity appearances, said his father, Willis, served in the military. The senior Tippin always was deeply patriotic, even after he left the service, his son added.

"That really bled into me," he said. "So I have a great appreciation for my freedom and have a deep understanding that (servicemembers) are the people that are directly responsible for it."

The musician has expressed that appreciation many times through his music. One of his first hit songs, the 1991 single "You've Got to Stand for Something," earned him a spot entertaining the troops with comedian Bob Hope in the Persian Gulf region.

Since then, Tippin has entertained the troops numerous times, including the past three Thanksgiving holidays. Each visit gives him new perspective and renews his admiration for those serving the United States, he said.

What strikes him most is the progress being made and the troops' role in that growth. One Iraqi boy in particular made it clear that U.S. troops are making a difference during Tippin's 2007 trip.

After suffering serious facial injuries in a roadside bombing, the boy had undergone many surgeries and was still in the hospital recovering. He caught Tippin's attention as the singer visited the hospital, which just two years before had been filled with wounded American troops.

Tippin autographed a picture for the boy while a translator explained who the singer was and what he was doing.

"He got up off his little mat and he came over to me and he took the picture," the singer said. "He looked up at me and then looked at it again, and he walked over and gave me a great big hug and a kiss.

"That floored me," Tippin added.

The child's simple act was powerful enough, but it was more than just simple human emotion to Tippin.

"What I realized (through) the touch of that child (is), our troops know how to be great soldiers, great Marines, great airmen, great sailors," he said. "They do battle the way it should be done, and that was just so inspiring.

"If that would have been our enemy (that found the boy), they'd have left that little kid to die right there in the street," Tippin added.

The Nashville-based musician doesn't have to be oceans from home to be "wowed" by the troops, though. He frequently plays for military audiences in the states as well.

He considers it his reward when, while meeting fans at the end of a show, a servicemember shows him a photo from an overseas performance. It never fails that the photo strikes a familiar chord.

"It's me and them on the battlefield," Tippin said. "That's a cool moment because ... I've been waiting for the chance to see them here in our country and go, 'Thanks, Man. Glad to see you're home. Glad to see you're safe. Thanks so much; (we) appreciate what you do for us.'"

Tippin's overseas appearances are organized through Stars for Stripes, a nonprofit entertainment organization, and a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program.

The DoD program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

	Country music star Aaron Tippin poses with Marines serving in the global war on terrorism. The country music singer spent his third straight Thanksgiving entertaining servicemembers serving in Iraq and Kuwait. Stars for Stripes photo
	Country music star Aaron Tippin poses with airmen serving in the global war on terrorism. The country music singer spent his third straight Thanksgiving entertaining servicemembers serving in Iraq and Kuwait. Stars for Stripes photo

President Warns Iran of 'Serious Consequences'

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2008 - President Bush today warned Iran against attacking U.S. vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

"There will be serious consequences if they attack our ships, pure and simple," Bush said during a news conference in Jerusalem. "And my advice to them is, don't do it."

Bush was referring to an incident in which five high-speed Iranian boats reportedly threatened to attack the USS Port Royal, USS Hopper and USS Ingraham as they were entering the Persian Gulf on Jan. 6.

Defense officials said the Iranian boats maneuvered aggressively, threatened the U.S. ships via radio and dropped objects into the water in the path of one of the ships.

The president said "our ships were moving along very peacefully off the Iranian border in territorial water -- international waters -- and Iranian boats came out and were very provocative. And it was a dangerous gesture on their part."

Bush said that earlier in the day, Stephen J. Hadley, the national security adviser, made it "abundantly clear that all options are on the table to protect our assets."

During the news conference, Bush also addressed the threat to world peace posed by Iran's attempts to gain nuclear weapons capability, and he urged the international community to pressure the country to abandon its uranium enrichment efforts.

"I believe that pressure -- economic pressure, financial sanctions – will cause the people inside of Iran to have to make a considered judgment about whether or not it makes sense for them to continue to enrich or face world isolation," Bush said. "The country is paying an economic price for its intransigence and its unwillingness to tell the truth."

Bush said Iran continues to pose a threat, even after halting its secret nuclear weapons program.

"A country which once had a secret program can easily restart a secret program," he said. "A country which can enrich for civilian purposes can easily transfer that knowledge to a military program."

Bush said the international community must recognize the threat Iran poses, and said the United States will continue working with countries in the region, and around the world, to encourage them to work together to confront that threat.

Bush emphasized that the United States has no quarrel with the Iranian people.

"It's a people with a proud history and a great tradition, but they are being misled by their government," he said. "The actions of their government are causing there to be isolation and economic stagnation."

(John Valceanu of American Forces Press Service contributed to this article.)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Show Battlefield to Soldiers

By Pfc. April Campbell, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Jan. 10, 2008 - In the civilian world, sneaking a peak at an exam before taking it will earn someone a failing score. Sneaking a peak at the front lines before leaving the base for a mission, however, can save lives in a combat zone.

Army Spc. Mark Parrish, an unmanned aerial systems mechanic with the 4th Infantry Division's UAS Platoon, Company A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, attached to Company G, Task Force 12, pushes an RQ7B Shadow 200 to the hangar at the launch and recovery site at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2008. Photo by Pfc. April Campbell, USA
.

Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division's Unmanned Aerial Systems Platoon, Company A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, help provide that sneak peek for Stryker Brigade soldiers as well as others in the Multinational Division Baghdad operational area. This group is responsible for operating and maintaining the Tactical Unmanned Aerial System for the RQ7B Shadow 200, an unmanned aerial vehicle.

While some Unmanned Aerial Systems Platoon members work at the 3rd BCT Tactical Operations Center, both flying and monitoring the video feed from the Shadow, about half of them are at the launch and recovery site here attached to Company G, Task Force 12, said Army Staff Sgt. Robert Lilly, the platoon sergeant.

Soldiers of 3rd BCT at the launch and recovery site, working as part of Task Force 12, work with soldiers from other brigades in the Baghdad area of operations recovering and launching Shadows throughout the day.

The Shadows they launch and recover will not necessarily spend all of their flight time in any one brigade's area of operations, said New York City native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Antonio Mitchell, the Striker Brigade's Unmanned Aerial Systems Platoon operations chief, attached to Company G, Task Force 12.

"What we are doing here is not a traditional UAS operation," said Mitchell, who has been working in the unmanned aerial vehicle field since 1997. "Normally, a UAS platoon works directly for (its) brigade."

Because there are several brigades in Baghdad, multinational division officials determine which one gets to use the Shadow and for which missions, said Lilly, a Beckley, W.Va., native.

The division grants the brigade's airspace priority based on the threat and the amount of benefit it will provide in a certain area for a certain period of time, Mitchell said.

When a Shadow is in the Stryker Brigade area of operations, Unmanned Aerial Systems Platoon soldiers in the brigade tactical operations center monitor the video it produces. Nearby, other soldiers remotely control the unmanned vehicle, Lilly said.

Soldiers may be monitoring an area of interest for various reasons, including sweeping areas for improvised explosive devices as well as helping soldiers with specific operations, Lilly added.

"Before soldiers go out on a mission, we can give them a better picture of the battlefield," Lilly said.

Having a bird's-eye view helps keep soldiers safe and allows them a greater success rate during their missions, he added.

(Army Pfc. April Campbell serves with 27th Public Affairs Detachment.)

Related Sites:
Multinational Corps Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq

	Army Spc. David Leiba, an unmanned aerial systems technician with the 4th Infantry Division's UAS Platoon, Company A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, attached to Company G, Task Force 12, adjusts the front end of an RQ7B Shadow 200 to correctly mount it on the launcher before sending it into the sky at the launch and recovery site at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2008. Photo by Pfc. April Campbell, USA
	Army Spc. Mark Parrish (left), an unmanned aerial systems mechanic, and Army Staff Sgt. Terry Rust, maintenance noncommissioned officer in charge, both with the 4th Infantry Division's UAS Platoon, Company A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, attached to Company G, Task Force 12, prepare an RQ7B Shadow 200 to be launched at the launch and recovery site at Camp Taji, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2008. Photo by Pfc. April Campbell, USA
	An RQ7B Shadow 200 is launched into the skies over the Multinational Division Baghdad operational area at the Camp Taji, Iraq, launch and recovery site, Jan. 6, 2008. Shadows are the primary type of unmanned aerial vehicles used at the brigade level in the Baghdad area of operations. Photo by Pfc. April Campbell, USA

Newsletter Archive	Newsletter HTML Version
January 8, 2008	E-Newsletter Volume CXLIII

Fort Worth, Tex.

A cadet from the Air Force Academy's parachute team "Wings of Blue" jumps an America Supports You banner into Amon G. Carter Stadium prior to the start of Armed Forces Bowl football game. Courtesy photo by Lt. Col. William Thurmond, Army.

Tampa Bay, Fla.

PGA TOUR professionals smile along with the presenting sponsor (from left to right), Jerry Kelly, PGA TOUR player; Jim Dent, Sr. PGA TOUR player; two U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Jump Team members; Dr. Kiran Patel, president of Freedom Health, presenting sponsor; Andy Bean, Sr. PGA TOUR player; Brad Bryant, Sr. PGA TOUR player; Admiral Norm Olson; Ed Salau, Wounded Warrior Project; Tom Gates, military chair; Jeffrey Gareau, tournament chair; (not in picture) Colleen Sowerby, tournament director.

Baltimore, Md.

U.S. Military Academy’s Cadet 2nd Class Michael Fleming watches his winning 30-yard field goal attempt sail through the uprights at the Army-Navy game. Though Navy won the game, Army won the spirit contest and the field goal competition.

In This Edition:
ASY welcomes four new homefront groups.

Download the ASY New Year’s Resolution Calendar to find out how to support our troops every day.

Learn how to host an ASY Freedom Walk in your area.

New on the ASY Team:
America Supports You is proud to welcome four new homefront organizations to the team this week!

Victory Boxes, located in Colleyville, Tex., provides boxes of goods needed for the Iraqi and Afghani people, primarily children.

Veteran to Veteran, based in Southfield, Mich., fosters relationships with various veteran service organizations.

Gold Star Siblings Indiana Chapter 1 Inc., in Loogootee, Ind., is a support group for siblings of fallen servicemembers.

American Soldier Foundation, Manhasset, N.Y., assists soldiers on extended active duty and their families, as well as the families of the fallen. The organization provides financial assistance for various needs.

ASY from Coast to Coast and Across the Ocean:

Fans visit the America Supports You tent at the Adventure Zone to fill out cards of support for our servicemembers and learn more about ASY.

Last week’s Bell Hellicopter Armed Forces Bowl hit a record attendance of 40,905 people, as University of California beat Air Force Academy. America Supports You homefront groups Operation Homefront and First Command Educational Foundation had displays at the Armed Forces Bowl Adventure Zone and provided attendees with information about their troop support programs. ASY lapel pins were worn by the ESPN broadcasters covering the game, and the America Supports You logo was featured on the field between the 20 and 30 yard lines.

TPC Tampa Bay in conjunction with ASY corporate supporter PGA TOUR hosted over 600 at a Friday night party and full tournament field the following day. $225,000 was raised for six charities including Homes for Our Troops, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Homefront, Special Ops Foundation and Naval Special Warfare Foundation.
Major Generals David Scott and Gerald Minetti kicked off festivities on Friday night, along with Tampa's own version of Rolling Thunder. On Saturday, Admiral Norm Olson of MacDill Air Force Base welcomed the golfers, SOCOM (U.S. Special Operations Command) parachuted onto the course and a Naval Squadron from Virginia Beach flew over as Belinda Womack hit the final note of the National Anthem.

ASY corporate supporter USAA was a major sponsor of last month’s 108th Army-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium. The annual Army-Navy college football game pits the teams of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, against the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Events prior to the game included the annual Army-Navy Pep Rally and Game Day March Over, during which 8,000 Cadets and Midshipmen marched through the Camden Yards complex and onto the field at M&T Bank Stadium. Navy won, continuing its record of five winning years against Army.

With the advent of the New Year, now is the time to start making good on the New Year’s resolution of supporting our servicemembers throughout 2008. America Supports You rang in 2008 with a 12-month calendar suggesting ways to support the nation’s military men and women and their families each month. “There are so many ways to show the military men and women we support them and the work they do,” said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications. The calendar, which can be downloaded into Outlook or iCal calendars, is available on http://www.Americasupportsyou.mil. Just click on the New Year’s Resolution icon. Suggestions found on the calendar include sending Valentine’s Day cards to troops serving overseas during February or lending a helping hand to military families during April, the Month of the Military Child. Read More.

Joey Rizzolo, the 12-year-old organizer of Paramus, New Jersey's 1st annual ASY Freedom Walk, just published his first book 20 Steps to a Freedom Walk (available through the ASY bookstore at www.bn.com/asy and other online retailers). He hopes his 20 step book will inspire kids around the country to host their own local ASY Freedom Walks.

ASY homefront group The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is looking for students eligible to apply for its 2008 college scholarships. “These scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for students who need financial assistance towards a college degree, and they increase their chances for success in their personal and professional lives,” said Chris Randolph, the foundation’s president. The foundation provides assistance to children of Marines or Navy corpsmen serving with Marines, with special consideration given to children with a parent who was killed or wounded in action. Application deadlines are March 3 for graduating high school seniors and first-time college freshman and April 15 for all other students. More information about the foundation and its scholarships can be found on the organization’s Web site, www.mcsf.org, or by phone at 1-800-292-7777.

Featured on the ASY Web Site Last Week:
Veterans Moving Forward
“(We are) giving our wounded heroes a second chance at the opportunity to become marketable for the 21st century work force through education and training…. Veterans Moving Forward will create an environment that allows (wounded veterans) and their families the opportunity to utilize and maximize their educational benefits without financial burden.”
-- Michelle Saunders, Director, Veterans Moving Forward

ASY In the News:
Blackanthem.com (Mich.) covered the work ASY homefront group Veterans Moving Forward is doing offering wounded servicemembers tools to help them transition into civilian life.

Kansas City infoZine reported on The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation looking for eligible students to apply for its 2008 scholarships.

Air Force Link ran news on the special ASY New Year’s resolution calendar for helping our servicemembers.

ASY Homefront Organization of the Week:
Operation Military Embrace was founded by a group of Texans with the intent of assisting our injured military, their families, and those military personnel accused of battlefield crimes in their time of need. Their work began in December 2005 with a post-Christmas visit to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Tex. The group was alerted by the sister of a young Marine who had been a patient at Brooke following the loss of both of his legs in an attack in Iraq of the need servicemembers and veterans have of attention and care. The group has been very active since its founding. The group recently sponsored a 2007 Christmas Fundraising Initiative called "Embrace a Wounded Warrior" that ran from November 26 - December 21, 2007 and raised funds for servicemembers and veterans in need. To learn more, go to: http://www.operationmilitaryembrace.com/

From the Troops:
“Happy New Year! I've been rehabilitating from bilateral leg wounds for a year and a half, and I just found this site. Luckily for me all these helpful organizations reach out and touch you; hearts and minds! Thank you all so much for all your help!”
-- Cpl/USMC, Michael Blair

“I am thankful for everyone's support from D.C. down to celebs and most important my brothers and sisters in harm's way at this very moment.“
-- SSG/Active Army, Jason Patitucci, Candor, N.Y.

Our troops deserve to be applauded, and so do you!

Join the Team!

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Jan. 9 in Sinsil, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.

Killed were:

Spc. Todd E. Davis, 22, of Raymore, Mo.

Staff Sgt. Jonathan K. Dozier, 30, of Rutherford, Tenn.

Staff Sgt. Sean M. Gaul, 29, of Reno, Nev.

Sgt. Zachary W. McBride, 20, of Bend, Ore.

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Pionk, 30, of Superior, Wis.

Sgt. Christopher A. Sanders, 22, of Roswell, N.M.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. David J. Drakulich, 22, of Reno, Nev., died Jan. 9 in Chagali, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Jan. 9 of wounds sustained during combat operations in Samarra, Iraq. The incident is under investigation. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

Sgt. David J. Hart, 22, of Lake View Terrace, Calif., who died in Balad, Iraq.

Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo, 19, of San Marcos, Calif., who died in Samarra, Iraq.

Pfc. Phillip J. Pannier, 20, of Washburn, Ill., who died in Samarra, Iraq.

Gates: Iranian Boats' Actions 'Raise Concerns'

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2008 - U.S. defense officials were very disturbed by the actions of Iranian attack boats in the Straits of Hormuz on Jan. 6, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today, and he dismissed Iranian charges that U.S. officials doctored a videotape to make the Iranians look bad.

The five Iranian boats "buzzed" three U.S. Navy warships transiting the straits into the Persian Gulf. The boats approached within 500 yards of the ships and appeared to drop boxes into the water in the path of the U.S. ships. Officials released a video showing the boats and recordings of the threatening radio messages the Iranian ships broadcast.

"I think that what concerned us was, first, that there were five of these boats, and the second, that they came as close as they did to our ships and behaved in what appeared to be a pretty aggressive manner," Gates said during a Pentagon news conference. "All of those things raise concerns."

Iranian officials said the United States fabricated the tapes. "With respect to ... the charges of fabrication, I think that the most appropriate answer is actually the one that I heard on television last night from former Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen, who said, 'Are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?'" Gates said. "I think that aptly characterizes and appropriately characterizes the Iranian claim."

The secretary said the Iranians engaged in similar incidents against U.S. ships last year, but the number of Iranian boats was fewer and their actions were not as aggressive.

Gates also addressed news reports that 3,000 Marines will flow into Afghanistan in coming months. He said there is a proposal making its way to him. "I have asked a number of questions that I expect to be answered before I make up my mind," the secretary said.

NATO countries had promised to man the force in Afghanistan but have not been as forthcoming with troops as expected, Gates said. He added that he does not want to take the pressure off NATO allies to fulfill their commitments, but he is committed to the alliance continuing to be successful in Afghanistan.

NATO needs to "continue to keep the Taliban on their back foot and (to ensure) that we defeat their efforts to try and come back," he said. "So these are all considerations that I think have to be taken into account before I make up my mind and make a recommendation to the president on this."

Gates said he expects the results of his decision will be announced soon.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Jan. 7 of wounds suffered when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Laghar Juy, Afghanistan.

Killed were:

Maj. Michael L. Green, 36, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, who died in Laghar Juy, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Headquarters, V Corps, Heidelberg, Germany.

Sgt. James K. Healy, 25, of Hesperia, Calif, who died at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 703^rd Explosive Ordnance Detachment, Fort Knox, Ky.

CONTRACT

NAVY

R. A. Burch Construction Co., Inc.*, Ramona, Calif.; Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif.; Solpac Construction, Inc. dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif.; Straub Construction, Inc., Bonsall, Calif.; Harper Construction Company, Inc., San Diego, Calif.; and T. B. Penick & Sons, Inc., San Diego, Calif., are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for commercial and institutional building construction at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all six contracts combined is $500,000,000, with a guaranteed minimum of $25,000 for each contract. The work to be performed provides for new construction, repair, and renovation, primarily by design-build or secondarily by design-bid-build of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures. Types of projects may include, but are not limited to: administration buildings, school buildings, hospitals, auditoriums, fire stations, gymnasiums, office buildings, hangars, laboratories, and parking structures. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, Southern Calif., (94 percent), Ariz., (five percent), and New Mexico (one percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of Jan. 2013 (Jan. 2009 for the base period). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with 23 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (contract numbers N62473-08-D-8607/8608/8609/8610/8611/8612).

R. A. Burch Construction Co., Inc.*, Ramona, Calif.; Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif.; Straub Construction, Inc., Bonsall, Calif.; Solpac Construction, Inc. dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif.; Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif.; and T. B. Penick & Sons, Inc., San Diego, Calif., are each being awarded a firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity multiple award construction contract for commercial and institutional building construction at various locations within the NAVFAC Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all six contracts combined is $500,000,000, with a guaranteed minimum of $25,000 for each contract. The work to be performed provides for new construction, repair, and renovation primarily by design-build or secondarily by design-bid-build of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures. Types of projects may include, but are not limited to: administration buildings, school buildings, hospitals, auditoriums, fire stations, gymnasiums, office buildings, hangars, laboratories, and parking structures. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, Northern Calif., (82 percent), Nev., (14 percent), Utah (2 percent), and Colo., (two percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of Jan. 2013 (Jan. 2009 for the base period). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with 18 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (contract numbers N62473-08-D-8613/8614/8615/8616/8617/8618).

Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems–Marine Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $20,511,449 firm-fixed-price contract to design and produce replacement gears for the propulsion system in the Navy's four T-AOE 6-class fast combat support ships, USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) and USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). The new hardware will replace components of the ships' main reduction gear, which converts and transmits engine power to the propeller. Fast combat support ships provide fuel, ammunition, food and other cargo to U.S. Navy ships at sea worldwide. The contract includes five options for installation support and one option for the purchase of additional hardware, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $22,395,475. Work will be performed at various locations worldwide and is expected to be completed by Sep. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two offers received. The solicitation was issued on an unrestricted basis, using full and open competitive procedures via the Military Sealift Command, Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities web pages. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-08-C-7501).

MSP Aviation, Bloomington, Ind.; Ranger Enterprises, Bloomfield, Ind.; and Roger Associates, Rochester, N.Y., are each being awarded not-to-exceed $10,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price multiple award contracts for various aircraft machine shop requirements in support of the EA-6B and EA-18 aircraft. This contract includes purchases for parts for the aircraft themselves, and various parts for test systems that support the aircraft. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Ind. and Rochester, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunity website, with six proposals received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (MSP Aviation N000164-08-D-WS04), (Ranger Enterprises N000164-08-D-WS05), (Roger Associates N000164-08-D-WS06).

ARMY

AECOM Government Services, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 7, 2008, a $31,487,630 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost reimbursable contract for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles, maintenance support services and training. Work will be performed in Taji, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Jul. 6, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 21, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-05-D-0004.

*Small Business

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

AMEC Earth and Environmental, Inc., of Plymouth Meeting Pa., CDM Constructors Inc. of Cambridge Mass., CH2M-Hill Facilities and Infrastructure, Inc. of Englewood, Calif., Earthtech Inc., of Long Beach, Calif., ECC of Burlington, Va., Innovative Technical Solutions Inc. of Walnut Creek, Va., Jacobs Government Services CO., of Pasadena, Calif., Parsons Infrastructure and Technology Group, Inc., of Pasadena, Calif., Perini Corp of Farmington, Mass., Toltest of Maumee, Ohio, North Wind of Idaho Falls, Idaho, SEI Group, Inc. of Huntsville, Ala., Barlovento, LLC of Dothan, Ala, J2 Engineering of Tampa, Fla., Charter Environmental of Wilmington, Mass., and DWG and Associates, of Bluffdale, Utah are being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $4,000,000,000. The ceiling established for the Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (SR&M) Task Order Contract (SATOC) program is $4 Billion. $4 billion is the maximum total of all task orders on all contracts (multiple contracts to be awarded) over the life of the program (up to 10 years). There is no pre-determined contract value for the individual contracts to be awarded; however, the minimum order amount for contract awarded is $2,500. The actual contract value for each contract will be determined by total value of all task orders against each contract, over the life of each contract (up to 10 years). At this time $2,500 has been obligated (per awardees). AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base Texas is the contracting activity (Multiple contract numbers).

Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. of Colorado Springs, Colo. is being awarded a modification to an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $389,649,504. This action will increase the number of hours on the contract the government may order during FY's 08, 09, and 10. Hours will be ordered as required and money obligated on delivery orders issued under the contract terms and conditions. The contract provides for systems and maintenance engineering, network support integration, on-site and off-site depot level maintenance and software maintenance of the Air Force Satellite Control Network. At this time no funds have been obligated. SMC SLG/PK, Peterson Air Force Base Colo. is the contracting activity (F04701-02-D-0006, P00036).

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah is being awarded a contract option for $31,786,171. This action will provide MinuteMan III Safety Enhanced Reentry Vehicle Full Rate Production, option 3, FY08 120 each. At this time all funds have been obligated. 526 ICBMSW/PKE, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).

NAVY

Thales Components Corp., Totowa, N.J., is being awarded a $26,673,048 for firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract to manufacture 250W traveling wave tubes used in the AN-USC-38 satellite communications system. Work will be performed in Velizy, France, and work is expected to be completed by February 2012. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-08-D-D003).

ARMY

Merrick Construction Co., Cottonport, La. was awarded on Jan. 4, 2008, a $9,617, 875 firm-fixed-price contract for canal levee enlargement with the Hurricane Protection Project. Work will be performed in Plaquemines Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 3, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 6, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity W912P8-06-D-0089.

New Helmet Sensors to Measure Blast Impact

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

FORT BELVOIR, Va., Jan. 7, 2008 - Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division preparing to deploy to Afghanistan are being issued sensors that attach to their helmets to measure the impact from blasts, roadside bombs and other activities.

U.S.Army Maj. William Schaffer in the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier at Fort Belvoir, Va., displays a Kevlar helmet with an externally mounted sensor that collects blast data, and the sensor itself. The 101st Airborne Division is receiving the sensors before deploying to Afghanistan. Photo by Donna Miles

About 1,200 "Screaming Eagles" already have the new sensors, and the rest will receive them within the next month, said Maj. William Schaffer, a product manager in the Army's Program Executive Office Soldier, based here.

Meanwhile, troops from the 4th Infantry Division are scheduled to receive helmet sensors with similar capabilities before their deployment to Iraq this fall, Schaffer said.

The sensors gather data on impacts ranging from a dropped or kicked helmet to a vehicle crash to a nearby weapon firing or explosion, Schaffer explained. They measure two specific actions: the energy wave generated by the "event," and the "acceleration" or jolt that follows.

In the short term, data collected through the sensors is expected to help the Army improve the helmets and other protective equipment it provides its soldiers, Schaffer said.

A longer-term application – one Schaffer emphasized the medical community isn't yet ready for – is to use impact data to help diagnose traumatic brain injuries.

"With the number of IEDs that we're seeing in Iraq and the traumatic brain injury that's coming out of it, obviously somewhere down the line we are looking at correlating the blast and the injury," he said. "But in the near term, we are looking at developing a more protective piece of equipment. The advanced combat helmet we have out there is the best in the world, but we are always looking at ways to make our products better, and this is a great way to start."

Gen. Richard A. Cody, Army vice chief of staff, ordered the helmet sensor program in June. Three months later, the Program Executive Office Soldier had come up with several potential helmet sensors and was putting them through extensive testing at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

Within six months of getting its marching orders, officials narrowed the field to the most promising models: one mounted externally and one internally. "We came up with two of the best sensors, and we're now preparing to field both of those," Schaffer said.

The model going to the 101st Airborne Division attaches to the back of the advanced combat helmet, protected by a hardened casing that is covered by a camouflage flap. It weights about 6 ounces and has a six-month battery life. The sensor remains in a "sleep" mode, automatically turning itself on and capturing data from an event, then turning itself off. It has enough memory to store data on 527 events between downloads.

To download the sensor, a soldier simply connects it to a computer using a USB port, hits "save" and sends the data to a secure database.

An internally mounted model to be fielded to the 4th Infantry Division sits under the padding in the crown of the helmet. It has a rechargeable battery, but otherwise has the same capabilities as the externally mounted sensor.

"One is protected by the helmet itself, and one by the hardened casing around it," Schaffer said. "Both measure impact and acceleration."

Initial input from 101st Airborne Division soldiers shows they are happy to play a part in helping the Army improve its helmet protection, Schaffer said. He noted that many of the soldiers have experienced blasts or accelerations during past deployments and recognize the value of the sensor technology in developing the next-generation combat helmet.

"This shows everybody that the Army cares," Shaffer said. "We have got the best equipment in the world, but we are not resting on our laurels. We are always looking forward, always looking for the next generation of protective equipment to take care of the soldiers."

Related Sites:
Program Executive Office Soldier

	A soldier models a Kevlar helmet with an externally mounted sensor like those being issued to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky., before its deployment to Afghanistan. The sensor collects blast data for use in developing next-generation protective gear. U.S. Army photo
	The 4th Infantry Division will receive an internally mounted helmet sensor before its deployment to Iraq this fall. Photo by Donna Miles
	The U.S. Army's Program Executive Office Soldier pushed the concept of a helmet-mounted sensor able to collect blast data from concept to fielding in a record six months. The 101st Airborne Division is receiving the sensors before its deployment to Afghanistan. Photo by Donna Miles
	Soldiers will be able to download data from their helmet-mounted sensors by connecting it to a USB port and into a computer. Photo by Donna Miles

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Timothy R. Hanson, 23, of Kenosha, Wis., died Jan. 7 in Salmon Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 15^th Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 3^rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. James D. Gudridge, 20, of Carthage, N.Y., died Jan. 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Petty Officer Second Class Menelek M. Brown, 24, of Roswell, N.M., was declared dead Jan. 4 after apparently going overboard from USS Hopper in the Arabian Sea Jan. 3. Navy aircraft and ships conducted an extensive search but did not locate him. USS Hopper is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Admiral Details Iranian Challenge to U.S. Ships

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2008 - The commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Middle East today called the behavior of Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats that buzzed three U.S. Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday "unduly provocative."

Navy Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, who also commands U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, briefed Pentagon reporters via video teleconference from his headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.

He said the USS Port Royal, USS Hopper, USS Ingraham were inbound to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz yesterday morning. The ships were in the midst of a routine transit in the early daylight hours, the admiral said. Five Iranian Revolutionary Guard high-speed craft came from the north and approached the U.S. ships.

"The five boats approached the U.S. formation on its starboard bow in international waters slightly inside the Gulf from the apex of the strait," Cosgriff said.

The Iranian boats broke into two groups and went on both sides of the U.S. formation. "The groups maneuvered aggressively in the direction of the U.S. ships," Cosgriff said.

U.S. captains called on the radio and sounded the ships' horns to warn the Iranians off, he said. "The (U.S.) ships received a radio call that was threatening to our ships to the effect that they were closing our ships and that the U.S. ships would explode," Cosgriff said.

Subsequently, U.S. sailors observed two of the Iranian boats dropping objects in the water generally in the path of the USS Ingraham. "These objects were white box-like objects that floated," the admiral said. "Obviously the Ingraham passed by safely."

The boats maneuvered close astern, and after 30 minutes they returned in the direction from which they came, back toward Iranian territorial waters. The Iranian boats approached within 500 yards of the U.S. ships, the admiral said.

"It was transit passage in international waters incidental to a routing inbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz," Cosgriff said. "The U.S. ships were clearly marked. It was daylight, (with) decent visibility.

"The behavior of the Iranian ships was unnecessary," he continued, "without due regard to safety of navigation and unduly provocative in the aggregate of their maneuvers, the radio call and the dropping of objects in the water."

The admiral praised the U.S. ships' crews, saying they stepped through procedures carefully, with good discipline and with due regard for all the factors. "I was very proud of their performance and the training they received," Cosgriff said.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc of El Segundo, Calif. is being awarded modification to contract extension for $75,000,000. This is contract modification extends the Transformational Communication Satellite (TSAT) Space Segment Risk Reduction and System Definition (RR&SD) contract for six months from 7 January 2008 to 7 July 2008. The contractor shall continue to perform all efforts in accordance with existing Statement of Work. The Risk Reduction efforts entail 1) Contract Closeout Review (CCR): 2) reporting of the Risk Reduction hardware demonstrations; and 3) ensure the Lasercom and Next Generation Processor Router (NGPR) technologies are maintained at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 until the award of the Development and Production phase of the program. At this time $37,500,000 has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems, El Segundo, Calif. is the contracting activity (FA8808-04-C-0022, P00043).

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif. is being awarded modification to contract extension for $75,000,000. This is contract modification extends the Transformational Communication Satellite (TSAT) Space Segment Risk Reduction and System Definition (RR&SD) contract for six months from 7 January 2008 to 7 July 2008. The contractor shall continue to perform all efforts in accordance with existing Statement of Work. The Risk Reduction efforts entail 1) Contract Closeout Review (CCR): 2) reporting of the Risk Reduction hardware demonstrations; and 3) ensure the Lasercom and Next Generation Processor Router (NGPR) technologies are maintained at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 until the award of the Development and Production phase of the program. At this time $37,500,000 has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems, El Segundo, Calif. is the contracting activity (FA8808-04-C-0023, P00044).

Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah is being awarded modification to contract extension for $43,844,671. This action is to exercise option FY08 for the ICBM Cryptography Upgrade (ICU) Production on the Prime Integrated Contract to support the Minuteman Weapon System. At this time all funds have been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-08-C-0001).

ARMY

Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co., LLC, Independence, Mo. was awarded on Jan. 3, 2008, a $17,316,753 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for 5.56mm AA33 small caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Lake City AAP, Independence, Mo. and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 31, 2006. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity DAAA09-99-D-0016.

EFW Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 19, 2007, a $13,674,725 firm-fixed-price contract for 127 shipsets, IHADSS21 upgrade for AH-64 Apache Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on June 1, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52H09-08-C-0032.

EFW Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Oct. 3, 2007, a $5,991,632 firm-fixed-price contract for engineering services for the redesign of Electro-optical Tracker, AH-64 Apache Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 11, 2006, and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52H09-08-C-0003.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Jason F. Lemke, 30, of West Allis, Wis., died Jan. 5 in Ibrahim Al Adham, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 23^rd Infantry Regiment, 4^th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2^nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Jan. 3 in As Sadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit using small arms fire during combat operations. Both Soldiers were assigned to the Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

Killed were:

Maj. Andrew J. Olmsted, 37, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Cpt. Thomas J. Casey, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Spectrum Comm, Inc. of Hampton, Va. is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $74,500,000. This is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity requirements acquisition, covering a five year period. The proposed contract is for advisory and assistance services to support the 560th Aircraft Sustainment Group, which provides for technical, analytical and travel support to improve policy development, management and sustainability to the operation of systems applicable to the U2 aircraft and associated sensors, systems and data links; Global Hawk and Predator aircraft; Distributed Common Ground System; Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System; Measurement and Signature Intelligence/Special Projects; Multi-Platform Common Data Link; Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program; Intelligence Information, Command and Control, Equipment and Enhancements; and other station support (i.e. U.S. Army, Air National Guard, National Security Agency, etc.). At this time $8,000,000 (estimated) has been obligated. Warner Robins Ail Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. is the contracting activity (FA8528-08-D-0001).

Data Monitor System, Inc. of Midwest City, Okla. is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $27,402,376. This action provides for base supply services to include supply, fuels and logistic material control activity service to the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. At this time $3,962,056 has been obligated. 59 CONS/PKA, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity (FA9301-08-D-0001).

GS 21 LLC of Hagatna, Guam is being awarded a firm fixed price contract modification for $6,277,500. This action will supply and transportation services. At this time $6,277,500 has been obligated. 36^th Contracting Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam is the contracting activity (FA5240-06-C-0004-P000024).

ARMY

Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Co., LLC, Independence, Mo., was awarded on Jan. 3, 2008, a $17,316,753 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for 5.56mm AA33 small caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Lake City AAP, Independence, Mo. and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 31, 2006. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity DAAA09-99-D-0016.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Joshua R. Anderson, 24, of Jordan, Minn., died Jan 2 in Kamasia, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Maseth, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 2 of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.

The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Shawn F. Hill, 37, of Wellford, S.C., died Jan. 2 in Khowst Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 178^th Engineer Battalion, 218^th Infantry Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, Rock Hill, S.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Brian L. Gorham, 21, of Woodburn, Ky., died Dec. 31 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds suffered on Dec. 12 in Afghanistan when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Vicenza, Italy.

Sailor Missing from WWII is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Seaman 1^st Class General P. Douglas, U.S. Navy, of Newcomb, Tenn. He will be buried Jan. 26 in Sneedville, Tenn.

On July 6, 1943, the light cruiser "USS Helena"was struck by torpedoes fired by Japanese destroyers off the coast of Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, in what would become known as the Battle of the Kula Gulf. More than 700 servicemen were rescued, but Douglas was one of more than 150 servicemen who were missing as the ship sunk.

In June 2006, a resident of Ranongga Island, Solomon Islands, notified U.S. officials that he exhumed human remains and Douglas' dog tag that he found eroding out of the ground near a trail by his village. The officials contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) who subsequently traveled to Ranongga Island to examine the burial location where they verified that no additional remains were present.

Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.

CONTRACTS

USSOCOM

Ceradyne, Inc. of Costa Mesa, Calif., is being awarded a five-year indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of the special operations forces personal equipment advanced requirement family of ballistic plates for the Body Armor Load Carriage System in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters Procurement Division. The initial delivery order obligation is $4,980,000 and the estimated maximum contract value is about $406,000,000 The work will be performed in Costa Mesa and is expected to be completed by 2012. The contract number is H92222-08-D-0022.

NAVY

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $59,999,774 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0086) for time critical parts in support of the Fiscal Year 2008 Lot V procurement of 11 UH-1Y aircraft and 4 AH-1Z helicopters. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas (80 percent) and Amarillo, Texas (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Wolf Coach, Inc., Auburn, Mass., is being awarded a $6,499,553 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-03-D-0065) to exercise an option for the procurement of up to 16 mobile communication platforms and optional upgrades for the Naval Air Systems Command's Special Communications Requirements Division for use in responding to requests for the platforms from the various Department of Defense and government agencies and programs. Work will be performed in Auburn, Mass., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity

ARMY

B.L. Harbert International, LLC was awarded on Dec. 31, 2007, a $27,297,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a unit operations facility complex. Work will be performed in Fort Stewart, Ga., and is expected to be completed by April 13, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Seven bids were solicited on Aug. 6, 2007 and three bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity W91278-07-D-0035.

AIR FORCE

Mykotronx, Inc., of Torrance, Calif. is being awarded a contract for $9,860,440. This action provides for the purchase of a variety of electronic Communications Security (COMSEC) Equipment: Ground Units MYK-9, MYK-7A, MYK-12A, MYK-16B, MYK-17B Pegasus Decryptor Chips; Microcircuit Chips; Rack Mounts; Flight Chips; Benign Fill Module Kits MYK-16 and MYK-17; Placeholder Flight Chips. The best estimated quantities ranging from 5 each to 100 each. At this time no funds have been obligated. HQ Cryptologic Systems Group (AFMC), San Antonio Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8307-08-D-0001).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Reno S. Lacerna, 44, of Waipahu, Hawaii, died Dec. 31, 2007 in Al Qayyarah, Iraq, of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 87th Corps Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Joseph R. Berlin Jr., 21, of Chelsea, Ala., died Dec. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Theodor Wille Intertrade (TWI), Zug., Switzerland,* is being awarded a maximum $1,825,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) for the CENTCOM region. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 3 responses. This contract is exercising the 2^nd one-year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 2 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa (SPM500-05-D-BP02).

SupplyCore, Rockford, Ill.,* is being awarded a maximum $1,825,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) for the CENTCOM region. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 3 responses. This contract is exercising the 2^nd one-year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa (SPM500-05-D-BP04).

Seven Seas Shiphandlers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,* is being awarded a maximum $1,825,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) for the CENTCOM region. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 3 responses. This contract is exercising the 2^nd one-year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa (SPM500-05-D-BP05).

NAVY

Jacobs Technology, Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., is being awarded a $197,936,311 cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for the services and materials necessary to support the analysis, design, development, test, integration, deployment, and operations of information technology systems and services. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., (90 percent) and Pt. Mugu, Calif., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals and seven offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-08-D-0016).

Harbor Offshore, Inc.*, Ventura, Calif.; Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc.*, Portsmouth, Va.; GPA Technologies, Inc.*, Ventura, Calif., are being awarded a combined total of $39,958,618 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price multiple award contracts (N68711-05-D-0017/0018/0019) to exercise option year three for waterfront barrier maintenance/repair worldwide. The work to be performed provides for logistical support, installation, inspection, repair, maintenance and field supervision/operation of waterfront barriers, moorings, at marine facilities throughout the world. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $158,486,327. Work will be performed at various installations under NAVFAC Southwest's area of responsibility worldwide, and work is expected to be completed December 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Pratt and Whitney United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $5,587,398 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00019-08-G-0004) for engineering services in support of the 22 selected Engineering Project Descriptions for research, development, test and evaluation of the J52 engine in the EA-6B aircraft. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

RQ Construction, Inc., Bonsall, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2007, a $40,521,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a satellite control facility. Work will be performed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on June 22, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity W912PL-08-C-0004.

EFW Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 28, 2007, a $15,267,469 firm-fixed price contract for OH-58D Kiowa Warrior procurement. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on May 7, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-08-C-0076.

General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. was awarded on 31 Dec. 2007, a $5,046,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for Tactical Airspace Integration System Performance Based Logistics. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Sept. 21, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Huntsville, Ala. is the contracting activity W31P4Q-08-C-0120.

* Small Business

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

The Mallory Co., Inc., Longview, Wash.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the West (Region 5) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 1 response. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0018).

Atlantic Diving Supply, doing business as (DBA) ADS Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Southeast Region (Region 1) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0002).

Atlantic Diving Supply, DBA ADS Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Northeast Region (Region 2) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal Civilian Agencies, and State and Local Governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0005).

Atlantic Diving Supply, DBA ADS Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Great Lakes/Capital Region (Region 3) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0008).

Atlantic Diving Supply, DBA ADS Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Midwest (Region 4) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0012).

Atlantic Diving Supply, DBA ADS Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the West (Region 5) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0016).

W.S. Darley & Co., Melrose Park, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Southeast (Region 1) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0003).

W.S. Darley & Co., Melrose Park, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Northeast (Region 2) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0006).

W.S. Darley & Co., Melrose Park, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Great Lakes/Capital (Region 3) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0011).

W.S. Darley & Co., Melrose Park, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Midwest (Region 4) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0015).

W.S. Darley & Co., Melrose Park, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the West (Region 5) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0017).

L.N. Curtis & Sons, Oakland, Calif.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Great Lakes/Capital (Region 3) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0009).

W.S. Darley & Co., Melrose Park, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Midwest (Region 4) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0013).

Safeware, Inc., Landover, Md.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Southeast (Region 1) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0004).

Safeware, Inc., Landover, Md.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Northeast (Region 2) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments.. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0007).

Fisher Scientific Co., LLC, Pittsburgh, Pa.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Great Lakes/Capital (Region 3) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0010).

Fisher Scientific Co., LLC, Pittsburgh, Pa.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the Midwest (Region 4 of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 12 responses. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0014).

Fisher Scientific Co., LLC, Pittsburgh, Pa.* is being awarded a maximum $800,000,000 indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, contract for tailored logistics support for fire and emergency services for military installations, other federal agencies and departments, and other approved customers including possibly state and local governments in the West (Region 5) of the United States. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, and state and local governments. This proposal was originally FEDBIZ solicited with 1 response. This contract has a two year base with three one-year options. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-08-D-0019).

General Electric Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $7,337,414.40 firm fixed price, definite quantity contract for 480 parts kits, gas turbine, with nine components to be used on the F-16 augmenter fuel manifold redesign/upgrade project. Using service is the Air Force. This is a sole source contract to a large business, with all kit components sole sourced to General Electric. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 28, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (FA8104-05-G-0003).

ARMY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile and Fires Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 27, 2007, a $266,093,603 firm-fixed-price/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System full rate production launchers, maintenance, tooling, training, and associated data reporting. Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark., and is expected to be completed by March 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on March 7, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0001).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 27, 2007, a $245,598,926 firm-fixed-price, contract for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System full rate production. Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on May 31, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0021).

The Reger Group, LLC, Stafford, Va., was awarded on Dec. 27, 2007, a $20,932,822 time and material contract for professional support services for the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 28, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sept. 20, 2007, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-C-0016).

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 27, 2007, a $19,264,017, contract for Longbow crew trainer and crew trainer spares. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by July 9, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on July 23, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0064).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY CONTRACT AWARD

Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems of Moorestown, New Jersey 08057-0927, is being awarded a $40,364,146 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to fulfill a Japan Aegis ship program requirement to procure Aegis BMD Block 2004 capability for a Kongo-class Aegis destroyer. Work will be performed at Moorestown, New Jersey and is expected to be complete by November 2009. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency Command, Dahlgren, Virginia is the contracting activity (N00024-06-C-6106). Japanese Foreign Military Sales funds will be used. The modification will be incrementally funded and at award will obligate $35,896,605.

NAVY

Raytheon Technical Services Co. LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $28,998,460 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for the procurement 114 LAU-115D/A and 146 LAU-116B/A guided missile launchers for the Navy (86 LAU-115D/A and 130 LAU-116B/A) and the Royal Australian Air Force (28 LAU-115D/A and 16 LAU-116B/A) F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Navy ($23,962,764; 82.6 percent) and the government of Australia ($5,035,696; 17.4 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $10,985,200 firm-fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for Mine Resistant and Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustainment. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,616,752 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) for calendar year 2008 and 2009 sustaining support for the Egypt Foreign Military Sales E-2C aircraft program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $5,867,906 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) for sustaining support for the Taiwan Foreign Military Sales E-2C aircraft program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

*Small Business

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Petty Officer 1st Class Victor W. Jeffries, 52, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died Dec. 31, 2007 as a result of injuries suffered Dec. 24 in a vehicular accident in Kuwait. He was permanently assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, Kuwait.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $1,300,000,000. This contract is a follow-on contract to the PE/PI contract awarded in January, 2001. The contract is for continued efforts associated with the analysis, study, plan, design, development and qualification/test and kit prototype of enhancements and improvements to the C-17 weapon system. This is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with a five-year ordering period. The contract ceiling is $1.3 billion. Funding will be identified on individual delivery orders. Delivery Order 0001 is the initial delivery order to be awarded with the basic contract. Delivery order 0001 is for efforts which support Air Mobility Command requirements to participate in planning, provisioning, conducting, analyzing, and documenting and integrated Follow-On Flight Test program. At this time $13,600,000 (Delivery Order 0001) has been obligated. 516 AESG/PKP (C-17), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-08-D-2080).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract modification for $498,206,058. This action will provide Foreign Military Sales of F-16C/D new aircraft for the (Pakistan) program for F-16 Block 52 aircraft. The procurement of 12 operational single place F-16C Block 52 aircraft and 6 operational two place F-16D Block 52 aircraft will be accomplished under the firm fixed price portion. This effort supports foreign military sales to Pakistan. At this time $497,551,058 has been obligated. 312 AESF/PKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6031-P0002).

Raytheon Co. of McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a contract modification for $9,058,041.This provides for contractor logistics support for the Predator A and B multi-spectral targeting systems including program management, repairs and services, depot configuration management, technical manual systems source data and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor field service, representatives support, contractor inventory control point and spares management, depot-level repair, design and engineering reliability/maintenance enhancements, core automated maintenance system/reliability and maintainability information systems/maintenance management information system data collection/entry, and obsolescence management. At this time $5,434,825 has been obligated. 658 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-3041 0007).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. of Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract modification for $5,768,357. This action provides for contractor logistic support for the LITENING advanced targeting pod. The targeting is used to locate and mark potential targets for aircraft to fire. This action also provides for the contractor effort to comply with DFARS requirement for unique item identification, used to ensure proper accountability of DoD equipment. This is a modification to exercise options for the aforementioned efforts. At this time all funds have been obligated. 647 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-2020 P00102).

NAVY

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $72,507,074 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5456) for production of 139 (ea) Block 1, MK-44 Mod 2 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided Missile Round Pack (GMRP) All-Up-Rounds. The RAM Guided Missile Weapon System is co-developed and co-produced under a NATO Cooperative Program between the United States and Federal Republic of Germany's governments. RAM is a missile system designed to provide anti-ship missile defense for multiple ship platforms. The RAM MK 31 Guided Missile Weapon System is comprised of the MK 44 GMRP and MK 49 Guided Missile Launching System. Work will be performed in Ottobrunn, Germany (49 percent), Tucson, Ariz. (44 percent), Rocket City, W.Va. (6 percent), and Andover, Mass. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2011. This modification supports the Republic of Egypt (100%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Amsec LLC, Virginia Beach, Va. is being awarded a maximum value $50,105,501 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity single award contract to provide engineering, maintenance and operator training, technical and repair support to accomplish specific requirements described herein in support of maintenance and planning for the overhaul, modernization and repair of elevators, cargo handling equipment and associated systems with-in U.S. Navy aircraft carriers (CV/CVN). This contract includes four option years, which is exercised will bring the contract value to $112,370,372. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (40 percent); Newport News, Va. (30 percent); Bremerton, Wash. (20 percent); Everett, Wash. (5 percent); and other (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $171,312 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Contractor will receive $171,312 at time of award. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website. Eight companies responded to the synopsis, six to the solicitation with two offers received. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, U.S. Navy, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-08-D-8006).

Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded an $8,719,164 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) on Nov.16, 2007, to exercise an option for AN/ARC-210(V) electronic protection radio systems for the Air Force. This modification consists of six each high power amplifiers; six each diplexers; and six each 5-year warranties for the Air Force's F-15E aircraft. Also 386 each antennas and 392 amplifiers for the Air Force's A-10 aircraft. All items are in support of the Global War on Terror to provide beyond line of sight capabilities. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

ARMY

DMJM/EDI, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2007, a delivery odder amount of $14,097,842 as part of a $176,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for project and technical construction management services. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There werefour bids solicited on Aug. 1, 2007, and four bids were received. The Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity MDA947-01-D-0001.

VETCO Contracting Services, LLC., Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2007, a $12,985,140 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of unit operation facility for the 63^rd Explosive Ordinance Battalion. Work will be performed in Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 13 bids solicited on June 28, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity W912DS-08-C-0001.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 26 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire during dismounted combat operations.They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3^rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Capt. Rowdy J. Inman, 38, of Panorama Village, Texas.

Sgt. Benjamin B. Portell, 27, of Bakersfield, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Bryan J. Tutten, 33, of St. Augustine, Fla., died Dec. 25 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS

ARMY

BAE Systems Land and Armaments, York Pa., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $240,027,278.64 cost-reimbursable contract for purchasing long lead materials to support the national level reset of Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Aug. 14, 2007, and one bid was received. TACOM-WARREN, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

FN Manufacturing, Columbia, S.C., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $33,670,649.00 firm-fixed-price, contract for M16A3 and M16A4 Rifles to support the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sep. 10, 2007, and nine bids were received. TACOM LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0121).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $26,440,047.00 firm-fixed-price contract for parts for reset at Anniston Army Depot. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Oct. 18, 2007, and one bid was received. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Colt Defense, Hartford, Conn., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $ 15,925,000.00 firm-fixed-price contract for M16A3 and M16A4 Rifles to support the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 13, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sep. 10, 2007, and nine bids were received. TACOM LCMC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0122).

InterContinental Construction Contracting Inc., Passaic, N.J., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2007, a $8,686,680.00 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation to the Mologne Cadet Health Clinic at the United States Military Academy. Work will be performed at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 6, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 30 bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2007, and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, New York City, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0005).

BAE Systems, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $6,958,635.00 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for procurement of Crew 2 A-Kits in support of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle program. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on May 21, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

Fordice Construction Co. Vicksburg, Miss., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2007, a $6,856,590.00 firm-fixed-price contract for casting articulated concrete mattresses. Work will be performed in St. Francisville, La., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Oct. 5, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-08-C-0028).

Allison Transmission, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $6,280,137.12 firm-fixed price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for purchasing of transmission overhaul kits in support of the Abrams Tank program. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jul. 23, 2007, and one bid was received. USA TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-N040).

SUMMA Technology, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $6,236,996.00 firm-fixed-price contract for a container roll in/out platform. Work will be performed in Cullman, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 21, 2005, and six bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-D-0269).

Hensel Phelps Construction Company, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $6,702,381.00 fixed-price-incentive contract for in-scope changes to the Pentagon renovation. Work will be performed in The Pentagon, Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jan. 19, 2001, and one bid was received. Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, The Pentagon, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-01-C-2001).

M.A. Mortenson, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2007, a $6,000,000.00 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of all primary and support facilities to include all site work for combat aviation facilities. Work will be performed in Fort Riley, Kan., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sep. 19, 2007, and one bid was received. (Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo.), is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0053).

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2007, a $5,741,100.00 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging with beach nourishment for Jones Inlet, N.Y., Federal Navigation Project. Work will be performed in Jones Inlet, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 10, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 13, 2007, and two bids were received. Corps of Engineers, New York City, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0004).

NAVY

Raytheon Co., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $77,515,375 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0310) to exercise an option for the procurement of 27 Full Rate Production Lot 6 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pods for the F/A-18A+/C/D and F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (60 percent) and McKinney, Texas (40 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $50,416,000 not-to-exceed advance acquisition contract for long lead material and support for three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye low rate initial production lot 1 aircraft. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (32.6 percent), various locations within the United States (23.7 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (15.5 percent); Dallas, Texas (12.4 percent); Menlo Park, Calif. (9.8 percent); and Woodland Hills, Calif. (6 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Aug. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0027).

BAE Systems Applied Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $22,062,036 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-04-C-0069) to exercise an option for engineering and technical services and supplies for Communication-Electronic (C-E) platform, equipment, systems and subsystems in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center aircraft division's special communications requirements division. The estimated level of effort for this option is 304,160 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.

National Steel and Shipping Co. San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $6,604,248 cost-plus-award-fee modification under a previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C4402) for repairs and alterations during the Non-Docking Scheduled Availability of USS Rushmore (LSD-47). The contractor furnishes the material, supports (electrical, crane, and rigging) and facilities necessary for the maintenance and modernization of LSD/LPD Class ships. This availability includes the chemical cleaning of Distilling Plant Number One, hydraulic modification of the anchor windlass brake, stern gate repairs, testing/repair of the accommodation ladder winch, and deck covering replacement. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Golden Manufacturing Co. Inc., Golden, Miss.,* is being awarded a maximum $52,527,000.00 firm fixed price contract for cold weather coats and universal field combat uniforms. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 11 responses. This contract is awarding base year only at this time. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1036).

Eaton Hydraulics Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn., is being awarded a maximum $5,264,664.70 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for aircraft parts. Other location of performance is Ohio. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were originally 20 proposals solicited with four responses. This contract is a one year contract with four one-year options. Date of performance completion is Dec. 25, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7AX-08-D-9001).

*Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Peter C. Neesley, 28, of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of an undetermined cause in a non-combat environment. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. George J. Howell 24, of Salinas, Calif., died Dec. 21 in Riyadh, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Infantry Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Jeremy E. Ray, 26, of Houston, Texas, died Dec. 20 in Kanaan, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an enemy attacked using an explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

Airmen Missing in Action from Korean War are Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

They are Col. Douglas H. Hatfield, of Shenandoah, Va., and Capt. Richard H. Simpson, of Fairhaven, Mich., both U.S. Air Force. Funeral dates have not been set by the families.

On April 12, 1951, Hatfield and Simpson were two of eleven crewmembers on a B-29 Superfortress that left Kadena Air Base, Japan, to bomb targets in the area of Sinuiju, North Korea. Enemy MiG-15 fighters attacked the B-29, but before it crashed, three crewmembers were able to bail out. They were captured and two of them were later released in 1954 to U.S. military control during Operation "Big Switch." The third crewmember died in captivity. He and the eight remaining crewmembers were not recovered.

In 1993, the North Korean government turned over to the United Nations Command 31 boxes containing the remains of U.S. servicemen listed as unaccounted-for from the Korean War. Four sets of remains from this group were subsequently identified as crewmembers from the

B-29.

In 2000, a joint U.S./Democratic People's Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) excavated an infantry fighting position in Kujang County where they recovered remains which included those of Hatfield and Simpson.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains recovered in 2000.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, Wis., is being awarded $65,340,717 under a previously awarded firm-fixed contract (N00025-03-C-0002) to exercise an option for the acquisition of the remaining watercraft to be built under option three of the Improved Navy Lighterage System. (Two causeway ferries were recently procured with FY08 Continuing Resolution Authority funds). This action is for eight more causeway ferries, four warping tugboats, and one Roll On/Roll Off Discharge facility. Altogether, 35 separate watercraft are included. After exercise of these items, the total cumulative contract value will be $333,568,250. Work will be performed in Marinette, Wis. (94 percent) and Youngs Island, N.C. (6 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Headquarters, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $22,429,683 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-03-C-0057) for cooperative engagement capability developmental efforts in support of the

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye System Development and Demonstration Program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., (92.6 percent) and St. Augustine, Fla., (7.4 percent) and is expected to be completed in Jul. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Will-Burt Co.,*, Orrville, Ohio, is being awarded a ceiling $15,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for various commercial and modified commercial mast systems including but not limited to pneumatic, manual and electrically driven systems of a locking and non-locking type in support of multiple expeditionary systems engineering programs including, but not limited to, sponsors such as Special Operations Command, US Marine Corps., Army, Navy, and Air Force. Work will be performed in Orrville, Ohio and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, and one offer was received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-6613).

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, PA is being awarded a $10,308,253 firm-fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for Integrated Logistic Support sustainment. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Dresser-Rand Co., Wellsville, N.Y. is being awarded a $9,082,611 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) for installation in FFG-27, DD-962, CG-47 and DDG-51 Classes and LSD-41 and LHD-1 Class Ships. The Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are ship sets of components necessary to upgrade the Dresser-Rand Company family of 5-stage non-lubricated High Pressure Air Compressors (HPAC). These Dresser-Rand HPACs are used on all surface combatant classes (FFG-27, DD-962, CG-47 and DDG-51) and also on LSD-41 and LHD-1 Classes. The HPAC control system includes electro-mechanical controller, mechanical pressure switches, electronic temperature monitors and ultrasonic condensate drain monitors. Each ship set consists of PLCs and temperature and pressure sensors necessary to replace the current electro-mechanical controller, temperature monitor, and condensate drain monitor to operate, control and monitor the operation of the HPACs. Work will be performed in Wellsville, N.Y. and work is expected to be completed by December 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $52,631 will expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-08-D-0006).

Cascade General Portland Shipyard, Portland, Ore., is being awarded a $9,052,654 firm-fixed-price contract for a 70-day post shipyard availability (PSA) of Military Sealift Fleet Support Command's dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard to undergo a number of modifications that could not be economically accomplished under the ship construction contract. Naval Sea Systems PMS 325 provided funding for the alterations to be completed during the PSA. The ship's primary mission is to operate as part of a carrier strike group, providing fuel, ammunition, and dry and refrigerated stores to support U.S. Navy ships at sea. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $10,792,644. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and work is expected to be completed by Apr. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $10,792,644 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N40442-08-C-3003).

Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc., Walpole, Mass., is being awarded a $7,030,097 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development of Nickel Boron (NiB) Coatings for Naval Propulsion Systems to minimize corrosion. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss., (75 percent) and Stuart, Fla. (25 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $3,563,860 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet as a Broad Agency Announcement; 67 white papers were received, 19 proposals were requested, and 17 awards have been made. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-4200).

C. Lloyd Johnson Co., Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $5,968,243 firm-fixed-price (with Economic Price Adjustment provisions), indefinite-delivery requirements contract for the provision of various supplies such as toiletries, candy, snacks, drinks, and etc. in support of the Navy's Ships Store Program. The contract will include four option years which, if exercised, the total value of the contract is estimated to be $29,841,216. Work will be performed in various zones within the continental United States, and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2008. The funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is a sole source award. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Contracting Department, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N00189-08-D-0010).

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an undefinitized contract for $76,000,000.This action is for the purpose of acquisition of Block 20 spares and peculiar support equipment in support of the Global Hawk UAV. At this time $15,200,000 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-03-G-4306 0046).

Ratheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $16,519,061. This action provides for twelve Miniature Air Launch Decoy Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) assets with 12 Range Safety System and Non-recurring Engineering for the IOT&E assets. At this time $12,389,296 has been obligated. Headquarters 308th Armament System Wing (AFMC), Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity (F08635-03-C-0002-P00063).

Hamilton Sundstrand Corp., of Windsor Locks, Conn., is being awarded a requirements type contract for $262,495,000. This action is to exercise option 1 of the Hamilton Sundstrand Strategic Sourcing Initiative (SSI) contract. The SSI contract is for the acquisition of sole source consumable and replenishment spares and services in support of secondary power systems, airborne generators, constant speed drive components, and other systems the Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency support. Weapon systems the spares and services support include, but are not limited to, A-10, B-1, B-52, C-130, C-141, C-5, E-3, F-15, F-16, KC-135, and T-38 aircraft. Estimated quantities for the contract are annual demand quantities for each of the items. Approximately 5400 items will be incorporated into the contract. Engineering and Technical services for technical data support of the items will be authorized on an "as required" basis and will account for less than 1% of the estimated contract value. At this time no funds have been obligated. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8208-05-D-0004 P00014).

Dynetics, Incorporated of Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a contract for $24,000,000. This action provides for Synergistic Electronics Warfare Program renamed Multi-Yield RFCM Investing and Development to develop advanced Electronic Warfare techniques and technologies that extended USAF radio frequency battle-space access against advanced Integrated Air Defense System and the asymmetrical RF threat. A combination of laboratory tests, anechoic chamber tests, ground tests, and flight test will be employed to demonstrate the efficacy, robustness, and maturity of the EW technique for implementation in operations Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Sensing, and Electronic Protection sensors to support the war fighter. Task order 0001's objective is to enhance existing AMBER threat radar models to incorporate EP capabilities for the purpose of evaluating EA techniques against these radars. At this time $50,000 has been obligated. Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-1303-001).

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., of Atlanta, Ga. is being awarded a contract for $24,000,000. This action provides for Synergistic Electronics Warfare Program renamed Multi-Yield RFCM Investing and Development to develop advanced Electronic Warfare techniques and technologies that extended USAF radio frequency battle-space access against advanced Integrated Air Defense System and the asymmetrical RF threat. A combination of laboratory tests, anechoic chamber tests, ground tests, and flight test will be employed to demonstrate the efficacy, robustness, and maturity of the EW technique for implementation in operations Electronic Attack, Electronic Sensing, and Electronic Protection sensors to support the war fighter. At this time $50,000 has been obligated. Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-1302-0002).

Wyle Laboratories, Inc., of Huntsville, Ala. is being awarded a contract for $6,460,810. This effort is for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to identify areas of possible reliability improvement of the E-2/C-2 Training Systems while working with the corresponding activity to implement all recommendations to provide the following deliverables: Acceptance Test Certification, Specifications/Training Plan for Modification, Maintenance Training Task Report, Operator Media Selection Report, Training System Function Description, Training System Requirements Analysis, New Device Performance Specification Report and a final Technical Area Task Report which will be made a part of the Reliability Information Analysis Center's research and development and development library, and made available to all government entities. At this time $100,000 has been obligated. Headquarters 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. is the contracting activity (HC1047-050D-4005-0059).

United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney, of East Hartford, Conn. is being awarded a contract for $6,539,083.80. This action will provide spare parts applicable to the TF33 engine. All funds have been obligated at this time. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-G-0009-0642).

ARMY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 18, 2007, a $71,422,631 firm-fixed-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 Fiscal Year FY08 Production Buy for pure Fleet requirements. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Nov. 24, 2006, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0180).

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc., Scranton Division, Scranton Pa., was awarded on Dec. 17, 2007, a $9,000,597.76 firm-fixed-price contract for The Office of the Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems. Work will be performed in Scranton, Pa. and is expected to be completed by Dec. 18, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jul. 19, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-C-0056).

General Dynamics Land Systems Division, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2007, a $257,810,072 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of materials and labor required to RESET Abrams M1A2 System Enhanced Package. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Feb. 13, 2007, and one bid was received. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2007, a $7,759,749.04 firm-fixed-price contract for purchase of remanufactured Cummins Series V903 Diesel Engines. Work will be performed in Seymour, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Nov. 24, 2004, and one bid was received. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-04-D-0145).

Cycle Construction, Kenner, La., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2007, a $17,164,000.00, contract for construction and automation of five safe rooms. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 6, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Sep. 11, 2006, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps or Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-06-D-0087).

Soldier Missing in Action From Korean War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Cpl. Robert S. Ferrell, U.S. Army, of Dallas, Texas. His burial date is being set by his family.

Representatives from the Army met with Ferrell's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.

On Feb. 12, 1951, Ferrell was assigned to Battery A, 503^rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2^nd Infantry Division, then occupying a position about 70 miles east of Seoul, South Korea. The 503^rd was providing artillery support for friendly units coming under heavy attack by Chinese Communist Forces. In danger of being overrun, the 503^rd was forced to withdraw to the south. Records indicate that Ferrell was captured near Hoengsong, South Korea, during the fighting. He later died in captivity at the Suan Mining POW camp located about 40 miles southeast of Pyongyang, North Korea.

Between 1990 and 1994, the North Korean government repatriated what they claimed to be 208 sets of remains, including a 1991 turnover of several servicemen recovered near the Suan Mining POW camp. Ferrell's remains, along with cold-weather clothing and uniform buttons worn by U.S. infantry, were included in the 1991 repatriation.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

AIR FORCE

ARMY

CONTRACTS

NAVY

International Military and Government LLC (IMG), Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded $1,183,141,218 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) to purchase an additional 1,500 Category I (CAT I) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles. This order also includes sustainment items needed to support the vehicles in theater as well as several Engineering Change Proposals to increase the vehicles' capabilities. The CAT I is an MRAP vehicle used by the Marine Corps and other Joint Forces for convoy operations. The MRAP vehicles are required to increase the survivability and mobility of troops operating in hazardous fire areas against known threats such as improvised explosive devices, small arms fire and other explosive threats. Work will be performed in WestPoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by the end of Jul. 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded $645,445,800 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) to purchase 600 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category II vehicles, engineering change proposals and vehicle sustainment Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). The MRAP vehicles are required to increase the survivability and mobility of troops operating in hazardous fire areas against known threats such as improvised explosive devices, small arms fire and other explosive threats. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by June 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle, Division of Armor Holdings, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded $458,128,283 for a firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0003 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5030) to purchase 668 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Category II (CAT II) vehicles with CAT I seating configuration, sustainment parts and engineering change proposals. The MRAP vehicles are required to increase the survivability and mobility of troops operating in hazardous fire areas against known threats such as improvised explosive devices, small arms fire and other explosive threats. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed Jul. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Force Protection Industries, Inc. (FPII), Ladson, S.C,, is being awarded a $377,775,613 firm fixed priced delivery order #0007 under Contract (M67854-07-D-5031) for the purchase of 178 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Category I vehicles, 180 MRAP CAT II vehicles, including engineer change proposals and Integrated Logistic Support. The MRAP vehicles are required to increase the survivability and mobility of troops operating in hazardous fire areas against known threats such as improvised explosive devices, small arms fire and other explosive threats. The sustainment ILS will consist of Authorized Stockage ListCAT I and CAT II, Prescribed Load ListingCAT I and CAT II, Deprocessing, and Basic Issue Items. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed by Jul. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an $80,528,448 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0093) to exercise an option for the fourth full rate production (FRP-4) of 350 AGM-154C Unitary Joint Stand-Off Weapons (JSOW-C), special tooling and special test equipment (ST/STE), technical and financial data, a Performance Characterization Test Vehicle, and production acceptance testing. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Missile Systems Co., DBA Raytheon Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $32,925,205 order on a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0001) to provide full recertification of 166 All-Up-Round (AUR) Tomahawk Missiles for the U. S. Navy and six AUR Tomahawk Missiles for the Government of the United Kingdom. The order will also procure Systems Engineering Integration Agent support and fixed support for Encanisterization/Decanisterization of MK-14 AUR missiles. This contract will fulfill requirements for the U.S. Navy ($31,835,605; 97 percent) and the United Kingdom ($1,089,600; 3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (80 percent) and Camden, Ark. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in Apr. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $31,835,605 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $31,765,091 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-04-G-0007) under the MV-22 Follow-on Flight Test and Evaluation Program, to provide on-site, home-based, and off-site flight test management, flight test engineering, design engineering, and related efforts to support the conduct of flight and ground testing. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (60 percent); Ridley Park, Pa. (20 percent); and Ft. Worth, Texas (20 percent) and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Ideal Innovations, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded $18,100,000 for firm-fixed-priced, delivery order #0001 under previously awarded contract (M67854-08-D-5000) for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) II test vehicles. The MRAP II contracts are a developmental effort to purchase test vehicles and armor coupons for enhanced MRAP survivability and mobility tests. The MRAP II contracts will also contain ordering options for production quantities. The Government shall procure MRAP II test vehicles and armor coupons to be delivered to Aberdeen Test Center via this Delivery Order. Work will be performed in Wixom, Mich.; Costa Mesa, Calif.; and Oshkosh, Wis., and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a $14,126,296 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-06-C-0308) to exercise an option for maintenance and support services for the Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Program under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Kuwait (90 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp., Stafford, Va, is being awarded $12,928,699 for task order #0088 under previously awarded contract (M67854-02-A-9016) for on-going engineering, analytical, logistics and warranty support for PM Engineer Systems (PM/ES) in the areas of Mobility and Countermobility, Construction and Material Handling Equipment, Engineer Support Equipment, and lifecycle support. Critical FY08 requirements include the PM/ES responsibility for the Joint Assault Bridge and the Assault Breacher Vehicle programs, currently designated as ACAT III, Marine Corps' programs. Each will continue to require significant acquisition, systems engineering, logistics, and test management support. Major activities for the ABV include Follow on Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) for the Integrated Vision System, Electrical Magnetic Interference testing, Full Rate Production (FRP), and Fielding Decision. Major activities for the JAB include a Pre-Production Qualification Testing (PPQT), a MS/C Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Decision, fabrication of JABs 2 and 3, the start of Production Qualification Testing (PQT). Additionally, we anticipate program initiation for a Family of Metal Detectors. Additional PM/ES FY08 requirements include, but not limited to, acquisition, logistical and analytical support for the complete portfolio of equipment, and more specifically for the Ground Expeditionary Refueling System (GERS), Bridge Erection Boats (BEB), Family of Tactical Bridging (FTB), Rough Terrain Cargo Handler (RTCH), All Terrain Crane (ATC), Medium Crawler Tractor (MCT), 130 G Road Grader Replacement, 621B Scraper Replacement, Tractor Rubber Tired Articulated Multi Purpose (TRAM), Engineer Equipment Trailer (EET), Engineer Equipment Armor, Family of Tactical Fuel Systems (TFS), Family of Water Supply Support Equipment (WSSE), Tactical Water Purification System (TWPS), Family of Engineer Construction Tool Kits (FECTK), Dust Abatement, Airfield Damage Repair (ADR), Family of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (FEOD), Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Light Weight Rollers, Armored Combat Excavator (ACE) Modernization Upgrade and supplemental funding requirements. Work will be performed in Stafford, Va. (86 percent); Camp Lejeune, N.C. (4 percent); Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Ga. (4 percent); Camp Pendleton, Calif. (3 percent); and Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan (3 percent), and work is expected to be completed in January 2009. This contract was competitively procured. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems Western Region, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $12,115,659 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-05-C-0057) for operations and maintenance support for the Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration (GHMD), including operation and sustainment, logistics support and sustaining engineering throughout the demonstration. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (90 percent) and San Diego, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $4,584,749 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded an $11,415,477 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4003) for services required to staff and operate the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department. Under the terms of the contract, Electric Boat will continue to perform project management, engineering and planning, training, inspection and services to accomplish submarine maintenance, modernization and repairs. Work will be performed New London, Conn. and is expected to be completed by Sep. 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, DC is the contracting activity (N00024-06-C-4003).

Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $6,487,008 order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0024) for the procurement of 356 A-10 Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) A-Kits and 392 A-10 BLOS B-Kits in support of the A-10 Program Office at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Items are in support of the Global War on Terror to provide BLOS capabilities. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in Jul. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Scientific Research Corp., Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a $5,922,645 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract (N65236-05-D-6854) to provide integrated systems engineering support services to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston. The contractor shall provide system engineering, software integration, configuration management, test, fleet introduction, product improvement, quality assurance, and life cycle management support for various C⁴ISR requirements, programs, and projects. This contract includes four one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $33,479,476. The work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (52 percent) and Lexington Park, Md., (48 percent) and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited and two offers were received via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P. Ground Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., is being awarded a $5,800,000 firm fixed priced delivery order #0001 under previously awarded contract (M67854-08-D-5001) for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) II test vehicles. The MRAP II contracts are a developmental effort to purchase test vehicles and armor coupons for enhanced MRAP survivability and mobility tests. The MRAP II contracts will also contain ordering options for production quantities. The Government shall procure MRAP II test vehicles and armor coupons to be delivered to Aberdeen Test Center via this Delivery Order. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas; York, Pa.; and Fairfield, Ohio, and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Complete Parachute Solutions, Deland, Fla., is being awarded a $5,032,657 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of 250 Multi Mission 14 parachute systems, 53 Tandem Systems, 50 extra spare parts kit, and 100 training hanging harness. Work will be performed in Deland, Fla. and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $5,032,657, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-08-C-0014).

ARMY

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Missile and Fires Control, Dallas, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 13, 2007, a $193,800,000 firm-fixed price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 101 Each Army Tactical Missile System Block and Anti-Personnel/Anti-Material Guided Missile Launching Assembly and Support efforts. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is expected to be completed July 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 bid solicited on March 14, 2007, and 1 bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0302).

Lockheed Martin Corp, Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 13, 2007, a $485,050,245 firm-fixed price and Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for PATRIOT Advanced Capability. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 bid solicited on Nov. 24, 2006, and 1 bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0180).

Archer Western Contractors LTD., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded on Dec. 14, 2007, a $63,101,229 fixed-firm price contract for construction of buildings to support Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Army Space and missile Defense Command activities. Work will be performed in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were Web bids solicited on April 30, 2007, and 3 bids were received. Corps of Engineers Mobile, District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-08-C-0011).

iRobot Corp., Burlington, Mass., was awarded on Dec. 14, 2007, an $8,931,055 firm-fixed-price contract for robotic systems, parts and training. Work will be performed in Dayton, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 5 bids solicited on Aug. 3, 2007, and 2 bids were received. U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (W900KK-080D-0033).

Coakley & Williams Construction Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., was awarded on Dec. 14, 2007, a $30,997,000 firm-fixed-price, contract for Construction of Administrative and Operations Center. Work will be performed in Fort Meade, Md., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 4 bids solicited on June 1, 2007, and 4 bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-08-C-0005).

BAE Systems Division, Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Dec. 14, 2007, a $5, 874,631, firm-fixed-price contract for Vehicle Emergency Escape Windows for the M1114 UP ARMOR High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Butler, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 23, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 bid solicited on Aug. 17, 2007, and 1 bid was received. TACOM, Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0660).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Rolling Meadows, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 14, 2007, a $24,652,870 firm-fixed-price contract for Laser Television Sensor assembly of the Mast Mounted Sight for the OH-58D helicopter. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 bid solicited on Aug. 23, 2007, and 1 bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0062).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Glenn Oil Company, LLC, Lawton, Okla.,* is being awarded a maximum $8,875,043.04 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products delivery. Other locations of performance are throughout the United States. Using services are Army, Air Force, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 22 responses to the original proposed solicitation. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is May 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SPO600-04-D-4514).

Farstad Oil, Inc., Minot, N.D., * is being awarded a maximum $7,969,504.68 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products delivery. Other locations of performance are throughout the United States. Using srvices are Army, Air Force, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 22 responses to the original proposed solicitation. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is May 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SPO600-04-D-4510).

Face of Defense: Virginia Soldier Excited About Future

By Cpl. Ryan M. Blaich, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service

- For Army Spc. Gerald Bradner, here on his first deployment, serving at Camp Blue Diamond is not only an opportunity of a lifetime, but also a way to relate to those in his family who also answered when their nation called.

"I was brought up to believe that every man should serve his country however he can," said Bradner, 21, from Brookneal, Va. "Everyone from my grandfather all the way down to me has served when our country was at war. It's a great family tradition."

Bradner, an intelligence analyst with 3rd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, joined the U.S. Army shortly after he graduated from William Campbell High School in 2004. His grandfather and great uncles all fought the Axis aggression in World War II. His father volunteered to fight communism in Vietnam. And today, Bradner is proud to be combating terrorism in Iraq.

"This may be the only conflict in our lifetime, and I couldn't imagine just sitting it out," he said.

The greatest compliment to Bradner's character may be when his superior officers, after knowing him only a short time, recommended he apply for a commissioning program. Up until that point, Bradner constantly questioned his future in the Army, but this deployment changed all of that.

"I didn't think I was going to like the Army as much as I do, but I really love wearing the uniform, and I like serving my country," he said.

Bradner will have to complete four years of college and earn a bachelor's degree. He will have to chose a major, which he said would be history, but he will not have to choose a university. His superiors felt he was a prime candidate for one of America's premier institutions: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Bradner will become a cadet in the class of 2012. He said this is a challenge he is eager to begin.

"I've got mixed feelings about it. I'm really nervous. I'm worried about the transition from being a soldier to being a student," he said. "I'm sure it'll be exciting."

Another testament to Bradner's unique character is the rarity and relationship his high school has with West Point. The last time someone from his high school attended West Point, Bradner's father had yet to deploy to Vietnam.

"I'll be the first person from my high school to go to West Point in 40 years. So I'm really excited about that. I look at it as an opportunity to set myself apart from my peers," he said. "Growing up in a small town, I'm glad to be able to stand out and represent my community however I can."

Not only will he stand out in his community, the ribbons on his chest will immediately set him apart from those in his freshman class. By then, he will be a combat vet, having spent more than a year in Iraq.

Bradner will enroll in August 2008 for the fall semester. West Point admits only about 1,200 students a year. About 200 each year are prior enlisted, and most have to attend a prep school first. Bradner is part of a select few who get to bypass prep classes and go straight to the academy. Only 20 soldiers are given this chance every year.

For now, thoughts of college life will have to wait. Bradner said he cannot afford to think about freshman year because he still has a lot of important work left to do in Ramadi.

Currently, Bradner gathers all sorts of information and aids in the counterinsurgency fight against al Qaeda.

"We collect information to determine where al Qaeda is maintaining safe havens and try to figure out where they are going to strike next and what we can do to prevent that," he said. "We also try to keep abreast of the enemy's latest tactics."

His role here is much more aggressive and involved than it may appear. He spends a lot of time behind a desk and speaking to leaders in the Iraqi army and police. Although the conversations are casual, the information gathered from them can have a direct impact on the actions of men with guns out in Ramadi.

"The simplest way I can put it is, an infantryman kicks in doors, but intel points at which door to kick in," Bradner said.

His deployment started in mid-January, when Ramadi was still in the midst of transition and a bit unstable. This place was still dealing with roadside bombs, sniper fire and mortar attacks.

"When we first got to Ramadi, the place was bad," he said. "We were seeing 10 to 15 attacks per day, and that was normal. Some days we'd see 20 attacks. Before we left, we conducted an operation with the Marines, and that really helped clean up Ramadi. Since then, we've galvanized the tribal leaders, and they've basically ousted al Qaeda. A lot of it is due to kinetic actions from U.S. soldiers, but a vast majority of it is due to the cooperation with community sheiks and them not allowing al Qaeda to take safe haven in Ramadi anymore."

Bradner also has noticed changes in the people of Ramadi, the provincial capital of Anbar.

"When we first got here, the Iraqis were kind of standoffish," he said. "Now they really look at us as friends, like we're here to help and not like we're a threat or have some type of ulterior motive."

If Bradner could point to one thing about his deployment he takes the most pride in, it is being able to make a difference while he was here, he said. He said he will be able to look back years from now and feel like he was a part of the success of Anbar province. And, although he misses his family and will be spending his first Christmas away from home, he said he wouldn't change a thing.

(Marine Cpl. Ryan M. Blaich is assigned to 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.)

CONTRACTS

NAVY

ARMY

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Hesco Bastion Ltd., Great Britain is being awarded a maximum $195,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for Concertainer Defense Walls. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Facilities maintenance, Class IV IST is exercising the first 90-day option on this bridge contract for continued support of 24 NSNs. This extension is valid until Mar. 16, 2008, which is the date of performance completion. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (SPM500-04-D-0239).

Seven Seas Shipchandlers, Dubai, UAE, is being awarded a maximum $55,253,925.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Other location of performance is Republic of Djibouti. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This contract is exercising second term option period. This proposal was originally web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is Dec. 20, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3129).

Roby's Country Gardens, Bardstown, Ky.,* is being awarded a maximum $7,950.000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, total set aside contract for fresh fruit and vegetable support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and USDA School customers. This contract has an 18 month base period. The proposal was originally solicited on DIBBS with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jun. 16, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.

NAVY

General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded an extension of a requirements contract in the amount of $69,391,391 for repair, replacement and program support of F404 engine components used on the F/A-18 A-D aircraft. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (percent) and the Governments of Switzerland (1 percent); Kuwait (1 percent); and Finland (1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and work is expected to be completed by Jun. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the contract ordering period. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-03-D-011M).

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Bloomington, Minn., is being awarded a $43,003,764 modification to a previously awarded ceiling priced contract (N00019-07-C-0030) for the full rate production of 158 Type 3 Advanced Mission Computers (AMCs) for integration into the F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircraft for the U.S. Navy, and 24 AMCs for the Government of Australia. This contract will fulfill requirements for the U.S. Navy ($37,054,980; 86 percent) and Australia ($5,948,784; 14 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minn. and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $23,415,693 firm-fixed-price contract to provide 10 AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT Block two Pods and the associated hardware and services required to operate and maintain the system. All services are being performed in support of the F/A-18 aircraft program for the Government of Finland under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill. and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0007).

L-3 Communications, Electron Devises Division, San Carlos, Calif. is being awarded $10,091,420 for a not-to-exceed ceiling priced order #5001 under previously awarded contract (N00383-07-G-075B) for manufactured band 5/6 output traveling wave tubes (OTWT) used on the EA-6B aircraft AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System. Work will be performed in San Carlos, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

L-3 Communications, Electron Devises Division, San Carlos, Calif., is being awarded a not-to-exceed ceiling $8,428,173 priced order #5000 under previously awarded contract (N00383-07-G-075B) to manufacture band 4 driver traveling wave tubes (DTWT) used in the EA-6B aircraft AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System. Work will be performed in San Carlos, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $29,902,042 ceiling priced order #3871 under previously awarded contract (N00383-06-D-006F) to manufacture CH53D tail rotor blades. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and work is expected to be completed by Feb. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,069,473 modification to the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014). This modification provides for the procurement of ancillary mission equipment for the F/A-18 E/F and E/A-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (89%), St. Louis, Mo. (11%) and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

L-3 Communication Corp. of Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a contract modification for $17,375,052.48. This action provides for aircrew training for the E-3 AWACS aircrews. At this time all funds have been obligated. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center (AFMC) Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (FA42630-00-C-0024-P00093).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pvt. Daren A. Smith, 19, of Helena, Mont., died 13 Dec., in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, La.

The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan A. Lowery, 38, of Houlton, Maine, died Dec. 14, in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died in Afghanistan from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Michael J. Gabel, 30, of Crowley, La., who died Dec. 12 at Forward Operating Base Curry, Afghanistan.

Cpl. Joshua C. Blaney, 25, of Matthews, N.C., who died Dec. 12 at Forward Operating Base Curry, Afghanistan

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an undefinitized contract for $512,104,000. This action provides for Sustainment of the F-22 Weapon System during the calendar year 2008. At this time $384,082,000 has been obligated. ASC 478 AESW/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2850 P00076).

United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Group of East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded an undefinitized contract for $114,663,000. This action provides for F119-PW-117-PW-100 engines, CY08 sustainment undefinitized contract action. At this time $85,997,000 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2851).

Computer Sciences Corp., Applied Technologies of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a contract modification for $9,954,655.72. This action provides for base operating support services option to extend services. At this time $9,815,105.22 has been obligated. 42ND Air Base Wing (AETC) Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. is the contracting activity (F41689-01-C-0006-P002).

Lockheed Martin Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $9,100,000. This effort supports F-22 aircraft. At this time $5,000,000 has been obligated. ASC 478 AESW/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2899 - P00023).

NAVY

Forrester Construction Co., Rockville, Md., is being awarded $9,259,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0010under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0035) for design and construction of a one-story operations facility at Bolling Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Wash., D.C., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Chief Petty Officer Mark T. Carter, 27, of Fallbrook, Calif., died Dec. 11, as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in Iraq. He was permanently assigned as an East Coast-based Navy SEAL.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Gregory L. Elam, 39, of Columbus, Ga., died Dec. 11 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a result of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 54^th Quartermaster Company, 49^th Quartermaster Group, 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault), located at Fort Lee, Va.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Samuel E. Kelsey, 24, of Troup, Texas, died Dec 13 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Brynn J. Naylor, 21, of Roswell, N.M., died Dec.13 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, CT, was awarded on Dec. 12, 2007, a $1,477,061,371.00 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of Army and Navy helicopters, tooling, program systems management and production of technical publications. Work will be performed in Stratford, CT, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire ate the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Oct. 20, 2005, and one bid was received. The USA Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).

EADS North American Defense, Arlington, VA, was awarded on Dec. 12, 2007, a $213,795,474.00 firm-fixed-price contract for Army's Light Utility Helicopter. Work will be performed in Columbus, MS, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire ate the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Dec. 12, 2007, and one bid was received. The USA Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).

Docupak, Pelham, AL, was awarded on Dec. 11, 2007, a $5,100,000.00 IDIQ (FFP) contract for National Guard Marketing Programs. Work will be performed as determined with each Task Order, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 10, 2012. Contract funds will not expire ate the end of the current fiscal year. There were FedBizOpps bids solicited on Jul. 23, 2007, and three bids were received. The National Guard Bureau, Arlington, VA, is the contracting activity (W9133L-08-D-0001).

Lockheed Martin Electronics and Fire Control - Orlando, Orlando, FL, was awarded on Dec. 11, 2007, an $80,661,591 firm-fixed-price contract for logistical support for the AH-64 Apache modernized and legacy target acquisition designation sight assembly and pilot night vision sensor assembly system. Work will be performed in Orlando, FL, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire ate the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on May 19, 2006, and one bid was received. The USA Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0058).

The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, PA, was awarded on Dec. 12, 2007, a $5,596,348.00, contract for CH-47 landing gear. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, PA, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 30, 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Apr. 24, 2007, and one bid was received. US Army Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-G-0023).

Raytheon – Integrated Defense Systems, Andover, MA, was awarded on Dec. 12, 2007, a $155,000,000.00 firm-fixed-price contract for Patriot "Pure Fleet" tactical assets. Work will be performed in Andover, MA, and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Dec. 20, 2006, and one bid was received. US Army Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151).

AIR FORCE

Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson Ariz., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $161,278,400. This action provides 300 miscellaneous unit air foil groups, 300 miscellaneous armament unit enhanced computer control groups, 1,298 weapon guidance unit computer control groups, 1,300 stabilizing and retarding unit air foil groups, 600 global positioning system adapter kits, 1 lot enhanced Paveway III and test equipment spares, 1 lot enhanced PavewayII, 700 certain adapter groups, six readiness test set, six bomb tool kits, three lots of enhanced Pavewaytool sets, three each common munitions bit/reprogramming equipment adapter kits, one each mission planning software, one lot DATA. This effort supports foreign military sales to Pakistan. At this time $75,698,968 has been obligated. 784th Combat Sustainment Group (AFMC), Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (FA8213-08-C-0028).

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, Syracuse, N.Y., to being awarded $88,390,000 modification to a previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-2002 ) to increase the ceiling amount for the continued maintenance, sustainment and modernization of the AN/TPS-59(V)3 three-dimensional long-range radar system. This acquisition is for the continued post-production life cycle support of the AN/TPS-59 radar system and includes engineering studies, evaluations, and analysis in order to support system improvements, eliminate obsolescence, and capitalize on technology insertions. The contract provides for the design, development, production, and incorporation of hardware, software, and firmware in support of accepted Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) into the end item baseline. The contract also provides for Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for the provisioning of data products subsequent to ECP procurement, including but not limited to parts list identification data, engineering drawings, change pages to drawings, change pages to technical manuals and updates to interactive electronic technical manuals. Additionally, the contract provides CLS in the form of a vendor level maintenance program and contractor engineering and technical support services. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed January 2011 if all options are exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-05-d-2002).

Absher Construction Co., Puyallup, Wash., is being awarded a $29,920,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a bachelor enlisted quarters and a parking garage at Naval Base Kitsap. An additional $40,980,000 will be funded subject to the availability of FY08 funds making the total contract amount $70,900,000. The work to be performed provides for all labor, materials, and equipment for the design and construction of market style apartments and a parking structure. Related work includes utility infrastructure design and replacement of existing utilities. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-08-C-6002).

Harris Corporation, Melborne, Fla., is being awarded a $24,200,000 contract modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-pricecontract (N00039-00-D-3210) to increase the ceiling value and the ordering period for an additional nine months. This effort is for additional AN/WSC-6 Super High Frequency (SHF) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) terminals and additional data in accordance with CDRL, DD Form 1423. This modification will bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $135,498,000. Work will be performed in Melborne, Fla., and work is expected to be completed Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured and this modification announcement was synopsized via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Aerospace Control Products, Inc., DBA CME Div.*, Davenport, Iowa., is being awarded a $16,424,106 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of up to 183 commercially available portable oxygen regulator test stands, including engineering and logistics data and training. Work will be performed in Davenport, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-D-0007).

BAE Systems, Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $15,899,894 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for MK 45, 5" Naval gun system, MK 110, 57mm Naval gun system and close-in gun system design agent engineering services in support of PEO IWS. The MK 45, 5" Gun, the MK 110 57 MM gun and close-in gun systems are designed to provide surface fire support for multiple-ship platforms for U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and various Foreign Military Sales customers. These engineering services will provide design, development, production, logistics, test, operational and life cycle support for the gun systems. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (87.1 percent) and Louisville, Ky. (12.9 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5407).

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Group, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded $8,676,196 for an extension of an order #0001 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-07-G-003M) for repair of line items used on the J-52 engine used on the EA6B aircraft. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the contract ordering period. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $7,745,881 firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5117) to exercise an option for a MK 110 Mod 0, 57mm gun system. The MK 110 Mod 0 57 mm gun system is a multi-mission capable medium-caliber shipboard gun system for the U.S. Coast Guard's National Security Cutter. Its primary mission is to deliver high rates of fire, with extreme accuracy, against surface, airborne and shore-based threats with proven effective six-mode programmable, 57-mm Mk 295 ammunition. Work will be preformed in Louisville, Ky. (78 percent); Karlskoga, Sweden (21 percent); and Minneapolis, Minn. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $88,898, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Palmdale, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 13, 2007, a $6,031,035 increment of a $40,790,279 modification to a previously awarded other transaction for prototypes agreement for phase three of the hypersonic technology vehicle portion of the Falcon program. Phase three will include fabrication and assembly of two hypersonic technology vehicles to be flight-tested during 2009. Work will be performed in Palmdale, Calif. (9 percent), King of Prussia, Pa. (79 percent), and Fort Worth, Texas (12 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-04-9-0010/P00032).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Tanner J. O'Leary, 23, of Eagle Butte, S.D., died Dec. 9 in Musa Qal'eh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Johnathan A. Lahmann, 21, of Richmond, Ind., died Dec. 10 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered in Bayji, Iraq, when a improvised explosive device struck his vehicle. He was assigned to the 59^th Engineer Company, 20^th Engineer Battalion, 36^th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS

ARMY

BAE Systems Land and Armaments, York, PA, was awarded on Nov. 29, 2007, a $709,356,689 firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contract for RESET of Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jul. 25, 2007, and one bid was received. The Tank, Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-05-G-0005.

BAE Systems Land and Armaments, York, PA, was awarded on Nov. 29, 2007, a $135,163,802 cost-reimbursable contract for reset of Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Aug. 14, 2007, and one bid was received. The Tank, Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-05-G-0005.

Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 29, 2007, a $50,956,095 firm-fixed-price contract for low-signature armored cabs. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Nov. 5, 2007, and one bid was received. The Tank, Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-07-C-A500.

Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Nov. 29, 2007, a $66,874,526 firm-fixed-price contract for Patriot PAC2 frequency generator upgrades. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jun. 30, 1999, and one bid was received. The Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity DAAH01-00-D-0004.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Ceradyne, Incorporated, Costa Mesa, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $48,679,200.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are in Irvine Calif. The original proposal was web solicited with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 2, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1022).

ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC., Chandler, Ariz.,* is being awarded a maximum $47,126,700.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, total set aside contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. The original proposal was web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 2, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1023).

Simula Aerospace and Defense Group., Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a maximum W$46,436,400.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, and indefinite delivery contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. The original proposal was web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 2, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1024).

Sterling Foods, Ltd., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $36,622,690.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for bakery items for use in Meals Ready to Eat. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising 2^nd option year. There were 32 proposals originally solicited with four responses. Date of performance completion is Dec. 19, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-06-D-Z118).

Caravan Trading Co., Union City, Calif.,* is being awarded a maximum $6,500,200.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for baker items for use in Meals Ready to Eat. There are no other areas of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising 2nd option year. There were 32 proposals originally solicited with four responses. Date of performance completion is Dec. 19, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia , Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-06-D-Z116).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Microelectronics Advanced Research Corp. (MARCO), Durham, N.C., was awarded on Nov. 26, 2007, a $10,000,000 modification to a previously awarded other transaction to exercise an option for year two of an anticipated three-year term for phase four of the Focus Center Research Program. Work will be performed in Durham, N.C. (8 percent), Pittsburgh, Pa. (18 percent), Atlanta, Ga. (20 percent), Cambridge, Mass. (17 percent), Berkeley, Calif. (21 percent), and Los Angeles, Calif. (16 percent), and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2008. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-3-0002).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Randy W. Pickering, 31, of Bovey, Minn., died Dec. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

International Military and Government LLC (IMG), Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $151,989,035 firm-fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for sustainment items for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. MRAP vehicles are required for the Marine Corps and other Joint Forces to increase survivability and mobility of troops operating in a hazardous fire area against known threats such as small arms fire, improvised explosive devices and other explosives. The sustainment items shall support the vehicles that are in theater or scheduled for deployment. Work will be performed in WestPoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The basic contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Advanced C4 Solutions, Inc.*, Tampa, Fla.; Cambridge Communications Systems, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; Chugach Government Services, Inc.*, McLean, Va.; Client Solutions Architects, Inc.*, Ewing, N.J.; Command Decisions Systems & Solutions, Inc.*, Clifton, Va.; Conley & Associates*, Ballwin, Mo.; DKW Communications, Silver Spring, Md.; Dynamic Systems Technology, Inc.*, Fairfax Va.; Global Business Solutions, Inc.*, Pensacola, Fla.; Glotech, Inc.*, Rockville, Md.; Gryphon Technologies*, Greenbelt Md.; GVI, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va.; Harrington Technology Associates*, Chicago, Ill.; Imagine One Technology*, Colonial Beach, Va.; Inscope Solutions*, Reston, Va.; Integrated Systems Inc.*, – USFalcon (Joint Venture), McLean, Va.; Liberty Business Associates*, North Charleston, S.C.: Management & Training Consultants*, Killeen, Texas; Pioneer Technologies, Inc.*, Fairfax, Va.; Plexus,*, Baltimore, Md.; Quintech Security Consultants*, Summerville, S.C.; RLM*, Fayetteville, N.C.; RNB Technologies, Inc.*, Arlington, Va.; Sentek*, San Diego, Calif.; Sim-G Technologies*, LLC, Washington, D.C.; SkillStorm, Inc.*, Vienna, Va.; TKC Technology Solutions*, LLC, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Trofholz Technologies, Inc.*; Rocklin, Calif.; UEC Electronics*, LLC; Hanahan, S.C.; Unicom Technology, Inc.*, Santa Clara, Calif.; Unified Business Technologies, Inc.*, Troy, Mich.; Varner Miller Associates*, Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Vector Planning and Services, Inc.*, Hanahan, S.C., are being awarded an aggregate amount of $51,481,983 for performance-based, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts with hybrid pricing arrangements (i.e., Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee, Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee, Firm-Fixed-Price) to provide the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston with program management and technical support services for program, project and acquisition management support; material and equipment procurement; engineering and testing support; integrated logistics support; maintenance and technical support; configuration management; and information technology and web services support. These contracts include two one-year options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative aggregate value of the contracts to $157,778,069. Work for the contracts will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (60 percent) and Norfolk, Va., (40 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. These contracts were competitively procured as an eight (a) set-aside under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. The request for proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-Commerce website, with 33 offerors received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity for these actions (N65236-08-D-2800 through N65236-08-D-2832).

Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corp., Network Communications Division, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $16,059,687 cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price and cost-only contract, for the design, development and delivery of seven development models for Spiral 3.1 dismounted and seven development models for Spiral 3.2 Mounted Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems, including engineering support services, training, maintenance and repair. Dismounted and Mounted CREW systems are two elements of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 3.1 CREW systems are dismounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (RC-IED). Similarly, Spiral 3.2 CREW systems are mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RC-IEDs. This contract is for the rapid development and demonstration of CREW technology and systems to meet the evolving threat-based timeline and for greater flexibility in meeting the CREW mission. This development will address the worldwide threat as well as the Central Command Area of responsibility, and the urgent needs identified for emerging threats. This contract will also advance CREW technology and bridge the capability gap between current systems and future systems. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint IED Defeat Organization. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $16,059,687, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 16 offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-6309).

ITT Advanced Engineering & Sciences, Annapolis Junction, Md., is being awarded a $9,803,891 cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-only contract for the design, development and delivery of seven development models for Spiral 3.1 Dismounted and seven development models for Spiral 3.2 Mounted Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare systems, including engineering support services, training, maintenance and repair. The requirement is to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Dismounted and Mounted CREW systems are two elements of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 3.1 CREW systems are dismounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. Similarly, Spiral 3.2 CREW systems are mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RC-IEDs. This contract is for the rapid development and demonstration of CREW technology and systems to meet the evolving threat based timeline and for greater flexibility in meeting the CREW mission. This development will address the worldwide threat as well as the Central Command Area of Responsibility, and their urgent needs identified for emerging threats. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense's Joint IED Defeat Organization. Work will be performed in Annapolis Junction, Md., and is expected to be completed by Jun 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $9,803,891, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 16 offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (N00024-08-C-6310)

KES Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,144,816 ceiling increase under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing arrangement contract (N66001-05-D-0009) awarded in Oct. 2004, to provide combined test bed operation and maintenance support services to the Tactical Systems Integration and Interoperability Division of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC San Diego). This modification will increase the total value of the contract from $28,873,621 to $38,018, 438. This originally had a two-year base period and one three-year option period. This increased level of effort has reduced the period of performance by nine months, and allows for competition of a follow-on contract at an earlier date. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work will be completed Jan 2009. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

BAE San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $8,641,493 cost-plus-award-fee contract for accomplishment of the post shakedown availability for the USS Sampson (DDG 102), with options for USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Dewey (DDG 105), USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and three other San Diego homeported DDG's yet to be determined. A DDG 51 PSA is accomplished within a period of approximately 10 to 16 weeks and is scheduled between the time of ship custody transfer and the SCN obligation work limiting date. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be complete by Sept. 2008. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2300).

Sierra Nevada Corp., ACM Systems, Sparks, Nev., is being awarded a $7,190,566 cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-only contract for the design, development and delivery of seven development models for Spiral 3.1 Dismounted Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems, including engineering support services, training, maintenance and repair. The requirement is to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Dismounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 3.1 CREW systems are dismounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. This contract is for the rapid development and demonstration of CREW technology and systems to meet the evolving threat-based timeline and for greater flexibility in meeting the CREW mission. This development will address the worldwide threat as well as the Central Command Area of Responsibility, and their urgent needs identified for emerging threats. This contract will also advance the CREW technology and bridge the capability gap between current systems and future systems. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint IED Defeat Organization. Work will be performed in Rancho Cordova, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jun 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $7,190,566, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 16 offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity. (N00024-08-C-6307)

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Valley Apparel, Knoxville, Tenn.,* is being awarded a maximum

$72,371,234 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for Navy task force uniform parkas. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This proposal was originally Gateway solicited with five responses. Date of performance completion is Dec. 3, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1029).

TXU Energy, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $15,949,431 firm fixed price contract for retail electricity and ancillary services. Using services are federal civilian agencies. Other locations of performance are in Texas. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 83 original proposals solicited with seven responses. Date of performance completion is Jan 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-8009).

AIR FORCE

The Hawker Beechcraft Corp., of Wichita, Kan, is being awarded firm-fixed a contract for $37,316,342. This action provides for the following: 14 T-6A aircraft with program and manufacturing management; program support; data; field services representatives; diminishing material shortages management support; training. At this time $27,987,257 has been obligated. 664^th AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151, Delivery Order 0001, Modification-10).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity and firm-fixed price contract for $730,000,000. This action will provide up to 514 AN/APG-68 (V) 9 radar systems with first delivery order being issued for 30 radar systems for the government of Turkey. The procurement of the 30 radar systems will be accomplished under the firm fixed price portion of the contract. This effort supports foreign military sales to Turkey. At this time $36,000,005 has been obligated. 312 AESG/PKD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-08-D-6035, D001).

ARMY

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., LLC, Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 5, 2007, a $9,272,750 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 10, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The web solicitation was posted on Sept. 5, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Baltimore District, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity W912DR-08-C-0004.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Bayji, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 327^th Infantry Regiment, 1^st Brigade Combat Team, 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

Sgt. Eric J. Hernandez, 26, of Waldwick, N.J., who died Dec. 4 in Bayji, Iraq.

Pvt. Dewayne L. White, 27, of Country Club Hills, Ill., who died Dec. 4 in Bayji, Iraq.

Capt. Adam P. Snyder, 26, of Fort Pierce, Fla., who died Dec. 5 in Balad, Iraq.

Marine Missing From Korean War is Identified

He is Pfc. Donald M. Walker, U.S. Marine Corps, of Springfield, Ky. He will be buried Dec. 7 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Walker was assigned to the Service Company, 1^st Service Battalion, of the 1^st Marine Division deployed near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Nov. 27, 1950, three Communist Chinese divisions launched an attack on the Marine positions. Over the next several days, U.S. forces staged a fighting withdrawal to the south, first to Hagaru-ri, then Koto-ri, and eventually to defensive positions at Hungnam. Walker died on Dec. 7, 1950, as a result of enemy action near Koto-ri. He was buried by fellow Marines in a temporary United Nations military cemetery in Hungnam, which fell to the North Koreans in December 1950. His identity was later verified from a fingerprint taken at the time of the burial.

During Operation Glory in 1954, the North Korean government repatriated the remains of 2,944 U.S. soldiers and Marines. Included in this repatriation were remains associated with Walker's burial. The staff at the U.S. Army Mortuary in Kokura, Japan, however, cited suspected discrepancies between the biological profile from the remains and Walker's physical characteristics. The remains were among 416 from Operation Glory subsequently buried as "unknowns" in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Hawaii.

In April 2007, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command exhumed remains from The Punchbowl believed to be those of Walker. Although the remains did not yield usable DNA data, a reevaluation of the skeletal and dental remains led to Walker's identification.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Kyle Dayton, 22, of El Dorado Hills, Calif., died Dec. 3 in Ashwah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 504^th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1^st Brigade Combat Team, 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Ft. Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $38,500,000 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-02-C-3002) to provide for the design, development, integration and testing the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) autonomic logistics information system central point of entry system. The system will support single point of entry/exit data exchange with the U.S. Autonomic Logistics Operating Unit under the JSF System Development and Demonstration contract. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. (67 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (33 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Bethel Industries, Inc., Jersey City, N.J.,* is being awarded a maximum $21,562,002 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, total set aside contract for blouses and trousers for the Navy working uniform. Other locations of performance are New Jersey and Mississippi. These proposals were originally Web solicited with 15 responses. This contract includes a base year and 4 one-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is November 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1028).

AIR FORCE

The Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a contract for $19,615,786. This action will provide engineering, manufacturing and development activities in support of the Global Hawk Program. At this time all funds have been obligated. 303 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-4600, P00229).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Microelectronics Advanced Research Corp. (MARCO), Durham, N.C., was awarded on November 26, 2007, a $10,000,000 modification to a previously awarded other transaction to exercise an option for year two of an anticipated three-year term for phase 4 of the Focus Center Research Program. Work will be performed in Durham, N.C. (8 percent), Pittsburgh, Pa. (18 percent), Atlanta, Ga. (20 percent), Cambridge, Mass. (17 percent), Berkeley, Calif. (21 percent), and Los Angeles, Calif. (16 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2008. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-3-0002).

ARMY

ESI Contracting Corp./DBA ESI, Kansas City, Kan., was awarded on November 30, 2007, a $9,680,608.73 firm-fixed-price contract for Blue River channel modifications from Brush Creek to 53^rd Street in Kansas City, Missouri. The estimated completion date is November 17, 2009. Bids were solicited on the web with four proposals received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, MO, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-08-C-0008).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, MI, was awarded on November 30, 2007, a $6,992,063.00 firm-fixed-price contract to provide 200 belly armor kits. There was one bid solicited on October 15, 2007 and one bid received. The work will be performed in Sterling Heights, MI, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009. The Tank and Automotive Command, Warren, MI, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

I.C.D. Design Partnership, Madison, WI, was awarded on November 30, 2007, a $8,776.240.00 firm-fixed-price architect-engineer contract to design replacement facilities for the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and the Chemical Biological Defense Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. There were 9 bids solicited on May 24, 2007, and one bid received. Work is estimated to be completed by November 11, 2011. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, is the contract activity (W912DR-08-C-0001).

CONTRACTS

ARMY

AECOM Government Services, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $63,620,887 as part of a $254,259,192 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursable contract for maintenance support services. Work will be performed in various locations in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 1, 2007, and one bid was received. The Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity W52P1J-05-D-0004.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on $38,000,000, a firm-fixed-price contract for H-60 supplies and technical, engineering and logistical support. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Nov. 6, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-08-C-0037.

BAE Systems, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on Nov. 29, 2007, a $28,598,000 firm-fixed-price contract for M915 Generation II crew protection kits and M915 appliqué k0its. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 18, 2007, and one bid was received. The TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-08-C-0114.

General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Nov. 30, 2007, a $16,484,574 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the M1 Abrams tank program. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on June 8, 2006, and one bid was received. The TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-07-C-0046.

Caterpillar Defense Products, Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Nov. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,343,408 as part of a $148,462,385 requirements contract for motorized grader with armor kits and logistics. Work will be performed in Mossville, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two bids were solicited on July 11, 2007, and two bids were received. The TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-08-D-0037.

L3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 30, 2007, a $9,974,253 mixed-line-item contract for upgrades to the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer. Work will be performed in Arlington, Texas, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on July 2, 2007, and one bid was received. The Program Executive Office –Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity N61339-00-C-0002.

Frontier Systems Integrators, LLC, Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on Nov. 27, 2007, a $9,141,999 firm-fixed-price contract for security officer services at the Pentagon. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This solicitation was announced on Dec. 21, 2005, and 17 bids were received. The Washington Headquarters Services, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity HQ003-06-C-1015.

NAVY

General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded $25,321,000 for priced order #GB56 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (FA8104-05-G-0003) for repairable components of the T64 engine on the H53 aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass. (87 percent) and Cherry Point, N.C. (13 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the contract ordering period. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Tactical Aircraft Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $7,917,437 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Lot P9 Full-Rate Production of 30 Integrated Multi-Platform Launch Controller (IMPLC) for the AN/ALE-50(V) and associated technical support for the Government of Australia and the United States Navy, for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. The IMPLC is the launch controller component of the AN/ALE-50(V) countermeasures decoy dispensing set and integrated defensive electronics countermeasure program. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif. (94.4 percent) and Nashua, N.H. (5.6 percent) and is expected to be completed in Dec., 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0006).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Cadillac Gage Textron, New Orleans, La., is being awarded a maximum $9,392,712 modification to a fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for phase one of the Armored Security Vehicle Corporate contract. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This modification adds 203 NSNs. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was solicited on DIBBS. Date of performance completion is Sep. 27, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM7A2-07-D-7006).

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. of El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a contract for $10,000,000. This action will provide FAST Design and Operability Experiments, the Air Vehicles Directorate has recently been focusing research on operationally responsive access to space (ORS) vehicle systems. Goals for ORS include constituting a highly operable, reliable and responsive fully reusable space access capability to satisfy national security needs and an affordability goal to reduce the cost of access to space by an order magnitude. At this time $2,000,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-7801, Task Order 0001).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Blair W. Emery, 24, of Lee, Maine, died Nov. 30 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 504^th Military Police Battalion, 42^nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Matthew K. Reece, 24, of Harrison, Ark., died Dec. 1, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 504^th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1^st Brigade Combat Team, 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Five Guard Brigades Alerted for 2009 Deployments

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2007 - Defense officials announced today the deployment of five National Guard brigade combat teams to begin in summer 2009.

These units will replace units that have not yet deployed. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters the units are being identified well in advance to give maximum time possible for mission-specific training.

"It's a tribute to the military planners who are trying to provide -- particularly for our National Guard brigades -- the type of timely notification so they can be prepared for the specific missions, but also to give the predictability for their families and employers," Whitman said.

The soldiers will be mobilized for 12 months.

The Defense Department alerted the 53rd and 48th brigade combat teams, roughly 7,000 soldiers, to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. "The 48th Infantry Brigade is from Georgia, and its mission will be to train the Afghan national security forces," Whitman said. "The 53rd, out of Florida, will assume battlespace in Afghanistan and conduct the full spectrum of operations."

The 32nd BCT from the Wisconsin Guard, the 41st BCT of the Oregon Guard and the 155th BCT from the Mississippi Guard have been alerted for deployment to Iraq in summer 2009.

The roughly 8,000 soldiers will take over the security force mission "and will ensure freedom of movement and continuity of operations within the country," Whitman said. The units will be responsible for base defense and route security within Kuwait and Iraq.

Pilots Missing From The Vietnam War Are Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified.

They are Maj. Robert F. Woods, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Capt. Johnnie C. Cornelius, of Maricopa County, Ariz., both U.S. Air Force. Cornelius was buried with full military honors on Nov. 10 in Moore, Texas, and Woods' burial is being set by his family.

On June 26, 1968, Woods and Cornelius were flying a visual reconnaissance mission over Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, when their O-2A Skymaster aircraft crashed in a remote mountainous area. The crew of another aircraft in the flight saw no parachutes and reported hearing no emergency beeper signals. Immediate search efforts were unsuccessful.

Between 1988 and 1993, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and surveyed the crash site. The team interviewed several Vietnamese citizens, two of whom turned over human remains and the pilots' identification tags.

Between 1994 and 1997, joint teams re-surveyed the site two times to find a landing location to support a helicopter and recovery team. During their survey, one team found additional wreckage and life-support material.

Between 2000 and 2004, joint teams excavated the site four times. They recovered additional human remains, personal effects and life support materials.

In 2006, a joint team interviewed two former North Vietnamese soldiers who recalled the crash. The soldiers said that Woods and Cornelius were buried near the crash site. In 2007, another joint team excavated the burial site identified by the Vietnamese soldiers. The team recovered additional human remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class John J. Tobiason, 42, of Bloomington, Minn., died Nov. 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from an incident that is currently under investigation. He was assigned to the 847th Adjutant General Battalion, 89th Regional Readiness Command, Wichita, Kan.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Alaska Structures, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract for a variety of shelters, components, and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is Mesilla Park, N.M. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6064).

Alaska Tent and Tarp*, Fairbanks, Alaska, is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract for a variety of shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 1^st option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1534).

Anchor Industries, Evansville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, components and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-06-D-6005).

Base-X Expedition Shelters, Fairfield, Va., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, trailers, and components. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6063).

Camel Manufacturing Co., Pioneer, Tenn., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract for a variety of shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 1^st option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1533).

Celina Tent, Inc*., Celina, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, components and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-06-D-6001).

DHS Systems, LLC, Orangeburg, N.Y.,* is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, components, and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3^rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is November 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6060).

Johnson Outdoors, Binghamton, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, trailers, and components. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3^rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6059).

MMI - Federal Marketing Service Corp*., Montgomery, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is Sharon Center, Ohio. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3^rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-06-D-6007).

Schutt Industries, Clintonville, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, components, and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and 13 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 3^rd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-06-D-6002).

Southern Counties Oil Co.*, dba SC Fuels, Orange, Calif, is being awarded a $6,947,195 modification to a fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for biodiesel fuel. Using services are the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 28 proposals originally solicited with 21 responses. Date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-06-D-4528)

Taos Industries, Inc., Madison, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $97,733,914 firm fixed price contract, which will include a time and materials contract line item number and cost plus fixed fee CLIN, for labor and equipment to operate Defense Reutilization and Marketing Offices in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan and support military installations throughout Iraq. Using services are the Army and Marine Corps. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was solicited on FedBizOps with three responses. Date of performance completion is Nov. 28, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS), Battle Creek, Mich. (SP4410-08-D-2000)

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration of Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a firm-fixed price, cost plus fixed fee, and time and material; indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract modification for $29,500,000. This action will provide systems engineering and integration services for the A-10 weapon system. Minimum guarantee has already been met. The maximum contract limitation is being increased via contract modification by $29,500,000 from $49,000,000 to $78,500,000. The ordering period is also being extended from 18 months to 27 months. At this time, no additional funds have been obligated; aggregate dollars obligated under the contract before this action are $36,071,649. Ogden Air Logistics Center, 508th Aircraft Sustainment Wing, 538th Aircraft Sustainment Group /PK, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8202-06-D-0001-P00002).

Rockwell Collins, Incorporated of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a cost plus award fee, firm-fixed price, cost plus fixed fee and time and material contract modification for $27,479,655.69. This action is for the rebaseline for the system development and demonstration completion, low rate initial production, and production and deployment of the KG-3X cryptographic modernization program. KG-3X units are used in the Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) and the Fixed Submarine Broadcast System (FSBS) for strategic transmission of Emergency Action Messages (EAMs). The program entails box replacements, card set replacements, and reprogramming of 921 units. Of these 445 units will require organic service reprogramming. The contracted industry effort will be for 476 units. At this time, no funds have been obligated. Air Force Materiel Command, USAF, Electronic Systems Center, 653 Electronic Systems Wing, 653 ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8722-04-C-0004, P00026).

The Cessna Aircraft Co., of Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $23,736,249. This contract action will procure 5 (includes an option for 2) Cessna Aircraft Co., C-208B aircraft, minor aircraft modifications and logistic support services, with one year of spares for the Iraqi Air Force. At this time, $23,736,249 has been obligated. 337th AESG/FMS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-08-C-6183).

United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney of East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract modification for $15,033,095. This contract will exercise a priced option for CY08 Combined Test Force (CTF) Operations and support flight test support. At this time $11,274,821 has been obligated. 478 AESW/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-05-C-2851, P00030).

NAVY

SAIC, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $22,835,212 modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering support for command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). Specific efforts will include engineering products related to C4I software applications and database management systems for current and new C4I systems. As one of six original awardees, SAIC, will continue to compete for task orders during the contract's ordering period. This option award brings the potential, cumulative value of this contract to $28,915,647. All work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 10 offers received and six awards made. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-06-D-0028).

FGM, Inc., Reston, Va., is being awarded a potential $21,334,352 modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N66001-06-D-0132) to exercise an option for engineering support for command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence systems for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego. Specific efforts will include engineering products related to C4I software applications and database management systems for current and new C4I systems. As one of six original awardees, FGM, Inc. will continue to compete for task orders during the contract's ordering period. This option award brings the potential, cumulative value of this contract to $26,837,830. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 10 offers received and six awards made. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Forward Slope, Inc. (FSI), San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $20,930,647 modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering support for command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). Specific efforts will include engineering products related to C4I software applications and database management systems for current and new C4I systems. As one of six original awardees, FSI will continue to compete for task orders during the contract's ordering period. This option award brings the potential, cumulative value of this contract to $26,573,446. All work will be performed in San Diego, with work expected to be completed by September 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 10 offers received and six awards made. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-06-D-0133).

Maxim Systems, Inc. (MSI), San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $20,667,887 modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering support for command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). Specific efforts will include engineering products related to C4I software applications and database management systems for current and new C4I systems. As one of six original awardees, MSI will continue to compete for task orders during the contract's ordering period. This option award brings the potential, cumulative value of this contract to $26,210,734. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 10 offers received and six awards made. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-06-D-0135).

Intelesis Technologies Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $19,120,461 modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering support for command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego. Specific efforts will include engineering products related to C4I software applications and database management systems for current and new C4I systems. As one of six original awardees, ITC will continue to compete for task orders during the contract's ordering period. This option award brings the potential, cumulative value of this contract to $23,997,954. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with ten offers received and six awards made. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-06-D-0134).

Sys Technologies, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a potential $17,146,529 modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering support for command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego. Specific efforts will include engineering products related to C4I software applications and database management systems for current and new C4I systems. As one of six original awardees, Sys Technologies, Inc. will continue to compete for task orders during the contract's ordering period. This option award brings the potential, cumulative value of this contract to $21,668,745. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 10 offers received and six awards made. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-06-D-0136).

National Steel and Shipping Company, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,696,844 cost plus award fee modification to previously awarded contract, for repair and alterations during the Non-Docking Scheduled Availability of the USS DENVER (LPD-9). Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $10,482,907, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00024-06-C-4402).

Terex Corp., Stafford, VA, is being awarded a $7,822,632 Firm Fixed Price Delivery Order No. 0012 under Contract No. M67854-05-D-5145 for 12 cranes, and associated items. Work will be performed by Terex-Demag GmbH&Co.KG, Dinglerstr.24, 66482 Zweibrucken, Germany. The period of performance is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funding will not expire during the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-05-D-5145).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Allen C. Roberts, 21, of Arcola, Ill., died Nov. 28 from a vehicle accident near Al Asad, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

BBN Technologies Corp., Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on November 21, 2007, a $4,272,885 increment of a $5,671,121 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research under the Multilingual Automatic Document Classification, Analysis and Translation program, which will develop an end-to-end system to automatically translate handwritten and printed foreign documents into English with very high accuracy. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, could bring the potential cumulative total of this contract to $29,875,374. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass., and is expected to be completed in November 2008 (November 2012 for all options). Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued BAA 07-38 in Federal Business Opportunities on April 26, 2007, and 11 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-08-C-0004).

Airman Missing In Action From The Vietnam War Is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Capt. Stephen A. Rusch, U.S. Air Force, of Lambertville, N.J. He will be buried on Nov. 30 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

On March 7, 1972, Rusch was the weapons systems officer in an F-4E Phantom II aircraft attacking enemy targets in Salavan Province, Laos. The plane was the number two aircraft in a flight of two. When Rusch's aircraft was cleared to begin its second run over enemy targets, the flight leader of the number one aircraft lost sight of Rusch's plane and observed enemy ground fire followed by a large explosion. An immediate search was begun, but all attempts to establish radio contact and later search efforts were unsuccessful.

In 1995, a joint U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and interviewed several Laotian citizens. The team surveyed the crash site identified by one of the citizens and found aircraft wreckage.

In 2001, a U.S. citizen, acting as an intermediary for a Laotian citizen, turned over to U.S. officials a bone fragment and a photocopy of Rusch's military identification tag. The bone fragment proved not to be from Capt. Rusch.

In 2002-2003, joint teams conducted two excavations of the crash site. The teams recovered human remains and non-biological evidence including U.S. coins and life support equipment.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jonathon L. Martin, 33, of Bellevue, Ohio, died Nov. 22 in Regensburg, Germany, of wounds suffered on Nov. 9 in Jisr Naft, Iraq, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1^st Squadron, 32^nd Cavalry Regiment, 1^st Brigade Combat Team, 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Troop Redeployment Gets Under Way in Iraq

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2007 - The first reduction in American forces in Iraq is under way, as the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division heads back to Fort Hood, Texas.

The brigade will not be replaced. Roughly 162,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq in 20 brigade teams or their Marine equivalents. If all goes well, this will drop to 15 brigade combat teams over the next eight months, Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq in Baghdad, said Nov. 24.

Iraqi security forces are attaining the expertise and operational capabilities needed to police their own country, Smith said. Iraqi forces are taking over more of the battle space in Baghdad and around the country.

"Current conditions allow for a withdrawal of the first unit ... starting on Nov. 27," Smith said. "If conditions continue to permit, a total of five brigade combat teams will be redeployed over the next eight months."

The redeployment of the brigade shows the coalition's confidence in Iraqi security forces and reflects the overall improved security in the country, Smith said. The brigade – based in Diyala province – will not leave a vacuum in the province.

"We do not intend to give back our hard-fought ground," Smith said. "Repositioning of coalition and Iraqi security forces will ensure that overall force levels and combat capability levels in Diyala will be tailored to meet emerging threats."

Soldiers of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division are replacing the 3rd Brigade forces, said Army Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. The Stryker Brigade has been conducting combat operations in other areas of Iraq for the past six months and is absorbing Diyala into its battle space.

"Over the past 14 months, my soldiers and the Iraqi security forces, the provincial government and other officials have worked hard to bring stability and services to Diyala," Sutherland said. "And it's truly gratifying to see the efforts of my soldiers come to fruition."

The province, while still troubled, has come a long way, he said. The security problem dominated; government, economy and basic services hinged on improved security, he explained.

"Public perception of inequity, corruption, and fear became the driving force behind support to terrorists, specifically al Qaeda," the colonel said.

In May, prior to Operation Arrowhead Ripper and the surge of troops in Diyala, there were 1,051 significant acts of violence, Sutherland said. This included murders, kidnappings and suicide attacks. "Today, the operational environment is drastically improving," he said. "By the end of October, there were 464 significant acts of violence reported. This is a drop of over 50 percent of significant acts in a province the size of Maryland, with over 1.6 million citizens." And the trend continues. Through Nov. 20, there were just over 200 acts of violence this month.

"These improvements would not have been possible without the support and cooperation from the local citizens who were tired of the hatred and disgust offered by extremist organizations," he said. "The surge enabled the coalition and Iraqi security forces to dominate the terrain and secure the population. It also helped the government to function properly and begin focusing on reconstruction and essential services."

But in the end, it was the people of the province who enabled the surge to succeed. Roughly 3,000 concerned local citizens have stood up against al Qaeda, Sutherland said. "They assist the Iraqi police by guarding their own roads and local infrastructure and manning checkpoints throughout the province," he explained.

These concerned local citizens also provide coalition and the Iraqi security forces with information about weapons caches, locations of car bombs and house-borne and deep-buried improvised explosive devices, and are turning in known al Qaeda fighters. "These concerned local citizens understand that the future of Iraq can be better if they get involved in ridding the province of al Qaeda and participate in the development of their own democracy," he said.

"As I've said on numerous occasions, we cannot kill our way out of this," Sutherland said. "In Diyala, when the government loses its will, the people lose hope and they turn to other sources to provide that hope. Today, there is hope in Diyala."

Marines Deliver Water to Cyclone-Striken Bangladesh

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2007 - A pair of Marine helicopters lifted from the USS Kearsarge flight deck today with loads of bottled water, marking the first delivery of U.S. military aid to the storm-battered nation of Bangladesh.

U.S. Marine helicopter crews from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked with the USS Kearsarge, deliver bottled to Parisol, Bangladesh, Nov. 23, 2007. The shipment marked the beginning of U.S. military humanitarian aid to the cyclone-striken country. Photo by Cpl. Peter R. Miller, USMC

The 750-gallon shipment was delivered to a relief-supply distribution hub in Barisal, a city in southern Bangladesh.

"I feel ecstatic," said Marine Capt. Andrew Traynor, a CH-46E helicopter pilot with the Aviation Combat Element for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. "(This mission) can show that the U.S. military is not all about combat; we're here to help people."

Kearsarge and elements of the embarked 22nd MEU arrived off the coast of Bangladesh early this morning. While the ship was on its nearly 3,500-mile trek to reach its current position, Marines and sailors aboard the vessel tested equipment, positioned supplies and readied for humanitarian assistance operations.

"The delivery today is a start, but there is more work to be done," said Marine Col. Doug Stilwell, the 22nd MEU's commanding officer. "The Bangladesh government and military, in conjunction with relief agencies, are responding well to the situation. We will reinforce and support that effort."

To focus U.S. military efforts on supporting the Bangladesh relief operation, a team of key military representatives led by Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Marine Brig. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commander of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, the lead U.S. military commander on the ground in Bangladesh, met with representatives of the Bangladesh military, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Embassy. A team from Kearsarge, led by Navy Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, commander of Task Force 76, also was present at the meeting, having flown from Kearsarge to the nation's capital city of Dhaka this morning.

"All parties concur with the way ahead for this operation," Stilwell said. "We want to support in a way that will have the most impact on reducing further loss of life and relieving human suffering."

Marine Lt. Gen. John F. Goodman, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, in response to a request from the government of Bangladesh to the United States and at the direction of the U.S. Pacific Command, is leading Defense Department efforts to assist the people of Bangladesh in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Sidr, which devastated that nation Nov. 15.

(Compiled from Marine Corps Forces, Pacific news releases.)

	Bangladeshi military personnel take charge of a shipment of bottled water delivered by U.S. Marine helicopter crews from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked with the USS Kearsarge, in Parisol, Bangladesh, Nov. 23, 2007. Photo by Cpl. Peter R. Miller, USMC
	Bangladeshi military personnel take charge of a shipment of bottled water delivered by U.S. Marine helicopter crews from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked with the USS Kearsarge, in Parisol, Bangladesh, Nov. 23, 2007. Photo by Cpl. Peter R. Miller, USMC

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Universal Technology Corporation, UTC, of Dayton, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $98,000,000. This action provides for the Rapid Response Research and Development (R&D) for the Propulsion Directorate is an integral tool for the execution of the Propulsion Directorate's R&D programs that allows for rapid responses for short-term efforts and long-term capabilities. This effort will place on contract the basic IDIQ and covers Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines, Aerospace Power and Thermal Management, and Advanced Propulsion. This effort also provides Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) that are integral to, in direct support of, and inseparable from research and development. At this time $1,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKPB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-2806).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Melvin L. Henley Jr., 26, of Jackson, Miss., died at Camp Striker in Baghdad on Nov. 21 of injuries suffered from non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 603^rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3^rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3^rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The incident is under investigation.

AIR FORCE

The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee, firm fixed price contract to the following contractors: Northrop Grumman of Carson, Calif. And Raytheon Company of Aurora, Colo. For $160,000,000 (Northrop Grumman) and $159,759,839 (Raytheon). This action provides for Global Positioning Systems Next Generation Ground Control Segment (GPS) OCX), Phase A. Phase A is the risk reduction effort which includes trade studies, requirements definition and engineering model development. At this time $16,000,000 has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-09-C-0001, FA8807-09-C-0003, FA8807-09-C-0006).

MPC Containment Systems, Ltd. of Chicago, Ill. is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $24,150,000. This action provides for the 50K and 210K Collapsible Fuel Tanks. The 50,000 and 210,000 gallon collapsible fuel tanks (fuel bladders) are used to store and service various types of fuel which support aircraft and ground support equipment to meet mission requirements at deployed austere locations through the world. This is a five year, firm fixed price, requirements type contract to purchase a best estimated quantity of 330 50K collapsible fuel tanks and 225 210K collapsible fuel tanks. At this time no funds have been obligated. 642 CBSG/GBKBB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8533-08-D-0001).

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. of Ga., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract modification for $6,845,066. This effort is for the FAA-certified installation of the Northrop Grumman NEMESSIS AN/AAQ-24 (V) DIRCM system on the five Air Force C-37A lease aircraft. At this time all funds have been obligated. 655 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F33657-00-C-0038/P00123).

NAVY

Northrop Grumman, Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $19,677,937 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for repair of 44 line items of navigation and communication equipment that are part of the ALR-66/606, ALR-67, and APR39 hardware used on various aircraft. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and work is expected to be completed by October 2009. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00383-07-D-017G).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $13,800,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive/award-fee contract (N00019-06-C-0291) to conduct pre-production manufacturing assistance and planning tasks to ensure sufficient subcontractor technical knowledge to support the F-35 II Lightening Joint Strike Fighter production ramp rate. Work will be performed El Segundo, Calif. (72 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (14 percent); and Preston, United Kingdom (14 percent) and is expected to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. Is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Space Mission Systems Corp., Van Nuys, Calif., is being awarded an $8,335,091 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide for U.S. and U.K. TRIDENT Flight test data collection, planning, support, and refresh of the radars used to collect the data. Work will be performed in Los Angeles, Calif. (37 percent); Arlington, Va. (7 percent); Van Nuys, Calif. (2 percent); Huntington Beach, Calif. (4 percent); Pleasant Hill, Calif. (2 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $4,363,048 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-08-C-0005).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

SIGCOM, Inc. of Greensboro, North Carolina, is being awarded a $6,633,771 cost-plus-fixed-fee sole source contract to operate and maintain existing and planned video teleconferencing facilities in multiple Missile Defense Agency locations. The work will be performed at the Missile Defense Agency offices in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area; Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado; Huntsville, Alabama; Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico; and Fort Greely, Alaska. The period of performance is from Nov. 2007 through Nov. 2008. Contract funds of $379,359 will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-08-C-0004). FY 07 research and development funds of $359,359 and FY 08 research and development funds of $776,000 will be used. The contract will be incrementally funded, and at award obligations will total $1,135,359.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Alfred G. Paredez Jr., 32, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Nov. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Hunt Building Co., LTD, El Paso, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 16, 2007, a $28,070,900 firm-fixed-price contract for military family housing. Work will be performed in Dyess AFB, Texas, and is expected to be completed by April 10, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was announced on May 21, 2007, and two bids were received. The Army Corps of Engineers – Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity W9128F-07-C-0028.

*CSI Armoring, Miami, Fla., was awarded on Nov. 15, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,792,502 as part of a $7,792,502 firm-fixed-price contract for Armored Sport Utility Vehicles. Work will be performed in Miami, Fla., and is expected to be completed by May 24, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 6 bids solicited on Aug. 13, 2007, and 14 bids were received. The Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity GS-07F-08-0001.

NAVY

Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $13,248,375 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for computer program modernization and integration required for the Machinery Control Systems of DDG-51 Flight I/II Class Ships. This contract will include a base effort for modernization of existing computer programs as well as engineering services and support that may be required for integration efforts associated with new technologies selected as part of the DDG-Modernization Program. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed in November 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-4202).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

General Electric Transportation Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $15,335,100 firm fixed price, requirements type contract modification for commercial, sole source items for engine lines. This acquisition was solicited with 1 response prior to the issuance of the Interim Rule limiting task or delivery order contract to not more than 5 years. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM400-00-D-9403).

*Small business

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Nov. 18 when an improvised explosive device detonated during a mounted patrol in Baquabah, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 38^th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Pfc. Marius L. Ferrero, 23, of Miami, Fla., who died in Baqubah, Iraq.

Cpl. Jason T. Lee, 26, of Fruitport, Mich., who died in Balad, Iraq.

Cpl. Christopher J. Nelson, 22, Rochester, Wash., who died in Baqubah, Iraq.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2nd Lt. Peter H. Burks, 26, of Dallas, Texas, died Nov. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems of Pittsfield, Massachusetts is being awarded Strategic Systems Programs Contract N00030-08-C-0041 in the amount of $91,322,561 to provide the FY2008 through FY2009 U.S. and U.K. Fire Control System and the U.S. SSGN Attack Weapon Control System (AWCS). Specific efforts include U.S. and U.K. operational support, repair, installation, and checkout; Mod 6/7 development and production; Mod 8/9 development; Engineered Refueling Overhaul Support; Training Unique Development; AWCS; Auxiliary Systems Tech Refresh; AWCS Mod 0 updates; Conventional TRIDENT Modification development; and Mk 6 Life Extension development. The period of performance is 01 October 2007 through 02 April 2011. The place of performance (100%) is General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Pittsfield, MA. This is a cost plus incentive fee contract (incentives on cost, performance, and schedule) awarded based on a sole source acquisition. The funding profile is as follows: $2,978,000 FY2007 UK (3.3 percent), $35,613,891 FY2007 OPN (39 percent), $2,327,403 FY2008 SCN (2.5 percent), $27,865,698 FY2008 O&M,N (30.5 percent), $9,973,000 FY2008 UK (10.9 percent), $9,096,830 FY2008 OPN (10.0 percent), $3,467,739 FY2008 WPN (3.8 percent). The award contains $27,865,698 of FY2008 O&M,N funding which would expire at the end of the current fiscal year (FY2008). Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, VA is the contracting activity

Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems & Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $42,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee, level-of-effort modification exercise an option under previously awarded contract N00024-03-C-5115, for engineering services relative to DDG 51 Class and CG 47 Class Aegis Combat System installation, integration and test, and fleet life cycle engineering support for the Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Insight Technology, Inc., ofLondonderry, NH is being awarded a $24,885,386 contract for the production, delivery and support for the amount of 2192 Individual Weapon Night Sights, Thermal (IWNS-T). The IWNS-Twill provide individual marine riflemen a Rifle Combat Optic compatible night sight, able to be clipped on and off of the family of modular U.S. service rifles. Work will be performed in Londonderry, NH. Delivery of systems is expected to begin in January of 2008 and to be completed by October of 2008 with support for the IWNS-Tto continue until November of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

ITT Industries, Van Nuys, Calif., is being awarded a $14,212,378 modification to exercise an option under previously awarded contract N00024-06-C-5204, for the Radar Obsolescence Availability Recovery Program for the AN/SPS-48E Radar System. The modification provides for procurement of engineering and technical services to design, integrate and test the AN/SPS-48G(V) Radar System upgrade. Work will be performed in Van Nuys, Calif., and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corp., Electronic Systems, Sykesville, Md., is being awarded a $9,260,025 order against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N68335-02-D-0023) for ten Valve Actuation and Control(VAC) system production units (four systems for CVN 77, five systems for CVN 70, and one system for shorebased). The VAC system is intended to replace the existing control and actuation system of the Mark 7 Aircraft Arresting Gear. Work will be performed in Sykesville, Md. and is expected to be completed in May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

General Dynamics Land Systems Division, was awarded on Nov. 15, 2007, $88,754,400 a firm-fixed-price contract for reset of 240 M1A2 Abrams tanks. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Oct. 20, 2006, and one bid was received. The Tank, Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-06-G-0006.

Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on Nov. 15, 2007, a $48,474,997 firm-fixed-price contract for 115mm Excalibur artillery projectiles. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on March 16, 2007, and one bid was received. The Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity W15QKN-07-C-0100.

*DTM Corp., Silver Spring, Md., was awarded on Nov. 15, 2007, a $12,759,948 firm-fixed-price contract for security officer services supporting the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 20, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This web solicitation was announced on Dec. 21, 2005, and 17 bids were received. The Washington Headquarters Services, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity HQ0034-06-C-1002.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Tennessee Apparel,* Tullahoma, Tenn., is being awarded a maximum $71,166,447 firm fixed price indefinite delivery contract for Navy task force uniform parkas. This acquisition was Web solicited with 4 responses. Using service is the Navy. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is November 21, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1017)

Wellstone Apparel, LLC, Greenville, S.C. is being awarded a maximum $9,937,118 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract for blouses and trousers, for the Navy Task Force Working/Utility Uniform. Using service is the Navy. Other locations of performance are Columbia, Miss., and Tylertown, Miss. Proposals were Web-solicited and 10 responded. Contract funds will not expire at end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is November 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-07-D-1551).

* Small Business

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Alejandro Ayala, 26, of Riverside, Calif., died Nov. 18 of injuries sustained as a result of a vehicle accident in Kuwait. He was assigned to the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Steven C. Ganczewski, 22, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., died Nov. 16, in Balad, Iraq, wounds suffered from a combat-related incident. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Mason L. Lewis, 26, of Gloucester, Va., died in Baghdad on Nov. 16, as a result of a non-combat related training accident. He was assigned to the 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, AZ., is being awarded a $25,537,975 cost-plus-award-fee sole source contract modification to revise the statement of work for the manufacture of twenty-nine SM-3 Block IA missiles (9, Foreign Military Sales) plus one set of spare sections for the aegis ballistic missile defense program. The principle place of performance is Tucson, AZ. Work will also be performed in Elkton, MD. by a major subcontractor, Alliant Techsystems, Incorporated and is expected to be complete by July 2008. The contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-03-C-6111). FY 07 research and development funds will be used. The contract modification will be incrementally funded, and at award will obligate $8,459,915.

ARMY

BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on Nov. 15, 2007, a 14,765,553 cost reimbursement contract for materials for M2A3 and M3A3 reset. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There one bid solicited on March 30, 2007, and one bids was received. The Tank Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity W56HZV-05-0005.

NAVY

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems of Pittsfield, Massachusetts is being awarded Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) Contract N00030-08-C-0041 in the amount of $91,322,561 to provide the FY2008 through FY2009 U.S. and U.K. Fire Control System and the U.S. SSGN Attack Weapon Control System (AWCS). Specific efforts include U.S. and U.K. operational support, repair, installation, and checkout; Mod 6/7 development and production; Mod 8/9 development; Engineered Refueling Overhaul Support; Training Unique Development; AWCS; Auxiliary Systems Tech Refresh; AWCS Mod 0 updates; Conventional TRIDENT Modification (CTM) development; and Mk 6 Life Extension development. The period of performance is 01 October 2007 through 02 April 2011. The place of performance (100%) is General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Pittsfield, MA. This is a Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract (incentives on Cost, Performance, and Schedule) awarded based on a sole source acquisition. The funding profile is as follows: $2,978,000 FY2007 UK (3.3 percent), $35,613,891 FY2007 OPN (39.0 percent), $2,327,403 FY2008 SCN (2.5 percent), $27,865,698 FY2008 O&M,N (30.5 percent), $9,973,000 FY2008 UK (10.9 percent), $9,096,830 FY2008 OPN (10.0 percent), $3,467,739 FY2008 WPN (3.8 percent). The award contains $27,865,698 of FY2008 O&M,N funding which would expire at the end of the current fiscal year (FY2008). Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, VA is the contracting activity

ITT Industries, Van Nuys, Calif., is being awarded a $14,212,378 modification to exercise an option under previously awarded contract N00024-06-C-5204, for the radar obsolescence availability recovery program for the AN/SPS-48E Radar System. The modification provides for procurement of engineering and technical services to design, integrate and test the AN/SPS-48G(V) Radar System upgrade. Work will be performed in Van Nuys, Calif., and is expected to be completed in June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Kenneth R. Booker, 25, of Vevay, Ind., died Nov. 14, in Mukhisa, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

2nd Lt. Stuart F. Liles, 26, of Hot Springs, Ark., died Nov. 13 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The incident is under investigation

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

L-3 Communications Government Services of Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a indefinite/delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $136,528,851. This action provides for Academic, Training and Exercise Contract Support (ATECS). The requirement is for the contractor to furnish qualified personnel to conduct operational level, and in some cases tactical level command and control instruction/academics, training, curriculum development, exercise planning and execution, Operational Command Training Program, and experimentation support to the 505the Command and Control Wing in order to build the predominant air and space command and control capability for joint and combined warfighters through training, testing, exercising, and experimentation under the direction of the United States Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis AFB, NV. At this time $25,498,654 has been obligated. ACC/AMIC OL-B, Hurlburt Field Fla., is the contracting activity (FA4890-08-D-0001, Task order 0001).

Whitesell-Green Inc., W.G. Yates & Sons, of Biloxi, Miss., is being awarded a contract for $28,026,000. This action provides for non-appropriated funded visiting quarters, and consolidated club. Appropriate funded Joint Operations Planning Center. At this time $20,773,000 has been obligated. 1 SOCONS/LGCB, Hurlburt Field, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA4417-08-C-0001).

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp. of Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a contract modification for $11,071,200. This is contract modification to the existing Space Based Infrared System High Component engineering, manufacturing, and development contract. This contract action primarily provides Initial Porting to Advanced IBM UNIX (AIX) Operating System. Activities consist of installing the data processing equipment requirement to establish the porting environment, changing appropriate source coding, compiling Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) initial operation (GIO) source code on AIX, and making the recompiled AIX GIO source code available to the Chlorofluorocarbons (GFC) development effort. At this time $66,000 has been obligated. SMC, Space based Infrared Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-0017, P00445).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

U.S. Foodservice, Livermore, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $14,549,396.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for full line food distribution. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Job Corps. There are no other locations of performance. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were nine proposals originally solicited with three responses. Date of performance completion is Jan. 14, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3228).

Wolverine World Wide, Rockford, Mich., is being awarded a maximum $5,111,058.24 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for hot weather boots. Using service is Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were six proposals originally solicited with six responses. Date of performance completion is Nov. 13, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1012).

Lee Escher Oil Co., Inc., Coachella, Calif.,* is being awarded a minimum $11,785,973.91 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for biodiesel fuel. Using services are Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Department of Defense. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 28 proposals originally solicited with 21 responses. Date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SPO600-05-D-4530).

Labatt Food Service, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $9,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for full line food distributor. Using services are Army, and Air Force. There are no other locations of performance. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option one of four one-year options. There were five proposals originally solicited with three responses. Date of performance completion is Nov. 17, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3212).

Jianas Brothers Packaging Co., Kansas City, Mo.,** is being awarded a maximum $7,369,320.00 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for food components for Meals Ready to Eat program. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There are no other locations of performance. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option year two. There were seven proposals originally solicited with five responses. Date of performance completion is Nov. 13, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-06-D-Z119).

*Small Business

** Smal Disadvantaged Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Ashley Sietsema, 20, of Melrose Park, Ill., died Nov. 12 in Kuwait City, Kuwait, of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident. She was assigned to the 708^th Medical Company, 108^th Medical Battalion, 108^th Sustainment Brigade, Illinois National Guard, North Riverside, Ill.

The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $42,337,127 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (M67004-99-C-0002) to exercise the ninth option period for Fiscal Year 2008, for the Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS) Program and the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway (MCPP-N) Contract. This option includes logistics services that covers maintenance both in CONUS and OCONUS, supply support, inventory management, IT support, preservation and packaging, organic support, and shipping and receiving. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (86 percent); aboard 16 MPS ships (12 percent); and in six locations in Norway (2 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 33 proposals solicited and 6 offers received via the Commerce Business Daily. U.S. Marine Corps Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Tinker Support Services of Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded an indefinite/delivery/ indefinite quantity contract for $267,434,836. This action provides for Tinker Air Force Base Civil Engineering Services. At this time no funds have been obligated. 79 CONS/PKAB, Tinker Air Force Base Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8101-08-D-0006).

BAE Systems Electronics and Integrated Solutions, Inc. of Washington D.C., is being awarded a contract for $8,240,055. The objective of the ATAEM program is to design, build and demonstrate a proof-of-concept system to characterize underground facilities from an airborne platform using active electromagnetic. At this time $2,786,742 has been obligated. Det 1, AFRL/PKDA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-C-7804).

NAVY

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $225,143,877 firm-fixed-price contract for MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) Block 1B Upgrade and Conversion equipment, U.S. Army Block 1B Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) Upgrade and Conversion equipment, U.S Army Block 1B LPWS's and associated spares and support equipment. Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is a fast reaction terminal defense against low and high flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other ships' defenses. Phalanx CIWS is currently installed on approximately 187 Navy ships and is in use in 20 foreign navies. The Army is deploying a land-based system known as the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System. This effort includes purchases for the Governments of Portugal (1.23 percent) and Australia (1.09 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky. (55.7 percent), Burlington, Vt. (12.4 percent), Palm Bay, Fla. (8 percent), Andover, Mass. (4.9 percent), Pittsburg, Pa. (4.8 percent), Carson, Calif. (4.1 percent), Tucson, Ariz. (3.4 percent), Brooklyn, N.Y. (3.4 percent), Bloomington, Minn. (3.3 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $7,255,134 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity N00024-07-C-5444.

Bath Iron Works, Inc., Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $141,999,995 cost-reimbursement modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) for DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer additional long lead material and pre-production planning to support detail design and construction. DDG 1000 will provide advanced land attack capability in support of the ground campaign and contribute Naval, Joint, or Combined battle-space dominance in littoral operations. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine (23 percent); Parsippany, N.J. (18 percent); Pittsburgh, Pa. (12 percent); Sanford, Maine (3 percent); Newtown Square, Pa. (3 percent); Brunswick, Ga. (2 percent); Paterson, N.J. (2 percent); York, Pa. (2 percent); Baltimore, Md. (2 percent); Erie, Pa. (2 percent); Iron Mountain, Mich. (2 percent) and various other locations of 1 percent or less each to total 29 percent, and is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS), Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $90,000,000 cost-reimbursement modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2304) for DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer additional long lead material and pre-production planning to support detail design and construction. DDG 1000 will provide advanced land attack capability in support of the ground campaign and contribute Naval, Joint, or Combined battle-space dominance in littoral operations. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (42 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (11 percent); Parsippany, N.J. (7 percent); Dallas, Texas (7 percent); Walpole, Mass. (5 percent); Erie, Pa. (5 percent); York, Pa. (4 percent); Herndon, Va. (4 percent), Hampton, N.H. (3 percent) and various other locations of 2 percent or less to total 12 percent, and is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded $9,200,512 for an extension of a previously awarded Performance Based Logistics contract (N00383-05-D-001M) for repair, replacement, consumables support, and program support for the F414 engine (F/A-18 E, F and EA-18G aircraft) components. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (90 percent) and Lynn, Mass. (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the contract ordering period. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Epsilon Systems Solution, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $5,981,594 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N68936-07-D-0005) to exercise an option for environmental surveys, analysis and studies for the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Belleville Shoe Manufacturing, Co., Belleville, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $23,241,960,72 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for safety boots. Using service is Navy. Other location of performance is Arkansas. Contract includes 1 base year and two 1-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 4 responses. Date of performance completion is Nov. 9, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1009).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Nov. 12 in Bermel, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the vehicle they were in was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to 1^st Squadron, 91^st Cavalry Regiment, 173^rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Killed were:

Capt. David A. Boris, 30, of Pennsylvania.

Spc. Adrian E. Hike, 26, of Callender, Iowa.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

General Electric Company Aircraft Engines of Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $69,696,940.14. This contract modification will provide for newly redesigned High Pressure Compressor (HPC) and High Pressure Turbine (HPT) assemblies, and new redesigned Aging Engine Upgrade components to support the Service Life Extension Plan (SLEP) and Aging Engine Upgrade (AEU) initiatives applicable to the F110-GE-100/129 engine, F-16 aircraft. Requirement responds to the need for 20 more years of operability from the F-16 fleet. At this time all funds have been obligated. 748 CBSG/PKP, Tinker Air Force Base Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-C-0053-P00012).

BAE Systems Information and Electronics, of Yonkers, N.Y., is being awarded a contract for $28,119,588. This action provides for AN/ALR 56M System Receiving Ships Sets applicable to the C-130 aircraft, 28 each. At this time all funds have been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKT, Robins Air Force Base Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0001-0268).

NAVY

Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle, Division, Armor Holdings, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded a $50,218,798 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0002 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5030) for the purchase of Prescribed Load List (PLL) sustainment parts, Authorized Stockage List (ASL) sustainment parts, MRAP University Training, new equipment training and logistics demonstration support. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and work is expected to be completed October 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $37,320,528 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5361) for engineering and technical services in support of Standard Missile research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) programs. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $117,743, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity.

Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Tactical Propulsion and Controls Division, Rocket Center, W.V., is being awarded an estimated $36,983,505 cost, no-fee facilities acquisition contract (N00024-08-E-4403), for restoration projects in support of the Navy's continuing Restoration Program at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory. Work will be performed in Rocket Center, W.V., and is expected to be completed by November 2009. Contract funding will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $23,268,500.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for automotive gasoline. Using service is foreign military sales. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This proposal was originally Web solicited with three responses. Date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0454).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Derek R. Banks, 24, of Newport News, Va., died Nov. 14 in San Antonio of wounds suffered Oct. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 237^th Engineer Company, 276^th Engineer Battalion, 91^st Troop Command, Virginia National Guard, West Point, Va.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

The Orbital Sciences Corp., of Sterling, Va., is being awarded a contract for $29,481,249. The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base N.M. is procuring an innovative technology solution for a nanosatellite capable of independently providing localized Space Situational Awareness and anomaly characterization of the local space environment of a host of satellite. The nanosatellite will be capable of flight experimentation by early FY2010. The nanosatellite has a one year mission life at GEO, with a goal for 3 years of operational life from launch. The vehicle is capable of direct, secure, and AFSCN compatible ground communications; allows operation with minimal ground intervention, without reliance on the host. Nanosatellite is compact, affordable, and efficiently designed to have an absolute minimum impact on a host asset. At this time $2,300,000 has been obligated. AFRL, Detachment 8, Kirtland Air Force Base N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-08-C-0173).

ARMY

LDV Inc.*, Cleveland, Ohio, was awarded on Nov. 5, 2007, a $26,495,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Whitehall, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 10, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0002).

Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $11,000,000 as part of an $800,000,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for common sensors for the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter-70A and Extended Range/MP Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 24, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-D-S602).

CSI Armoring*, Miami, Fla., was awarded on Nov. 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,595,002 as part of a $7,595,002 firm-fixed-price contract for armored sport utility vehicles. Work will be performed in Miami, Fla. (71 percent), Chula Vista, Calif. (5 percent), and Dubai, U.A.E. (24 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 24, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were six bids solicited on Aug. 13, 2007, and 14 bids were received. The Multi-National Security Transition Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-08-F-0001).

Vertigo Inc.*, Lake Elsinore, Calif., was awarded on Nov. 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,071,246 as part of a $5,071,246 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of the Air-Supported Tent, Extendable, Modular, Personnel used for reset of the Force Provider Base Camps. Work will be performed in Lake Elsinore, Calif., is expected to be completed by Nov. 5, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 10, 2007. The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-08-D-0001).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

The IJ Co., Valdosta, Ga., is being awarded a $23,750,000.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor, indefinite quantity contract for subsistence support. Using services are Navy, Federal Civilian Agencies, and National Guard. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This proposal was originally WEB solicited with 3 responses. Date of performance completion is Oct. 16, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3096).

Essex PB&R Corp., Saint Louis, Mo.,* is being awarded a maximum $8,501,760.00 firm fixed price, requirements type quantity contract for Emergency Passenger Oxygen System (EPOS). Using service is Air Force. This is a 5 year contract with a 1 year base period and four 1-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This sole source proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is Nov. 6, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM4A7-08-D-0035).

NAVY

Pyramid Services, Inc.*, Asheboro, N.C., is being awarded a $7,839,301 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for base operating support services, at the Naval Air Facility, El Centro. This contract contains four options, and five award options, which if exercised would bring the contract value to a not to exceed value of $91,808,028. Work will be performed in El Centro, Calif., and work is expected to be completed September 2008 (September 2017 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a set-aside for small business concerns via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Public Works, El Centro, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-08-D-2301).

*Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Casey P. Mason, 22, of Lake, Mich., died Nov.13 in Mosul, Iraq of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Nov. 13 in Mukhisa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during dismounted combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Sgt. Christopher R. Kruse, 23, of Emporia, Kan.

Spc. Peter W. Schmidt, 30, of Eureka, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek, 22, of Elmhurst, Ill., died Nov. 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Phillip A. Bocks, 28, of Troy, Mich., died Nov. 9 while conducting combat operations in Aranus, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach, 25, of McKees Rocks, Pa., died Nov. 10 in Bagram, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered in Tagab,

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach, 25, of McKees Rocks, Pa., died Nov. 10 in Bagram, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered in Tagab, Afghanistan, when his vehicle was struck by a rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 10^th Special Forces Group, Stuttgart, Germany

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Jermaine D. Franklin, 22, of Arlington, Texas, died Nov. 9, in Jisr Naft, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the

1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds sustained when their patrol was attacked by direct fire from enemy forces in Aranus, Afghanistan, on Nov 9. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Killed were:

1st Lt. Matthew C. Ferrara, 24, of Torrance, Calif., who died Nov. 9 in Aranus.

Sgt. Jeffery S. Mersman, 23, of Parker, Kan., who died Nov. 10 in Aranus.

Spc. Sean K. A. Langevin, 23, of Walnut Creek, Calif., who died Nov. 9 in Aranus.

Spc. Lester G. Roque, 23, of Torrance, Calif., who died Nov. 10 in Aranus.

Pfc. Joseph M. Lancour, 21, of Swartz Creek, Mich., who died Nov. 10 in Aranus

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao, 29, of Fagaalu, American Samoa, died Nov. 7 in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an improvised explosive device during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 30^th Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Benjamin D. Tiffner, 31, of West Virginia, died Nov. 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Nov. 5, in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee during combat operations.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis, 34, of Anchorage, Alaska. She was assigned to the 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Staff Sgt. John D. Linde, 30, of New York, N.Y. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Sgt. Derek T. Stenroos, 24, of North Pole, Alaska. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Pfc. Adam J. Muller, 21, of Underhill, Vt. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Pilot Missing From the Vietnam War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Maj. John L. Carroll, U.S. Air Force, of Decatur, Ga. He will be buried on Nov. 13 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

On Nov. 7, 1972, Carroll was flying a Forward Air Controller mission over Xiangkhoang Province, Laos, when his O-1G Bird Dog aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire and forced to land. Once on the ground, he radioed the Search-and-Rescue (SAR) helicopters on his intent to stay in the aircraft. Two SAR helicopters attempted a recovery, but intense enemy fire forced them to depart the area. A second pickup attempt was made later, but the pilot of that helicopter saw that Carroll had been fatally wounded. The recovery attempt was unsuccessful due to nearby enemy forces that opened fire on the helicopter.

In 1993, a joint U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and surveyed the crash site. During the site survey, the team found small fragments of aircraft wreckage.

Between 1996 and 2007, joint U.S./L.P.D.R./Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, led by JPAC, conducted several interviews concerning the incident. One witness provided the team with identification media which belonged to Carroll. In another interview, a former People's Army of North Vietnam officer turned over some of Carroll's personal effects and told the team that local residents had buried Carroll. Another witness later led a team to the burial site.

In 2007, a joint team excavated the burial site and found his remains.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Daniel J. Shaw, 23, of West Seneca, N.Y., died Nov. 5 in Taji, Iraq.

His death is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin R. Bewley, 27, of Hector, Ark., died Nov. 5 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting operations in Salah ad Din province, Iraq. Bewley was permanently assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Oak Harbor, Wash

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Christine M. Ndururi, 21, of Dracut, Mass., died Nov. 6 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, from a non-combat related illness. Her death is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $65,541,892 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for Consolidated Design Agent, Planning Yard, engineering and technical support for active Nuclear Submarines. The contract provides for updated drawings and related data which documents ship configuration and deviations for operational submarines, and planning, scheduling and technical support to ensure accomplishment of operational submarine Engineered Overhauls/Extended Refit Periods. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (59 percent); Bangor, Wash. (19 percent); Kings Bay, Ga. (16 percent); Newport, R.I. (5 percent); and Quonset, R.I. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $65,541,892 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Centurum, Inc, Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $16,651,639 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a cost-plus-award-fee pricing arrangement for In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) support for multiple radio frequency and satellite communication programs and projects at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). The work includes support in the areas of management, engineering, technical, logistics, fabrication, and installation support for integrated and non-integrated shipboard installations. The ISEA workinvolves Super High Frequency, Extremely High Frequency, Ultra High Frequency radio and Satellite Communications. This contract includes four one-year options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $84,265,585. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposalssolicited on an unrestricted basis via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central web site, with three offers received. SSC San Diego is the contracting activity (N66001-08-D-0031).

Air Force Grounds F-15 Fleet Following Crash

By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2007 - The Air Force has grounded its F-15 Eagle fleet following the crash of a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C on Nov. 2. However, F-15s assigned to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Central Command Air Forces will be on alert and fly required missions, officials said today.

Although the incident is still under investigation, preliminary findings indicate a possible structural failure led to last week's crash during a training exercise near Salem, Mo.

"The Air Force is looking at its operational requirements, where they have the newer aircraft and making some of those available for missions while they take a look at the F-15 fleet to see if they have a more systemic problem throughout the fleet," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.

Air Force officials said they will ensure mission requirements are met for worldwide operations normally accomplished by the F-15. Flying locations include bases in the continental United States, Alaska, England, Hawaii, Japan and the Middle East.

"It is important to remember, in the F-15E, that not all F-15s are created equal," Whitman said. "It is a family of aircraft built over a long period of time; some earlier models have been in service a lot longer than F-15Es."

About 700 aging F-15s are in today's Air Force inventory. The fleet first reached operational capability in September 1975. The aircraft involved in last week's crash was built in 1980, officials said. While the F-15 continues to prove highly effective in ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Air Force is on a course to eventually replace the aging F-15 A, B, C and D fleet with the stealthy F-22 Raptor.

The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield, according to Air Force officials.

The F-15C, D and E models were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm. F-15C fighters accounted for 34 of the 37 Air Force air-to-air victories in that conflict.

They have since been deployed for Air Expeditionary Force deployments and operations Southern Watch, the no-fly zone in southern Iraq; Provide Comfort, in Turkey; Allied Force, in Bosnia; Enduring Freedom, in Afghanistan; and Iraqi Freedom, officials said.

Navy Crew MIA From Vietnam War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of five U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been accounted-for and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

They are Lt. j.g. Norman L. Roggow, of Aurelia, Iowa; Lt. j.g. Donald F. Wolfe, of Hardin, Mont.; Lt. j.g. Andrew G. Zissu, of Bronx, N.Y.; Chief Petty Officer Roland R. Pineau, of Berkley, Mich.; and Petty Officer 3^rd Class Raul A. Guerra, of Los Angeles, Calif.; all U.S. Navy. Pineau was buried on Oct. 8 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. The dates and locations of the funerals for the other servicemen are being set by their families.

On Oct. 8, 1967, Zissu and Roggow were the pilots of an E-1B Tracer en route from Chu Lai Air Base, Vietnam, back to the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. Also on board were Wolfe, Pineau and Guerra. Radar contact with the aircraft was lost approximately 10 miles northwest of Da Nang, Vietnam. Adverse weather hampered immediate search efforts, but three days later, a search helicopter spotted the wreckage of the aircraft on the face of a steep mountain in Da Nang Province. The location, terrain and hostile forces in the area precluded a ground recovery.

In 1993 and 1994, human remains were repatriated to the United States by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) with information that linked the remains to unassociated losses in the same geographical area as this incident. Between 1993 and 2004, U.S/S.R.V. teams, all led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident more than 15 times in Da Nang city and Thua Thien-Hue Province.

Between 2004 and 2005, the joint teams surveyed and excavated the crash site where they recovered human remains and crew-related items. During the excavation in 2005, the on-site team learned that human remains may have been removed previously from the site. S.R.V. officials concluded that two Vietnamese citizens found and collected remains at the crash site, and possibly buried them near their residence in Hoi Mit village in Thua Thein-Hue Province. In 2006, another joint U.S./S.R.V. team excavated the suspected burial site in Hoi Mit village, but found no additional remains. In 2007, more remains associated with this incident were repatriated to the United States by S.R.V. officials.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Dwane A. Covert Jr., 20, of Tonawanda, N.Y., died Nov 3, in Al-Sahra, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 104th Transportation Company, 13th Corps Support Sustainment Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Canadian Commercial Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded a $60,204,705 firm fixed priced delivery order modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the purchase of OCONUS field service representatives, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) University, new equipment training, logistics and engineering requirements, logistics demonstration at Red River Army Depot, level of repair analysis, and PLL/ASL (prescribed load list/authorized stock level) sustainment parts. Work will be performed in combat areas of operations in an austere environment, and in Lansing, Mich. and Texarkana, Texas, and work is expected to be completed October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Tetra Tech EC, Inc., Poulsbo, Wash., is being awarded $7,213,483 for Modification 02 to Task Order #0070 under previously awarded indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery, cost-plus-award-fee environmental remedial action contract for Parcel D - Sewer Removal Surveys and Parcel B - Phase V and other survey additions at Hunters Point Shipyard. The work to be performed expands the volume (cubic yards) of soils to be excavated on the current sanitary and storm sewer removal project. An associated extension in the period of performance, as well as associated project management costs and base-wide radiological support tasks is also included. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-01-D-2000).

ARMY

RTKL/KLING (Joint Venture), Baltimore, Md., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $52,129,284 modification firm-fixed-price contract for final design package for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, East Campus. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 23, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 11 bids solicited on Dec. 30, 2005, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-06-C-0011).

General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Nov. 1, 2007, an $11,246,788 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).

Intelligent Automation Corp.*, Poway, Calif., was awarded on Nov. 2, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,628,429 as part of a $66,317,838 firm-fixed-price contract for hardware to be installed on the Apache Helicopters under the modernization and recapitalization effort. Work will be performed in Poway, Calif. (50 percent), and Columbia, S.C. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 1, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 19, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-D-0039).

UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

FN Herstal of Herstal, Belgium, was awarded a 10-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the development and production of the Special Combat Assault Rifle in support of U.S. Special Operations Command procurement division in November 2004. There have been eleven delivery orders awarded to date for the procurement of Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and Low Rate Initial Production requirements totaling $11,134,096. The production phase of this contract is anticipated to begin in March 2008. The work will be performed primarily in Herstal, and is expected to be completed by 2014. The contract number is H92222-05-D-0001.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Treen Box and Pallet, Bensalem, Pa.,* is being awarded a maximum $5,125,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract modification for supply of wood pallets. Using service is Defense Distribution Command Depots. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising its first option year. There were 11 proposal originally solicited with 9 responses. Date of performance completion is Dec. 4, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM530-06-D-0004).

*Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt.1st Class Johnny C. Walls, 41, of Bremerton, Wash., died Nov. 2 in Uruzgan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Announces Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2nd Lt. Tracy Lynn Alger, 30, of New Auburn, Wis., died Nov 1 in Shubayshen, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. She was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two airmen and a Department of the Air Force civilian who were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Nov. 1 near Balad Air Base, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. All were assigned as special agents to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Killed were:

Master Sgt. Thomas A. Crowell, 36, of Neosho, Mo.

Staff Sgt. David A. Wieger, 28, of North Huntingdon, Pa.

Nathan J. Schuldheiss, 27, of Newport R.I.

Crowell was assigned to Detachment 301, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Wieger was assigned to Detachment 303, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. Schuldheiss was assigned to Detachment 204, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 30 of wounds suffered in Salman Pak, Iraq, when enemy forces engaged their unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15^th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3^rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Killed were:

Sgt. Daniel L. McCall, 24, of Pace, Fla. He died in Baghdad, Iraq.

Pfc. Rush M. Jenkins, 22, of Clarksville, Tenn. He died in Salman Pak, Iraq.

Pvt. Cody M. Carver, 19, of Haskell, Okla. He died in Salman Pak, Iraq.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $148,030,232 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (with performance incentives) under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-2103) to exercise an option for continuation of engineering efforts associated with their role as lead construction yard for Virginia Class Submarines. The contract provides Lead (Construction) Yard engineering support that will maintain, update and support the Virginia Class design and related drawings and data for each Virginia Class Submarine, including technology insertion, throughout its construction and Post Shakedown Availability period. The contractor will also provide all engineering necessary for direct maintenance and support of Virginia Class ship specifications. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (94 percent); Quonset, R.I. (5 percent) and Newport, R.I. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a maximum $83,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee, fixed-price incentive/firm-fixed-price hybrid, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Phase II development, qualification, production, and support of the Common Enterprise Display System (CEDS) Display Consoles. The contract will provide CEDS Display Consoles in support of the DDG 1000 and Aegis Modernization. The CEDS is a family of displays that will be implemented across platform systems on Navy surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. Display consoles provide a common human machine interface to the Platform Open Architecture Computing Environment. Remote displays will be used in conjunction with display consoles to support war fighter team situational awareness. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. (69.34 percent); Fremont, Calif. (8.52 percent); Washington, D.C. (7.64 percent); Tallman, N.Y. (4.90 percent); Smithfield, Pa. (4.65 percent); Scottsdale, Ariz. (4.34 percent); Virginia Beach, Va. (.41 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (.19 percent); Arlington, Va. (.01 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured via full and open competition and was solicited through the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with two offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-D-5222)

DRS C3 Systems, LLC, Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a maximum $62,627,233 cost-plus-award-fee, fixed-price incentive/firm-fixed-price hybrid, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Phase II development, qualification, production, and support of the Common Enterprise Display System (CEDS) Display Consoles. The contract will provide CEDS Display Consoles in support of the DDG 1000 and Aegis Modernization. The CEDS is a family of displays that will be implemented across platform systems on Navy surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. Display consoles provide a common human machine interface to the Platform Open Architecture Computing Environment. Remote displays will be used in conjunction with display consoles to support war fighter team situational awareness. Work will be performed in Duluth, Ga. (45 percent); Gaithersburg, Md. (20 percent); Dahlgren, Va. (20 percent); Johnstown, Pa. (10 percent); Chesapeake, Va. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with 2 offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-D-5223).

Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle, Division of Armor Holdings, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded a $14,250,000 firm-fixed-priced delivery order modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5030) to purchase 38 OCONUS Field Service Representatives. Work will be performed in a combat area of operations operating in an austere environment and work is expected to be completed October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $91,119,231 modification firm-fixed-price contract for UH-60L Aircraft with associated training, spare parts, manuals/publications, integrated logistic and delivery support, and aircraft warranty. Work will be performed in West Palm Beach, Fla. (85 percent), and Horse Head, N.Y. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 4, 2000. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH23-02-C-0006).

Odebrecht Construction Inc., New Orleans, La., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $41,823,140 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a hurricane protection levee. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 5, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-08-C-0007).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Sierra Vista, Ariz., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $14,672,162 increment as part of a $50,193,040 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support for Hunter-unique equipment utilized to support deployment and contingency operations. Work will be performed in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 20, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0025).

Sprung Inc.*, West Jordan, Utah, was awarded on Nov. 1, 2007, an $8,571,569 firm-fixed-price contract for sprung structures to be used in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Program. Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 25, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 13, 2007, and eight bids were received. The Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GDW-08-M-0003).

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Nov. 1, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,340,350 as part of a $46,807,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of general instruction classrooms, general purpose administration and operations buildings, laboratories, mid-bay area for equipment maintenance training, exterior coverage storage, division-level instruction preparation room, and related items. Work will be performed at Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 10, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0012).

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corporation of New Orleans, La., is being awarded a contract for $14,103,419. This contract is a FAST Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Airframe and SHM Ground Experiment: The Air Vehicles Directorate has recently been focusing research on operationally responsive access to space (ORS) vehicle systems. Goals for ORS include constituting a responsive, reusable launch capability to satisfy national security needs and reducing the cost of access to space from the oft quoted price of $10,000 per pound to GEO, by order of magnitude. Fully Reusable Access to Space Technology (FAST) is a technology initiative to integrate existing and ongoing work in structures, thermal protection systems (TPS), adaptive guidance and control (AG&C), health management and other subsystems into a set of coordinated ground experiments and a conceptual design for an X-flight vehicle. One of the ground experiments conceived to integrate structures, TPS, and portions of health management technology is a large scale FAST airframe development and ground experiment program. Research in this area is expected to continue over the next five-years. At this time $40,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-7802, Task order 0001).

McDonnell Douglas Corporation, A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, of Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded contract modification for $12,325,000. This contract modification is a foreign military sales (FMS) requirement for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) program. This action incorporates the FY08 UCA for RAAF aircraft sustainment and for RAAF Contractor-Intermediate Level Logistics Support for the C-17 'virtual fleet." At this time no funds have been obligated. MSW/C17SG/PKS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Calif. is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00211).

*Small Business

Troops Warned of Blood Clot Risk, Especially During Deployments

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2007 - The wife of an NBC News correspondent who died of a blood clot while embedded with a U.S. unit during the Iraq invasion is working to increase awareness to prevent others from sharing her husband's fate.

Melanie Bloom remembers getting a call from her husband, David Bloom, who was embedded with the Army's 3rd Infantry Division as it approached Baghdad on April 4, 2003. Bloom whispered into the satellite phone, explaining that he was sleeping on the fender of his retrofitted tank and didn't want to be overheard and risk getting attacked. He was sleeping outside so he could stretch out his legs, which had been cramping up inside the confines of the tank, he told his wife.

Two days later, the award-winning journalist who brought the sights and sounds of war into America's living rooms live from his "Bloom-mobile" was dead at age 39. He died of deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT, and a related condition called a pulmonary embolism, in which a blood clot broke free from a vein in his leg and moved into his lung.

Bloom's death brought widespread attention to a killer that claims 300,000 Americans every year -- more than AIDs and breast cancer combined, said Melanie Bloom, who's become a national spokeswoman raising awareness about the affliction that claimed her husband.

Servicemembers in circumstances like Bloom's -- spending long periods in close quarters that limit their ability to move and dehydrated due to heat and failure to drink enough water -- are particularly at risk, she said. In addition, like many deployed troops, Bloom had spent many hours on long flights that limited his mobility.

An autopsy revealed that Bloom also had an undiagnosed blood disorder that increased his risk of DVT. He had no family history of blood clots and, except for his cramped legs, appeared to be the picture of health, his wife said.

Like families of troops serving in the combat zone, Melanie Bloom had fears about her husband's safety while he was in Iraq, she said during a joint interview yesterday with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service. What she hadn't expected was that he'd die from "the bomb within his own body" that would take his life so quickly, she said.

Expressing gratitude for the way the military reached out to her and her three daughters after her husband's death, Melanie said she's now dedicating herself to ensure servicemembers and others recognize the dangers of DVT and take steps to protect themselves.

She urged troops to arm themselves with information so they can be proactive in their own health care. "You are in dangerous places, and you are risking your life every day for our country," she said. "My message for the troops is: In the areas that you can, take care of your health and stay healthy and alive."

She encourages troops and everyone else whose mobility is restricted for long periods to pump their legs up and down to stimulate circulation. This works just about anywhere DVT might strike: on an airplane, in a bus or tank, or even at a computer desk, she said. "If one person hears this and lives, if one life is saved, then David's death is not in vain," she said.

Army Dr. (Col.) David Gillespie, chief of vascular surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, in Bethesda, Md., said there's no evidence that military people suffer from DVT at higher rates than the general population.

But U.S. troops, including those in a combat zone, have died of the disease, which strikes without warning or with symptoms that some people dismiss as temporary annoyances, he said.

Gillespie cited two military populations at the highest risk: ground troops in Iraq or Afghanistan in restricted environments, particularly in high temperatures that can lead to dehydration, and wounded troops whose mobility is restricted.

He credits strict "water discipline" within the military, in which leaders ensure their troops drink sufficient water, with helping reduce the incidence of DVT. Another factor is the stringent pre-deployment medical screening troops undergo before leaving for a combat theater, he said.

Gillespie urged troops to ensure their doctors know if they have any family history of blood clots. And he emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice quickly if they notice symptoms -- particularly swelling or discoloration in one leg, and tight, shiny, painful skin around it.

The military has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to diagnose DVT, even at forward locations, he said. Often it takes little more than a handheld ultrasound machine to make a diagnosis. "So we can make the diagnosis, and we treat it on the spot," Gillespie said.

Typically treatment involves a blood thinner injection to stabilize the clot while the body deploys its own clot-busting defenses, he said. And the earlier the diagnosis is made and treatment begins, the fewer complications are likely to occur, he said.

Wounded troops who are immobile for long periods and particularly susceptible to DVT should get preventative care to protect against it, he said.

Despite the emphasis on ground troops' vulnerability, Gillespie called DVT an equal-opportunity killer that doesn't discriminate between services. "All services are at risk," he said, regardless of whether the person afflicted is a shipboard sailor, a flight mechanic or a nurse operating on a vessel at sea.

"If you are traveling long distances, if you are in hot environments, you need to stay hydrated, and you need to stay mobile," he said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Louis A. Griese, 30, of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., died Oct 31 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered north of Samarra when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $91,795,295 firm-fixed-priced delivery order modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) for the purchase of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles University, new equipment training, integrated logistic support and OCONUS (outside of the continental United States) field service representatives support. Work will be performed at Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be complete November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $53,738,485 modification to under previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2107) to exercise an option for engineering and technical design services in support of research and development of advanced submarine technologies for current and future submarine platforms. The contract provides for provision of studies to support manufacturability, maintainability, producibility, reliability, manning, survivability, hull integrity, performance, structural, weight/margin, stability, arrangements, machinery systems, acoustics, hydrodynamics, ship control, logistics, human factors, materials, weapons handling and stowage, submarine safety, and affordability of current and future submarine platforms. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

ITT Corp., Fort Wayne, Ind., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $79,535,831 firm-fixed-price contract for integrated non-standard tactical radio package for the Iraqi Armed Forces. Work will be performed at Fort Wayne, Ind., and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were five bids solicited on Aug. 23, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-08-C-D201).

AAI Corp.*, Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $75,160,218 firm-fixed-price contract for Full-Rate Production Buy of SHADOW Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems and associated support equipment. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by March 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 16, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0023).

Talbert Manufacturing*, Rensselaer, Ind., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $26,501,004 as part of a $106,537,692 firm-fixed-price contract for M872A4 Semi-Trailers and supporting vehicle system kits. Work will be performed in Rensselaer, Ind., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 12, 2003. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-03-D-S067).

AAI Corp.*, Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $25,903,138 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for SHADOW Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System Special Unit Training in Support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 16, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0016).

Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, Baltimore, Md., was awarded on Oct. 31, 2007, a $5,733,857 increment as part of a $106,921,191 firm-fixed-price contract for steam from the Harford Waste-to-Energy facility. Work will be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and is expected to be completed by March 17, 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 19, 1984. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (DAAD05-85-C-9060).

Walton Construction Company L.L.C., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on Oct. 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,524,378 as part of a $13,196,431 firm-fixed-price contract for design, manpower, equipment, materials, and facilities to layout barracks for soldiers. Work will be performed at Fort Riley, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 28, 2006. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0026).

AIR FORCE

The Boeing Company of Seal Beach, Calif., is being awarded a contract modification for $24,500,000. This contract action provides for Global Positioning Satellite III Phase A Sub System Risk Reduction research and development. At this time $12,250,000 has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems/GPSW, Los Angeles Air Force Base Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-04-C-0002, P00034).

Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions of King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded contract modification for $21,000,000. This contract action provides for Global Positioning Satellite III Phase A Sub System Risk Reduction research and development. At this time $10,500,000 has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems/GPSW, Los Angeles Air Force Base Calif. is the contracting activity (FA8807-04-C-0001, P00039).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, of St. Louis Mo., is being awarded contract for $12,753,000. This action provides of FY08 T-38C Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) Flying Hours Program for Columbus Air Force Base, Edwards Air Force Base, Laughlin Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, Vance Air Force Base, and Patuxent Air Force Base, Naval Station. At this time no funds have been obligated. 663 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F41608-96-D-0700, Delivery Order 0100).

Integral Systems, Incorporated of Lanham, Md. is being awarded contract modification for $7,821,841. This contract modification provides for the integration of the Fixed Geolocation System (GLS) in the second year of production of the Rapid Attack Identification, Detection, and Reporting System (RAIDRS) Block 10 system. At this time $all funds have been obligated. USAF HQ Space and Missile Systems Center/SYSW/PK, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity (FA8819-05-C-0018; P00044).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Pepco Energy Services, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a maximum $19,739,821.12 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Using services are Army, Air Force, Fort Monmouth, Picatinny Arsenal, McGuire Air Force Base, and Pittsburgh Air Reserve Base. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 81 proposals originally solicited with 16 responses. Date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-G-8029).

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Global Sustainment, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a maximum $7,413,442.73 firm fixed price requirements type contract to support 380 NSNs. Using service are Army, Navy, and Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option period two. There was one sole source proposal originally solicited with one response. Date of performance completion is Sept. 29, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM400-02-D-9411).

Navy Commissions New Guided Missile Destroyer Sampson

The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Sampson, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, during an 11 a.m. EDT ceremony in Boston, Mass.

Vice Adm. William D. Sullivan, U.S. Military representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Sampson's great granddaughter Clara Parsons will serve as sponsor of the ship. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

Designated DDG 102, the new destroyer honors the service of William Thomas Sampson (1840-1902), who graduated first in his class at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1861 and went on to become a naval hero in the Spanish-American War. Sampson retired as commandant of the Boston Navy Yard in 1902.

Three previous destroyers have been named to honor Sampson: the first was designated DD 63, served from 1916-1921; the second designed DD 394, served from 1938-1945; and the third a guided missile destroyer designed DDG 10, served 1961-1991. All three previous destroyers were also commissioned in Boston.

Sampson is the 52nd of 62 Arleigh Burke class destroyers. This multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of the national military strategy. Sampson will be capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously.

Cmdr. Philip Roos, born in Leiderdorp, The Netherlands, will become the first commanding officer of the ship and will lead a crew of approximately 275 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Sampson was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 32 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots. Sampson will be homeported in San Diego. For more information on Arleigh Burke class destroyers, visit http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4 .

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. James D. Bullard, 28, of Marion, S.C., died Oct. 30 in Spearwan Ghar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using RPG rounds, machine gun fire, mortars and small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the South Carolina National Guard's 1st Battalion, 263rd Armor Battalion, in Marion, S.C.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation of Savannah, Ga. is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $90,755,926. This contract award is for continued fleet maintenance support on nine Gulfstream aircraft owned by the Egyptian Government. The contract base period is for 12 months plus 6 unexercised option years. This effort supports foreign military sales to Egypt. At this time 11,166,771 has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-08-C-0001).

General Atomics of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded contract modification for $64,500,000. This action provides for Engineering, manufacturing and development activities in support of the Global Hawk Program. At this time $4,000,000 has been obligated. 303 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-4600, P00222).

ITT Industries Systems Division of Cape Canaveral, Fla . is being awarded contract modification for $42,467,903. This contract modification provides for the option exercise and incremental funding of the FY08 Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) for the Space Lift Range System Contract (SLRSC). This action provides for the continued support for the program management, interface management, systems engineering and integration, depot maintenance transition, product acquisitions and modifications, and instrument modernization for operational systems and infrastructure including instrumentation, network, control and display. At this time $5,014,002.27has been obligated. SMC SLG/PK, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001, P00450).

Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions of, Santa Maria, Calif. is being awarded contract modification for $12,308,835. This contract modification will cover the exercise of options for product development, test and transition activities for Western and Easter Launch and Test Range products including Launch Vehicle Misusing Flight Control, Launch Vehicle Telemetry Processing, Launch Vehicle Flight Analysis, Range Weather Analysis, and Launch Support Infrastructure systems. At this time $1,537.500 has been obligated. Launch Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0029, P00282).

NAVY

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $30,982,483 cost-plus-award-fee contract for maintenance, repair and alterations for the USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) Depot Modernization Period. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in February 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $21,931,255, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two proposals received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-4401).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., was awarded on October 25, 2007, a $2,985,342 increment of a $11,941,368 cost plus fixed fee contract for the Trust in Integrated Circuits program. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (47 percent), San Jose, Calif. (10 percent), Lexington, Mass. (5 percent), Albuquerque, N.M. (17 percent), and Nashua, N.H. (21 percent), and is expected to be completed October 2008. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued a solicitation on the Federal Business Opportunities website on March 7, 2007, and 29 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-08-C-0005).

Sensors Unlimited Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Goodrich Corp., Princeton, N.J., was awarded on October 25, 2007, a $1,256,000 increment of a $5,724,055 cost plus fixed fee contract to develop extremely small, lightweight shortwave infrared imaging sensors on a chip for helmet-mounted and micro vehicle applications. Work will be performed in Princeton, N.J. (93 percent), White Plains, Md. (3 percent), Woodland Hills, Calif. (4 percent) and is expected to be completed February 2009. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA posted Broad Agency Announcement BAA06-46 "Micro-Sensors for Imaging (MISI)" on the Federal Business Opportunities website on October 3, 2006, and 10 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-08-C-0011)

National Guard Ready for Fires' Aftermath

By Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

VALLEY CENTER, Calif., Oct. 31, 2007 - Under a sky still smoky from active wildfires, National Guard citizen-soldiers prepared for the flash floods and mudslides that will come long after the flames are extinguished.

About 50 citizen-soldiers from the California Army National Guard's Battery A, 1st Battalion, 144th Field Artillery, set out to fill about 5,000 sandbags for residents in the Valley Center area north of San Diego. Other National Guard units performed the same service in other communities hit by the Southern California wildfires.

"The purpose is to help residents out here when the rainy season starts, so they're sure to have something to protect their houses so they don't get flooded," 1st Lt. Nelson Varas, of Battery A, said.

Wildfires like the ones that have hit Southern California this month are typically followed by flash floods and mudslides. That's because rain runs off faster when vegetation is gone and also because fire changes the chemistry of the soil.

In some places, the burning process creates a waxy coating on the soil, hindering the absorption of water and speeding its flow, fire officials explained. The phenomenon is known as "hydrophobicity." Water beads and runs over hydrophobic soil instead of soaking in, increasing the likelihood of flash floods and mudslides for months following wildfires.

Sandbags can protect homes and businesses from water and mud damage. The sandbags will be stored for distribution by area fire departments and the California Department of Forestry, Army 1st Sgt. John Wood, of Battery A, said.

Like many of the citizen-soldiers working through the weekend to fill sandbags, Varas has served in Iraq. He balances a civilian job with his family, overseas deployments and homeland missions. "We're all dedicated," he said. "We know what we signed up for."

He said he was particularly pleased to serve in his own backyard. "That's what we're here for," he said. "That's our mission. We're National Guard. We're part of the state, and since we've got a crisis going on and people need help, the National Guard's here for that."

For the battery's Army Spc. Angel Flores, the sandbag mission was only his second time reporting to his unit after a stint on active duty. During his year in Baghdad, Flores's thoughts frequently turned to the family, friends and community that his service separated him from. He was still thinking of them as he filled sandbags Oct. 27.

"I figure that the people who need it most are the people that I was thinking about while I was gone," Flores said.

National Guardmembers said the gratitude they get from the neighbors they're helping only makes the task easier. In Southern California, restaurants have refused to let soldiers and airmen pay for meals, retailers have declined payment for supplies, and residents have offered handshakes and pats on the back. "It's been outstanding support," Varas said.

"We're happy to be here to help," Sgt. Timothy Miller said. "You have to take care of home. Home comes first."

More than 2,500 citizen-soldiers and –airmen have been assisting civilian authorities tackling the Southern California wildfires. The National Guard has provided communications capabilities, supplied fire incident commanders with aerial images of the fires, dropped water from helicopters and retardant from aircraft, patrolled evacuated neighborhoods, handed out relief supplies, and performed numerous other tasks.

(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill is assigned to the National Guard Bureau.)

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds sustained when they came in contact with enemy forces using RPG, machine gun and small arms fire during combat operations on Oct 25, in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Killed were:

Sgt. Joshua C. Brennan, 22, of Ontario, Ore., who died Oct 26 in Asadabad, Afghanistan..

Spc. Hugo V. Mendoza, 29, of Glendale, Ariz., who died Oct 25.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Adam J. Chitjian, 39, of Philadelphia, Pa., died Oct 25 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when he came in contact with enemy forces using small arms during combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood Texas.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $179,864,750 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using service is Foreign Military Sales. This proposal was originally Web solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0454).

Rosemount Aerospace Inc., Burnsville, Minn., is being awarded a $135,945,217 firm fixed price, requirements type, sole source contract for Rosemount Aerospace items. Using service is Air Force. This is a 10 year contract with three base years, two 2-year and one 3-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Sept. 27, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM4AX-08-D-0003).

Integrys Energy Services, Inc., DePere, Wis., was awarded a $16,987,138 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Using service is Navy. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 81 proposals originally solicited with 16 responses. Date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-8008).

Sysco Central Florida, Ocoee, Fla., is being awarded a $3,657,094.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract for full line food distribution. Using services are Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with two responses. This contract is exercising the fourth of four 1-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 25, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3097).

NAVY

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a not to exceed $77,111,000 delivery order #0003 under previously awarded contract (N00383-06-D-001J) for initial FIRST (F-18 Integrated Readiness Support Team) spares for the F/A-18 Royal Australian Air Force under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

LTM, Inc.*, Havelock, N.C., is being awarded a $24,860,877 ceiling priced modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-01-D-0101) to exercise an option for approximately 353,600 hours of maintenance planning and design interface technical/management support services for the Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) East, Cherry Point, N.C. These services include evaluating initial designs and proposed design changes, maintenance planning, and sustaining maintenance plans. Work will be performed at FRC East, Cherry Point, N.C. (99 percent), and at various locations across the United States (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Computer Sciences Corp., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded $10,711,700 for task order #0053 under previously awarded contract (M67854-02-A-9004) for Technical Support to the Operating Forces, a key element of the Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) support for fielded tactical C4ISR systems for Marine Corps Operating Forces (OPFORs). Technical support under this effort includes on-site/on-call support at the MCTSSA Operating Forces Tactical Systems Support Center, on-site technical representation at specified Marine Corps Command organizations worldwide, exercise support based upon the operational schedule of the supported units, and support of contingency operations (e.g., hazardous duty, combat operations, peace-keeping) on a discrete basis. Principal support activities include on-site system administration and troubleshooting for C4ISR local and wide area networks, technical guidance to OPFORs on fielded Marine Corps and Joint C4ISR systems and software. Additional support requirements include providing regional on-site technical support for USMC computing platforms and services systems to include tactical collaborative works suites, Defense Message System, Marine Corps Common Hardware Suite and Marine Corps Enterprise IT Services throughout the OPFORs, both in CONUS and OCONUS. Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, Calif. (48 percent); Camp Lejeune, N.C. (16 percent); Camp Foster, Japan (14 percent); Honolulu, Hawaii (8 percent); Norfolk, Va. (6 percent); New Orleans, La. (6 percent) and Stuttgart, Germany (2 percent), and work is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

The Whiting Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, Md., is being awarded $7,695,000 for task order #0009 under previously awarded design/build firm-fixed-price contract (N62477-04-D-0032) for the repairs of Basins 10 and 16 at Anacostia Naval Annex, Washington, D.C. The work in this project includes construction of a 147,000 GMP pump-house, ductile iron pipe pump discharge outfall, storm drainage piping, catch basins and incidental related pavement demolition and patching. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with seven proposals solicited and three offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

ATK Space Systems Inc. of Clearfield, Utah is being awarded contract for $10,053,526. The objective of the subject Defense Production Act Title III Program Technology Investment Agreement is to expand the domestic capability for the production of large aerospace composite products employing automated and advanced fiber placement technologies. At this time $4,931,626 has been obligated. AFRL/PKMD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-2-5513).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded on Oct. 23, 2007, a $1,121,072 increment of a $13,058,490 cost plus fixed fee contract to deliver test articles for the trust in integrated circuits program. Work will be performed in Los Angeles and is expected to be completed February 2012. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency issued a solicitation in Federal Business Opportunities on Jan. 15, 2007, and one proposal was received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-C-0099).

* Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Robin L. Towns Sr., 52, of Upper Marlboro, Md., died Oct 24 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations. He was assigned to the 275th Military Police Company, 372nd Military Police Battalion, Washington, D.C. National Guard.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Edward O. Philpot, 38, of Latta, S.C., died Oct 23 in Afghanistan, from a non-combat related Humvee rollover accident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 263rd Armor Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, Dillon, S.C.

This incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., is being awarded an $85,838,105 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2105) for planning yard, design, configuration management, and logistics support for new construction, conversion and decommissioning submarines, industrial work, and modernization support for operational and decommissioning submarines undergoing availabilities/conversion. This effort will support SSN 688, SEAWOLF, VIRGINIA, SSBN, TRIDENT UK, and SSGN Class submarines. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $47,936,744, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

ITT Corp., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $22,329,569 change order under previously awarded contract (N0173-03-C-2037) to provide technology demonstrations in the area of information architecture and technology in support of the Global War on Terror. This effort involves research in design and development of information processing systems, decision support systems, database structure and mining, applications of parallel and distributed computing, and communications and networking research. The total cumulative value of this contract is $121,154,574. Work will be performed at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., and work is expected to be completed August 2008. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Woodward Governor Co., Fort Collins, Colo., is being awarded an $11,920,388 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 52 Power Management Platforms and 100 Control Actuators that will be installed in the Generator Control and Distribution Control Subsystems of the Electrical Plant Generation and Distribution Systems for USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41 & 49) Class ships, in support of the LSD Midlife Program. Work will be performed in Fort Collins, Colo., and is expected to be completed in October 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (N65540-08-D-0001)

Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $10,748,262 order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0024) to exercise the Fiscal Year 2009 option for services in support of the execution and implementation of an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) for the Generation 5 ARC-210 Electronic Protection Radio System. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

MacAulay-Brown, Inc. of Dayton Ohio is being awarded a indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $9,370,000. The Radio Frequency Sensor Assessment Technology Research (RFSATR) program will provide research performed in the RCA Lab which will develop new an innovative EA and EP techniques, concepts, and technologies to counter ground based and airborne RF threats (including low probability of intercepts systems). The contract may utilize any of the facility's hardware-in-the-loop missile simulations or digital models. Threat system performance measurements may be required, including threat antenna pattern measurements with the facility's automated antenna measurement system. Investigations may include, but are not limited to, the simultaneous application of velocity and angel radar countermeasures, towed decoys, network-centric concepts, information operations/information warfare, EW for layered sensing and cyberspace, and non-cooperative RF identification techniques. At this time $108,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKSR, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-1321 and Task Order 0001).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Constellation New Energy, Inc., Boston, Mass., is being awarded a $5,302,095.97 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Using services are Army, Federal Civilian Agencies, and Coast Guard. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 131 proposals originally solicited with 6 responses. Date of performance completion is January 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-8000).

Bush: California Wildfires Constitute Major Disaster

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2007 - Destruction caused by wildfires now raging across southern California constitutes a major disaster requiring additional federal assistance, President Bush declared today after meeting with his most-senior advisors at the White House.

The federal government was mobilized early on to assist beleaguered "Golden State" residents, as state National Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and active-duty military assets have flowed in to help battle the flames and assist displaced residents.

"Today, I've just signed a major disaster declaration, which will then enable federal funds to start heading toward the families who have been affected by these fires," Bush told reporters after meeting with members of his Cabinet.

Hundreds of thousands of Californians have abandoned their homes over the past few days as part of widespread evacuations caused by almost uncontrollable wildfires that have been spread by near-100 mph winds.

Yesterday, the president declared seven Southern California counties disaster areas, as more than 270,000 acres have burned. More than 1,300 homes along the Pacific Coast corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego have been consumed by flames.

"All of us across this nation are concerned for the families who have lost their homes and the many families who have been evacuated from their homes," Bush said yesterday during a speech at the National Defense University here. "We send our prayers and thoughts with those who've been affected, and we send the help of the federal government, as well."

Bush said he asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier today if Californians are getting the help they need from federal agencies.

"His answer was, 'Yes,'" Bush said. "I assured him that if he needs anything and we're able to provide it, we'll do so."

Tomorrow, Bush is going to California to get a first-hand look at the situation.

"I will continue to make sure that our efforts are coordinated and that we are responsive to the needs of people," Bush said. "But, most importantly, I want the people in southern California to know that Americans all across this land care deeply about them."

Californians should know "the federal government will do everything we can to help put out these fires," Bush said.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $190,704,758 cost-plus-fixed-fee (with performance incentives) option to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2117) for continuation of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Refueling Complex Overhaul advance planning efforts. This option will continue to provide for advanced planning, shipchecks, design, documentation, engineering, procurement, fabrication and preliminary shipyard or support facility work to prepare for and make ready for the refueling, overhaul, modernization and routine work on CVN 71 and its reactor plants. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Coakley & Williams Construction Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded $11,182,000 for task order #0004 under previously awarded fully designed firm-fixed-price contract (N62477-04-D-0034) for renovations, upgrades, repair, and construction to Preble Hall at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. Work will be performed in Annapolis, Md., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively solicited to the seven multiple award construction contractors, with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

EG&G Technical Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a $8,234,632 fixed price incentive firm target, award fee hybrid contract for material distribution services to include receipt, storage, issue; preservation, packaging, packing and marking; and care of supplies & storage. Using services are Defense Logistics Agency, and Defense Distribution Center, Pennsylvania. Other location of performance is Utah. This is a 5 year contract with a 1 year base and four 1-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This proposal was originally solicited on FedBizOpps with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Distribution Center, New Cumberland, Pa. (SP3100-08-C-0001).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Larry I. Rougle, 25, of West Jordan, Utah, died Oct. 23 in Sawtalo Sar Mountain, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds when he was engaged by enemy small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., Oakbrook, Ill., was awarded on Oct. 19, 2007, a $61,321,000 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging of the Port Jersey Channel. Work will be performed in Jersey City, N.J., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 15 bids solicited on May 30, 2007. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0001).

Parsons Infrastructure and Technology Group, Pasadena, Calif., was awarded on Oct. 22, 2007, a $7,132,819 increment as part of a $1,127,670,356 cost-plus-award-fee contract for continued chemical agent neutralization operations at the Newport Chemical Depot. Work will be performed in Newport, Ind., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 32 bids solicited on March 9, 1998, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-C-0016).

NAVY

WareOnEarth Communications, Inc.*, North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $9,029,584 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide advanced technology services for systems engineering; integration and technical support; program management; configuration management; network security systems engineering; training and procurement support; IA certification, test, and evaluation; integrated logistics support and life cycle support; security sustainment services; and security operations support services as required by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C. The contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to the estimated amount of $46,493,357. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (75 percent) and Norfolk Va., (25 percent), and work is expected to be completed by October 2008 (October 2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, with nine offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6800).

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $7,759,770 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-03-G-0003) for the flight test, instrumentation, and analysis of improvements in support of the VH-3D Presidential Helicopter Life Improvement Program. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn. (50 percent) and West Palm Beach, Fla. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 22 in Bahrain during a non-combat related incident. Both sailors held the Master-at-Arms rating and were assigned to U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

Killed were:

Seaman Anamarie Sannicolas Camacho, 20, of Panama City, Fla.

Seaman Genesia Mattril Gresham, 19, of Lithonia, Ga.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Military Personnel, Assets Help to Battle California Fires

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2007 - Military personnel and assets are helping out in the most serious outbreak of wildfires in California in years.

California National Guard and California-based active duty personnel are providing some of the muscle needed to contain the fires, which have driven more than 300,000 people from their homes in 12 counties.

Officials at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, are working with representatives from U.S. Northern Command to coordinate requests for Defense Department personnel and assets. Northern Command also has personnel working in Southern California directly with local authorities.

With 11 fires burning out of control from Los Angeles to the Mexican border, some Defense installations are themselves in danger from the wildfires. Camp Pendleton, the San Diego Marine Recruit Depot and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station are among the installations asking only essential personnel to come in.

A total of 17,031 California National Guardsmen are available for employment if the situation calls for it, said officials at U.S. Northern Command. Some 33 active duty, 79 Defense civilian personnel and 1,500 California National Guardsmen are actively engaged or directly supporting firefighting response, security and relief operations.

Another 550 Marines from Camp Pendleton have volunteered to help local authorities fight the fires in San Diego County.

California authorities have requested and the Defense Department has sent significant firefighting assets to the area. Helicopters are the most effective airborne asset, as the Santa Ana winds – which are driving the fire – make flying fixed-wing aircraft dangerous. California Guardsmen are flying a CH-47 and five UH-60 helicopters in the effort.

Navy pilots are flying two MH-60 aircraft in support of local firefighting efforts. The Marines have a CH-46 and three CH-53 helicopters on standby at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and one additional helicopter on standby at Camp Pendleton. All of the choppers can drop water using buckets.

Yesterday, the National Interagency Fire Center requested six C-130 Hercules aircraft fitted with modular air firefighting systems.

The Air National Guard will deploy four of these aircraft to Naval Air Station Point Magu, Calif. They should arrive today. In addition, two C-130s from the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard, and two from the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard, are on alert.

Two C-130s from the Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., also will arrive at Point Magu today.

On the ground, the Marine Corps and Navy have deployed six fire trucks each to support local fire fighting efforts. The Navy also has provided a brush truck. All these moves are under mutual aid agreements signed with local authorities.

San Diego is a huge Navy town, and an Aegis cruiser, a guided-missile destroyer and two fast frigates will remain in port to support evacuation and movement of family members if necessary.

Officials also have set up the Naval Base San Diego gymnasium as an evacuation center, with room for about 500 people. Sailors also are setting up a 500-person tent city at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, and space for 442 persons is being prepared at Naval Air Station El Centro.

Commanders have issued orders that all sailors ashore in barracks will move aboard ships to provide room for evacuees. The Navy also is providing 500 cots for a shelter at Qualcomm Stadium, home of the National Football League's San Diego Chargers.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has asked the Defense Department to identify a military installation in Southern California to be the forward staging area for supplies flowing south from the FEMA logistics center at Moffitt Field, Calif.

The California National Guard is doing heavy lifting in the effort. The 40th Special Troops Battalion, 40th Brigade Support Battalion and a military police battalion headquarters are providing command and control and logistics support at the Qualcomm Stadium shelter.

The 40th Infantry Brigade Combat Team has alerted two 500-person rapid reaction battalions and two 100-person quick reaction companies. About 100 National Guard medical personnel are augmenting the staff at the San Diego Veterans Center, which is experiencing critical staffing shortfalls resulting from voluntary and mandatory evacuation.

Bush Delivers Supplemental War Funding Request to Congress

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2007 - President Bush has submitted to Congress a request for $42.3 billion in supplemental war funding.

The amendment places the total funding for the global war on terrorism at $189.3 billion for fiscal 2008.

"Parts of this war are complicated, but one part is not, and that is, America should do what it takes to support our troops and protect our people," Bush said from the Roosevelt Room at the White House today. "And today I sent Congress an updated supplemental war funding request that will do just that."

Most of the supplemental funding supports day-to-day military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the president said. "The bill provides for basic needs, like bullets and body armor, protection against (improvised explosive devices), and mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles," he said. "It also funds training missions, vital embassy programs, improvements in Iraqi security forces, and intelligence operations that protect our troops."

The request will fund continued operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in other areas of the fight against terror.

"These are urgent military necessities, and the supplemental was prepared in close consultation with our commanders on the ground," Bush said. "This funding is what (Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multinational Force Iraq commander) and other military leaders say we need -- and Congress ought to give it to them."

In Afghanistan, Bush said, U.S. troops, NATO allies and Afghan forces are making gains against the Taliban and al Qaeda. In Iraq, though the campaign to provide security for the Iraqi people has been "difficult and dangerous," he said, it's producing results.

"Al Qaeda and other extremists have been driven from strongholds in places like Anbar province and parts of Diyala province," the president said. "In Baghdad, the number of Iraqi civilians murdered by terrorists and death squads is down sharply. Throughout Iraq, the number of American service members killed in September was the lowest since July 2006. And the level of violence during Ramadan was down significantly from last year."

Bush noted that last month, Petraeus said he believes successes in Iraq mean U.S. forces can maintain the same level of security with fewer American forces. "I accepted this recommendation that we not replace about 2,200 Marines who left Anbar last month," the president said. "We expect to bring home another 3,500 soldiers by Christmas. The funds in the supplemental are crucial to continuing this policy of 'return on success.' Every member of Congress who wants to see both success in Iraq and our troops begin to come home should strongly support this bill."

The supplemental spending request also includes emergency funding for other critical national security needs, Bush said. "It includes money to improve medical care for our wounded warriors," he noted. "It funds equipment repair, and upgrades the strategic readiness of the Army. It provides crucial relief for Iraqi refugees. It supports the peacekeeping mission of the United Nations in Darfur. It delivers vital assistance for our partners in Mexico and Central America, who are working to break up drug cartels, and fight organized crime, and stop human trafficking. All of these are urgent priorities of the United States, and the Congress should fund them without delay."

The supplemental request breaks the funding into four major parts: continuing the fight, reconstituting the force, enhancing forces, and emergency requests.

Continuing the fight calls for $23.8 billion. This is on top of $101.9 billion the administration requested in February. The amendment includes $6.3 billion to fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the cost of the surge in Iraq.

"When we submitted the budget to Congress, it was based on the presumption of at least 15 (brigade combat teams in Iraq)," said a senior defense official, speaking on background. "Since then, obviously, we surged up an additional five (brigade combat teams). We funded that – the fiscal 2007 costs – through the emergency supplemental. This picks up from 1 October the current force structure, which is 20 (brigade combat teams), but also recognizes the fact that starting in December we will be reducing this force structure by five (brigade combat teams) by July."

It also includes $14.2 billion for force protection and research and acquisition to defeat improvised explosive devices. In this account is $11 billion for mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles used by Marines and soldiers.

"This is the next increment for fiscal 2008," the official said. "It represents the entire increment for the year. This is an additional 7,274 vehicles, which will then bring us to a total of 15,274." The entire requirement for the vehicles in fiscal 2008 will be more than $16 billion.

The continuing-the-fight account also includes $1 billion for training and equipping Iraqi security forces, $200 million for commanders' emergency response funds in Afghanistan, $1 billion for military construction, and $1 billion for military intelligence. The last includes the cost of 24 more Predator unmanned aerial vehicles.

The request also asks for $100 million for restarting Iraqi factories. "This will further reindustrialization of the Iraqi economy," the official said. "Investing in textile factories and other commercial enterprises to try and get them up on their feet. We appropriated about $50 million for this in 2007, and it's just a continuation of our efforts."

The next largest bloc of money goes to reconstituting the force. The amendment asks for $8.8 billion on top of $37.6 billion. "This is largely to address the equipment that is lost or damaged in the theater," the official said. "It's also to deal with the wear and tear on a number of our platforms."

These are mostly ground-combat systems, senior defense officials said. "In this amendment alone, we are requesting 383 Strykers, over 4,100 Humvees, over 11,000 of the family of trucks ... and over 72,000 SINCGARS radios," the official said. "This gives you a flavor of the kind of equipment we are talking about."

Enhancing forces gets a big plus-up under the amendment, with $6.4 billion on top of $1.6 billion requested previously.

Another $1 billion goes to strengthening the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. The money funds the 12-month reserve-component deployment policy and allows pre-deployment training at home station rather than at a mobilization station. "About three quarters of this funding is used to buy the training days that these troops will incur," the official said.

A total of $5.4 billion goes to restoring the force. This initiative increases equipment that "next-to-deploy" forces receive and improves military readiness by allowing deploying forces to train at battalion and brigade levels earlier in their training cycles. This account also funds equipment shortfalls in combat vehicles, communications, logistics vehicles and weapons.

Finally, additional emergency funding requests are part of the amendment package. These total $2.5 billion for fiscal 2008. The amendment calls for $800 million to enhance servicemember and family support, with $700 million going to the Army and $100 million to the Marines. "This is to provide additional money for child care centers, additional money for youth programs and to set up Warrior Transition Units and also investing in additional family readiness support assistants," he said.

It also calls for $500 million for programs for wounded, ill and injured troops. This money will improve trauma and rehabilitative care for wounded personnel, senior defense officials said. The money will pay for hiring more case workers, renovating existing facilities and building new facilities.

A total of $400 million accelerates construction of hospitals at Fort Belvoir, Va., and Bethesda, Md. The money also will speed the closure of Walter Reed Army Medical Center here by about nine months, the official said.

Finally, the request funds $800 million for fuel cost increases.

Senior defense officials urged Congress to act on the requests quickly. "The most critical things in here are for our force protection. Clearly, MRAPs are important, (as well as) the funding for additional reset items. If they delay action, that continues to reduce our readiness posture," another senior defense official said. "We're pushing for (Congress) to get as much done as possible."

Former Air Force Pilot Second Woman to Command Shuttle

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2007 - Retired Air Force Col. Pamela A. Melroy will become the second woman to command a NASA space shuttle flight when Discovery lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., tomorrow.

The STS-120 flight is the 23rd shuttle mission to the International Space Station, according NASA's Web site. The mission will launch an Italian-built U.S. multi-port module for the station. The "Harmony" device will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules.

Melroy, 46, piloted KC-10 tanker planes and tested prototype C-17 transport aircraft in the Air Force. She retired from the military in February.

In a recent interview, Melroy said she'd always wanted to experience space travel. "That was my dream; even going into the Air Force, I knew I wanted to be an astronaut," said Melroy, who was born in Palo Alto, Calif.

Melroy is leading a crew of six other astronauts, including two military officers, aboard Discovery. She is the second woman to command a shuttle flight. Air Force Col. Eileen M. Collins became the first woman to command a shuttle flight aboard the Columbia during mission STS-93 in July 1999. Collins commanded the Columbia again during shuttle mission STS-114 in July-August 2005. Collins retired from NASA in May 2006.

Other STS-120 crew members are:

-- Marine Col. George D. Zamka, 45, born in Jersey City, N.J.;

-- Scott E. Parazynski, 46, born in Little Rock, Ark.;

-- Army Col. Douglas H. Wheelock, 47, born in Binghamton, N.Y.;

-- Stephanie D. Wilson, 41, born in Boston;

-- Paolo A. Nespoli, 50, a European Space Agency astronaut who was born in Milan, Italy; and

-- Daniel M. Tani, 46, born in Ridley Park, Pa.

Another astronaut, Clayton C. Anderson, 48, will return to earth from the space station aboard shuttle mission STS-120. Tani will replace Anderson aboard the space station. Tani will return to earth on shuttle mission STS-122.

Discovery's STS-120 mission is slated to return to the John F. Kennedy Space Center's shuttle landing site in Florida on Nov.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

C2 Technologies of Vienna, Va. is being awarded a contract for $5,951,367. This action provides for contract aircrew training and courseware development service at Davis Monthan AFB, Ariz. At this time all funds have been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKB Newport News Va., is the contracting activity (F44650-03-C-0011).

NAVY

Facchina Construction Co., Inc., La Plata, Md., a large business, is being awarded a $26,994,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of aircraft taxiways and parking aprons for the Green Side and White Side Aircraft Complex at Marine Corps Air Facility, Quantico, Va. The work consisting of, but is not limited to, construction of concrete aircraft taxiways and parking aprons, bonded refueling truck parking area, demolition of existing airfield pavement, taxiway lighting and incidental work. Work will be performed in Marine Corps Air Facility, Quantico, Va., and work is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competed utilizing full and open competition via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command E-Solicitation website, with one offer received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-08-C-0002).

General Dynamics Land Systems, under their operating unit General Dynamics Amphibious Systems, 14041 Worth Avenue, Woodbridge, Va., 22192 is being awarded a $10,000,000 contract modification to previously awarded contract M67854-01-C-0001 to develop an alternative drivetrain subsystem preliminary design for the continuation of Systems Development and Demonstration phase of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle program. Work will be performed in Augsburg, Germany (81 percent), Friedrichshafen, Germany (1 percent) and Woodbridge, Va., (18 percent) and is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Bush Presents Medal of Honor to Parents of Navy SEAL

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2007 - President Bush today posthumously presented the Medal of Honor earned by Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL who sacrificed his life in an attempt to save fellow SEALs during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

The Medal of Honor, accepted by Murphy's parents, Maureen and Dan Murphy, during a White House ceremony, is the highest military decoration. Murphy's is the first Medal of Honor awarded for service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

"Today we add Lieutenant Michael Murphy's name to the list of recipients who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Bush said. "By presenting Michael Murphy's family with the Medal of Honor that he earned, a grateful nation remembers the courage of this proud Navy SEAL."

On June 28, 2005, as Murphy led a four-man SEAL team in search of key terrorist commander, the unit came under attack by some 50 Taliban fighters. The lieutenant is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his teammates, according to a summary of action published by the Navy.

Despite intense combat around him, Murphy -- already wounded in the firefight -- moved into the open where he could gain a better transmission signal and request backup from headquarters. At one point, Murphy was shot in the back, causing him to drop the transmitter. The lieutenant picked it back up, completed the call and continued firing at the enemy as they closed in.

By the time the two-hour gunfight had concluded, Murphy and two others SEALs had been killed. An estimated 35 Taliban died in the fighting.

As a somber postscript to Murphy's bravery, the helicopter that he requested crashed after being struck by a rocket- propelled grenade, killing everyone on board. In total, 19 Americans died in what Bush referred to as "the deadliest for Navy Special Warfare forces since World War II."

The president characterized Murphy as a born Navy SEAL.

"SEALs get their name from operating by sea, air and land, and even as a toddler, Michael could find his way through any obstacle," Bush said. "When he was just 18 months old, he darted across a neighbor's yard and dove into the swimming pool. By the time his frantic parents reached him, Michael had swum to the other side with a big smile on his face."

In addition to his physical strength, Bush said Murphy's strong moral character also was apparent at an early age.

"One day in school, he got into a scuffle sticking up for a student with a disability. It's the only time his parents ever got a phone call from the principal, and they couldn't have been prouder," Bush said. "Michael's passion for helping others led him to become a caring brother, a tutor, a life guard and eventually a member of the United States armed forces."

The president welcomed Murphy's parents and brother, John, who hail from Patchogue, N.Y., to the White House's East Room, noting that Murphy's decision to join the U.S. military was not easily accepted by his family. "As a Purple Heart recipient during Vietnam, Michael's father understood the sacrifices that accompany a life of service. He also understood that his son was prepared to make these sacrifices," Bush added.

Murphy is remembered by fellow SEALs as a wisecracking friend who went by "Mikey" or "Murph," a patriot who wore a New York City firehouse patch on his uniform in honor of the heroes of 9/11, Bush said.

"And they remember an officer who respected their opinions and led them with an understated yet unmistakable sense of command. Together Michael and his fellow SEALs deployed multiple times around the world in the war against the extremists and radicals," Bush said. "And while their missions were often carried out in secrecy, their love of country and devotion to each other was always clear."

Murphy is one of three servicemembers to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry in action during the war on terror. The president has presented medals to the families of Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith and Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, who died in Iraq.

Two Sailors Dead in Bahrain Barracks Shooting

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2007 - Two female U.S. sailors were killed, and a third sailor suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound early this morning in Bahrain, military officials reported.

The incident was limited to the three U.S. Navy sailors at Naval Support Activity Bahrain and is not terror-related, officials said.

The female sailors were shot at a military barracks at about 5 a.m. and were pronounced dead at the scene. The third sailor was reported to be in critical condition at a Bahrain hospital. All names are being withheld until next of kin have been notified.

Initial indications are the three sailors were acquainted, but the extent of their relationships and the details of the shootings are still under investigation, officials said.

Naval Support Activity Bahrain is the home base for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Wayne M. Geiger, 23, of Lone Pine, Calif. died Oct 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Erik T. Garoutte, 22, of Santee, Calif., died Oct. 19 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to 1^st Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Norfolk, Va.

The incident is currently under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jarred S. Fontenot, 35, of Port Barre, La., died Oct. 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device and small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Co.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

EDO Communications & Countermeasures Systems (EDO CCS), Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $95,236,513 firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6311) to exercise options for production and support of 1,250 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicle Mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command Area of Responsibility. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks (87 percent) and Lancaster, (13 percent), Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded an $11,063,578 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the System Development and Demonstration Phase of the Expendable Mine Neutralization System (EMNS). The EMNS is a mine identification and neutralization system for support of mine neutralization operations from MCM-1 Class ships. It will replace the aging and maintenance intensive AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralization System and will provide ships with improved reconnaissance capability, positive identification of mine threats, reduced neutralization mission times, and reduced maintenance in both time and required spares. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (77 percent); Corpus Christi, Texas (8 percent); Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada (6 percent); Owego, N.Y. (5 percent); Waterlooville, Hampshire, United Kingdom (3 percent); Reston, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $11,063,578, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two proposals received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-6300).

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Systems Integration of Owego, New York is being awarded a contract modification for $75,000,000. This contract action will provide Operational Flight Program (OFP) Hardware Improvement Program for Development and Integration for Suites 6, 7, and 8, including Hellfire II Missile Development and Integration. At this time no funds have been obligated. 642 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8635-07-D-6000).

The Raytheon Co. of El Segundo, California is being awarded a contract modification for $61,364,572. This action provides for support and services to develop, build, certify, and test Global Positioning System (GPS) Ground Based Receiver Application Module Modernized Small Serial Interface (GB-GRAM-M SSI) and GPS Receiver Application Module Standard Electronics Module Type E (GRAM-S/M) Cards. At this time $2,000,000 has been obligated. SMC/GPSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-06-C-0004, P00014).

Rockwell Collins, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is being awarded a contract modification for $49,189,135. This action provides for support and services to develop, build, certify, and test Global Positioning System (GPS) Ground Based Receiver Application Module Modernized Small Serial Interface (GB-GRAM-M SSI) and GPS Receiver Application Module Standard Electronics Module Type E (GRAM-S/M) Cards. At this time $995,916 has been obligated. SMC/GPSW, El Segundo Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-06-C-0001, P0009).

L-3 Communications of Anaheim, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $33,434,372. This action provides for support and services to develop, build, certify, and test Global Positioning System (GPS) Ground Based GPS Receiver Application Module Modernized Small Serial Interface (GB-GRAM-M SSI) and GPS Receiver Application Module Standard Electronics Module Type E (GRAM-S/M) Cards. At this time $408,045.98 has been obligated. SMC/GPSW, El Segundo Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-06-C-0003, P00013).

Lockheed Martin-Integrated Systems and Solutions of Colorado Springs, Colo. is being awarded a contract modification for $32,794,845. This contract action awards the continuing mission critical operations, maintenance, and support for the Combatant Commanders Integrated Command and Control Systems (CCIC2S) program under the Integrated Space Command and Control (ISC2). ISC2 will modernize the command and control (C2) systems of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Strategic Command (USSSTRATCOM) into an integrated, interoperable, state of the art capability to support the National Command Authority and the Canadian Chief of Defense Staff for the defense of North America. The C2 system provides warning of ballistic missile, aircraft, space and information attacks against North America. The modernization will significantly enhance USSTRATCOM's ability to command space forces, provide global warning of ballistic missile attacks, and improve space support to theater warfighters and coalition partners. Using modern software, ISC2 will integrate worldwide communications networks, computer system, and software to provide an integrated view of worldwide events that will ensure complete and timely situational awareness that can support political and military command decisions world wide. At this time no funds have been obligated. 850 ELSG/PK, Peterson Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (F19628-00-C-0019, P00124).

ARMY

Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Oct. 16, 2007, a $22,392,064 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Increase of 50% for the difference between the purchase price of the HEMTT A2 vehicles and the purchase price of the HEMTT A4 vehicles (HEMTT A4 are the new version). This is an undefinitized contractual action the other 50% will be when this is definitized. Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles = Heavy Equipment Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), Palletized Loading System (PLS) and non recurring engineering. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 23, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0248).

General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Oct. 18, 2007, a $20,828,590 increment as part of a $231,154,861 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for system development and demonstration for the Extended Range / Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Including Integration of the Hellfire Missile. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (43 percent), Adelanto, Calif. (14 percent), Palmdale, Calif. (8 percent), Salt Lake City, Utah (18 percent), Hunt Valley, Md. (14 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 120 bids solicited on Sept. 1, 2004, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Hess Corp., Woodbridge, N.J., is being awarded a $28,435,693 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Using services are Army, Federal Civilian Agencies, National Institutes of Health and Walter Reed. Other location of performance is Maryland. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 81 original proposals solicited with 16 responses. Date of performance completion is December 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-G-8030).

Pepco Energy Services, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $19,569,107 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Using services are Army, Federal Civilian Agencies, National Institutes of Health, Walter Reed, and USDA Beltsville. Other location of performance is Maryland. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 81 original proposals solicited with 16 responses. Date of performance completion is December 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir Va. (SP0600-05-G-8029).

Constellation New Energy, Inc., New York, N.Y., is being awarded a $11,560,84 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Using services are Army, and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Other location of performance is Maryland. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 81 proposals originally solicited with 16 responses. Date of performance completion is December 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-8001).

Reliant Energy Solutions East, Edison, N.J., is being awarded a $8,040,111 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Using services are Army, Federal Civilian Agencies, Fort Meade, and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Other location of performance is Maryland. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 16 original proposals solicited with 11 responses. Date of performance completion is December 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-G-8037).

Doonesbury Creator, Military Bloggers Compile New Book

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2007 - War can inspire great writing, like a series of superlative dispatches from servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan compiled in a new book that offers an arresting glimpse of life on the front lines.

Conceived by Garry Trudeau, creator of the long-running, satirical comic strip Doonesbury, "The Sandbox" is a 309-page compilation of roughly 90 online journal entries penned by scores of the military's most talented scribes.

"In fascinating and compelling posts, soldiers write passionately, eloquently and movingly of their day-to-day lives, of their mission, and of the drama that unfolds daily around them," Trudeau said during an interview at the Pentagon yesterday.

"In the military they call it 'hotwash,' I understand; this kind of downloading, debriefing of experiences right after they happen," he said. "It's the kind of first-person journalism that you really can't find anyplace else."

Thousands of military bloggers, or milbloggers, in Afghanistan and Iraq use the Internet to tell an unfiltered version of war, sharing stories of compassion, hope, anguish and suspense to primarily niche audiences of family members and friends. Trudeau, who said he began reading milblogs as a source of inspiration and information at the wars' outset, decided last year to help the authors tap into a wider readership.

"I have a Web site -- doonesebury.com -- that does have a fairly broad reach," he said, "and so we thought maybe this would be a good place to set up an aggregate site, a site that compiles the very best of what we could find of the milblogs."

In October 2006, Trudeau and editor David Stanford, duty officer at the Doonesbury Web site, began hosting milblogs online. To draw attention to the nascent site, Trudeau used cammie-clad Doonesbury character Ray Hightower -- apparently an Army noncommissioned officer of undisclosed rank -- to spread the message via word-of-mouth.

"At The Sandbox, contributors can operate in a clean, lightly edited debriefing environment where all content, no matter how robust, is secured by the first amendment!" reads the text next to Hightower's helmet-covered head in the Oct. 8, 2006, Doonesbury strip, to lure comic-strip readers to the new site. Hightower adds, "So if you support the troops -- but haven't a clue what they're actually up to -- you owe it to yourself to log onto The Sandbox!"

Meanwhile, Stanford scoured some 2,000 milblogs in search of compelling posts. The editor also opened the Web site to submissions, resulting in an encouraging response of surprising quality and depth.

"I figured people maybe wouldn't have enough time to write, and maybe they'd be writing a brief piece here, a quick report there," he recalled. "But we were getting 2,000-, 3,000-word posts from people who would be out on a 15-hour mission and then just sit down and write a beautiful account of the entire thing with style."

Milblogger 1st Sgt. Troy Steward of the New York National Guard regrets the empty pages of the journal he sparsely kept during the first Persian Gulf War.

"It was 16 or 17 years ago, and there's a lot I've forgotten," he said during an interview yesterday.

When Steward deployed to Afghanistan in May 2006, he resolved to discipline himself as a writer. Over the course of his year-long deployment, the first sergeant maintained his bouhammer.com milblog, which attracted a readership of unexpectedly high volume.

"As people around America starting reading it, my readership of 200-300 hits per day was 70 percent people I'd never met," he recalled. "So many e-mails I received were from people that had family members -- sons, brothers, husbands, whatever -- deployed to Afghanistan that they hardly ever heard from. They would write me and say, 'Your blog gives me an idea of what they're going through. It gets me in touch with what they're going through.'"

Steward said many of his readers were Americans interested in but deprived of traditional media coverage about Operation Enduring Freedom. The war in Afghanistan, which "does not grab the headlines anymore," often is referred to by servicemembers deployed there as "the forgotten war," Steward said.

"In fact, when I came back on leave, people didn't even know we were still in Afghanistan," he said with an incredulous tone. "And that's amazing.

"Many people were just concerned citizens, great Americans that wanted to know what was going on and what servicemembers were going through," he continued. "It gave them a small glimpse into what life was like over there."

Three of Steward's posts appear in The Sandbox, including a dispatch titled "Lost Innocence," an account about an Afghan boy Steward met while on patrol near Sharana, Afghanistan.

"I wrote about a young boy -- probably about 10 years old -- that watched his father, who worked for the government, get murdered right in front of him very violently by enemy forces," he said. "No one in the village would go to the funeral, because they didn't want to be associated with helping out a member of the government.

"He and his mother and his siblings had to drag his father's body, dig the hole and bury him. So I wrote about how a 10-year-old boy will never have a chance to be a child," Steward said. "His innocence is lost forever."

Milblogger Army Sgt. Owen Powell became a regular contributor to the Doonesbury Web site while deployed in Iraq from June 2006 to July 2007. Seven posts by Powell, who blogs under the nom de guerre "Roy Batty," appear in The Sandbox compilation.

During an interview yesterday, the sergeant laughed when asked about the meaning behind his pseudonym, a homage to a character from the film "Bladerunner." "There's an awesome line at the end of the movie where it says, 'I have seen things that you people wouldn't believe.' And for me that resonated even when I was a kid, and as a soldier it really resonated.

"I wanted to just capture, 'What did it feel like to walk in the desert in Kuwait at night? What did it feel like to drive a Humvee through the mahalas (neighborhoods) of Baghdad? What did it feel like to get shot at or hit with an improvised explosive device?'" Powell said about his blog. "I was trying to bring out these images and these feelings and the visceral experience of being in Iraq."

Proceeds from The Sandbox, Trudeau's third in a series of military-related books, will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation. Located on the grounds of military and veterans hospitals, Fisher Houses offer a setting where family members can be close to loved ones hospitalized for an injury, illness or disease.

Air Force Pilot Missing From Vietnam War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Maj. Robert G. Lapham, U.S. Air Force, of Marshall, Mich. He will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

On Feb. 8, 1968, Lapham was flying the lead A-1G Skyraider in a flight of two in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. The aircraft were alerted to join an airborne forward air controller to destroy enemy tanks that had overrun the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp. After completing one pass on the tanks, Lapham was nearing his target on the second pass when he crashed. The crew of the other aircraft involved in the mission reported seeing no parachute.

Between 1993 and 1998, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), traveled to Quang Tri Province two times to investigate the incident and interview witnesses. One team also surveyed the crash site and found aircraft wreckage.

In 2003, another joint team investigated the incident and resurveyed the crash site. The team found more wreckage and pilot-related evidence, including Lapham's identification tag.

Between 2004 and 2006, JPAC teams traveled to Quang Tri Province four times to excavate the crash site. The teams recovered human remains, aircraft wreckage and pilot-related items.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

For additional information of the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Micheal D. Brown, 20, of Williamsburg, Kan. died Oct.16 in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, of a non-combat related illness after being transported from Tikrit,Iraq on Oct.15. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

The Boeing Co. of Wichita, Kansas is being awarded a contract modification for $24,000,000,000. This action provides for sustaining engineering services in support of the KC-135 series aircraft fleet. At this time no funds have been obligated. 827 ACSW/PK, Tinker Air Force Base, Oka., is the contracting activity (F34601-01-C-0026, P00308).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems of Marietta, Georgia is being awarded a contract modification for $13,000,005. This contract modification is an undefinitized contract action for the procurement of Peculiar Spares and Support Equipment in support of the Norwegian foreign military sales program pursuant to Letter of offer and Acceptance (LOA). At this time $6,000,075 has been obligated. AFMC/ASC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456 P00027).

Booz Allen Hamilton of Fairfax, Virginia is being awarded a contract for $9,952,760. This action provides for Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) Services for the Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing (MILSATCOM), Space and Missile Systems Center, in support of the Global Broadcast Services Program (GBS) and the Joint Terminal Engineering office (JTEO). For JTEO, the contractor shall provide systems engineering, test and evaluation, network engineering, and development oversight of all MILSATCOM terminal systems. For GBS, the contractor shall implement current and future SE&I program plans; define current and future system architecture requirements; analyze alternative approaches for integrating, procuring, fielding, migrating, staging and supporting GBS systems; broadcast site management; risk assessment and mitigation; and adherence to DoD policy, industry standards and engineering best practices. At this time $435,352has been obligated. MCSW/PKA, El Segundo Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-07-F-0003).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Delta Western, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $63,703,134 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products and delivery services. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This acquisition is a partial set aside of 3 percent with the remaining 97 percent to be awarded on a competitive basis. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited with 12 responses. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1004).

Petro Star Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $59,059,817 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products and delivery services. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This acquisition is a partial set aside of 3 percent with the remaining 97 percent to be awarded on a competitive basis. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited with 12 responses. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1003).

Crowley Petroleum Distribution, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $28,940,873 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products and delivery services. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This acquisition is a partial set aside of 3 percent with the remaining 97 percent to be awarded on a competitive basis. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited with 12 responses. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1009).

Inlet Petroleum Co., Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $7,905,872 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products and delivery services. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This acquisition is a partial set aside of 3 percent with the remaining 97 percent to be awarded on a competitive basis. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited with 12 responses. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1005).

Everts Air Fuel, Fairbank, Alaska,* is being awarded a $7,191,606 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products and delivery services. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This acquisition is a partial set aside of 3 percent with the remaining 97 percent to be awarded on a competitive basis. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited with 12 responses. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1002).

Phoenix Fuel LLC, Sheridan, Wyo.,* is being awarded a $6,326,714 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel products and delivery services. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Federal Civilian Agencies. Other locations of performance are Alaska. This acquisition is a partial set aside of 3 percent with the remaining 97 percent to be awarded on a competitive basis. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited with 12 responses. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-1007).

NAVY

International Military and Government LLC (IMG), Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded $509,241,000 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0005 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for 1,000 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category I Low Rate Initial Production vehicles. Category I is a MRAP vehicle used by the Marine Corps and other Joint Forces for convoy operations. The MRAP vehicles are required to increase the survivability and mobility of troops operating in hazardous fire areas against known threats such as improvised explosive devices, small arms fire and mines. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and work is expected to be completed April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded $376,644,117 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) for the purchase of 553 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category I vehicles and 247 MRAP Category II vehicles and vehicle sustainment Integrated Logistic Support. Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded $278,441,800 firm fixed priced delivery order #0005 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for the purchase of 399 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category II vehicles and 112 MRAP Category II Ambulance Variant vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded $44,339,800 for firm fixed priced delivery order #0004 under previously awarded contract ( M67854-07-D-5025) for the purchase of 89 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle Category I United States Special Operations Command Variants and vehicle sustainment Integrated Logistic Support. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by March 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Missile Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an $8,315,500 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-05-C-0048) to exercise an option for 100 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) Command Launch Computer (CLC) systems in support of F/A-18E/F and EA-18G platforms. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Colsa Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a $7,761,671 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide research, analysis, design, modification, documentation, configuration management, and engineering support services for the Data Link Test Tools (DLTT) and Gateway Systems (GS). DLTT and GS support the development, integration, and implementation of tactical data links and are used in performing interoperability testing across numerous land-based test facilities. This contract contains one four-year option, and one three-year award term, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of this contract to $68,534,164. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed October 2008. This contract was competitively procured via publication in Federal Business Opportunities website, and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-08-D-0098).

Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $6,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N62793-07-C-0001) to exercise an option for FY 08 advance Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) planning for USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by February 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $6,000,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity.

CONTRACTS

USSOCOM

International Development and Resources, Inc. of Fairfax, Va, is being awarded a maximum of $150,000,000 firm-fixed price and cost indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for technical, engineering, logistics, and program management services in support of U.S. Special Operations Command, Special Operations Aviation Training Company, Technology Applications Program Office and Systems Integration and Maintenance Office. The work will primarily be performed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2011. The contract number is H92241-08-D-0001.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Foodservice, Fairburn, Ga., is being awarded a $28,750,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution services. Using services are Army, Air Force, DoD, and non-DoD customers in Georgia and surrounding areas. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally Web solicited with 3 responses. Date of performance completion is October 16, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3105).

Sysco Food Services, Calera, Ala., is being awarded a $18,750,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Job Corps, and DoD and non-DoD customers in Alabama and Florida Panhandle areas. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally Web solicited with 3 responses. Date of performance completion is October 16, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3104).

Carter Industries, Inc., Olive Hill, Ky.,* is being awarded a $6,291,175 firm fizxed price contract for Coveralls. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not ezxpire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 3 proposals originally solicited with 2 responses. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-C-0002).

NAVY

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $11,235,265 order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the nonrecurring engineering to upgrade 210 AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar to the B configuration (includes 114 retrofit and 96 production upgrades). Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (95 percent) and St. Louis, Mo. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

NDTS Aviation Services, Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a contract modification for $10,769,878. This action provides for aircraft backshop maintenance, munitions, and equipment support for the Air Armament Center and for Air Armament and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence Systems Testing for a 12 month period. At this time, $9,642,145has been obligated. 96 CONS/MSCB, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08651-02-C-0085, Modification P00044).

ARMY

Misener Construction Inc., Tampa, Fla., was awarded on Oct. 15, 2007, a $9,306,196 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new ocean outfall for a storm water pump station. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 100 bids solicited on Aug. 25, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-C-0007).

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a $282,347,840 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (62 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (38 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. No work completion date or additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2118).

Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a $124,400,989 cost-plus-fixed fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2102) for additional naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (52 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (48 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on contracts supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-2102).

Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Mitchel Field, N.Y., is being awarded a $58,727,146 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide the FY2008 U.S. and U.K. TRIDENT II (D5) Navigation Subsystem Engineering Support Services requirements. Specific efforts include U.S. and U.K. Fleet support, Strategic Weapon System Shipboard Integration support, modifications to Trident II (D5) backfit navigation computer software and hardware, U.S. and U.K. trainer systems support, engineering refueling overhaul support. Work will be performed in Mitchel Field, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $30,689,643 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded based on a sole source acquisition. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-08-C-0002).

Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $52,509,924 firm-fixed-price contract to provide an immersive training environment for convoy operations to include basic procedures for driver, gunner, and passengers including but not limited to weapons usage and target engagement, driver evasive action, command and control procedures within the vehicle and convoy, and general familiarity with terrain/environment to provide training for Marines in tactical scenarios, related to combat operations. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and work is expected to be completed October 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a full and open competition procurement, with two offers received. Marine Corps Systems Command PMTRASYS, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-C-8007).

Raytheon Technical Services Co. LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $12,908,129 firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for the production build of 10 Turkish Peace Onyx (PO) III F-16 AN/AWW-13 weapons pods for use with the SLAM-ER missile for the Government of Turkey under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This order also includes a reliability program plan. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Sealift, Inc., Oyster Bay, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,614,000 firm-fixed-price contract plus reimbursables for the charter of the U.S.-flagged, self-sustaining container ship M/V Virginian. The ship will carry containers laden with ammunition and will be operated in support of the global war on terrorism and the United States Central Command. The contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $39,814,000. Work will be performed between the United States and the U.S. Central Command area of operations, and work is expected to be completed by October 2008. If options are exercised, work may continue through October 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities and the Military Sealift Command websites, with more than 200 proposals solicited and three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N00033-08-C-5500).

Photo-Sonics, Inc.*, Burbank, Calif., was awarded a $5,799,794 firm-fixed-price contract on Oct. 15, 2007, for the design, development, fabrication, integration, test, and delivery of one Mobile Multi-Sensor Time-Space-Position Information (TSPI) System (MMTS) for the Redstone Technical Test Center. The MMTS will accurately track and collect TSPI for current and future kinetic energy missiles, and weapons that fly a low, flat trajectory at hypervelocity speeds. Work will be performed in Burbank, Calif., and is expected to be completed in October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; 7 firms were solicited and 2 offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N61339-08-C-7001).

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems/Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory of San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a contract modification for $18,700,000. The purpose of this action was to procure U-2 ASIP support equipment i.e., depot level spares, test equipment, High Band System refurbished equipment and back shop support equipment in support of ASIP U-2 fielding. The location of performance is Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, San Jose, California. At this time, $16,150,000 has been obligated. Reconnaissance Systems Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-07-C-4018-P00002).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Jason B. Koutroubas, 21, of Dunnellon, Fla., died Oct 14 in Tal Afar, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

This incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Thomas M. Martin, 27, of Ward, Ark., died Oct 14 in Al Busayifi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Kenneth J. Iwasinski, 22, of West Springfield, Mass., died Oct 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Co.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a contract modification for $176,217,761. This action provides for MinuteMan III (MM) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Propulsion Replacement Program (PRP). The purpose of PRP is to ensure MM Flight Reliability and supportability through 2020 and to correct identified mission threatening degradations, sustain existing reliability, and support MM Life Extension Efforts. This contract action exercises the program's final full rate production year 7 option and will purchase the remaining 56 booster sets for a total of 601. At this time, $ 51,579,431 has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42310-98-C-0001).

Lockheed Martin Corporation of Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $38,000,000. This action provides for Joint-Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity for the execution phase of Phase I for the Plan of Action and Milestone (POA&M). Phase I consists of a Reliability Characterization Program including data mining, functional ground test, free-flights and aircraft integration/sustainment activities. At this time, no funds have been obligated. 308 ARSG/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-08-D-0054).

L-3 Communications Titan Corporation, Intelligence Systems Division of Reston, Va., is being awarded a contract modification for $29,075,930. This contract modification incorporates an Engineering Change Proposal which extends the period of performance of the contract 24 months to 30 June 2013 due to more stringent user requirements. At this time, $314,958 has been obligated. 950th Electronic Systems Group, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-01-C-0033 P00065).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation of Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract modification for $15,028,961. The government intends to award a letter contract to Northrop Grumman for foreign military sales case number MO-D-QAD for one Moroccan Head of State Aircraft Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system hardware, support equipment and services to include but not limited to: systems engineering, program management, logistics, spares as well as installation, installation support, and field service support. This effort support foreign military sales to Morocco. At this time, $3,000,000 has been obligated. 654^th AESS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-08-C-6479).

NAVY

Bath Iron Works Corporation (a General Dynamics Company), Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $76,613,742 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2305) to exercise an option for DDG 51 and FFG 7 Class Integrated Planning Yard Services to provide expert design, planning, and material support services for both maintenance and modernization. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $28, 347,085, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Valley Power Systems, Inc. (VPSI), City of Industry, Calif., is being awarded a $9,962,920 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for procurement of maintenance services (engine overhaul) and repair of the MK V Special Operations Craft MTU 12V396TE94 engines (MTU engines). Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $9,962,920 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-08-D-0003).

Rome Research Corp., Rome, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,247,259 firm-fixed-price with cost reimbursable line items contract for operation and maintenance support for facilities operating under Naval Computer & Telecommunications Stations (NCTS) Guam. This contract includes a base period and three one-year option periods that, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $25,647,395. Work will be performed in Finegayan, Guam (90 percent) and Barrigada, Guam (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N00604-08-C-0001).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

SYSCO/Louisville Food Services, Louisville, Ky., is being awarded a $29,423,563.89 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and DoD and non-DoD customers in Kentucky and surrounding areas. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited via DIBBS and the Web with 2 responses. Date of performance completion is October 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3226).

Robert Orr – SYSCO Food Services, Nashville, Tenn., is being awarded a $17,546,917.08 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support. Using services are Army, DoD, and non-DoD customers in Kentucky and surrounding areas. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposal was originally solicited via DIBBS and the Web with 1 response. Date of performance completion is October 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3227).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt.1st Class Justin S. Monschke, 28, of Krum, Texas, died Oct 14 in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol during combat operations. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Frank L. Cady III, 20, of Sacramento, Calif., died Oct.10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over. He was assigned to the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pvt. Nathan Z. Thacker, 18, of Greenbrier, Ark., died Oct. 12 in Kirkuk, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 22^nd Infantry Regiment, 1^st Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Eric T. Duckworth, 26, of Plano, Texas, died Oct. 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 759th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Jason M. Lantieri, 25, of Killingworth, Conn., died Oct. 10 in Iskandaryah, Iraq, of injuries suffered during a vehicle accident Oct. 9. He was assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.

Why We Serve: Combat Medic Saves Lives Using New Evacuation System

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2007 - A veteran Air Force combat medic helped to transform the way wounded troops are treated and evacuated during a recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mark A. DeCorte is participating in the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public-outreach program. Photo by Gerry J. Gilmore

Tech Sgt. Mark A. DeCorte recalled the previous practice when unarmed battlefield medics were flown in to treat and evacuate injured servicemembers usually after an area had been cleared of the enemy.

However, DeCorte emphasized, "When you have a wounded soldier on the ground, they need help now."

DeCorte is among a group of 10 servicemembers who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American people at community, business, veteran's and other gatherings as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.

Why We Serve began last fall and was originally the idea of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace. Representatives from all the service branches participate in the program, which is conducted in quarterly segments. DeCorte and the other nine servicemembers in his group constitute the fifth iteration since the program began.

"I think the program is awesome," DeCorte said, noting that Americans need to hear the success stories and sacrifices of U.S. servicemembers deployed overseas in the war against terrorism.

The concept of treating and evacuating injured servicemembers during the din of battle was tested during DeCorte's tour of duty in Afghanistan from February to June 2006, the 13-year military veteran said.

The Army had requested Air Force assistance to improve its air-ambulance capabilities in Afghanistan's austere, mountainous terrain, DeCorte explained.

Previous doctrine was to send in medical-evacuation helicopters after the fighting had stopped, he noted, but this practice meant that some troops wouldn't survive the trip to the hospital. That procedure would change.

In Afghanistan, DeCorte was one of several military medics embedded with aerial combat-support units. Instead of using traditional rotary- or fixed-wing aircraft marked with red crosses, the new wave combat medics carried arms as they flew directly into the maelstrom aboard armored helicopter gunships.

The idea, DeCorte explained, was to treat the wounded as quickly as possible. And, when the concept was tested on the battlefield, it contributed to achieving a previously unimagined wounded-survivability rate of 90 percent, he said.

"We can now go in embedded (with combat units) and part of the operation," DeCorte said.

And instead of the famous but fragile UH-1 "Huey" helicopters that were used to evacuate wounded U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, DeCorte and his fellow medics today fly into action aboard HH-60-G Pave Hawk helicopters, the same aircraft favored by U.S. Special Operations troops.

"What that led to is a brand-new capability," DeCorte pointed out, noting that the Pave Hawks' specialized equipment enables nighttime, as well as daytime, medical evacuations.

"We can come in with weapons," DeCorte said. "We can actually get the wounded as they're being wounded."

A servicemember's odds of surviving battlefield-inflicted wounds go way up if he or she can be evacuated to a treatment center within an hour of being injured, DeCorte pointed out. In medical parlance that period of time is known as "the golden hour," he said.

"If I can get you to surgery within an hour you most likely have a chance to survive," DeCorte said.

The Minot, N.D.-born noncommissioned officer saved 36 lives during his 63 combat sorties in southern Afghanistan. "It's very bad in that area," DeCorte observed, adding that two of his fellow combat medics on other air-evacuation flights saved another 102 lives between them.

When not saving lives, the air-ambulance crews also performed aerial resupply and other support missions not traditionally performed by combat medics, DeCorte said.

DeCorte's wife, Lorretta, also is an Air Force medic. Although family life can sometimes get hectic with four children and military deployments, DeCorte said he's in the military for the long haul.

"I don't want to sit in the rear. I need to put my uniform on and get there in the fight and bring those soldiers home," he concluded.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Donald L. Munn II, 25, of Saint Clairs Shores, Mich., died Oct. 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. He was assigned to Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. /

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with rockets.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Lillian Clamens, 35, of Lawton, Okla. She was assigned to the 1st Postal Platoon, 834th Adjutant General Company, Miami.

Spc. Samuel F. Pearson, 28, of Westerville, Ohio. He was assigned to the 376th Finance Company, 88th Regional Readiness Command, Wausau, Wis.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Bechtel Bettis Inc., Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, West Mifflin, Pa., is being awarded a $450,700,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-4064) for Naval Nuclear Propulsion work at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. Work will be performed in West Mifflin, Pa. Contract funds in the amount of $242,200,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or other additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (a Northrop Grumman Corp. Co.), Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $66,581,873 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2306) to exercise an option for Integrated Planning Yard Services for CG 47 and DD 963 Class ships to provide expert design, planning, and material support services for both maintenance and modernization. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $66,581,873, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., Columbia, Md., is being awarded an $8,253,547 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-05-C-0002) to exercise an option for engineering and logistics services in support of the Light Airborne Multi-purpose System MKIII AN/SRQ-4 data link. The estimated level of effort for this option is 124,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (51 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md. (49 percent) and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $7,255,085 firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable contract for operation and maintenance support for facilities operating under Naval Computer & Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS) Pacific. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N00604-07-C-0008).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Reliant Energy Solutions East, Edison, N.J., is being awarded a $8,040,111 firm fixed price contract for electrical services for Fort Meade and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab.. Using services are Army and Federal Civilian Agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 16 proposals originally solicited with 11 responses. Date of performance completion is December 31, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-G-8037).

ARMY

AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Oct. 10, 2007, a $7,447,856 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract, initiated on March 17, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).

Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded on Oct. 4, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,383,928 as part of a $73,884,602 firm-fixed-price contract for spare components and Commander's Independent Viewer System for the M2A2 and M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 8, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-02-G-0003).

BAE Systems/Ordnance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on Oct. 11, 2007, a $5,605,263 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Production Base Support Program. Work will be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 17, 2007. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-98-E-0006).

Nine Missing WWII Airmen are Identified

The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of nine U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

They are 1^st Lt. David P. McMurray, of Melrose, Mass.; 1^st Lt. Raymond Pascual, of Houston, Texas; 2^nd Lt. Millard C. Wells Jr., of Paris, Ky.; Tech. Sgt. Leonard J. Ray, of Upper Falls, Md.; Tech. Sgt. Hyman L. Stiglitz, of Boston, Mass.; Staff Sgt. Robert L. Cotey, of Vergennes, Vt.; Staff Sgt. Francis E. Larrivee, of Laconia, N.H.; Staff Sgt. Robert J. Flood, of Neelyton, Pa.; and Staff Sgt. Walter O. Schlosser, of Lake City, Mich.; all U.S. Army Air Forces. Ray and Flood were buried last week in Harford County, Md., and Dry Run, Pa., respectively. The burials of the other servicemen will be at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. on a date to be determined.

Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.

On July 7, 1944, the men were aboard a B-24J Liberator that departed North Pickenham, England, on a mission to bomb a German aircraft factory near Bernburg, Germany. The plane was last seen by U.S. aircrew members in that vicinity. Captured records revealed that it had crashed near Westeregeln, about 20 miles northwest of the target in what would become the Soviet sector of a post-war-divided Germany.

In 2001, a group of German citizens interested in recovering wartime relics and remains learned of a potential crash site south of Westeregeln. Later that year and in 2002, the group found the site and uncovered human remains from what appeared to be two burial locations. The remains and other personal effects, including identification tags, were turned over to U.S. officials.

In 2003, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team excavated the crash site and recovered additional remains, identification tags and non-biological material evidence.

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Our Message to the Military.... "America Supports You"

October 9, 2007

E-Newsletter Volume CXXXI

Rocklin, Calif.

Catherine Morris, Sierra College Veterans advisor, talks about the increasing number of combat veterans returning home and enrolling at Sierra College during “The Road Home… From Combat to College and Beyond” forum. Photo by Loryll Nicolaisen/Auburn Journal.

Nashville, Tenn.

(L-R) Nan Kelley, host of “Opry Live”; U.S. Postal Service Vice President for Public Affairs Joanne Giordano; Vice Chief of Staff Marine Forces Reserve Colonel Lionel J. Rotelli Jr.; U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier Michael Wilson; U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy de Vries, who recently returned from a 12 month deployment in Iraq; and Lee Greenwood are pictured during the unveiling of “the World’s Largest Care Package.”

Denver, Colo.

Servicemembers from all four branches of the military stand in formation for the National Anthem at Coors Field as part of the Colorado Rockies Military Appreciation Day last Sunday.

New on the ASY Team:
America Supports You is proud to welcome four new homefront organizations to the team this week!
Project Victory, located in Houston, Tex., provides access to the Memorial Hermann TIRR Challenge, a brain injury rehabilitation program for servicemembers with a traumatic brain injury.

Armed Forces Support Coalition, based in Durango, Colo., provides military families with assistance, information, care packages, letters and educational activities.

Soldier Support Foundation provides veterans and family members links to useful services. The Burnsville, Minn. based organization also advocates for veterans housing.

JDS Computer Donations, in Livonia, Mich., provides rebuilt/refurbished computer equipment for MWR to distribute to deployed units in Iraq and Afghanistan.

ASY from Coast to Coast and Across the Ocean
The Sierra College Veterans Club is helping spread the ASY message by educating the Sierra College community on the experiences and challenges facing returning war veterans, including those attending college. The club recently sponsored a forum titled “The Road Home… From Combat to College and Beyond,” featuring a panel of veterans who shared their experiences transitioning from military and combat life to civilian and student life. "Hopefully what we're doing here… (will) spread throughout the country (and).. make the transition from combat to college a lot easier (for servicemembers)," said panelist Rich Cervantes, who recently returned from three combat tours in Iraq and is now at Sierra College. Another panelist Cody Conway, a Marine and now student, sustained injuries in 2003 while repairing a vehicle during a sandstorm while en route to Baghdad. “Our mission of completion is to slowly build up our own confidence and better ourselves literally one class at a time because that is what we have to do, and we're doing it," said Conway.

Qwest employees help Rockies fans send their messages of support to the troops through the America Supports You Web site, at the Qwest Jeep on the concourse at Coors Field. The first 8,000 fans to send a message received a complimentary America Supports You dog tag, courtesy of Qwest.

Country music star Lee Greenwood helped the Grand Ole Opry, United States Postal Service, and America Supports You unveil “the World’s Largest Care Package” on the Opry stage. Throughout October, visiting Opry fans are invited to write notes of support to the troops overseas. Notes will be included in more than 1,000 individual packages to be mailed near Veteran’s Day in time for Thanksgiving delivery. The U.S. Postal Service created the special boxes featuring the Grand Ole Opry and America Supports You logos. Also included in the packages will be greeting cards from Hallmark®, GI Roses® gift certificates allowing overseas military to send roses to loved ones at home, country music CD’s from Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, and gifts from artists visiting the Opry throughout October. Items will be packed by Tennessee Marine Family, an America Supports You homefront group, founded by the mother of a Marine who has served three tours in Iraq. The staff representing the U.S. Postal Service and the men in uniform representing America Supports You received a standing ovation from the Opry crowd, as did Greenwood’s performance of “God Bless the USA.”

Pictured (left to right) U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier Michael Wilson; U.S. Postal Service Vice President for Public Affairs Joanne Giordano; ASY homefront group Tennessee Marine Family volunteers, helping with packing the box, Arlene Smith and Courtney Crist; U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Heremy de Vries and Vice Chief of Staff Marine Forces Reserve Colonel Lionel J. Rotelli, Jr. representing ASY at the Grand Ole Opry announcement of “the World’s Largest Care Package.”

Qwest Communications, a corporate supporter of America Supports You, recently hosted Colorado Rockies Military Appreciation Day at Coors Field in Denver. Qwest distributed 8,000 America Supports You dog tags and encouraged fans to send e-mail messages of support to the servicemembers through the America Supports You Web site. Laptops were stationed inside the Qwest Jeep on the stadium concourse. Prior to the game, hundreds of servicemembers representing all five branches of the military received a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd, as they marched across the field. Qwest provided free tickets to members of the military from all across Colorado. Qwest also hosted dozens of employees currently serving in the National Guard and Reserves in the Qwest suite for the regular season finale. During the game, Director of Public Policy Communication for Qwest Bill Myers presented the Patriotic Employer Award from the National Association for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) to two of Qwest’s IT managers, Jeff Thompson and Jon Ecklund. Thompson and Ecklund were nominated for the award by Army 2nd Lt. Scott Sharkey, who serves in the Colorado National Guard, and left for six months of training on Tuesday, October 2. “I’ve had to leave for [active duty] on several occasions, and I’ve never had to worry about coming back to work,” said Sharkey. “[Thompson and Ecklund] have provided me with great opportunities with the company, as well as a great deal of respect and support.” Qwest works with America Supports You on a variety of troop support initiatives each year. Qwest is also an ESGR Five Star Supporter of the Guard and Reserves.

Featured on the ASY Web Site Last Week:
The Soldiers Project
“‘The Soldiers Project offers free, no-red-tape psychological counseling to any servicemember who has served in (Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom).…We want to support the families while their loved one is away, and we want to help with reintegration and combat stress issues when they return.”
- Barbara Schochet, Assistant Director, The Soldiers Project

My Brother’s Keeper
“We’re here if anyone desires a more positive road… We try to help people get on the right track as much as we possibly can, (to) be a support system, a lifeline for them…. We service a lot of the vets when they come through needing assistance with jobs, skill development, (and) housing referrals…I think every week we have a vet or two in our different workshops.”
- Jacque Harris, Business Developer, My Brother’s Keeper

ASY In the News
CountryHound.com reported on the Grand Ole Opry, the U.S. Postal Service and ASY having recently teamed up to send “The World’s Largest Care Package” on Oct. 6.
The Augusta Daily Gazette (Kan.) mentioned ASY homefront group A Million Thanks' campaign to show our U.S. military men and women, past and present, our appreciation for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through letters and cards.

The Herald News (Juliet, Ill.) covered the work ASY homefront group Operation MOMS Cookies is doing supporting our servicemembers.

ASY Homefront Organization of the Week
Soldiers' Angels was started in 2003 by Patti Patton-Bader after learning from her son Sgt. Brandon Varn who was serving in Iraq, that some servicemembers did not receive any mail or support from home. The organization now has members in all fifty states and Puerto Rico and several foreign countries. Soldiers’ Angels volunteers have sent tens of thousands of care packages and hundreds of thousands of letters to servicemembers and have supported our servicemembers in many different additional ways. In late October the organization is hosting its 1st Annual Veterans Vittles Benefit Cook-Off. Soldiers' Angels has joined with the “Grill Instructors” for an all-day family event to benefit Soldiers' Angels VA Team. There will be children's activities, entertainment, silent auctions and military displays set up for all to enjoy. To learn more about the organization, please check out: http://soldiersangels.org

From the Troops:
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support us. Due to the fact that most of us are disconnected to our fellow Americans and forget that there are many of you supporting us. I was a member who recently received a steak dinner from Mr. Anton and his team. It was like Christmas here. This support brings hope and happiness during the hardest times any of us have ever seen!”
- Sgt (USAF), Melissa McRae, Colorado Springs, Colo.

“Thanks for this Web page and the kind thoughts expressed by all. It's important to know that the average citizen understands the sacrifices made by everyone in uniform and our families.”
- CPT US ARMY, P. Snyder, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Our troops deserve to be applauded, and so do you!

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DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Gilberto A. Meza, 21, of Oxnard, Calif., died Oct. 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Jeremy W. Burris, 22, of Tacoma, Wash., died Oct. 8 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 4^th Marine Regiment, 1^st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Benjamin C. Dillon, 22, of Rootstown, Ohio, died Oct. 7 in northern Iraq of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Adam D. Quinn, 22, of Orange City, Fla., died Oct. 6 at Forward Operating Base Phoenix, near Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 5 in Baghdad of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations. They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, in Vilseck, Germany.

Killed were:

Sgt. Joseph B. Milledge, 23, of Pointblank, Texas, and

Spc. Jason N. Marchand, 26, of Greenwood, W. Va.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Vincent G. Kamka, 23, of Everett, Wash., died Oct. 4 in Bayji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Soldier's death is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

The Santa Barbara Applied Research Incorporated of Ventura, Calif. is being awarded a contract for $99,000,000. This purpose of the Multi-Wing Logistics Support Contract (MWLSC) is to provide a variety of non-personal logistics support services for HQ AFSPC/A4R, the 21^st Space Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron (21LRS) at Peterson AFB, Colorado, 50^th Logistics Readiness Flight (50LRF) at Schriever AFB, 460^th Logistics Readiness Squadron (460LRS) at Buckley AFB, Colorado, 341^st Logistics Readiness Squadron (341LRS) Malmstrom AFB, Montana, 90^th Logistics Readiness Squadron F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and the 30^th Logistics Readiness Squadron (30LRS) Vandenberg AFB, Calif.. Services include Base Supply Support, Materiel Control Services (Missile Materiel and Civil Engineering Materiel), Vehicle Operation and Maintenance, Cargo Movement Operations, Regional Supply Support Services. At this time $72,748 has been obligated. For more information please call (719) 556-7506. 21^st Contracting Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. is the contracting activity (FA2517-07-D-6009).

Pratt and Whitney Incorporated of Hartford, Conn. is being awarded a contract for $52,288,375.16. This action provides for procurement of Digital Electronic Engine Controls IV for F100-PW-220/220E engine fleet as well as the F-15 and F-16 aircrafts stationed worldwide, which will provide inputs aircraft and engine sensor data and computes output parameters based on control logic software, with a quantity of 1,051. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 734-8755. OC-ALC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. is the contracting activity (F33657-98-D-0018).

ViaSat Incorporated of Carlsbad, Calif. is being awarded a contract for $20,963,000. This action provides for joint communication simulator support services. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (661) 277-8436. AFFTC/PKEAB, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity (FA9302-07-D-0022).

The McDonnell Douglas Corporation, A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, of Long Beach, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $12,723,508.59. This action is a UCA definitization of 23 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) Small laser Turret Assemblies (SLTA) Kits and Installs and Difference Engineering, +5 LAIRCM SLTA Kits, +1 LAIRCM SLTA Kit for UK. At this time 17,430,491.41 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-0835. 516^th AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00200).

The Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $8,200,000. This effort is for engineering, manufacturing and development activities in support of the Global Hawk Program. At this time $1,500,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-7457. 303 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-4600, P00217).

The FlightSafety Services Corporation of Centennial, Colo. is being awarded a contract for $5,579,225. This action provides for concurrency and obsolescence upgrades to support the training of Special Operational Forces (SOF)/ Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) aircrews and ensure the affected Hurlburt Field, Florida and Kirkland AFB, NM training devices are concurrent with the weapon systems with sufficient fidelity to provide required aircrew training and mission rehearsal capabilities. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (801) 586-0682. 508 Aircraft Sustainment Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-QP05).

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $5,747,258. This contract action primarily provides for software and hardware changes to include software development, hardware installations, software integration and verification, and system in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-4505. Space and Missile Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0017, P000444).

NAVY

FLIR Systems, North Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a $47,612,315 firm-fixed-price contract for minimum 5 (ea), maximum 705 (ea), Hand Held Imagers – Long Range (HHI-LR) and associated line items for the United States Special Operations Command, Special Operations Visual Augmentation Systems. The HHI-LR/Thermal Imager system is for long range viewing and detection of targets. Work will be performed in North Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $324,755 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with seven companies solicited and one proposal received. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-8519)

Lockheed Martin Corp., St. Paul, Minn., is being awarded a $31,600,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0082) for the Fiscal Year 2008 procurement of P-3 Update II.5 Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) Improvement Program (AIP) A-Kits, B-Kits, and installations. Work will be performed in Greenville, S.C. (85 percent) and Clearwater, Fla. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Integrated Defense Systems, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a firm fixed priced delivery order on a basic ordering agreement contract in the amount of $31,716,168 for procurement of initial and wholesale spares requirements for six different weapons replaceable assemblies (WRAs) that are required to support the system used on the MH-60R/S helicopter. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed by November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-06-G-016F-5007).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $26,759,994 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-03-C-0055) to exercise an option for the manufacture, test and delivery of 20 Reconfigurable Transportable Consolidated Automated Support Systems (RTCASS) for the U.S. Navy and 11 Self Maintenance and Test/Calibration Interface Devices (SMAT/CAL ID) for the U.S. Navy, (10) and the U.S. Air Force (1). Work will be performed in North Reading, Mass. (60 percent) and St. Louis, Mo. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2,575,177 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $21,759,737 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-07-C-0013) to exercise an option for approximately 342,000 hours of engineering and technical services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Special Communications Requirements Division's Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Communications-Electronics Program. Work will be performed in California, Md. (80 percent), and St. Inigoes, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Nomad Aviation*, Hilo, Hawaii, is being awarded a $20,455,066 indefinite-delivery requirements contract (includes a $9,265,419 base year and an $11,189,646 option being exercised at time of award) for the procurement of "A" and "B" avionics upgrade installation kits, installation effort, and wing rewire effort in support of the T-44 aircraft. The base year includes the procurement of nine each "A" and "B" kits, two kit installations, two wing rewires, spare parts, conditional maintenance, engineering support and technical data. The option being exercised is for the procurement of eight each "A" and "B" kits, 14 kit installations, 14 wing rewires, spare parts, conditional maintenance, engineering support and technical data. Work will be performed in Sanford, Fla., with the base year requirements being completed in December 2007 and the option efforts expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; seven proposals were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0018).

Lockheed Martin Integrated Defense Systems, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded $17,129,219 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #5010 under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-06-G-016F) for the procurement of Fiscal Year 2007 initial and wholesale spare requirements for six different weapons replaceable assemblies that are required to support the system used on the E2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and work is estimated to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia is the contracting activity.

Vital Performance, LLC (dba InSport)*, Huntington Station, N.Y., is being awarded a $14,016,912 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-07-C-3053) for the Marine Corps Running Suit. Work will be performed in Salem, Oregon (30 percent); Marshall, Arkansas (40 percent); Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (20 percent) and Huntington Station, N.Y. (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $14,016,912 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with five offers received via Navy Electronic Office Online and is awarded as a result of a full and open competitive solicitation and is for the unrestricted portion of the solicitation. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Greenlawn, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,713,100 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0027) for the procurement of 249 AN/APX-118 common digital transponders for the U.S. Army (242) and U.S. Navy (7); 5 AN/APX-123 common digital transponders for the U.S. Army (4) and U.S. Navy (1); 231 C-12664/APX remote control units for the U.S. Army; 53 MT-7221/APX mounts for the U.S. Navy; 5 C-12720 Mode 5 capable remote control units for the U.S. Navy; 26 signal processors for the U.S. Army; 28 single board computers for the U.S. Army; 39 E-HRE crypto units for the U.S. Army; and 18 receiver/transmitters for the U.S. Army. Work will be performed in Greenlawn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in August 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($528,029; 5 percent) and the U.S. Army ($10,185,071; 95 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Kilgore Flares Company LLC, Toone, Tenn., is being awarded an estimated $9,870,540 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MK 58 Marine Location Markers. The MK 58 Marine Location Marker is used to provide the Warfighter with safe and effective pyrotechnics for use in search and rescue operations; man overboard operations; anti-submarine warfare and target identification. Work will be performed in Toone, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $625,642 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4263)

Engineering Software Research and Development, Inc.*, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $9,500,000 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program under Topic N03-169, entitled "Incorporation of Analysis Enhancements of a p-Element Analysis Code Required for Implementing the Strain Invariant Failure Theory" The contract provides for services and materials for engineering tasks, including research and development, prototype and testing of software tools for the simulation of the structural and strength responses of large airframe components made of fiber-reinforced composites. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N03-169; and three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0020).

Bell-Boeing Tiltrotor Team, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $8,904,531 firm-fixed-price delivery order #0244 under a previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-03-G-001B) for manufacture of spare components of the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia is the contracting activity.

Goodrich Corp., Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a $7,428,885firm-fixed-price contract for CKU-5/C Aircraft Ejection Seat Catapults in support of the CAD/PAD (Cartridge-Actuated Devices and Propellant-Actuated Devices) Joint Program Office, Naval Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (4 percent) and the governments of South Korea (15 percent); Egypt (12 percent); Singapore (9 percent); Saudi Arabia (8 percent); Taiwan (8 percent); Netherlands (8 percent); Turkey (7 percent); Greece (5 percent); Israel (5 percent); Denmark (4 percent); Norway (3 percent); Jordan (3 percent); United Arab Emirates (3 percent), Italy (2 percent); Belgium (1 percent); Portugal (1 percent); Pakistan (1 percent); and Thailand (under 1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., and work is expected to be completed by November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with two proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-C-K113).

Specialty Defense, Jessup, Pa., is being awarded a $5,828,942 firm-fixed-price contract for M16/M4 Speed Reload Magazine Pouches and Magazine "Dump" Pouches. Work will be performed in Mckee, Ky., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $5,828,942 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is awarded as a result of a full and open competitive solicitation. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-3068).

Ship Maintenance, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $5,682,768cost-plus-award-fee contract for operation and maintenance of NAVSEA Inactive Ships On-Site Maintenance Office, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This contract includes a base year and four one-year options, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $40,379,857. Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with seven offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia is the contracting activity (N00189-07-C-Z116).

Halbert Construction Co., Inc.*, El Cajon, Calif., is being awarded $5,534,355 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-07-D-2014) for design and construction of a Headquarters Battalion Armory at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms. Work will be performed in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Kiewit Pacific Co., Kapolei, Hawaii, was awarded on Sept. 20, 2007, a $38,031,886 firm-fixed-price contract for Drum Road Phase 2 Upgrades at the Helemano Military Reservation. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were five bids solicited on Oct. 3, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-07-C-0013).

BAE Systems Land and Armaments Inc., York, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 20, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,617,367 as part of a $10,617,367 firm-fixed-price contract for M113 Family of Vehicles Add-on Armor and Foreign Military Sales Payback. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by May 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 8, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

Vanguard Contractors L.L.C., Paducah, Ky., was awarded on Sept. 20, 2007, a $10,230,199 firm-fixed-price contract for partial renovation of Knox Hall. Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 31, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2012).

ForceOne L.L.C.*, Granite Falls, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 19, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,883,750 as part of a $7,883,750 firm-fixed-price contract to provide gear for Cycle 10 of the Basic Combat Training Expansion. Work will be performed in Granite Falls, N.C. (60 percent), and Newark, Ohio (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 14, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 24, 2007, and nine bids were received. The Multi-National Security Transition Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-07-F-0099).

Murillo Modular Group Ltd., Carrollton, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 19, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,764,908 as part of a $6,764,908 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a child care facility. Work will be performed at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and is expected to be completed by July 3, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Nov. 6, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0044).

Kondek Industries Inc.*, New Madrid, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 20, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,692,329 as part of a $7,961,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new commissary. Work will be performed in Kansas City, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 10, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-04-D-0021).

Murillo Modular Group Ltd., Carrollton, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 19, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,972,575 as part of a $5,972,575 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a child care facility. Work will be performed at Fort Stewart, Ga., and is expected to be completed by July 3, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Nov. 6, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0044).

Murillo Modular Group Ltd., Carrollton, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 19, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,936,627 as part of a $5,936,627 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a child care facility. Work will be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., and is expected to be completed by July 3, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Nov. 6, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0044).

* Small Business

CONTRACTS

NAVY

KAPL Inc. (Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Schenectady, N.Y., is being awarded a $168,900,452 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-00-C-4011) for Naval nuclear propulsion work at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. Work will be performed in Schenectady, N.Y. Contract funds in the amount of $109,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or other additional information is provided regarding Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Environmental Chemical Corp. International, LLC, Burlingame, Calif., is being awarded a $21,289,096 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of three utility upgrading projects including an electrical power plant, water storage, and wastewater treatment plant at Camp Lemonier. Djibouti. The work to be performed provides for an electric power plant to provide 11 kV electrical distributions. This project includes two 2980 kW prime power diesel generators, a generator shelter, and a 15 kV switch gear with an air conditioned control room. Also to be constructed is water storage capacity that includes two 200,000 gallon water storage tanks, supply and discharge piping and pumping to the distribution system, a wastewater treatment project to construct a sewage collection system, and a tertiary treatment facility with reuse water storage and truck loading station. Work will be performed in Djibouti, Africa, and is expected to be completed by March 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe and Southwest Asia is the contracting activity (\ N33191-08-C-0202).

Electric Boat Corp. (a General Dynamics Co.), Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $5,722,086 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-4063) to exercise an option for maintenance and operation of the government furnished drydock SHIPPINGPORT (ARDM-4). The contractor shall maintain Navy certification, protect, and operate the Navy floating dry dock, and shall accomplish organizational level repairs and preservation to the government furnished dry dock. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $5,722,086, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Space Technology of Redondo Beach, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $9,996,300. This modification contract is to re-manifest the Ozone Mapping Profile Suite (OMPS) Limb back into the OMPS Sensor Flight Unit #1 scheduled to be launched on the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) Satellite, 1 each. The location of performance is Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation, (BATC), 1600 Commerce Street, Boulder, CO 80301 (92.9 percent) of the effort will be performed by the principal subcontractor. At this time $4,998,150 has been obligated. For more information please call (301) 713-4754. NPOESS IPO, Silver Spring, MD. is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0502, P00071).

CONTRACTS

NAVY

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $37,291,802 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4414) for non-nuclear maintenance and repair support at the Naval Submarine Support Facility, Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn. The contract will provide services required to support planned and emergent non-nuclear maintenance and repair for operational nuclear submarines, floating dry-docks, support & service craft and other platforms and equipment. Work will be performed in New London, Conn., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $37, 291,802, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $16,159,441 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2103) for Reactor Plant Planning Yard services for nuclear-powered submarines and support yard services for the Navy's moored training ships. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (95 percent) and Charleston, S.C. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $16,159,441, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $5,736,032 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2104) for Planning and Design Yard functions for Standard Navy Valves in support of Nuclear Powered Submarines. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $5,736,032 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

TW Metals, Inc., Carol Stream, Ill., is being awarded a $45,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for aluminum sheet, plate, and floor plate. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This contract is a 5 year contract with a two year base and three 1-year options and is exercising the second option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The proposals were originally web solicited with two responses. Date of performance completion is Nov. 8, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-05-D-0146).

Conax Florida Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $7,496,638.95 firm fixed price, sole source contract for 5,685 4-man HMMWV seat belt kits with an option for 5,685 additional kits that maybe exercised at a later date. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. Date of performance completion is Jan. 17, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (SPM7L2-07-C-0093).

CONTRACTS

NAVY

BAE Systems Maritime Engineering San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $14,413,184 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for RDT&E in Corrosion Science. The work will cover a broad range of RDT&E due to the multi-disciplinary interaction of marine engineered systems with the natural mechanisms, electrochemical systems. The emphasis involves around the design and implementation of improved technology for legacy and next generation Naval platforms. This contract contains options which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to $69,622,902. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (35 percent); San Diego, Calif. (20 percent); Pacific North West (20 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (10 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (10 percent); Washington, D.C. (5 percent); Groton, Conn. (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed October 2008 (October 2012 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Naval Research Laboratory request for Proposal Number N000173-06-C-SK08, with five offers received. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N000173-07-C-2070).

Science and Engineering Technologies, Inc., Fairfax Station, Va., is being awarded an $11,917,962 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for RDT&E in Corrosion Science. The work will cover a broad range of RDT&E due to the multi-disciplinary interaction of marine engineered systems with the natural mechanisms, electrochemical systems. The emphasis involves around the design and implementation of improved technology for legacy and next generation Naval platforms. This contract contains options, which if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of this contract to $62,023,805. Work will be performed in Key West, Fla. (75 percent) and Washington, D.C. (25 percent), and work is expected to be completed in October 2008 (October 2012 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $420,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Naval Research Laboratory request for Proposal Number N000173-06-C-SK08, with five offers received. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N000173-07-C-2069)

Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $5,768,056 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for RDT&E in Corrosion Science. The work will cover a broad range of RDT&E due to the multi-disciplinary interaction of marine engineered systems with the natural mechanisms, electrochemical systems. The emphasis involves around the design and implementation of improved technology for legacy and next generation Naval platforms. This contract contains options, which if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of this contract to $29,842,741. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (58 percent); Key West, Fla. (24 percent); and Patuxent, Md. (16 percent), and work is expected to be completed October 2008 (October 2012 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $483,000 will expire at the end of current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Naval Research Laboratory request for Proposal Number N000173-06-C-SK08, with five offers received. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N000173-07-2068)

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Cadillac Gage Textron Corp., New Orleans, La., is being awarded a $10,458,608 fixed price with economic price adjustment, price re-determination, sole source contract for phase one of the Armored Security Vehicle Corporate contract. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is a 10 year contract with one 2-year base period and four 2-year options. Additional NSNs will be awarded in future phases to grow this corporate contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was solicited on DIBBS. Date of performance completion is September 27, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7A2-07-D-7006).

Hupp and Associates Inc., New Haven, Ind.,* is being awarded a $6,300,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for ICBM seal replacement and electric parts kits. Using service is Air Force. Total duration of contract is 5-years. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was solicited on DIBBS. Date of performance completion is October 3, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7AX-08-D-7001).

America Supports You: Opry to Send 'World's Largest Care Package'

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2007 - Country music fans soon will be invited to join top country artists and the Grand Ole Opry in creating the "World's Largest Care Package" for troops serving overseas.

"We feel like this is a great way to thank (servicemembers) and recognize the sacrifices that they made to serve our country and defend our freedom," said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. "This just seemed like a great idea that we thought would catch people's attention and put some smiles on some faces overseas."

The Grand Ole Opry, with the United States Postal Service and the Defense Department's America Supports You program, will unveil the World's Largest Care Package during its televised "Grand Ole Opry Live" show on Oct. 6. The project is part of the theater's 82nd birthday activities.

America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. "(America Supports You) is a campaign we believe very strongly in," Fisher said. "We also think it's important to provide an opportunity ... for country music fans and Opry fans to express their support (for the troops). So America Supports You is always on our mind."

That opportunity comes in a box large enough to contain 1,000 individual packages, exactly the number of boxes the U.S. Postal Service donated, Fisher said. Those boxes, which carry the Grand Ole Opry and America Supports You logos, will be filled with letters from Opry fans, as well as gifts from musicians and record labels and some of America's most recognized corporate brands.

"We're welcoming (fans) to drop off letters," Fisher said. "What we will really emphasize is really to share their thoughts in a letter."

Fan letters will be accepted through the end of October. The packages will be shipped by Nov. 11 so troops serving overseas will receive them by Thanksgiving, Fisher said.

"Mail is a great morale booster for our troops," Joanne Giordano, Postal Service vice president for public affairs and communications, said in a joint Opry, Postal Service, America Supports You news release. "We're proud to be part of an effort to connect our brave men and women in uniform with their friends and family back home."

Support for the project has been widespread, including fans who participated in an Opry online auction that netted $10,000 to ship the packages. Volunteers from the nonprofit group Tennessee Marine Family will pack the boxes with goodies that are collected.

Donna Clemons, the mother of a Marine who has served three tours in Iraq, founded the group, which also supports the America Supports You program.

"The way all these organizations have come together, I believe, is truly representative of the support of our mission for our military family, and we're grateful for their generosity," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communication and public liaison. "The partnership between the Grand Ole Opry, one of our earliest supporters, and the U.S. Postal Service is an excellent example of how organizations can come together through the America Supports You program."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Rachael L. Hugo, 24, of Madison, Wis., died Oct. 5 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked her unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. She was assigned to the 303^rd Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Avealalo Milo, 23, of Hayward, Calif., died Oct. 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Ricardo X. Rodriguez, 23, of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, died Oct. 4 near Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS

ARMY

EC III L.L.C., Las Vegas, Nev., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $76,946,834 increment as part of a $479,936,669 cost-plus-award-fee contract for non-personal services in support of the testing mission at Yuma Proving Ground. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 60 bids solicited on June 26, 1998, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Yuma, Ariz., is the contracting activity (DAAD01-99-C-0003).

Contrack International Inc., Arlington, Va., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $30,622,427 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a bulk fuel storage and distribution systems. Work will be performed in Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by April 24, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 29 bids solicited on June 4, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-07-C-0162).

United Excel Corp.*, Merriam, Kan., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $23,416,434 as part of a $40,075,137 firm-fixed-price contract for clinic modernization. Work will be performed at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Sept. 19, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-04-D-0011).

Daniels and Daniels Construction Company Inc.*, Goldsboro, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $22,364,280 firm-fixed-price contract for demolishment and replacement of family housing. Work will be performed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 24, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-C-0041).

J.E. Dunn Construction, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $21,685,500 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction management at Risk Method for the Civilian Education System. Work will be performed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 14, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-C-0024).

Lakeshore Engineering Services Inc.*, Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $17,257,552 as part of a $17,257,552 firm-fixed-price contract for repair of West Runway keelways and ramp lighting. Work will be performed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 23, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0023).

United Excel Corp.*, Merriam, Kan., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $16,382,383 as part of a $16,658,703 firm-fixed-price contract for clinic renovation and Life Safety Upgrade at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Work will be performed at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Sept. 19, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-04-D-0011).

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc., Houston, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $16,370,279 firm-fixed-price contract for design and renovation of Building 2791. Work will be performed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 13, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 15, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0060).

Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, Md., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $14,983,126 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for continuation of the Avian/Influenza Pandemic/Influenza Surveillance. Work will be performed in Silver Spring, Md., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 29, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 19, 2007. The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity (W81XWH-06-C-0414).

United Excel Corp.*, Merriam, Kan., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $11,358,307 as part of a $73,557,885 firm-fixed-price contract for clinic modernization. Work will be performed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on July 30, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-04-D-0011).

STC/BHT (Joint Venture)*, El Paso, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $10,560,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Centralized Vehicle Wash Facility. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 16, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 3, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0062).

APM L.L.C.*, Yorba Linda, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $10,268,246 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation and repair of several buildings at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 14, 2007. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-07-C-0066).

Kellogg, Brown, and Root Services Inc., Arlington, Va., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $9,843,291 as part of a $70,256,434 firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for Kosovo support services. Work will be performed in Heidelberg, Germany (29 percent), Houston, Texas (67 percent), and Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 66 bids solicited on Sept. 29, 2003, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-05-D-0003).

J2 Engineering and Environmental/Stanley Consultant (Joint Venture), Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $9,285,343 increment as part of a $9,285,343 firm-fixed-price contract for design of Riparian, Aquatic, Wetlands, and River Restoration for Va Shly 'Ay Akimel Salt River Ecosystem Restoration. Work will be performed in Maricopa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 1, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-2022).

J.D. Abrams L.L.P., Austin, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,545,529 as part of a $31,865,529 firm-fixed-price contract for storm drainage, water system, sanitary sewer system, electrical and communication systems, and natural gas system to finalize delivery of Pad Mounted Transformers at Biggs Airfield. Work will be performed at Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 16, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 1, 2006. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0030).

MAPCO, Inc.*, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,703,600 as part of a $6,703,600 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a multipurpose Machine Gun Range and Urban Assault Course. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 29, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Aug. 27, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-D-0025).

NAVY

General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $65,578,923 requirements contract for procurement of line items used on the F404 engine powering the F/A-18 aircraft for the Governments of Kuwait (90 percent) and Switzerland (10 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-08-D-001M).

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a $17,951,018 firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0030) for the procurement and installation of 15 defensive electronics countermeasures (DECM) kits for C/KC-130 aircraft. Work will be performed in Greenville, S.C., and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

The Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $10,517,477 firm-fixed price contract for expansion and renovation of the National Maritime Intelligence Center at the Office of Naval Intelligence. The work to be performed provides for adequate secured facilities to accommodate additional personnel in an efficiently configured facility addition providing command support to support mission processes related to the Office of Naval Intelligence and its sub-tenants. An additional $46,489,390 will be funded in March 2008 and $3,651,653 in March 2009 for a total contract amount of $60,658,520. Work will be performed in Suitland, Md., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities and Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation websites with eight proposals received. Five of the offerors were eliminated from the first phase, and the second phase was entered with three of the offerors. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-08-C-0001).

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin-Integrated Systems and Solutions of Colorado Springs, Colorado is being awarded a contract modification for $25,521,549. This contract action awards the continuing mission critical operations, maintenance, and support for the CCIC2S program under the Integrated Space Command and Control (ISC2). ISC2 will modernize the command and control (C2) systems of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Strategic Command (USSSTRATCOM) into an integrated, interoperable, state of the art capability to support the National Command Authority and the Canadian Chief of Defense Staff for the defense of North America. The C2 system provides warning of ballistic missile, aircraft, space and information attacks against North America. The modernization will significantly enhance USSTRATCOM's ability to command space forces, provide global warning of ballistic missile attacks, and improve space support to theater warfighters and coalition partners. Using modern software, ISC2 will integrate worldwide communications networks, computer system, and software to provide an integrated view of worldwide events that will ensure complete and timely situational awareness that can support political and military command decisions world wide. At this time $22,989,441 has been obligated. For more information please call (719) 556-6334. 850ELSG/PK, Peterson AFB, Colo. is the contracting activity (F19628-00-C-0019, P00122).

The Raytheon Company of Goleta, Calif. is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $11,971,592. This contract modification will exercise and fund the Low Rate Production (LRIP) option of this ALR-69A Upgrade (aka PLAID) development contract. A total quantity of 13 Group B systems will be procured under this option exercise. Each system consists of one Countermeasures Signal Processor and four Radar Receivers. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-7467. 542 CBSG/PKS Robins Air Force Base Ga. is the contracting activity (F09603-01-C-0330-P00095).

The Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions of Colorado Springs, Colo. is being awarded a contract modification for $7,593,443. This contract action awards the continuing mission critical operations, maintenance, and support for the MCCC FY08 sustainment effort will provide program management support, on-site support, engineering hardware and software support, depot repair and schedule depot maintenance, configuration management, logistic/warehousing support, products management, quality assurance support, and material purchase for the MCCC platform to include the System Integration Laboratory and the 153^rd Command and Control Squadroon, FE Warren AFB. In addition, this modification adds an emergency software release for the Combatant Commander's Integrated Command and Control System (CCIC2S), as well as funding for a study for an integrated Missile Warning/Missile Defense network server. At this time $1,566,632 has been obligated. For more information please call (719) 556-6334. 850 ELSG/PK, Peterson Air Force Base Colo. is the contracting activity (F19628-00-C-0019, P00123).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C., is being awarded a $12,691,200.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for polyester/wool serge cloth. Using service is Army. This contract is exercising the 1^st option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 65 proposals originally solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is October 14, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-07-D-0005).

Hunter Manufacturing Company, Solon, Ohio, is being awarded a $8,430,600.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for space heater convective. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This contract has a two year base period and three 1-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 proposal originally solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is October 4, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8EG-07-D-0019).

* Small Business

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Seaman Apprentice Shayna Ann Schnell, 19, of Tell City, Ind., died as a result of injuries suffered from a vehicle accident. Schnell was serving as a master-at-arms assigned to Naval Security Force Bahrain, Jebel Ali Detachment, United Arab Emirates.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Petty Officer Third Class Mark R. Cannon, 31, of Lubbock, Texas died Oct. 2 while conducting combat operations in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Cannon was a hospital corpsman assigned to 3^rd Marine Regiment, 3^rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Gillbane Building Co., San Antonio, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $91,998,321 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Joint Center of Excellence for Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Facility. Work will be performed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 11, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0043).

Fort Sill Apache Industries*, Reston, Va., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $38,852,247 firm-fixed-price contract for infrastructure work and demolition of road and gas Line. Work will be performed at Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 10, 2007. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-C-0059).

Alutiiq International Solutions L.L.C.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $36,180,502 increment as part of an $111,405,576 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Brigade Combat Team Complex. Work will be performed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 20, 2007. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-07-C-0025).

CAS Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $26,853,587 time and materials contract for Multiple-Threat System Simulations and Scenario Data, Hardware, and Software. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. (70 percent), and El Paso, Texas (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 14, 2007. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, White Sands Missile Range, N.M., is the contracting activity (W9124Q-07-F-1056).

Stewart and Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $24,910,827 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Low Signature Armored Cab upgrade kits. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 21, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-A500).

SpecPro Environmental Services L.L.C., Oak Ridge, Tenn., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $22,956,964 firm-fixed-price contract for construction to upgrade hospitals and clinics. Work will be performed at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (18 percent), Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. (10 percent), Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (16 percent), Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. (8 percent), McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (6 percent), Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (5 percent), Robins Air Force Base, Ga. (2 percent), Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (9 percent), Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas (8 percent), Altus Air Force Base, Okla. (4 percent), Barksdale Air Force Base, La. (3 percent), Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (2 percent), Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. (1 percent), Vance Air Force Base, Okla. (1 percent), Lackland Air Force Base, Texas (2 percent), Travis Air Force Base, Calif. (3 percent), Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (1 percent), and Mac Dill Air Force Base, Fla. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 25, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 31, 2007. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0061).

General Dynamics Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $16,521,884 as part of a $24,021,884 firm-fixed-price contract to provide parts for the reset of battle-damaged SEPv1 Tanks to a SEPv2 configuration. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 14, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

TtEC-Tesoro (Joint Venture), Norcross, Ga., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $16,185,000 as part of a $16,185,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Trainee Barracks Upgrade Program. Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 8, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 250 bids solicited on May 9, 2007, and seven bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0058).

Dyer Construction Co. Inc.*, Dyer, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $13,140,189 increment as part of a $15,930,348 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Levee Protection System and a Flood Control Structure. Work will be performed at in Munster, Ind. (20 percent), Highland, Ind. (30 percent), and Hammond, Ind. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 7, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago, Ill., is the contracting activity (W912P6-07-C-0011).

MedTrust L.L.C.*, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a $12,633,024 firm-fixed-price contract for Behavioral Health Care Services for Wounded Warriors Being Serviced by the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command Medical Treatment Facilities. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (43.14 percent), Fort Bragg, N.C. (7.74 percent), Fort Lee, Va. (5.14 percent), Fort Eustis, Va. (8.78 percent), Fort Meade, Md. (4.28 percent), Fort Belvoir, Va. (30.92 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 28, 2007, and 21 bids were received. The U.S. Army Medical Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (W91YTZ-07-C-0004).

Banes General Contractors, El Paso, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $10,240,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Dental Clinic. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 189 bids solicited on March 6, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0049).

Computer Sciences Corp., Falls Church, Va., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a $9,764,161 increment as part of a $70,254,723 time and materials contract for systems engineering and technical assistance support services to the Product Manager-Force Protecting Services. Work will be performed in Falls Church, Va. (59.7 percent), Washington, D.C. (11.1 percent), Fort Belvoir, Va. (9.2 percent), Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. (9.2 percent), Fort Benning, Ga. (1.8 percent), Afghanistan (3.7 percent), and Iraq (5.3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 19, 2007, and four bids were received. The Contracting Center of Excellence, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (W91WAW-07-C-0080).

Capitol Technology Services Inc.*, Washington, D.C., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $9,317,703 firm-fixed-price contract for revitalization of the Isadora Jachman U.S. Army Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Owings Mills, Md., and is expected to be completed by April 22, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 11, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0068).

CH2M Hill, Spartanburg, S.C., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $9,030,091 as part of a $9,030,091 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation and restoration of a Battalion Headquarters, classroom facility, and dining facility. Work will be performed at Fort Jackson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were seven bids solicited on Aug. 17, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-D-0034).

General Dynamics, Scottsdale, Ariz., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, an $8,640,404 firm-fixed-price contract for PRC-112G Radios and GPS-112 Program Loaders. Work will be performed in Port Hueneme, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 26, 2007. The National Guard Bureau, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912LA-07-F-9095).

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company L.L.C., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, an $8,500,000 increment as part of a $37,349,210 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging of the Inner Harbor of Boston Harbor. Work will be performed in Boston, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 26, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Concord, Mass., is the contracting activity (W912WJ-07-C-0023).

SpecPro Environmental Services L.L.C., Oak Ridge, Tenn., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a $6,966,597 firm-fixed-price contract for construction to upgrade hospitals and clinics. Work will be performed in Korea, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 25, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 31, 2007. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0063).

International Military and Government L.L.C., Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,321,815 as part of a $6,146,280 firm-fixed-price contract for fuel and water trucks and spare parts. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 1, 2007, and eight bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-G089).

The Clement Group L.L.C., Montgomery, Ala., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,032,544 as part of a $6,032,544 firm-fixed-price contract for the Barracks Upgrade Program. Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 8, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 250 bids solicited on Aug. 23, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0023).

PentaCon L.L.C.*, Catoosa, Okla., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,985,971 as part of a $5,985,971 firm-fixed-price contract for execution of various force protection projects. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 5, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were three bids solicited on Sept. 6, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0046).

Lakeshore Engineering Services Inc.*, Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,693,328 as part of a $40,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Child Development and Youth Activity Centers. Work will be performed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 4, 2006, and seven bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-07-D-6002).

NAVY

National Technologies Associates, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va., was awarded a $21,069,125 modification on Sept. 29, 2007, under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, time and material contract (N68936-05-D-0013) to exercise an option for services in support of the depot-level maintenance production support, industrial and maintenance engineering support, training, facilities maintenance planning support, and general industrial support services for the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. The estimated level of effort for this option is 527,616 man-hours. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif. and is expected to be completed in May 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Defense Support Services International, LLC, Mount Laurel, N.J., was awarded a not to exceed $18,727,465 on Sept. 30, 2007, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operations and support services, Naval Support Activity, Souda Bay, Greece. Work will be performed in Souda Bay, Greece. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2012 (September 2008 for the base period). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe and Southwest Asia is the contracting activity (N33191-07-D-1102).

Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, was awarded $17,985,000 on Sept. 30, 2007, for Task Order JN01 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Global Contingency Services contract (N62472-06-D-1113) for Building Facility Condition Assessment Process for Navy Facilities. Work will be performed in Commander Navy Region Southeast (64 percent), Commander Navy Region Naval District Washington (19 percent), and Commander Navy Region Northwest (17 percent), and has an expected completion date of September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

The John C. Grimberg Co., Inc., Rockville, Md., was awarded $8,645,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0020 on Sept. 29, 2007, under a previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0012) for construction of a Senior Non Commissioned Officer Academic Facility at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico. The work to be performed provides for construction of a multi-story 35,077 square foot brick faced Georgian-style educational building to match existing architectural plan, with structural steel frame, sloped asphalt roof and brick veneer. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity.

Rome Research Corp., Rome, N.Y., was awarded $5,559,428 on Sept. 29, 2007, under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N64590-07-D-0558) to exercise Option 1 for services associated with operating, managing and maintaining satellite operations for current and future Naval Satellite Centers (NAVSOC). After exercise of this option, the total cumulative contract amount will be $7,104,956. This contract contains four additional one-year option periods, which if exercised, will bring the total contract value to a not to exceed amount of $32,999,987. The work will be performed at NAVSOC Headquarters and Laguna Peak Facility, Pt. Mugu, Calif. (85 percent) as well as the Detachments located in Prospect Harbor, Maine (5 percent), Finegayan, Guam (5 percent), and Colorado Springs, Col. (5 percent), and work for Option 1 is expected to be completed September 2008. The entire period of performance if all options are exercised will be through September 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with two proposals received. The Competitive Sourcing Acquisition Center of Excellence, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

3M, Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded a $5,541,580 firm-fixed-price contract for renewal of current maintenance and support for 3M Care Innovation (CI) licensed software product suite architected, developed and manufactured by 3M as required by the Clinical Information Technology Program Office (CITPO). These services will include maintenance and support coverage on 3M CI software applications; CI Interface software; BEA Tuxedo software support; and Medcin Medicomp software data files and data support. These applications are accessed and used at Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) worldwide. 3M CI software provides the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) Program's Electronic Health Record (EHR) database infrastructure, data standardization and normalization of data as well as the longitudinal encounter integration of patient data worldwide across the Military Health System (MHS) enterprise. This maintenance and support will provide sustainment support for the use of Medcin by the DoD. This contract includes an option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $11,310,682. Work will be performed in Murray, Utah., and is expected to be completed by September 2008 (September 2009 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was procured on a sole source basis. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-C-3001).

AIR FORCE

The Lockheed Technology Services Group of Cherry Hill, N.J. is being awarded a contract modification for $20,434,996. This action provides for operations, maintenance and support of the Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems (TARS) for the Air Combat Command, at nine locations for the period 1 October 2007 through 30 September 2008. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (757) 764-9371. ACC, AMIC/PKC, Newport News, Va. is the contracting activity (F44650-01-C-0005, P00109).

The Doss Aviation, Inc. of Colorado Springs, Colo. is being awarded a contract for $18,103,069. This contract action is for Flight screening for USAF pilot candidates. At this time $12,293,765 has been obligated. For more information please call (210) 652-6157. AETC CONS/LGCU, Randolph Air Force Base Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-06-D-0010).

The Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems of Marietta, Ga. is being awarded a contract modification for $6,894,574. This modification Incorporates Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 06-0700076R1 entitled, "Block 6.0 Installations and Production Non-Recurring". This ECP will retrofit and install Block 6.0 on all currently fielded US Air Force and US Air Force Reserve C-130J, EC-130J, and WC-130J aircraft. A separate ECP is currently in work at 657 AESS for production incorporation of Block 6.0 which will enable C-130J aircraft to be produced in the Block 6.0 configuration. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-4599. USAF/AFMC Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456, P00014).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., was awarded a $1,145,000 increment of a $6,344,438 cost plus fixed fee contract on Sept. 28, 2007, to deliver an A160T aircraft and modified pod for the Autonomous Real-time Ground Ubiquitous Surveillance-Imaging System (ARGUS-IS) program. Work will be performed in Huntington Beach and is expected to be completed in May 2009. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-C-0100).

* Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Chirasak Vidhyarkorn, 32, of Queens, N.Y., died Sept. 29 in Diwanihay, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 142nd Field Artillery Regiment, Camp Shelby, Miss.

The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

IAP–Hill, LLC (a joint venture), Cape Canaveral, Fla., was awarded a $24,029,626 modification on Sept. 30, 2007, under a previously awarded combination firm-fixed-price, award fee/indefinite-quantity regional base operating support (BOS) contract (N62467-00-D-2451) to exercise Option 7 for BOS services at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The work to be performed under the option provides for scheduled maintenance of base facilities, utilities, transportation and fire alarm systems. The award of this option brings the total contract value to $421,138,099. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Kira, Inc.*, Miami, Fla., , was awarded a $11,453,262 modification on Sept 30, 2007, under a previously awarded combination firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity regional base operating support (BOS) contract (N69272-03-D-1010) to exercise Option 3 for BOS services at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The work to be performed under the option provides for janitorial, pest control, refuse/recycling, grounds, heating, ventilating and air conditioning, and fire alarm system maintenance for the Jacksonville region and reserve centers. The award of this option brings the total contract value to $44,546,626. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. and surrounding Southeast region, and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

The Hana Group, Inc.*, Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $7,369,328 modification on Sept. 28, 2007, under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery award fee/award option contract (N40083-07-D-0011) to exercise option 1 for Armed Security Guard Services at Naval Station Great Lakes, Naval Support Activity Mid-South, and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. The contract includes a base period, four option periods and five potential award option periods for a total contract value if all options are exercised of $70,117,816. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill. (69 percent); Millington Tenn. (30 percent); and Memphis, Tenn. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured within the 8(a) small business program and 14 proposals were received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity.

Litton Systems, Inc., Navigation Systems Div., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $6,940,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of one AN/UPX-24(V) Interrogator set, 13 control indicators, and 14 retrofit kits for the U.S. Navy. The AN/UPX-24(V) Interrogator set is one of two major subsystems that provide a centralized identification system for Fleet tactical ships. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (90 percent) and Woodland Hills, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $593,480 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0004).

BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $6,775,977 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of three OE-120 Antenna Groups for the Government of Australia under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The OE-120 antenna group is one of two major subsystems that provide a centralized identification system for Fleet tactical ships, including FMS class ships. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H., and is expected to be completed in November 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0003).

Far East Construction and Rasch Construction and Engineering* (a Joint Venture), Kenosha, Wis., was awarded $6,395,500 on Sept. 28, 2007, for firm-fixed-price task order #0024under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68950-02-D-0051) for repairs and renovations to Building 2 at Naval Station Great Lakes. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity.

Correction:

Contract awarded Sept 28, 2007, to Tesoro Corp, Virginia Beach, Va., for $23,179,928 should have read the Task Order as #0006

Contract awarded Sept 28, 2007, to Tesoro Corp, Virginia Beach, Va., for $21,375,000 should have read the Task Order as #0005

* Small Business

Servicemen Missing From Vietnam War Are Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

They are Capt. Warren R. Orr Jr., U.S. Army, of Kewanee, Ill.; and Airman 1^st Class George W. Long, U.S. Air Force, of Medicine, Kan. Long was buried Sept. 30 in Medicine and Orr's burial is being set by his family.

On May 12, 1968, these men were part of a crew on a C-130 Hercules evacuating Vietnamese citizens from the Kham Duc Special Forces Camp near Da Nang, South Vietnam. While taking off, the crew reported taking heavy enemy ground fire. A forward air controller flying in the area reported seeing the plane explode in mid-air soon after leaving the runway.

In 1985 and 1991, U.S. officials received remains and identification tags from sources claiming they belonged to men in this crew. Scientific analysis revealed they were not American remains, but it was believed the Vietnamese sources knew where the crash site was located.

In 1993, a joint/U.S.-Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), traveled to Kham Duc and interviewed four local citizens concerning the incident. They led the team to the crash site, and turned over remains and identification tags they had recovered in 1983 while looking for scrap metal. During this visit, the team recovered human remains and aircraft wreckage at the site.

In 1994, another joint team excavated the crash site and recovered remains, pieces of life-support equipment, crew-related gear and personal effects.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Randell Olguin, 24, of Ralls, Texas, died Sept. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gunnery Sgt. Herman J. Murkerson Jr., 35, of Adger, Ala., died Oct. 1 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Robert T. Ayres III, 23, of Los Angeles, died Sept. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Zachary D. Tellier, 31, of Charlotte, N.C., died Sept. 29 at Firebase Wilderness, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Donnie D. Dixon, 37, of Miami, died Sept. 29 in Baloor, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class James D. Doster, 37, of Pine Bluff, Ark., died Sept. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive devise and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp., Chesterbrook, Pa., is being awarded a $1,762,339,290.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Contract has a base ordering period of 30 months and three term options of 30-months each. The potential maximum contract term is 120 months or 10 years. This is the first of three 20 month options being exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other locations of performance are Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas and Puerto Rico. The original proposal was web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-2000).

AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp., Chesterbrook, Pa., is being awarded a $413,604,265.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Contract has a base ordering period of 30 months and three term options of 30 months each. The potential maximum contract term is 120 months or 10 years. This is the first of three 20 month options being exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other locations of performance are Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina. The original proposal was web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-1000).

Bindley Western Drug Co., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $413,604,265.00 firm fixed price prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps., Contract has a base ordering period of 24 months and three term options of 24 months each. The potential maximum contract term is 96 months or 8 years. This is the third option period being exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other location of performance is North Carolina. The original proposal was web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is September 29, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-1606).

Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a $315,552, 575 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical distribution. Using services are Army, Navy, and Air Force. Contract has a 30 month option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other locations of performance are Minnesota, Missouri, Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. There were 6 proposals originally solicited with 4 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-3000).

AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp., Chesterbrook, Pa., is being awarded a $149,340,550 firm fixed, fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are Designated Providers Region under DSCP Medical's Generation III Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Program including all Designated Providers (DP's) that are part of the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP) program. Contract has a base ordering period of 30 months and three term options of 30-months each. The potential maximum contract term is 120 months or 10 years. This is the first of three 20 month options being exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other locations of performance are Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. The original proposal was web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-0950).

AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp., Chesterbrook, Pa., is being awarded a $105,605,500 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are regions under DSCP Medical's Generation III Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor Program including non-DoD, and non-U.S. Coast Guard, such as National Institute of Health, Department of Justice, District of Columbia Government, etc. Contract has a base ordering period of 30 months and three term options of 30-months each. The potential maximum contract term is 120 months or 10 years. This is the first of three 20 month options being exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other locations of performance are Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, and Puerto Rico. The original proposal was web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-0925).

AmericourceBergen Drug Co., Wayne, Pa., is being awarded a $20,049,625 firm fixed price prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are Army, Navy, and Air Force. Contract has a 30 month option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other locations of performance are Hawaii. There were 6 proposals originally solicited with 4 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-3500).

Dakota Drug, Inc., Minot, N.D.,* is being awarded a $17,892,000 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are Army, Navy, and Air Force. Contract has a 30 month option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 6 proposals originally solicited with 4 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-0976).

DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc., Park Ridge, Ill.,** is being awarded a $16,180,500 firm fixed price, prime vendor secondary contract for pharmaceuticals. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Contract has a base ordering period of 30 months and three term options of 30-months each. The potential maximum contract term is 120 months or 10 years. This is the first of three 20 month options being exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-0901).

Tennier Industries, Pomona, N.Y.,* is being awarded a $8,400,912 firm fixed price contract for all purpose environmental clothing system, parkas. Using services are Marine Corps. Contract is exercising 1^st option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Other locations of performance are Tennessee. The original proposal was Gateway solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-4062).

Cytyc Corp., Marlborough, Mass., is being awarded a $7,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, sole source contract for ThinPrep Pap Test Kits and related medical supplies. Using services are Army, Navy, and Air Force. Contract has a one-year base ordering period and four one-year option ordering periods. This is the third option ordering period being exercised. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-05-D-7201).

AIR FORCE

The Hawker Beechcraft Corp. of Wichita, Kan. is being awarded a contract modification for $3,000,000,000. This contract is the framework that will be used to procure Lot 14 through Lot 20 of the T-6A aircraft used by the Air Force and Navy to train pilots. Lot 14 and part of Lot 15 will be primarily Air Force aircraft where areas the subsequent lots will be Navy aircraft. This contract will also procure related items to the aircraft such as ground-based training systems, field service support, and aircraft change modifications. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-4609. JPATSS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151 P00002).

The MITRE Corp. of Bedford, Mass. is being awarded a contract for $414,517,316. This action is for Systems Engineering and Integration Support for Air Force ceiling programs and Air Force non-ceiling programs for FY 2008. Support level is estimated at 870 direct staff years for the Air Force ceiling programs and 252.68 direct staff years for the Air Force non-ceiling program. MITRE is a federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). At this time $2,376,500 has been obligated. For more information please call (781) 271-3054. ESC/PKE, Hanscom Air Force Base Mass. is the contracting activity (FA8721-08-C-0001).

The Boeing Wichita Development and Mod Center of Wichita, Kansas is being awarded a contract modification for $80,000,000. This modification is to exercise contract option III for FY08. This is the forth year of a five-year Contractor Logistics Support contract. This contract was awarded with a 1-year basic (FY05) and 4 one-year options (FY06 thru FY09) to support the VC-25A aircraft. The Special Air Mission aircraft provide air transportation for the President, Vice-Present, Cabinet Members, and other dignitaries on a worldwide basis and are assigned to the 89^th AW, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. The VC-25A presently consists of two specially modified Boeing Commercial 747-200 aircraft. This contract action will maintain required depot level maintenance and modifications, contractor logistics support, security, special configuration refurbishment, data, Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply COMBS), field team services, component repair/upgrade (including engines/auxiliary power units (APUs), mission and maintenance support services, technical and engineering support, spare parts and support equipment for both VC-25A aircraft. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 739-7587. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base Okla. is the contracting activity (FA8106-04-C-0006/P00069).

The Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $44,461,740. The contractor shall provide all logistics support activities required to support the Global Hawk fielded systems and subsystems used in peacetime operations, which includes fielded air vehicles, engines, payloads, ground segments, and support segments. The contractor shall provide materials and support services to include planning, operations support and maintenance in support of Global Hawk fielded systems used in peacetime CONUS and OCONUS deployments. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-8381. 560^th Aircraft Sustainment Support Squadron, Robins Air Force Base Ga. is the contracting activity (FA8528-08-C-0001).

The Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Space Systems Division, of Azusa, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $43,171,952. This contract will extend its current spacecraft post production support contract with Northrop Grumman Information Technology from 1 October 2007 to September 2008 duet to a one-year launch slip. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-4536. SMC/ISKD, Los Angeles Air Force Base Calif. is the contracting activity (FO4701-96-C-0030; P00167).

The Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Space Systems Division, of Azusa, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $34,231,345. This contract will extend its current spacecraft post production support contract with Northrop Grumman Information Technology from 1 October 2007 to September 2008 duet to a one-year launch slip. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-4536. SMC/ISKD, Los Angeles Air Force Base Calif. is the contracting activity (FO4701-96-C-0031; P00202).

General Atomics of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $21,914,173. This action will provide for organizational maintenance support for the Predator MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft systems at Creech AFB, NV and deployed sites worldwide. This support includes aircrew duties/responsibilities, maintaining equipment in accordance with approved applicable AF technical engineering data, quality assurance, parts/supplies ordering and accountable and flying and maintenance schedule development. The Predator MQ-9 program was designed in response to DoD requirements to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to the warfighter, and its mission is interdiction and armed reconnaissance against critical perishable targets. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (757) 764-9126. ACC AMIC/PKC, Newport News, Va. is the contracting activity (FA4890-07-C-0009-P00006).

Del-Jen, Inc. of Rollings Hills, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $15,490,437. This action provides for Base Operating and Support Services (BOSS) at Laughlin AFB, TX, for the functions of Operations and Maintenance, Site Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance, Furnishings Management, Supply, Transportation, Fuels and Airfield Management. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (830) 298-5715. 47 CONS, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. is the contracting activity (F41689-02-C-0010 A00228).

General Atomics of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a contract for $15,180,780. This action provides for retrofit 20 each predator blocks 5 to block 15; retrofit 1 each block 10 to 15; and non-recurring engineering associated with the retrofit of the block 10 to block 15. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-6986. 658 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028/0013).

The Ziva Corp. of San Diego Calif. is being awarded a contract for $11,707,075. This contract is for "Polarizing Keyless Cryptography (POLKA)" system. The objective of this effort is to prove via mathematics, simulation, and experimentally the feasibility of a physically secure communication link. The scope of this effort is to develop, demonstrate, and deliver a 20 Gbps demonstration POLKA unit to the Government. At this time $1,618,688 has been obligated. For more information please call (315) 330-4057. AFRL/IFKD, Rome N.Y is the contracting activity (FA8750-07-C-0152).

The BBN Technologies Corp. of Cambridge, Mass. is being awarded a contract for $10,783,338. The action provides for Wireless Network after Next Adaptive Netwrk Development. The work comptemplated is to design and develop the network technologies necessary to establish ultra-large lans of thounsands of nodes), highly-scalable, high-adaptive ad-hoc networks that provide robust networking across desely-conneted deployments of inexpensive wireless nodes. At this time $1,766,247 has been obligated. For more information please call (315) 330-4777. AFRL/IFKF, Rome N.Y. is the contracting activity (FA8750-07-C-0169).

The Lockheed Martin Corp. of Archbald Pa. is being awarded a contract for $9,000,000. This action provides for Engineering Services providing sustainment of Lockheed Martin specific Laser Guided Bomb Family of Weapons Components. At this time $91,557 has been obligated. For more information please call (801) 777-5784. 784 CBSG/PK, Hill Air Force Base Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-07-D-0002).

Lear Siegler Services Inc., of Gaithersburg, Maryland. is being awarded a contract modification for $8,393,144. This action exercises option six for Engine Regional Repair Center (EERC) at Laughlin AFB, TX to provide J69 and J84 jet engine intermediate maintenance functions required to support the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) requirements for the Undergraduate Pilot Training, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Euro NATO Joint Pilot Training, Pilot Instructor Training, and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals missions. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (830) 298-5459. 47 CONS/LGCA, Laughlin Air Force Base Texas, is the contracting activity (F41689-01-D-0010, A00038).

BUCON, Inc., Bulter Construction of Kansas City, Mo. is being awarded a contract for $7,929,770. This action provides for two temporary hangers, one fuel cell hanget and one heavy maintenance hanger, with installation and site preparation, for HQ AFSOC beddown at Cannon AFB, NM. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (850) 884-2433. AFSOC/A7KQ, Hurlburt Field Fla., is the contracting activity (GS-07F-7996G, Delivery Order FA0021-07-F-0007).

The Boeing CO. of Seal Beach, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $6,750,000. The action provides for GPS III Space Vehicle Risk Reductin and Systems Definition efforts. At this time $3,375,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-3839. SMC/GPSW, Los Angeles Air Force Base Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-04-C-0002 P00032).

The T Square Logistics Services Corp. of Colorado Springs, Colo. is being awarded a contract for $6,241,695. This action provides for Logistics Services at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. This award is for a new contract. At this time $6,241,695 has been obligated. For more information please call (940) 676-4450. 82^nd Contracting Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base Texas., is the contracting activity (FA3020-07-C-0007).

The Civil Air Patrol, Inc., of Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. is being awarded a contract modification for $6,053,000. This modification will increase funding for FY 2008 Civil Air Patrol operation and maintenance and counter-drug activities, drug demand reduction and Air Force Liaison Office space support as authorized by 10 U.S.C. 9442(b) and 10 U.S.C 9444(a) and (b) and FY08 DOD Appropriation Action Section 8022. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (334) 953-6113. 42^nd Contracting Squadron, Maxwell Air Force Base Texas., is the contracting activity (F41689-00-2-0001-A001XX)

ARMY

Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, an $185,296,566 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Heavy Equipment Mobility Tactical Truck M978 Tankers without Winch, M984A2 Wreckers without Winch, M1120A2 Load Handling Systems, and Palletized Loading System Trailers. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 21, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0248).

General Dynamics, Taunton, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $78,323,255 as part of a $1,430,000,000 firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract for the Joint Node-Network/Single Shelter Switch Network Equipment and systems. Work will be performed in Taunton, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 16, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-D-K001).

Nan Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a $56,057,300 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Company Operations and Battalion Headquarters facilities. Work will be performed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 31, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-07-C-0018).

Chrysler International Corp., Auburn Hills, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a $37,963,125 firm-fixed-price contract for Commercial Wrangler Long Wheel Base Jeeps, Diesel Engines, Transmissions, and Transfer Cases. Work will be performed in Auburn Hills, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 22, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 29, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0610).

Army Armaments Inc.*, Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a $29,895,552 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Support Services for the Shadow 200 System. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 26, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0256).

General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $27,530,591 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support for the Sky Warrior Block 0 Unmanned Aircraft System. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (80 percent), Hunt Valley, Md. (10 percent), and Salt Lake City, Utah (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 14, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH01-03-C-0124).

DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems, Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $25,026,673 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Combat Vehicle Sensors. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 13, 2007. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-04-C-J202).

Daniels and Daniels Construction Co. Inc.*, Goldsboro, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $23,463,653 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Corrosion Control Aircraft Hangar, Flight Simulator, and a Squadron Operations/Aircraft Maintenance Facility. Work will be performed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and is expected to be completed by June 6, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 185 bids solicited on Feb. 22, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0050).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Sierra Vista, Ariz., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $22,499,406 modification cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Hunter Green Dart. Work will be performed in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 31, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0082).

Black and Veatch Special Projects Corp., Overland Park, Kan., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a $20,848,788 increment to a $29,167,081 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the Automated Inventory Control and Management System. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 19, 2007. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (HDTRA1-07-C-0125).

General Dynamics Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $20,107,536 as part of a $510,528,882 firm-fixed-price contract for reset of Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Packages to the M1A2 Tanks. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio (75 percent), Tallahassee, Fla. (10 percent), Anniston, Ala. (9 percent), Scranton, Pa. (3 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 20, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

General Dynamics, Scottsdale, Ariz., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $19,173,736 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for low-rate Initial production of the Prophet Spiral I Electronic Attack System, Spare Parts, and Engineering Services. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 16, 2006. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-03-C-L426).

RQ Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a $19,131,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Maneuver and Training Equipment Site. Work will be performed at Fort Irwin, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 28, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Aug. 23, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912LA-07-C-0001).

Kentucky Department for the Blind*, Louisville, Ky., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, an $18,713,779 increment as part of a $74,644,199 firm-fixed-price contract for Full Food Services in Military Dining Facilities. Work will be performed at Fort Knox, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 22, 2003, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Fort Knox, Ky., is the contracting activity (W9124D-04-C-0016).

Lakeshore Engineering Services Inc.*, Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, an $18,446,270 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of ammunition storage and support facilities. Work will be performed at McGregor Range, N.M., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 8, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 17, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-07-C-0029).

Wallbridge Aldinger, Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $18,270,720 as part of a $250,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Combat Aviation Brigade and Tactical Maintenance Facilities. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 4, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-D-2051).

Communication Technologies Inc.*, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,003,241 as part of a $232,931,806 fixed-price with award-fee contract for the Reserve Officer Training Corps instruction, recruiting, retention, and training for the U.S. Army Cadet Command. Work will be performed at Fort Monroe, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 26, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 10, 2007, and six bids were received. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W912SU-07-D-0002).

TECOM Inc., Selfridge, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a $12,706,482 increment as part of a $55,940,248 firm-fixed-price contract for base operations and maintenance services. Work will be performed in Warren, Mich. (45 percent), and Harrison Township, Mich. (55 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 17, 2003, and seven bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W912CH-04-C-A507).

Richard E. Pierson Construction Co. Inc., Pilesgrove, N.Y., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, an $11,870,620 firm-fixed-price contract for a new stone seawall at Hereford Inlet. Work will be performed in North Wildwood, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 25 bids solicited on Aug. 1, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-07-C-0023).

Odyssey International, Clearfield, Utah, was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, an $11,816,428 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of C-17 Hangars. Work will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Del., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 17 bids solicited on May 10, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-07-C-0020).

Autometric Inc.*, Springfield, Va., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,591,289 as part of a $20,272,631 firm-fixed-price contract for Geospatial Data Intelligence Services and Geospatial Intelligence Data Production. Work will be performed in Springfield, Va. (36 percent), Berkeley, Mo. (22 percent), Chesterfield, Mo. (24 percent), and Dulles, Va. (18 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 26, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 13, 2007. The National Geospatial Agency, St. Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (NMA302-03-D-0005).

BAE Systems Land and Armaments, York, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,524,152 as part of a $30,088,719 cost-reimbursable contract for long lead materials to support the reset of battle-damaged Bradley M2A3 and M3A3 Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa. (83 percent), Aiken, S.C. (5 percent), San Jose, Calif. (8 percent), and Fayette, Pa. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 30, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

American Ordnance L.L.C., Middletown, Iowa, was awarded on Sept. 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,156,025 as part of a $10,156,025 firm-fixed-price contract for 155mm M107 Projectiles. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 15, 2007. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-04-G-0001).

Daisy Concrete Inc. of Maryland, New Castle, Del., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $9,221,200 firm-fixed-price contract for infrastructure improvements of roads and intersections. Work will be performed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 26 bids solicited on Aug. 20, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-07-C-0035).

Bucktown Contractor and Co. Inc.*, Kenner, La., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $8,997,485 as part of an $8,997,485 firm-fixed-price contract for temporary dam removal and replacement. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by April 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Aug. 14, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-06-D-0094).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, an $8,066,300 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for industrial engineering services for programs under the Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems Program Office. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (90 percent), and East Camden, Ark. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 15, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0328).

BAE Systems, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,784,264 as part of a $7,784,264 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for design and implementation of a Multi-Phase Procurement of Specified Operations Systems. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 25, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 30, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the contracting activity (W91260-06-D-0005).

Don Jones Construction Co.*, Columbus, Ga., was awarded on Sept. 28, 2007, a $7,047,415 firm-fixed-price contract for repair of mechanical and electrical systems, and finishes in a Sleeping Quarters Facility. Work will be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 23, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on July 25, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0070).

NAVY

Sodexho Management, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is receiving a $77,858,698 modification (P00044) which exercises the 1st Option Year, provides funding and authorizes performance of Contract Year 6 (FY08 requirements) to previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (M00027-02-C-0001) to provide food services to the Marine Corps and manage and operate their mess halls in the Eastern region of the United States. This modification exercises the 1^st Option Year and places the required funding on this contract. This modification does not include any funding for work that is outside the scope of the original contract. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C. (40 percent); Quantico, Va. (15 percent); Parris Island, S.C. (20 percent); Washington D.C.; (5 percent); Arlington, Va. (5 percent); Norfolk, Va. (5 percent); Havelock, N.C. (5 percent); and Beaufort, S.C. (5 percent); and work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Contract years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (out of the five year base period) total $354,257,567. The Regional Contracting Office (Southeast), Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, N.C., is the contracting activity.

Sodexho Management, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is receiving a $69,886,396 modification (P00062) for the call up of Contract Year 6 (FY08 requirements) to previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (M00027-02-C-0002) to provide food services to the Marine Corps and manage and operate their mess halls in the Western Region of the United States. This modification is only for the purpose of placing the required funding on this contract. This modification does not include any funding for work that is outside the scope of the original contract. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif. (60 percent); Twentynine Palms, Calif. (10 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Yuma, Ariz. (10 percent); Miramar, Calif. (5 percent); and Bridgeport, Calif. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The total funded dollars for contract years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (the five multi-year base period) and 6 (the first option year) totals $393,421,929. The United States Marine Corps Regional Contracting Office Southwest, Marine Corps Installations (MCI) West, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, Calif., is the contracting activity.

V.T. Griffin Services, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded a$55,000,000 modification on Sept. 29, 2007, under a previously awarded combination firm-fixed-price award-fee/indefinite-quantity base operating support (BOS) contract (N69272-00-D-3170) to exercise option 6 for BOS services at Naval Base, Kings Bay. The award of this option brings the total contract value to $373,000,000. Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Ga., and the contract term is from 1 October 2007 – 30 September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Integrated Systems Division, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded an $18,800,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-06-G-0014) for the procurement of lay-in material in order to accelerate the retrofit of AAR-47 sensors with Probability of Detection (PDx) enhancement. The PDx enhancement will be incorporated into 1,200 AAR-47(V)2 sensors and 300 computer processors on U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy Assault Support GWOT (global war on terrorism) aircraft. Work will be performed in Austin, Texas (58 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (30 percent); and Natanya, Israel (12 percent) and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Triton Marine Construction Corp.*, Bremerton, Wash., was awarded a $12,766,159 firm-fixed-price contract on Sept. 29, 2007, for construction of an Auxiliary Support Complex at Naval Base Kitsap. The work to be performed provides for all work including labor, materials, and equipment for the construction of an Auxiliary Reaction Force Facility, a new Armored Fighting Vehicle Operational Storage Facility, and an option for a new Armory. These facilities will support the Auxiliary Reaction Force (ARF). The ARF provides backup capability to the existing reaction forces located in the Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific limited area and restricted area located at the Naval Base Kitsap. Work will be performed in Bangor, Wash., and is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-07-C-0005).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded an $11,966,451 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification on Sept. 30, 2007, under a previously awarded ceiling-priced contract (N00421-06-C-0075) to exercise an option for engineering, maintenance and manufacturing labor in support of flight test programs conducted by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Patuxent River, Md. The support shall be for any F/A-18 model aircraft assigned to NAWCAD Patuxent River, including pre-production uniquely configured aircraft, and a limited number of NAWC Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. aircraft. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Sauer, Inc. dba Sauer Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded $11,569,400 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 on Sept. 29, 2007, under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N40085-05-D-5056) to replace the Fire Protection System, Building V-147, at Naval Station Norfolk. The task order contains one option totaling $221,125, which may be exercised within 180 calendar days, bringing the total amount to $11,790,525. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

Chesapeake Sciences Corp., Millersville, Md., is being awarded a $7,378,506 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6207) to increase scope by expanding reliability testing of the TB-33/BQ Fiber Optic Thin Line Towed Array, and to procure additional Production Representative Unit assets. This includes procurement of an additional full array to provide pier side spares to support developmental testing and operational testing without relying on design certification testing assets as spares; procurement of additional receiver spares; and expansion of the optical test bed to provide a means to test the receiver with a full system in the factory to mitigate technical risks. Work will be performed in Millersville, Md., and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

The Entwistle Co., Hudson, Mass., is being awarded a $6,155,438 firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00253-07-C-0028) to exercise an option for torpedo wire dispenser assemblies. The assemblies dispense a copper wire that is the guidance communication link between the submarine and the torpedo. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (88 percent) and the governments of the Austria (5 percent), Canada (5 percent) and Netherlands (2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed at Hudson, Mass., and is expected to be completed by July 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $1,586,620, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via Federal Business Opportunities, with six proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport, Keyport, Wash., is the contracting activity.

Shaw Infrastructure, Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded $6,021,723 for modification P00019 on Sept. 29, 2007, under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N68711-03-D-4302) to exercise option 3 to perform environmental services, including compliance effort for consulting, professional services, project management and technical support services, for Navy and Marine Corps installations in the San Diego, Calif. area. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $44,878,473. Work will be performed in southern Calif., and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

The John C. Grimberg Co., Inc., Rockville, Md., was awarded $5,600,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0019 on Sept. 29, 2007, under a previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0012) for renovation of Medical Arts Building 11 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Md., and is expected to be completed by October 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity.

* Small Business

**Woman Owned Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Randy L. Johnson, 34, of Washington, died Sept. 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Ciara M. Durkin, 30, of Quincy, Mass., died Sept. 28 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. She was assigned to the 726th Finance Battalion, Massachusetts Army National Guard, West Newton, Mass.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Doyan Utilities, LLC., Fairbanks, Alaska, is being awarded $2,422,234,728.00 regulated tariff rate, 50-year contract for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of the central heat and power plant, heat and electric distribution systems, and potable water distribution and wastewater collection systems at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 503 original proposals solicited, including web solicitations, with three responses. Date of performance completion is February 2058. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8263).

Doyon Utilities, LLC, Fairbanks, Alaska, is being awarded $939,554,520.00 regulated tariff rate, 50-year contract for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of the electric distribution system, natural gas distribution system, potable water distribution system, and the wastewater collection system at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 503 original proposals solicited, including web solicitations, with seven responses. Date of performance completion is February 2058. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8262).

Doyon Utilities, LLC, Fairbanks, Alaska, is being awarded $553,328,568.00 regulated tariff rate, 50-year contract for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of the central heat and power plant and heat distribution system, electric distribution system, potable water distribution system, and the wastewater collection system at Fort Greely, Alaska. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 503 original proposals solicited, including web solicitations, with seven responses. Date of performance completion is February 2058. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8261).

Augusta Utilities Department, Augusta, Ga., is being awarded a $202,518,190.00 firm fixed price, prospective price re-determination, 50-year contract for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of potable water distribution and wastewater collection systems at Fort Gordon Army Installation, Georgia. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 503 original proposals solicited, including web solicitations, with 4 responses. Date of performance completion is February 2058. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8259).

SAP Public Services, Inc., Washington, D.C., is being awarded a $15,000,000.00 firm fixed price, fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source contract for resolution of SAP Oil and Gas/SAP Public Sector Coexistence issues. Using service is Defense Logistics Agency. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one original proposal solicited with one response. Date of performance completion is Dec. 15, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SO4701-07-F-A106).

Impact Instrumentation, Inc., West Caldwell, N.J.,* is being awarded a $13,031,035.00 firm fixed price, contingency contract for Air Certified Transport Ventilators. Using service are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were five original proposals solicited with two responses. Date of performance completion is Sept. 27, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2D0-07-D-0007).

Miami-Case County Rural Electric Membership Corp., Peru, Ind.,* is being awarded a $5,110,780.00 firm fixed price, prospective price re-determination, 50-year contract for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of the electric distribution system at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana. Using service is Air Reserves. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 700 original proposals solicited, including web solicitations, with one response. Date of performance completion is Dec. 26, 2057. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8256).

TruTech, Inc., Riverhead, N.Y.,* is being awarded a $10,373,400.00 firm fixed price contract for Heaters. Using service is Army. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with one response. This contract is for one year ordering period with no option years. Date of performance completion is Sept. 27, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-07-D-Z218).

Trans-Packers Services, Corp., Brooklyn, N.Y.,* is being awarded a $9,981,440.00 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for Dairyshakes w/Flat Interlocking Closure Pouch. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with one response. This contract is for one year ordering period with no option years. Date of performance completion is Sept. 27, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-07-D-Z232).

W Stuart Smith Inc., Victor, N.Y.,* is being awarded a $9,083,000.00 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for Activation Fluid Unit in Barrier Pouch w/Center Tab. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with one response. This contract is for one year ordering period with no option years. Date of performance completion is Sept. 27, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-07-D-XZ235).

Ecomass Technologies, Austin, Texas,* is being awarded a $6,050,000.00 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for Heating Trays for Heater Modules. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Wisconsin. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with two responses. This contract is for one year ordering period with no option years. Date of performance completion is Sept. 27, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-07-D-Z234).

Correction:

American Water Operation & Maintenance, Inc., Voorhees, N.J., is being awarded a $67,311,200.00 firm fixed price, prospective price re-determination, 50-year contract for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of water distribution system at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 700 proposals solicited, including web solicitations with one response. Date of performance completion is Nov. 24, 2057. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8253).

NAVY

Tetra Tech EC, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $100,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity remedial action contract for environmental remediation services on Navy and Marine Corps installations at various Department of Defense sites. Work will be performed in California (90 percent); Arizona (3 percent); Alaska (1 percent); New Mexico (1 percent); Nevada (1 percent); Oregon (1 percent); Utah (1 percent); and Washington (1 percent), and other locations (1 percent) nationwide, and work is expected to be completed September 2008 (September 2012 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-3211).

L3/Interstate Electronics Corp., Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded $59,626,533 cost- plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for specialized technical engineering services to operate, maintain, and repair the TRIDENT II D5 Test Instrumentation subsystems, spares, and related support equipment in support of the U.S. TRIDENT II (D5) weapon systems. This effort shall include the operation and maintenance of the Launch Area Support Ship (LASS) Flight Test Support System, the M250 Test Missile Radio Frequency set, and M240R Data Recording System (DRS). In addition, the contractor shall monitor and provide recommendations/updates to the formal training materials, documentation, and hardware/software utilized in the Strategic Weapons System (SWS) training program. Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif., and work is expected to be completed May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded based on a sole source acquisition. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-08-C-0006).

Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems, Inc., Reston, Va., is being awarded $49,771,031 for firm-fixed-price task order #0003 under previously awarded contract (N62473-07-D-4022) to design, install, and sustain a National Enterprise Land Mobile Radio System to provide a nationwide, integrated voice and data communications network for U.S. Navy first responders and other U.S. Navy personnel to support national emergency management. The total value of the task order including all options is $68,500,817 (base period, value-added options, and two one-year options for sustainment). Work will be performed at various Navy Shore installations worldwide, and work is expected to be completed September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Manhattan Construction Co., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $44,335,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the visiting quarters and upgrade utilities project at Andrews Air Force Base. This project is for the construction of a facility to accommodate transient personnel and families who cannot be housed in existing facilities. The visiting quarters (VQ) portion will include building a new four-story VQ facility with 265 guest rooms. The upgrade utilities portion will consist of providing all plans, labor, equipment, materials and appliances and in performing all operations necessary to repair utilities for VQ and surrounding areas located at Andrews Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Camp Springs, Md., and is expected to be completed by October 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2,131,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity, (N40080-07-C-0151).

ITT Corp., Systems Division, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Barking Sands Project, Kekaha, Hawaii, is being awarded $42,177,137 for a modification under previously awarded cost-plus-incentive award-fee and fixed-price-incentive award-fee contract (N00604-98-C-0031) for Base Operation Support (BOS) and Range Operation Support (ROS) services for PMRF Barking Sands, Kekaha, Hawaii. Work will be performed in Kekaha, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with 83 proposals solicited and four offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $27,123,049 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2207) to exercise an option for Life Cycle Engineering and Support (LCE&S) services on select electronic systems for the LPD 17 Class Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Program. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif.,and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DRS C3 Systems, LLC, dba: DRS Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a $25,624,871 cost-plus-fixed-fee research and development contract to design and demonstrate low-cost, high performance Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules as a fundamental building block of a multi-function active array radar as part of the Low-Cost C-Band Active Array Radar (CBAAR) program. Work will be performed in Gaithersburg, Md. (79.8 percent); Silver Spring, Md. (11.2 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (5.3 percent); Johnstown, Pa. (2.1 percent); and Lowell, Mass. (1.6 percent), and work is expected to be completed April 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $8,475,062 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an Office of Naval Research Broad Agency Announcement 07-001, "Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology," dated 13-SEP-2006. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contract activity (N00014-07-C-0468).

Armor Group North America, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $24,941,850 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Security Operations Services at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Department of Defense Dependent School, and locations in United Arab Emirates in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe and Southwest Asia area of responsibility. The work to be performed provides for security operations to ensure security and safety for personnel, property, facilities, and assets of the Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Department of Defense Dependent School, and locations in United Arab Emirates. The contractor shall provide all labor, and supervision to provide Fixed Post Guards, Pass and Identification Office, and Roving Patrol. Work will be performed in Bahrain and locations in United Arab Emirates, and work is expected to be completed October 2008 (October 2012 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe and Southwest Asia is the contracting activity (N33191-07-D-0352).

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, L.P., Armament Systems Division (ASD), Louisville, Ky., is being awarded a $23,885,215 cost-plus-fixed fee order under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00024-07-G-5438) for manufacturing and assembly services in the overhaul/conversion, upgrade, testing, packaging and shipping of three MK45 MOD 1 / 2 Gun Mounts to the MOD 4 Deployable Configuration. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky. (72 percent) and Minneapolis, Minnesota (28 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $8,200,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (PHD), Port Hueneme, Calif. is the contracting activity.

Tesoro Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded $23,179,928 for firm-fixed-price task order #0004 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N40085-05-D-5057) for design and construction of an Administrative Facility at the Naval Warfare Development Command, Naval Station, Norfolk. The contract contains one option totaling $2,500,000, which may be exercised up to eight months prior to the scheduled contract completion date, bringing the total contract amount to $25,679,928. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

Tesoro Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded $21,375,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0003 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N40085-05-D-5057) for repairing deperming piers at Naval Station Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for demolition, new pier construction, construction of a new operations building, rectifier and utilities support buildings, utility work, marine construction and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

R. A. Burch Construction Co., Inc., Ramona, Calif., is being awarded $18,906,056 for firm-fixed-price task order #0006 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-03-D-7056) for the design and renovation of various buildings to accommodate the Mine Warfare Training Center Command Move at Naval Base Point Loma. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $18,162,005 Architect-Engineer Services indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for construction management services in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe and Southwest Asia area of responsibility. Work will be performed primarily in, but not limited to, Italy (35 percent), Djibouti (20 percent), Bahrain (15 percent), Azores (10 percent), Spain (5 percent), United Arab Emirates (5 percent), Greece (5 percent), and Egypt (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe and Southwest Asia is the contracting activity (N33191-07-D-0219).

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded a $16,698,045 fixed-price-incentive fee modification to a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N00019-06-C-0086) for one AH-1Z Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for the H-1 Upgrades Program. Work will be performed in Broken Arrow, Okla. (75 percent) and Hurst, Texas (25 percent) and is expected to be completed in January 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $16,665,674 firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5460) for seven Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Class A Overhauls. PHALANX Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is a fast reaction terminal defense against low and high flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other ships' defenses. PHALANX CIWS is currently installed on approximately 187 USN ships and is in use in 20 foreign navies. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky., and is expected to be completed in February 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $16,665,674, will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Crye Precision LLC., Brooklyn, NY is being awarded a $14,779,434 for delivery order #1 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-3017) for the Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble. The Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble is comprised of a high performance protective shirt and protective trouser that will provide the protection, safety and comfort features required by Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG). Work will be performed in Puerto Rico and New York. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year (FY07). This contract was procured through limited competition based on an Urgent Statement of Need for FROG with five proposals solicited and received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, New Orleans, La., is being awarded a $13,027,106 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-2217) to exercise an option for Life Cycle Engineering and Support (LCE&S) services on the LPD 17 Class Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Program. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss. (60 percent), New Orleans, La. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Charter Environmental, Wilmington, Mass., is being awarded a $12,500,000 firm-fixed price contract for demolition of 40 various buildings at Naval Submarine Base, New London. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and Mitchell Field, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-3231).

Alkan Shelter, LLC, Fairbanks, Alaska, is being awarded an $11,931,975 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of the Composite Carbon Fiber Based Shelter System to house the MCSET-40 Tire Changing Facility for the United State Marine Corps. The Composite Carbon Fiber Based Shelter System is a rigid wall portable structure of the expandable variety. It is high strength, low weight, corrosion resistant, noise vibration dampening and dimensionally stable with superior thermal insulation and contains a ballistic barrier with a minimum 30 year lifespan. Work will be performed in Fairbanks, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities, Navy Electronic Commerce On-line and Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane website, with two offers received.. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-6833)

ITT Night Vision, Roanoke, Va. is being awarded a $10,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of AN/AVS-9 Aviator's Night Vision Goggles and associated data. The AN/AVS-9 Aviator's Night Vision Goggles are helmet mounted goggles that will be used on Navy ships for nighttime flight operations by both aircraft pilots and ship crew members. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,120,798, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-8540)

Seth, S.A., Portela LRS, Portugal, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $9,494,019 firm-fixed-price construction contract for the repair of harbor breakwater, Phase III, at Lajes Field, Azores. Work will be performed at Lajes Field, Azores,and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-07-C-7019).

R.Q. Construction Inc., Bonsall Calif., is being awarded $8,566,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1060) for design and renovation of Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, 5^th floor of building 26, Naval Medical Center San Diego. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

DRS Tactical Systems, Inc, Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded an $8,559,444 firm-fixed-price contract for Military Ruggedized Tablets. This product is a high-performance, high-mobility computer that controls the Close Air Support (CAS) and automates the CAS request process ensuring timely air support. This effort is in support of the Air Force Tactical Air Control Party and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $5,100,940 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-6698).

Peter Vander Werff Construction, Inc.*, El Cajon, Calif., is being awarded $8,297,100 for firm-fixed-price task order #0006 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for design and renovation of the existing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Fetal Assessment Unit (FAU) spaces located in Block G and H on the third floor of Building 1 at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-2013).

Maritime Helicopter Support Co., Woodbridge, Va., is being awarded a $7,330,000firm-fixed-price requirements contract for performance based logistics (PBL) support for Phase2(A) Navy H-60 items in support of the SH-60B, SH-60F, HH-60H, MH-60S, and MH60R aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn. (99 percent) and Owego, NY (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-04-D-028N).

EG&G Technical Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a $6,879,417 cost-plus-fixed-fee (term) modification under previously awarded contract (N00178-04-C-3002) to exercise option 4 to provide engineering, analytical, technical services, test support, and management support in support of various Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) programs. Work is primarily performed in Dahlgren, Va. (89 percent) and King George, Va. (11 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The solicitation was competitively solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division procurement web page, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity.

Aleut Global Solutions* (name changed from TekStar, Inc.), Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded $6,449,181 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N62470-04-D-0665) to exercise Option 4 for maintenance services at U.S. Naval Activity, Puerto Rico. The work to be performed provides for services in preparation of base closure. The current total estimated contract amount after exercise of this option will be $62,981,011. Work will be performed in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and is expected to be completed by March 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Halbert Construction Co., Inc.*, El Cajon, Calif., is being awarded $5,709,972 for firm-fixed price task order #0005 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-07-D-2014) for the repair of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Interior Architecture of the Dental Clinic at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

R.E. Staite Engineering, Inc., National City, Calif., , is being awarded $5,599,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0009 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract (N68711-03-D-7053) for the design and construction of the Aircraft Carrier Quaywall repair project at Naval Air Station, North Island. The work to be performed provides for the recommended repairs to provide for the removal and reconstruction of the damaged portions of the damaged cap, filling of voids behind the wall with cementitious grout, replacement of 200 feet of steam line, placement of armoring along the entire length of the quaywall and installation of a new foam-filled fender. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

Presidential Airways, Inc., an aviation Worldwide Services company (d/b/a Blackwater Aviation), Moyock, N.C., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) type contract for $92,000,000.00. The contractor is to provide all fixed-wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger, cargo and combi Short Take-Off and Landing air transportation services between locations in the Area of Responsibility of Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. This contract was competitively procured and two timely offers were received. The performance period is from 1 Oct. 2007 to 30 September 2011. The United States Transportation Command Acquisition Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC7 11 -08-D-0010).

Missile Defense Agency CONTRACT AWARD

Computer Sciences Corporation of Falls Church, Virginia, is being awarded an $8,806,400 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Visual Information Production Center and Director's Action Group Services. Work will be performed in the National Capital Region and Huntsville, Alabama and is expected to be complete by September 2008. This is a sole source contract award. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-07-C-0035). FY 07 research and development funds will be used.

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

KLA-Tencor Corp., San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a $5,500,000 increment of a $97,205,968 other transaction for prototypes agreement for the Nanowriter program to develop a maskless lithography prototype tool for 45 nanometer node and below. Work will be performed in San Jose (92 percent) and Fremont, Calif. (8 percent) and is expected to be completed September 2012. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued the Microsystems Technology Office-Wide solicitation in Federal Business Opportunities on January 16, 2007, and 73 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-9-0007).

*Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Mathew D. Taylor, 21, of Cameron Park, Calif., died Sept. 26 in San Antonio of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle July 23 in Sarobi District, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

Airman Missing In Action From WWII is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is 1^st Lt. James W. Blose, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Sharpsville, Pa. He will be buried Sept. 29 in Hermitage, Pa.

Representatives from the Army met with Blose's next-of-kin in her hometown to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

On April 22, 1942, Blose and another pilot, 2^nd Lt. William S. Shaw, departed Nausori, Airdrome, Viti Levu Island, Fiji, on an airborne alert mission. Soon after takeoff, bad weather forced the pilots to fly below the level of several mountaintops in the area and land their P-39D Airacobras at Nandi Airdrome. Shaw successfully landed his plane, but Blose was not seen or heard from again. Initial ground searches in the thick jungles and rugged terrain were unsuccessful.

In late 2004, a Fiji citizen reported to a U.S. official in Fiji that he located possible aircraft wreckage on Viti Levu Island. The official visited the site and saw the wreckage bearing a data plate that correlated to Blose's plane. The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) investigated the crash site in early 2005 and collected additional data plate information.

In 2006, a JPAC team excavated the site and recovered human remains and other items including a pilot's microphone electrical plug with Blose's initials on it.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of Blose's remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ orcall (703) 699-1169.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

The McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company of Long Beach, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $291,906,400. This action exercises the FY08 options for the continued performance of the Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership. These options will be funded by separate funding actions as the FY08 funds are received. C-17 fleet sustainment and product support will be managed through a long term performance-based partnership between Boeing and the Air Force, which places performance risk on the contractor to provide sustainment support at continuously raised benchmarked levels. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (937) 656-9310. 516 AESG/PKS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00203).

The Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems of Marietta, Ga. is being awarded a contract modification for $133,287,013. This contract provides for C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-engineering Program System Development Re-baseline Engineering Change Proposal. This contract is a modification to an existing contract. At this time $16,224,788 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-0748. 716 Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-02-C-2000, P00139).

Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions of Denver, Colo. is being awarded a contract for $75,000,000. This action exercises an option for Application Sustainment and increases ceilings on the IDIQ contract for the Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) Weapons System Integrator (WSI) to allow for the incorporation of Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) sustainment efforts into the AOC Weapons System Integrator contract. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (781) 266-9220. 350^th Electronic Systems Group, Hanscom Air Force Base Mass. is the contracting activity (FA8706-06-D-0003).

Boeing, C3 Networks of Anaheim, Calif. is being awarded a contract for $41,600,000. This contract action will operate and maintain test equipment at the Survivability Vulnerability Integration Center (SVIC). The SVIC is a laboratory dedicated to testing Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) systems to simulate nuclear hardness, survivability, reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (801) 777-4894. 526 ICBMSG/PKA Hill Air Force Base Utah is the contracting activity (FA8204-07-D-0001).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector of El Segundo, Calif. is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $40,000,000. The objective of the ADVENT program is to develop and demonstrate inlet, engine, exhaust nozzle, and integrated thermal management technologies that enable optimized propulsion system performance over a broad range of altitude and flight velocity. The ADVENT program will demonstrate integration technologies to TRL 4-5 and engine technologies to TRL-6 in a large thrust class (25,000 lbs.) with emphasis on multi-design point demonstration of significant advancements in thrust, fuel efficiency, development cost, production cost and maintenance cost characteristics over baseline engines. At this time $1,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 656-9035. AFRL/PKPB, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-D-2800).

General Dynamics C4 Systems, Incorporated of Scottsdale, Ariz. is being awarded a contract for $20,033,694. The Air Force Research Laboratory/SNZT requires the use of an R&D support contract to accomplish specialized research, analysis, test, and development for combat identification work. At this time $232,448 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-5762. AFRL/PKSR, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-1183).

Boeing Co. of Kent, Wash. is being awarded a contract for $12,156,742. This action provides for research and development effort including the design of airborne and ground terminals for a Radio Frequency Adaptive Persistent ISR Data (RAPID) Link system. At this time $1,035,778 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-5372. AFRL/PKSE, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-4528).

JDC Industries of Lyles, Tenn. is being awarded a contract for $11,676,014. This action provides for C-5 Leading Edget Slat Actuator Shop Replaceable Units. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-0060. 542^nd Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base Ga. is the contracting activity (FA8524-07-D-0010).

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp. of Sunnyvale, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $11,644,354. This is contract modification to upgrade existing software and hardware components, to enhance system functionally, to study and exploit technological innovations for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) ground stations. The period of performance will be from fiscal year 2007 through 2009. This contract action supports the Space Based Infrared Systems Ground Systems located at Boulder, Colorado. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-4505. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base Calif. is the contracting activity (FO4701-95-C-0017, P00462).

Lear Siegler Services Inc., of Gaithersburg, Md. is being awarded a contract modification for $8,393,144. This action if to exercise option year one of the contract for contractor logistics support for the C-26B aircraft for the Army National Guard and the RC-26B aircraft for the Air National Guard, consisting of maintenance, repair, support functions for the period of 1 October 2007 through 30 September 2008. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 739-4081. Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base Okla. is the contracting activity (FA8106-07-C-0004-P00008).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, of Long Beach, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $7,975,363. This contract modification is a foreign military sales (FMS) requirement for the Canadian Forces C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) program. This action incorporates the CF aircraft into the C-17 "virtual fleet" which includes aircraft maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment for FY08 Quarter I. This action also incorporates over an above efforts and material improvement project efforts for FY08. At this time $3,987,681 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-0835. MSW/C17SG/PKS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004 P00206).

Booz Allen Hamilton of Falls Church, Va. is being awarded a contract modification for $6,414,607. This contract action is to translate advanced concepts into functional prototypes, using information gleaned on an on-going basis. The contractor will employ "Superusers" to ensure the program satisfies not only the analytic needs of the end-user, but also the infrastructure requirements and operational policies of current and prospective host organizations. The engineering change continues to provide software development and integration support to the RDEC Program Experimentation Team and operational sites. At this time $3,218,055 has been obligated. For more information please call (315) 330-4777. AFRL/IFKF, Rome N.Y. is the contracting activity (MDA972-03-C-0005 P00019).

Boeing Wichita Development, and Mod Center, of Wichita, Kan. is being awarded a contract modification for $5,990,795.68. This action is for the procurement of sustaining Engineering Services to support the B-52H Stratofortress Aircraft Fleet through modification of the contract. The Engineering Services will be provided on an Engineering Assignment for the B-52 Software Block upgrade 03 that is being modified to add requirements which requires a period of performance extension and the additional funding being provided by modification. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 739-4134. 327^th Aircraft Sustainment Group Contracting Division, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. is the contracting activity (F34601-99-C-0006, Modification P00257).

General Electronic Aircraft Engines, One Neumann Way, Cincinnati, Ohio is being awarded a contract modification for $5,900,778. This action provides for Augmenter Nozzle Seals, a quantity of 4,116, The F100-100 Seal is a rectangular shape, with 5 wholes of approximately 100 diameters. The position of the seal control s the flow of exhaust gasses from the exhaust nozzle. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 739-4440. 748 CBSG/PKP, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-G-0003-0139).

Ahntech, Inc., of San Diego California is being awarded a contract modification for $5,677,516. This action provides for Air Combat Training Systems (ACTS). At this time all funds have been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCU, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. is the contracting activity (F41689-02-D-0044).

Essex Electro Engineers Inc., of Schaumburg, Ill. is being awarded a contract for $5,545,900. This requirement is to increase and exercise option quantities for the 72KW diesel generator set. This exercised option requires the delivery of 124 each of the diesel generator sets. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 222-1878. WR-ALC, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. is the contracting activity (FA8519-04-D-00190008).

ARMY

Tompkins-Turner Grunley/Kinsley (Joint Venture), Washington, D.C., was awarded on Sept. 25, 2007, a $130,060,888 increment as part of a $477,477,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Command, Control, Computer, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center of Excellence. Work will be performed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 14 bids solicited on July 30, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-07-C-0025).

DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems, Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on July 2, 2007, a $42,301,300 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Driver's Vision Enhancer B-Kits. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 21, 2007. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-04-C-J202).

BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Anniston, Ala., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $30,771,133 as part of a $30,771,133 cost-reimbursable-no-fee contract for material for reset of M113 family of vehicles. Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 15, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

Sundt Construction Inc., Tempe, Ariz., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $28,550,294 firm-fixed-price contract for family housing replacement. Work will be performed at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by April 13, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 12, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0026).

Pyramid Services Inc., Asheboro, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 25, 2007, a $16,953,312 increment as part of a $29,318,322 cost-plus-award-fee contract for non-personal installation support services of the Public Works Directorate at Yuma Proving Ground. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 1, 2005, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Yuma, Ariz., is the contracting activity (W9124R-06-C-0101).

Vanguard Contractors L.L.C., Paducah, Ky., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,980,000 as part of a $14,980,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new Border Patrol Station. Work will be performed at Fort Hancock, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 3, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were five bids solicited on July 18, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W9126G-04-D-0023).

BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,992,028 as part of a $21,680,109 time and materials contract for 120-mm Mortar Lift Quick Stow Systems and Basic Issue Items, spares, installation, storage, and baseplates. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky. (82.4 percent), and Minneapolis, Minn. (17.6 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 21, 2006. The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-D-0030).

SAIC, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 25, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,550,000 as part of a $64,641,209 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for operations and maintenance of the Biometrics Automated Toolset and Detention Management System. Work will be performed in Iraq/Afghanistan (80 percent), and Arlington, Va. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 16, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 20, 2001, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (DASG60-02-D-0006).

BAE Systems, Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,197,666 as part of a $13,197,666 firm-fixed-price contract for the New Insensitive Munitions Fill for the Air Force BLU-117 Bomb. Work will be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., 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 Dec. 12, 2006. The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-D-0007).

Alliant Ammunition and Powder Co. L.L.C., Radford, Va., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $13,144,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Modernization of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. Work will be performed in Radford, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 30, 2004. The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-E-0001).

S.C.K. Trucking and General Construction*, Paulina, La., was awarded on Sept. 25, 2007, a $12,465,572 firm-fixed-price contract for Demonstration Channel Alignment Structure of the Atchafalaya River and Bayous. Work will be performed in Terrebonne Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by June 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 9, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W912EE-07-C-0023).

Eyak Technology L.L.C.*, Dulles, Va., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,663,099 as part of a $10,663,099 firm-fixed-price contract for implementation of upgrades to the High Performance Computing Center. Work will be performed in Vicksburg, Miss., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 12, 2005, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W912HZ-05-D-0015).

AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $9,016,200 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).

MAPCO*, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, an $8,790,900 firm-fixed-price contract for Base Realignment and Closure additions and alterations to the Aircraft Parking Apron, and sustainment, repair and maintenance Aircraft Parking Apron. Work will be performed at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 42 bids solicited on Aug. 8, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0050).

GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $8,200,000 as part of a $416,303,408 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the maintenance, repairs, and minor upgrades of desert-damaged Stryker Vehicles. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (60 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 26, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 1, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).

Lockheed Martin, Tinton Falls, N.J., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $7,931,908 increment as part of a $73,681,271 cost-plus-fixed-fee and time and materials contract for an extension to cover all-within-scope efforts for the Maneuver Control System/Global Command and Control System. Work will be performed in Tinton Falls, N.J. (60 percent), and Springfield, Va. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 25, 2005. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-N401).

AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $7,447,856 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).

AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $6,446,325 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M1152, M1151A1, and M1151A1B1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles for the Government of Kazakhstan. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $6,210,000 increment as part of a $14,456,036 cost-reimbursement contract for research and development of the Autonomous Platform Demonstrator for the Military Unmanned Ground Vehicle efforts. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 25, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 25, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0730).

SMP Services Inc.*, Roseville, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 26, 2007, a $5,680,695 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of channel improvements and floodwalls. Work will be performed in Sacramento, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 26, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 20, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0024).

USSOCOM

AeroVironment, Inc., of Monrovia, Calif., was awarded a cost-plus fixed-fee contract with a potential maximum value of $108,400,000 for the design, fabrication, integration, and ground testing of a hydrogen powered Global Observer Unmanned Aircraft System. The system includes one aircraft and ground control station with integrated modular payloads and spares. The contract allows for options for up to two more aircraft and one more ground control station. The base contract includes contractor operation and logistics support for the Global Observer joint concept technology demonstrations, including flight testing, and also includes options for military utility assessment and engineering trade studies. The work will be performed in Monrovia from Sept. 21 through April 30, 2011. The contract number is H92222-07-C-0072.

UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

Presidential Airways, Inc., an aviation Worldwide Services company (d/b/a Blackwater Aviation), Moyock, N.C., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) type contract for $92,000,000.00. The contractor is to provide all fixed-wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger, cargo and combi Short Take-Off and Landing air transportation services between locations in the Area of Responsibility of Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. This contract was competitively procured and two timely offers were received. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. The United States Transportation Command Acquisition Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC7 11 -08-D-0010).

NAVY

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $39,433,314 firm-fixed-price contract for the VH-3D/VH-60N Executive Helicopter Special Progressive Aircraft Rework Contract for security manpower, security maintenance support, VH-3D project engineering support, VH-60N project engineering support, VH integrated logistic support, VH on-site training, technical manuals, technical manuals contractor support, technical manuals travel, program support and quality engineer. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0004).

Crye Precision LLC., Brooklyn, N.Y., is being awarded a $38,382,931 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble. The Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble is comprised of a high performance protective shirt and protective trouser that will provide the protection, safety and comfort features required by Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG). Work will be performed in Puerto Rico and New York. No funds are associated with the base contract award, requirements will be identified individual Delivery Orders issued under this contract. This contract was procured through limited competition based on an Urgent Statement of Need for FROG with five proposals solicited and received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-3017).

AMSEC, LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $31,564,039 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee performance based contract to provide Sea Enterprise C4ISR support services for installation, material acquisition, system/equipment modification, test and checkout, systems training and documentation preparation for west coast taskings related to all submarines and, additionally, all shore work performed in Hawaii. This contract includes four one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $166,847,749. The work for the contract will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (85 percent) and miscellaneous locations including: public/private shipyards and numerous sites in the continental U.S. and overseas (15 percent) and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-commerce website and two offers were received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-8856).

Protective Products International, Sunrise, Fla., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Modular Tactical Vests (MTVs). The maximum value of the contract is $30,053,623 for a maximum quantity of 48,000 MTVs. An initial delivery order in the amount of $17,308,491 will be issued for a total of 23,000 MTVs, miscellaneous spare and repair parts and New Equipment Training (NET). Work will be performed in Sunrise, Fla. (60 percent); Fenton, Missouri (10 percent); and Lares, Puerto Rico (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed October 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $17,308,490.89 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source award. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-3065).

SERCO, Inc., Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $29,513,345 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee performance-based contract to provide Sea Enterprise C4ISR support services for installation, material acquisition, system/equipment modification, test and checkout, systems training and documentation preparation for west coast taskings related to all surface ships and, additionally, all shore work except shore work performed in Hawaii. This contract includes four one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $156,239,298. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (85 percent) and miscellaneous locations including: public/private shipyards and numerous sites in the continental U.S. and overseas (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-commerce website and two offers were received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-8855).

Nacre AS, Sluppenvn 12 E, NO-7037, Trondheim, Norway, is being awarded a $27,039,492 firm-fixed-price commercial contract to provide Integrated Intra Squad Radio (IISR) Hearing Protection Headset (IISR-HPH), ear canal foams and training to support the Marine Corps System Command. Work will be performed in Trondheim, Norway (qualifying country in accordance with DFARS 252.225-872-1(a), and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited and two offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, SC, is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6338).

Raytheon Systems Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $26,298,161 firm-fixed-price order under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00164-06-G-8555) for Multi-spectral Targeting Systems (MTS) Navy configuration, including 24 (ea) Turret Units and associated line items, in support of MH-60 Sierra Multi-Mission Combat Helicopters. The MTS is a forward-looking infrared system the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle system. The MTS provides real-time imagery selectable between infrared and day TV as well as a laser designation capability. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be complete by May 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $23,186,860, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity.

Techno-Sciences Inc., Beltsville, Maryland, is being awarded a $24,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, fixed-price contract for upgrades to the Indonesian Integrated Maritime Surveillance System (IMSS) for Eastern shore and ship surveillance nodes, command centers, and network enhancement. Support will include installations at specified coastal surveillance stations, upgrades to shipboard IMSS suites, and upgrades to specified command centers to enhance integration, monitoring and response to IMSS data from shore and shipboard nodes. This two-year contact contains no options. Work will be performed in Beltsville, Maryland (50 percent), and at shore and ship sites throughout Indonesia (50 percent), and work is expected to be September 2009. This contract was awarded as a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, Phase 3 follow-on contract, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2301(c)(5). The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-C-0145).

DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems, Cypress, Calif., is being awarded an estimated maximum $19,574,503 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Vision Enhancement Systems. The effort is a joint Marine Corps/Army program that will provide Vision Enhancement Systems on the M1A1 Joint Assault Bridge. The Vision Enhancement Systems will provide Forward Vision Capability, a Third Stage Arm Vision Capability, an Interface Control Box, a Commander's Display, and allow for three additional video inputs. Work will be performed in Cypress, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured, with one proposal received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-6832)

Xerox Corp., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $19,409,029 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for ship board copiers, print ship equipment, and related support services to the entire Navy fleet. This contract contains options which, if exercised, will bring the total value of this contract to $ 93,892,161. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va.; Mayport, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Puget Sound, Wash.; Pascagoula, Miss.; Manama, Bahrain; and Yokosuka, Japan, and work is expected to be completed in September 2008.

Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via posting to Navy Electronic Commerce On-line, with one offer received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Contracting Department in Philadelphia is the contracting activity (N00189-08-D-Z001)

Digital Receiver Technology, Inc.,* Germantown, Md., is being awarded a $18,370,835 indefinite delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed price contract to provide Wireless Receiving Systems and associated components in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command. The contract contains three one-year options, which if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to an estimated amount of $49,983,503. Work will be performed in Germantown, Md., and work is expected to be completed September 2008 (September 2011 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $420,830 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source award, after announcement via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7293).

BTP Systems, LLC, Ludlow, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $16,165,581, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, time and materials contract for repair, restoration, and upgrade of the Submarine High Data Rate Antenna (SubHDR). The contractor shall provide all spare parts for the SubHDR Antenna program, technical repair of the antenna, including, but not limited to, test, inspection, evaluation, repair, restoration, upgrade, and on-site support. Work will be performed in Ludlow, Mass. (65 percent); Newport, R.I. (30 percent); and remote Navy sites (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $70,001 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, Newport, R.I. (N66604-07-D-0200)

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $14,500,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N68335-06-G-0024) for the procurement of six Consolidated Automated Support System, Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS) in support of F/A-18 Shop Replaceable Assemblies. Provisioning support will also be applied for partial capability of this OTPS as well as four on-site verifications for the OTPS. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity.

Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $14,239,000 firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-04-G-0015) for the teardown, inspection and repair of up to 28 AE1107C engines in support of the MV-22 (Marine variant) aircraft. Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (50 percent) and Indianapolis, Ind. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $14,239,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Sarnoff Corp., Princeton, N.J., is being awarded an $11,294,243 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering tasks for the design, manufacture, installation and repair of Navy Special Projects Systems associated with the Electro-Optic and Special Mission Sensors Program. This effort will include focus on the research, development, analysis, and prototyping of a family of systems that result in a C4ISR system architecture. Work will be performed in Princeton, N.J. and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using a Broad Agency Announcement and seven offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0509).

Alaska Native Technologies Inc. LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded an $11,254,085 cost-plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for 382,400 hours of administrative clerical support services to various programs and branches throughout the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. Work will be performed in Newport, R.I., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with sixteen (16) offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity. (N66604-08-D-0001)

FLIR Systems, Inc., North Billerica, Mass, is being awarded a $9,269,600, firm-fixed-price-contract for procurement of AN/KAX-1A Maritime Forward-Looking Infrared systems, cable kits, spares and associated data. The AN/KAX-1A, which supports the Long Range Ground Mobility Visual Augmentation Systems (LR-GMVAS) Program, provides ground vehicles with an all-weather, day/night high resolution stabilized FLIR (i.e. thermal) imaging capability to augment existing optical and radar sensors by imaging enemy forces, particularly during periods of darkness and poor visibility. Work will be performed in North Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-8517)

ALCOA Inc.*, Alcoa Center, Pa., is being awarded an $8,272,113 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee completion contract to provide engineering services in support of the re-design of existing aluminum structures to improve performance and survivability of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) via weight reduction of selected assemblies or components. This contract will fund the Alcoa Collaborative Design Approach (ACDA). The ACDA is a phased program approach in which the following tasks will be applied to the LCS: selection of candidate assemblies and components; development of conceptual designs and down selection of design concepts; evaluation of design concepts and final selection; development and evaluation of prototypes; and ship integration. The components for improvement may include hull sections, doors/hatches, load floors, foundations, large apertures or similar structures. Work will be performed in Alcoa Center, Pa. (84 percent); Johnstown, Pa. (11 percent); Columbus, Ohio (3 percent); and various shipyards (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $3,695,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, West Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity (N00167-07-D-0010).

Raytheon Electronic Warfare Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $7,812,088 not-to-exceed order to previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00164-04-G-8W01) for restoration of three AN/SLQ-32 anti-ship missile defense systems and AN/SLQ-32 hardware, consisting of 150 (ea) Super Crystal Video Recorders, 2 (ea) Special Purpose Electronic Test Equipment kits and 4 (ea) Mounting Bases. Work will be performed in Chula Vista, Calif. (56 percent) and Goleta, Calif. (44 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity.

M2 Technologies Incorporated, Framingham, Mass., is being awarded an estimated $7,776,090 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development services in connection with the Urban Operations Laboratory (UOL). Work will be performed in Lexington, Ky., and work is expected to be complete September 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole-source contract. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-1035-0001).

ForceX, Inc, Clarksville, Tenn. is being awarded a $7,303,950 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for procurement of software development and software support for special missions. Technical services are being acquired to build a software suite that facilitates interoperability between the separate components and the command and control platform of special missions aircraft. Work will be performed in Clarksville, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8544).

Nova Group, Inc., Napa, Calif., is being awarded $7,205,200 for firm-fixed price task order #0011 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1301) for Drydock No. 1 repair of wall leaks and deteriorated concrete on walls at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by October June 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-04-D-1301).

Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded $6,812,070 for firm-fixed-price order #5078 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-06-G-002G) to purchase 170 AN/ARN-153 Receiver transmitters used on the S-3 and EA-6B aircrafts. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and work is expected to be complete November 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, PA, is the contracting activity.

DS2, Marlton, N.J., is being awarded $6,341,450 (subject to the availability of funds) for modification #P00034 under a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract (N62742-00-D-5001) to exercise the seventh option period with award fee provisions for Southeast Asia Multi-Function Support Services. The work to be performed provides for labor, material, equipment, tools, supplies, parts, transportation, supervision, administration and management necessary to provide all services and resources necessary in the execution of this contract for Government activities in the Republic of Singapore. After exercise of this modification, the total cumulative contract amount will be $52,355,664. Work will be performed at various facilities in the Republic of Singapore and other locations in Southeast Asia, and work is expected to be September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was novated from Day & Zimmermann Support Services Singapore to DS2 on 24 August 2004. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

Marvin Engineering Co., Inc.*, Inglewood, Calif., is being awarded an $6,073,710 delivery order under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price basic ordering agreement contract (N00019-07-G-0021) to procure 193 LAU-7E/A Guided Missile Launchers for the F-18, AV-8, AH-1, and EA-6 aircraft for the U.S. Navy. Work will be performed in Inglewood, Calif., and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (L8-92) under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00024-05-G-4117) to support submarine repair work at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. This effort will accomplish maintenance and repair work on USS Scranton (SSN 756) during its Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability, USS Alaska (SSBN 732) during its Engineered Refueling Overhaul, and USS Tucson (SSN 770) during its Depot Modernization Period. Work will take place in Norfolk, Va. (99 percent) and Groton, Conn. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $6,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being issued a $5,899,726 contract modification to the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00604-06-C-0018) to exercises the first of four option years for Fiscal Year 2008 for Ammunition Handling & Management Services for Navy Munitions Command (NMC), East Asia DIV (EAD) DET Pearl Harbor. Work will be performed at three locations on the island of Oahu: Westloch (60 percent); Lualualei (30 percent); and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. This contract was initially a competitive unrestricted solicitation and two proposals were received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

ITT Corp., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $5,852,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Electronic Warfare Systems (ESM) Technology Development Support. The contractor will provide support in the areas of ESM Technology development, ESM hardware and software engineering support. ESM systems and analyze support (addressing architectural and functional tradeoffs to optimize performance). ESM electronics, mechanical and optical specialist support. ESM technology development support for International Programs, and ESM technology development support. This contract contains options with if exercised will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to $30,452,210. Work will be performance at Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., and work is expected to be completed September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Naval Research Laboratory Solicitation N000173-07-R-J506 for which only one offer was received. The Office of Naval Research is the contracting activity (N000173-07-C-2081)

Battery Specialties, Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $5,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure Electro-chem batteries and associated battery packs. This acquisition will meet requirements of the Quick Response Cabability (QRC) group. The QRC group directly supports joint military, DOD, Special Forces, and law enforcement agencies. Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $5,500,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren Va., is the contracting activity (N00178-07-D-3031).

Corrections:

Orbital Sciences Corp., Launch Systems Group, Chandler, Ariz., contract awarded on Sept. 25, 2007, should have read the contract amount as $37,370,248 and contract funds in the amount of $1,020,727 will be expiring at the end of the current fiscal year.

General Electric Co., aircraft Engines business Group, Lynn, Mass., contract awarded on Sept, 26, 2007, should have listing the places of performance as Lynn, Mass. (47 percent); Hooksett, N.H. (16.99 percent); Rutland, Vt. (14 percent); Albuquerque, N.M. (9 percent); Madisonville, Ky. (9 percent); Evandale, Ohio (4 percent); and Wilmington, N.C. (.01 percent),

* Small Business

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Petty Officer Second Class Charles Luke Milam, 26, of Littleton, Colo., died September 25, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Milam was a hospital corpsman assigned to 2^nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

America Supports You: Award-Winning Actor Visits Wounded Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2007 - Award-winning actor Robert Duvall certainly wasn't gone in 60 seconds when he stopped at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to visit wounded servicemembers.

Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dan Cordell shakes hands with actor Robert Duvall, who spent time visiting wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on Sept. 25, 2007. Cordell was injured Sept. 13 while working as a contractor in Iraq. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, USN

He did discover, however, that his 2000 movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," was a favorite with those he talked to. "What is it with that movie?" he asked after talking with several troops who said they loved the film.

"I think 'Gone in 60 Seconds' was on (Turner Network Television) the other day, so I just watched it," Army Spc. Brent Hendrix, a Walter Reed outpatient, said in providing a possible explanation.

Duvall's visit was a welcome surprise, said Hendrix, whose right leg was amputated below the knee after his Stryker combat vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Iraq's Anbar province on June 27, 2006.

"I'm all about him," he said. "Most times you sit there, and you think about celebrities, ... and you wouldn't ever think they'd come by here and see us. They really do appreciate what we do and what we continue to do."

That sentiment was echoed throughout the physical therapy room as Duvall worked his way around amid the hubbub of on-going rehabilitation sessions.

Duvall was sincere and heartfelt, said Marine Cpl. Kenny Lyon, also a Walter Reed outpatient, who lost his left leg above the knee when his operating post north of Fallujah, Iraq, was hit by a mortar May 1, 2006.

"I really enjoy it when people visit," he said. "It's just good for the patients and other people who have been here less time than me. Some of them think this really sucks and they see people come in. It really puts a sparkle in their eye, and it's nice to see."

Despite repeatedly being stopped in the halls by those wanting to meet the screen legend, Duvall also managed to visit servicemembers in the occupational therapy rooms and in Ward 57, an in patient ward housing mostly orthopedic patients. Most of the amputees are treated there.

"We have so many people coming to visit – VIPs, general officers – it just seems like sometimes people walking in off the streets to say, 'Hi,'" said Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Dan Cordell after visiting with Duvall in his Ward 57 room. "It's nice that people care."

Cordell was injured while working as a contractor in Iraq.

Duvall played down the significance of his visit, saying it was an "honor and a privilege" to be able to talk with these "wonderful young people," and that he's impressed with the care they're receiving.

"I'm just a layman. I don't really understand the specifics of what you have here, but it seems wonderful what's being done and the treatment these people are getting," the actor said. "It's very thorough and scientific, specific, and loving at the same time."

The son of a career Navy officer, Duvall marveled at the persistence the wounded warriors displayed. "So many of these young men and women, they want to go back," he said. "They want to go back to the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's amazing."

Amazing perhaps, but very telling, said Alan Geoffrion, who accompanied Duvall and his wife, Luciana Pedraza.

Geoffrion, who wrote the western novel "Broken Trail," said he and his father-in-law, both Vietnam veterans, once had doubts about an all-volunteer military.

"Last night we both ... agreed that this is probably -- well, not even probably -- this is the best military our country has ever fielded," he said. "They're brighter, smarter (and) more skilled. They need to keep them back in active duty. I think it's terrific that the services are willing to do that."

The former Navy signalman also wrote the screenplay for the television movie version of his book, which recently garnered Duvall an Emmy award for outstanding leading actor.

"I wanted to come and do this," Geoffrion said. "You come here thinking you're going to help them, and you wind up they help you a lot more."

Celebrity visits really do help the servicemembers and their families, though, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said.

Lynch spent yesterday at the hospital visiting about 50 of his wounded soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, which he commands out of Fort Stewart, Ga. He'll soon head back to his other position as commander of Multinational Division Center in Iraq.

"I think -- and I'm a fan of Robert Duvall, as well -- when they see him on the screen and see him in person they can relate, because he's always doing action adventures," Lynch said. "At least on the screen, he's doing what we do in life. To me, it's personally inspirational that he takes the time to come and visit these great soldiers."

Duvall wrapped up his visit with a tour of the new Military Advanced Training Center, which was officially opened during a Sept. 13 ceremony.

Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.

Related Sites:
Walter Reed Army Medical Center

	Actor Robert Duvall talks with Army Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson on Sept. 25, 2007, during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Gadson, who is recovering at the facility after losing both legs above the knee fighting in the global war on terrorism, is a West Point graduate. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, USN
	Actor Robert Duvall talks with Army Spc. Brent Hendrix on Sept. 25, 2007, during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Hendrix, an outpatient at the facility, lost his right leg below the knee when his Stryker hit a roadside bomb near Iraq's Anbar province. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Molly A. Burgess, USN
	Author Alan Geoffrion (left), Luciana Pedraza, and her husband, actor Robert Duvall (center), meet with Defense Department officials including Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communication (standing second from right), at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on Sept. 25, 2007. Duvall, Pedraza and Geoffrion spent the afternoon visiting wounded servicemembers. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley
	Actor Robert Duvall crosses paths with Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington on Sept. 25, 2007. Duvall was on his way into the facility to visit with wounded servicemembers. The commander of 3rd Infantry Division and Multinational Division Center in Iraq was just on his way out after visiting about 50 of his wounded soldiers and their families before returning to Iraq. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Zachary B. Tomczak, 24, of Huron, S.D., died Sept. 25, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Bush to Ask for $42 Billion for War Operations

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2007 - President Bush will ask Congress for another $42 billion to fund operations in the war on terror in fiscal 2008, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee today.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates testifies on supplemental war funding before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sept. 26, 2007. Photo by Cherie A. Thurlby

Gates; Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte; Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Defense Department Comptroller Tina W. Jonas testified before the committee. The request brings the total supplement for fiscal 2008 to $190 billion, Gates said.

"I urge the Congress to approve the complete global war on terror request as quickly as possible and without excessive and counterproductive restrictions," the secretary said. "That will help the department manage its expenses and people more effectively and minimize costly reprogramming actions."

The department had asked for $141.7 billion for war on terror operations in February. The request for fiscal 2008, which begins Oct. 1, was a straight-line projection of ongoing war costs. At the time, Gates told Congress that the number would need to be adjusted as more information became available and the picture on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan became clearer.

That request included $70.6 billion for operations, $37.6 billion to repair or replace equipment, $15.2 billion for force protection, and $4.7 billion to train and equip Afghan and Iraqi security forces.

At the end of July, the department asked for another $5.3 billion to buy 1,520 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles. These vehicles, known as MRAPs, offer better protection from improvised explosive devices and car bombs, the leading killers of Americans in Iraq. This brought the total request to $147 billion.

The $42 billion request the president will submit includes $6 billion to support Army and Marine combat formations in Iraq through fiscal 2008. This includes surge forces in the country and the president's announced intention to redeploy five Army brigade combat teams by next summer, Gates said.

The request also includes $14 billion for force protection, including another $11 billion to field 7,000 more MRAP vehicles. If approved, this would bring the request to 15,000 vehicles. "This also includes funding to better defeat enemy snipers and to modify Army combat vehicles to improve survivability," Gates said.

The request adds $9 billion for reconstitution of equipment. This is vital to ensure the armed forces have the equipment and technology needed for future operations, Gates said.

Another $5 billion will go for training and equipment to accelerate the deployment readiness of Army units. Also, $1 billion will go to support National Guard pre-deployment training.

In addition, the president will ask for $1 billion to improve U.S. facilities in Southwest Asia and consolidate bases in Iraq.

Finally, the request seeks another $1 billion to train and equip Iraqi security forces, Gates said.

The defense secretary also threw his support behind the State Department portion of the request. "As you know, the challenges we face in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere are fundamentally political, economic and cultural in nature and are not going to be overcome by military means alone," Gates told the senators. "It will be very difficult for our troops and their commanders to succeed without the key non-military programs and initiatives included in the request for the State Department."

During the hearing, anti-war groups interrupted the testimony on numerous occasions. The committee chairman finally had to clear the hearing room.

"I know that Iraq and other difficult choices America faces in the war on terror will continue to be a source of friction within the Congress, between the Congress and the president, and in the wider public debate," Gates said. "Considering this, I would like to close with a word about something I know we can all agree on -- the honor, courage and great sense of duty we have witnessed in our troops since Sept. 11.

"Under some of the most trying conditions, they have done far more than what was asked of them and far more than what was expected," the secretary continued. "Like all of you, I am both humbled and inspired by my trips to Walter Reed (Army Medical Center) and to the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, like all of you, I always keep our troops – their safety and their mission – foremost in my mind every day."

CONTRACTS

NAVY

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $1,319,574,240 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) for the procurement of 24 F/A-18Fs and Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) for the Government of Australia under the Foreign Military Sales Program . Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (28.7 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (25 percent); Goleta, Calif. (8.6 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (2.3 percent); Greenlawn, N.Y. (2.1 percent); Burnsville, Minn. (2.1 percent); Johnson City, N.Y. (2.1 percent); Brooklyn Heights, Ohio (2 percent); Vandalia, Ohio (2 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (2 percent); South Bend, Ind. (2 percent); Mesa, Ariz. (1.8 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (1.8 percent); and at various locations across the United States (17.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

General Electric Co., Aircraft Engines Business Group, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $339,759,829 modification to definitize a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-06-C-0088) to a firm-fixed-price contract. In addition, this modification provides for the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Full Rate Production of 84 F-414-GE-400 engines for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G, 84 devices, 10 fan modules, 30 HPT modules and 18 LPT modules. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass. (46 percent); Hooksett, N.H. (18 percent); Rutland, Vt. (14 percent); Albuquerque, N.M. (9 percent); Madisonville, Ky. (9 percent); and Wilmington, N.C. (.01 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $171,928,000 undefinitized modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) for the procurement of three F/A-18Fs and one E/A-18G aircraft for the U.S. Navy. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (28.7 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (25 percent); Goleta, Calif. (8.6 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (2.3 percent); Greenlawn, N.Y. (2.1 percent); Burnsville, Minn. (2.1 percent); Johnson City, N.Y. (2.1 percent); Brooklyn Heights, Ohio (2 percent); Vandalia, Ohio (2 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (2 percent); South Bend, Ind. (2 percent); Mesa, Ariz. (1.8 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (1.8 percent); and at various locations across the United States (17.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded a $121,854,461 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-06-D-0017) to exercise an option for contractor logistics support services for the T-34, T-44, and T-6 aircraft. In addition, this option provides for organizational maintenance at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola for the T-6 aircraft, as well as organizational and limited intermediate maintenance at NAS Whiting Field. Work will be performed at the NAS Corpus Christi, Texas (40.00 percent); NAS Whiting Field, Fla. (39.74 percent); NAS Pensacola, Fla. (12.10 percent); NAS Lemoore, Calif. (1.84 percent); NAS Oceana, Va. (1.58 percent); Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Calif. (.79 percent); Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md. (.79 percent); Aviation Technical Test Center , Fort Rucker, Ala. (.79 percent); Naval Air Facility, El Centro, Calif. (.53 percent); Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, N.C. (.53 percent); NAS Jacksonville, Fla. (.53 percent); National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (.26 percent); NASA Cleveland, Ohio (.26 percent); and Fort Eustis, Va. (.26 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $95,805,756 estimated value modification to a previously awarded fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, time and materials requirements contract (N00019-03-D-0010) to exercise an option for contractor logistics support for approximately 189 T-45 Training Systems. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas (51 percent) and NAS Meridian, Miss. (49 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded an $84,077,161 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 32 MV-22 and 9 CV-22 AE1107C engines. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Rolls-Royce Defense Services, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $66,381,878 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price, requirements contract (N00019-03-D-0012) to exercise an option to provide Power-By-the-Hour (PBTH®) logistics support for approximately 188 F405-RR-401 engine for the T-45 aircraft. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Miss. (50percent); NAS Kingsville, Texas (48.94percent); and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (1.06percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity

Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $56,802,119 estimated value modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable requirements contract (N00019-00-D-0272) to exercise an option the aircraft maintenance and logistics life cycle support for 55 Navy and 11 Marine Corps C-12 aircraft. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS), Corpus Christi, Texas (40percent); NAS North Island, Calif. (6percent); Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md. (7percent); Naval Support Activity, Bahrain (5percent); NAS Norfolk, Va. (5percent); Naval Air Facility (NAF) AF Atsugi, Japan (5percent); NAF Andrews, Md. (3percent); NAS Gitmo Bay, Cuba (3percent); NAF Kadena, Japan (3percent); Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, N.C. (3percent); MCAS Yuma, Ariz. (3percent); NAS New Orleans, La. (3percent); MCAS Futenma, Japan (3percent); MCAS Iwakuni, Japan (3percent); NAS Willow Grove, Pa. (1percent); NAS Dallas, Texas (1percent); NAS Atlanta, Ga. (1percent); NAS Miramar, Calif. (1percent); North Island, Calif. (1percent); NAF Misawa, Japan (1percent); Manassas, Va. (1percent); and MCAS Beaufort, S.C. (1percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Walton Construction Co., LLC, Harahan, La., is being awarded a $47,657,000 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of 12 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) projects at Naval Air Station (NAS), Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. The contract provides for new construction facilities to the NAS New Orleans area after massive destruction of existing facilities created by Hurricane Katrina. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of ten and the construction only of two projects at NAS New Orleans. The twelve projects are: Child Development Center Addition; General Purpose Instructional Building; Administrative Support Building; Family Service Center; Road and Infrastructure Support; Applied Instruction Building; Military Entrance Processing Station; General Administrative Building; Indoor Physical Fitness Facility Addition; Library; Medical Dental Clinic Addition; and Renovate Medical Dental Clinic. The contract contains two additional options totaling $5,891,000, which may be exercised within 180 calendar days from contract award, bringing the total contract value to $53,548,000. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $42,077,000 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year, and the remaining funds will expire. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received in Phase I. All four proposers were invited to propose in Phase II, with one proposer withdrawing from competition. As of the closing date, three proposals were received in Phase II. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0061).

Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $43,747,265 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of Bachelor Enlisted Quarters and Enlisted Dining Facility at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a two-phase design build via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with six proposals received in Phase I, and four offerors selected to proceed to Phase II. Four proposals were received in Phase II. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-C-6036).

SRI International, Menlo Park, Calif., is being awarded a $36,513,373 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the research and development of a comprehensive robust and integrated Marine Domain Awareness System for the Special Missions Program. This system will include awareness of surface, subsurface, and aerial domains within the maritime environment. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement and one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0500).

EJB Facilities Services (a joint venture), Arlington, Va., is being awarded $36,028,506, under previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity base operating support (BOS) contract (N44255-05-D-5103) to exercise Option 2 for BOS services at Navy Region Northwest, West Sound area. The work to be performed provides for all management and administration, public safety, supply, housing, facilities support (excluding grounds and janitorial services), utilities, base support vehicles and equipment, and environmental services to provide base operations and support services. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $159,089,336. Work will be performed at Naval Base Kitsap, Silverdale, Wash.(75 percent); Naval Hospital Bremerton, Bremerton, Wash. (7 percent); Naval Magazine Indian Island, Port Hadlock, Wash. (7 percent); Navy Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport, Wash. (6 percent); Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash. (1 percent); Navy Marine Corps Reserve Center Tacoma, Tacoma, Wash. (.5 percent) and their outlying facilities and tenant activities (3.5 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds are issued in anticipation of the enactment of the FY08 DOD Appropriation Act or passage of the FY08 Continuing Resolution Authority and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity.

Innovative Productivity Incorporated (IPI), Louisville, Ky., is being awarded a $28,668,125 cost-plus-fixed-fee, level of effort contract for the operation and management of the McConnell Technology and Training Center (MTTC). The focus of the work will be to identify and/or develop innovative technologies, processes and concepts, with a focus on reducing operating costs and increasing product quality. MTTC will enhance and/or develop where appropriate, selected technologies and technology transfers between DOD and private industry. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $10,400,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Carderock, Md., is the contracting activity. (N00167-07-C-0008)

Progeny Systems*, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $25,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program under Topic N04-011, entitled "Open Architecture Tactical Control System." The contractor will provide services and materials for engineering tasks including research and development of the 'ideal' or next generation data fusion architecture as applicable to an airborne command and control platform with multiple sensors and sources. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,293,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) Program Solicitation under Topic N04-011 and 28 offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0025).

Defense Technologies, Inc.*, Tampa, Fla., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $25,000,000 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program under Topic N05-005, entitled "Wing and Bomb Bay Launched Unmanned Air Vehicle." The technology is expected to provide for the research, development, and engineering support for open source, secure, net ready, modular common control stations for unmanned systems. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (50 percent); Ranlo, N.C. (40 percent); and Tampa, Fla. (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $329,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N05-005 and 53 offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0016).

Kato Engineering, Inc., Mankato, Minn., is being awarded a $23,957,183 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for an estimated 55 ship service generators to replace the existing generator end of the current ship service diesel generator for USS Whidbey Island, in support of the LSD 41/49 Midlife program. The ship service generators increase electrical generating capacity and increase reliability, maintainability and efficiency. Work will be performed in Mankato, Minn., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two proposals received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (N65540-07-D-0022)

ENGlobal Technical Services, Inc., Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded a $23,745,713 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide engineering support to the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and other government agencies, including the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Space and Naval Warfare Systems Cente Charleston is tasked by DLA with planning, design, development, procurement, installation, and life-cycle maintenance support for Automated Fuel Handling equipment and systems at DoD fuel facilities worldwide. The contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to the estimated amount of $126,069,455. Work will be performed in Government-owned and the contractor's facilities located world-wide, expecting to be completed by September 2008 (September 2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website and three offers were received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7883).

Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., Columbia, Md., is being awarded a $22,426,474 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide engineering support to the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and other government agencies, including the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston is tasked by DLA with planning, design, development, procurement, installation, and life-cycle maintenance support for Automated Fuel Handling equipment and systems at DoD fuel facilities worldwide. The contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to the estimated amount of $118,925,825. Work will be performed in Government-owned and the Contractor's facilities located world-wide, and work is expected to be completed by September 2008 (September 2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website and three offers were received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7884).

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $22,330,227 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee performance based contract to provide engineering support to the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and other government agencies, including the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston is tasked by DLA with planning, design, development, procurement, installation, and life-cycle maintenance support for Automated Fuel Handling equipment and systems at DoD fuel facilities worldwide. The contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to the estimated amount of $117,989,146. Work will be performed in Government-owned and the contractor's facilities located world-wide expecting to be completed by September 2008 (September 2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website and three offers were received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7882).

Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Archbald, Pa., is being awarded a $21,670,896 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-D-0006) for 2,057 Dual Mode units and support equipment for the Dual Mode Laser Guided Bomb Program. Work will be performed in Archbald, Pa. and is expected to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Kilgore Flares Co. LLC, Toone, Tenn., is being awarded an estimated $20,358,883 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MK 25 Mod 3 Marine Location Markers. The MK 25 Mod 3 Marine Location Marker is used to provide the Warfighter with safe and effective pyrotechnics for use in search and rescue (SAR) operations; man-overboard operations; anti-submarine warfare and target identification. Work will be performed in Toone, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $444,896 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with seven proposals solicited and one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4263)

SFA, Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va., is each being awarded a $17,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract as a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract under SBIR Topic Number N03-142, Bandwidth Management. This contract will integrate and leverage the architecture and existing capabilities of the extensible Communications Automation Framework Environment (XCAFE), while also engineering and development enhancements and new functionality with XCAFE. This contract includes three one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $35,000,000. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va. (50 percent); Charleston, S.C., (30 percent); and Djibouti, Africa (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008 (September 2011 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $239,971 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Charleston, S.C. is the contracting activity (N6526-07-D-5889).

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $16,000,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) to provide follow-on persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) services. The services currently being performed are in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $16,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $15,439,692 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6311) to exercise an option to provide integration services for mission packages that will deploy from and integrate with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). This modification supports the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mission Module Program Office (PMS 420), Program Executive Office, Littoral and Mine Warfare. LCS Mission Packages will be optimized for flexibility in the littorals. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (43 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (32 percent); Panama City, Fla. (19 percent); Hollywood, Md. (2 percent); San Diego, Calif. (2 percent); and Dahlgren, Va. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $113,338, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $14,497,633 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-03-C-0057) for the supplier productionization non-recurring efforts for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Pilot Production Aircraft. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., (56.42 percent); Menlo Park, Calif., (23.25 percent); various locations across the United States, (11.23 percent); and Bethpage, N.Y., (9.1 percent) and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Atlantic Microwave Corp., Bolton Mass., is being awarded an $11,038,137 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to deliver VHF and UHF antennas to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, Tactical C2 Engineering Division. Work will be performed in Bolton, Mass., and is expected to be completed September 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was procured on a sole-source basis with proposals solicited via the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website and one offer was received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6397).

Techno-Sciences Inc., Beltsville, Md., is being awarded an $11,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, fixed-price contract for technical support to the Malaysian Integrated Maritime Surveillance System (IMSS) to include upgrades to a command center and coastal surveillance stations in Malaysia. Work will be performed in Beltsville, Maryland (50 percent), and at sites throughout Malaysia (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2009. This contract was awarded as a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, Phase 3 follow-on contract, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2301(c)(5). The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-C-0146).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,035,822 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-03-C-0057) for the procurement of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Prime Mission Equipment for E-2D Trainer requirements. Work will be performed in Marlborough, Mass., (39 percent); Woodland Hills, Calif., (36.7 percent); Owego, N.Y., (12 percent); Bethpage, N.Y., (9.7 percent); Baltimore, Md., (1.6 percent); and Sylmar, Calif., (1 percent) and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,988,860 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the integration and test support for the Turkish Peace Onyx III F-16 Integration and Test Program for the Government of Turkey under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Advanced Engineering and Sciences, Junction, Md., is being awarded a $9,897,052, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 400 Transmitter Countermeasure AN/PLT-6448-V2 Jammer D Tool Set, Citadel and 400 spare kits. Work will be performed in Annapolis Junction, Md., and is expected to be completed by June 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $9,897,052, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-07-D-0019).

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Tactical Systems Division, Carson, Calif., was awarded a $9,078,083 indefinite-delivery contract with cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing on September 25, 2007, for systems analysis, engineering, design, development, procurement, integrated logistics, configuration management, systems integration, test, installation, operator/maintenance training and life cycle support for enhanced Tactical Automated Security Systems (eTASS). Work will be performed at various locations, and work is expected to be completed March 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source, after announcement via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7887).

Solpac, Inc., dba Soltek Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $7,697,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0006 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-03-D-7059) for design and construction of a Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion Facilities at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a new armory building and tank auto field maintenance shop/auto organization shop located at Las Flores Area 41, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Pegasus Global Strategic Solutions, LLC, Reston, Va., is being awarded a $6,903,614 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide retro-fit of 100 Jukebox jammers and provide engineering and technical support for the 1,001 Jukebox systems currently fielded under the Counter-Radio-Controlled Improvised Electronic Warfare (CREW) system. Contractor will provide field service representatives; provide depot services, repair parts, system troubleshooting, and electronic repair. Work will be performed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by June 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $6,903,614, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting agency. (N00174-07-D-0016)

L-3 Communications Westwood Corp., NMP Division, Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded a $6,886,094 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide Load Center Switchboards in support of LSD-41 and LSD-49 Class Vessels. Work will be performed in Tulsa, Okla., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two proposals received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-07-D-0011).

Stronghold Engineering, Inc., Riverside, Calif., is being awarded $6,304,100 for firm-fixed-price task order #0009 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for design and repair of navigational aids and lighting to runways 3-21 and 9-27 at Naval Air Station Point Mugu. The work to be performed provides for repair and replacement of the pier that supports a portion of runway 3-21 and installation of strobe lights; repair by replacement of the Short Approach Lighting System light fixtures and strobe systems; runway edge lights; taxiway lights; electrical distribution system; electrical regulators; obstruction lights; regulator controls; carrier deck lights; runways signs and provide new transformer for buildings 359 and 812. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68711-05-D-4012).

UNITED STATES TRANSPORATION COMMAND

Alliance Contractor Team c/o AMCS of Leesburg Va., is being awarded an estimated $1,031,154,403 firm fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $123,157,632. Team members include: American Airlines, Inc., of Ft. Worth, Texas; Arrow Air, Inc. of Miami, Fla.; ASTAR Air Cargo, Inc., of Miami, Fla.; Delta Air Lines, Inc., of Atlanta, Ga.; Evergreen International Airlines, Inc., of McMinnville, Ore.; Gemini Air Cargo, Inc., of Dulles, Va.; North American Airlines, Inc., of Jamaica, N.Y.; United Airlines, Inc., of Elk Grove Village, Ill.; US Airways, Inc., of Phoenix, Ariz.; and World Airways, Inc., of Peachtree City, Ga.Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received. The United States Transportation Command Acquisition Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-07-D-0020).

Federal Express Charter Programs Team Arrangement of Memphis, Tenn., is being awarded an estimated $1,071,854,903 firm fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $158,493,329. Team members include: Air Transport International LLC of, Little Rock, Ark.; ATA Airlines, Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind.; Atlas Air, Inc., of Purchase, N.Y.; Federal Express Corporation of Memphis, Tenn.; Northwest Airlines, Inc., of St. Paul, Minn.; Omni Air International, Inc., of Tulsa, Okla.; and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc., of Purchase, N.Y. Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received. The United States Transportation Command Acquisition Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-07-D-0021).

Lynden Air Cargo LLC of Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded an estimated $63,708,861 firm fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $$47,370,492. Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received. The United States Transportation Command Acquisition Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-07-D-0028).

Miami Air International, Inc., of Miami, Fla., is being awarded an estimated $32,599,752.00 firm fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $1,999,752.00. Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received. The United States Transportation Command Acquisition Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-07-D-0029).

The United Parcel Service Contractor Team of Louisville, Ky., is being awarded an estimated $126,829,355.71 firm fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $9,594,084. Team members include: ABX Air, Inc., of Wilmington, Ohio; Kalitta Air LLC of Ypsilanti, Mich.; National Air Cargo Group, Inc., d/b/a Murray Air of Ypsilanti, Mich., Ryan International Airlines, Inc., of Rockford, Ill., Southern Air, Inc., of Norwalk, Conn., and United Parcel Service Company of Louisville, Ky.Work will be performed at worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Electronic proposals were solicited and 32 proposals received. The United States Transportation Command Acquisition Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-07-D-0022).

TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY (TMA)

Delta Dental of California, of Rancho Cordova, California, is awarded the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) contract. This contract provides for dental insurance coverage to all eligible personnel retired from the Uniformed Services, to unremarried surviving spouses, eligible dependents, former members of the Armed Forces who are Medal of Honor recipients and their immediate dependents. Enrollment in the TRDP is voluntary. The premium costs are paid totally by the enrollee. The TRDP will initially offer coverage for dental services rendered in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Canada. TRDP currently has two programs: Basic, which is closed to new enrollments, and Enhanced, into which all new TRDP enrollees shall be enrolled. TMA anticipates authorization (by amendment to the 32 CFR 199.22) to extend TRDP to other overseas locations through a TRDP ENHANCED-OVERSEAS program that will match to the greatest extent commercially practicable the benefits of the current Enhanced Program. The contractor shall fulfill the objectives of the contract while complying with the scope and structure of TRICARE (benefits and beneficiary liabilities) and technical requirements contained in the contract. The contract provides for customer service activities that support enrollment, network provider locator, claims processing functions, and other administrative services. All services are to be ordered through the exercise of options.

The contract is for the base period and five 12-month option periods for a total of nearly six years. If exercised, the estimated delivery order value through the Option period 1 is $421,034,714. The base period for transition is September 21, 2007 through July 31, 2008. Delivery for the TRDP for providing coverage, customer service and administrative services will begin on July 31, 2008. This contract was competitively procured via the TRICARE Management Activity e-solicitation Web site, with four offers received. The Department of Defense, TRICARE Management Activity, is the contracting activity (H94002-07-C-0003).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

American Water Operation & Maintenance, Inc., Voorhees, N.J., is being awarded a $61,311,200.00 firm fixed price, prospective price re-determination, 50-year contract for assumption of ownership, operation and maintenance of water distribution system at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 700 proposals solicited, including web solicitations with 1 response. Date of performance completion is November 24, 2057. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8253).

Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $6,122,064.70 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for Information Technology Support Services. Using services are Defense Logistics Agency organizations. Other locations of performance are Michigan. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 5 proposals original solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is September 25, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency, Enterprise Support (DES), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP4701-07-F-A096).

ARMY

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, Md., was awarded on Sept. 25, 2007, a delivery order amount of $52,076,090 as part of a $52,076,090 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of barracks complexes. Work will be performed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 24, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Dec. 7, 2006, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0049).

SYColeman, Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a $42,553,140 increment as part of a $42,553,140 research and development contract to develop and mature Advanced Intellignet Software Technology. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 24, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 21, 2005. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-07-C-0173).

AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 24, 2007, a $26,825,054 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).

BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., York, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a delivery order amount of $22,095,433 as part of an $113,336,779 firm-fixed-price contract for Paladin Digital Fire Control System and spare kits. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 20, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 14, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-0243).

TCI Architects Engineer Contractor, Lacrosse, Wis., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a $21,744,300 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Army Reserve Center and Organizational Maintenance Shop. Work will be performed in Omaha, Neb., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 3, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0060).

BAE Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a delivery order amount of $17,977,252 as part of a $17,977,252 cost-no-fee contract for Long Lead Materials for sets of Skirt Armor for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Work will be performed in York, Pa. (40 percent), Anniston, Ala. (55 percent), and Santa Clara, Calif. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 24, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 24, 2007, a $17,599,268 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).

Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a $16,847,245 firm-fixed-price contract for Foreign Military Sale of Heavy Equipment Transporter System M1070 Tractors, Trailers, and Spares. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis. (71 percent), Princeton, Ky. (22 percent), Ann Arbor, Mich. (2.55 percent), Indianapolis, Ind. (0.45 percent), and Egypt (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 25, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0594).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Sept. 24, 2007, a $16,100,000 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for Viper Strike Munitions and engineering services. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 5, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0268).

AM General L.L.C., Mishawaka, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a $15,786,633 firm-fixed-price contract for 6.5 Liter, Turbo Diesel Engines with Containers for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 26, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0719).

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a $15,700,992 modification to a fixed-price-incentive-with-award-fee contract to Incorporate In-Scope Changes to the Renovation and Exercise the Option for Wedge 4 Design and Construction. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 19, 2001. The Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-01-C-2001).

Lapeer Industries*, Lapeer, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a $14,999,999 firm-fixed-price contract for M939 Armor Ready Cab Kits. Work will be performed in Lapeer, Mich., and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 5, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0747).

AeroFlex Wichita Inc., Wichita, Kan., was awarded on Sept. 21, 2007, a $13,800,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Commercial Off-the-Shelf Radio Communication Test Systems. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kan., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 31, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-K011).

AIR FORCE

The Lockheed Martin, Simulation, Training and Support, C-130 ATS Program Office of Orlando, Fla. is being awarded a contract modification for $45,900,000. This contract will exercise the option for an additional year of operation and maintenance under the C-130 ATS contract. The effort will provide instruction, courseware and training support services. The activities in the project ensure students are academically trained in the formal school. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (801) 777-6295. Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base Utah is the contracting activity (F62430-99-C-0138, P00205).

The Aircraft Braking System of Akron, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $32,536,488. This is a delivery order against a commercial BOA for 636 each, landing gear heat shields in support of the B-1 aircraft. At this time $32,536,488 has been obligated. For more information please call (801) 777-6501. Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Contracting, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42620-03-G-0003-0084).

The Thomas Instrument and Machine Co. Inc., of Brookshire Texas, is being awarded a contract for $29,006,672.90. This action provides jackscrew assemblies, applicable to the C-5 aircraft, a total 462, a maximum of 3,000. At this time $9,799,497 has been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-0059. 542^nd Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. is the contracting activity (FA8524-07-D-0007).

The Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, of Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a contract modification for $19,000,000. This action provides FY08 C-130J training. At this time $504,945 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-3532. 677 AESG/TS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8621-06-C-6300 P000014).

The Moog Aircraft Group of East Aurora, N.Y., is being awarded a contract for $15,761,968. This action provides for Leading Edge Slat and Moving Island Actuators applicable to the C-5 aircraft. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-0060. 542^nd Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8524-07-D-0009).

The L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., is being awarded a contract for $8,423,070.88. This action provides for UH-IN and HH-60 Helicopter maintenance. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (210) 652-2122. AETC CONS/LGCU, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas., is the contracting activity (FA3002-04-C-0009).

The Parker Hannifin Customer Support Incorporated of Irvine, California, is being awarded a contract for $8,421,830. This action provides for Cylinder/Manifold Assemblies used in primary and secondary Flight Control Systems applicable to the C-5 aircraft. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-0060. 542^nd Combat Sustainment Flight, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8524-07-C-0008).

The Raytheon Co. of Tucson, Arizona is being awarded a contract modification for $7,771,041. This action provides for 309 replacement baseline rocket motors to be installed into AIM-120A, AIM-120B, and AIM-120C Air Vehicles. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (850) 883-0184. 695 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-07-C-0055, P0004).

The Honeywell International of Albuquerque, N.M. is being awarded a contract for $7,113,654. This action provides for Hybrid Microcircuits (Corewood Modules), B-1B Flight Control System, with a quantity of 9466 units. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 734-8092. OC-ALC/848 CBSG/PKF Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8103-07-C-0195).

The Hawker Beechcraft Corp. of Wichita, Kan. is being awarded a contract for $5,983,118. This action provides for Lot 14 Aircrew Training Devices and GBTS Management, FY07 Instrument Flight Trainer for Sheppard AFB, FY07 Unit Training Devices for Sheppard AFB. At this time $7,466,368 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-4178. 644 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151, Delivery Order 000108).

The BBN Technologies Corp. of Cambridge, Mass. is being awarded a contract for $5,998,307. The objective of the Integrated Crisis Early Warning System (ICEWS) program is to develop a prototype system of integrated computational social and political science models that forecast the occurrence and level of intensity of various conflict events of interest often associated with country instability. The work will examine and identify models relevant to country instability, develop predictive models for conflict events of interest, and integrate them into a single predictive model for potential use by Unified Combatant Command (COCOMs). At this time $1,559,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-3585. Det 1 AFRL/PKDA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-7748).

*Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Anthony K. Bento, 23, of San Diego, died Sept. 24, in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Kevin R. Brown, 38, of Harrah, Okla., died Sept. 25 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

The Rolls-Royce Corp. of Indianapolis, Ind. is being awarded a contract modification for $789,000,000. This action provides for contract with Rolls Royce for replenishment spare parts for the T56 engines; 286 items. This contract includes Defense Logistics Agency managed items. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 734-8103. 748 CBSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base Okla. is the contracting activity (F34601-01-D-0155-P00037).

The Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA), of Tullahoma Tenn. is being awarded a contract modification for $209,145,759. This action is a modification to the contract for the Operation, Maintenance, Information Management, and Support of Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) for FY 08. This increase results from changes to the workload in the test facilities and increased maintenance, investment, and mission support requirements. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (931) 454-4422. AEDC/PK, Arnold Air Force Base Tenn. is the contracting activity (F40600-03-C-0001, Modification P00122).

General Atomics of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $45,503,158. This action will provide for 10 Predator MQ-1B Aircraft, Aircraft Spares, RSP kits, Hellfire Missile Kit Installation, IMA's and core tasks. At this time $33,672,337 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-6986. 658 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 002701).

PC Specialists, Inc, (Technology Integration Group) of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $9,660,455.34. This action provides for 370 Dell Optiplex 745 desktop computers, 589 dell latitude laptops, 2,338 Micron CLT1167/CLT1168 desktop computers in various configurations. This procurement will provide critical replacement computer equipment to deployed forces supporting Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom through the United States Central Command's Area of responsibility. The contract ensures interoperability, interchangeability, supportability, and standardization for in-theater data communication systems. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (803) 895-5408. 20^th Contracting Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base S.C. is the contracting activity (FA4803-07-F-0095 issued against GSA contract number GS-35F-4188D).

Harris Corp. Government Communications Systems Division of Melbourne, Fla. is being awarded a modification to a firm fixed price contract for $9,272,646.49. This action provides Warhead Replacement Tactical Telemetry (WRTTM)) applicable to AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Quantity ordered is 86 on this modification. Also, line items are included for Data, Interim Contractor Support (ICS) required to maintain and repair the WRTTM, ICS required to maintain and repair the WRTTM Test Sets and Support Equipment, ICS required to perform services in support of approved Engineering Change Proposals, ICS services and materials required for Program Management, ICS Services and Materials required to provide Quarterly, 5 days on-the-job training sessions for Tyndall AFB, FL, personnel for the operation and maintenance of the WRTTM Test Set and Support Equipment. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-3593. 542^nd Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base Ga. is the contracting activity (F09603-03-C-0006-P00018).

The Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, of Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a contract modification for $8,150,436. This action provides for procurement of additional replenishment spares for the Readiness Spares Packages (RSP) kits to improve F-22 Sortie Generation Rate. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-5319. 878 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2850 P00065).

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah is being awarded a contract modification for $7,071,052. The Master Code Cartridge Conversion Program is in support of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Code Processing System (ICPS). The update will convert the current, soon to be obsolete by the year 2011, Magnetic Tape Cartridge (MTC) to a Compact Disk in order to load all National Security Agency Data to the ICPS system. At this time $6,487,282 has been obligated. For more information please call (801) 586-4687. 878 AESG/PK, Hill Air Force Base Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).

Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA) of Tullahoma, Tenn is being awarded a contract modification for $6,544,072. This action is a modification for the operation, maintenance, information management, and support of Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) for FY 07. This increase results from changes to the workload in the facilities and increased maintenance, investment, and mission support requirements. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (931) 454-4422. AEDC/PK, Arnold Air Force Base Tenn. is the contracting activity (F40600-03-C-0001, Modification P00123).

Teledyne Wireless of Cordova, Calif. is being awarded a contract for $6,080,158. This a five year requirements indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for qualification and repair of 525 low band traveling wave tubes, used within the ALQ-184 Pod that protects the F-16 and A-10 aircraft from lethal threat. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-7000. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base Ga. is the contracting activity (FA8540-07-D-0007).

NAVY

Global Technical Systems, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $47,951,100 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity completion contract to provide development and manufacturing support for Airborne and Ground Sensor Systems and related Avionics Sensor Systems, Control Systems and interfaces for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Department of Defense (DoD). Work will be performed in Avon Park, Fla., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. 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 offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity. (N00174-07-D-0021)

Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA), Key West, Fla., is being awarded an estimated $45,225,008 utilities privatization contract for the operation and maintenance of the water distribution systems of Naval activities in the Key West, Florida area. FKAA is a quasi-state organization categorized as other than small business and provider of water utilities in the unincorporated areas of Key West. The water distribution system will be conveyed to FKAA through a quit claim deed. The contractual instrument is a fixed price contract with prospective price redetermination with a term of 50 years. The work to be performed provides for initial system modifications required to bring the systems up to industry standards, operation, maintenance and repair of the systems, as well as renewal and replacement of the system's components over the term of the contract. 10 U.S.C. 2688 authorized the privatization of Government utility systems if certain criteria were met. Work will be performed in the Key West, Florida area. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Funding for this contract will be provided through annual O&M budgets of the activities. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0103).

Alliant Techsystems Inc., Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded an estimated $44,622,000 firm-fixed-price contract for MK 244 Mod 0, 20mm, linked armor-piercing discarding sabot cartridges. The MK 244 Mod 0, 20mm, linked, armor-piercing discarding sabot cartridges are electric-primed 20mm cartridges designed to function in the M61A1 20mm machine gun mounted into the shipboard Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems. This cartridge is referred to as the Enhanced Lethality Cartridge, as it contains a heavier projectile and inflicts more damage to the target than the precursor to this round, the MK149 Mod 4. Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $512,519, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4285)

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $40,444,366 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-04-D-0131) to exercise an option for contractor logistics support services for T-2, T-39, and H-3 aircraft. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla. (99 percent) and Corpus Christi, Texas (1 percent) and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $39,176,160 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-05-D-0023) to exercise an option for logistics support for TH-57B/TH-57C aircraft. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. (99 percent) and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Orbital Sciences Corp., Launch Systems Group, Chandler, Ariz., is being awarded a $37,918,268 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee contract (N00019-07-C-0031) for the procurement of 13 GQM-163A supersonic sea skimming vehicles, including support equipment, spare parts, technical data, and technical assistance. Work will be performed in Chandler, Ariz. (25 percent); Camden, Ark. (25 percent); Sacramento, Calif. (20 percent); Dulles, Va. (5 percent); Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (5 percent); Lancaster, Pa. (5 percent); Vergennes, Vt. (5 percent); Gainesville, Va. (5 percent), South Bend, Ind. (3 percent); and Indian Head, Md. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,021,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Skanska USA Civil Southeast Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded $15,040,000 firm-fixed-price contract for repairs to waterfront structures comprising Berth 3, Berth 4 and Head of Wetslip 1 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The contract contains two options totaling $7,655,000, which may be exercised within 120 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $22,695,000. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-D-0441).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $14,391,987 modification to the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014). This modification provides for incorporation of Engineering Change Proposal 6251 to convert eight Lot 31 F/A-18F aircraft to EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (77 percent), El Segundo, Calif. (19 percent), and Mesa, Ariz. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc.*, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $12,401,523 for firm-fixed price task order #0003 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity design-build multiple award construction contract (N69272-03-D-0031) for construction of an Auxiliary Support Complex at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The complex consists of an Auxiliary Reaction Force Facility, an Armored Fighting Vehicle Operational Storage Facility, an Armory, a Small Ordnance Magazine, and other facilities to support auxiliary security forces responding to incidents in the Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic Limited Area and NSB KB Waterfront Restricted Area. Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Ga., and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $10,500,000 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-06-D-0038) for the manufacture of 13 P-3 Special Structural Inspection airframe kits. This effort entails production of Emergency Rate Initial Production quantities of end item component parts, including engineering, analytical and manufacturing efforts in support of the Aging Aircraft Program. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (56 percent); Rockville, Md. (24 percent); and Brea, Calif (20 percent) and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Miller/Watts Constructors–Pave Tech (a joint venture), Novato, Calif., is being awarded $8,650,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0007 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-04-D-3035) for the design and construction for repairs of the Aircraft Landing Apron 7 Phase II paving project at Naval Air Station Point Mugu. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest Division, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded an $8,400,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-96-C-2100) for the planning efforts of the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) Post Shakedown Availability (PSA). Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed in January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.

Rolls Royce plc, Bristol, England is being awarded $7,927,799 for priced order #5448 under an existing basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-04-G-001M) for procurement of turbine rotor blades, LPT1 used in support of the F-402 engine. Work will be performed in Bristol, England, and work is expected to be completed by October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Roselm Industries, Inc., South El Monte, Calif., is being awarded an estimated $7,105,661, firm-fixed-price contract for Countermeasures Chaff-Flare breech-plates. Countermeasures Chaff-Flare breech-plates are a part of the AN/ALE-47(V) Countermeasure Dispensing System that increases aircraft survivability by determining and executing the most effective off-board countermeasures response, thereby reducing cockpit workload. Work will be performed in South El Monte, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $47,460 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4737)

Hydraulics International Inc.*, Chatsworth, Calif., is being awarded a $6,191,988 firm-fixed-price contract for 366 Chain Tensioner Assembly and 366 Conveyor Assembly for the U.S. Air Force. Work will be performed in Chatsworth, Calif., and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $6,191,988 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0491).

MBDA Inc., Westlake Village, Calif., is being awarded a $6,572,070 firm-fixed-price contract for a Phase I study and analysis of the Affordable Weapons System, and will include developing innovative solutions for mission requirements for the sea-based land attack and strike mission, operating from ships, with potential sea-based Naval, Navy/Marine Corps and Maritime aircraft launch capability. Work will be performed in Westlake Village, Calif., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $3,718,791 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0072).

Basler Electric, Highland, Ill., is being awarded a $6,017,073, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for acquisition of various quantities of Digital Control System Assemblies and components in support of the LSD (dock landing ships) and MCM (mine countermeasure ships) Programs. The resultant contract will also furnish engineering field services related to all LSD ship control systems and associated hardware. Work will be performed in Highland, Ill., and is expected to be completed by February 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 7 proposals received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-07-D-0017).

L-3 Communications Titan Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $5,764,175 firm-fixed-price contract for a Phase I study and analysis of the Affordable Weapons System, and will include developing innovative solutions for mission requirements for the sea-based land attack and strike mission, operating from ships, with potential sea-based Naval, Navy/Marine Corps and Maritime aircraft launch capability. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $5,764,175 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Broad Agency Announcement. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0071).

Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $5,600,000 for ceiling priced order #GB4A under a previously awarded contract (W58RGZ-06-G-0003) for spare components for the H-1 aircraft. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and work is expected to be completed December 2009. One company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement The Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the Contracting Activity.

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Mclean, Va., is being awarded a $5,508,311 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-06-C-0002) to exercise an option for systems engineering and support services in support of the Identification Systems Division. The estimated level of effort for this option is 98,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Md., and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Terra Mississippi Nitrogen, Yazoo City, Miss., is being awarded a $43,407,133.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for the production of DiNityrogen Tetroxide (N204) and related ancillary services in support of the National Defense and the U.S. Space Program. The basic period of performance is ten years with two 5-year options. Using services are Army, Air Force, Federal Civilian Agencies, and Defense Contractors. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was solicited on FedBizOps with 1 response. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2017. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-1564).

Lowry Computer Products, Inc., Brighton, Mich.,* is being awarded a $8,571,900.00 firm fixed price contract for Passive RFID Printers, Ancillary Equipment, and Warranties. Using services are Defense Logistics Agency. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with 17 responses. Date of performance completion is September 24, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Distribution Center (DDC), New Cumberland, Pa. (SP3100-07-D-0016).

America Supports You: Children of Deployed Troops Get 'Fun Day'

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2007 - About 300 children and spouses of deployed servicemembers enjoyed free activities and programs Sept. 22 during "Deployed Family Fun Day" at a Coast Guard installation near Fort Belvoir, Va.

A daughter of a deployed servicemember does the limbo during "Deployed Family Fun Day" held Sept. 22, 2007, at a Coast Guard installation near Fort Belvoir, Va. The day was full of fun activities for the children and informational programs for the parents. Courtesy photo by Cassie Camp

"Our primary focus was toward the children who have a parent who is deployed overseas," said Dawn Fincham, outreach manager for the USO of Metropolitan Washington. "We also wanted to (include) the ... spouses who are (left) behind to watch the children."

The United Service Organizations is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. USO Metro and the Metropolitan Military Information Exchange, an information resource for servicemembers and their families, teamed to host the event.

Children at the event, held on the grounds of the Coast Guard Telecommunications and Information Systems Command, enjoyed five inflatable bouncers, face painting, crafts, and board games. Meanwhile, parents had the option of attending informational sessions. Those included everything from information on how to parent while a spouse is deployed, a women's self-defense class and presentations on how to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Parents also had access to a plethora of information and resources thanks to the Metropolitan Military Information Exchange.

"We had one lady (who's) only been here in our area for about two months and her husband (is) deployed," Fincham said. "She thought it was really great that there was one central location with all this information brought in and at the same time."

The first-time event, which children and spouses from all branches of the service attended, was an all-around success, she added.

"Everybody says we ... should do it on a quarterly basis," Fincham said.

She said she's quite sure the event will take place again, but when is still to be determined.

Related Sites:
United Service Organizations
America Supports You

Children of deployed troops check out bikes that were later raffled off during the Sept. 22, 2007, "Deployed Family Fun Day" hosted by United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington and Metropolitan Military Information Exchange. The event, held on the grounds of the Coast Guard's Telecommunications and Information Systems Command, included a day of fun activities for the kids and informational programs for the parents. Courtesy photo by Cassie Camp

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Click photo for screen-resolution image
A daughter of a deployed servicemember does the limbo during "Deployed Family Fun Day" held Sept. 22, 2007, at a Coast Guard installation near Fort Belvoir, Va. The day was full of fun activities for the children and informational programs for the parents. Courtesy photo by Cassie Camp

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. David L. Watson, 29, of Newport, Ark., died Sept. 22 in Baqubah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related accident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Joshua H. Reeves, 26, of Watkinsville, Ga., died Sept. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan M. Lankford, 42, of Scottsboro, Ala., died Sept. 22, in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 79th Ordnance Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoffmaster, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, died Sept. 20 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. She was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1^st Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. John J. Young, 24, of Savannah, Ga., died Sept. 21 in Camp Stryker, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Luigi Marciante Jr., 25, of Elizabeth, N.J., died Sept. 20 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Today's DoD Imagery

'Junior' Set to Drive National Guard Car in 2008

By Master Sgt. Bob Haskell, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

DALLAS, Sept. 20, 2007 - Dale Earnhardt Jr., whose family's name is part and parcel with American motorsports legend, will drive the Chevrolet the National Guard will sponsor in NASCAR's top-level Sprint Cup series in 2008.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (left) will drive the National Guard car next year in NASCARS's top-level Sprint Cup series for Hendrick Motorsports. He stood with Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, and Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports owner, in Dallas where the announcement was made on Sept. 19, 2007. Photo by Master Sgt. Bob Haskell, USA

Earnhardt -- "Junior" to the millions who follow the sport -- will drive the 88 car for Hendrick Motorsports' new team that will have PepsiCo products' Mountain Dew and AMP Energy as its other major sponsors, officials announced during a nationally televised news conference here yesterday.

The popularity of the Earnhardt name raises the Guard's participation in one of America's two most popular spectator sports, the National Football League being the other, to a new level, said Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard.

NASCAR appeals to the same age group, 18-24, that is the prime recruiting group for the Guard and the other military services, Vaughn pointed out. The Army Guard has to recruit about 70,000 new people every year, he said at the Dallas Convention Center.

"If the strength of our recruiting is the same place that you run NASCAR, which it is, and if Dale Earnhardt Jr., is the most popular of all the NASCAR drivers, which he is, then you would think that would make a difference in the number of people who will follow the Guard, the Guard car, and maybe effectively think about joining our team," he said.

"And that's all we ask him to do. Dale will have an enormous, enormous impact on that effort," Vaughn predicted. "People will look at the partnership this way: 'The Guard is a great way to serve. It's a first-class organization. And I like Dale Earnhardt Jr. So does the Guard. I'm going to have to think about that.'"

"I think it's important to support the military, especially now," Earnhardt said about his new affiliation with the National Guard.

Todd Bodine and Greg Biffle, who finished second in the Nextel Cup Series in 2005, have been previous Guard car drivers. Casey Mears is this year's driver.

Earnhardt, 32, has won 17 Cup-level races and two NASCAR Busch Series championships. He is the son of racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was killed in a crash on the final corner of the final lap of the NASCAR season's inaugural race, the Daytona 500, in February 2001. He is the grandson and nephew of, respectively, NASCAR pioneers Ralph Earnhardt and Morgan Shepherd. His mother's father, Robert Gee, built NASCAR cars.

Earnhardt will replace Mears as the driver for the Guard car and will add his name and pedigree to the Hendrick lineup of dominating drivers that includes Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.

Mears will replace Kyle Busch, who is leaving the Hendrick team for the Joe Gibbs team, after one season as the No. 25 Guard/GMAC Chevrolet car driver, and Earnhardt will begin racing for Hendrick Motorsports after severing his ties with Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company that his father founded.

Earnhardt announced in June that he signed a five-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports. His new car number is no accident. He has driven the No. 8 Chevrolet since he entered the Cup Series in 1999. His grandfather raced with that number, as well as 88, and Dale Sr. drove the 8 car early in his career. Earnhardt family politics, however, precluded Junior from bringing the famed single-digit number to the Hendrick team.

"We considered every number with 8 in it that was available," he told a room filled with media and Texas Army Guard recruiters, distinctive in their Army combat uniforms.

Earnhardt is currently in 13th place, and out of this year's 12-car chase for the Nextel Cup, after finishing 16th in the Sylvania 300 on Sept. 16 at the New Hampshire International Speedway. He has started on the pole, in first place, once this season but has yet to win a race. He has finished among the top five six times, and he has been among the top 10 drivers in 10 races.

He did qualify for the chase last year, beginning the season's 10-race championship series in sixth place and finishing fifth, 147 points behind Cup victor Jimmie Johnson.

Earnhardt is joining the Hendricks team that has ruled the NASCAR roost in 2007. Johnson and Gordon, with 10 victories and 30 top-five finishes between them, are tied for the lead with 5,210 points after 27 races. Kyle Busch, with one victory and a total of 22 top-five and top-10 finishes, is fifth in the Nextel Cup standings.

This year's Guard car driver, Mears, is in 15th place after his strong performance at New Hampshire, where he started 15th. He has one victory in the Guard/GMAC Chevrolet, coincidentally in the Memorial Day Coca-Cola 600, which raised money for the families of U.S. military troops. Ten drivers raced in cars painted in military camouflage patterns to signal their support for that cause.

(Army Master Sgt. Bob Haskell is assigned to the National Guard Bureau.)

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will drive the National Guard car in 2008 in NASCAR's top-level Sprint Cup Series, stands tall among National Guard soldiers in Dallas, Sept. 19, 2007. Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn (left), director of the Army National Guard, predicted that Earnhardt will attract more people to National Guard service. Photo by Master Sgt. Bob Haskell, USA

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Graham M. McMahon, 22, of Corvallis, Ore., died Sept. 19 in Balad, Iraq, from a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Raytheon Systems Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a not to exceed $994,300,000 cost-type modification to previously awarded contract N00024-05-C-5346, for DDG 1000 and DDG 1001 mission system equipment (MSE) production and engineering support services. The MSE is being developed as part of the DDG 1000 ship systems detailed design and integration effort. The MSE includes the following: total ship's computing environment infrastructure; acoustic sensor suite element – including the bow array sensor suite; dual band radar; electro-optic/infrared sensor; ship control system; identification of friend or foe; common array power and cooling systems; electronic module enclosures; and Mark 57 vertical launcher system. The MSE is being procured for the program executive office for ships (PMS500). Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J.(21 percent); Portsmouth, R.I.(20 percent); Andover, Mass.(18 percent); Tewksbury, Mass.(17 percent); Marlborough, Mass., St. Petersburg, Fla., Ft. Wayne, Ind.(17 percent); and Sudbury, Mass.(7 percent),and is expected to be completed by December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Hourigan Construction Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded $33,756,280 for firm-fixed price task order #0001 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N40085-07-D-7022) for facilities upgrades for F/A 18, Models E and F, repair of hangar 500, and repair of parking aprons and airfield pavement at Naval Air Station Oceana. The contract contains two options totaling $571,000, which may be exercised within 360 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $34,327,280. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $23,771,280 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, the remaining funds will not expire. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $32,100,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0086) for procurement of initial spares in support of the fiscal year 2007 Lot IV UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

CASS Services, LLC*, Oklahoma City, Okla., is being awarded a $32,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the repair, remanufacture, and refurbishment of AM2 mat and accessory packages in support of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Airfield Team. AM2 is designed to interlock in a brickwork type pattern and provides for the construction of portable runways and taxiways. Work will be performed in Oklahoma City, Okla., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,100,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0034).

Pennsylvania State University System, University Park, Pa., is being awarded a $25,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to support the development and transition of electro-optic technology (including fiber optics and photonics) for application in Naval Air Systems Command platforms. Work will be performed in Freeport, Pa., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through a Broad Agency Announcement; one proposal was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-07-D-0020).

L3 Communications TITAN Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $17,132,681 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00421-05-C-0009) to exercise an option for engineering and technical support services and supplies to design, develop, procure, prototype, modify, integrate, test and evaluate, install and provide logistics support for telecommunication and related communication-electronic systems for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Special Communications Requirements Division. The estimated level of effort for this option is 184,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (80 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.

Chugach Industries, Inc.*, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded $15,734,612 under a previously awarded combination firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity base operating support (BOS) contract (N44255-05-D-7100) to exercise option 2 for BOS services at Navy Region Northwest, North Sound area. The work to be performed provides for all management and administration, public safety, supply, housing, facilities support (excluding grounds and janitorial services), utilities, base support vehicles and equipment, and environmental services to provide base operations and support services. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $82,695,160. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash. (94 percent); Naval Station Everett, Everett, Wash. (5 percent); and outlying facilities (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds are issued in anticipation of the enactment of the FY08 DOD Appropriation Act or passage of the FY08 Continuing Resolution Authority and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity.

Logistic Systems International Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded an $8,025,844 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N61339-06-C-0166) to exercise the options to re-engineer, revise/enhance and migrate the current Journeymen level engineer instructor-led training classes at the Center for Naval Engineering in Norfolk, Va., into self-paced instruction courses. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. and is expected to be completed in January 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $8,025,844 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity.

International Military and Government, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $7,165,120 firm-fixed-priced modification to delivery order #0002 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for field service representatives (FSRs) to serve in theater. The FSRs will provide support for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category I (CAT I) vehicles in Iraq. Work will be performed in Camp Liberty, Iraq, and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $7,165,120 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Nova Group, Inc., Napa, Calif., is being awarded $6,900,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0005 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-03-D-7054) for Pier 5000 deck repairs at Naval Submarine Base San Diego. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Harry Pepper & Associates, Inc.*, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $6,709,133 for firm-fixed price task order #0002 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity design-build multiple award construction contract (N69272-03-D-0031) for construction of a Waterfront Security Force Facility at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The work to be performed provides for construction of a two-story, ballistic-hardened, reinforced concrete structure with concrete floor slab, concrete exterior walls, and a reinforced concrete roof. Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Ga., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Petroleum Traders Corp., Fort Wayne, Ind.,* is being awarded a $85,824,095 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for ground fuel requirements. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Other locations of performance will be in the southeastern United States. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 102 original proposals solicited with 32 responses. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va.

(SP0600-07-D-8515).

Terra Mississippi Nitrogen, Yazoo City, Miss., is being awarded a $43,407,133 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for the production of DiNitrogen Tetroxide (N204) and related ancillary services in support of national defense and the U.S. space program. The basic period of performance is ten years with two 5-year options. Using services are Army, Air Force, Federal Civilian Agencies, and Defense Contractors. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was solicited on FedBizOps with 1 response. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2017. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-1564).

Mansfield Oil Company, Gainsville, Ga.,* is being awarded a $25,710,765.22 fixed price with economic price adjustment for ground fuel requirements. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies locations of performance will be in the southeastern United States. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 102 original proposals solicited with 32 responses. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-8512).

Sun Coast Resources, Inc., Houston, Texas,* is being awarded a $8,923,154.45 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for ground fuel requirements. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Other locations of performance will be in the southeastern United States. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 102 original proposals solicited with 32 responses. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va.

(SP0600-07-D-8520).

RKA Petroleum Companies, Inc., Romulus, Mich.,* is being awarded a $7,548,254 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for ground fuel requirements. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Other locations of performance will be in the southeastern United States. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 102 original proposals solicited with 32 responses. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir Va.

(SP0600-07-D-8510).

Troy Company, Inc., Seattle Wash., ** is being awarded a $6,505,624.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for ground fuel requirements. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Department of Defense, and federal civilian agencies. Other locations of performance include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 102 original proposals solicited with 32 responses. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir Va.

(SP0600-07-D-8521).

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company-Fort Worth of Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a contract indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-reimbursement contract for $40,000,000 (maximum) for the ADVENT program which demonstrate integration technologies to TRL 4-5 and engine technologies to TRL-6 in a large thrust class (25,000 lbs.). The emphasis will be on multi-design point demonstration of significant advancements in thrust, fuel efficiency, development cost, production cost and maintenance cost characteristics over baseline engines. At this time $1,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 656-9040. AFRL/PKPC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-D2798).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company of Long Beach, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $36,205,325. This action provides for the FY07 flying hours/engines cycle adjustment in accordance with special contract requirement H-012 "flying hour profile" (Sep 2003). At this time $36,205,325 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 656-9310. 516 AESG/PKS of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00202).

General Electronic Aircraft Engines, Cincinnati, Ohio is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $10,084,886. This action provides for aircraft turbine case, 61 units. The Air Force requirements applicable to F101 engine in the B-1B aircraft. At this time $10,084,886 has been obligated. For more information please call (405) 739-4346. 748 CBSG/PKP of Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-G-0003-0133).

R. C. Construction Co. Inc. of Greenwood, Miss. is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $6,992,400. This action provides for repair Taxiway Charlie, Charleston AFB, S.C. Complete replacement of approximately 4,300 linear feet of taxiway, 75 feet wide Portland cement concrete airfield pavement taxiway with 25 feet wide asphalt shoulders, and pavement demolition, excavation and field, storm drainage, cement modification of soils, new airfield pavement markings, turf, airfield lighting, and incidental related work. At this time $6,992,400 has been obligated. For more information please call (843) 963-5173. 437 Contracting Squadron/LGCB, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. is the contracting activity (FA4418-07-C-0006).

Hydraulics International Inc. of Chatsworth County, Calif. is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $6,181,243.20. This action provides for diesel hydraulic test stands (HTS). The HTS is designed to check the performance and operating characteristics of the aircraft hydraulic systems. It is fully mobile and mounted on four wheels. Power for the HTS is supplied by a diesel engine and the high pressure pumps are driven by the engine by way of gearbox. At this time $6,181,243.20 has been obligated. For more information please call (478) 222-1906. 642 CBSSS/GBKBB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. is the contracting activity (FA8533-07-C-0002).

* Small Business

**Small Disadvantaged Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Edmund J. Jeffers, 23, of Daleville, Ala., died Sept. 19 in Taqqadum, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related accident. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $145,154,211 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N68936-02-C-0043) for continued system configuration set support for the F/A-18 A/B/C/D/E/F and EA-18G weapons system for the Navy and Marine Corps. In addition, this modification provides for unique Foreign Military Sales variants for the governments of Canada, Australia, Spain, Kuwait, Switzerland, Finland and Malaysia. This contract also provides for studies and analysis related to avionics integration and acquisition product activities such as integration and testing. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (95 percent) and in China Lake, Calif. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $21,878,104 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0001) for the development of the structural repair manual, including damage limits and tolerances, and repair source data for 1,187 airframe/propulsion candidates. Resulting data will be incorporated into and delivered under a suite of technical manuals broken down into UH-1Y unique, AH-1Z unique, and UH-1Y/AH-1Z common. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $12,430,348 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-00-D-0328) to exercise an option for maintenance planning and design interface technical/management support services for the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla. These services include evaluating initial designs, evaluating proposed design changes, maintenance planning and sustaining maintenance plans. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla. (90 percent), and Oklahoma City, Okla. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Government Services Integrated Process Team LLC*, Lanham, Md., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-quantity contract for architect-engineering services for professional engineering services for basic facility requirements and engineering evaluations for installations at locations under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic (NAVFAC Atlantic). Work will be performed in NAVFAC Atlantic's area of responsibility with the majority expected to be in the continental United States and overseas. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2012 (September 2008 for the base period). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Public Law 92-582, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 541-444, Brooks Act procedures via synopsis in Federal Business Opportunities and 13 proposals were received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-07-D-7006).

R. A. Burch Construction Co., Inc.*, Ramona, Calif., is being awarded a $43,146,688 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a 101,700 square foot two-bay, full-in maintenance hangar for C-17 aircraft including demolition of existing buildings 835, 839, and 840 at Travis Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Fairfield, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a two-phase design build via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with five offers received in Phase I, and three selected to proceed to Phase II. Three proposals were received in Phase II. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-C-8002).

Nova Group, Inc., Napa, Calif., is being awarded $10,265,600 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0010 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1301) for repair of Bravo 3 Pier at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

Hightower Construction Co., Inc.*, Charleston, S.C., is being awarded an $8,045,000 firm-fixed-price contract for repair and renovation of Second Battalion Barracks, Building 601, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. Work will be performed in Parris Island, S.C., and is expected to be completed by July 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 14 offers solicited and two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-2580).

P&L General Contractors, Inc., LLC*, Oak Harbor, Wash., is being awarded $5,917,912 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0010under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N44255-04-D-9124) for design and construction of a new natural gas distribution and service line, removal of the existing lines and other related efforts at Jackson Park Navy Housing. The work to be performed provides for all labor, material, equipment, and associated costs for design and construction of a new natural gas distribution service line including removal of existing distribution lines and other related efforts. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Wash., and is expected to be completed by November 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2007, a $75,000,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Patriot Pure Fleet tactical assets. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 20, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151).

GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2007, a delivery order amount of $32,747,696 as part of a $408,103,408 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for maintenance and repair of desert damaged Stryker vehicles. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (60 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 1, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).

American Registry of Pathology*, Washington, D.C., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2007, an $18,452,548 modification to a cost contract to provide medical expertise in diagnostic consultation, education, and research for the military and civilian community. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 1, 2000. The U.S. Army Medical Research Command, Fort Detrick, Md., is the contracting activity (DAMD17-00-C-0034).

SAIC, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a delivery order amount of $15,071,874 as part of a $19,040,883 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for mobile forensic laboratories. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 28, 2007. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (DTRA01-03-D-0017).

General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, an $11,306,274 modification to a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for contractor logistics support for the IGNAT Warrior Alpha unmanned aerial system. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 13, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 14, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH01-03-C-0124).

Alutiiq International Solutions L.L.C.*, Aurora, Colo., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,559,100 as part of a $28,580,742 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of company operations facilities. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 17, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 12 bids solicited on June 1, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-07-D-0021).

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,280,101 as part of a $10,280,101 firm-fixed-price contract for Spare Parts for the M1A2 Abrams system enhancement program tank. Work will be performed in Tallahassee, Fla. (82 percent), and Lima, Ohio (18 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 9, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-G-0001).

Alutiiq International Solutions*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a $7,697,417 firm-fixed-price contract for demolition of Old Bassett Hospital. Work will be performed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 1, 2007. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0026).

Armor Express*, Central Lake, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 16, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,190,000 as part of a $7,190,000 firm-fixed-price contract for undercover body armor for civilian police assistance training teams. Work will be performed in Central Lake, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 1, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 12 bids solicited on Aug. 17, 2007, and 12 bids were received. The Multi-National Security Transition Command /Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-07-F-0087).

Homeland Security Construction Corp.*, Hyattsville, Md., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,989,741 as part of a $5,989,741 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Olney Readiness Center. Work will be performed in Gaithersburg, Md., and is expected to be completed by April 29, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were seven bids solicited on June 25, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Property and Fiscal Office for Maryland, Havre De Grace, Md., is the contracting activity (W912R1-05-D-0017).

AIR FORCE

Tetra Tech EC, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $50,000,000. This contract is for procuring architect-engineer (A&E) environmental services for the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The contract is to support the compliance, restoration, pollution prevention, conservation and other environmental programs. Task orders will be issued against the contract to satisfy AETC environmental requirements, such as environmental assessments, natural and cultural resources surveys, community relations plans. At this time $2,500 has been obligated. For more information please call (210) 652-7839. AETC CONS/LGCU at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-06-R-0036, proposed contract number FA3002-07-D-0016).

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, BKJ Solutions Inc.*, Riverside, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2007, a $39,192,338 firm-fixed-price contract for design, construction, and renovations to barracks, dining facility, battalion headquarters, and company operations space. Work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 19, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Aug. 31, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-C-0037).

CNI Medical Services L.L.C.*, Ada, Okla., was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a delivery order amount of $17,374,220 as part of a $50,963,656 firm-fixed-price contract for personal dental services. Performance location will be determined with each delivery order, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 3, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 9, 2006, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W81K04-07-D-0009).

General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 19, 2007, a $5,181,995 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for low rate initial production effort for the extended range/multi-purpose unmanned aerial system. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (75 percent), and Salt Lake City, Utah (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 11, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 19, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0107).

* Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Christian M. Neff, 19, of Lima, Ohio, died Sept. 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Aaron J. Walker, 23, of Harker Heights, Texas, died Sept. 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Vilseck, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Sept. 18 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Killed were:

Spc. Joseph N. Landry III, 23, of Pensacola, Fla.

Spc. Nicholas P. Olson, 22, of Novato, Calif.

Spc. Donald E. Valentine III, 21, of Orange Park, Fla.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Contact Corp.*, Winchester, Va., is being awarded a $24,001,161 firm-fixed-priced order against a previously awarded contract (M67854-06-D-7031) for Tactical Antenna Mast System (TEAMS). The TEAMS is an independent antenna mast system, designed to be 34-36 meters tall, that will support various Line-of-Sight (LOS) antenna systems and can be transported on any M-1123 High Mobility Multi-purposed Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), and/or AN/MRC-142A. Work will be performed in Winchester, Va., and work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was set-aside 100 percent for small businesses, andcompetitively procured utilizing the Navy Electronic Commerce/Federal Business Opportunities websites, with four offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $13,309,866 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0309) to exercise an option for the procurement of ten T-45 Training System Airframes, including logistic support analysis, technical manuals, and technical support of support equipment, production integration testing support and flight test instrumentation, system equipment and repair. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Boeing Aerospace Operations, Midwest City, Okla., is being awarded a $9,523,390 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-01-C-0110) to exercise an option for the procurement of organizational, intermediate, and limited depot-level aircraft maintenance, management, logistics support services and other services as specified for approximately 16 F/A-18A/B/C/D, 2 SH-60F, 2 HH-60H helicopters and 14 F-16A/B aircraft based at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Fallon, Nev. This effort includes maintaining associated support equipment, power plants, airframes, aviation life support systems, electronics and electrical instruments, armament radar/fire control and flight line services in order to meet the flying program and its daily mission requirements. Work will be performed in Fallon, Nev., and is expected to be completed in February 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $23,808,284. This effort is for the operation of the Global Hawk System in a forward theater of operation for a classified length of time. The contractor shall also provide mission support plans to support the deployment efforts, identify support equipment necessary to support operations and procure contingency spares necessary to support sustained flight operations for the period of time specified on any deployment order. At this time $23,808,284 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 255-4241. 303 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-09-G-4306, 0041-04).

Aircraft Braking System of Akron, Ohio is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $23,430,364. This is a delivery order against a commercial BOA for 458 each, landing gear heat shields in support of the B-1 aircraft. At this time $23,430,364 has been obligated. For more information please call (801) 777-6501. Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Contracting, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42620-03-G-0003-0084).

Computer Sciences Corp. Applied Technologies LLC of Fort Worth Texas is having a contract option exercised for $10,585,312.03. This action provides for Base Operating Support Services to extend services. At this time $10,445,761.53 has been obligated. For more information please call (334) 953-6113. 42nd Contracting Squadron, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. is the contracting activity (F41689-01-C-0006-P002XX).

General Atomics of San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $6,089,382. This effort is for Target Location Accuracy (TLA) Phase I, MQ-1 Predator Predator/MQ-9. At this time $6,089,382 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-6975. 658 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028/0017).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $6,607,900.00 firm fixed price contract for Optics Detector. Using services are Defense Logistics Agency. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 original sole source proposal solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is October 5, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM4A6-07-C-0081).

Cascade Designs Inc., Seattle Wash.,* is being awarded a $5,490,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for self inflating sleeping mats. Using services are Army, Navy, and Air Force. Contract is exercising 1^st option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with 2 responses. Date of performance completion is September 17, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-07-D-1561).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Matthew J. Emerson, 20, of Grandview, Wash., died Sept. 18 in Ninewah Province, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

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Our Message to the Military.... "America Supports You"

September 21, 2007

Freedom Walk 2007 edition

Chicago, Ill.

Lisa Moeller, president of USO Illinois, greets Army Sgt. Dan Casara, the main speaker at the Chicago ASY Freedom Walk, Sept. 9, 2007.

Washington, D.C.

The US Air Force Brass Quintet plays before the opening ceremonies of this year's Freedom Walk, Sept. 9, 2007, near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Nearly 10,000 people participated in the walk, which began at the Lincoln Memorial and ended at the Pentagon.

Simi Valley, Calif.

Deena Burnett Bailey, widow of Tom Burnett the pilot ringleader of heroes aboard United Flight 93, addresses Freedom Walk participants.

Freedom Walk news from across the country:
America Supports You is pleased to announce that a total of 255 Freedom Walks took place to commemorate the victims and families of 9/11’s tragic events and honor our veterans past and present. 243 Freedom Walks were held in the United States and twelve overseas.

Eric Schuller (center, right), president of ASY homefront group Operation Homefront Illinois, joins other Chicago-area residents as they make their way down Navy Pier for the Freedom Walk.

A crowd of several hundred showed up at Chicago’s Navy Pier for the city’s America Supports You Freedom Walk on September 9th. Army Sgt. Dan Casara delivered remarks during the walk’s opening ceremony and Bishop James Wilkowski gave the blessing. The Color Guard of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 85th Division Army Reserves, out of Arlington Heights, Ill. led the Freedom Walk participants in their route. "The Spirit of the USO," with singer Allyson Ruble, provided live entertainment at the conclusion of Chicago's Freedom Walk.

More than 2,000 participants create a sea of walkers down the mile-long Reagan Driveway, in Simi Valley, Calif. for the Freedom Walk.

Simi Valley, Calif. held its 2nd annual America Supports You Freedom Walk with over 2,000 people participating. The walk was sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Library and MilitaryConnection.com. Speakers at the event included Captain Terry Kraft, commanding officer of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan; Corporal Meagan Leavey, Purple-Heart recipient from Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Deena Burnett Baily, whose husband, Tom Burnett, was the ringleader of the small group of courageous men who fought back against the terrorists on United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. The USS Ronald Reagan Honor Guard and Drill Team were the Honor Guard. The Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Band performed, and the Black Eagles from Naval Base Ventura provided a flyover.

American flags blow in the wind on the front lawn of Montague Village Elementary School. Each grade level walked, then posted a flag in the lawn.

Students at Meadows Elementary School hold their special Freedom Day banner.

The Killeen Independent School District (ISD) in Tex. hosted America Supports You FreedomWalks, with each of the 50 schools in the district holding a walk on 9/11. In addition, one large Freedom Walk was held during the evening of 9/11 for the entire Ft.Hood/Killeen community. ISD school Meadows Elementary, Ft. Hood, Tex., held its America Supports You Freedom Walk complete with a banner signed by Meadows students. The banner will be sent to servicemembers in Iraq along with student artwork. Neighboring ISD Ft. Hood school Montague Village Elementary also held its walk, complete with 51 servicemembers from its adopt-a-unit, visitors, students and staff. After each grade level walked, students posted a flag in the front lawn to honor their parents who serve our country both here and overseas.

Colton Lockner (front, right) and his younger brother, Braxton, lead Ohio Sen. John Boccieri (back right) and about 1,000 others in Sebring, Ohio's second annual Freedom Walk.

Joey Rizzolo, 12, and Jane Cosco, director of Operation Goody Bag, place bags of ice at a water and food station for participants during Paramus, N.J.’s first Freedom Walk.

Student organizers Colton Lockner (age 10) and Joey Rizzolo (age 12) both did a great job with their America Supports You Freedom Walks. Sen. John Boccieri and about 1,000 others participated in Sebring, Ohio’s second annual Freedom Walk, organized by Lockner. Nearly 400 New Jersey residents participated in Paramus, N.J.’s first Freedom Walk. Paramus’ Freedom Walk featured pre-walk addresses by U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett and Paramus Mayor Jim Tedesco.

The Texas chapter of America Supports You homefront group Operation Homefront held its ASY Freedom Walk on September 11th at Brackenridge Park in San Antonio. With a nice turnout, the pre-walk ceremony began at 5:15 pm and t-shirts were available on a first come, first serve basis. Additional sponsors of the two mile walk included USAA, Re/Max and Bank of America.

Zachary Elementary School in La. held an America Supports You Freedom Walk on September 11 at 9:30 am. The students walked to commemorate and honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, as well as to show appreciation for Capt. Patrick Jenkins, a Louisiana Army National Guardsman and the principal of the school! The walk included the high school band and Junior ROTC cadets. The students, who carried photos or names of those they wished to honor, also presented items they collected for Blue Star Moms to send in care packages to servicemembers.

Our troops deserve to be applauded, and so do you!

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DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Brandon T. Thorsen, 22, of Trenton, Fla., died Sept. 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident Sept. 14 in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Supplycore, Inc., Rockford, Ill., is being awarded a $525,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations supplies. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Defense Logistics Agency, and other federal civilian agencies. Contract is exercising third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with 11 responses. Date of performance completion is Sept. 17, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-02-D-0122).

AIR FORCE

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Huntington Beach, Calif. is being awarded a contract modification for $89,003,797. The modification provides for launch operations and maintenance, post production support, and storage for the Delta II launch program for fiscal year 2008. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (310-653-3635). Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Space Launch and Range Systems Material Wing (LRSW), Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity (F04701-93-C-0004, P00361).

Lear Siegler Services Inc. of Gaithersburg, Md. is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $42,511,776. The undergraduate flying training (UFT) program consists of non-personal services to provide courseware development, simulator and academic instruction for the T-1, T-6, T-37 and T-38 aircraft: introduction to fighter fundamentals; and combat systems officer training in support of the UFT and other Air Force training requirements. Services shall be provided to aircrews as assigned by the Air Education and Training Command, located at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.; Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; and Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Courseware development shall be performed at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas only. The contractor shall provide sufficient, qualified instructors and operational, administrative, management and supervisory personnel to perform the required training services. At this time $42,511,776 has been obligated. For more information please call (210) 652-6487. AETC Contracting Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-07-D-0020).

Boeing Co., Newark, Ohio is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $7,678,000. This contract is for providing for Minuteman III guidance system repair and Minuteman and Peacekeeper missile systems demilitarization, disposal, and disposition of government property, equipment and material. At this time $7,678,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (801) 586-4687. Department of the Air Force, OO-ALC/PKE, Directorate of Contracting, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-99-D-0006-0031).

ITT Industries Systems Division of Cape Canaveral, Fla. is being awarded a contract modification for $7,601,681. This contract modification will purchase and install digital instrumentation recorders for the Eastern Range, and will also provide management and technical support for integration and testing of the hardware and software required for the recorders. The ranges are phasing out the use of analog recorders and moving to data recording in digital format. The new recorders will reduce range turnaround time and allow the Eastern Range to sustain current recording capability. At this time $7,601,681 has been obligated. SMC SLG/PK, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. is the contracting activity (04701-01-C-0001, P00428).

NAVY

Insight Technology, Inc., ofLondonderry, N.H., is being awarded a $53,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production, delivery and support of a minimum of 25 individual weapon night sights, image intensified (IWNS-I²). The IWNS-I²will provide individual marine riflemen a rifle combat optic compatible night sight, able to be clipped on and off of the family of modular U.S. service rifles. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and work is expected to be completed by December 2009 with support for the IWNS-I²to continue until September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854 07 D 1012).

Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $25,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the development and procurement of additional V-22 training products, including the Trainer Fault Insertion System (TFIS). In addition, this contract provides for installation and implementation of phased upgrades and on-call maintenance support to the avionics functional V-22 trainer and TFIS. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N61339-07-D-0018).

PAE Government Services, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded a $10,000,000 indefinite- delivery/indefinite-quantity job order contract for design, construction, alteration, and renovation services for Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, their tenants, and outlying facilities. This contract contains four option years, which if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to a not to exceed amount of $50,000,000. Work will be performed in Djibouti, Horn of Africa, with an expected completion date of September 2008 (September 2012 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, is the contracting activity (N33191-07-D-1503).

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,586,893 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5432) for technical engineering support for the Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM). Technical engineering support will include tasks needed to support missile production. These tasks include missile improvement, support equipment improvement, software engineering and improvement, reliability monitoring, system safety monitoring, quality assurance, risk management, test equipment, parts control, obsolete materials, logistics impacts, and other activities needed to support engineering for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Australia (11 percent); Andover, Mass. (10 percent); Germany (8 percent); Canada (7 percent); The Netherlands (6 percent); Norway (5 percent); Spain (3 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); Denmark (1 percent); Greece (1 percent); and Turkey (1 percent). This modification combines support for the U.S. Navy/NATO SEASPARROW Consortium (99 percent), and the United Arab Emirates (1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Greenlawn, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,626,088 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 450 KIV-78 mode 4/5 cryprographic applique' production units for use in the AN/USM-708, communication/navigation radio frequency avionics flightline tester (Craft) test set for the Navy (445) and the Army (5). In addition the contract includes Non-Recurring engineering for the Air Force. Work will be performed in Greenlawn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335—07-D-0033).

P&S Construction, Inc.*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded $5,957,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0052 under a previously awarded multiple award agreement (N62472-05-G-0222) for repairs to the submarine machine shop, Buildings 40 and 88, at Naval Submarine Base, New London. The work to be performed provides for removal and replacement of the flooring, windows, ceiling, lighting fixtures, fire alarm system, roofing, plumbing fixtures, refurbish existing toilet room, showers, and install new roof-top heating ventilation and air conditioning unit. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Interstate Electronics Corporation of Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a $46,747,298 (maximum) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for Translated Global Positioning System Range System program operations and sustainment, mission support, and hardware. Work will be performed at Anaheim, Calif., and is expected to be complete by September 2012. This is a sole source contract award. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. FY 07 research and development funds will be used. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-07-D-0005).

ARMY

Jordon-BE&K Federal Group, Dallas, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a $29,124,523 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 12, 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0063).

AAI Corp.*, Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a $13,197,998 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for one system remote video terminal systems and multi-directional antenna systems. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 17, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0190).

Alutiiq International Solutions L.L.C., Aurora, Colo., was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a $9,992,176 firm-fixed-price contract for a New Dining Facility. Work will be performed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 45 bids solicited on July 3, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-07-C-0022).

Northrop Grumman System Corp.*, Sierra Vista, Ariz., was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a $9,700,000 modification cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for rehabilitation, reconstitution, repair, modification, and integration of damaged and obsolete flight team Hunter unique equipment. Work will be performed in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 31, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0082).

ECI Construction Inc., Shawnee Mission, Kan., was awarded on Sept. 14, 2007, a $7,298,420 firm-fixed-price contract for additions and alterations of aircraft parking apron and flight line facilities. Work will be performed at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 20, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 23, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Engineer district, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2011).

* Small Business

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Our Message to the Military.... "America Supports You"

September 18, 2007

E-Newsletter Volume CXXVIII

Hamilton, Ohio

Elvis impersonator Paul Halverstadt performs “GI Blues” at America Supports You homefront organization The Thank You Foundation’s benefit for Corporal Joel Dulashanti and his family.

San Diego, Calif.

On Sunday, September 2, the San Diego Padres hosted their Salute to Veterans at PETCO Park. All Star closer Trevor Hoffman stood for photos with retired Navy Capt. Robert White and Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. prior to the San Diego Padres game. Both veterans were honored by the Padres before the game and threw ceremonial first pitches.

DFW Airport, Tex.

A group of returning servicemembers stand with Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind puppies. The Guide Dog Foundation created ASY homefront group America’s VetDogs as part of their outreach efforts for military members.

New on the ASY Team:
America Supports You is proud to welcome five new homefront organizations to the team this week!

United Warrior Survivor Foundation, located in Coronado, Calif., provides care to spouses of fallen special operations personnel. The organization helps families through financial aid, camps for children, packages and community advocacy.

The Blewitt Foundation based in Aldie, Va., provides comfort and enjoyment to military families, primarily children, through recreational and educational programs.

KIA WIA, Inc., in Fayetteville, N.C., assists WIA and KIA troops and their families through scholarships, education, assistance with rehabilitation, financial assistance and by connecting them to other organizations.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. sends care packages and letters of encouragement to our deployed servicemembers.

National Rehabilitation and Rediscovery Foundation, Inc. works to improve the quality of life for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and their families. The Arlington, Va. based organization provides a comprehensive program for servicemembers with TBI.

ASY from Coast to Coast and Across the Ocean:
Over the weekend America Supports You homefront organization The Thank You Foundation held a benefit for Corporal Joel Dulashanti at the Chuck Cain VFW Post 7670 in Hamilton, Ohio. Cpl. Dulashanti was severely wounded in Afghanistan in May 2007, and his right leg was amputated at the knee. The Dulashantis are currently residing at Mologne House at Walter Reed Army Medical Center while Joel has physical and occupational therapy. The featured entertainment for the evening was a "Tribute to Elvis" starring Paul Halverstadt, an Elvis impersonator and a silent auction. John Guinn, president and founder of The Thank You Foundation said: "Everyone who attended had a great time and we raised over $3,000 for Joel and Lindsey. Funds raised will help with the personal out of pocket expenses the family has incurred.” Joel and Lindsey were unable to attend, but on hand were family representatives and Representative Jean Schmidt of the 2nd Congressional District of Ohio. “The mission of Thank You Foundation is to show appreciation for our Veterans and Active Duty Personnel….The citizens of Cincinnati responded to let this soldier know that he is loved and appreciated,” Guinn said.

On Sunday, September 2, America Supports You supporters the San Diego Padres held a Salute to Veterans at PETCO Park. The team honored San Diego County Veteran of the Year, retired Navy Capt. Robert White, president of the Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation, and Gunnery Sgt. David Lind, a wounded Marine who served in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Lind is a bilateral amputee from wounds he recently received in Iraq. After Lind’s experience with the Padres, he sent a message to his friends and colleagues who could not join him at the ballpark. In the note Lind wrote: “I am not a professional baseball fan, and I have never been a fan of any team in California, but let me tell you this – the treatment I received from the Padres has made me a life-long fan of that organization.” The Padres invited Lind to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before their game against the division rival, Los Angeles Dodgers. Padres all-star closer Trevor Hoffman presented Lind with an authentic camouflage jersey, customized with Lind’s name and signed by every player. The team also invited Lind’s family and friends to share his day at the ballpark.

America Supports You homefront group America’s VetDogs is doing a great job showing their appreciation for our servicemembers. A group of dedicated Dallas/Fort Worth puppy walkers and their puppies volunteer monthly to greet servicemembers as they return through the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. One of the volunteers remarked recently: "The atmosphere at the airport terminal is one of pure jubilation…. Smiles light up the soldiers’ tired faces when they realize a pup is there to greet them."

The Dallas Songwriters Association is spreading the America Supports You Message by holding its 2007/2008 “Songs from the Soul of Service” contest, inviting aspiring songwriters who wear a military uniform to participate! “We’ve ramped up a little bit better technology this time so we can facilitate everything online,” William Brown, the program’s director, said of this second competition, “we have it set up for them to upload (submissions) directly to Broadjam music service.” The organization is currently accepting music in different categories including country, world, instrumental, novelty, hip hop, pop and inspirational. Servicemembers can submit their songs or those of an immediate family member. Military personnel also may submit a song posthumously on behalf of an immediate family member or a fallen comrade. Read More

Featured on the ASY Web Site Last Week:
Operation Stars and Stripes
“Our mission is to send support, smiles and care packages, as well as small appliances, … to our combat support hospitals….We are just a group of volunteer Americans who are proud of what our military is doing and feel that they should know that we support them and will not forget about them.”
- Meredith Kelly, Chairman, Operation Stars and Stripes

Silver Star Families’ Hear- 4- You
“We are just there to listen (to military personnel and their families affected by post-deployment stress and post-traumatic stress disorder). We are not counseling.…We would love to see (Hear- 4- You) really grow and … make some type of difference.”
- Janie Orman, Vice President, Silver Star Families of America

ASY In the News:
My Fox Colorado (Fox 31) covered Army Staff Sergeant Matthew Keil’s hero’s welcome home after months of rehabilitation at Craig Hospital. Keil, who was shot by a sniper in Iraq and is now a quadriplegic, will be moving with his wife Tracy into a specially adapted home. The home is provided by Pulte homes along with America Supports You homefront groups American Military Family and Homes for our Troops.

Pittsburgh Morning News reported on Pittsburgh’s first America Supports You Freedom Walk.

The Leaf Chronicle (TN) wrote about America Supports You homefront group Operation Homefront’s Freedom Walk.

ASY Homefront Organization of the Week:

Little Patriots Embraced was founded by Mary Frost with the mission of delivering emotional and psychological support for the children and spouses of our deployed servicemembers. The Chesterfield, Mo. based organization accomplishes this mission through providing families with care packages. To date, Little Patriots Embraced has sent packages to families in over 30 states.
The organization plans to create a MD-TEC Fund (military dependent-tuition, emergency, and childcare fund) which will allow military spouses to pursue their educational goals, as well as provide other opportunities for families of the military. Recently representatives from Little Patriots Embraced made their way from Mo. to Washington, D.C. for the National Freedom Walk. The organization went to distribute information and partake in remembering the victims and families of 9/11’s tragic events and honor our veterans past and present. For more information, please check out: www.littlepatriotsembraced.org/

From the Troops:
“I want to thank everyone that is supporting us. It really helps us out when we are out there you have no idea. Thank you so very much and God bless America!”
- A1C, Air Force, David Yaronczyk, Enterprise, Ala.

“Thank you for all your support!!! We all appreciate it more than you know!”
- SPC US Army Rachael Oliveira, Quincy, Calif.

Our troops deserve to be applauded, and so do you!

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DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Michael L. Townes, 29, of Las Vegas, died Sept. 16 in Balad, Iraq, from a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 227^th Aviation Regiment, Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

America Supports You: Media Icon Sheds Light on 'Signature Wound'

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2007 - On Jan. 29, 2006, a roadside-bomb explosion near Taji, Iraq, started one TV news personality on a journey from war correspondent to casualty of war, and finally to co-founder of a fund-raising organization to improve awareness about traumatic brain injury.

Bob Woodruff, then co-anchor of ABC's "World News Tonight," was reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, the tank he was riding in was hit. The blast left the reporter with a traumatic brain injury.

During his recovery, he gained personal insight into what many servicemembers injured in Iraq are enduring, which prompted him and his family to found the Bob Woodruff Family Fund for Traumatic Brain Injury.

"The (fund) assists servicemembers injured while serving in the United States armed forces," Rene Bardorf, the fund's executive director, said. "Bob Woodruff and his family have become the face of the injured with whom both military and civilian sectors can relate."

More importantly, servicemembers and their families have said Woodruff's role as a journalist gave a voice to servicemembers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, she added.

"We believe that the Bob Woodruff Family Fund has a unique opportunity to assist servicemembers and their families by increasing public awareness and educating the American public on the hidden injuries of war," Bardorf said.

Often referred to as "the signature wound of the Iraq war," traumatic brain injury can cause lingering problems with speech and concentration. It also can trigger mood difficulties, including violence and anger issues, according to the fund's Web site.

The fund works with private industry and government entities to develop public awareness and advance the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

"We are committed to partnerships with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and private industry to develop excellence in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support and resources for the injured," Bardorf said. "We are truly hopeful that we will help to ensure that our young heroes and their families have access to a lifetime of state-of-the-art treatment options, education, employment opportunities, and other long-term support to help them reintegrate back into their communities."

After five months in a medically induced coma, Woodruff awoke on March 6, 2006. Through intensive speech and cognitive therapy and the relearning of what most would consider simple tasks, the reporter provided ABC with "To Iraq and Back: Bob Woodruff Reports" in February. The documentary detailed his recovery and looked closely at how traumatic brain injuries affect soldiers wounded in Iraq.

Since then, Woodruff has been making regular contributions to ABC news programming.

The Bob Woodruff Family Fund recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military members and their families serving at home and abroad.

"We're excited to collaborate with this DoD-sponsored nationwide program that recognizes the American public's support for our military men and women and communicates that support to servicemembers," Bardorf said. "It is our hope that this support will serve to improve the quality of life for our injured servicemembers, veterans and their families."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Sept. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Terry D. Wagoner, 28, of Piedmont, S.C.

Spc. Todd A. Motley, 23, of Clare, Mich.

Spc. Jonathan Rivadeneira, 22, of Jackson Heights, N.Y.

Pvt. Christopher M. McCloud, 24, of Malakoff, Texas.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Terrence P. Allen, 21, of Pennsauken, N.J., died Sept. 15 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

The Aerospace Corp. of El Segundo, California is being awarded a contract modification for $840,729,600. This action will exercise option 4 of the current contract is being exercised, which will extend the contract for one year to provide Scientific, Engineering and Technical Effort in support of the Space and Missile Systems Center and other Department of Defense Programs. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-1338. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center/PIK, 483 No. Aviation Boulevard, El Segundo CA 90245-4808 is the contracting activity (FA8802-04-C-0001, P00066).

BAE Systems Technical Services of Fort Walton Beach, Florida is being awarded a contract modification for $38,264,155. The action provides for Operation and Maintenance and Logistically Support the Solid State Phased Array Radar System at Cape Cod AFS, MA; Beale AFB, CA; Thule AB, GL; Clear AFS, AK, and RAF Flyingdales, UK. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (719) 556-1593. 21 CONS/LGCZB, 135 Dover Street, Suite 1055, Peterson AFB, CO 80914-1117 is the contracting activity (FA2517-06-C-8001, Modification No. P00046. This is the anticipated mod number and may change depending on the end of fiscal year activities).

Space Coast Launch Services (SCLS) of Patrick Air Force Base, Florida is being awarded a contract modification for $34,242,619. This action provides for Launch Operations Support Contract. The mission of the launch operations support program is to provide operations maintenance and engineering support to critical launch, spacecraft and ordnance facilities and support systems owned by the 45^th Space Wing. These facilities and systems are vital to the support of Department of Defense, civil and commercial space launch processing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The LOSC contractor is responsible for planning and executing all preventive and corrective maintenance and performing configuration changes to LOSC facilities and systems necessary to achieve the greatest operational availability for mission support. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (321) 853-0976. 45^th Contracting Squadron (LGCZL), 14640 Hangar Road, E & L Bldg 1704, MS 2037 (CCAFS), Patrick Air Force Base Florida 32925 is the contracting activity (FA2521-05-C-0008, Modification P00045).

CSC Applied Technologies LLC of Forth Worth, Texas is being awarded a contract modification for $33,569,625. This action provides for Operation and Maintenance for Vance Air Force Base OK in support of T-1A/T-38C/T- 38C IFF/T-6 undergraduate pilot training for a sixth-month period. This contract will extend the sixth option period by 6-months, 1 October 2007 through 31 March 2008. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (210) 652-7823. AETC CONS/LGCK, 2021 First Street West, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4302 is the contracting activity (F41689-00-C-0503-P00080).

DynCorp Technical Services of Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a contract for $31,882,518. This action provides for Acquisition of Base Operating Support (BOS) services for Keesler Air Force Base, MS., (BIG BOS). At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (210) 652-4856. AETC CONS/LGCK, 2021 First Street West, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4302 is the contracting activity (FA3002-07-C-0015).

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp. of Sunnyvale, California is being awarded a contract modification for $16,940,295. This effort is a change order that will modify the Mission Planning Element of the ground software of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite systems to accurately model and support current AEHF terminals and new AEHF terminals. This Mission Planning Element is the tool developed to model the Extremely High Frequency satellite communication plan. Additionally, this effort will also allow the Mission Planning Element to distribute transmission security keys for terminals using the Ultra High Frequency (UFO) Follow-On Enhanced Extremely High Frequency (E/EE) or Interim Polar satellite systems. Finally, two increments of the Mission Planning Element software being developed in parallel will be combined to create efficiencies to develop and maintain the software. The combination of the software increments will also mitigate the risk of incompatible planning tools between the United States and our International Partners in future coalition operations. At this time $8,470,148 has been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-8011. Military Communications Satellite Wing PKA, 483 North Aviation Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245-2808 is the contracting activity (FO4701-02-C-0002, P000258).

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. McLean, Virginia is being awarded a contract modification for $6,599,406. This contract action provides for additional Systems engineering and Integration (SE&I) effort and other direct costs for FY07 and FY08 supporting the Transformational Satellite Communications (TSAT) program segments. At this time $1,156,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-9525. SMC Military Satellite Communications Systems (MCSW) 483 north Aviation Blvd, Suite 1467-A8, El Segundo, CA 90245-2808 is the contracting activity (FA8802-04-7044/P00047).

UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

National Air Cargo Group, Inc., of Ypsilanti, Mich., is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500.00. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages weighing 151 to 300 lbs. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0005).

Ryan International Airlines, Inc., of Wichita, Kan., is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000.00 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500.00. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages weighing 151 to 300 lbs. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0006).

United Parcel Service, Inc., of Louisville, Ky., is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000.00 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500.00. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages and letters weighing 300 lbs or less. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0007).

US Airways, Inc., of Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages weighing 151 to 300 lbs. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0008).

NAVY

EDO Communications & Countermeasures Systems (EDO CCS), Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $171,809,487 firm-fixed-price, time and material/cost-only modification to exercise options on previously awarded contract N00024-07-C-6311, for production and support of 2,250 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems, to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicle Mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command Area of Responsibility. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense's Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks (87 percent) and Lancaster (13 percent), Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 5 proposals received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Thermo Eberline, LLC, Santa Fe, N.M., is being awarded a maximum $28,488,265 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00174-07-D-0006) to provide for an increase in "IdentiFINDER" quantities from 160 to 362. The identiFINDER is a lightweight hand held device used to identify isotopes when radiation is present or suspected. Work will be performed in Germany and is expected to be completed by June 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $19,329,192 firm-fixed-price, time & material contract to provide Service Craft Overhaul (SCO) aboard the U.S. Navy-floating dry-dock ARCO (ARDM-5) home-ported at Point Loma, Calif., and procure long lead-time material in support of the SCO. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $19, 329,192, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Federal Business Opportunities Website, with seven proposals solicited and two offers received. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.(N55236-07-C-0009)

Computer Sciences Corp., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $16,978,024 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for services in support of the Naval Network Warfare Command Cyber Asset Reduction and Security Task Force Program. This contract includes a base year and three option years, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $65,971,873. Work will be performed in Little Creek, Va. (95 percent); and various CONUS/OCONUS locations (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contract Department Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z053).

Vanguard Contractors, Paducah, Ky., is being awarded $16,839,590 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0002 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N40085-07-D-7019) to repair aircraft apron and bulkhead at Sewell's Point Area, Phase I and Phase II, at Naval Station Norfolk. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $14,986,321 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract (N00024-06-C-6256) to exercise an option to provide engineering services to analyze, design, fabricate, and integrate hardware and/or software solutions for Technology Infusion Methodology for Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) electronics based subsystems that collectively provide C3I functionality for delivery to U.S. Navy Submarine Platforms. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded an $8,700,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee order under Basic Ordering Agreement N00024-05-G-4417 to support Norfolk Naval Shipyard in its execution of the USS Scranton (SSN 756) Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA). DSRA will accomplish planning, maintenance, and repair work for selected work items on the USS Scranton. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (95 percent) and Groton, Conn. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $8,700,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn. is the contracting activity.

Capstone Corp.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded $7,889,686 for firm-fixed-priced Task Order #EJP1 under the previously awarded SeaPort-e contract (N00178-05-D-4232) which provides watchstander services at four overseas regional operations centers under the Commander Navy Installations Command. The total maximum task order amount, including two option periods, is $35,927,920. Work will be performed in Yokosuka, Japan; Guam; Naples, Italy; and Bahrain, and work is expected to be completed September 2008 (September 2010 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This task order award was competitively procured under the SeaPort-e multiple award task order contracts system as a 100% small business set-aside for Zone 2. Four proposals were received in response to the solicitation. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Reid Planning, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a not to exceed $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-quantity contract for architect-engineering services for professional engineering services for basic facility requirements and engineering evaluations for installations at locations under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic (NAVFAC Atlantic). Work will be performed in NAVFAC Atlantic's area of responsibility with the majority expected to be in the Continental United States and overseas, and work is expected to be September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Public Law 92-582, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 541-444, Brooks Act procedures via synopsis in Federal Business Opportunities, with 13 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-07-D-7016).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $7,067,000 modification to a previously awarded undefinitized contract action (N00019-07-C-0041) for the procurement of additional long-lead items in support of the production of Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) Low-Rate-Initial-Production air vehicle units. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in March 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Corp., St. Paul, Minn., is being awarded a $6,500,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0082) to procure Link-16/Integrated Tactical Picture (phase III) for the P-3 Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program aircraft. Phase III is International Marine/Maritime Satellite Non-Recurring Engineering services and installation. Work will be performed in Eagan, Minn. and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Eagle Picher Technologies, Joplin, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $5,800,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MK21 Silver Zinc Battery development and production. This product is a remotely activated, silver zinc battery. These batteries are very specialized and are predominately used in missiles. They can be dormant for 10-30 years and once needed, must become active within a second. Work will be performed in Quapaw, Okla., and is expected to be completed by July 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $2,000,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-6969)

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

American States Utility Services, Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif., is being awarded a $143,829,377.00 firm fixed price contract with prospective price re-determination for a 50-year contract period for ownership, operation and maintenance of water distribution system and wastewater collection system at Fort Jackson Army Installation, South Carolina. Using service is Army. Other location of performance is South Carolina. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 340 proposals originally solicited, and was also web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is December 2057. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8251).

American Water Operations and Maintenance, Inc., Voorhees, N.J., is being awarded a $98,112,542.00 firm fixed price with prospective price re-determination for a 50-year contract period for ownership, operation and maintenance of water distribution system and wastewater collection system at Fort A.P. Hill Army Installation, Virginia. Using service is Army. Other location of performance is Virginia. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 340 proposals originally solicited, and was also web solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is December 2057. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-8254).

US Foods International (USFI), Gardena, Calif.,* is being awarded a $62,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution. Using services are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Child Development Center. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This action represents invocation of the 3^rd option year. There were 15 proposals originally solicited with 2 responses. Date of performance completion is September 22, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia Pa.

(SPM300-07-D-3084).

Chautaugua County Chapter, NYSARC, Jamestown, N.Y.,* is being awarded a $23,620,745.24 firm fixed price contract for first aid kits, Using service is Air Force. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This action is a mandatory JWOD Procurement made in accordance with FAR 8.705-3. Date of performance completion is September 11, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia Pa. (SPM2DS-07-F-N001).

ARMY

GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 13, 2007, a delivery order amount of $37,905,443 as part of a $5,678,815,459 firm-fixed-price contract for Stryker Medical Evacuation Vehicles. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (60 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 6, 2006, and 17 bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051).

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company L.L.C., Oakbrook, Ill., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2007, a $34,320,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Columbia River Channel Improvement, Phase III Dredging. Work will be performed in Ridgefield, Wash. (25 percent), Longview, Wash. (25 percent), Kalama, Wash. (25 percent), and St. Helens, Ore. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 18, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 24, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Ore., is the contracting activity (W9127N-07-C-0028).

The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 13, 2007, a $25,500,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Procurement of a CH-47F New Build Production Helicopter. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 31, 2003. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-C-0012).

Big-D Construction Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded on Sept. 13, 2007, a $23,722,658 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and Construction of an F/A-22 Fueled Composite Overhaul/Test Facility. Work will be performed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 23, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0021).

General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2007, a $19,390,700 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for System Technical Support for the Abrams Tank Program. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).

Granite Construction Co., Watsonville, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2007, a $13,128,449 firm-fixed-price contract for Conversion of an Existing Interim Runway to a Main Taxiway. Work will be performed at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, and is expected to be completed by March 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 6, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0020).

MWH Americas Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Sept. 12, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,194,660 as part of a $21,885,310 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and Construction Repair Utilidors Phase VIII. Work will be performed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on July 18, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-05-D-0013).

Power Contracting Inc.*, Pittsburgh, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 13, 2007, a $9,972,233 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction or Retrofit of Permanent Vehicle Barriers, Other New Barriers, and Hybrid Fences. Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 15, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 24, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0040).

ECI Construction Inc., Stilwell, Kan., was awarded on Sept. 13, 2007, an $8,316,032 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of a Squadron Operations/Life Support Facility. Work will be performed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 30, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0057).

K& S Associates, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 13, 2007, an $8,060,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and Construction of an Administrative Facility. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 72 bids solicited on July 3, 2007, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0061).

* Small Business

Marine Missing From Korean War Is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Pfc. Carl A. West, U.S. Marine Corps, of Amanda Park, Washington. He will be buried Oct. 4 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

West was a member of Weapons Company, 1^st Battalion, 7^th Regiment, of the 1^st Marine Division deployed near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Nov. 27, 1950, three Communist Chinese divisions launched an attack on the Marine positions. Over the next several days, U.S. forces staged a fighting withdrawal to the south, first to Hagaru-ri, then Koto-ri, and eventually to defensive positions at Hungnam. West died on Dec. 8, 1950, as a result of enemy action near Koto-ri. He was buried by fellow Marines in a temporary U.N. military cemetery in Hungnam, which fell to the North Koreans in December 1950. His identity was later verified by the FBI from a fingerprint taken at the time of the burial.

During "Operation Glory" in 1954, the North Korean government repatriated the remains of 2,944 U.S. soldiers and Marines. Included in this repatriation were remains associated with West's burial. The staff at the U.S. Army mortuary in Kokura, Japan, however, cited suspected discrepancies between the dental remains and West's dental file as well as discrepancies between the biological profile derived from the remains and West's physical characteristics. The remains were among 416 subsequently buried as "unknowns" in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Hawaii.

In May 2006, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command exhumed remains from The Punchbowl believed to be those of West. Although the remains did not yield usable DNA data, a reevaluation of the skeletal and dental remains led to West's identification.

For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. Travis M. Woods, 21, of Redding, Calif., died Sept. 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Northern Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to3rd Battalion, 1stMarine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Department Releases Audio Recording of 9/11 Mastermind's Tribunal

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 - Defense officials today released the audio file of the March 10 Combatant Status Review Tribunal of terrorist leader Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, who masterminded the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In the tribunal at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Muhammad admitted to masterminding both the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. A written transcript of the hearing was released in March.

Five pages of the written text of the written transcript were eliminated from the audio file because of the potential impact of the statements in spoken form, including the possibility that sound bites could be used for propaganda or recruiting purposes, a Defense Department official said.

The tribunal was an administrative hearing to determine only whether Muhammad could be designated as an enemy combatant. Muhammad used the opportunity to submit, through an interpreter, a two-part personal statement with 38 terrorism-related admissions.

He pledged his jihad allegiance to Osama bin Laden and admitted to trying to destroy an American oil company in Indonesia owned by former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Muhammad also claimed responsibility for the 2001 attempted shoe bombing of American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris.

Muhammad is one of 14 high-value detainees who were transferred Sept. 6 to Guantanamo Bay from CIA custody.

Combatant Status Review Tribunals are one-time administrative processes used to determine whether detainees at Guantanamo Bay can be designated as enemy combatants.

Not all detainees chose to participate in the CSRT proceedings. Whether they participate or not, detainees have a right to a personal representative in the form of a U.S. military officer assigned to assist them and to receive an unclassified summary of evidence in advance of the hearing.

Hearings for the 14 high-value detainees were not open to media because of national security concerns, defense officials said.

The U.S. government established the CSRT process at Guantanamo Bay as a result of a June 2004 Supreme Court decision in the case of Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for bin Laden who challenged his detention at Guantanamo Bay. All detainees at Guantanamo Bay have been through the CSRT process, and dozens have been found to longer be enemy combatants and released or transferred to their home countries.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE

Raytheon Company of McKinney, Texas is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $86,115,000. This action provides for 27 Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems Model A (MTS-A), 19 Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems (MTS-B), 54 Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems Model A (MTS-A) Retrofits, 3 Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems Model B (MTS-B) Pre-Production Retrofits, and associated Shop Replaceable Unit (SRU) Spares to support the Predator/Reaper Program. At this time $10,135,251 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-6975. 658^th Aeronautical Systems Squadron, 2640 Loop Road West, RM 213, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7106 is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041, Delivery Order 0004).

Northrop Grumman Information Technology of Herndon Virginia is being awarded an infinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $49,800,000. This effort is a 60-month acquisition of two main focus areas and their respective components: 1) Engineering, Research and Development, and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and 2) Technology Advancement and Application. The focus areas include Intelligence, Information Warfare (IW), Electronic Warfare (EW), Information Operations (IO), Command, Control and Communications (C3), and Command Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) data, databases, data and information management, and related products. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (315) 330-4710. AFRL/IFKE, 26 Electronic Parkway, Rome NY 13441-4514 is the contracting activity (FA8750-07-D-0027).

Boeing Aerospace Operations of Oklahoma, OK is being awarded a contract modification for $13,881,379. This Contractor Logistics Support Umbrella Engineering Support Services provides sustaining and non-recurring engineering services to support research and development, aircraft modifications, aircraft maintenance and technical services for Boeing Commercial derivative military use aircraft. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (405) 739-5445. 727 ACSG/PKA, 3001 Staff Drive 1AG1 104A, Tinker AFB OK, 73145-3020 is the contracting activity (FA8106-07-C-0001-P00008).

Boeing Company of Anaheim, California is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $10,963,473. This contract action will provide Risk Reduction Prototype is intended to "get the Increment 2 next generation hardware moving" reduce Increment 2 technical risk by development of modern and processor modules and wideband high data rate capacity backplane to accomplish critical risk reduction and provide the hardware necessary to support core modem or signal in space waveform and initial terminal software development. At this time $ 3,046,534 has been obligated. For more information please call (781) 271-6091. 653BLSG/KCK, 5 Eglin Street, Bldg 1624, Hansom AFB, MA 01731-2115 is the contracting activity (F169628-02-0048/P00120).

BL3 Communications Corporation of Salt Lake City, Utah is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $8,737,924. This contract is for the build, installation, and test of fixed SATCOM terminals for the Predator/Reaper Program. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (937) 904-6975. 658^th Aeronautical Systems Squadron, 2640 Loop Road West, RM 213, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7106 is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3027 Delivery order 0016).

Cornejo and Sons, Incorporated of Wichita, Kansas is being awarded a requirements contract for $7,323,078.50. The contractor shall furnish all plant, labor, material, supplies, testing, supervision, transportation and incidentals necessary to accomplish the removing pavement. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (781) 271-6091. /KCK, 5 Eglin Street, Bldg 1624, Hansom AFB, MA 01731-2115 is the contracting activity (F19628-02-C-0048//P00120).

Summit Construction Inc. of Lake Winnebago, Missouri is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $6,322,000. This action provides for Streamlined Construction Improvement Program II, Add/Alter Commissary at Camp Pendleton, California. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (210) 671-8426. AETC Contracting Squadron, LGCR, Defense Commissary Support Flight, 2250 Foulois St., Suite 03, Lackland Air Force Base TX, 78236-1007 is the contracting activity (FA3002-07-D0021).

Booz Allen Hamilton, Incorporated of McLean, Virginia is being awarded a contract for $5,557,151. This contract action is for Emerging Technologies for Improved Situational Awareness to demonstrate Join Directors of Laboratories (JDL) Level II (situation assessment) and III Fusion (impact assessment through software development, engineering and testing of fusion architectures. At this time $216,000 has been obligated. For more information please call (315) 330-4710. AFRL/IFKE, 26 Electronic Parkway, Rome NY 13441-4514 is the contracting activity (FA8750-07-C-0181).

NAVY

International Military and Government LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $71,547,293 firm-fixed-priced modification to Delivery Order #0002 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for sustainment items and data requirements for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in theater. The CAT I (Category I) is a MRAP vehicle provided for the Marine Corps and other Joint Forces that is needed in convoy operations. The MRAP vehicles are required to increase survivability and mobility of troops operating in a hazardous fire area against known threats such as small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices. The Government shall purchase One-Year Forward Deployment Blocks, One-Year Maintenance Work Blocks, training, training materials and several contract data requirement lists for the MRAP CAT I vehicles. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and the deliveries are expected to be completed October 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

L-3 Communications-Electron Technologies, Inc., Torrance, Calif., is being awarded a $10,643,748 cost-plus-fixed-fee/firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for engineering services and production hardware for Traveling Wave Tube, in support of the SUB HDR (Submarine High Data Rate) System Program. Efforts will include Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) evaluations, repair parts, engineering & technical services, and fabrication of components related to the Traveling Wave Tube. Work will be performed in Torrance, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $86,415 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity (N66604-07-D-0990).

Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense Company, Simsbury, Conn., is being awarded an estimated $7,579,179 firm-fixed-price contract for MK 163 Mod 0 single Non-Electric Detonator, with in-line initiator. The MK 163 Mod 0 will be used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Special Forces to initiate explosive charges on demolition range and/or the battlefield. Work will be performed at Graham, Ky., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4286)

TranSystems Corporation, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a not to exceed $7,500,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-quantity contract for Architect-Engineering services for the design of small arms range facilities at locations under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic (NAVFAC Atlantic). Work will be performed in NAVFAC Atlantic's area of responsibility and worldwide, and work is expected to be September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Public Law 92-582, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 541-444, Brooks Act procedures via synopsis in Federal Business Opportunities on an unrestricted basis and seven proposals were received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-07-D-7002).

Sound & Sea Technology, Inc.*, Edmonds, Wash., is being awarded $5,779,083 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N62473-06-D-3005) to exercise option year three for engineering and technical services in support of the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC), Ocean Facilities Department, Port Hueneme, Calif. The work to be performed provides for ocean engineering services that include project planning and execution of sub-sea cable projects including shore landings, seafloor engineering, ocean work platform support, underwater construction tool development, offshore structure and buoy projects, marine power systems, heavy load handling engineering, and harbor and waterside security projects. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $22,722,557. Work will be performed at various installations under NFESC's area of responsibility worldwide, and work for this option is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Sauer Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2007, a $30,980,600 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of two Special Operation Forces Operational Facilities additions. Work will be performed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 24, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 230 bids solicited on Sept. 12, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0047).

Waukesha Foundry Inc.*, Waukesha, Wis., was awarded on Sept. 7, 2007, a $10,499,998 firm-fixed-price contract for P900 Plates for Mine Protected Ambush Resistant Vehicle Armor Kits. Work will be performed in Waukesha, Wis., and is expected to be completed by April 22, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 22, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0621).

MCC Construction Corp., Greenwood Village, Colo., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,500,000 as part of a $7,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design, construction, and renovations to barracks buildings. Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 24, 2006, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0041).

Outdoor Venture Corp.*, Stearns, Ky., was awarded on Sept. 12, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,620,960 as part of a $19,655,824 firm-fixed-price contract for Solar Shade Systems Types I and II. Work will be performed in Stearns, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 12, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 26, 2006, and ten bids were received. The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-06-D-0018).

Southern California Contractors Inc./West Coast General Corp. (Joint Venture), Poway, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2007, a $6,255,127 firm-fixed-price contract for aesthetic treatment and erosion control of the Lower Santa River Channel. Work will be performed in Orange County, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 10, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 7, 2007, and six bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0024).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

World Fuel Service Americas, Greenwich, Conn., is being awarded a $7,600,638.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for oil. Using services are the Army and Navy. Other locations of performance are Wilemstad, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 17 proposals originally solicited with 4 responses. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-06-D-0384).

Amputee Care Center Opens at Walter Reed

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 - Army National Guard Spc. Marco Robledo wants to go home to Arkansas in November standing on his own two feet. A roadside bomb claimed the combat engineer's left leg and arm in Iraq in May. Since then, he has been recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.

Every day he walks slowly around an indoor track attached to a harness. A lanyard connects the harness to a trolley locked into an aluminum track mounted to the ceiling. It makes a slow dragging sound as he steps forward with his prosthetic leg.

And so it slowly goes for Robledo -- step, drag, step, drag. He's making progress thanks, in part, to this one-of-a-kind walking system at Walter Reed's new Military Advanced Training Center.

The 31,000-square-foot, $10 million center opens today two months early and offers some of the most state-of-the-art care found anywhere in the world, officials said.

Patients began using parts of the facility, such as the indoor track and the Solo-Step system used by Robledo, last week.

The facility combines office and counseling space with workout facilities, data gathering, high-tech simulators, and even a family lounge with a full kitchen. It is designed to bring together all the hospital's elements of advanced amputee care, but much of it also will benefit other patients, such as those suffering from traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The hospital's gait lab has nearly doubled its size in the new building. The lab electronically records patients' movements while wearing prosthetic devices to give feedback to the patients and specialists on rehabilitation efforts. It can now record movements from 23 camera angles, up from eight, and has six force plates, up from four, that measure pressure put on the ground as steps are taken. It also added a treadmill built into the floor that will allow specialists, for the first time, to collect force plate data from soldiers while running.

"This lab is going to allow us to do so much more on the research and clinical side than we were able to do before," Brian Baum, a biomechanical engineer.

Capturing the data allows for more focused and faster rehabilitation for soldiers, he said.

"We can give feedback to the clinicians to help expedite their rehabilitation. So, if the patient's goal is to return to duty, we now have a more solid baseline," he said. "We can now look at a broader picture and really pinpoint rehabilitation from multiple angles, rather than just looking at walking. Returning to duty is a lot more than walking. Returning to a functional life is also a lot more than walking."

One of only three in the world, a high-tech computer-assisted rehabilitation environment was added to the center to help amputee soldiers adapt to real-life scenarios.

In front of a large projection screen, soldiers stand on an elevated, multi-axis platform that rocks and sways as the computer-driven scenario changes. In one scenario, the patients stand as if in a boat as it moves through a course. In other scenarios, patients are required to raise their hands while moving to hit objects that appear to be flying by. This helps patients become more stable and confident using their prosthetic devices.

An indoor running track encircles "upper-extremities" workout areas. One half of the top floor is open to allow soldiers to look down on others using the lower-extremities workout equipment. A climbing wall rises from the lower level, and climbing ropes and a rappelling wall allow patients to develop overhead skills and confidence. Windows allow sunlight to stream throughout.

Most of the equipment is standard fitness-center equipment to allow soldiers to transition from the center to a gym in their hometown or Army installation with no adjustment to their workouts, officials said.

Also among the treatment rooms is a weapons simulator to get soldiers back to shooting, a vehicle simulator to help them relearn to drive using prostheses, and areas that offer practice walking on uneven terrain features, such as sand, gravel and cobblestone.

Counseling offices offer a private view of the workout areas through two-way mirrored glass. Psychologists, social workers, benefits counselors, and case managers all have office spaces, offering a virtual one-stop shop for amputee care at the clinic.

Officials said that initial amputee care will still be managed in the main hospital clinics. The new center is for those who are in the more advanced stages of rehabilitation. It is designed to transition patients from their basic recovery to either returning home or to duty, they said.

The building was funded in September 2004, but building plans were nearly nixed after the Base Realignment and Closure Commission set Walter Reed to close in 2011. But after officials considered alternatives and found that the center needed to be built and quickly, construction began in November 2006 using a fast-track system. This allowed designers to apportion the plans and deliver just what the builders needed to start. To start, they delivered the designs that allowed excavation to start, then the structural designs to order the steel, and so forth.

This also allowed for changes to be made along the way that would better benefit patients, said Elihu P. Hirsch, project manager for the Army Corps of Engineers. For example, the Solo-Step used by Robledo was not in the original proposal, he said.

Hirsch said the visual reminders of those who would be using the facility helped to motivate the crews. Only steps away from the building is the helipad where wounded soldiers are delivered. Patients also walk around the hospital and the construction site using their prostheses.

"All along, you have the tangible reminder of why you're building the facility, and that gave everybody the added incentive to increase production," Hirsch said. "Everybody who worked on the project has been walking away with great feelings of satisfaction."

As of June, the hospital has treated almost 500 limb-loss patients from operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. It serves an average of about 100 daily. Stays for rehabilitation range from eight months to two years.

Texas, Louisiana Guard Troops Stand Ready in Hurricane's Wake

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 - Texas and Louisiana National Guard troops are standing by to assist residents affected by strong winds, heavy rains and flooding caused by Hurricane Humberto, state military officials said today.

The Texas National Guard has staged 150 personnel and 50 vehicles to respond to local authorities' needs if requested, said Army Lt. Col. Daniel Quick, who is posted at an emergency operations center in Houston.

"We've not had to respond at this point," Quick said. "The rain in the area where we have people is less than we'd expected."

The Category 1 storm crashed ashore early today in southeastern Texas. Its 80 mph winds and sheets of rain caused power outages in several Texas coastal communities.

"There was some wind-related power outages, but localized," Quick said. "It is mainly excessive rain, causing flooding."

The storm made landfall just east of Galveston, Texas, and then veered northeastward toward Louisiana, Quick said. Texas emergency-response authorities have been communicating with their Louisiana counterparts, he noted.

Louisiana seemed poised to take "the brunt of the hit" from Humberto, Quick said, noting that state is being pelted by wind-driven heavy rains.

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco has declared a state of emergency, and about 300 of that state's Guard troops are on standby to respond to storm-caused emergencies, if called upon by local authorities, Louisiana Army National Guard spokeswoman Capt. Taysha P. Deaton reported today from Lafayette, La.

"We're having a lot of rain. It's just pouring," Deaton said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of seven soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Sept. 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related vehicle rollover. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Yance T. Gray, 26, of Ismay, Mont.

Staff Sgt. Gregory Rivera-Santiago, 26, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

Sgt. Michael C. Hardegree, 21, of Villa Rica, Ga.

Sgt. Omar L. Mora, 28, of Texas City, Texas.

Sgt. Nicholas J. Patterson, 24, of Rochester, Ind.

Spc. Ari D. Brown-Weeks, 23, of Abingdon, Md.

Spc. Steven R. Elrod, 20, of Hope Mills, N.C.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

CONTRACTS

UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

Air Transportation International, of Little Rock, Ark., is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000.00 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500.00. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages and letters weighing 300 lbs or less. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0002).

Continental Airlines, Inc., of Houston, Texas, is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000.00 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500.00. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages weighing 151 to 300 lbs. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0003).

Federal Express Corporation, of Washington, D.C., is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000.00 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500.00. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages and letters weighing 300 lbs or less. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0009).

Miami Air International, of Miami, Fla., is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000.00 (base year plus three one-year options). The contract award value is $2,500.00. The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages weighing 151 to 300 lbs. Work will be performed internationally. The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0004).

NAVY

Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $134,380,000 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Complex at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for construction of five FY 2007 projects (MARSOC Headquarters, MARSOC Intel Facility, Maintenance Complex, Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, and Battalion Aid Station) and six FY2008 projects (Supply/Deployment/Isolation Facility, Academic Instruction Facility, Special Operations Equipment Facility, Operational Support Facilities, MARSOC Training Facilities, and Fitness Center/Training Pool), consisting of 34 new structures comprising nearly 1 million square feet. Collectively, these projects will construct the necessary administrative/headquarters, operational/maintenance/mission support, training and housing facilities to support approximately 1,950 MARSOC Marines to be stationed at Stone Bay. The contract contains three options totaling $82,780,000, which may be exercised within 365 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $217,160,000. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 139 offers solicited and four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-1900).

Rockwell Collins Network Enabling Software, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a maximum $45,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Tactical Air Control Party, Close Air Support System (TACP CASS) software development, deployment, maintenance, and training. The TACP CASS provides digital communications between the tactical air control party, close air support aircraft and various air and battlefield Command and Control (C2) and Situational Awareness (SA) systems. Work will be performed in Poway, Calif., and is expected to be completed in July 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind. is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-6686).

Planning Consultants, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va. is being awarded a $10,994,087 modification under previously awarded contract (N00178-04-C-2004) to exercise an option for engineering expertise in support of Research and Development, Total Ship System Engineering and Combat System Engineering advanced technology initiatives for modernization of current systems on surface ship combatants. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (97 percent) and the Governments of Japan (1 percent); South Korea (1 percent); and Spain (1 percent) for the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Va. (90 percent) and Virginia Beach, Va. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation of Sunnyvale California is being awarded a contract modification for $78,600,773. This is contract modification to the existing engineering, manufacturing, and development contract for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) High Component. This contract action will exercise the option that provides for FY2008 continued sustainment to the Contractor Logistics Support and Legacy Sustainment effort. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation will provide personnel and infrastructure including supplies and services, to specifically perform space and ground software maintenance, depot maintenance, training, communications maintenance, increment "2" Tactical Intelligence off-line processing and Integrated Training Suite operations. At this time no funds have been obligated. For more information please call (310) 653-4505. Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Based Infrared Systems Wing, 483 N. Aviation Boulevard, Los Angeles AFB, El Segundo CA 90245-4659 is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0017, P00459)

McDonnell Douglas Corporation, A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, of Long Beach, California, is being awarded a contract modification for $35,336,603.42 (increase). This is a contract modification to the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) contract to increase funding for FY05 and FY07 Material Improvement Projects (MIPS) for the USAF. The MIP program was established on P00037 based on estimated performance requirements for non-recurring engineering and retrofit. This estimated annual program does not identify specific MIPs to be performed, just general requirements. At this time $43,336,603.42 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 656-9310. MSW/516 AESG/PK, Building 558, Room 118B, 2590 Loop Road West, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7142 is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P000195).

Harris Technical Services Corporation of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is being awarded a contract option for $23,719,438 (Estimated). This action provides for operations and maintenance, Services to be provided to Air Force Space Command's 50^th Space Wing, to include: configuration management, electrical power system management, small computer hardware maintenance, and database applications support, 24 hour maintenance management, industrial safety, communications security, information management, Local Area Network management, communications network control center operations, telephone operations, and visual information management, communications circuit management, satellite control center support, computer operations support, communications-computer system maintenance and operation for the Defense Satellite Communications System, Secure Communication Systems, MILSTAR, and other operations in support of the Air Force Satellite Control Network. At this time all funds have been obligated. For more information please call (719) 567-7342. 50^th Contracting Squadron, 210 Falcon Parkway, Suite 2116, Schriever AFB, CO 80912-2116 is the contracting activity (FA2250-02-C-0007, modification number P00078).

Marvin Engineering Company Incorporated of Inglewood, California is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $20,937,965. This action provides for MAU-12 Bomb Ejector Rack and related spares applicable to F-16 aircraft. First order quantity is 120, total maximum quantity is 1408. This effort support foreign military sales to Greece. At this time $1,353,220 has been obligated. For more information please call (478) 926-9264. 542^nd Combat Sustainment Wing, Contracting Flight, 782^nd CBSSS/GBKAA, 460 Richard Ray Boulevard, Suite 200, Robins AFB GA 31098-1813 is the contracting activity (FA8520-07-D-0018)

Boeing Company, of St Louis MO, is being awarded a contract for $16,141,431. This action provides for Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), Full Rate Production 4 (FRP4) for the F-15E, Retrofit Kits and Group B Hardware. At this time $16,110,949 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 656-6119. 641 AESS/PK, 2725 C Street, Blgd 553, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7425 is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-0026, Delivery Order 0066).

Raytheon Company of Marlborough, Massachusetts, is being awarded a contract modification for $15,999,871. The ultimate objective of this contract is to build an array of sub-apertures capable of transmitting, receiving, and rapidly steering spatially phased optical energy and images in which each sub-aperture should be transmissive; demonstrate a modular, scaleable architecture capable of scaling to large apertures and high powers with applications of interest include: laser weapons, laser targeting/sensing, laser communications, and laser countermeasure. At this time $4,170,833 has been obligated. For more information please call (937) 656-7197. AFRL/PKDB, Bldg 167, 3210 8^th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7801 is the contracting activity (FA8650-05-C-7211; P00003)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Courtney Hollinsworth, 26, of Yonkers, N.Y., died Sept. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and grenades. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Cpl. Carlos E. Gilorozco, 23, of San Jose, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Jon T. Hicks Jr., 20, of Atco, N.J.

Both Marines died Sept. 10 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were both assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 9^th Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

John Deere Construction Retail Sales, Moline, Ill., is being awarded a $125,710,449 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ordering quantity of 540 Medium Crawler Tractors and associated manuals, spares and training. The initial delivery order is for seven out of the 540 Medium Crawler Tractors with accessories available on the contract and is valued at $1,906,966. Work will be performed in Moline, Ill., and work is expected to be complete by September 2012. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a full and open competition award. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-5024).

MTM Construction, Inc.*, City of Industry, Calif., is being awarded a not to exceed $30,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity job order contract for various new construction, alteration, repair and renovation of general building construction projects at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton; Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach Detachment, Fallbrook; and Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif. (87 percent); Fallbrook, Calif. (3 percent), and Bridgeport, Calif. (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a set-aside for 8(a) small business concerns via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 13 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Resident Officer in Charge of Construction, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-6309).

Raytheon Co.,/Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $22,478,622 firm-fixed-price modification to procure 32 Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM) and 40 shipping containers, under a Foreign Military Sales case with the United Arab Emirates and for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium. This modification procures ESSMs for the United Arab Emirates and containers for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium. FMS Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Andover, Mass. (10 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); Australia (11 percent); Germany (8 percent); Canada (7 percent); The Netherlands (6 percent); Norway (5 percent); Spain (3 percent); Denmark (1 percent); Greece (1 percent); and Turkey (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5431).

L3 Communications, Titan Corp., Aviation and Maritime Services Division, Marlton, N.J.; and Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., are each being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for management support services for Deputy Chief of Operations, Communications Networks' (N6) Warfighting Requirements, Manpower & Business Transformation Initiatives. For L3 Communications, the base amount is $21,385,102 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $126,671,104. For Booze Allen Hamilton, the base amount is $23,786,808 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $144,652,770. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va. (96 percent); Norfolk, Va. (2 percent); and Millington, Tenn. (2 percent). Work is expected to be complete September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was competitively procured and solicited through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with two offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity. (L3 Communications: N00189-07-D-Z051; Booze Allen Hamilton: N00189-07-D-Z050).

Innovative Defense Technologies, Washington, D.C., is being awarded a $15,421,395 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Phase III Small Business Innovative Research contract to provide for research and development, engineering, and engineering services for Automated Test and Retest (ATRT) of the Navy's Open Architecture (OA) efforts and of the Navy's combat and weapons systems. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with multiple firms solicited and 28 offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va. is the contracting activity (N00178-07-D-2006).

Goodrich Corp., Aircraft Interior Products, Propulsion Systems, Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a $12,823,200 firm-fixed-price contract for digital recovery sequencers in support of the CAD/PAD (Cartridge-Actuated Devices and Propellant-Actuated Devices) Joint Program Office, Naval Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (36 percent) and the Governments of Korea (15 percent); Saudi Arabia (10 percent); Turkey (8 percent); Egypt (8 percent); Singapore (6 percent); Thailand (4 percent); Belgium (3 percent); Greece (3 percent); Italy (2 percent); Norway (2 percent); Denmark (2 percent); and Taiwan (1 percent); under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-C-K099).

L3 Communications Henschel Inc., Newburyport, Mass., is being awarded an $11,371,907, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, for acquisition of various quantities of Digital Ship Control Systems, Remote Displays and Navigation Converters in support of the LSD 44 Midlife Program. The contract will also provide engineering and technical services related to all LSD Ship Control Systems and associated hardware. Work will be performed in Newburyport, Mass., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three proposals received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (N65540-07-D-0019)

Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $8,761,874 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0001 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1059) for repair of Barracks, Building 555, Phase 4, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $7,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4003) for efforts to operate the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD), Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn. The NRMD is responsible for project management, planning, training, and services to accomplish submarine maintenance, modernization and repairs. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by July 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $7,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.

Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $6,387,296 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-01-C-0109) to exercise options for organizational, selected intermediate, and depot-level maintenance for aircraft operated by the Adversary Squadrons based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Fla.; NAS, Fallon, Nev.; and Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. Work will be performed in Key West, Fla. (40 percent); Fallon, Nev. (30 percent); and Yuma, Ariz. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $6,387,296 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded $6,254,009 (subject to the availability of funds) for Modification 03 to Task Order 0001 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Global Contingency Services Contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Philippines Operations Support in the Republic of the Philippines for the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines. Work will be performed in the Republic of the Philippines, and has an expected completion date of April 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

U.S. Oil Trading LLC, Tacoma, Wash., is being awarded a $107,092,057.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel. Using service is the Defense Energy Support Center. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was FBO solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008 The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0502).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

9/11 Survivor Returns to Tell Story of Hope

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - Minutes after terrorists slammed a hijacked commercial airliner into the Pentagon six years ago today, Army Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell thought he was going to die.

Birdwell laid burning and bleeding on the second floor at the intersection of the 4th corridor and the E Ring, only yards from where the nose of the plane penetrated the walls. More than 60 percent of his body was blistered, his lungs were seared and he couldn't stand.

Birdwell said he made his peace with God, and gave up the fight for survival.

But he didn't die.

Not then, nor hours later when he thought he might in the emergency room. Not six days later when Birdwell said his final goodbyes to his 12-year-old son because chances of his survival were not even one percent.

Now recovered, retired and living in Texas, Birdwell returned today to the Pentagon to tell his story of survival, hope and spiritual growth.

"This is the place that the Lord spared my life," he said when asked about how it felt to return.

"We're here to remember those that were lost and those who are serving because of those lost. So it's a great day to be back in the building," Birdwell said.

Speaking to a standing-room-only crowd in the Pentagon auditorium, Birdwell good-naturedly made light of the extent of his injuries that day.

While lying on the floor after the explosion, waiting to die, "Instead of hearing 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant," all I got was just more well done," he joked.

But the humor was no cover for the emotion in his voice when he earlier described lying in the darkness and screaming to Jesus, saying "I'm coming to see you."

Birdwell said the blast was not like those pictured in Hollywood movies, in which characters are able to see a ball of flame coming toward them and make a conscious decision to evade its blast.

"There was just that nanosecond between hearing the sound and then the concussion, the blast, the fire," Birdwell said. "I was tossed around like rag doll. The next thing I know is I'm trying to get up. It's black except for the ambient light of fires. I'm on fire. I got to my knees once."

After the blast, unable to stand and unsure of which direction in the darkness to take, Birdwell said he collapsed to the floor and waited for "that feeling of the soul departing the body."

"It didn't come. I was like 'Okay, Lord, I'm still waiting. I'm ready," he said.

Instead, Birdwell said he started feeling cold water dripping on his face. It was coming from the sprinkler system and extinguished the fire on his body.

Minutes later Birdwell was able to open his eyes and he saw the reflection of some lights down the 4th corridor. Leaning against the wall for balance, he staggered a few yards toward the light.

Fires were burning and debris was scattered everywhere. Smoke was pouring down the hallway. Birdwell's access badge and name tag were melted, he was covered in blood, and his clothes were literally burned from his back.

"I didn't know what was ahead of me but I knew that I needed to get moving,' he said.

At the C Ring door, he saw some friends.

"In that moment of relief that there were people there I just ... collapsed in front of them," Birdwell said.

The four carried him to what had become a hasty triage area and an Air Force doctor gave him a shot of morphine and an IV. Both were given in his feet, because his feet weren't burned.

From there, Birdwell was taken by golf-cart out of the Pentagon, to an SUV, and was rusted to Georgetown University Hospital. He was later flown, once airspace was no longer restricted, to Washington Hospital Center.

He spent the next 92 days there undergoing excruciating treatments, physical therapy and surgeries. In all Birdwell has had 39 surgeries ranging from those that were lifesaving, to reconstruction for his face and ears.

Birdwell said there is no way to describe the pain that a burn victim goes through during recovery.

"You're like a cracker. Everything's crisp. Nothing wants to bend," he said. "There is no medication that makes you comfortable. There is medication that steps you back from the edge of the Grand Canyon, that makes it quasi-tolerable, but much of what has to be done to you is pretty painful."

"With that (tracheotomy) in your throat there's no air going over your vocal cords. The Lord's the only one that can hear you screaming in your mind," Birdwell said.

Of the nine that were sent to the burn unit that day, only two were expected to live. Eight survived, he said.

Birdwell joked about seeing one of his fellow burn victims for the first time in the hospital.

"I remember the first day I saw John [Yates] in physical therapy and I looked at him and said what in the 'blank' happened to him. And then John looked at me and said the same thing," Birdwell said.

Remarkably, Birdwell returned to work the following March, although he only worked a few hours a day, two days a week. By his own account, he didn't contribute much to the office, but it was the principle behind his going to work that made him make the trip.

Just walking in and out of the building daily was exhausting, he said, because of permanent lung damage caused by the smoke and the jet fuel vapors.

"The first day I came in ... I had to sit on the bench for 10 minutes because I was huffing and puffing," he said.

But it was the memories of his two coworkers who died in the attack that kept him persistent, Birdwell said.

"I wanted to be back in the building. I wanted to have that sense of purpose and mission of getting better, being part of the team. Two of my coworkers were never going to come back in. and by the lord's grace I was coming back in," Birdwell said.

One day, during his early days of painful physical therapy, a pastor told him that "God never wastes our pain." At the time, the words were disregarded because Birdwell's focus was on the pain and getting through the therapy.

But later, in 2002, a young man was badly burned and the Washington Hospital Center burn unit called Birdwell asking if he would visit to encourage the patient.

That was when the pastor's words rang true for Birdwell, and his painful experiences began shaping the direction for the rest of his life.

The former Field Artillery officer eventually got his strength back, adding more days and longer hours and then back to his regular to his schedule. But, as his retirement approached, the couple struggled with the decision to stay in, or retire from the Army. Physical disabilities would keep Birdwell from being promoted, and he wasn't sure he wanted to serve from behind a desk.

He retired July 1, 2004, and, with his wife, Mel, began Face the Fire Ministries which is a nonprofit organization that serves critical burn survivors and wounded servicemembers.

"An 80-ton, 757 came through at 530 miles an hour with 3,000 pounds of jet fuel and I'm still here and the plane isn't," Birdwell said. "You don't' survive that because the Army made you tough. You survive it because the Lord's got something else in mind for you."

A self-described "crispy, old guy," Birdwell said he now enjoys visiting wounded servicemembers. On his trip from Dallas to Washington for the ceremony, he stopped a servicemember in the airport to shake his hand.

"To go see young men and women who have willingly said, 'Send me,' is a great opportunity to say 'Thank you,'" he said.

Now, Birdwell lives relatively pain free, is busy with his ministry, his son just started college, and they are just "normal folks."

Even so, the family has a greater appreciation for life, he said.

"We always understand what's most important because we've had a very graphic reminder of how precious life is," Birdwell said.

This has started a very intentional tradition for Birdwell, his wife and son. One that in six years, they have protected. One that, before Sept. 11, 2001, was not given much thought.

"When we are going to be apart, we always make sure we very clearly say goodbye. That way there is always that last remembered moment," he said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Javier G. Paredes, 24, of San Antonio, died Sept. 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from a rocket propelled grenade.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

CONTRACTS NAVY John Deere Construction Retail Sales, Moline, Ill., is being awarded a $125,710,449 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ordering quantity of 540 Medium Crawler Tractors and associated manuals, spares and training.The initial delivery order is for seven out of the 540 Medium Crawler Tractors with accessories available on the contract and is valued at $1,906,966. Work will be performed in Moline, Ill., and work is expected to be complete by September 2012.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract is a full and open competition award. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-5024). MTM Construction, Inc.*, City of Industry, Calif., is being awarded a not to exceed $30,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity job order contract for various new construction, alteration, repair and renovation of general building construction projects at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton; Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach Detachment, Fallbrook; and Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport.Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif. (87 percent); Fallbrook, Calif. (3 percent), and Bridgeport, Calif. (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured as a set-aside for 8(a) small business concerns via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 13 proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Resident Officer in Charge of Construction, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-6309). Raytheon Co.,/Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $22,478,622 firm-fixed-price modification to procure 32 Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM) and 40 shipping containers, under a Foreign Military Sales case with the United Arab Emirates and for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium.This modification procures ESSMs for the United Arab Emirates and containers for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium.FMS Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Andover, Mass. (10 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); Australia (11 percent); Germany (8 percent); Canada (7 percent); The Netherlands (6 percent); Norway (5 percent); Spain (3 percent); Denmark (1 percent); Greece (1 percent); and Turkey (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5431). L3 Communications, Titan Corp., Aviation and Maritime Services Division, Marlton, N.J.; and Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., are each being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for management support services for Deputy Chief of Operations, Communications Networks' (N6) Warfighting Requirements, Manpower & Business Transformation Initiatives.For L3 Communications, the base amount is $21,385,102 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $126,671,104.For Booze Allen Hamilton, the base amount is $23,786,808 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $144,652,770.Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va. (96 percent); Norfolk, Va. (2 percent); and Millington, Tenn. (2 percent).Work is expected to be complete September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This requirement was competitively procured and solicited through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with two offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity.(L3 Communications: N00189-07-D-Z051; Booze Allen Hamilton: N00189-07-D-Z050). Innovative Defense Technologies, Washington, D.C., is being awarded a $15,421,395 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Phase III Small Business Innovative Research contract to provide for research and development, engineering, and engineering services for Automated Test and Retest (ATRT) of the Navy's Open Architecture (OA) efforts and of the Navy's combat and weapons systems. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with multiple firms solicited and 28 offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va. is the contracting activity (N00178-07-D-2006). Goodrich Corp., Aircraft Interior Products, Propulsion Systems, Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a $12,823,200 firm-fixed-price contract for digital recovery sequencers in support of the CAD/PAD (Cartridge-Actuated Devices and Propellant-Actuated Devices) Joint Program Office, Naval Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md.Work will be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., and work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (36 percent) and the Governments of Korea (15 percent); Saudi Arabia (10 percent); Turkey (8 percent); Egypt (8 percent); Singapore (6 percent); Thailand (4 percent); Belgium (3 percent); Greece (3 percent); Italy (2 percent); Norway (2 percent); Denmark (2 percent); and Taiwan (1 percent); under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-C-K099). L3 Communications Henschel Inc., Newburyport, Mass., is being awarded an $11,371,907, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, for acquisition of various quantities of Digital Ship Control Systems, Remote Displays and Navigation Converters in support of the LSD 44 Midlife Program.The contract will also provide engineering and technical services related to all LSD Ship Control Systems and associated hardware.Work will be performed in Newburyport, Mass., and is expected to be completed by September 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three proposals received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (N65540-07-D-0019) Douglas E. Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $8,761,874 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0001 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1059) for repair of Barracks, Building 555, Phase 4, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Four proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $7,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4003) for efforts to operate the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD), Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.The NRMD is responsible for project management, planning, training, and services to accomplish submarine maintenance, modernization and repairs.Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $7,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $6,387,296 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-01-C-0109) to exercise options for organizational, selected intermediate, and depot-level maintenance for aircraft operated by the Adversary Squadrons based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Fla.; NAS, Fallon, Nev.; and Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz.Work will be performed in Key West, Fla. (40 percent); Fallon, Nev. (30 percent); and Yuma, Ariz. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $6,387,296 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded $6,254,009 (subject to the availability of funds) for Modification 03 to Task Order 0001 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Global Contingency Services Contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Philippines Operations Support in the Republic of the Philippines for the Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines.Work will be performed in the Republic of the Philippines, and has an expected completion date of April 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY U.S. Oil Trading LLC, Tacoma, Wash., is being awarded a $107,092,057.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel. Using service is the Defense Energy Support Center. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was FBO solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0502).

Petraeus, Crocker Wrap Up Testimony Citing Progress, Challenges in Iraq

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - The top U.S. military commander and diplomat in Iraq entered their third round of congressional testimony this afternoon reiterating their belief that although the mission in Iraq is challenging, it's making progress the United States can't afford to let slip.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker reported to the Senate Armed Services Committee the signs of progress they've seen in Iraq, as well as the frustrations.

Much of the testimony mirrored discussions aired during marathon sessions over the past two days. Petraeus and Crocker testified for about six hours yesterday before the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, then returned to Capitol Hill this morning for a four-and-a-half-hour Senate Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.

Petraeus reiterated this afternoon that the U.S. troop surge has shown sufficient progress for him to recommend a plan to begin drawing down the 30,000 surge troops starting next month. That plan, if President Bush approves it, would bring the U.S. force in Iraq to pre-surge levels of about 130,000 by mid-July.

It would be premature to predict the pace of further U.S. troop cuts now, the general said. Doing so would be "misleading and even hazardous," he said.

March will be a better time to get "a better feel for the security situation, the improvements in the capabilities of our Iraqi counterparts and the enemy situation," he told committee members.

Pressed by the senators to predict when a larger-scale drawdown can take place, Petraeus said making such a call now would "be doing a disservice to our soldiers." He told the senators he's "as frustrated with the situation as anybody else," and wants to see the U.S. force reduced "as quickly as we can."

Petraeus and Crocker said they're heartened by a variety of factors in Iraq: less violence, fewer civilian deaths and the trend in which sheiks and tribal leaders have started to cooperate with Iraqi security forces and coalition troops to oust al Qaeda and other extremists from their regions.

The general noted that Iraqi security forces are shouldering more security responsibility. He and Crocker expressed optimism that former Sunni insurgents have been accepted into the Iraqi police and security forces in some of the provinces, and that some former members of Saddam Hussein's army are being offered jobs in the security forces.

These efforts demonstrate that "the seeds of reconciliation are being planted," Crocker told the senators.

Petraeus acknowledged shortcomings within Iraq's security forces. He conceded that Iraq's national police lag far behind their army counterparts and that sectarian rifts have appeared within that force's ranks.

And despite progress made, it's too soon for U.S. troops to hand over to its current mission to Iraqi security forces so it can focus on counterterrorism efforts, he said.

Petraeus also shared Crocker's frustration that national political efforts are moving slower than hoped and slower than security progress.

Petraeus told the senators that he and Crocker agree that U.S. objectives in Iraq are achievable but that they will take patience. "I believe Iraq's problems will require a long-term effort," he said. "There are no easy answers or quick solutions. And although we both believe this effort can succeed, it will take time."

Withdrawing U.S. troops prematurely "would likely have devastating consequences," he said.

Petraeus emphasized during the testimony that he was painting a true picture of conditions on the ground, independent of Pentagon, White House or congressional influence.

"My responsibility, as I see it, is not to give a good picture," he said in response to a senator's question. "It is to give an accurate picture."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Sammie E. Phillips, 19, of Cecilia, Ky., died Sept. 10 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a vehicle rollover.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, Kentucky Army National Guard, Carlisle, Ky. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Lance M. Clark, 21, of Cookeville, Tenn., died Sept. 7 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. The incident is under investigation.

Petraeus Cites Encouraging Examples of Iraqi Political Reconciliation

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - There is encouraging evidence of political reconciliation in Iraq despite legislative stalls on key issues, including oil revenue sharing, the top U.S. military commander there said here today.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today that an oil revenue-sharing law has been proposed in Iraq's Council of Representatives, but no legislation that governs the disbursement of the country's lucrative resource has been passed. "But Iraq is actually sharing oil revenue. ... In fact, (it is) very similar to what is likely to happen if the bill as currently envisioned is passed," he said.

Petraeus joined U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker during the second of two days of hearings on the status of the war and political developments in Iraq.

"What I draw some encouragement from ... is again the activity that is ongoing actually in the absence of legislation," Petraeus said. "It has not worked out the way we had hoped with respect to the national legislation, but there have been these other activities that have given us some cause for hope."

Delaware Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., the committee chairman, began today's hearing with a moment of silence for the nearly 3,000 people killed during terrorist attacks this day six years ago. In stark contrast, several times during the hearing, vociferous war protesters shouting anti-war tirades were forced from the Hart Senate Office Building.

Petraeus said there are many examples of the Iraqi government making incremental progress, "where the big law, the national reconciliation, has not taken place, but there are steps just happening, there are actions being taken that give you hope that they can indeed reconcile with one another," he said.

There is no general amnesty law for former insurgents, Petraeus said, but "conditional immunity" is occurring in areas like Abu Ghraib, a Shiia-Sunni fault line. Some 1,700 former Sunni Arab insurgents now are being accepted into an Iraqi police academy there. "That's a very significant step, and candidly, that is what gives some encouragement," the general said.

Petraeus noted that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has formed a national reconciliation committee that works to move local volunteers into Interior Ministry or Iraqi security force roles, in addition to other conciliatory initiatives. Such measures were successful in Anbar province, where a roughly 20,000-strong police force now adheres to the Interior Ministry's chain of command.

Crocker echoed Petraeus' remarks, saying that despite challenges, "the seeds of reconciliation are being planted."

Reiterating comments he made during a hearing yesterday before the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, Crocker said he was encouraged in late August when Iraq's five most prominent national leaders issued a communiqué expressing their commitment to working through key issues including de-Baathification and balancing provincial power. Additionally, the leaders publicly stated their desire to develop a long-term relationship with the United States.

Crocker and Petraeus agreed that premature withdrawal of U.S. forces would have devastating consequences in Iraq.

The general said rapid drawdown would produce a number of dangerous results, including the possible disintegration of Iraqi security forces, an erosion of local security initiatives, a handover of control to al Qaeda and an invitation to increased sectarian violence.

"I ... believe that the best way to secure our national interests and avoid an unfavorable outcome in Iraq is to continue to focus our operations on securing the Iraqi people while targeting terrorist groups and militia extremists," Petraeus said, "and as quickly as conditions are met, transitioning security tasks to Iraqi elements."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Alexander U. Gagalac, 28, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, died Sept. 9 in Hawijah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from a rocket propelled grenade during combat operations.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27thInfantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25thInfantry Division, Schofield, Barracks, Hawaii

Surge Has Reduced Violence, Petraeus Tells Fox News

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2007 - The troop surge in Iraq is helping reduce violence and has put al Qaeda "off balance," but a premature withdrawal of troops could enable terrorists to regain their losses, the top military commander in Iraq said last night on Fox News Channel.

"Al Qaeda is still the element in Iraq that carries out the most significant attacks (and) causes the most casualties" while feeding violence between Iraq's factions, said Army Gen. David H. Petreaus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq. "There's still work to be done, although the reduction (in violence) is substantial."

Petraeus noted that sectarian violence over the past two weeks is at its lowest point since June 2006.

The general reiterated points made earlier yesterday during six hours of testimony before the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees. He will testify today, again with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker, during separate hearings before the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees.

Petraeus told Fox News last night that although progress in Iraq is evident, it's taking place unevenly, and not as quickly as hoped.

He said that he had recommended a gradual drawdown of surge troops in Iraq beginning next month, but said it's too soon to consider timetables for larger-scale redeployments.

Both Petraeus and Crocker said they believe in the mission in Iraq and have faith it can succeed.

Petraeus expressed confidence in the way Iraqi security forces are shouldering increasing responsibility and in the fact that tribal leaders and sheiks are starting to work with them and U.S. forces to counter al Qaeda.

Defeating al Qaeda in Iraq will have "tremendous payoff," he said, particularly because the al Qaeda organization considers Iraq its central front. Should the coalition fail it would be "a huge lift" and "shot of adrenaline" for al Qaeda, he said.

Crocker called progress in the war pivotal to establishing stability in Iraq that will extend far beyond its borders. "I think we have a prospect now of helping bring into being an Iraq that is ... a source of stability and security in the region. And I think that's important," he said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Drew N. Jensen, 27, of Clackamas, Calif., died Sept. 7 in Seattle of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations May 7 in Ba'qubah, Iraq.He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Petraeus Says Troop-Reduction Plan Has Solid Military Backing

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2007 - Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, commander of U.S. Central Command, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff fully support Army Gen. David H. Petraeus' proposal for reducing troops in Iraq to pre-surge levels by mid-July, Petraeus told Congress today.

The recommendation, which President Bush must approve for it to be put into effect, would reduce the U.S. force in Iraq from 20 to 15 combat brigade teams next summer.
Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees today that coalition and Iraqi forces have made significant security progress since the surge began. "As a result, the United States will be in a position to reduce its forces in Iraq in the months ahead," he said.

Petraeus recommended no replacements for two units that make up the surge force: a Marine expeditionary unit to redeploy later this month, and an Army brigade combat to redeploy in mid-December. He also recommended that four additional brigade combat teams and two surge Marine battalions redeploy without replacement during the first seven months of 2008.

"Five Army brigade combat teams, a Marine expeditionary unit and two Marine battalions represent a very significant force," he said. "They are the force, in fact, that have helped us substantially in achieving some of the recent gains that our troopers have fought so hard to achieve."

Petraeus said his proposed timeline for a drawdown of these surge forces reflects a careful consideration of conditions on the ground, successes made to date, and what's needed to maintain and build on those successes.

Petraeus said the plan represents a careful balance of important factors. Among them, he said, is the fact that political progress in Iraq will take place only if there's enough security. Meanwhile, he said, he recognizes that force reductions as the surge runs its course will benefit the long-term viability of U.S. ground forces.

In developing his proposal, he said, he factored in operational requirements as well as demands on the force. He said he's "very aware" of strains on the force, particularly among ground troops.

Based on these considerations, Petraeus said, he and Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, worked through the "battlefield geometry" to come up with the plan.

"I believe that this is the approach to take to sustain the gains that we have achieved, to build on them, to transition to Iraqi security forces as quickly as we possibly can," he said.

Petraeus said it's too soon to determine how quickly additional troop reductions can take place.

"I do not believe it is reasonable to have an adequate appreciation for the pace of further reductions and mission adjustments beyond the summer of 2008 until after mid-March of next year," he said.

He cautioned against withdrawing troops too quickly. "There are no easy answers or quick solutions. And though we both believe this effort can succeed, it will take time," he said.

Petraeus said his assessment underscores the recognition that a premature drawdown of U.S. forces would have devastating consequences.

"Lieutenant General Odierno and I share this assessment," he said. "(We) believe that the best way to secure our national interests and avoid an unfavorable outcome in Iraq is to continue to focus our operations on security the Iraqi people while targeting terrorist groups and militia extremists, and, as quickly as conditions are met, transitioning security tasks to Iraqi elements."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Marisol Heredia, 19, of El Monte, Calif., died Sept. 7 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related injury July 18 in Baghdad, Iraq.She was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

History Of 9/11 Attack On The Pentagon Published The Department of Defense has announced today that the Historical Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Naval Historical Center and with the assistance of the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps historical offices, has published a detailed, carefully documented history of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. Copies are available today for sale from the U.S. Government Printing Office at 1-(866) 512-1800 or online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov/collections/pentagon911.jsp . "Pentagon 9/11"is the most comprehensive account to date of the attack and its aftermath, examining both the impact of the deadly assault on the Pentagon building and its occupants and the compelling rescue and recovery effort that followed. Five authors, led by Office of the Secretary of Defense Historian Alfred Goldberg, worked from more than 1,300 oral history interviews to produce a sweeping narrative in words and pictures, including many previously unpublished photographs, that provides graphic testimony to the scale and force of the attack and the strength and courage of survivors, rescuers, and responders who fought the fires, ensured security, and cared for the dying and injured. Publication of this important volume coincides with the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack.

CONTRACTS NAVY The Boeing Co., Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded $21,359,727 modification under previously awarded contract (N00030-07-C-0002) to exercise options for TRIDENT II (D5) Navigation Subsystem.Specific efforts include:(1) engineering support services and problem investigations for U.S. and U.K. owned Electrostatically Supported Gyro Navigator (ESGN) navigation inertial equipment, (2) modification, refurbishment, and repair of U.S. and U.K. ESGN instruments and components, (3) TRIDENT II (D5) shipyard overhaul field engineering, (4) U.S. Fleet Documentation, Surveillance Program, and training.Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif., and is expected to be completed September 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded based on a sole source acquisition.The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-07-C-0002). R. A. Burch Construction Co. Inc., Ramona, Calif., is being awarded a $17,303,788 firm-fixed-price Task Order 0005 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-03-D-7056) for repair of Hangar 1 at Naval Air Station Lemoore.The work to be performed provides for rehabilitation and bringing Aircraft Hangar 1, Building 210, up to current standards.The contract contains three options which may be exercised within 120 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $18,815,531.Work will be performed in Lemoore, Calif., and is expected to be completed by February 2009.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Two proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Alton Science & Technology, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $15,000,000 basic indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to develop technologies to fill the warfighting capability gap related to Rapid Closure and Sea-Based Operations of Ground Forces.The Phase I effort (Task Order 0001) will include the analysis and dynamic simulation of the entire system, and the design, construction, and factory testing of a one-third to one-half scale model of the ramp. Tests will include dynamic or quasi-static torsional loading representing the extremes of Sea State 4 motions predicted for the target vessels.Work will be performed in Chicago, Ill., and work is expected to be completed September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via Office of Naval Research Broad Agency Announcement 06-030.Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-07-D-1085). Conti Environment & Infrastructure, Inc., South Plainfield, N.J., is being awarded a $14,173,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new C-17 Landing Zone at Naval Air Engineering Station, Lakehurst.The work to be performed provides for a new 3,500 foot long by 90 foot wide bituminous landing zone with 10 foot wide paved shoulders parallel to existing runway 06/24.The project includes connecting taxiway, airfield lighting, markers, a Portland cement concrete turnaround, site work and other incidental related work.Work will be performed in Lakehurst, N.J., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 40 proposals solicited and five offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-3213). Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems, Inc., Reston, Va., is being awarded a $12,050,463 modification to previously awarded contract (N00178-04-C-2006) to exercise an option for continuing engineering support for the development, installation, integration, maintenance and testing of Combat System Simulation and Stimulation Equipment for the Aegis Program and Open Architecture.This combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($2,479,223) and the government of Japan ($288,793) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Va. (65 percent); Mount Laurel, N.J. (20 percent); New Church, Va. (7 percent); San Diego, Calif. (5 percent); and Arlington, Va. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity. Atlantic Contingency Constructors, LLC, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded $10,328,385 for Task Order0002 under a previously awarded cost reimbursement plus award fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, global contingency multiple award construction contract (N62470-06-D-6007) for repair and minor construction projects at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti.The work to be performed provides for water distribution replacement, muse power plant integration, repair of south fence and wall, and electrical upgrades.Work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. Guam Industrial Services, Inc., Santa Rita, Guam, is being awarded a $9,760,936 firm-fixed-price contract for a 90-calendar-day regular overhaul of Military Sealift Command's fast combat support ship USNS Bridge.The regular overhaul will include replacing of the air conditioning plant; installation of forward and aft marine sanitation devices; preservation of the underwater hull; examination and polishing of the propeller; propulsion shafting; rudder and keel examinations; overhaul of sea valves and drydocking.The ship's primary mission is to rapidly replenish Navy task forces. Bridge is able to carry more than 177,000 barrels of oil; 2,150 tons of ammunition; 500 tons of dry stores; and 250 tons of refrigerated stores. The ship receives petroleum products, ammunition and stores from shuttle ships and redistributes these items simultaneously to carrier strike group ships. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $12,950,417.Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and work is expected to be completed December 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Military Sealift Command's web page, with two offers received.The Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, is the contracting authority (N40442-07-C-2006) USSOCOM EWA Government Systems, Inc., in Herndon, Va., is being awarded a two-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract with a ceiling of $10,520,799.10.The Program Management Reconnaissance and Surveillance Office of U.S. Special Operations Command Intelligence and Information Systems Program Executive Office requires development of prototype systems/technologies in support of the Special Reconnaissance Capabilities, Tagging Tracking and Locating, Microelectronics and Application Specific Integrated Circuit Development Programs in accordance with USSOCOM requirements. The places of performance for each effort under this contract will be Herndon; Montpelier, Vermont; and Fairmont, W.V.The two-year ordering period will be completed in September 2009. The contract number is H92222-07-D-0030.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Ryan A. Woodward, 22, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Sept. 8 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations near Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Petraeus: Surge in Iraq Works; Reductions Could Begin by Summer 2008

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2007 - Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees today that the surge in Iraq is showing progress, and that he believes troop reductions to pre-surge levels could begin by summer 2008 without jeopardizing gains made.

Petraeus joined U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker during the first of two days of hearings on the status of the war and political developments in Iraq.

The general told committee members that he recommended a drawdown of surge forces in Iraq to President Bush and defense leaders.

Petraeus said he recommended that a Marine expeditionary unit deployed as part of the surge not be replaced when it leaves Iraq later this month and that one of 20 U.S. combat brigades not be replaced when it redeploys in mid-December. If the general's recommendations are approved, four more brigade combat teams and two surge Marine battalions could redeploy without replacement during the first seven months of 2008.

This plan, which Petraeus emphasized must be carried out with close scrutiny to changing conditions on the ground, would bring the U.S. presence in Iraq to a pre-surge level of 15 brigade combat teams by mid-July. These force reductions would continue beyond pre-surge levels, Petraeus said, but it's too soon to recommend how quickly they should occur, he said.

Bush is expected to announce his decision on the recommendations later this week.

Petraeus emphasized as he began his testimony today that it reflected his own independent assessment. "Although I have briefed my assessment and recommendations to my chain of command, I wrote this testimony myself," he said. "It has not been cleared by, nor shared with, anyone in the Pentagon, the White House or Congress."

Based on a wide range of variables, Petraeus told the committees today, he's convinced the surge is working. "As a bottom line up front, the military objectives of the surge are, in large measure, being met," he said.

He noted that in recent months, in the face of tough enemies and brutal summer heat, U.S., coalition and Iraqi security forces have achieved security progress.

"While there have been setbacks as well as successes and tough losses along the way, overall, our tactical commanders and I see improvements in the security environment," he said. "Based on all this and on the further progress we believe we can achieve over the next few months, I believe that we will be able to reduce our forces to the pre-surge level of brigade combat teams by next summer without jeopardizing the security gains that we have fought so hard to achieve," he said.

U.S. and Iraqi forces have focused on improving security, especially in Baghdad and the areas around it, wresting sanctuaries from al Qaeda control and disrupting the efforts of Iranian-supported militia extremists, he said.

New practices, including the one in which units now live among the people they are securing, are paying off, Petraeus told the congressmen. He reported "substantial" progress in expanding previous gains in Anbar province, clearing Baqubah and other key Baghdad neighborhoods and pursuing al Qaeda in the Diyala River Valley and elsewhere.

Also promising, Petraeus said, is that tribal leaders are beginning to reject al Qaeda. He called this trend, which began in Anbar province and is spreading elsewhere in Iraq, among the most significant development in Iraq in the past eight months.

"Though the improvements have been uneven across Iraq, the overall number of security incidents in Iraq has declined in eight of the past 12 weeks, with the numbers of incidents in the last two weeks at the lowest levels seen since June 2006," he said. Despite reductions in ethno-sectarian violence, Petraeus conceded it remains at "troubling levels."

The general attributed the decline in violence to "significant blows" that coalition and Iraqi forces have dealt al Qaeda in Iraq. "Though al Qaeda and its affiliates in Iraq remain dangerous, we have taken away a number of their sanctuaries and gained the initiative in many areas," he said.

He expressed confidence in Iraqi security forces as they continue to grow and shoulder more security responsibility. Iraqi elements have been "standing and fighting and sustaining tough losses, and they have taken the lead in operations in many areas," he said.

However, he noted that progress has been slower than hoped, and that, in some cases, sectarianism has appeared within the ranks.

Despite a "complex, difficult and sometimes downright frustrating" situation in Iraq, Petraeus said he believes it's possible to achieve U.S. objectives there over time. He emphasized, however, that "doing so will be neither quick nor easy."

Competition among ethnic and sectarian communities vying for power and resources remains the fundamental source of the conflict in Iraq, he told the committees. "The question is whether the competition takes place more, or less, violently," he said.

Petraeus noted that foreign and home-grown terrorists, insurgents, militia extremists and criminals all push ethno-sectarian competition toward violence. Iranian and Syrian influence fuels that violence.

Meanwhile, the general said, lack of adequate governmental capacity, lingering sectarian mistrust and various forms of corruption add to Iraq's challenges.

Petraeus said his recommendations for the way ahead in Iraq will build on security improvements U.S. and Iraqi forces have fought hard to achieve in recent months. "It reflects recognition of the importance of security to the population and the imperative of transitioning responsibilities to Iraqi institutions and Iraqi forces as quickly as possible," he said.

However, he emphasized, it resists "rushing to failure," emphasizing an ongoing need to support Iraqi security forces' development and highlighting the importance of diplomacy to Iraq's long-term success. He expressed concern that moving too quickly could reverse progress made.

Petraeus emphasized the key role U.S. troops have played in successes made, calling them the best equipped and most professional force the country has ever seen. "Impressively, despite all that has been asked of them in recent years, they continue to raise their right hands and volunteer to stay in uniform," he said.

Petraeus told the joint committee he considers it a privilege to lead "America's next greatest generation" in Iraq. "Our country's men and women in uniform have done a magnificent job in the most complex and challenging environment imaginable," he said. "All Americans should be very proud of their sons and daughters serving in Iraq today."

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Christopher L. Poole Jr., 22, of Mount Dora, Fla. Cpl. Bryan J. Scripsick, 22, of Wayne, Okla. Staff Sgt. John C. Stock, 26, of Longview, Texas Sgt. Michael J. Yarbrough, 24, of Malvern, Ark. All four Marines died Sept. 6 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were all assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died from wounds sufferedwhen an improvised explosive devicedetonated near their vehicle during combat operations Sept. 6 in Mosul, Iraq.They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed were: Sgt. Lee C. Wilson, 30, of Chapel Hill, N.C. He died Sept. 6 in Mosul. Spc. Jason J. Hernandez, 21, of Streetsboro, Ohio.He died Sept. 7 in Mosul. Spc. Thomas L. Hilbert, 20, of Venus, Texas.He died Sept. 7 in Mosul

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Sept. 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. Killed were: Sgt. Joel L. Murray, 26, of Kansas City. Spc. David J. Lane, 20, of Emporia, Kan. Pvt. Randol S. Shelton, 22, of Schiller, Park, Ill.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense No. 1088-07 FOR RELEASE AT September 07, 2007 Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public/Industry(703) 428-0711 CONTRACTS UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND ASTAR Air Cargo, Inc., of Wilmington, Ohio, is being awarded one of nine multiple awards of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price contract with a total maximum value of $400,000,000 (base year plus three one-year options).The contract award value is $2,500.00.The contractor is to perform international express delivery of packages and letters weighing 300 lbs or less.Work will be performed internationally.The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2011.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and nine offers were received.The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-08-D-0001). NAVY Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a not to exceed $144,855,203 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Embedded Platform Logistics System (EPLS).EPLS is a modification program to be installed on existing platforms to enhance operational readiness and logistics actions.Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (40 percent); La Mesa, Tijuana, B.C, Mexico (35 percent); Pinellas, Florida (15 percent); and Dakota, Minneapolis (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce On-line website, with one proposal solicited and four offers received.The Marine Corp Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-3004). Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $51,256,029 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6324) to exercise an option for nine AN/AQS-20A Sonar Mine Detecting Low Rate Initial Production Systems, seven Installation Kit Electronic Equipment Kits, and two Remote Minehunting System Towed Body Modification Kits.The mission of the AN/AQS-20A Sonar, Mine Detecting Set is minehunting in direct, organic support of the Carrier Strike Group and the Expeditionary Strike Group through deployment on the Littoral Combat Ship.Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (88 percent), and Tucson, Ariz. (12 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a firm fixed priced delivery order on a basic ordering agreement contract in the amount of $30,850,222 for procurement of initial and wholesale spares requirements for various weapons replaceable assemblies that are required to support the system used on the MH-60R helicopter.Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., and is expected to be completed by October 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-06-G-011F-5004). Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp., Seattle Division, Seattle Wash., is being awarded a $26,745,864 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-4152) to exercise an option for performance of the Dry Docking Ship Planned Incremental Availability of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74).The aim of this modification is to provide year-round maintenance to maximize vessel readiness.Work will be performed in Bremerton, Wash., and is expected to be completed in March 2008.Contract funding in the amount of $26,745,864 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Wash., is the contracting activity. ARINC Engineering Services, LLC, Annapolis, Md., is being awarded a $22,474,494 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed fee performance-based contract to provide engineering support contract to include surveys, site/system evaluation, management, software support, training, technical design, system integration, installation, testing, fabrication, research, prototyping, maintenance, research and logistics required for Aviation Command and Control systems in the CONUS and OCONUS Area of Responsibilities.The contract contains four option periods and two award term provisions, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $169,639,971.Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by September 2008.If all options and award term years are exercised, work could continue until September 2014.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 30 proposals solicited and one offer received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6880). Planning Systems, Inc., Reston, Va., is being awarded a $15,425,944 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for basic and applied research in the areas of ocean dynamics and prediction oceanography.This effort is to enhance existing products and models and develop new ones to extend the Navy's understanding of the ocean environment that can be transitioned to operational use.This effort will benefit the Navy's capabilities for real-time ocean monitoring, nowcasting and forecasting.Work will be performed at the Stennis Space Center, Miss., and is expected to be completed September 2012.This contract was competitively procured under the Naval Research Laboratory Broad Agency Announcement 73-07-01, with one offer received.Because the solicitation was electronically issued the number of potential offerors who received the solicitation is not available. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity (N000173-07-C-8012). Utah State University Research Foundation, North Logan, Utah, is being awarded $9,999,908 for cost-plus-fixed-fee completion task order #0007 under previously awarded contract (N00173-02-D-2003) for research in the area of Time Critical Sensor Image/Data Processing - specifically: advanced networking, compression/image processing, and ground/control station sensor processing.Under this task order the contractor will be required to support the development and demonstration of hardware and software systems for airborne and ground-based acquisition, recording, screening, dissemination, fusion, and exploitation of multi-INT sensor systems for manned and unmanned reconnaissance and surveillance systems.Work will be performed in North Logan, Utah, and is expected to be completed September 2012.Contract funds will not expired by the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Aeroflex Corp., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $6,742,226firm-fixed-price requirements contract for manufacture of radio test sets to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system.Work will be performed in the United Kingdom, and is expected to be completed by September 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with 14 proposals solicited and one offer received.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-D-D012). Teledyne Benthos, North Falmouth, Mass., is being awarded a $6,082,535 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing arrangement for services to analyze, develop and refine algorithms, firmware, testing procedures, software, and hardware in support of communications and navigation for undersea nodes and gateway nodes, fixed and mobile, manned and unmanned.The awardee will participate in experiments, analyze data, provide reports and technical papers, present technical briefings on developments, and build supporting hardware, such as interface cables and test boxes.All work will be performed in North Falmouth, Mass., and is expected to be completed August 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured in order to continue work from a project performed under the Small Business Innovative Research program, Phase I and Phase II, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(5). The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0006). AIR FORCE General Atomics of San Diego, California is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $94,341,404.This action will provide for 36 Predator MQ-1B Aircraft, Aircraft Spares, RSP kits, Hellfire Missile Kit Installation, IMA's and core tasks. At this time, all funds have been authorized.For more information please call (937) 904-6986.658 AESS/PK, Building 557, 2640 Loop Road West, Rm 213, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base OH 45433-7106 is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 0027). BAE Systems, Advanced Technologies of Washington DC is being awarded a contract for $17,944,647.The objective of the ARGUS program is to develop a system that provides a real-time, high-resolution, wide area video persistent surveillance capability and transition this capability to the military.At this time, $5,054,772 has been authorized.For more information please call (937) 255-5186.AFRL/PKDA, Bldg 167, 8th 2310 Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base OH 45433-7801 is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-7732). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, of Long Beach, California is being awarded a contract option for $11,812,524.94.This action provides for eleven Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Guided Laser Turret Assembly (GLTA) kits and options for eleven installs.At this time all, funds been obligated.For more information please call (937) 255-0835.516th AESG/PK, 2590 Loop Road West, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base OH 45433-7142is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00108). ARMY Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Austin, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 5, 2007, a delivery order amount of $28,152,000 as part of a $56,304,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of Combat Aviation Brigade Hangars.Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 19, 2006, and eight bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-07-D-6003). AM General, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2007, a $26,191,358 firm-fixed-price contract for up-armoring and transportation of M1151 Vehicles.Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind. (75 percent), and Umm Qasr, Iraq (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 7, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 7, 2007.The Multi-National Security Transition Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-07-C-0044). Dynamic Flowform Corp.*, Billerica, Mass., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $19,268,765 as part of a $19,268,765 firm-fixed-price contract for British stainless steel trail tubes in support of the M119 Program.Work will be performed in Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 3, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-D-5025). L-3 Communications System West, Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded on Aug. 31, 2007, a $16,328,300 firm-fixed-price contract for Enhanced Remote Operations Video Enhanced Receiver III Systems.Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 30, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0209). Watterson/Davis (Joint Venture), Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Aug. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,369,250 as part of a $170,565,756 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a child development center.Work will be performed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 17, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on June 28, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (DACA85-02-D-0011). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 31, 2007, a $9,729,555 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Full-Rate Production II for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (20.8 percent), East Camden, Ark. (76.8 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (2.4 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 Nov. 9, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0001). Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $9,447,444 as part of a $9,447,444 firm-fixed-price contract for rebuilding of the M1075 Palletized Load Systems, plus missing parts.Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 23, 2004.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-04-D-0322). SOC-SMG, Minden, Nev., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2007, a $7,312,630 firm-fixed-price contract for internal security services for Forward Operating Bases.Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on Aug. 20, 2007, and three bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GDW-07-A-4004). AM General, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 5, 2007, a $6,933,465 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for incorporating engineering change proposals into vehicle configuration for the M1165A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY AT&T Government Markets, of Vienna VA, was awarded a competitive Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), modification extension for an additional ceiling amount of $23,500,000. This ceiling increase is for an additional nine months of performance with two additional three-month option periods . The new period of performance began on 01 September 2007 through 31 May 2008. Performance will be provided globally through video services for DoD and other government organizations (DVS-G). The contract extension proposal was issued as an other than full and open competitive action and posted in FedBizOpps on 11 July 2007, with no offers received. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO), Scott AFB, IL is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Valley Apparel, L.L.C., Knoxville, Tenn.,* is being awarded a $6,788,400.00 firm fixed price contract for flyer's jackets. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising option year two. The original proposal was Gateway solicited with 7 responses. Date of performance completion is September 11, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-4050).

Defense Historians Document 9/11 Pentagon Attack

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2007 - Nearly six years after a terrorist-controlled plane slammed into the Pentagon, killing 184 people aboard the plane and in the building, Defense Department historians

"Pentagon 9/11" is a narrative history based on a multitude of information sources, including 1,300 oral histories gathered in the immediate aftermath of the attack. The book became available this week through the U.S. Government Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov and also through commercial vendors.

"It's the first scholarly study of what happened at the Pentagon on 11 September 2001," said Randy Papadopoulos, a historian with the Naval Historical Center, who co-authored the book. "The 9/11 Commission Report, very rigorously researched, doesn't really talk about the Pentagon very much and what happened here."

Thanks to intensive interviewing in the aftermath of the attack conducted by personnel in Defense Department history offices, Papadopoulos said historians know more about what happened during the Pentagon attack than they do about what happened at the World Trade Center.

"Something else that stands out, which is really, I think very important from the point of view of the public, is that it's a real opportunity ... to gain some insight into the mindset of military people and what happens to them in a crisis," Papadopoulos.

Each oral history collected filled in another piece of a scattered puzzle, he said. For instance, there were two young Marines who heard the explosion, looked at each other and ran toward the noise to see how they could help.

"I think that this book and the oral histories that supported it ... show how the military really takes care of its own," Papadopoulos said.

Nancy Berlage, an editor in Office of the Secretary of Defense's Historical Office and another co-author, agreed the book takes the events that occurred at the Pentagon on Sept. 11 down to the human level.

"I think one of the most important things about this book is we know that this is an event that happened to the nation," she said. "We all saw it, but what we tried to do with this book is show how it affected people on a very personal level, what their personal experience was, what their reaction was, how they felt about being there."

The team of authors learned about more than the individual experiences as they conducted their researched, however. For instance the effects of recently completed renovations to one wedge of the Pentagon that was hit were mixed, said Diane Putne, a historian in the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Historical Office.

"Renovations brought features that were really a two-edged sword," she said.

The blast-proof windows didn't explode into deadly shards, and ballistic cloth in the walls did its job protecting employees from brick fragments. But all the force that was being absorbed by these reinforcements had to go somewhere, and it did, blowing a hole in a wall of one of the building's interior alleys.

But, as the oral accounts revealed, the sprinkler systems did their jobs and created welcomed relief from smoke and helped suppress the fires in certain areas of the building.

The research also revealed the successful coordination between area emergency response groups. That can be attributed in part to frequent events in the nation's capital which require such cooperation to deal with large crowds and road closures, the authors said.

The information gathering that quickly ensued, and included material evidence, gives Putney a position from which to dispute theories doubting the existence of a plane.

"I have ho doubt it was American Airlines Flight 77 (that hit the building)," she said. Her statement is based on visual evidence, a piece of the plane that was discovered and bore the American Airlines logo.

The authors said they worked through the challenge of selecting the most pertinent information and compelling oral accounts and meshing them together to create a moving history that was as accurate as possible.

"We could not even begin to imagine what it was like," Berlage said. "I hope what comes across is the real human condition and the experience of this tragic event."

Alfred Goldberg, the historian of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Rebecca Hancock Welch, who has served as a historian several government historical centers, also lent their knowledge and expertise to the project.

England: Pentagon's 9/11 Memorial 'America's Memorial'

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2007 - When it is completed in about a year from now, the Pentagon Memorial will commemorate the sacrifice of not only the 184 victims who died here, but also those who perished at the other Sept. 11, 2001, attack sites in New York City and Pennsylvania, Deputy Secretary Gordon R. England said here today.

"It is very fitting and proper that we remember all those who were killed here that day with this memorial, because this is just not a memorial here at the Pentagon, this is America's memorial," England said at a gathering of Pentagon Memorial Fund managers, private and corporate donors, family members of victims, and construction workers.

The world experienced irreversible change as a result of the Sept. 11, terrorist attacks on the United States, England said. Nearly 3,000 people were killed at the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.

People forget that citizens from 60 different nations were among those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks with terrorist-hijacked airliners, England said next to the memorial's construction site adjacent to the Pentagon.

England also saluted America's servicemembers and coalition partners, noting they've "served so magnificently since 9-11 to protect our freedoms and our liberties."

Jim Laychak, president of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, said key features of the two-acre memorial are 184 illuminated benches that represent each victim of the Pentagon attack. Laychak lost his brother, David, during the attack.

"You think back about how awful you felt that day," Laychak said. "And, then you come out here and look at the progress that's being made, and you look at what we've done."

The Pentagon Memorial is "a way to take such a tragic event and turn it into something positive," Laychak said.

About $15 million has been collected for construction of the memorial so far, he said, noting another $7 million is needed. Victims' families also want to collect another $10 million to be used to maintain the memorial.

"But, the focus right now is making sure we get the money to finish the construction," Laychak said. Communications firm AT&T and the nation of Taiwan each contributed $1 million toward construction of the Pentagon Memorial, he said. Other donors who've made significant contributions include the nation of Australia, the commonwealth of Virginia, and the state of Maryland, he added.

Establishing the Pentagon Memorial "is a labor of love for all of us," Laychak said. "It's a labor of love for the families; it's a labor of love for the people that are working on this project.

"And, I am looking forward to the day a year from now, when I say to people: 'I welcome you to the Pentagon Memorial.'

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class David A. Cooper Jr., 36, of State College, Penn., died Sept. 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related injury.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Delmar White, 37, of Wallins, Ky., died Sept. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, Kentucky Army National Guard, Carrollton, Ky.

CONTRACTS NAVY KEYS Energy Services, Key West, Fla., a municipal electric energy provider, is being awarded an estimated $75,181,200 contract to provide electrical utility services to naval activities in the Key West, Florida area.The work to be performed provides for the supply of electrical service utilities to include providing of the electrical commodity and the equipment required to transport the commodity to the activities.Work will be performed in Key West, Fla., and work is expected to be completed September 2017.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.In accordance with Florida statues, KEYS Energy Services was the only source solicited as they are the current provider of electrical utility services for naval activities in the Key West area.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0096). ITT Night Vision, Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a maximum $37,099,828 fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a maximum of 5,200 submersible monocular night vision systems (Navy); 2,500 submersible monocular night visions systems (Coast Guard); 3,000 head mount face mask assemblies; 7,500 head mounts; 3,000 head straps for personnel armor system for ground troops helmet; 3,000 head straps for modular integrated communications helmet (MICH); 3,000 low profile 3-hole MICH mounting brackets; and associated data.Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $5,610,300 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured by a request for proposals with multiple firms solicited and one offer received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8550). Dockwise USA, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $25,156,325 firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursables for the charter of a contractor-owned heavy lift ship for the Navy's MPF(F) R&D Program.The ship covered under this contract is the MV TRANSSHELF, which is Netherlands Antilles-flagged and is contractor-owned and operated.The ship will support research and development efforts of the Department of Defense through testing and demonstration of various maritime preposition force future concepts and technologies. Work will be performed primarily in waters off Norfolk, Va., and work is expected to be completed by October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with more than 200 proposals solicited and one offer received.The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command is the contracting authority (N00033-07-C-3100). Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded an $8,303,584 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0008).This delivery order is for the procurement of AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receivers, enhanced antenna detectors (EAD) and enhanced integrated antenna detectors (EIAD) in support of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Finnish Air Force (FiAF) for the F/A-18 aircraft.This order provides for 88 each EADs and EIADs for the RAAF; and six each EADs and EIADs for the FiAF.Work will be performed in Lansdale, Pa., and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the RAAF ($7,773,568; 94 percent) and the Finnish Air Force, ($530,016; 6 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Correction:The contract awarded on August 27, 2007, to Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Sudsbury, Mass., (N000104-07-D-ZD51), does not contain a provision for options.The total amount of the contract will be $49,081,437 from orders issued. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Sinclair Refining Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded a $48,477,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, partial set aside contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are Wyoming. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 69 proposals originally solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0507).

Nevada Guard Aids Search for Missing Pilot Fossett

By Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

Searching in some of the most remote areas in the most mountainous state in the United States, Nevada National Guard members continue to seek the whereabouts of millionaire adventurer and pilot Steve Fossett today.

The Nevada Air National Guard launched a C-130 Hercules airplane equipped with "Scathe View" technology at about 8 a.m. today.

The Nevada Army Guard also dispatched a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to assist in the search, which encompasses several hundred square miles of northwestern Nevada and stretches into the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California.

"The area we are looking in is about 600 square miles," wrote Air Force Capt. April Conway, the Nevada National Guard public affairs officer, via e-mail from the aircraft. "We are searching from about 75 miles west of Yerington to about 100 miles east of Yerington and south into Mammoth, Calif."

The Nevada National Guard C-130 also had flown last night, until 2 a.m. today. Conway said the Nevada Air Guard C-130 and the Army Guard UH-60 were the only aircraft in the region equipped to search at night.

A Nevada Army Guard observational helicopter equipped with forward-looking infrared radar also participated in the search yesterday. The system enables pilots to steer their vehicles at night and detect warm objects against a cold background even in complete darkness.

The Nevada Air Guard's Scathe View imagery system consists of a sensor mounted to a modified C-130. The turret is controlled by on-board imagery analysts working at a sensor control workstation. The analysts can link full-motion video to ground staff for review. The Scathe View equipment is manned by the Nevada Air Guard's 152nd Intelligence Squadron.

The aerial search yesterday included 14 aircraft and featured grid searches over more than 7,500 square miles, which is an area larger than Connecticut.

Other organizations assisting in the search and providing aircraft are the Nevada and California Civil Air Patrols and California and Nevada Highway Patrols.

According to wire reports, Fossett, 63, the first person to circle the world solo in a balloon, took off solo early Sept. 3 from the Flying M Ranch, a private airstrip owned by hotel magnate William Barron Hilton and located about 70 miles southeast of Reno near Yerington. The Bellanca Citabria Super Decathlon that he was flying is equipped with a locator that sends out a satellite signal after a rough landing, but no such signal has been received by aviation officials.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Fossett did not file a flight plan. "We believe he was looking for dry lake beds," Conway told the Washington Post. "It was just supposed to be an up-and-down trip."

Apparently, he was scouting out areas for a land-speed record attempt. A northern Nevada newspaper said Fossett has an application pending before the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for a permit in Nevada's rural, central Eureka County to attempt to break the land-speed record of 766.6 mph.

In addition to his aerial exploits, Fossett has swum the English Channel, participated in the Iditarod dog sled race and driven in the 24 Hours of Le Mans car race in France.

"He is an adventurer. He has been in an awful lot of scrapes in his life, and he probably has better chances than you and I of walking away from something that was potentially dangerous," Conway told the Los Angeles Times.

The weather in northern Nevada today was expected to remain calm with clear skies with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s.

Aircraft from the Nevada Army National Guard helped locate a lost hiker in Esmeralda County, Nev., on May 30 after receiving a call for assistance from state emergency management officials. The Nevada Air National Guard also recently helped in the search for three missing hikers missing on Mount Hood in Oregon in December.

(Army Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka is assigned to the National Guard Bureau.)

Airman Missing from WWII is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is 2nd Lt. Harold E. Hoskin, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Houlton, Maine.He will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Representatives from the Army met with Hoskin's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. On Dec. 21, 1943, Hoskin was one of five crewmen on board a B-24D that departed Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska, on a cold-weather test mission.The aircraft never returned to base and it was not located in subsequent search attempts.The following March, one of the crewmen, 1st Lt. Leon Crane, arrived at Ladd Field after spending more than two months in the Alaska wilderness.He said that the plane had crashed after it lost an engine, and Crane and another crewmember, Master Sgt. Richard L. Pompeo, parachuted from the aircraft before it crashed. Crane did not know what happened to Pompeo after they bailed out. In October 1944, Crane assisted a recovery team in locating the crash.They recovered the remains of two of the crewmen, 1st Lt. James B. Sibert and Staff Sgt. Ralph S. Wenz.Hoskin's remains were not found and it was concluded that he probably parachuted out of the aircraft before it crashed. In 2004, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) received information from a National Park Service Historian regarding a possible WWII crash site in the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska.The historian turned over ashes believed to be the cremated remains of the crew, however, it was determined they contained no human remains.In 2006, a JPAC team excavated the site and recovered human remains and other non-biological material, including items worn by U.S. Army officers during WWII. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of Hoskin's remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Rodney J. Johnson, 20, of Houston, died Sept. 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit.He was assigned to the 1stSquadron, 4th CavalryRegiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Weston Solutions, Incorporated is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $50,000,000. This contract is for procuring Architect-Engineer (A&E) Environmental Services for the Air Education and Training Command (AETC).The contract is to support the compliance, restoration, pollution prevention, conservation and other environmental programs.Task orders will be issued against the contract to satisfy AETC environmental requirements, such as environmental assessments, natural and cultural resources surveys, community relations plans.At this time, $2,500 has been obligated.For more information please call (210) 652-7839.AETC CONS/LGCU, 2021 First Street West, Randloph AFB TX 78150-4302is the contracting activity (RFP FA3002-06-R-0036, Proposed Contract Number FA3002-07-D-0014). Merlin International, Incorporated is being awarded a contract for $7,060,000.34.This project is to implement a Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.The contractor is to deliver equipment, provide software and installation support.At this time all funds been obligated.For more information please call (781) 266-9179.Electronic Systems Center, 350th Electronic Systems Group, 11 Barksdale Street, Hanscom AFB MA, 01731 is the contracting activity (FA8706-07-F-8040). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Navajo Refining Company, Dallas, Texas*, is being awarded a $44,468,729.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, partial set aside contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are New Mexico. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 69 proposals originally solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0501). Sysco Food Service of Hampton Roads, Suffolk, Va., is being awarded a $15,875,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support. Using services are Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This contract is exercising the 2nd option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was Web solicited with 2 responses. Date of performance completion is September 4, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3146). Montana Refining Company, Inc., Great Falls, Mont.,* is being awarded a $13,761,450.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, partial set aside contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 69 proposals originally solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0506). NAVY Rotordynamics-Seal Research*, Loomis, Calif., is being awarded a $15,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Phase III Small Business Innovative Research contract for Topic N03-027, entitled "Useful Life Remaining Models for Turbine Engine Hot Section Components."This contract provides for services and materials for engineering tasks to assess the feasibility and benefit of applying virtual testing modeling and simulation using RAPID software in given applications.Work will be performed in Loomis, Calif., and is expected to be completed in May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a request for proposals; 14 proposals were received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0023) Optics 1, Inc.*, Westlake Village, Calif., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $9,814,295 cost-plus-fixed-fee contractfor a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program under Topic N99-192, entitled "Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) Sensor Application on Supersonic Vehicles."This requirement is for the design, manufacture, installation, and repair of Navy Special Projects Systems associated with Electro-Optical and Special Mission Sensors. The requirement is to assist Southern Command in the Global War on Terror by providing world wide support, which includes but is not limited to maintenance on all systems utilized, and engineering and technology improvements on existing Unmanned Airborne Systems, Unattended Ground Systems, Unattended Surveillance Systems, and Intelligence Collection Systems.Work will be performed in Manchester, N.H., and is expected to be completed in September 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0461). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Master Sgt. Patrick D. Magnani, 38, of Martinez, Calif., died Sept. 4 near Bagram, Afghanistan, in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 31st Medical Support Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Christopher G. Patton, 21, of Lawrenceville, Ga., died Sept. 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Kevin A. Gilbertson, 24, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Aug. 31 in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations Aug. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Tesoro Refining & Marketing Co., Auburn, Wash., is being awarded a $135,502,965.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are Hawaii. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was Web solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0505). BOH Environmental LLC, New Orleans, La., is being awarded a $48,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract modification for continued procurement of specialized shipping/storage containers, accessories and related items. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Texas and Pennsylvania. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 original proposal solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is August 29, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-02-D-0116). Paramount Petroleum Corp., Paramount, Calif., is being awarded a $46,444,590.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are California. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was Web solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0509). AIR FORCE DTS Aviation Services, Inc., is being awarded a contract option for $44,294,000. This action is for the exercise an option III under the contract for Contract Logistics Support for the C-21A Aircraft for the Air Force and Air National Guard consisting of maintenance, repair and support functions (FY08) 1 October 2007 through 30 Sept. 2008.At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (405) 339-4443.727 ACSG/PKA, 3001 Staff Drive Suite 1 AF1 104A, Tinker Air Force Base Okla., 73145-3020 is the contracting activity (FA8106-05-C-0001:P00101). Boeing Aerospace Operations is being awarded a contract modification for $10,062,361. This action provides for F-15 C/E, F-16 and F-22 contract aircrew training and courseware development services for the period of 1 October 07 through 30 Sept. 2008.At this time, all funds have been obligated.For more information please call (757) 225-6050.ACC AMIC/PKB, 11817 Canon Blvd, Suite 306, Newport News Va., 23606-4516 is the contracting activity (FA4890-06-C-0004-P00005). Amherst Systems, Inc. is being awarded a contract for $7,262,500. This contract is for two wideband kits (one each for the Air Force Michigan Air National Guard Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, and on each for the Navy); two each enhanced threat capability kits (one each for the Air Force Michigan Air National Guard Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, and one each for the Navy); site integration for the wideband kit enhanced threat capability kit being delivered to the Air Force; and data.The wideband kits and enhanced threat capability kits (which can be added to the wideband kits) can be used on the Joint Threat Emitters to increase the diversity of threat systems available for aircrew training and to provide appropriate effective radiated power for users with particular range limitations.At this time, all funds have been obligated.For more information please call (801) 586512290.84th Combat Sustainment Wing, 84 SCSG/PK, 6039, Wardleigh Road, Hill Air Force Base Utah 84056-5838 is the contracting activity (FA8217-07-C-0046). NAVY Lockheed Martin's MS2 Division, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded an $18,821,958 cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5201) to exercise options for test, production, integration engineering and production of the Navy's SQQ-89A(V)15 Undersea Warfare System.The AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 is a surface ship combat system with the capability to search, detect, classify, localize and track undersea contacts; engage and evade submarines, mine-like small objects, and torpedo threats.Work will be performed Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by February 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Electronics Systems, McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $14,764,534 cost-plus-fixed-fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N68335-07-G-0001) for research and development of a new Turret, Multi-band Imaging System with a special sensor package for the Special Project Program.Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed in January 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity. 3001, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a not to exceed $10,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-quantity contract for architect-engineering services for professional engineering, surveying, geographic information system and mapping services supporting the Navy's shore installations at locations under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic (NAVFAC Atlantic).Work will be performed in Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic's area of responsibility with the majority expected to be in the Continental United States.The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured under Public Law 92-582, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 541-444, Brooks Act procedures via synopsis in Federal Business Opportunities and 16 proposals were received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-07-D-0500). Undersea Sensor Systems Inc., Columbia City, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $6,073,713 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 51,340 hours (ceiling) of research and development technical services.These efforts will resolve technical and engineering issues associated with sonobuoys and related design, construction, and use.Results of the studies will provide data for Government engineers and program management personnel to use in evaluating the technical and economic benefits of potential improvements to the various types of sonobuoys.Work will be performed in Columbia City, Ind., and is expected to be completed by May 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two firms solicited and two offers received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-6781)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Justin T. Sanders, 22, of Watson, La., died Aug. 29 in Taji, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Travis M. Virgadamo, 19, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Aug. 30 in Taji, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident.He was assigned to the 3d Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Daniel E. Scheibner, 40, of Muskegon, Mich., died Aug. 30 in Al Noor, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Andrew P. Nelson, 22, of Moorhead, Minn., died Aug. 29 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jason M. Butkus, 34, of West Milford, N.J., died Aug. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY AAR Mobility Systems, Cadillac, Mich., is being awarded a $162,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for specialized shipping/storage containers, shelters and accessories. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. Other locations of performance are California. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was 1 original sole source proposal solicited with 1 response. Date of performance completion is Aug. 30, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8ED-07-D-0003). Petro Star Inc., Anchorage, Alaska,* is being awarded a $159,318,436.55 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was Web solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0503). Wolverine World Wide, Inc., Rockford, Mich., is being awarded a $7,923,796.92 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for safety boot leather. Using services are Navy. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the 1st option year. The original proposal was solicited using a Bidders List with three responses. Date of performance completion is Aug. 31, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-05-R-0059). Sopakco Packaging, Mullins, S.C.,* is being awarded a $7,182,750.00 firm fixed price contract for Meal-Ready-to-Eat (MRE) Wet-Pac Fruit Component items. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. This contract is exercising 2nd year option. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 31 proposals originally solicited with 5 responses. Date of performance completion is Sept. 3, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-05-D-Z119). NAVY McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $122,319,350 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0035) for eight EA-18G Low-Rate Initial Production I (LRIP I) Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Kits and associated non-recurring engineering.In addition, this modification includes an undefinitized contract action for one FY07 supplemental EA-18G LRIP I AEA Kit. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (51.2 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (11.1 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (10.2 percent); Melbourne, Fla. (8.5 percent); Fort Wayne, Ind. (8.5 percent); Thousand Oaks, Calif. (4.4 percent); Wallingford, Conn. (2.6 percent); Nashua, N.H. (2.6 percent); and Westminster, Colo. (0.9 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Florida Community College, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity firm fixed price exercise of option II contract in the amount of $19,186,120 for instructor services to support the Training Support Center and the Recruit Command, Great Lakes, Ill.Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and work is expected to be completed by September 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured through Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO), with two offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Department, is the contracting activity (N00140-07-D-0014). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $12,956,960 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-04-C-0005) for the procurement of additional factory test equipment in support of the EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (78.3 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (11.6 percent) and Bethpage, N.Y. (10.1 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems, San Diego, Calif. is being awarded a $10,617,301 contract for Joint Warning and Reporting Network (JWARN) Block 2 Increment 1 development and for initial production of the wireless JWARN Component Interface Device.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $19,693,277.Work will be performed in Winter Park, Fla. and is expected to be completed June 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Corp., Mission Systems, Network Communications Division, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded cost plus fixed fee, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract in the amount of $9,999,928 for engineering and technical support services for systems engineering as they pertain to command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) systems for the Navy.This announcement combines services for the U.S. Navy (94 percent) and the Governments of Japan, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Canada, Netherlands, France and Norway (6 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This contract contains four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $29,392,734.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (90 percent) and various locations worldwide (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds of approximately $100,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with one offer received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity (N00244-07-D-0034). Honeywell International Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Albuquerque, N. M., is being awarded a $7,375,310 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0018) to exercise an option for the Lot 6 full rate production of 75 Advance Multi-Purpose Color Display (AMPCD) units for F/A-18C/D and AV-8B aircraft, including spares for the U.S. Navy (71) and the Government of Spain (4).This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($6,989,350; 95 percent) and the Government of Spain ($385,960; 5 percent). Work will be performed in Albuquerque, N.M., and is expected to be completed in April 2010.Contract funds in the amount of $657,428 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Shaw Environmental Inc., Irving, Texas, is being awarded $5,935,738 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0031 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award fuel systems engineering services contract (N47408-04-D-8503) for cleaning, inspection, and recommended repair work at the Red Hill fuel storage tank complex located on the Island of Oahu.Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity. FN Herstal, S.A., Herstal, Belgium, is being awarded a $7,291,326 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 334 GAU-21 Left Hand and Right Hand Medium Window Pintle Connections for the CH-53D and CH-53E aircraft platforms.Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pa. (72 percent) and Liege, Belgium (28 percent) and is expected to be completed in June 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-06-C-0092). AIR FORCE General Atomics is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $64,955,733. This action provides for various MQ-9 Reaper equipment and items including Aircraft Initial Spares, 30 Day Pack-up Kits, and Ground Support Equipment. At this time $64,955,733 has been obligated.For more information please call (937) 904-6981.658th AESG/PK (PREDATOR SYSTEMS GROUP), 2640 Loop Road West, RM 213, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7106 is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028, Order 0034). InDyne Inc., is being awarded a contract option for $55,107,006. This contract provides for a single contractor for Range Operations, Communications and Information Services required to support the 30th Space Wing mission.This contract provides for the Western Range operations and maintenance, support services, training, command, control, communications, information and computer systems at launch facilities, launch control centers and test facilities.This is the fourth option to be exercised out of seven option periods on this contract. At this time no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (805) 606-3981.Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 Cons/LGCZG, Bldg 8500, 1515 Iceland Ave, Rm 150, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., 93437-5212 is the contracting activity (F04684-03-C-0050; Modification P00179). General Atomics is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $54,123,254. This effort is for the manufacture, test, and delivery of six (6) Predator B MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).At this time $40,592,440 has been obligated.For more information please call (937) 904-6981.658th AESG/PK (PREDATOR SYSTEMS GROUP), 2640 Loop Road West, RM 213, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7106 is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028, Order 0033). DTS Aviation Services, Inc. is being awarded a contract option for $41,645,097. This action exercises an option year for maintenance of T-37, T-38C, T-6, and T1A aircraft at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.At this time no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (662) 434-2487.14th Contracting Squadron, 14 CONS/LGC, 555 Seventh Street, Rm 113, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., 39710-1006 is the contracting activity (FA3002-05-G-0016, Modification Number A00051). Southeastern Protective Services (SEP) Inc., and TW and Co., are being awarded a firm fixed price contracts for $23,282,923 (Southeastern Protective Service) and $29,526,176 (TW and Company). This action provides for certified security guard services for Installation Entry Control, Commercial Vehicle Inspection and Visitor Control Center at 46 Air Force CONUS and OCONUS (Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam) locations.At this time $20,000 has been obligated for each company.For more information please call (210) 652-3260.AETC CONS/LGCK, 2021 First Street West, Randolph AFB TX, 78150-4304 is the contracting activity (F41689-07-D-0024). RS Information Systems, Inc., is being awarded a indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $18,491,900. Contract will provide services to operate, maintain, and support the Space Innovation and Development Center (SIDC) located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.The SIDC is also the Air Staff (HQ USAF) executive agent for the Air Force's Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AFTENCAP) program.This contract is directed toward examining, assessing, and developing the means to integrate National System and DoD space systems support to enhance combat, and research development capabilities with the Air Force.At this time no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (719) 567-3811.50 CONS/LGCZH, 210 Falcon Parkway, Suite 2116, Schriever Air Force Base, CO 80912 is the contracting activity (FA2550-01-D-0003, P00018). Harris Technical Services Corp., is being awarded a contract option for $17,769,453. The Operational Space Services and Support (OSSS) contract will provide operations, maintenance, logistics and training support for the Air Force Satellite Control Network weapon system at remote tracking stations around the world.Also, OSSS provides maintenance and logistics support at Global Positioning System ground antennas and monitoring stations, software analysis and support for Global Positioning System, orbital analysis of military satellites in orbit in support of military satellite controllers, provide security forces at New Boston Air Force Station, NH.This is an extension of services option for 6 months past the 7th year. At this time all funds have been obligated.For more information please call (719) 567-7342.50 CONS/LGCZH, 210 Falcon Parkway, Suite 2116, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., 80912 is the contracting activity (FA2550-00-C-0010, Planed for modification P00190). Ahntech, Inc., is being awarded a contract option for $13,828,172. This action provides for operations, maintenance and support of eleven U.S. Air Force Training Ranges.At this time all funds have been obligated.For more information please call (757) 225-6024.Headquarters Air Combat Command, Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Air and Space Acquisition Division, Langley Air Force Base, Va., 23606-4516 is the contracting activity (FA4890-07-C-0016, Modification P0000). Lockheed Martin Corp., is being awarded an undefinitized contract action for $10,000,000. This action is for incorporation of ECP 0253-02, Buttline to Buttline Seal Frame on Fix on production aircraft 4114 and up.At this time $2,500,000 has been obligated.For more information please call (937) 904-5319.ASC/YFKA, Building 553, 2725 C Street, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 45433-7424 is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2850 P00062). ARMY Walbridge Aldinger, was awarded on Aug. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $42,210,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a standard design vehicle maintenance complex.Work will be performed in Fort Bragg, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Feb., 20, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This web solicitation was posted on Dec. 28, 2006, and 11 bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Savannah District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0039). Urban Associates LP*, El Paso, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 30, 2007, a $21,282,246 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Battle Command Training Center.Work will be performed in El Paso, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 28, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 209 bids solicited on June 22, 2007, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineering District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0035). Aero Vironment Corp.*, Monrovia, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 30, 2007, a $16,385,429 firm-fixed-price contract for logistical support to RQ-11 unmanned aerial systems (Raven).Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was one bid solicited on July 31, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-0338). Harris Corp RF Communications, Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on Aug. 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,295,344 firm-fixed-price contract for tactical radio systems.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The CECOM Acquisition Center, Ft. Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-01-D-M001). Martin Construction*, Inc., Gladstone, N.D., was awarded on Aug. 30, 2007, a $6,997,860 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a marina at Fort Stevens State Park.Work will be performed in Garrison, N.D, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This web solicitation was posted on July 9, 2007, and eight bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Omaha District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0026). BAE Systems, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,966,750 firm-fixed-price contract for Crew 2 A-Kits for Bradley Fighting Vehicles.Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was one bid solicited on May 21, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-005). Container Machinery Inc.*, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $2,592,513 firm-fixed-price contract for UH-60 Blackhawk spare bracket damper assembly parts.Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 19 bids solicited on May 22, 2007, and seven bids were received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-D-0315). USSOCOM Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., of Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $9,818,000.00 Time and Materials contract for engineering services support on the MH-60M aircraft in support of United States Special Operations Command Technology Applications Contracting Office.The work will be performed at Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded through sole source procedures in accordance with FAR 6.302-1.(H92241-07-D-0003)

Newsletter Archive	Newsletter HTML Version
Our Message to the Military.... "America Supports You"

September 04, 2007

E-Newsletter Volume CXXVI

Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Kids attending Eglin Air Force Base Youth Center Summer Day Camp program show appreciation boxes they assembled for servicemembers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Middletown, N.J.

Parks and Recreation employee Mike Henry brings into the post office one load of many boxes that Middletown is sending to its adopted paratrooper unit in Iraq.

New York, N.Y.

New York Yankees Pitcher Roger Clemens on the mound with Warrant Officer Derrick Rodriguez. Rodriguez threw the ceremonial first pitch on Military Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium.

New on the ASY Team:
America Supports You is proud to welcome a new homefront organization to the team this week!

One Freedom, located in Boulder, Colo., provides America’s returning veterans and their families with education and training on prolonged stress, trauma and other post military service needs.

ASY from Coast to Coast and Across the Ocean:
America Supports You homefront group Hero Hugs recently worked with kids who were attending Eglin Air Force Base Youth Center Summer Day Camp program in Florida to decorate and pack appreciation packages for servicemembers currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a good experience for all and especially for the kids who either currently have a parent deployed or will sometime in the near future.

America Supports You homefront group America Supporting Americans, which facilitates “adoptions” between towns, cities, or counties and individual military units throughout the country recently received good news. The participating town of Middletown, New Jersey which adopted C Company, BSTB, 82nd Airborne sent loads of needed supplied to its 59 outstanding paratroopers. Keep up the great work Middletown!

On August 18th, New York Yankees helped spread the America Supports You message during their Military Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium, where families of fallen servicemembers were honored. During the many pre-game special events, representatives from the America Supports You homefront group Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), which provides college education to the children of special operations personnel killed in combat or training and two families of special operations personnel who lost their lives, stood on the field taking in one of the best views in the house. The family of Sgt. First Class Peter P. Tycz, 3rd Special Forces Group, who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2002 was honored on the field along with the family of Warrant Officer William R. Monty, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, who lost his life in a training accident in 1996. Before the game began, country singer and former Army Ranger Keni Thomas performed the National Anthem. The Army’s premiere parachute team, the Golden Knights, jumped into the stadium field and presented the Tycz and Monty families with certificates of appreciation, followed by a flyover of two Navy fighter jets. Yankees Pitcher Roger Clemens was joined by Warrant Officer Derrick Rodriguez, assigned to Charlie Troop, 66 Cav, 10th Mountain Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, who stepped onto the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch. With the help of SOWF’s scholarship program, Rodriguez graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2005. His father, Master Sgt. Eloy Rodriguez, Army Special Forces, was killed in Desert Storm in 1991. Today Rodriguez is flying the Army’s Kiowa Warrior, a single engine, double-bladed armed reconnaissance helicopter. “Words cannot express my gratitude for all that the Warrior Foundation has done for me,” said Rodriguez. “It is comforting to know that I will always be part of the Warrior Foundation family.” The Tycz and Monty children will receive scholarship funding from SOWF. “The New York Yankee organization has always been so supportive of the men and women who proudly serve in our military,” said John T. Carney Jr., SOWF president and chief executive officer. “We were thrilled to have one of our graduates throw the first pitch and several of our families honored on the field.”

Over Labor Day weekend Qwest Communications, a corporate supporter of the America Supports You program once again encouraged Arizona Diamondbacks fans to send their messages of support to servicemembers through a display booth on the plaza at Chase Field in Phoenix, Az. As part of the Diamondbacks’ U.S. Army Day, Qwest’s display area featured a 20-foot by 20-foot tent, where fans could have photos taken in front of the Qwest/ASY blue camouflage banner. While the photos printed, fans were directed to Qwest laptops, where they sent messages of support to the troops through the America Supports You Web site. Each fan who sent a message received a Qwest/Diamondbacks picture frame and an ASY/Qwest dog tag. Participating Qwest employees wore blue camouflage Qwest/ASY t-shirts.

The San Diego Padres, supporters of the America Supports You program, honored servicemembers past and present during their home stand at PETCO Park last week, while hosting division rivals, Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers. On Monday night, the Padres honored America’s disabled veterans during a ceremony on field. Padres CEO Sandy Alderson and Padres Chairman John Moores were presented with the National Commander’s Award from Disabled American Veterans. This award is DAV’s highest honor, and it acknowledges the Padres’ continued support to veterans, past and present. All fans in attendance received DAV trading cards, featuring Padres players Geoff Blum, Marcus Giles and Chris Young. On Sunday afternoon, the Padres once again donned their camouflage jerseys as part of the team’s Salute the Veterans festivities. The team presented the award for San Diego County Veteran of the Year to retired Navy Capt. Robert White, chairman of the Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation. White is responsible for coordinating more than $100,000 in community support for more than 300 residents in the Southern California veterans home. Later in September, the Padres will host events as part of Navy Fleet Week San Diego. On September 21, the team will acknowledge National POW/MIA Day by honoring former POWs and the families of servicemembers missing in action on the field at PETCO Park. The San Diego Padres are currently in a tight race for the National League West Division.

Freedom Walk News:
America Supports You is happy to announce that 203 Freedom Walks in 46 states and eight walks internationally are planned to date to commemorate the victims and families of 9/11’s tragic events and honor our veterans past and present.

Belleview, Fla., is holding its America Supports You Freedom Walk on September 11th. The event will begin at 6:00 pm at City Hall. The opening ceremony will honor two young men from the area who lost their lives in Iraq, and their families will be presented with plaques. The program will include a flag ceremony and the playing of taps. All walkers will be given hand held flags. After the opening ceremony, the 1.4 mile walk will begin, accompanied by a local high school band. The walk will circle through town and conclude back at City Hall, where walkers and other patriotic well wishers will be greeted with refreshments, games for the kids and entertainment. T-shirts will be issued to the first 1,500 walkers who pre-register. With 2000 participants last year, Belleview expects to include even more in this year’s walk.

The America Supports You Freedom Walk on Guam will be held Saturday, September 8th at 6:30 am. The non-profit organization "Purple Ribbon Campaign" is the official sponsor of the walk. Elaine Lizama established “Purple Ribbon Campaign” to support the families of deployed servicemembers. Signmakers, a local business, is donating a Freedom Walk banner. The community of Guam is very supportive of this year’s Freedom Walk, with many businesses donating funds for Freedom Walk t-shirts.

The students of Zachary Elementary School in Zachary, La., are holding an America Supports You Freedom Walk this September to not only commemorate and honor the lives lost on Sept. 11 and honor all veterans, but to say a special "thanks" to their principal, Capt. Patrick Jenkins, a Louisiana Army National Guardsman. Capt. Patrick Jenkins has served as the school's principal for four years, with time away on deployment, originally serving in Afghanistan in 2002. He was called back to active duty to assist in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Now he and his unit are preparing for an upcoming deployment to Iraq. The school’s Freedom Walk will start at 9:30 am and include the entire school. Junior ROTC cadets will present the colors and the high school band will play. Students will carry photos or names of those they wish to honor. Ashley Singleton, a teacher at the school and one of the walk’s organizers, is especially committed to the Freedom Walk as her husband is a soldier in the Inactive Ready Reserve who returned from Iraq recently.

Featured on the ASY Web Site Last Week:
Operation American Spirit
“Our mission is to help make a difference in the lives of soldiers and their families by providing support and funding in ways that teach them self-sufficiency including scholarships, job (placement) assistance, home modification and improved morale.”
-John Wordin, Executive Director, Operation American Spirit

Walter Reed Society
“The society was organized to benefit Walter Reed and its educational, treatment and research activities in multiple ways. The intent was to support events and fund projects that enhance patient-care services, support the welfare and morale of soldiers and other staff, and preserve the legacy and reputation of Walter Reed, the man and the institution named in his honor.”
- Janet Southby, President, Walter Reed Society

ASY In the News:
Naples Daily News (Fla.) mentioned all of the great work that the America Supports You program is doing.

Suffolk News Herald (Va.) featured Suffolk’s Freedom Walk taking place on Sept. 11 at Suffolk Seaboard Station Museum.

Beloit Daily News (Wisc.) covered the drive that America Supports You homefront group Operation Support Our Troops-Illinois is doing to collect goods for servicemembers.

ASY Homefront Organization of the Week:
Marine Corps Family Foundation was created in 2004 when Operation Santa volunteers from across the nation sent more than 6,000 filled Christmas stockings and gifts to Marines spending the holidays away from their loved ones. Since then, an additional 35,000 deployed Marines and other troops have received Operation Santa packages, and the program continues to grow each year, working directly with deployed units. In 2007, volunteer groups will support 25,000 deployed Marines, and additional wounded troops recovering at Walter Reed, Brooke, and Balboa Medical Centers. In addition to Operation Santa, the Marine Corps Family Foundation coordinates other projects which support deployed Marines and other troops. For example, Operation Winter Warmer sent sweat suits, hats, and gloves to wounded troops at Landstuhl Hospital Care Project during the coldest winter months. Operation Marine Corps Kids sends care packages to families of deployed servicemembers. Receiving a handmade gift for the new military baby is a tangible reminder that the nation supports not only the troops but their families. By remaining focused on troop support issues, the organization is staying true to its mission of helping Marines and their families. Check out: www.marinecorpsfamilyfoundation.org, for more information.

From the Troops:
“I just wanted to (say) thank you (for) all the support (we) as Armed Forces Soldiers receive on a daily basis… The support we receive is beyond any thanks that we can give in return. Thank you all and God Bless (you). I can't wait to come home and see all of you and thank you personally.“
- PFC US Army, Carroll, Grand Junction, Colo.

“Thanks to everyone who gives us the support we so desperately need. It is so heart-warming to read the kind messages and receive the countless packages. I would also like to thank my fellow servicemembers. ..Thanks again to everyone!”
- SrA, USAF, Jamie Robinson, San Antonio, Tex.

Our troops deserve to be applauded, and so do you!

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CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY BP West Coast Products LLC, La Palma, Calif., is being awarded a $698,554,328 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are Washington. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 69 original proposals solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0499). Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a $500,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies contract. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other Federal Civilian Agencies. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The original proposal was web solicited with 7 responses. This contract is exercising 2nd one-year option. Date of performance completion is August 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP24). Valero Marketing and Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $262,739,837 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are California. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 69 original proposals solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0504). Western Refining Co., El Paso, Texas, is being awarded a $114,039,808 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 69 original proposals solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0505). Chevron Global Aviation, San Ramon, Calif., is being awarded a $37,552,214 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are Utah. Contract will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 69 original proposals solicited with 15 responses. Date of performance completion is October 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0510). NAVY Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Integrated Systems Division, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $21,602,386 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0107) to exercise an option for the procurement of AAR-47(V)2 Missile Approach Warning Set hardware weapons replacement assemblies.This modification provides for 797 Integrated Optical Sensor converters with laser warning capabilities for the U.S. Air Force (644), U.S. Army (68), U.S. Navy (59), U.S. National Guard (20), and U.S. Marine Corps (6).Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla. (48 percent); Austin, Texas (38 percent); Hamamatsu, Japan (9 percent); and Natanya, Israel (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $1,048,421 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($16,988,619; 78.7 percent); U.S. Army ($1,928,123; 8.9 percent); U.S. Navy ($1,551,454; 7.2 percent); U.S. National Guard ($567,095; 2.6 percent); and the U.S. Marine Corps ($567,095; 2.6 percent).The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. OPNET Analysis, Inc., Bethesda, Md., is being awarded a $13,957,702 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, performance-based, commercial item contract to provide OPNET proprietary simulation software products, to include software modules, license upgrades, and technical support services for existing OPNET technology fielded at various government installations.The contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to the estimated amount of $75,000,000.Work will be performed in Government-owned facilities located within the U.S, including Bethesda, Md., (45 percent); Charleston, S.C., (45 percent); and Cary, N.C., (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed August 2008 (August 2012 if options are exercised).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was procured on a sole source basis, since OPNET Technologies, Inc., the parent company of OPNET Analysis, Inc., has proprietary rights to the OPNET modeling tool set. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7280). Solpac, Inc., dba Soltek Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $13,447,000 for firm-fixed price Task Order # 0005 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-03-D-7059) for the design and renovation of Hangar 1456, an Aviation Maintenance Facility at Naval Air Station, North Island.The Hangar will be converted from a fixed wing to rotor wing aircraft facility.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2009.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three (3) proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Reston, Va., is being awarded an estimated $8,325,440 modification to previously awarded time and material contract (M67854-06-C-2023) in support of the refactoring of the Command and Control Personal Computer (C2PC) software.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command -CT MC2I, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Minnesota Wire & Cable Co.*, Saint Paul, Minn., is being awarded a $7,430,346indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity/firm-fixed-price contract (N65236-07-D-6362) to deliver cable assemblies to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, Tactical C2 Engineering Division.The cable assemblies will support the US Marine Corps, Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicle program.Work will be performed in Saint Paul, Minn. and is expected to be completed by August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 13 offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6362). The College Board, New York, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,880,000 indefinite-delivery requirements, firm-fixed-price contract for test administration services and related supplies for the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support.This contract includes four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $34,918,000.Work will be performed in various locations worldwide, and work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not have expired at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z047). Bay Electric Corp.*, Newport News, Va., is being awarded $6,557,031 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0001 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N40085-06-D-6006) for construction of the Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Maintenance Facility at Marine Corps Air Station, New River.The work to be performed provides for construction of a single story depot level maintenance facility to provide work spaces in support of the establishment of the FRC East Site New River.Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Two proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin, Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems, Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $6,370,000 firm-fixed-price modification #P00121 to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5363) for procurement of two MK 41 Vertical Launching System shipsets for the Government of Turkey under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This procurement will include spares, special tools, test equipment, material and services to refurbish fixtures and transport equipment.Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (70 percent) and Minneapolis, Minn. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Tybrin Corp. is being awarded a contract option for $37,965,521. The Air Force is exercising option year five for software engineering support of guided weapons systems evaluations, simulations, and other services supporting research and development for the principals and customers of the Air Armament Center. At this time no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (850) 882-0168.AAC/PKZ, 205 West D. Avenue, Suite 433, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32542-6864 is the contracting activity (FO8635-02-C-0034, P00034). Honeywell International Inc. is being awarded firm fixed price contract for $34,936,373. This action provides for non-personal services-secondary power logistics solutions for ground carts, A-10, B-52, C-130, F-15, F-16 (Turbine Power Unit) C-5/E-3, and B-1B. At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (801) 586-2592.Department of the Air Force, 84 Combat Sustainment Wing, 984 CBSG/OBS, 6041 Gum Lane, Bldg 1226, Hill AFB ,UT 84056-5826 is the contracting activity (FA8208-07-C-0001). Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is being awarded a requirements contract for $12,605,578. This is a contractor engineering technical services in support of the F-16 aircraft for foreign military sales requirements.At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (937) 656-7516.ASC/PKWRN, 2275 D St., Bldg 16, Room 128, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, 45433-7228 is the contracting activity (FA8604-07-D-7951). Raytheon Co. is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $10,287,445. This action will award a firm-fixed price supplemental agreement to the GBU-28 C/B production contract to add Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) to 279 Laser Guided Bomb Units (GBU-28) and modify 279 Air Foil Groups to Fit BLU-113 Warhead.This requirement originates from the need to have the future production of Enhanced Paveway III (EP-3) to be SAASM compliant.At this time, all funds have been obligated.For more information please call (850) 882-3525.699 ARSF/PK, 110 Wacissa Road, Bldg 614, Eglin AFB FL, 32542-6808 is the contracting activity (FA8681-05-C-0075 P00019). Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is being awarded a requirements contract for $8,767,176. This is a contractor engineering technical services in support of the F-16 and F-22 aircraft for USAF.At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (937) 656-7516.ASC/PKWRN, 2275 D St., Bldg 16, Room 128, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, 45433-7228 is the contracting activity (FA8604-07-D-7950). Hydraulics International Inc. is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $7,113,688. This action provides for Hydraulic Pumping Unit, one each first article unit and associated data and 70 each production units.At this time, all funds have been obligated.For more information please call (478) 222-1906.642 CBSSS/GBKBB, 460 Richard Ray Blvd, Suite 200, Robins AFB, GA 31098-1813 is the contracting activity (FA8533-07-D-0004-0001). Diversitech, Inc. and Call Henry, Inc., Joint Venture is being awarded a contract option for $5,700,870. This action provides for Civil Engineering and Base Maintenance Services.Civil engineering support services, base operation and maintenance, repair, construction, equipment installation, support of real property and real property installed equipment.This contract action is to exercise the six options of seven options.At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (408) 752-3057.21 SOPS/LGC, Onizuka Air Force Station, 1080 Innovation Way, Box 126, Sunnyvale CA, 94089-1200 is the contracting activity (FA2550-02-C-005, Modification P00083). ARMY Cadence Contract Services, LLC*, Black River, N.Y., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, a delivery order of $11,500,000 as part of a $61,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for minor construction, maintenance and rehabilitation services.Work will be performed in Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was one bid solicited on June 3, 2003, and one bid was received.The Army Contingency Agency, Northern Region, Fort Drum, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W911S2-04-D-0002). FN Manufacturing, Inc. Co., Columbia, S.C., was awarded on Aug. 29, 2007, adelivery order of $5,337,030 as part of a 49,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for receiver cartridges and breech bolts for the M240B machine gun.Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on June 29, 2007, andone bid was received.The Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-D-0477). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Erick M. Foster, 29, of Wexford, Penn., died Aug. 29 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sufferedwhen insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations in Muqdadiyah, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died Aug. 27 at Forward Operating Base Naray, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit during combat operations in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Killed were: Maj. Henry S. Ofeciar, 37, of Agana, Guam. Master Sgt. Scott R. Ball, 38, of Mount Holly Springs, Penn. Sgt. Jan M. Argonish, 26, of Peckville, Penn. Ofeciar was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.Ball and Argonish were assigned to the 55th Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Scranton, Penn.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died Aug. 28 in Jaji, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Rocky H. Herrera, 43, of Salt Lake City. Sgt. Cory L. Clark, 25, of Plant City, Fla. Sgt. Bryce D. Howard, 24, of Vancouver, Wash. Herrera and Clark were assigned to the 585th Engineer Pipeline Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade.Howard was assigned to Headquarters Support Company, 864th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade.The unit is based in Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. James S. Collins Jr.,35, of Rochester Hills, Mich., died Aug. 28 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered during combat operations.He was assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company (Combat Support), U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Thomas R. Wilson, 21, of Maurertown, Va., died Aug. 27 in Paktika, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rdInfantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Rogelio A. Ramirez, 21, of Pasadena, Calif., died Aug. 26 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract for $119,000,000. This contract is for the purchase of launch services using an Atlas V launch vehicle under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program for launch of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF)-2 satellites. At this time, $89,250,000 has been obligated.For more information please call (310) 653-2368.SMC, LRSW, 483 North Aviation Boulevard, Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo CA, 90245-4659 is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0004 P00003). Science Applications International Corp. is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $45,880,470. This action provides for Consolidated Logistics Advisory and Assistance Services Support (CLASS) will serve as a vehicle to provide in the areas of technical and analytical tools; support and improve policy development, management and administration; and improve the operation of systems supporting the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) mission.The CLASS contract will also support several phase of planning, programming, sustainment, and implementation cycles of various government's technical expertise in accomplishing its mission.The mission is SMC/LG is to sustain and improve space weapon systems.This is accomplished by providing logistical support to various space organizations such as, but not limited to Air Force Satellite Control Network, Space Lift Range Systems, Global Positioning Systems, Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, Military Satellite Communication, and Space Based Infrared System.The CLASS contract will also add in providing support to the assigned Systems Support Managers and System Programs Directors in meeting life-cycle performance and cost requirements in support of the Air Force Space Command and Air Force Weather Agency mission. At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (719) 556-2469.SMC SLG/PK, 1050 East Stewart Avenue, Bldg 2025, Peterson AFB, CO 80914-1005 is the contracting activity (FA8823-07-D-0003). Delta Solutions and Strategies LLC is being awarded a contract for $10,615,842. This action provides for Consolidated Logistics Advisory and Assistance Services Support (CLASS) will serve as a vehicle to provide in the areas of technical and analytical tools; support and improve policy development, management and admistration; and improve the operation of systems supporting the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) mission.The CLASS contract will also support several phase of planning, programming, sustainment, and implementation cycles of various government's technical expertise in accomplishing its mission.The mission is SMC/LG is to sustain and improve space weapon systems.This is accomplished by providing logistical support to various space organizations such as, but not limited to Air Force Satellite Control Network, Space Lift Range Systems, Global Positioning Systems, Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, Military Satellite Communication, and Space Based Infrared System.The CLASS contract will also add in providing support to the assigned Systems Support Managers and System Programs Directors in meeting life-cycle performance and cost requirements in support of the Air Force Space Command and Air Force Weather Agency mission. At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (719) 556-2469.SMC SLG/PK, 1050 East Stewart Avenue, Bldg 2025, Peterson AFB, CO 80914 is the contracting activity (FA8823-07-D-004). NAVY VoxTec International, Inc.*, Annapolis, Md., was awarded on Aug 28. 2007, a ceiling amount of $44,826,250 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Phase III Small Business Innovative Research contract for the continued development of Machine Based Language Translation Device/Technology; low-rate-initial-production prototypes; handheld one-way Voice Communications System; and commercial-off-the-shelf based Multilingual Translator for military/industrial applications.Work will be performed in Annapolis, Md., and is expected to be completed in September 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (N00421-07-D-0018) Eagan McAllister Associates, Inc., Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded an estimated $40,100,953 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee performance-based contract for tactical command and control integration services for C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems as required by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, Tactical C2 Engineering Division.This contract includes options and award term years which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $459,741,731.Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (63.1 percent); Lexington Park, Md., (24.5 percent); and Norfolk, Va. (12.4 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2008 (August 2017 with all options exercised).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited and one offer received via the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6881). General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $35,173,993 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Information Technology/ Information Management Department Support Services.This contract will serve as the primary contractual vehicle to provide a wide range of services and products, including information engineering; business process improvement relative to automation; analytical and technical support for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP); consultation; hardware and software evaluation and selection; systems analysis; systems and applications sustainment, including configuration and maintenance of web sites and servers; integration of systems and applications; database administration; production support; information assurance; network support; firewall support; and imagingservices.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (95 percent), and St. Inigoes, Md. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposals, with five offers received.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-07-D-0024). Complex Solutions, Inc., Kailua, Hawaii, is being awarded a $17,684,605 time and materials indefinite-delivery contract for technical and educational support services to the Naval Postgraduate School's Civil Military Relations education and training program.This contract includes a base year, and four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $92,632,364.Work will be performed in Kailua, Hawaii (6 percent); Monterey, Calif. (8 percent); Army active Reserve and guard posts in the United States (24 percent); and various locations outside of the continental United States (62 percent), and work is expected to be completed by August 2008.Funding is provided by Global War on Terrorism/ Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Operation Enduring Freedom Operations/National Guard Bureau; OSD Operations and Maintenance; and International Military Education and Training/Foreign Military Sales/Warsaw Initiative Funds/International Narcotics and Law Enforcement/Global Peace Operations Initiative.Contract funds estimated at $1,025,000 will expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with two offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00244-07-D-0035). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, a $5,842,760 modification to a previously awarded undefinitized contract action (N00019-07-C-0041) for the procurement of initial fleet spares to support fielding of Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) Low-Rate-Initial-Production air vehicles.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in May 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Correction:The contract awarded to APAC-SOUTHEAST, Inc., Gulf Coast Division, Pensacola, Fla., on August 16, 2007, should have read that it was being awarded for $6,225,290. ARMY The Boeing Company, Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, a $25,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for CH-74 helicopters.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was one bid solicited on Dec. 31, 2003, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-C-0012). Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunitions Co., LLC, was awarded on Aug. 27, 2007, a $23,080,378 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for price adjustments.Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was one bid solicited on Oct. 31, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016). Rockford Corporation*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, an $8,890,637 firm-fixed-price contract for replacement jet fuel storage tanks.Work will be performed in Beale Air Force Base, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This web solicitation was posted on April 25, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, Calif. is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0019). BAE Systems, Armament Systems Division, was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, a $6,234,119 firm-fixed-price contract for emergency HMMWV escape windows.Work will be performed in Butler, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 23, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was one bid solicited on Aug 17, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0660). Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems, LP, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, a $6,087,739 increment as part of a $3,367,423,523 firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for system technical support.Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on Aug 15, 2002, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-03-C-S023). AAI Corporation*, Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, a $5,712,224 increment as part of a $25,050,329 firm-fixed-price contract for remote video terminal systems.Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was one bid solicited on April 17, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0190). Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, was awarded on Aug. 28, 2007, a $5,711,210 increment as part of a $12,764,284 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for landmine and tunnel detection technology.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 24, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This web solicitation was posted on Oct. 17, 2006, and nine bids were received.CECOM Acquisition Center - Washington, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W909MY-07-C-0018).

CONTRACTS ARMY Gyrocam Systems, LLC, was awarded on Aug. 27, 2007, a delivery order in the amount of $43,400,000 as part of a $43,400,000 firm-fixed-price contract for spare and repair parts for Gyrocam Triple Camera Systems.Work will be performed in Sarasota, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 24, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There was 1 bids solicited on May 31, 2007, and 1 bids was received.The Cecom Acquisition Center, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W909MY-07-D-002). Baggette Construction, Inc. was awarded on Aug. 27, 2007, a $14,510,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a readiness center.Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This solicitation was released via the web on June 19, 2007, and 6 bids were received.The National Guard's U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Montgomery, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912JA-07-C-0005). BKJ Solutions was awarded on Aug. 24, 2007, a $16,198.714 firm-fixed-price contract for building construction.Work will be performed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., and is expected to be completed by March 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source bid.The Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-C-0034). Sauer Inc., (Sauer Southeast) was awarded on Aug. 27, 2007, a $13,471,850 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an additional forensics lab.Work will be performed in Ft. Gillem, Ga., and is expected to be completed by April 1, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 120 bids solicited on June 27, 2007, and 3 bids were received.The Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0048). Alpine Armoring, Inc. was awarded on Aug. 27, 2007, a $7,510,400 firm-fixed-price contract for commercial in-stock heavy armor vehicles.Work will be performed in Herndon, Va., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 1, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 5 bids solicited on Aug. 16, 2007, and 5 bids were received.The Tacom, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0648). GW Hastings Construction Co., Inc. was awarded on Aug. 27, 2007, a $6,315,285 firm-fixed-price contract for partial renovation of buildings.Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This solicitation was released via the web on May 31, 2007, and 1 bid was received.The Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2010). NAVY Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services, Seabrook, Md., is being awarded a $35,302,686indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, fixed price contract for information systems support services in support of the U.S. Joint Forces Command.This contract includes four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $186,021,995.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (99 percent) and other Conus locations (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $2,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with six offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z046). AIR FORCE Transicoil Corp., is being awarded a contract for $13,783,310 .This action provides for Torque meter, a maximum quantity of 4385 each.This Air Force requirement is applicable to the C-130 aircraft.The item measures the phase (timing) difference between two electrical signals and displays this information to the pilot in terms of inch-pounds torque.This is the torque supplied by the aircraft engine to the propeller. At this time, $ 692,710 has been obligated.For more information please call (405) 739-3450.OC-ALC/848 CBSG/PKF, Tinker AFB OK, 73145-3032 is the contracting activity (FA8103-07-D-0094).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Nicholas R. Carnes, 25, of Dayton, Ky., died Aug. 26 in Orgun-e, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms firein Lewanne Bazaar, Afghanistan.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Regiment, Kentucky Army National Guard, Carrollton, Ky.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Aug. 26 in Samarra, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked their unit during combat operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were: Sgt. Joshua L. Morley, 22, of Boise, Idaho. Spc. Tracy C. Willis, 21, of Marshall, Texas.

America Supports You: Group Helps Tennessee Troops

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2007 - Troops from Tennessee are finding a local group is there to offer them a helping hand when they need it.

The group, "Tennessee's Helping Hearts," works in many ways to honor and support servicemembers serving at home and overseas, Teresa Miller, the group's president, said.

"We strive to be there for our military so they are never alone," she said.

The group's focus is supporting injured servicemembers, whether help needed is in a practical or material form or just for a day of stress-relieving fun.

Group members put in a new driveway for a Marine who lost both legs to a roadside bomb, Miller said. The new surface allowed him to get safely and more easily from his vehicle to his home.

Another young servicemember who lost both legs while serving in Iraq spends a fair amount of time at the Dollywood amusement park founded by country singer Dolly Parton and said he would love to meet Parton. The group arranged for such a meeting.

"We will be meeting Dolly Parton and spending some time with her," Miller said. "(He) has never met Dolly, ... so we arranged this for (him)."

Tennessee's Helping Hearts also tries to help with financial needs and any home improvements for injured servicemembers and their families, she said.

The group also supports families who have lost a servicemembers.

"We ... make sure that the fallen soldiers' families receive a heartfelt 'We are sorry and we are here for you,'" Miller said. "We also plant ... memorial trees to help them with some of the grief they have to go through."

Tennessee's Helping Hearts recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Release of Supreme Allied Commander Transformation North Atlantic Treaty Organization Defense Planning Committee member states have agreed to release Gen. Lance L. Smith as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. The NATO committee, following a request from the president of the United States, agreed with great regret to release Smith from his assignment as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.They expressed to Smith, in the name of the NATO governments, lasting gratitude for his distinguished service. The committee was informed that an officer will be nominated to succeed Smith, who plans to retire in January, 2008, with the same powers and functions and the grade of general or admiral, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate, while serving in that position.Smith will depart his command in November 2007.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Matthew S. Medlicott, 21, of Houston, died Aug. 25 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident in Herat, Afghanistan. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Daniel E. Miller, 43, of Rossford, Ohio. He was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Sgt. 1st Class Scott M. Carney, 37, of Ankeny, Iowa. He was assigned to the 2d Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa Army National Guard.

DoD Identifies Army Casuatly The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class David A. Heringes, 36, of Tampa, Fla., died Aug. 24 near Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations in Bayji, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Edgar E. Cardenas, 34, of Lilburn, Ga., died Aug. 22 in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Aug. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Adrian M. Elizalde, 30, of North Bend, Ind. Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Tully, 33, of Falls Creek, Penn.

CONTRACTS NAVY United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded and estimated $60,000,000 advance acquisition contract for long lead components, parts and materials associated with the Lot 2 Low Rate Initial Production of 6 F-135 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) propulsion system installs and 2 CTOL propulsion system spares for the U.S. Air Force and 6 Short Take-off and Vertical Landing Air Systems (STOVL) propulsion system installs and 2 STOVL propulsion system spares for the U.S. Navy.Work will be performed East Hartford, Conn. (70 percent), and Bristol, United Kingdom (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0098). AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va.; Delphinus Engineering, Inc., Eddystone, Pa.; Epsilon Systems Solutions, Inc., San Diego, Calif.; General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., are being awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts, with potential maximum values of $15,000,000, to provide repair, maintenance, and alteration to U.S. Navy-submarines visiting or homeported in San Diego, Calif. and procure long lead time material in support of these activities.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Federal Business Opportunities Website, with 20 proposals solicited and seven offers received.The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Pole Zero Corp.*, West Chester, Ohio, is being awarded a $7,772,187 modification under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-06-D-0036) to exercise an option for the procurement of Co-Site UHF SATCOM (satellite communications) Filters and interface adapters in support of the Remote Radio Secure Voice System Program.Work will be performed in West Chester, Ohio, and is expected to be completed in August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $6,834,580 for ceiling priced order #0241 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components of the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $6,691,472 for ceiling priced order #0242 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components of the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $6,451,438 for ceiling priced order #0240 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components of the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Boeing Company DBA Boeing guidance Repair Center Electronic Systems and Missile Defense is being awarded a contract for $20,604,797.This contract provides for E-3 Antennas located in the cheek fairing of the aircraft and chin fairing of the lower front of the aircraft.The function is to intercept microwave signals and convert them to lower intermediate frequencies. At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (405) 734-4617.848 CBSG/PKB, 3001 STAFF DR STE 1AG198C, Tinker AFB, OK 73145 is the contracting activity (FA810306R0288 Issued 10 Mar 2006 and FA810306R0341 Issued 3 May 2006). United Paradyne Corp., is being awarded a contract modification option for $6,642,874.This contract is an Aerospace Support Services contract.This contract is a consolidation of three vital logistical aerospace support services (Unconventional Propellant Support, Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Services, Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance and Transient Aircraft Maintenance Services) into one comprehensive Operation and Maintenance contract for the 30th Space Wing.The Aerospace Support Services contract provides and integrated management entity, the "Aerospace Maintenance Operations Center," a single point of contact that interfaces, controls, schedules, coordinates, operates, maintains, and provides support to 30th Space Wing community.This contract supports operational programs, including local airfield operations.U.S. Space Lift programs, the Expeditionary Aerospace Force, and future Aerospace Plane and Space Operational Vehicle activities.Additionally, it provides mission support of test aerospace platforms from domestic and foreign Government agencies (NASA, DoD, NRO, etc), as well as private corporations.This contract encompasses all authorized mission support requirements for programs utilizing the "Western Range and Major Range Test Facility Base" support and Commercial Space activities.At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (805) 606-3873.Air Force Space Command; 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZ, Bldg 8500, 1515 Iceland Avenue, Rm 150, Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-5212 is the contracting activity (F04694-02-C-0008; Modification P00121). ARMY Gulf Sand and Gravel Inc.*, Gulf Shores, Ala., was awarded on Aug. 23, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,118,202 as part of a $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for restoration of shoreline and beach.Work will be performed in Harrison, Miss., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were205 bids solicited on July 13, 2007, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-D-0108).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of 14 soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Aug. 22 in Multaka, Iraq, of injuries suffered when their helicopter crashed. Killed were the following soldiers assigned to the 4th Squadron, 6th U.S. Air Cavalry Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.: Capt. Corry P. Tyler, 29, of Georgia. Chief Warrant Officer Paul J. Flynn, 28, of Whitsett, N.C. Sgt. Matthew L. Tallman, 30, of Groveland, Calif. Spc. Rickey L. Bell, 21, of Caruthersville, Mo. Also killed were the following soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii: Capt. Derek A. Dobogai, 26, of Fond du Lac, Wis. Staff Sgt. Jason L. Paton, 25, of Poway, Calif. Sgt. Garrett I. McLead, 23, of Rockport, Texas. Cpl. Jeremy P. Bouffard, 21, of Middlefield, Mass. Cpl. Phillip J. Brodnick, 25, of New Lenox, Ill. Cpl. Joshua S. Harmon, 20, of Mentor, Ohio. Cpl. Nathan C. Hubbard, 21, of Clovis, Calif. Spc. Michael A. Hook, 25, of Altoona, Penn. Spc. Jessy G. Pollard, 22, of Springfield, Mo. Spc. Tyler R. Seideman, 20, of Lincoln, Ark. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Sandy R. Britt, 30, of Apopka, Fla., died Aug. 21 near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Omar E. Torres, 20, of Chicago, died Aug. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th CavalryRegiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS NAVY York International Corp., York, Pa., is being awarded a $22,075,180 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the acquisition of an estimated quantity of 20, 300-ton air conditioning plant duplex conversion kits required to increase the cooling capacity of York air conditioning plants installed in Los Angeles-class (SSN-688) submarines. The contract also calls for the furnishing of auxiliary component kits, installation and checkout spares kits and associated technical documentation. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by November 2011. This contract was not competitively procured. The requirement was synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-07-D-0016). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Genco Infrastructure Solutions, Pittsburgh, Pa., is being awarded a $8,877,264.40 firm fixed, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for warehousing and distribution services at DDRV resulting from an A-76 re-competition. The original proposal was Web solicited with 3 responses. The Defense Distribution Center is the Contract Administration Office and will obligate funds following a post-award conference and issuance of initial delivery order. Award amounts specified reflect only the price for the phase-in period under the base period of 2 years. Three 1-year option periods are available extending the contract potentially to 5 years of full performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Richmond, Va. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is potentially May 2013. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SP3100-07-D-XXXX).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Willard M. Kerchief III, 21, of Evansville, Ind., died Aug. 16 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire during combat operations in Taramiyah, Iraq.He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE General Electric Co., Aircraft Engines is being awarded a contract for $231,215,100.The objective of the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) program is to develop and demonstrate inlet, engine, exhaust nozzle, and integrated thermal management technologies that enable optimized propulsion system performance over a broad range of altitude and flight velocity.The ADVENT program will demonstrate integration technologies to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4-5 and engine technologies to TRL-6 in a large thrust class, with emphasis on multi-design point demonstration of significant advancements in thrust, fuel efficiency, development cost, production cost and maintenance cost characteristics over baseline engines. At this time, $129,140 has been obligated.For more information please call (937) 255-2643.AFRL/PKPB, Bldg 167, 2310 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7801 is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-2802). Call Henry, Inc., is being awarded a contract modification for $8,821,848.The action is a Launch Operations Support Contract.This contract is for centralized management, operation, maintenance, repair, upgrade, and launch support for critical range and launch facilities and infrastructure supporting range transmitting and receiving sites, launch pads, spacecraft clean rooms, processing facilities, and aerospace ground equipment.The major elements includes cranes, hoists, mechanical systems, pressure vessels, towers, and elevators; operation of Vandenberg power plants and power generators; and on-site support for launch activities such as operation and monitoring the South Vandenberg Poser Plant during launch activities. At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (805) 605-8023.Contracting activity is Air Force Space Command; 30th Contracting Squadron; 30CONS/LGCZG; Bldg 7015, 806 13th Street Suite 2; Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437-5226 (F04610-04-C-0004; Modification P00031). Aviation Technologies, Inc. is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $8,741,992.The Hydraulic Component Test Stand (HCT) is a piece of back shop test equipment to test a variety of aircraft and support equipment hydraulic components.The test stand provides hydraulic pressure and flow as well as pressurized nitrogen and air for testing the components.This requirement is for 75 units.At this time, all funds have been obligated.For more information please call (478) 222-1755.642 CB SSS/GBKBB, 400 Richard Ray Blvd, Suite 200, Robins AFB, GA 31098-1640 is the contracting activity (FA8533-07-C-0001). NAVY Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Raleigh, N.C., is being awarded an $11,940,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Project P1184, Marine Special Operations Center (MARSOC), Marine Corp Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C.The work to be performed includes design and construction of a single story MARSOC Dining Facility, demolition of five houses and associated environmental mitigation. Work will be performed in Camp Lejeune, N.C., and is expected to be completed by March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with 66 proposals solicited and one offer received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-1902). Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems., Sudbury, Mass., is being awarded an $8,915,030firm-fixed-price requirements contract for logistics support of the AEGIS Transmitter Group and MK99 Fire Control System.This announcement combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (one percent) and the Government of Japan (50 percent); Norway (25 percent); and Spain, 24 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This contract contains four one-year options, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $49,081,437.Work will be performed in Sudbury, Mass. (10 percent); and Norfolk, Va. (90 percent), and work is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-D-ZD51). Raytheon Technical Services Co., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded $8,615,988 for firm-fixed-price order #7210 under previously awarded contract for components of the APG-73 radar system used to support the F/A-18 aircraft.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (48 percent); Forest, Miss. (44 percent); and Andover, Mass. (8 percent), and work is to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will not have expired at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-04-G-011F). Correction: the contract awarded on August 7, 2007, to Canadian Commercial Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, (M67854-07-D-5028), should have stated the dollar amount as $335,881,940. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $141,999,451 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for engineering and technical services for the continued missile design and development, fabrication, test, and flight test support for the Standard Missile-3 for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona and is expected to be complete by December 2007.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-03-C-6111). FY 07 research and development funds will be used.The contract modification will be incrementally funded, and at award will obligate $48,573,012 FY-07 research and development. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Alfab Inc., Enterprise, Ala, is being awarded a maximum $8,067,600 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract to perform Facilities Maintenance, Class IV Pallet and Mat Assembly (F44) Configuration for a one year period for DPSC. Proposals were Web-solicited and 2 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is August 24, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DPSC), Philadelphia, Pa (SP0500-05-R-0074 ARMY Northrop Grumman, Redondo Beach, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 24, 2007, a $5,497,436 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 15 Kilowatt Oscillator Power Amplifier Lasers.Work will be performed in Redondo Beach, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 24, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 25, 2007.The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-05-C-0216).

CONTRACTS UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Menlo Worldwide Government Services, LLC, San Mateo, Calif., is being awarded a fixed-price/cost-reimbursement contract for a base period face value of $525,076,256. The contract has a total estimated contract value of $1,635,842,885, which includes all option periods and award term option periods. This action is to perform transportation coordination services in a manner that will improve the reliability, predictability, and efficiency of Department of Defense materiel moving within the Continental United States under the Defense Transportation Coordination Initiative (DTCI).Work will be performed throughout the Continental United States and will continue through August 2014, if all option periods and award term option periods are exercised.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (HTC711-07-D-0032). NAVY United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney, Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $71,503,988 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-02-C-3003) for the procurement of F-135 gearbox redesign and re-qualification, and delivery of nine redesigned gearboxes.The gearboxes will be incorporated into F-135 flight test engines being delivered to Lockheed Martin for the F-35 flight test aircraft.Work will be performed in East Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Harris Corporation, doing business as Harris Radio Frequency Communication, Rochester, N.Y., is being awarded a guaranteed minimum $26,995,659 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the acquisition of communications subsystems replacement parts/equipment.This contract contains options, which if exercised, would bring the not-to-exceed value of the contract $78,000,000.Due to the continuous use, much of the equipment needs to have replacement performed to allow the systems to function as designed.Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) also requires a contractual vehicle that provides the capacity over the next 5 years, for a continuous plan to replace lost, damaged or stolen Harris components.Currently the Harris systems are in use in Southwest Asia and around the world and this contract will be used to do an Integrated Logistics Overhaul (ILO) of the existing systems that support the NECC Unit's missions.This ILO will use Congressional funds that were designated for Cost of War repair or replacement of lost, damaged or stolen equipment components for the NECC units that are deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed August 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured due to this contractor being the only responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-4068). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Western Region, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $25,506,803 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0080) for 15 shipsets of U.S. Navy Inlet Nacelles in support of the Service Life Extension Program for the U.S. Navy F/A-18A/B/C/D aircraft.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (71 percent) and at various locations throughout the United States (29 percent), and work is expected to be completed in December 2010.Contract funds in the amount of $2,929,674 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River Md., is the contracting activity. Boeing Helicopter, Ridley Park, Pa., is being awarded an $8,633,900 ceiling priced delivery order #0238 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) to manufacture spare components of the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and work is expected to be completed August 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.One company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement and one offer was received in response to the solicitation.The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00383-03-G-001B, delivery order 0238). LINXX Security Services*, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $8,583,200 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N61339-07-D-0003) to exercise an option to procure the services of instructors for the Non-Compliant Boarding Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (NCB VBSS) and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Boarding Officer (VBSS BO) courses on behalf of the Center for Security Forces, Little Creek, Va.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (30 percent); San Diego, Calif.(30 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii(20 percent); and Mayport, Fla.(20 percent), and work is expected to be completed in September 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $552,487 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. Correction: the contract awarded on August 7, 2007, to Canadian Commercial Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, (M67854-07-D-5028), should have stated the dollar amount as $338,734,800 and the work will be performed in Lansing, Mich., and other production sites. AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated System Sector, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an firm-fixed-price contract for $17,525,160.This action will provide twelve T-38 Wing Assemblies.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began in October 2006 and negotiations were completed in August 2007.This work will be complete in August 2010.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8218-07-C-0009).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. George V. Libby, 23, of Aberdeen, N.C., died Aug. 20 near Khowst, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

CONTRACTS ARMY Kongsberg Defense, Kongsberg, Norway, was awarded on Aug. 21, 2007, a delivery order amount of $292,895,119 as part of a $1,000,000,000 firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract for the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Systems, spare parts, depot operations, and field service representatives.Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 23, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-D-0018). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 16, 2007, a $56,459,409 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for upgrade of Fox Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance System Vehicles from M93 to M93A1 Configurations to MP31A1P1.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 24, 2007.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (DAAM01-96-C-0028). MW Builders of Texas Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 15, 2007, a $42,157,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a whole barracks complex.Work will be performed at Fort Hood, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 187 bids solicited on Dec. 4, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0032). Sampson Construction, Lincoln, Neb., was awarded on Aug. 15, 2007, a $32,120,700 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Army Aviation Support Facility.Work will be performed in Cheyenne, Wyo., and is expected to be completed by March 29, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 11 bids solicited on June 12, 2007, and five bids were received.The National Guard Bureau, Cheyenne, Wyo., is the contracting activity (W912L3-07-C-0016). Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Aug. 15, 2007, a $25,388,813 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Black Hawk Helicopter (UH-60M) sustainment stock parts.Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 3, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH23-02-C-0006). K.L. House Construction Co., Inc.*, Albuquerque, N.M., was awarded on Aug. 15, 2007, a $24,618,409 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center.Work will be performed in Albuquerque, N.M., and is expected to be completed by June 23, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 16, 2006, and seven bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0056). SRC Tec Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on Aug. 2, 2007, an $18,463,200 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar AN/TPQ-48(V) 2 Systems.Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 6, 2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-05-C-P004). Goodrich Corp., Diamond Bar, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 15, 2007, a $13,664,000 firm-fixed-price contract for High Speed Internal Rescue Hoists for the Army National Guard-Aviation.Work will be performed in Diamond Bar, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 14, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 15, 2007.The National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-07-C-0031). Chancellor & Son Inc.*, Cordova, Tenn., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2007, a $13,240,545 firm-fixed-price contract for flood control on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.Work will be performed in Greenwood, Miss., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 25, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W912EE-07-C-0016). Browning Construction Co., Ltd.*, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 9, 2007, a $12,623,500 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of four camps and a Core Administration Area for Basic Expeditionary Airman Training.Work will be performed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 330 bids solicited on Jan. 11, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0030). Telford Aviation, Dothan, Ala., was awarded on Aug. 13, 2007, an $11,195,164 time and materials contract for operational support for Medium Airborne Reconnaissance Surveillance Systems.Work will be performed in Dothan, Ala., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-W009). Chugach Government Services Inc.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Aug. 15, 2007, an $8,999,035 firm-fixed-price contract for operation and maintenance of a water and wastewater treatment plant.Work will be performed at Fort Meade, Md., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 14, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 18, 2007.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-07-C-0028). Tesoro Corp., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on Aug. 20, 2007, an $8,957,990 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a dormitory.Work will be performed at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 19, 2007, and seven bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-C-0040). Babcock Construction Co., L.L.C.*, Arkansas City, Kan., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2007, an $8,445,577 firm-fixed-price contract for South Louisiana urban flood control.Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by March 11, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 14, 2007, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-07-C-0097). General Dynamics, Taunton, Mass., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2007, an $8,200,000 increment as part of a $1,179,461,286 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the development of a Warfighter Information Network-Tactical.Work will be performed in Taunton, Mass. (77 percent), and Gaithersburg, Md. (23 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 12, 2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-02-C-F404). Wood Brothers Inc.*, Lemoore, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2007, an $8,016,142 firm-fixed-price contract for the Sacramento River Bank Protection Project.Work will be performed in Sacramento, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were nine bids solicited on July 4, 2007, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0018). Triple Canopy, Herndon, Va., was awarded on Aug. 16, 2007, a $6,842,817 firm-fixed-price contract for internal security services for forward operating bases.Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on July 29, 2007, and three bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GDW-07-A-4003). Raytheon Co., Bedford, Mass., was awarded on Aug. 17, 2007, a $6,466,651 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for FY07 PATRIOT engineering services.Work will be performed in Burlington, Mass. (3.95 percent), Huntsville, Ala. (8.09 percent), Andover, Mass. (9.82 percent), Tewksbury, Mass. (76.44 percent), El Paso, Texas (1.67 percent), and Norfolk, Va. (0.03 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 9, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 26, 2003.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0020). A&H Contractors Inc.*, Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 9, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,300,000 as part of an $11,734,047 firm-fixed-price contract for relief well modifications, dredging, excavation and topsoil placement, removal of existing reinforced concrete pipe, and installation of new reinforced concrete pipe.Work will be performed in Granite City, Ill., and is expected to be completed by June 10, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 10, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912P9-07-D-0513). General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2007, a $5,149,479 increment as part of a $215,373,106 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for system development and demonstration for the Extended Range/Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (43 percent), Adelanto, Calif. (14 percent), Palmdale, Calif. (8 percent), Salt Lake City, Utah (18 percent), Hunt Valley, Md. (14 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 120 bids solicited on Sept. 1, 2004, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069). NAVY BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Lansdale, Pa., is being awarded a $52,480,447 undefinitized contract action to procure the following items in support of the EA-6B aircraft: 36 Low Band Transmitters (LBTs); 18 V-Pol antennas; 25 H-Pol antennas; 17 Band 2 Adapter Interface Assemblies; one RF Test Station; two antenna test stations; two transmitter test stations; one lot of Special Tooling/Test Equipment; Non-Recurring Engineering for the Microprocessor upgrade; and spare and repair parts for the AN/ALQ-99 LBT - Antenna Group.Work will be performed in Lansdale, Pa., and is expected to be completed in January 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0057). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly owned Subsidiary of The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded $40,000,000 for delivery order #0002 under previously awarded contract (N00383-06-D-001J) to purchase initial spares in support of the E/A-18 G Growler.Work will be performed at St. Louis, Mo., and work is to be completed by May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. The John Deere Construction and Forrestry Corp.,is being awarded a $39,998,533 firm-fixed-price delivery order #0004 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5010) for the Tractor, Rubber Tired, Articulated Steering, Multipurpose Vehicles (TRAM) and training services.The TRAM is a large construction forklift vehicle equipped with armored protection on the cab.Work will be performed in Moline, Ill., and work is expected to be completed by August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The base contract wascompetitively procured through full and open competition using the Navy Electronic Commerce On-Line and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with five offers received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Globe Trailer Manufacturing, Inc., Bradenton, Fla., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract in the amount of $8,863,560 for 55-ton semi trailers for the Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center, Port Hueneme, Calif.Work will be performed in Bradenton, Fla., and work is expected to be completed by March 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded competitively under a 100 percent small business set-aside, with five offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Seal Beach Division is the contracting activity (N00244-07-C-1546). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $29,259,552 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center.Other locations of performance are Corpus Christi, Texas.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The original proposal was Web solicited with 4 responses.Date of performance completion is January 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0542).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 16 of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. They were assigned to the 401st Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Paul B. Norris, 30, of Cullman, Ala., who died in Balad, Iraq. Spc. Kamisha J. Block, 20, of Vidor, Texas, who died in Baghdad, Iraq. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Michael S. Fielder, 35, of Holly Springs, N.C., died Aug. 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 248th Medical Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 44th Medical Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE General Dynamics Network Systems Inc., Needham, Mass., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursement contract modification for $2,250,000,000 (Maximum).This represents a $300,000,000.00 increase in the total ceiling amount for this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract.The Intelligence Information, Command and Control, Equipment and Enhancements (ICE2) contract provides worldwide Information Technology (IT) sustainment and technical support.The contractor provides computer equipment support consisting of preventive and remedial maintenance of hardware and inventory management.This increase will allow task orders to continue to June 2008. At this time, no funds have been obligated.For more information please call (478) 926-8374.Headquarters 330th Aircraft Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0095/P00006). Lockheed Martin Corporation is being awarded an undefinitized contract action for $23,000,000 (Not To Exceed).This undefinitized contract action is for the procurement of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) items identified by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to prevent increased redesign cost.The location of performance is Fort Worth Texas, 76101-3630.At this time, $ 7,300,000 has been obligated.For more information please call (937) 904-5316.478 AESG (Formerly ASC/YFK), Buliding 553, 2725 C Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433 is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2899-P00018). NAVY Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, doing business as Niederlassung NICO Trittau, Trittau, Germany, is being awarded $38,999,996 for delivery order #0003 under a previously awarded firm-fixed indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-1027) for the production of 1,496,000 40mm MK281 Mod 0 Practice Cartridges and non-recurring costs.The MK 281 is a training cartridge consisting of 32 rounds linked together in a belt for use in the Mk19 Grenade Machine Gun.Upon impact with the ground, the cartridges expell a non-toxic orange dye that is visible up to a minimum of 1,200m in normal daylight conditions and a chemiluminescent insert that is visible up to 500m in darkness and is greatly enhanced with the use of night vision goggles.Work will be performed Trittau, Germany, is work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager for Ammunition, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. DME Corp., Orlando, Fla., is being awarded $31,915,510 for delivery order #0005 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-05-D-3011) for VIPER/T Third Echelon Test Set (TETS) and related equipment.TETS is a weapon system field portable, automated, diagnostic fault isolation mechanism.TETS has 3 variants; Radio Frequency (RF), Electro-Optical (EO), and RF/EO.The order is specifically for quantity 32 EO variants, quantity 6 RF/EO variants, quantity 38 Stand Alone Instrument Fixtures, and quantity 38 Calibration Interface Devices.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., Santa Barbara, Calif., and Austin, Texas, and is expected to be completed in September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively awarded through full and open competition with two offers received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Company, Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $15,422,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0013) for the procurement of three MH-60R Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) systems, an ALFS Sonar Transmitter/Receiver Control Module Technical Refresh effort, as well as an ALFS Automated Test Equipment Procedure Enhancement. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., and is expected to be completed in May 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $8,022,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

U.S. Military Medics to Respond in Peru Quake-Relief Efforts

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2007 - A joint U.S. military mobile surgical team from Joint Task Force Bravo, based at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras, will deploy to Peru today as part of U.S. Southern Command's response to an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation Aug. 15.

The deployment follows a disaster declaration issued yesterday by U.S. Ambassador to Peru Peter Michael McKinley.

The 30-member U.S. Army and Air Force surgical team will include a general surgeon, anesthesiologist, general practitioner, physician's assistant, nurses and medical technicians and will partner with the U.S. Embassy, as well as Peruvian defense and health officials to provide specialized medical services to area residents, SOUTHCOM officials said.

"We want to extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Peru and the families affected by this tragic earthquake," Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, commander of U.S. Southern Command, said. "Any time there is disaster of this magnitude, there is dramatic increase in the medical needs of those communities affected. As a partner nation and close friend of Peru, we stand ready to assist with those resources and capabilities at our disposal."

A U.S. Air Force C-130 from 156th Airlift Wing, based in Puerto Rico, will airlift the surgical team to Peru.

U.S. Southern Command military planners continue to work with interagency partners and Peruvian counterparts to assess recovery needs in the affected areas and identify additional U.S. military units that may be able to provide assistance, officials said.

JTF Bravo, the only U.S. Southern Command component with permanently assigned U.S. military personnel, is a first responder to crises in the region and routinely conducts humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search-and-rescue, personnel-recovery and non-combatant medical evacuation operations.

Air Force Pilot Missing From Vietnam War Is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Lt. Col. Alton C. Rockett, Jr., U.S. Air Force, of Birmingham, Ala.He will be buried Monday in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. On June 2, 1967, Rockett and his co-pilot, Capt. Daniel L. Carrier, crewed the number two aircraft in a flight of two F-4Cs flying an armed reconnaissance mission over Quang Binh Province, North Vietnam.During their bomb run, anti-aircraft ground fire was observed, but Rockett reported that his aircraft was not hit.When the lead aircraft completed its bomb run, the flight leader told Rockett to return to base, but moments later, he saw a large fireball in his rear-view mirror.He made several radio calls to Rockett, but did not hear or see anything from the aircraft.Due to the dangerous location, there were no further search and rescue attempts. In June and July 1989, Vietnamese officials repatriated to the United States sets of remains of U.S. servicemembers.The officials also supplied documents identifying that three of the sets of remains were those of Rockett, Carrier and another serviceman, Col. Samuel C. Maxwell.It was later discovered that the name associations among those remains had been confused.In October and November 1989, Maxwell and Carrier were identified after further analysis, but the third set of remains could not be attributed to Rockett at that time. In 1993, a joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and interviewed witnesses.One Vietnamese citizen said that Rockett and Carrier were buried near the crash site, but that their remains were exhumed in 1978 by Vietnamese officials. In 2001, another joint U.S./S.R.V. team re-interviewed witnesses and surveyed the burial and crash sites.Small pieces of airplane wreckage were found at the crash site. In 2003, a maternal-line mitochondrial DNA reference sample for Rockett was obtained. In 2006, another joint U.S./S.R.V. team excavated the burial sites, but recovered no human remains. Using forensic identification tools, circumstantial evidence and mitochondrial DNA, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory identified Rockett's remains, which were those previously repatriated to the United States in 1989.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Robert R. Pirelli, 29, of Franklin, Mass., died Aug. 15 in Iraq of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Alun R. Howells, 20, of Parlin, Colo., died Aug. 13 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy direct fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 13 in Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Eric D. Cottrell, 39, of Pittsview, Ala. Pfc. Juan M. Lopez Jr., 23, of San Antonio. Pfc. Paulomarko U. Pacificador, 24, of Shirley, N.Y.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE General Dynamics Network Systems Inc., Needham, Mass., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursement contract modification for $2,250,000,000. The Intelligence Information, Command and Control, Equipment and Enhancements (ICE2) contract provides worldwide Information Technology (IT) sustainment and technical support. The contractor provides computer equipment support consisting of preventive and remedial maintenance of hardware and inventory management. The basic period of this contract is four years - expired 30 June 2007. Incentive option I was partially exercised, for a period of one year, on 8 May 2007; for the period of performance 1 July 2007 through 30 June 2008. However, ordering authority was given for 1 July 2007 to 31 December 2007, pending this increase to the contract ceiling. This increase will allow task orders to continue to June 2008. At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete in June 2008. For more information please call (478) 926-8374. Headquarters 330th Aircraft Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0095/P00006). US TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Hummingbird Aviation, LLC, Hammond, LA, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) type contract for $112,308,168.00.The contractor is to perform services necessary to perform rotary wing transportation services to transport Class I - X supplies, U.S. Mail and passengers. Rotary wing transportation services are to be performed in Afghanistan at military airfields. This contract was competitively procured and two offers were received.The performance period is from 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2009.USTRANSCOM Directorate of Acquisitions, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity (HTC711-07-D-0033). NAVY SERCO Inc., Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $61,974,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for in-service engineering agent (ISEA) and acquisition support for Naval electronic surveillance systems. Included in the support are the following systems: Sensor Management System, Joint Perimeter Surveillance Command and Control System, Unmanned Vehicles for Physical Security, Adaptive Networks, Mobile Remote Video Surveillance System, Ground Radar for Personnel Detection, and future electronic surveillance systems for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). The work entails ISEA and acquisition support for Naval electronic surveillance systems during their life cycle and to provide technical expertise to the Program Executive Offices, Naval Installation Command, Naval Intelligence Command, other Department of Defense agencies, Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, and other Government activities as required. This three-year contract includes five, six-month award terms, which if all awarded, would bring the potential cumulative value of this contract to $115,224,000. Work will be performed primarily in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited on an unrestricted basis via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce web site, with one offer received. SSC San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0018). General Dynamics Land Systems, under their operating Unit General Dynamics Amphibious Systems, Woodbridge, Va., is being awarded a $15,484,557 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-01-C-0001) for System Integration Laboratory Hardware, during the Systems Development and Demonstration phase of the of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle program. Work will be performed in Woodbridge, Va. (45 percent); Tallahassee, Fla. (30 percent); Lima, Ohio (20 percent); and Scranton, Pa. (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. InnovaSystems International, LLC, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $14,427,000 cost-plus-award-fee contract for system engineering, system design/development, integration, testing, installation, training, lifecycle maintenance, procurement support, help desk services, management support, and system documentation for the Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS). This one-year contract includes four, one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the potential cumulative value of this contract to $77,512,000. All work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be August 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured to accommodate one responsible source and unique qualifications to meet critical needs of the military. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0061). Talley Defense Systems, Mesa, Ariz., is being awarded an $8,062,217 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of 1,287 M72A7 Light Anti-Armor Weapon's (LAW) and 1,833 M72A9 Light Anti-Armor Weapon Anti-Structure Munition (ASM) rounds. The M72 LAW is a 66mm man-portable, lightweight, direct fire weapon that consists of an in-tube burning, free flight rocket prepackaged in a disposable launcher. The launcher is a lightweight, telescoping, single shot, throw away item consisting of an aluminum inner tube, an outer tube, a tube detonation device, a mechanical sight system, a firing mechanism, safety interlocks, an integral rear cover and shoulder rest and carry sling with front cover. The two tactical configurations to be procured are the M72A7 LAW with Graze and the M72A9 LAW ASM. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by May 2008. Contract funds in the amount $8,062,217 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-4820). APAC-SOUTHEAST, Inc., Gulf Coast Division, Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded a $6,225,295 firm-fixed-price contract for resurfacing of roads and parking lots at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. The work to be performed includes resurfacing of approximately 31 lane miles of existing asphaltic paved roads and approximately 5,000 square yards of existing asphaltic parking lots. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla., and is expected to be completed February 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with three proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Public Works Department, Pensacola, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-6323). ARMY Clark/Balfour Beatty NGA (Joint Venture), Bethesda, Md., was awarded on Aug. 10, 2007, a $42,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's New Campus East. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 1, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 16, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-07-C-0027). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 10, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,363,566 as part of a $351,688,458 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for authorized stock list packages for Stryker Brigades. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (17 percent), Fort Lewis, Wash. (30 percent), Germany (8 percent), Iraq (14 percent), Kuwait (2 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (29 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 1, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). JLG Industries, McConnell burg, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 10, 2007, a delivery order amount of $12,494,596 as part of a $78,219,159 firm-fixed-price contract for reset of theater-provided equipment in Iraq (50 percent) and Afghanistan (50 percent). Work will be performed in Balad Iraq and Bagram, Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 10, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 22, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-0153). Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Aug. 10, 2007, a $12,135,009 modification to a fixed-price-incentive with award-fee contract for the incorporation of in-scope changes to the renovation, and to exercise the option for Wedge 4 design and construction in the Pentagon. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 19, 2001. The Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-01-C-2001). Caman/Strickland (Joint Venture)*, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on Aug. 10, 2007, a delivery order amount of $11,248,850 as part of an $11,845,734 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Child Development Center. Work will be performed at Fort Riley, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 9, 2007, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0046). Technical & Management Services Corp.*, Beltsville, Md., was awarded on Aug. 10, 2007, a $9,801,000 modification to a time and materials contract for an Iraqi Law Enforcement Technical Center. Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 7, 2007. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-05-C-0139). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 14 in Al Taqqadum, Iraq, of injuries suffered when their helicopter crashed. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, Task Force 49, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Killed were: Chief Warrant Officer Christopher C. Johnson, 31, of Michigan. Chief Warrant Officer Jackie L. McFarlane Jr, 30, Virginia Beach, Va. Staff Sgt. Sean P. Fisher, 29, of Santee, Calif. Staff Sgt. Stanley B. Reynolds, 37, of Rock, W. Va. Spc. Steven R. Jewell, 26, of Bridgeton, N.C. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Alicia A. Birchett, 29, of Mashpee, Mass., died Aug. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related accident Aug. 8 in Baghdad. She was assigned to the 887th Engineer Company, 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Shawn D. Hensel, 20, of Logansport, Ind., died Aug. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds during an enemy attack. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation.

CONTRACTS NAVY Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $82,438,092 modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-06-C-0292) to begin production of one additional CV-22 aircraft and associated rate tooling fabrication, in support of the U.S. Air Force.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (50 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (35 percent); and Amarillo, Texas (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Readiness Management Support, LC, Panama City, Fla., is being awarded a $63,675,384 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract, with a provision for firm-fixed-price task orders, to provide aviation technical services, which is the combination of equipment maintenance of Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems (ATCALS) and flight operational services at air bases/stations.This procurement provides for electronic equipment maintenance services and air traffic management to support air traffic control operations and maintenance (O&M), airfield management, air to ground communications O&M, and aviation weather systems O&M at multiple locations in the U.S. Central Command Air Forces includes four one-year option periods which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $388,259,139.Work will be performed in Southwest Asia, primarily Iraq and Afghanistan and is expected to be completed August 2008.If all options are exercised, work could continue until August 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition.The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, with two offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6872).Southwest Asia Area of Responsibility necessary to meet the mission requirements of the DoD.The contract Sauer Inc., dba Sauer Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $15,900,600 for Task Order 0001 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N40085-05-D-5056) to provide renovations to the Navy Exchange Lodge at Naval Station Norfolk.Work includes but is not limited to the renovation of the existing 5-story, 200 room guest tower, and lobby; add new space to existing lobby, roofing, and exterior finishes, constructing a building addition to connect the lobby with the new 4-story addition, site work and other incidental work.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. W. M. Jordan Co., Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded $14,897,701 for Task Order 0003 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N40085-05-D-5054) for construction, renovation, alteration and repair projects in the Hampton Roads Area, Virginia.Task Order 0003 is for the demolition of Buildings Z-101, Z-103, and Z-107 at Naval Station, Norfolk, Va. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by February 2010.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Four proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $13,195,994 modification to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) to provide follow-on persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle services.The services currently being performed are in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in October 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $13,195,994 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded $11,688,939 for an extension of the previously awarded Performance Based Logistics (PBL) requirements contract (N00383-05-D-001M) for repair, replacement, consumables support, and program support for F414 engine (F/A-18 E, F, and EA-18G aircraft) components. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., and work is expected to be completed by November 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Aeroflex Corp., Wichita, Kansas, is being awarded a $10,000,000firm-fixed-price requirements contract to manufacture radio test sets to support the General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment Weapons System. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas (50 percent); and United Kingdom (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded competitively, with 15 proposals solicited and five offers received.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-D-D011). AIR FORCE Business Technology and Solutions Inc., Beavercreek, Ohio, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-award-fee and cost reimbursement contract modification for $15,353,066, for the Technical and Acquisition Management Support Program.This program provides for a wide range of diverse non-engineering technical and acquisition management support required in the acquisition, development, production, and support of various equipment and weapon systems within the Air Armament Center and other organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete in September 2008.Headquarters Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-05-C-0002/P00010). Colsa Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-award-fee and cost reimbursement contract modification for $12,435,012 for the Technical and Acquisition Management Support Program.This program provides for a wide range of diverse non-engineering, technical and acquisition management support required in the acquisition, development, production, and support of various equipment and weapon systems within the Air Armament Center and other organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete in September 2008.Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-05-C-0003/P00012). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY HATCO Corp., Fords, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $14,770,880.23 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for lubricating oil. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is August 13, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM4A6-07-D-2788).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 11 in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Killed were: Staff Sgt. William D. Scates, 31, of Oklahoma City. Sgt. Scott L. Kirkpatrick, 26, of Reston, Va. Sgt. Andrew W. Lancaster, 23, of Stockton, Ill. Spc. JustinO. Penrod, 24, of Mahomet, Ill.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Michael E. Tayaotao, 27, of Sunnyvale, Calif., died Aug. 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Bush Reaffirms Commitment to Wounded Warriors

By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2007 - President Bush today visited the Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the care of wounded servicemembers and veterans.

"Any time there is any doubt in anybody's mind that our veterans are not getting excellent care, then we in government have a duty to deal with those doubts," said Bush, who was joined by former Kansas Sen. Robert Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala. Bush appointed Dole and Shalala to head the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors in March.

The Dole-Shalala commission reviewed the military and veterans health care systems and submitted recommendations to Bush at the end of July. Bush noted today that after he received the recommendations, he directed the secretaries of the Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement the recommendations and improve the care of wounded troops.

"We've got great health care for our wounded," Bush said. "We just want to make sure that the system is seamless and that the families are treated with the utmost of care during these difficult moments."

Some of the recommendations from the commission require congressional approval, and the administration will work with Congress to ensure that happens when it comes back in September, Bush said. For now, the departments are moving ahead with the recommendations that they can, emphasizing cooperation between the two agencies, he said.

"The commitment of this government is this: Anybody who is sent into harm's way deserves the best possible care," Bush said. "We're dedicated to this goal. If we find problems, we'll solve the problems."

Bush praised the "amazing things" going on at the VA medical center here. He said he saw health care records being passed between the Defense Department and VA seamlessly, volunteers helping wounded troops regain balance and confidence with kayaking, and physical therapists treating their patients with compassion and care.

"For those who are providing the care, we thank you," he said. "For the soldiers who are receiving the care, we owe you the best. And for the families who stand by them, we thank you for your patience."

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Reynold Armand, 21, of Rochester, N.Y., died Aug. 7 in Balad, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. The death is currently under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died Aug. 12 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey D. Kettle, 31, of Madill, Okla.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. Staff Sgt. Jesse G. Clowers Jr., 27, of Herndon, Va.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. Sgt. Charles B. Kitowski III, 31, of Farmers Branch, Texas.He was assigned to the 345th Psychological Operations Company, 2nd Psychological Operations Group, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS ARMY GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 7, 2007, a delivery order amount of $17,646,655 as part of a $337,165,680 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Mobile Gun Systems, and for Nuclear Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (17 percent), Fort Lewis, Wash. (30 percent), Germany (8 percent), Iraq (14 percent), Kuwait (2 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (29 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 1, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company L.L.C., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on July 30, 2007, a $7,757,160 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging.Work will be performed in Brevard, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 8, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 20 bids solicited on June 1, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (W912EP-07-C-0023). Litton Systems Inc., Garland, Texas, was awarded on July 24, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,670,758 as part of a $38,307,642 firm-fixed-price contract for sniper night sights.Work will be performed in Garland, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 23, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 7, 2006.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0020). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 6, 2007, a $6,254,366 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems , and full-rate production Universal Fire Control Systems.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (23 percent), and East Camden, Ark. (77 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 6, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0001). Hamilton Associates Inc.*, Owings Mills, Md., was awarded on July 25, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,929,944 as part of a $22,454,658 firm-fixed-price contract for Joint Service Mask Leakage Testers.Work will be performed in Owings Mills, Md., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 23, 2007.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-05-D-0012). Universal Propulsion Company Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on July 24, 2007, a $6,547,917 firm-fixed-price contract for non-lethal hand grenades. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 23, 2006.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-C-0126). SYCOLEMAN Corp., Arlington, Va., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a $5,788,541 increment as part of a $28,524,930 time and materials contract for technical, analytical, and administrative support.Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 21, 2003, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Contracting Center for Excellence, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (DASW01-03-F-1026). Stewart-Matl Ltd.*, Austin, Texas, was awarded on July 27, 2007, a $5,740,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Predator Operations Complex.Work will be performed in Houston, Texas, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 4, 2007, and three bids were received.The National Guard Bureau, Austin, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912L1-07-C-5010). General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,686,705 as part of a $6,269,985 firm-fixed-price contract for spare parts for the M1A2 System Enhancement Program Tank.Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 14, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-02-G-0009). Triple Canopy, Herndon, Va., was awarded on July 29, 2007, a $5,553,246 firm-fixed-price contract for internal security services.Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 25, 2007.The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GDW-07-A-4003). Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin (Joint Venture), Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on July 30, 2007, a $5,300,000 firm-fixed-price contract for tactical rounds for Australia.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (60 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 22, 2003.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0136). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Sierra Vista, Ariz., was awarded on Aug. 7, 2007, a $30,000,000 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the rehabilitation, reconstitution, repair, modification, and integration of damaged and obsolete Flight Team Hunter unique equipment.Work will be performed in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 6, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 12, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0082). General Dynamics, Scranton, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 3, 2007, a $24,262,233 firm-fixed-price contract for M107 Projectile metal parts.Work will be performed in Scranton, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 13, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-C-0038). Simula Aerospace, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on Aug. 2, 2007, a $25,599,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Heavy Equipment Transporter, Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, and M915 Add-On-Armor Kits and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, and Palletized Loading System Applique Kits, and M915 Cab Mount Reinforcement Cab Mount Reinforcement Kits.Work will be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., 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 July 19, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0576). Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on Aug. 8, 2007, a $10,856,721 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Research on the Development of Broad-Spectrum Host-Directed Ribonucleic Acid Interference Therapeutics for Ebola Virus and Other Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses.Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass. (52 percent), Rockville, Md. (0.3 percent), Raleigh, N.C. (1.2 percent), Montreal, Canada (7 percent), Cincinnati, Ohio (9.1 percent), New York, N.Y. (3 percent), British Columbia, Canada (7.4 percent), Tacoma, Wash. (6.3 percent), and Frederick, Md. (13.7 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 7, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 1, 2006, and 50 bids were received.The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (HDTRA1-07-C-0082). FCI Constructors Inc., Benicia, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 7, 2007, a $7,661,120 firm-fixed-price contract to lower the American River, raise the existing levee, and construct a Mayhew drain closure structure.Work will be performed in Sacramento, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 19 bids solicited on June 26, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0016). O'Gara Hess & Eisenhardt, Fairfield, Ohio, was awarded on Aug. 2, 2007, a $6,974,748 firm-fixed-price contract for vehicular doors for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Fairfield, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 9, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0377). Colville Tribal Services Corp.*, Nespelem, Wash., was awarded on Aug. 7, 2007, a $6,886,271 firm-fixed-price contract for the Celilo Village Redevelopment Phase II.Work will be performed in Wasco, Ore., and is expected to be completed by April 9, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 26, 2007.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Ore., is the contracting activity (W9127N-07-C-0020). Hawkeye Glove Mfg.*, Fort Dodge, Iowa, was awarded on Aug. 7, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,292,425 as part of an $8,687,500 firm-fixed-price contract for flyers winter gloves.Work will be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and is expected to be completed by June 8, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 11, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0040). NAVY Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems & Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $23,119,281 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the operation and maintenance of a limited in-service support program for the Royal Norwegian Navy new frigate (NNF) F310 CL program.These efforts include software baseline development/maintenance, software maintenance management, engineering support, configuration management, logistics repair, spares support and diminishing manufacturing sources/material shortages.This contract supports the Government of Norway under the Foreign Military Sales program.The effort described herein provides limited in-service support for the NNF SPY-1F derived Aegis Weapon System computer program procured under NAVSEA Contract N00024-00-C-5147.This contract will assist Norway in the maintenance of its NNF, which recently underwent a successful Aegis Combat System Ship Qualification trial.Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (94 percent); Norway (3 percent); and Spain (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5101). BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $21,234,014 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee term, level of effort contract (N00421-06-C-0085) for maintenance, logistics, and life cycle services in support of communication-electronic equipment/systems and subsystems for various Navy, Army, Air Force, Special Operations Forces and other Federal Agencies.These services are in support of the Special Communications Requirements Division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.Work will be performed in California, Md. (62 percent); Fayetteville, N.C. (12 percent); Chesapeake, Va. (8 percent); San Diego, Calif. (7 percent); Fort Bliss, Texas (4 percent); Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (2 percent); Panzer Kaserne, Germany (2 percent); Homestead, Fla. (2 percent); and Tampa, Fla. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity. U.S. Tactical Supply, Inc., Albany, Oregon, is being awarded a $6,913,687 GSA firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-F-1095) for 60,250 Grip Pods. Grip Pods attach to the forward hand guard of the Modular Weapon System and provides a forward hand-grip with bipod legs integrated into the polymer handle for a stable shooting position. Work will be performed in Albany, Ore., and is expected to be completed September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Enterprise Engineering, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a not to exceed $6,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for Architect-Engineering (A-E) services for Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants (POL) facilities worldwide.The work to be performed provides for a variety of design and engineering services for POL pipelines and related facilities.The term of the contract is not to exceed 36 months with an expected completion date of August 2008 (August 2010 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was selected under Brooks Bill (Public Law 92-582) procedures; 10 A-E Qualification Forms (SF 330s) were received from interested parties based on a Federal Business Opportunities announcement.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-4006). AIR FORCE ViaSat Inc., Carlsbad, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price and time & materials contract for $8,714,758.This action provides for development and production of Space Telemetry Tracking and Commanding (TT&C) Ground Operating Equipment Increment One (GOE I1).The GOE I1 will replace existing/legacy GOE and will be the space TT&C solution for new satellite ground stations. At this time, $1,278,000 has been obligated.Solicitations began in December 2006 and negotiations were completed in June 2007.This work will be complete in July 2012.Headquarters Cryptologic Systems Group, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8307-07-C-0007). Kaman Dayron, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $6,969,200.This action provides for nine foreign military sales countries with the Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF) System to meet their anticipated munitions requirements.The JPF is a state-of-the-art fuze system used with precision weapon systems such as the JDAM, and equipped with variable delay setting that may be programmed manually or from the cockpit through its in-flight reprogrammable feature. This effort supports foreign military sales to Australia, Belgium, Japan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Portugal, Oman and Poland.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began in November 2006 and negotiations were completed in August 2007.This work will be complete in June 2009.Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08626-98-C-0006/P00084). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. William L. Edwards, 23, of Houston, died Aug. 11 in Arab Jabour,Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rdInfantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pvt. Alan J. Austin, 21, of Houston, died Aug. 12 near Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from a non-combat relatedaccident.He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Jordan E. Goode, 21, of Kalamazoo, Mich., died Aug. 11 in Zormont, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Joan J. Duran, 24, of Roxbury, Mass., died August 10 in Iraq of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Rockwell Collins Inc., Government Systems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification for $100,761,193.This contract modification exercises production options for the purchase of 43,093 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories.The DAGR will provide authorized Department of Defense (DoD) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) users of GPS User Equipment (UE) a Precise Positioning System (PPS), hand-held, dual-frequency (l1/L2), lightweight receiver (less than one pound) that incorporates the next generation, tamper-resistant GPS "SAASM" (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) Security module.The DAGR will serve as a replacement for the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) in integrated platforms as well as for the advanced and basic GPS user.This effort supports foreign military sales to Australia, Canada, France and Germany.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete in September 2008.Headquarters Global Positioning Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0011/P00055). NAVY Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded $69,799,900 for delivery order #0005 under previously awarded firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5031) to purchase 25 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category I Cougar vehicles and 100 MRAP Category II Cougar vehicles.MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with a blast resistant underbody designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary and direct fire weapons.Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C; Anniston, Ala.; and Sealy, Texas, and work is expected to be completed December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procure. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $34,129,729 fixed-price, award-fees requirements contract for logistics support for the Aegis SPY-1 radar weapon system.This contract includes a three-year base period plus two one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $59,587,161.This contract combines purchase for the U.S. Navy (88 percent) and the Governments of Spain (8 percent), Japan (2 percent) and Norway (2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and work is expected to be completed by August 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-D-ZD21). L-3 Communications, Titan Corp., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded an $11,380,963 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development of airborne and unattended surveillance systems, specialized sensors, payloads and control systems in support of specialized missions for the Special Missions Program.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured due to urgency.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0416). Delphinus Engineering, Inc. (DEI), 650 Baldwin Tower, Eddystone, Pa., 19022, is being awarded a $9,300,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Industrial and Depot Operations supporting NAVSEA and NAVAIR programs at Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC).Work will be performed in Keyport, Wash., and is expected to be completed by August 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $97,500, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two (2) offers received.The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport Division, Keyport, Wash., is the contracting activity. (N00253-04-D-0014) Lockheed Martin Corp., St. Paul, Minn., is being awarded a $9,185,737 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0082) to procure 35 Advanced Data Storage Systems and install, along with R-4100-02 chassis into P-3 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASuW) Improvement Program (AIP) aircraft.Work will be performed in Oldsmar, Fla. (65 percent); and Eagan, Minn. (35 percent) and is expected to be completed in August 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $1,490,630 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Whittaker Controls, North Hollywood, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $38,508,709.00 firm fixed price, PRC contract.This contract is exercising option period four.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corp.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Aug. 5, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SP0400-02-D-9412). US Foodservice, Vista, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $34,585,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution.Using services are Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.The original proposal was WEB solicited with 3 responses.Contract is exercising first option year.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Aug. 18, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3206). General Electric Transportation Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $8,601,597.50 firm fixed price, requirements type contract for ten years with a two-year base and four, two-year options.This contract covers commercial, sole source items for engine lines.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.There was 1 original sole source proposal solicited with one response.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM400-00-D-9403). Sysco Food Services of Seattle, Kent, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $5,800,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for full line food distribution.This is the second option year of a five-year contract which includes four one-year option periods.Using services are Army, Air Force, and Job Corps.The original proposal was Web solicited with three responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Aug. 26, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3160).

CONTRACTS NAVY TN & Associates*, Milwaukee, Wis.; Cape Environmental Management*, Costa Mesa, Calif.; ERS JV*, Elk Grove, Calif.; and SES-TECH Remediation Services*, San Diego, Calif., are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity environmental multiple award contract for environmental remediation services on Navy and Marine Corps installations at various locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and other DOD installations nationwide.The total amount for all contracts combined is not to exceed $100,000,000.Work will be performed at various federal sites within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest area of responsibility including, but not limited to, California (80 percent); Arizona (10 percent); Alaska (2 percent); Nevada (2 percent); Washington (2 percent); New Mexico (1 percent); Oregon (1 percent); Utah (1 percent), and nationwide (1 percent).Work is expected to be completed August 2008 (August 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was issued as a small business set-aside, with two awards reserved for 8(a) small businesses and two awards for small business concerns on the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 11 proposals received.These four contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-3217/3218/3219/3220). Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense System, Sudbury, Mass., is being awarded an estimated $72,698,945 modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N65236-05-D-8837) to provide additional projected requirements surrounding the demonstration of Homeland Security related capabilities of a Relocatable Over the Horizon Radar (ROTHR) Two-dimensional (2-D) Receive Antenna Array.These additional requirements will add tasking to perform hardware engineering and a ROTHR Two-dimensional (2-D) Receive Antenna Array demonstration. The contract includes four one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $124,746,281.Work will be performed primarily in Tidewater area, Va. (50 percent); Premont, Texas (30 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (15 percent) and Viques, Puerto Rico (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2007 (September 2010 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was awarded as a sole source.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (Mod P00004). Del-Jen, Inc., Rolling Hills Estates, Calif., is being awarded a $23,171,209 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operating support services at Naval Air Station Pensacola and surrounding areas (Saufley Field, Corry Station, Bronson Field and Choctaw Field).This contract contains options, which if exercised, would bring the total contract value to a not to exceed value of $206,943,688.Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and work is expected to be completed September 2008 (September 2017 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with seven offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N62467-06-D-0077). Capstone Corp.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded $7,706,768 for firm-fixed-priced Task Order EFE1 under previously awarded Seaport-E contract (N00178-05-D-4232) for Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Regional Operations Center Manning Support which includes the base year core support and an additional 1,093 hours of surge support for the Hawaii region.The total task order amount including the base and two option years with all optional items for regional surge support is $35,705,602. Work will be performed equally at the following locations: Naval Station Great Lakes, Naval Station San Diego, Submarine Base Bangor, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Norfolk, Washington Navy Yard, and Naval Station Pearl Harbor.The term of the task order is not to exceed 36 months with an expected completion date of August 2008 (August 2010 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This task order award was competitively procured via the Seaport e-solicitation as a 100% small business set-aside for Zone 2.Seven proposals were received in response to the solicitation.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity. Pacific West Builders*, Vacaville, Calif., , is being awarded $6,150,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0002 under previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-07-D-2011) for design and construction of an administrative building, a railroad equipment/engine maintenance facility, and an electrical substation at Naval Weapons Seal Beach Detachment, Concord, Calif.Work will be performed in Concord, Calif., and is expected to be completed by January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Four proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Donald M. Young, 19, of Helena, Mont., died Aug. 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations Aug. 7 in Baghdad.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Aug. 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Jacob M. Thompson, 26, of North Mankato, Minn. Sgt. Nicholas A. Gummersall, 23, of Chubbuck, Idaho. Cpl. Juan M. Alcantara, 22, of New York. Spc. Kareem R. Khan, 20, of Manahawkin, N.J.

CONTRACTS ARMY General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $270,550,950 as part of a $270,550,950 firm-fixed-price contract for system enhancement package for the Abrams M1A2 Tanks.Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio (75 percent), Tallahassee, Fla. (10 percent), Anniston, Ala. (9 percent), Scranton, Pa. (3 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 16, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006). General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on July 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $139,312,620 as part of a $139,312,620 firm-fixed-price contract for retrofit of M1A2 Vehicles to M1A2 System Enhancement Program Version 2 configuration.Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio (75 percent), Anniston, Ala. (10 percent), Scranton, Pa. (5 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 21, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on July 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $120,116,598 as part of a $5,690,252,598 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for hull protection kits for the Stryker family of vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 29, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded on July 25, 2007, an $116,129,282 firm-fixed-price contract for Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance Systems.Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (30.20 percent), Melbourne, Fla. (41.20 percent), El Segundo, Calif. (12.10 percent), Dallas, Texas (5.4 percent), Richardson, Texas (3.3 percent), Suffolk, N.Y. (1.2 percent), Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2.87 percent), Manchester, England (1.5 percent), Warrington, Pa. (1.10 percent), Tipp City, Ohio (0.53 percent), San Jose, Calif. (0.35 percent), and Westminster, Colo. (0.20 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2013.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 4, 2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-M204). Ceradyne Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif., was awarded on July 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $78,498,876 as part of a $603,598,876 firm-fixed-price contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts.Work will be performed in Costa Mesa, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 19, 2004, and 16 bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-04-D-0039). Odebrecht Construction Inc., New Orleans, La., was awarded on July 27, 2007, a $44,715,574 firm-fixed-price contract for a hurricane protection project. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 3, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 22, 2007, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-07-C-0088). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Aug. 1, 2007, a delivery order amount of $43,165,610 as part of a $318,385,867 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a Mobile Gun System and Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Fly Away Authorized Stock List Packages for the Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (17 percent), Auburn, Wash. (30 percent), Germany (8 percent), Iraq (14 percent), Kuwait (2 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (29 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 1, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). Sundt Construction Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on July 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $31,476,500 as part of a $31,476,500 firm-fixed-price contract for design, construction, and installation of a Primary Border Fence along the United States/Mexico International Boundary.Work will be performed in Sasabe, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on June 18, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (DACW63-03-D-0003). FLIR Systems Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded on July 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $22,978,512 as part of a $22,978,512 firm-fixed-price contract for FLIR StarSAFIRE Sensors.Work will be performed in Wilsonville, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 22, 2007.The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-07-D-0004). O&G/DTC Engineers and Constructors (Joint Venture), North Haven, Conn., was awarded on July 30, 2007, a $20,133,552 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an armed forces reserve center.Work will be performed in New Windsor, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 12, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 11, 2006, and eight bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0052). General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on July 27, 2007, a $19,024,671 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a system enhancement package for the Abrams Tank Program.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a $17,867,055 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Patriot "Pure Fleet" Tactical Assets Test Equipment and Non-Recurring Engineering Effort. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 20, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151). BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $15,749,851 as part of a $1,642,531,806 firm-fixed-price contract for Bradley Urban Survivability Kits.Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 12, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005). Quantum Research International Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a $15,027,800 modification to a time and materials contract for technical, analytical, and administrative support.Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 11, 2006, and four bids were received.The Contracting Center of Excellence, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (W74V8H-06-F-0191). Genco Infrastructure Solutions, Pittsburgh, Pa., was awarded on July 30, 2007, a $12,711,098 cost-plus-award-fee contract for installation support services. Work will be performed at Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were nine bids solicited on May 5, 2006, and nine bids were received.The Northern Region Contracting Center, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911S0-07-C-0004). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on July 27, 2007, a $12,606,795 modification to a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector.Work will be performed in Charlotte, N.C., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 24, 2007.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (DAAM01-97-C-0031). SYCOLEMAN Corp., Arlington, Va., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a $10,972,200 modification to a time and materials contract for technical, analytical, and administrative support.Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 9, 2003, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Contracting Center for Excellence, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (DASW01-03-F-1044). DoubleShot Inc.*, Rohnert Park, Calif., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a $10,696,639 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Vanguard Counter Sniper Systems, Boomerang (Generation III) Acoustic Detection Components, DoubleShot Provisional Full System Spares Kits, DoubleShot Systems, and Kongsberg Remote Weapons Station Level 3 Spares Kits.Work will be performed in Rohnert Park, Calif. (26 percent), Kongsberg, Norway (63 percent), and Cambridge, Mass. (11 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 18, 2007.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-C-0094). Herve Cody Contractor*, Robbinsville, N.C., was awarded on July 31, 2007, a $10,226,742 firm-fixed-price contract for the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project and other purposes.Work will be performed in Brevard, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 27, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 21 bids solicited on Feb. 22, 2007, and seven bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (W912EP-07-C-0022). Insight Technology*, Londonderry, N.H., was awarded on July 27, 2007, an $8,664,592 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M203 Day/Night Sights.Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 16, 2004.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Picatinny, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-04-C-1147). ComInfo Inc.*, Alexandria, Va., was awarded on July 26, 2007, an $8,200,000 firm-fixed-price contract for medical maintenance/repair for U.S. medical equipment at Iraqi clinics.Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 29, 2007, and three bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-07-C-0060). AIR FORCE Boeing Co., Kent, Wash., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price contract modification for $110,208,953.This action will exercise use of software option for the Japan E-767 AWACS Radar System Improvement Program (J-RSIP).At this time, $6,624,766 has been obligated.This work will be complete in January 2009.Airborne Early Warning & Control Systems Group, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-01-D-0016-0050/Mod # 05). Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $12,961,870.This action provides for 22 converter amplifiers for the B-2 bomber.At this time, $9,961,870 has been obligated.Solicitations began in September 2006 and negotiations were completed in July 2007.This work will be complete in October 2010.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34601-06-C-0311). NAVY Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $100,738,144 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a combination cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-award-fee/firm-fixed-price pricing arrangement for In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) and Networks Integration Engineering Facility (NIEF) support.The support includes a range of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) programs for shipboard, shore, air and Foreign Military Sales at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). The work entails management, engineering, technical, logistics, integration and fabrication, and installation support for non-integrated installations. The ISEA work involves C4I programs; the NIEF work involves support services for C4I systems such as: Internal Shipboard Networking System, Automated Digital Network System, Naval Tactical Command Support System, Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange, Submarine Local Area Network, and OCONUS (Outside the Continental U.S.) Navy Enterprise Network. This one-year contract includes four, one-year options, which if exercised, would bring the potential cumulative value of this contract to $473,430,958.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited on an unrestricted basis via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce web site, with one offer received.SSC San Diego is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0029). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $19,507,781 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for non-recurring efforts in support of Step 1 of the Navigation Warfare Engineering Change Proposal for Lots 26-33 F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft.Task work to be performed includes antenna avionics mechanical and electrical system design and development, laboratory integration and testing; integrated logistic support, manufacture of hardware kits, validation, and support of development and operation al flight testing phases.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (85 percent) and St. Louis, Mo. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. M.C. Dean, Inc., Dulles, Va., is being awarded an $11,000,000 contract modification under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract (N65236-05-D-5157) for a second generation satellite-based internet-broadband service and VoIP network in support of deployed military personnel.Locations include Iraq and the Balkans, as well as other non-Global Information Grid (GIG) operations in the European Command, Central Command Areas of Responsibility, and other unidentified locations per tasking received by the SPAWAR Europe office.Work will be performed in Iraq (approx. 75 percent) and other worldwide OCONUS locations (approx. 25 percent), and work is expected to be completed by November 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The procurement was synopsized in Federal Business Opportunities on July 27, 2007.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (Mod. P00014). Triton Marine Construction Corp.*, Bremerton, Wash., is being awarded a $6,148,450 firm-fixed-price contract to replace the Red Hill Tunnel train tracks and drainage system at Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Pearl Harbor.Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by June 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with seven proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-07-C-1400). Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, Pa., is being awarded a $5,608,817 cost share contract for a research and development effort for hydrogen-fueled material handling equipment.Work will be performed Susquehanna, Pa. and is expected to be completed by September 2010.Contract funds in the amount of $1,458,292, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with four offers received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-C-6685) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Mina Corp., LTD, Gibraltar, is being awarded a maximum $11,299,562.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for regular unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel.Using services are Army and Air Force.Other locations of performance are Afghanistan.The original proposal was solicited on FEDBIZOP with 6 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is August 31, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-1008). BP Marine, Middlesex, United Kingdom, is being awarded a maximum $8,787,780.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, total set aside contract for fuel.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies.There were 6 original proposals solicited with 6 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011.Contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0387). Guaranteed Returns, Holbrook, N.Y.,* is being awarded a maximum $1,646,666.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for medical supplies and related waster materials.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal Civilian Agencies, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs.Other location of performance is Missouri.The original proposal was electronically solicited with 6 responses.This contract has a base ordering period of 12 months and includes four term options of 12 months each.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is September 30, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-07-D-5201). Stericycle Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $1,646,666.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for medical supplies and related waster materials.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal Civilian Agencies, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs.The original proposal was electronically solicited with 6 responses.This contract has a base ordering period of 12 months and includes four term options of 12 months each.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is September 30, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-07-D-5202). Sy-Science Technologies, Purcellville, Va.,* is being awarded a maximum $1,646,666.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for medical supplies and related waster materials.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal Civilian Agencies, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs.The original proposal was electronically solicited with 6 responses.This contract has a base ordering period of 12 months and includes four term options of 12 months each.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is September 30, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-07-D-5204). Pharma Logistics, Mundelein, Ill.,* is being awarded a maximum $1,646,666.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for medical supplies and related waster materials.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal Civilian Agencies, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs.The original proposal was electronically solicited with 6 responses.This contract has a base ordering period of 12 months and includes four term options of 12 months each.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is September 30, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-07-D-5205). EXP Pharmaceutical Service Corp., Fremont, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $1,646,666.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for medical supplies and related waster materials.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal Civilian Agencies, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs.The original proposal was electronically solicited with 6 responses.This contract has a base ordering period of 12 months and includes four term options of 12 months each.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is September 30, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-07-D-5206). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jon E. Bonnell Jr., 22, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, died Aug. 7 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Christopher T. Neiberger, 22, of Gainesville, Fla., died Aug. 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Travis S. Bachman, 30, of Garden City, Kan., died Aug. 1 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Al Basrah, Iraq.He was assigned to the 714th Security Force, Kansas Army National Guard, Topeka, Kan.

Soldiers Mia From Vietnam War Are Accounted For The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that group remains of five U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, will be returned to their families soon for burial with full military honors. They are Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, Pa.; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; Sgt. 1st Class John T. Gallagher, of Hamden, Conn.; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, Wash.; all U.S. Army.The group remains of this crew will be buried on Aug. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.Gallagher's remains were individually identified, and his burial date is being set by his family. Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. On Jan. 5, 1968, these men crewed a UH-1D helicopter that was inserting a patrol into Savannakhet Province, Laos.As the aircraft approached the landing zone, it was struck by enemy ground fire, causing it to nose over and crash.There were no survivors.All attempts to reach the site over the next several days were repulsed by enemy fire. Between 1995 and 2006, numerous U.S./Lao People's Democratic Republic /Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, all led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted more than five investigations, including interviews with Vietnamese citizens who said they witnessed the crash.Between 2002 and 2006, JPAC led three excavations of the site, recovering remains and other material evidence including identification tags for Schultz, Hamilton and Briggs. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tech. Sgt. Joey D. Link, 29, of Portland, Tenn., died of natural causes at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, Aug. 5. He was assigned to the 39th Airlift Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died July 31 in Tunis, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Sgt. Bradley W. Marshall, 37, of Little Rock, Ark. Spc. Daniel F. Reyes, 24, of San Diego.

CONTRACTS NAVY Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded $338,734,800 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order # 0003 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) to purchase 600 Category (CAT) II Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) variation vehicles.MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with a blast resistant underbody designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary and direct fire weapons.Work will be performed in Lansing, Michigan, and work is expected to completed March 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors (LM MS2), Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $51,016,648 firm-fixed-price, time and material modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6363) for production and delivery of 523 (ea) SYMPHONY improvised explosive device (IED) jammer systems; including field test sets, operator reference cards, uploader software, user guides, program protection, tool kits, depot support, field service engineering, and system documentation, for various coalition partners in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.The SYMPHONY IED jammer system is a programmable, radio-frequency IED defeat system that is vehicle mounted.Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. (90 percent) and military theaters of operation (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines support of the U.S. Navy (4 percent) and the Governments of Iraq (66 percent) and Georgia (30 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. The Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $43,205,451 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-03-C-3017) for the MV-22 Total Life Cycle Logistics Support (TLCLS) program to continue the sustaining efforts necessary to manage and administer the MV-22 Performance Based Logistics program.Services provided include planning and management; supportability analysis; training; support equipment; facilities management; computer resources; supportability test and evaluation; packaging, handling, storage and transportation of supplies; post-DD250 engineering and technical support; site/unit activation; on-site representative support; logistics life cycle cost; age exploration; configuration management; technical publications; and Naval Air Training and Operational Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) support.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (45 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (40 percent); New River, N.C. (10 percent); and in various locations within the U.S. (5 percent); and is expected to be completed in January 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. General Electric Engineering Services, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a $27,154,954 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0013) to exercise an option for the standard depot level repair of T700-GE-401/401C turbo shaft engines, cold section modules, and power turbine modules.Work will be performed in Arkansas City, Kan., and is expected to be completed in August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Navmar Applied Sciences Corp.*, Warminster, Pa., is being awarded a $24,726,610 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program contract for Topics N92-170 and N94-178, to transition technologies into near and far term advanced surveillance, reconnaissance and force protection systems.These systems will address Navy operational requirements of surveillance, reconnaissance, detection, classification and targeting, and the coordinated Fleet Consolidated Command Technology issues of combat identification and battle damage assessment.Work will be performed in Warminster, Pa., and is expected to be completed in July 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $5,537,282 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured using the SBIR Program Solicitation process under Topics N92-170 and N94-178; respectively, three and six offers were received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0324). Boeing Helicopter, Ridley Park, Pa., is being awarded $5,171,712 for ceiling priced order 0012 under previously awarded contract (N00383-05-G-049N) for repair components for the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by March 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Hess Corp., Woodbridge, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $23,400,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for commercial storage. Using services are Department of Energy. The original proposal was solicited on FEDBIZOPS with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-5711). Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc., Purchase, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $13,848,300.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for commercial storage. Using services are Department of Energy. The original proposal was solicited on FEDBIZOPS with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-5712). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Aug. 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. They were assigned to the 59th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, and Fort Carson, Colo. Killed were: Spc. Justin R. Blackwell, 27, of Paris, Tenn. Pvt. Jeremy S. Bohannon, 18, of Bon Aqua, Tenn.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Braden J. Long, 19, of Sherman, Texas, died Aug. 4 in Baghdad, of injuries sustained when his hmmwv came under grenade attack.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Master Sgt. Julian Ingles Rios, 52, of Anasco, Puerto Rico, died Aug. 2 in Baghdad when his HMMWV was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade.He was assigned to the 130th Engineer Battalion, of the Puerto Rico National Guard, at Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Aug. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Fernando Santos, 29, of San Antonio, Texas, Spc. Cristian Rojas-Gallego, 24, of Loganville, Ga., and Spc. Eric D. Salinas, 25, of Houston, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Taurean T. Harris, 22, of Liberty, Miss., died Aug. 2 in Kala Gush, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon, Ga.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $322,000,000.This contract modification is an undefinitized contract action for the procurement of five, FY07 Global War on Terrorism, (GWOT) Supplemental C-130J aircraft.At this time, $161,000,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete in December 2010.For more information please call (937) 255-4599.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456/P00021). EDO Technical Services Operations, Lancaster, Calif., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $43,888,952.This is a five year requirements indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the purchase of approximately 491 each PLM-4s, Radar Signal Simulators used to generate pulse and scan modulated Radio Frequency (RF) signals on approximately 25 aircraft platforms.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began May 2007 and negotiations were completed in July 2007.This work will be complete July 2012.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8540-07-D-0004). FMC Technologies Inc., Jetway Systems Division, Ogden, Utah, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $19,716,124.This action provides for trailer mounted air conditioners, a total amount of 398 units.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2011.Headquarters 542d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8533-06-D-0001-0007). Cessna Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $10,560,799.This contract action will procure 18 (includes an option for 10) Cessna Aircraft Co., (CAC) C-172 aircraft, logistics support services, and one year of spares for the Iraqi Air Force.At this time, $7,520,399 has been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-C-6181). Hawker Beechcraft Corp., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $9,586,312.This action provides for the Engine Life management Plan (ELMP) Data Acquisition Program.The ELMP will forecast engine overhauls in a timely manner and recommend how to manage fleet assets.At this time, $4,793,156 has been obligated.This work will be complete July 2009.Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151-0004). NAVY L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics, Mason, Ohio, is being awarded $43,925,382 for delivery order #0003 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-order contract (M67854-07-D-6035) for 918 Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Thermal Sight System (TSS) with a three year warrantyto replace the current AAV sight.The contract allows the purchase of up to 1026 TSS with a three year warranty which, if procured would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $49,093,074.Work will be performed in Mason, Ohio (70 percent) and Islip, N.Y. (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed December 2008.This contract was competitively procured through full and open best value competition, with two offers received and two awards made.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md. is being awarded an $18,000,000 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-93-C-0006) to provide additional funding for continued support of the MV-22 baseline airframe development effort.Work will be performed in Ft. Worth, Texas (50 percent) and Ridley Park, Pa. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $9,600,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the MH-60 pre-production, (two each) operational test program sets and electronic support measures receiver processor units. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. and is expected to be completed in July 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0164). Northrop Grumman Co., Electro-Optical Systems, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded an $8,000,000 firm fixed price requirement contract to provide components for the AN/PVS-15 and AN/PVS-18 goggles.The AN/PVS-15 is a binocular and the AN/PVS-18 is a monocular goggle, which have detection capabilities. Work will be performed in Dallas, Texas, and is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $2,800,300 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8511). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Cockett Marine, Petts Wood, Kent, United Kingdom is being awarded a maximum $9,284,450 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. Other locations of performance are Washington. There were 4 original proposals solicited with 4 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is September 30, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0354).

America Supports You: Dog Tags Help Keep Kids, Parents Connected

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

A troop-support group in California is working to connect military parents and their children one dog tag at a time.

In May 2004, "Dog Tags for Kids" embarked on its mission to provide deployed military parents a tangible way to remind children that Mommy or Daddy, sometimes both, are thinking of them, Rose Sliepka, the group's founder, said.

"Back in 2004, I heard a story about a Marine who sent his kids a package from Iraq," she said. "The kids were so excited to get something from Dad."

It didn't seem to matter that the box contained only adhesive bandages and sunscreen, the only things he had access to, she said. "The kids didn't care; it came from Dad," she added.

"I tried to think of something we could send parents that (servicemembers) could easily send their children," Sliepka said. "The tags are the perfect thing. They're easy to send; they lift the morale of the unit when they receive them; and the child has something to hang on to when their parent is gone."

Each tag indicates whether it's from Mom or Dad, the parent's branch of service, and the year and the country in which the parent is serving. They can even be engraved in Spanish, Sliepka said.

Those interested in receiving a tag to send to a child back home can make that request through the Dog Tags for Kids Web site.

"There is no charge to the military or their families. Donations are used to purchase the blank tag, chain, bag and ... postage," Sliepka said. "Engraving, packaging, Web site monitoring ... is all done by about 20 volunteers.

"This project doesn't have any paid staff," she added. "Every 40 cents can provide another smile, so why would we spend it on anything else?"

Since the group's start, more than 250,000 dog tags have been sent to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan for servicemembers to send to their children back home.

Though the dog tags are intended for any servicemember serving in those countries to send to their children, Sliepka said they're especially important for children of Guardsmen and reservists. "We tend to forget that with the amount of Guard and reserve members serving, their children are often the only ones in their school with a parent who is deployed," she said.

Dog Tags for Kids has recently become a supporter of America Supports You, the Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

Sliepka said she hopes more servicemembers will learn about Dog Tags for Kids through this affiliation.

“More exposure for this project means we may be able to empower more parents with a way to reach out to their children even though they are halfway across the world," she said

CONTRACTS NAVY American Piping & Boiler Co.*, Kapolei, Hawaii; RMA Land Construction*, Brea, Calif.; Niking Corp.*, Wahiawa, Hawaii; Standard Sheetmetal & Mechanical, Inc.*, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Su-Mo Builders, Inc./NAN, Inc. (Joint Venture)*, Honolulu, Hawaii, are each being awarded a firm-fixed price multiple award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for various construction projects within the state of Hawaii. The total contract amount is not to exceed $200,000,000. The work to be performed provides for new construction, repair, alteration, and related demolition of existing infrastructure based on design build, modified design build or full plans and specifications for Department of Defense infrastructure. Work will be performed in Hawaii. The term of the contract is not to exceed five years, with an expected completion date of August 2012 (August 2008 for the base period). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was issued as a Section 8(a) small business set-aside with 44 solicitations distributed and 12 proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (contract numbers N62478-07-D-4003/4004/ 4005/4006/4007). York International Corp., York, Pa., is being awarded a $47,864,709 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of up to 40 200 Ton DDG-51 Class Air Conditioning Plant kits, 19 200 Ton CG-47 Class Conversion Kits, nine 125 Ton LSD-41 Class Conversion Kits, and six 300 Ton LHD-1 Class Air Conditioning Kits, with associated equipment and support services. Subject conversion kits are required to modify the existing shipboard centrifugal compressor air conditioning plants to operate with non-CFC refrigerant on CG-47, DDG-51, LSD-44 through 52 and LHD-1 surface ships. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (N65540-07-D-0015) Harris Corporation dba Harris Radio Frequency Communication, Rochester, N.Y., is being awarded a $26,166,809 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition of communications subsystems for the Navy Mine Resistant Ambush Protected armored vehicle system. The Harris Radio Frequency Secure (Type 1) tactical radio systems provide integrated standard communication systems in support of the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command Forces currently operating in Southwest Asia. The systems consist of Very High Frequency Multiband Radio Systems and ancillary equipment; Ultra High Frequency Radio Systems and ancillary equipment; various antenna, system mounts and installation hardware components. Delivery will be at Port Hueneme, Calif. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured by using other than full and open competition with statutory authority by Title 10 U.S.C. § 2304(c)(1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements; and 10 U.S.C. § 2304(c)(2), as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-F-4086). Rockwell Collins, Inc., Government Systems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $5,615,555 order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00421-06-G-0006) for 28,668 hours of engineering and logistics services, qualification testing of software corrections, training materials, and hardware in support of the U.S. Navy Common Cockpit System Systems Management Activity. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corp., of Madison, Wisconsin, is being awarded the follow-on TRICARE Dual Eligible Fiscal Intermediary Contract. This contract is for claims processing, customer service and administrative services for individuals who are eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare. The contract is for the base period and six 12-month option periods for a total of seven years. If exercised, the estimated delivery order value through the Option 1 period is $92,739,069. The base period for transition is August 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Delivery for the TDEFIC for claims processing, customer service and administrative services will begin on July 1, 2008. This contract was competitively procured via the TRICARE Management Activity e-solicitation Web site, with two offers received. The Department of Defense, TRICARE Management Activity, is the contracting activity (H94002-07-0001). AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $44,974,448. This action procures thirteen Quick Engine Change kits. This effort supports the C-17 aircraft. This contract action is an undefinitized contract. At this time, $20,240,000 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00188). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for $20,205,110. This contract is an implementation of the Landing Gear Fleet Management Program Phase II for the removal, replacement and refurbishment of the C-17 aircraft landing gear every eight years. At this time, at total of $37,455,110 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00172. * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jason M. Kessler, 29, of Mount Vernon, Wash., died July 30 in northern Iraq of wounds suffered from a rocket-propelled grenade. He was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Stephen R. Maddies, 41, of Elizabethton, Tenn., died July 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 473rd Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar Platoon, Tennessee Army National Guard, Columbia, Tenn.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 1st Lt. Benjamin J. Hall, 24, of Virginia, died July 31 in Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations in Chowkay Valley, Afghanistan.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Spectrum Comm Inc., Hampton, Va., DP Technology Services Inc., Hampton, Va., Micro Technology LLC, Vienna, Va., MacAulay-Brown Inc., Dayton, Ohio, Science Application International Corp., Hampton, Va., TASC Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corp., Andover, Mass., is being awarded a indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity with fixed-price & cost reimbursable contract for $400,000,000.The Contract Advisory and Assistance Services (CAAS) contract shall serve as a vehicle to provide broad technical and analytical services, to support and improve policy development, management and administration and to improve the operation of systems.CAAS shall be used to complement the Government's technical expertise in accomplishing its mission.Outputs may take the form information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, evaluations, recommendations, training and services to complement the Government's technical expertise.The nature of this work will, at times, demand the contractor be capable of quick response to deadlines.The required contractor support shall fall into one of the following categories:1) Management and Professional Services, 2) Studies, Analyses, and Evaluations, 3) Engineering and Technical Services.This modification definitizes the F-22 multi-year aircraft advanced buy, Economic Ordering Quantity and Full Rate Production contract (sixty aircraft, Lots 7, 8 and 9).At this time, $40,000 has been obligated.Solicitations began December 2006 and negotiations were complete July 2007.This work will be complete August 2013.For questions please call (757) 225-1852.Headquarters Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Langley Air Force Base, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-07-D-0001, FA4890-07-D-0002, FA4890-07-D-0003, FA4890-07-D-0004, FA4890-07-D-0005, FA4890-07-D-0006, FA4890-07-D-0007, and FA4890-07-D-0008). Turbo Combustor Technology Inc., Stuart, Fla., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $11,464,800.This action provides for afterburner flame holders, 828 each for USAF and 15 each for foreign military sales for a total of 843 each, applicable to F100/220-PW engine.This effort supports foreign military sales to Pakistan Portugal, and South Korea.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began May 2007 and negotiations were completed in July 2007.This work will be complete February 2009.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-07-C-0205). NAVY Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems - Western Region, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $635,860,599 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the Unmanned Combat Air System CV Demonstration Program (UCAS-D).The purpose of the UCAS-D is to demonstrate critical CV suitability technologies for a low observable platform air vehicle in a relevant environment.Expected deliverables include trade studies, analyses, software, reports and flight test data.Work will be performed in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. (38 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (29 percent); Palmdale, Calif. (13 percent); East Hartford, Conn. (7 percent); Jupiter, Fla. (2 percent); Nashville, Tenn. (2 percent); Hazelwood, Mo. (1 percent), and various locations within the United States (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2013Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured through a request for proposals; two firms were solicited and two offers were received.The Naval Air Systems Command Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0055). American Electronic Warfare Associates*, California, Md., is being awarded a $23,678,624 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee/level of effort contract (N00421-03-C-0078) to exercise an option for engineering and technical services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Atlantic Ranges and Facilities Department, Integrated Combat Environments Division.The estimated level of effort for this option period is 248,000 man-hours.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (90 percent) and California, Md. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. USSOCOM Rockwell Collins Services of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $13,978,304.99 firm fixed-price performance-based service contract for lifecycle contractor support on the Common Avionics Architecture System and Cockpit Management System installed on the A/MH-6, MH-47 and MH-60 aircraft in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Technology Applications Contracting Office.The work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Ky; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; and Cedar Rapids, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract number is H92241-07-C-0011. * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Camy Florexil, 20, of Philadelphia, died July 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations July 23 in Baghdad.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th InfantryRegiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Sean A. Stokes, 24, of Auburn, Calif., died July 30 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS NAVY General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,914,961 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-02-C-2052) to incorporate Command Post of the Future with 229 Combat Operation Center Capability Sets.Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Stauder Technologies, St. Peters, Mo., is being awarded a not-to-exceed ceiling $9,627,409 modification with undefinitized contract line items for not less than 230 units under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, undefinitized letter contract (M67854-07-C-2062) to support an increase in the approved acquisition objectiveto 1016 units of Target Location, Designation and Hand-off Systems (TLDHS) used as the forward observer's entry device for requesting the new Excalibur Unitary GPS (Global Positioning System) Precision Guided Munition when fielded for the M-777A2 155-mm howitzers in the 3rd quarter FY 2007.TLDHS is a man-portable equipment suite which enables the user to perform target acquisition then hand targets off to fire support agencies via interface with tactical data systems using current and planned communications equipment.Work will be performed in St. Peters, Mo., and work is expected to be completed by August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Land Systems, under their operating Unit General Dynamics Amphibious Systems (GDAMS), Woodbridge, Va., is being awarded a $6,217,436 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-01-C-0001) for the sustaining program management as well as technical and engineering support for the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) Drive train components during the extended Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the EFV program.Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Nan, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded $5,994,500 on July 27, 2007, for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0022 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for the renovation of Building 1923 for a Child Development Center at Naval Station, Pearl Harbor.Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by November 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-01-D-1343). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, firm-fixed-price w/economic price adjustment and cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification for $5,049,743,121.This modification definitizes the F-22 multi-year aircraft advanced buy, Economic Ordering Quantity and Full Rate Production contract (sixty aircraft, Lots 7, 8 and 9).At this time, $332,519.681 has been obligated.This work will be complete June 2012.For questions please call (937) 904-5340.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2899/no modification number at this time). United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment and firm-fixed-price contract modification for $1,282,809,793.This modification definitizes the F-119 engine multi-year contract.At this time, $367,649,855 has been obligated.Solicitations began April 2006 and negotiations were completed in July 2007.This work will be complete February 2011.For questions please call (937) 904-5318.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8811-06-C-2900/No modification number at this time). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Electronics Sensors Systems Section, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for $18,931,064.The purpose of this contract is to test, repair, and replace sensor hardware as part of the Defense meteorological Satellite Group, Service Life Extension program (SLEP).The sensors on the Northrop Grumman Corp., contract will provide for the extension of the satellite of Flight 19 and Flight 20 from four years to five years.Since the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite weather coverage gap exists between DMSP and NPOESS, it becomes imperative that the gap be closed as much as possible.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete November 2014.Headquarters Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA8803-05-C-0001/P00038). Computer Sciences Raytheon, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for $14,000,000.This action provides for range technical services for operations and maintenance of the Eastern Range for the period of 1 October 2007 through 30 November 2007.This is a 2-month extension.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete November 2007.45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08650-00-C-0005/P00246). Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $12,961,870.This action provides for converter amplifier, end item application B-2 Bomber, 22 each.At this time, $9,961,870 has been obligated.Solicitations began September 2006 and negotiations were completed in July 2007.This work will be complete October 2010.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34601-06-C-0311). Communications and Power Industries, Traveling Wave Technology Division, Palo Alto, Calif., is being awarded a indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for $9,748,590.This contract is for services to repair a maximum of 150 electronics tubes (Twystron) over a five year period.The services required for this effort include dissemble, into component parts that will be reworked, rehabilitated, altered, and/or replaced, inspect, repair as necessary, upgrade, reassemble, align and functionally test each item returning the item (s) in a serviceable condition.This reparable part is the final stage high power radio frequency amplifier using a hybrid traveling wave tube and klystron technology for the AN/TPS-75 radar.The part is a single point of failure item therefore a critical item for the radar.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began in April 2007 and negotiations were complete May 2007.Headquarters 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8217-07-D-0001). BAE Systems Technical Services, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded an firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable, cost-plus-fixed-fee and fixed-price-incentive fee contract for $7,395,068.The Instrumentation Radar Support Program (IRSP) contract provides serviceable components and subsystems for instrumentation tracking radars and similar tracking instrumentation system for 25 ranges in the United States in five foreign countries (United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Germany and Australia).Serviceable systems include logistical management of jointly owned stock, repair of unserviceable components of re-entry into stock, engineering ad technical expertise, and field overhauls to designed systems.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete October 2007.45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08650-07-C-0009). Lockheed Martin Corp., Training Systems, Sensors, Akron, Ohio, is being awarded a fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost reimbursable no-fee contract modification for $6,654,000.This contract modification will add Link 16 (Fighter Data Link) to three Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S Weapons System Trainers.This effort supports foreign military sales to the Royal Saudi Air Force.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete August 2009.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42630-93-C-0428/P00039).

Major Leaguers Tour Pentagon

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2007 - Three pitchers from Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals and about 20 others associated with the team spent their day off at the Pentagon today, exploring the Defense Department's nerve center and signing autographs for fans.

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, a self-described baseball fan, invited the major league visitors here this morning to strengthen the relationship between baseball and the U.S. military.

"We love to support the Nationals, and we appreciate your great support for the Department of Defense and all the people and their families who serve America, and I want to say 'Thank you,'" England said.

England was accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ryozo Kato, who collected several autographs to add to his massive memorabilia collection.

Today's tour came a day after the Nationals completed and tied a hard-fought series against the New York Mets, currently the National League's top team. Mike Bacsik, Chad Cordero and Chris Schroder, among the visitors, pitched during the series. Bacsik picked up his fourth win this season in the first showdown against the Mets, allowing only two runs in seven innings. Cordero, better known as "Chief," threw a perfect ninth inning and earned his 21st save.

Cordero noted that Cal Ripken Jr., who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday, played in 2,632 straight games, and said baseball players and servicemembers are similar because both commit themselves to performing hard work on a daily basis.

But baseball players simply offer a diversion for fans, as opposed U.S. military members who serve to protect Americans' freedom, the Nationals' closer said.

"They're out there maintaining our freedom. They're out there making sure we still have all of our rights that we know and love," he said. "And for us, we just go out there (and) we're trying to basically give everybody a place to go to have fun."

Cordero said it's an honor to play before servicemembers during the various military appreciation events that occur throughout the season at RFK Stadium, the Nationals' home field.

"For the troops, I want get a chance to (let them) not think about what their job is for a day," he said. "We go out there to entertain them, so any time we can do that for them, it's good, because they're the ones doing all the fighting for us."

Meeting the visitors as they arrived by bus from RFK Stadium was Navy Vice Adm. John G. Morgan Jr., deputy chief of naval operations for information, plans and strategy.

"There is nothing more emblematic of what the American way of life is than baseball," Morgan told the group.

While participating in the first post-9/11 strikes in Afghanistan, Morgan said, he and fellow servicemembers looked to baseball as a "noble distraction" between missions.

"The men and women in combat, a lot of whom are baseball fans, wanted to know what you were doing back here in the United States, to sort of to get our lives back together," he said. "(They) would go on combat patrols, fly combat missions, then want to get on the Internet and see what the box score was.

"They wanted to know if their home team was winning or losing," said Morgan, a loyal New York Yankees supporter.

Visitors got a rare glimpse inside the secretive National Military Command Center, as guides ushered them into the Navy's Service Watch Cell for a nonsensitive peek at how the branch conducts operations from a "macro view," using GPS and satellite technology to monitor and direct naval elements.

Inquisitive guests tossed questions after their briefing: "What does that map do?" "How did you respond to Sept. 11 attacks?" "How about Hurricane Katrina?"

A tour guide, walking backward, snaked the group around the second story A-ring through Corridor 4, which commemorates the "Soldier Signers of the Constitution." These 25 men, who led the charge in combat and politics against British colonizers, are commemorated in a series of oil paintings by John Trumball, the tour guide explained as he identified key characters in Trumball's compositions that hang on the corridor's walls.

During a somber stretch of the tour, guests learned in detail how roughly 20 percent of the Pentagon was destroyed in the Sept. 11 attack. Inside the point of impact, a room commemorates the 125 Pentagon workers and 59 passengers who died when American Airlines Flight 77 barreled into the building's western wall.

Later, as visitors filed into the Pentagon briefing room -- the familiar setting portrayed on news broadcasts and recreated in scores of films -- they posed behind the podium affixed with the Defense Department emblem, displaying resolute hand gestures and projecting mock bravado as flashbulbs flicked.

Visitor Alphonso Maldon Jr., senior vice president of external affairs for the Washington Nationals, once knew the briefing room intimately. As assistant secretary of defense for force management Policy from 1998 to 2000, Maldon appeared in the briefing room regularly.

"We really have a great partnership with the Department of Defense, and we're proud of that partnership," he told the group. "I know our players, and I know our Nationals front office really have great appreciation for the contribution and the sacrifices that the military make every day."

Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, also keyed in on the importance of the partnership. She encouraged players to film "shout outs" to deployed troops, expressing the Nationals' collective support of military members. Later, all three players present gladly complied.

"We do research all the time on our military members and what keeps them going, ... and the morale of our military is really based on support they feel from the folks back home," she said. "And so for them to hear from you, for them to know you're thinking about them ... it really keeps the morale of our troops high."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died July 26 in Saqlawiyah, Iraq of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Killed were: Sgt. William R. Howdeshell, 37, of Norfolk, Va., Spc. Charles E Bilbrey, Jr., 21, of Owego, New York, and Spc. Jaime Rodriguez, Jr., 19, of Oxnard, Calif.,

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Michael A. Baloga, 21, of Everett, Wash., died July 26 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Wilberto Suliveras, 38, of Humacao, P.R., died July 29 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died July 27 near Kamu, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.They were assigned to 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy. Killed were: Maj. Thomas G. Bostick Jr., 37, ofLlano, Texas, and Staff Sgt. William R. Fritsche, 23, of Martinsville, Ind.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Cody C. Grater, 20, of Spring Hill, Fla., died July 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered fromenemy direct fire.He was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Daniel A. Leckel, 19, of Medford, Ore., died July 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee with multiple incentives contract modification for $2,346,892,272. This modification will incorporate Engineering Change Proposal (ECP-13) Restructure to the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Acquisition and Operations Contract as directed by the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System's Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) dated 5 June 2006. The key features of the modification are: Two Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) satellites with a production option for two additional satellites. Revised fee structure with emphasis on incentives for cost, schedule and technical performance. The sensor suite has been reworked to conform to the ADM direction. Five sensors were removed from the manifest to reduce risk. At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete September 2016. For question please contact Jeffrey Dedrick at (301) 713-4754. National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Integrated Program Office, Silver Spring, Md., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0502/P00072). United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for $1,059,758,466. This contract provides for F117-PW-100 install engines, spare engines and associated data for the C-17 aircraft. At this time, no funds have been obligated. Solicitations began August 2006 and negotiations were complete in June 2007. This work will be complete December 2012. For question please contact PA POC at (937) 255-2350. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-07-D-2073). Boeing Co., Miraloma, Calif., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $107,681,281. This action provides for the Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) Full Rate Production FY07, this effort includes procurement of the following: radio sets, quantity 15,452, radio set spares, quantity 1,545, radio set adapters, quantity 1,288, radio set adapter spares, quantity 129, prime radio set batteries, quantity 15,452, rechargeable radio set batteries, quantity 30,904, rechargeable radio set battery adapters, quantity 7,726. At this time, $53,840,086 has been obligated. This work will be complete August 2008. Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8807-05-C-0004/P00018). ITT Corp., Advanced Engineering and Sciences Division, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $19,450,000. This action provides for Electro-Optical Sensor Technology and Evaluation Research (ESTER) 2 is a follow-on ID/IQ contract for the development and evaluation of advanced Electro-Optional sensors capable of providing identification and characterization of 1) air and ground targets for long-range reconnaissance and tactical missions, 2) chemical agents, and 3) obstacles. This will include the development of many support technologies in the areas of focal plane development, beam steering and data processing and communication. At this time, $200,000 has been obligated. Solicitations began March 2007 and negotiations were completed in July 2007. This work will be complete November 2013. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-D-1114). L. C. Gaskins Construction Co., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $15,728,335. This contract will provide for maintenance and repair construction work on real property at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. The work will include the following: Furnish all plant, labor, equipment, materials, transportation, supervision, administration, and management necessary for repairs to building 640, to include replacing the roof, replacing the HVAC systems, repairing/providing equipment, replacing the ceiling lights and architectural systems, and constructing a loading dock. The contract also includes repairs to the interior of buildings 628 and 642. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Solicitations began July 2006 and negotiations were completed in July 2007. This work will be complete August 2010. 78th Contracting Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8501-07-C-0043). NAVY Singh Group, Inc./dba Baja Pacific*, Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded a not to exceed $28,303,250 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity service contract for tree trimming and removal services at the San Diego Metropolitan Areas and Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (60 percent) and Oceanside, Calif. (40 percent), and work is expected to be completed July 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured among the six certified 8(a) firms provided by the Small Business Administration San Diego District Office under the North American Industry Classification System, 561730-Landscaping with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-5005). DG21, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded $26,126,236 for Modification P00019 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity fee provisions contract (N62742-06-D-4501) to exercise an option period for base operating support services. The work to be performed provides for all management, labor, administration, supervision, materials, supplies, and equipment to provide integrated base operating services at the U.S. Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia in support of its mission in the British Indian Ocean Territory. $21,771,241 of the award will be funded subject to the availability of funds. After exercise of this modification, the total cumulative contract amount will be $452,657,824. Work will be performed at the U.S. Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, and is expected to be completed by July 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. M. A. Mortenson Company, Inc. Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded $25,591,684 (first increment) for firm-fixed price Task Order 0011 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62472-01-D-0077) for design and construction of an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar and Maintenance Facility for Airborne Mine Countermeasure Equipment along with site improvements for aircraft parking, take-off/landing for Helicopter Squadron HM-15 at Chambers Field, Naval Station, Norfolk. An additional $27,941,316 will be funded subject to the availability of funds making the total amount $53,533,000. The contract contains two options totaling $1,580,000, which may be exercised within eight months, bringing the total contract amount to $55,113,000. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. TolTest, Inc., Odon, Ind., is being awarded a $16,757,565 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction renovation of Building 3700 at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany. Work will be performed in Albany, Ga., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast Detachment, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-1787). Envisioneering, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $9,267,244 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 Navy's Directed Energy and Electric Weapons Program Office. Work will be performed in King George, Va. (92 percent); Kauai, Hawaii (6 percent); and Kirkland, Wash. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. 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 posted on the world wide web via Navy Electronic Commerce Online. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8900). Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, McKinney, Texas, is being awarded $9,864,010 for firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity order #0012 under previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-02-G-018A) for manufacture of spares for the MH-60R helicopter multispectral targeting system, AN/AAS-44 (V)(C). Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. San Diego State University Foundation, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,101,146 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a time and materials pricing arrangement to procure analytical and technical support services from undergraduate and graduate level students in the following disciplines: 1.) electrical engineering, computer engineering, mathematics, physics, and statistics; 2.) computer science and information systems; 3.) mechanical engineering and fluid mechanics; and, 4.) public health, exercise physiology, psychology, social science, biology and chemistry. The students will support a wide variety of research and development projects at the Naval Health Research Center, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center San Diego (SSC San Diego). This is a five-year contract that contains no options. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed July 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured (under solicitation N66001-07-R-0016) via publication on the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central and Federal Business Opportunities web sites. Competition was limited to educational institutions in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-3. One proposal was received. SSC San Diego is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0016). CACI, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $7,237,350 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technical support services to facilitate Naval Supply Systems Command support of the Navy's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program. This contract contains four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $47,517,821. Work will be performed in various CONUS locations, and work is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with five offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z045).

Fourteen Wounded Soldiers Receive Purple Hearts at Walter Reed

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Fourteen wounded U.S. Army soldiers received Purple Heart Medals today at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here before an audience of nearly 250 family and friends, fellow servicemembers and medical staff.

The Purple Heart, awarded to U.S. servicemembers wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy, is one of the most recognized and respected military decorations.

One by one, each wounded warrior was called onstage to receive his medal from Army Brig. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, deputy commanding general of North Atlantic Regional Medical Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery S. Hartless, senior enlisted leader of the Warrior Transition Brigade.

After pinning a Purple Heart to the left side of each soldier's shirtfront, Tucker addressed the crowd. He told recipients they are now part of the "hero population" and urged them to share their experiences with Americans

"As you move on in life and as you have opportunities, America wants to hear your stories," he said. "You will find that it makes you feel better and that it's part of your healing."

Addressing recipients' families, Tucker expressed his condolences. "When you enlist a soldier, you enlist a family, and when you wound a soldier, you wound a family," he said.

"It's true that some of our lives, especially those here at Walter Reed have been interrupted by this war," he said, "but these people's lives have been interrupted forever.

"To the soldiers, I thank you for answering the call to duty to your nation," Tucker said. "Each of you continues to inspire all of us with your enthusiasm and your determination and your commitment to service."

Army soldiers who received Purple Heart Medals today were:

-- Staff Sgt. Scott Gentry, 31, of Spokane, Wash., assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, from Fort Bliss, Texas. He was traveling in the lead vehicle of a patrol when an IED exploded.

-- Sgt. Andre Marcus Knight, 29, of Petersburg, Va., assigned to 4th Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan. His platoon was on a routine clearance mission when a 400-pound bomb planted underneath a sewer line in the road detonated near his vehicle. Two of his fellow soldiers died in the blast.

-- Sgt. Christopher Lynch, 21, of Whetland, Calif., assigned to D Company, 5-73rd Cavalry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C. He was wounded when a suicide bomber struck his vehicle during a patrol in Iraq.

-- Sgt. Luis Martinez-Ramirez, 38, of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, a combat engineer with Puerto Rico's National Guard assigned to A Company, 130th Engineer Battalion. He was wounded in an explosion during an early morning clearance patrol in Baghdad.

-- Sgt. Luis Rivera-Valentin, 30, of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, a combat engineer with Puerto Rico's National Guard assigned to A Company, 130th Engineer Battalion. He was wounded in an explosion during an early morning clearance patrol in Baghdad.

-- Spc. Terence Cook, 21, of Clarksville, Md., assigned to 293rd Military Police Company, from Fort Stewart, Ga. He was returning from a patrol when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.

-- Spc. Justin S. Davis, 27, of Baton Rouge, La., assigned to 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry. He was shot while on watch at a schoolhouse in Ramadi, Iraq.

-- Spc. Daniel Gomez, 27, of Midway City, Calif., a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division, 3rd Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment, in Salah Ad Din province, Iraq. His rifle platoon was conducting cordon-and-search activities when a fellow soldier was hit by a sniper. After successfully treating his fellow soldier, Gomez was hit by a sniper.

-- Spc. Amando Hamid, 20, of New York, N.Y., assigned to 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, from Fort Drum, N.Y. He was participating in a clearance mission in southwestern Baghdad when a 350-pound bomb exploded.

-- Spc. Anthony Labelle, 22, of Worchester, Mass., an Infantry Rifleman assigned to Charlie Troop, 3-4th Cavalry from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was wounded by an IED blast while on patrol in Tal Afar, Iraq.

-- Spc. Joshua K. Lutz, 24, of Palm Harbor, Fla., assigned to a unit from Fort Richardson, Alaska. He was wounded by an IED blast while on patrol in Iraq.

-- Spc. Jason Pinney, 24, of Decatur, Ind., assigned to B Company, 1-32nd Infantry Battalion, 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, N.Y. He was shot near Afghanistan –Pakistan border in April.

-- Pfc. Ian J. Gillis, 20, of Santa Rosa, Calif., was a gunner assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry, from Hohenfels, Germany. He was wounded in an IED explosion while en route to help fellow soldiers.

-- Pfc. Ronnie Hodges, 23, of Jacksonville, N.C., a vehicle operator with Combat Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, of Fort Bragg, N.C. He was wounded when an IED detonated near his convoy as it traveled to his base in Baghdad.

CONTRACTS NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an estimated $2,440,000,000 advance acquisition contract for long lead components, parts, and materials associated with the Lot 2 Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP II) of six F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) for the U.S. Air Force and six Short Take-off and Vertical Landing Air Systems for the U.S. Marine Corp.In addition, the contract provides for associated ancillary mission equipment, sustainment support, special tooling/special test equipment and technical/financial data.Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (75.5 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (15.6 percent); and Samlesbury, United Kingdom (8.9 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0097). Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $162,279,829 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive fee contract (N00019-06-C-0086) to exercise an option for the Fiscal Year 2007 Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot IV procurement of nine (9) UH-1Y aircraft and two (2) AH-1Z aircraft.Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas (80 percent) and Amarillo, Texas (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Sauer, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded firm-fixed price $8,535,900 for Task Order 0002 under previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0036) for renovations to the Waterside Lean-To and Center Lean-To at Hangar 110, Navy Test Pilot School at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Public Works Department, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $7,139,910 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0019) to exercise an option for the manufacture, test and delivery of 99 Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS) for the U.S. Navy (93); and the Governments of Kuwait (2), Switzerland (2), and Canada (2).This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($6,603,120; 92.48 percent) and the Governments of Kuwait ($190,723; 2.67 percent); Switzerland ($190,723; 2.67 percent); and Canada ($155,344; 2.18 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The modification also includes performing Fleet Introductions, supply technical data, and provide engineering, technical, and logistics support services for the U.S. Navy OTPS hardware.Work will be performed in Saint Louis, Mo. (45 percent); Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (25 percent); Orlando, Fla. (25 percent) and Madrid, Spain (5 percent) and is expected to be completed in February 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DKW Communications,* Inc., Silver Springs, Md., is being awarded a $6,425,592 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide Automated Information System (AIS) services, including the requirement to provide, operate and maintain all Navy ashore strategic communications resources and specified fleet tactical information resources for communications, command and control and to administer those elements of Defense Communication Systems assigned to the Navy for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston,National Capital Region (SSCC-NCR).The contract includes three one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to the estimated amount of $26,595,158.Work will be performed in Government-owned facilities located in Washington, D.C., and work is expected to be completed by July 2008 (July 2011 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured under Small Business Adminstration (SBA) Small and Disadvantaged Business Set-Aside 8 (a) Program.The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, with five offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7881). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $186,944,000.This action provides for the purchase of thirty (30) F-16 Block 50 aircraft, along with associated support equipment, alternative mission equipment, and support elements for the Government of Turkey's Under Secretarial for Defense Industries for the Peace Onyx IV F-16 Block 50 Aircraft Procurement Program.This effort supports foreign military sales to Turkey.At this time, $110,060,000 has been obligated.Solicitations began April 2007 and negotiations were completed in July 2007.This work will be complete January 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6034). Boeing Service Co., Richardson, Texas, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $31,057,411.This contract action will provide broadband data service to Department of Defense and Department of State operated aircraft equipped with the Connexion by Boeing (CBB) system (continental United States and Overseas).Typical applications include Internet, E-mail, video teleconferencing, and server access.The service also includes access to Direct Broadcast Satellite television service compatible with the CBB system.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete August 2008.Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (FA4452-03-C-0006/P00015). Kovatch Corp., Nesquehoning, Pa., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $18,767,224.This requirement contract will exercise an option for 99 R-11 Aircraft Refueling Tank Trucks.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2008.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-C-0141/P00020). ARMY Caddell Construction Company Inc., Montgomery, Ala., was awarded on July 19, 2007, a $73,792,320 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of a Clinic and Demolition of a Hospital.Work will be performed in Mac Dill Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 9, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 10, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0037). Colt Defense L.L.C., Hartford, Conn., was awarded on July 19, 2007, a delivery order amount of $71,090,756 as part of a $478,787,807 firm-fixed-price contract for M4 Carbines.Work will be performed in Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 11, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-D-0425). Walbridge/Bartlett Cocke (Joint Venture), Detroit, Mich., was awarded on July 20, 2007, a $39,089,450 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and Construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center.Work will be performed at Camp Bullis, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 20, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0009). Alutiiq International Solutions L.L.C.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on July 19, 2007, a $30,999,992 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and Construction of a Barracks and Company Operations Facility. Work will be performed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 26, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-07-C-0019). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products Inc., Burlington, Vt., was awarded on July 13, 2007, a $25,987,217 firm-fixed-price contract for M2 Machine Guns.Work will be performed in Saco, Maine, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 11, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-C-0125). Critical Solutions International Inc., Dallas, Texas, was awarded on July 12, 2007, a $25,081,102 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Interim Vehicle Mounted Mine Detectors.Work will be performed in Gauteng, South Africa, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 14, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0306). Straub Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., was awarded on July 23, 2007, a $22,132,016 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of an Aircraft Operations Facility.Work will be performed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 14, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0019). Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, La., was awarded on July 13, 2007, a $19,790,915 firm-fixed-price contract for Delaware Coast Beachfill.Work will be performed in Bethany Beach and South Bethany Beach, Del., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 17 bids solicited on May 21, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-07-C-0017). Nuclear Research Corp.*, Dover, N.J., was awarded on July 18, 2007, a delivery order amount of $11,530,963 as part of a $25,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Procurement of the AN/UDR-14 and AN/UDR-15.Work will be performed in Albuquerque, N.M., and is expected to be completed by June 27, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 27, 2012, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-D-P020). Straub Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., was awarded on July 23, 2007, an $11,395,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of an Aircraft Maintenance Complex.Work will be performed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 20, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 7, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0020). O'Gara Hess & Eisenhardt, Fairfield, Ohio, was awarded on July 20, 2007, a $9,089,786 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M1116 and M1145 Frag Kit Packages.Work will be performed in Fairfield, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 10, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-C-S019). Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company L.L.C., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on July 17, 2007, a $7,973,020 firm-fixed-price contract for a Maintenance Dredging.Work will be performed in Nassau, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 20, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on May 11, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (W912EP-07-C-0019). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Md., was awarded on July 18, 2007, a $6,088,029 increment as part of a $6,700,178 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the All-Terrain Radar for Tactical Exploitation of Moving Target Indicator and Imaging Surveillance Program.Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Md., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 16, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide web on Nov. 16, 2010, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-P044). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products Inc., Burlington, Vt., was awarded on July 19, 2007, a $5,076,330 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M2 Receiver Cartridges. Work will be performed in Saco, Maine, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on March 23, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-06-C-0155).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Juan S. Restrepo, 20, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., died July 22 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson, 26, of Garner, N.C., died July 11 in Besmaya, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire.He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Search Underway for WWII Japanese MIAs in Alaska The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that a small team of Japanese and U.S. specialists is visiting Attu Island, Alaska, in search of information which may lead them to remains of missing Japanese soldiers. With support from the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the team of five Japanese and three Americans arrived Thursday for a four day mission.The team is investigating potential loss or burial sites where the remains of Japanese soldiers may be found.The team's findings will be evaluated by the U.S. and Japanese governments to determine if follow-on excavations are called for. Primary airlift for the team was provided by the U.S. Coast Guard on a regularly-scheduled C-130 airlift mission from Kodiak to Attu Island.While visiting the island, the team is being housed at the long range navigation station where some Coast Guardsmen have volunteered to assist in the investigations.Attu Island is under the management and protection of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which administers the Aleutian Islands National Wildlife Refuge.At the end of Alaska's Aleutian island chain, Attu is the westernmost point of land of the United States. In June 1942, a unit of the Japanese Army occupied Attu, capturing and imprisoning many of its inhabitants.U.S. forces began action to recapture the small island in May 1943, where fierce hand-to-hand battles led to about 540 American and 2,300 Japanese deaths.It was the site of the only land battle in WWII in North America. Shortly after the war, 235 sets of Japanese remains were recovered on Attu by U.S. forces and reburied at Ft. Richardson, near Anchorage, Alaska.The Japanese later disinterred those remains, cremated them as part of a religious ceremony and reburied them at the same location. The Japanese government assisted U.S. investigators last month in a visit to Iwo Jima in search of information related to American WWII MIAs.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of one soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Allen A. Greka, 29, of Alpena, Michigan, died July 13 of wounds sustained from a land mine detonation during a dismounted patrol in Jisr Diyala, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3d Battalion, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia.

CONTRACTS NAVY Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems, LP,adivision of Armor Holdings, Inc., is being awarded $518,543,584for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0002 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5030) for the purchase of 1,154 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category I vehicles, and 16 MRAP Category II vehicles.Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and work is expected to be completed February 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Bath Iron Works Corporation (a General Dynamics Company), Bath Maine, is being awarded $49,383,758 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2307) to exercise an option for accomplishment of the Lead Yard Class Services for the DDG 51 Class AEGIS destroyer program.This work will provide technical assistance to the Follow Yard in the interpretation and application of the detailed design developed by BIW Corp., the Lead Yard contractor.DDG 51 Class services include: Liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistics services, class design agent services and class change design services for follow ships. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Spectral Solutions, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $49,000,000 ceiling-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the design completion and building of five of the next generation of multi-platform demonstration turrets with a non-acoustic sensor suite for the Navy (4) and government of Canada (1).Work will be performed in Honolulu, Hawaii and is expected to be completed in June 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($46,000,000; 84 percent) and the Government of Canada ($3,000,000; 16 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Air Warfare Center-Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-07-D-0013). Data Link Solutions, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $27,606,861 firm-fixed-price delivery order for multifunctional information distribution system-low volume terminals (MIDS-LVTs). The MIDS-LVT provides secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for Navy, Air Force and Army platforms.This delivery order combines purchases for the U.S. (89.4 percent) and the governments of Belgium (8.8 percent), Japan (.6 percent), and Poland (1.2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J. (50 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2009.Contractfunds in the amount of $2,733,012will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This delivery order was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare E-commerce web site.The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-00-D-2100). Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $16,861,769 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2104) for research and development of advanced submarine technologies for current and future submarine platforms.The contract provides for provision of studies to support the manufacturability, maintainability, producibility, reliability, manning, survivability, hull integrity, performance, structural, weight/margin, stability, arrangements, machinery systems, acoustics, hydrodynamics, ship control, logistics, human factors, materials, weapons handling and stowage, submarine safety, and affordability of current and future submarine platforms.The contract also provides for engineering and technical support for research and development efforts associated with designing a future undersea superiority alternative to the reduced submarine program.Focus is on hull, mechanical, and electrical systems, but may also involve C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) and non-propulsion electronic systems.Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Stronghold Engineering Inc., Riverside, Calif., is being awarded a $5,597,100 firm-fixed price contract under a previously awarded stand alone construction contract (N62473-07-C-6008) for design and construction of a new golf clubhouse complex and the demolition of the existing golf clubhouse. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Request for proposal were sent to four firms under an approved Select Bidders List, with two offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Raytheon Co, C3I, Reston, Va., is being awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for $9,918,305.The Air Force is awarding Raytheon a contract for the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) program, DoD's satellite-based system for distributing video, imagery and other large date files to users around the world.The modification directs Raytheon to implement the Spiral 4B software development effort accomplishing Defense-In-Depth IA updates, RBM Unclassified Enclave Presence Display and support to IP Encapsulator IA testing activities. Solicitations began September 2006 and negotiations were completed in June 2007.This work will be complete June 2008.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F04701-97-C-0044/P00252). Korean Air Lines Co., Dong, Busan, South Korea, is being awarded firm-fixed-price, time and material and cost reimbursement - no fee contract for $9,242,721.The contractor is to perform in-theater depot installations on United States Air Fore PACAF F-16 aircraft for Block 40/50 Falcon-STAR CCIP modification.At this time, $5,000 has been obligated.Solicitations began December 2006 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be complete September 2014.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8232-07-D-0005).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Sgt. Jeffrey R. McKinney, 40, of Garland, Texas, died July 11 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Courtney D. Finch, 27, of Leavenworth, Kan., died July 24 in Qayyarah, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.He was assigned to the 714th Maintenance Company, Kansas Army National Guard, Topeka, Kan. The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Graybar Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $660,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies.This contract is exercising second one-year option.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies.The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is July 28, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP11). NAVY SCI Technology, Inc., DBA SCI Manufacturing, Defense and Aerospace Systems, Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a $165,105,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to provide Tactical Operations Center Intercommunication System (TOCNET) modules to support the USMC Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle program.Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured because it is a sole source acquisition.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6339). Grace Pacific Corp., Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $25,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for pavement work at various facilities serviced by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii.The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, tools, materials, and equipment necessary to perform asphaltic concrete pavement work; Portland cement concrete work, including sidewalks and curbs; marking and striping of pavement; signage; landscaping services; chain link fences and gates; and other incidental related work.The areas of consideration will include, but are not limited to, Navy, Marine Corps, and miscellaneous Federal and other facilities. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 22 proposals solicited and two offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-07-D-4008). CasePro Inc., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded an $11,722,030 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to purchase multi-discipline health care services (personal services) in the Southeastern region including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.This contract has four option years, which if exercised, would bring the total estimated value of the contract to $145,000,000.Work will be performed in Camp Lejuene, N.C. (47 percent); Cherry Point, N.C. (13 percent); Charleston, S.C. (13 percent); and Beaufort, S.C. (27 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured, with 26 offers received.The Naval Medical Logistics Command is the contracting activity (N62645-07-D-5005). Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va., is being awarded an estimated $8,700,857 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract, contract to provide non-personal engineering and technical services in support of the Navy Warfare Development Command, Fleet Forces Command and its components as they relate to their mission of Concept and Doctrine Development and Coordination, SEA TRIAL Coordination, Experimentation, Analysis, and Modeling and Simulation in support of Navy transformation.This contract contains options, which if awarded, would bring the total estimated value of the contract to $46,475,489.Work will be performed in Newport, R.I. (70 percent); but may include tasking in San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (10 percent); Suffolk, Va. (10 percent) and other designated areas as necessary to support tasking, and work is expected to be completed July 2008 (July 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with a total of four offers received in response to the Request for Proposal.The Fleet Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z024). L3 Communications/Titan Corp., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded an estimated $7,794,590 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract to provide non-personal engineering and technical services in support of the Navy Warfare Development Command, Fleet Forces Command and its components as they relate to their mission of Concept and Doctrine Development and Coordination, SEA TRIAL Coordination, Experimentation, Analysis, and Modeling and Simulation in support of Navy transformation.This contract contains options, which if awarded, would bring the total estimated value of the contract to $41,858,428.Work will be performed in Newport, R.I. (70 percent); but may include tasking in San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (10 percent); Suffolk, Va. (10 percent) and other designated areas as necessary to support tasking, and work is expected to be completed July 2008 (July 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with a total of four offers received in response to the Request for Proposal. The Fleet Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z022). Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems Division, Herndon, Va., is being awarded an estimated $7,363,860 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract to provide non-personal engineering and technical services in support of the Navy Warfare Development Command, Fleet Forces Command and its components as they relate to their mission of Concept and Doctrine Development and Coordination, SEA TRIAL Coordination, Experimentation, Analysis, and Modeling and Simulation in support of Navy transformation. This contract contains options, which if awarded, would bring the total estimated value of the contract to $39,012,344.Work will be performed in Newport, R.I. (70 percent);but may include tasking in San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (10 percent); Suffolk, Va. (10 percent) and other designated areas as necessary to support tasking, and work is expected to be completed July 2008 (July 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with a total of four offers received in response to the Request for Proposal.The Fleet Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z011). General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded an estimated $7,445,514 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract to provide non-personal engineering and technical services in support of the Navy Warfare Development Command, Fleet Forces Command and its components as they relate to their mission of Concept and Doctrine Development and Coordination, SEA TRIAL Coordination, Experimentation, Analysis, and Modeling and Simulation in support of Navy transformation. If all four options under the contract are exercised, the total estimated value of the contract will be $39,895,078.Work will be performed in Newport, R.I. (70 percent);but may include tasking in San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Norfolk, Va. (10 percent); Suffolk, Va. (10 percent) and other designated areas as necessary to support tasking, and work is expected to be completed July 2008 (July 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded through full and open competition, with a total of four offers received in response to the Request for Proposal.The Fleet Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z017). OMV Medical, Inc., Tacoma Park, Md., is being awarded a $5,598,846 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to purchase multi-discipline health care services (personal services) in the Southeastern region including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.This contract has four option years, which if exercised, would bring the total estimated value of the contract to $145,000,000.Work will be performed in Camp Lejuene, N.C. (67 percent); Cherry Point, N.C. (17 percent); and Beaufort, S.C. (17 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured, with 26 offers received.The Naval Medical Logistics Command is the contracting activity (N62645-07-D-5005). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions, Santa Maria, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for $35,742,785.This action provides for replanning of product development, test and transition activities for Western and Eastern Launch and Test Range products including Launch Vehicle Mission Flight Control, Launch Vehicle Telemetry Processing, Launch Vehicle Flight Analysis, Range Weather Analysis, Network Management and Launch Support Infrastructure systems.At this time, $18,869,195 has been obligated.This work will be complete May 2009.Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0029/P00265).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Joshua P. Mattero, 29, of San Diego, died July 24 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 749th Ordnance Company, 63rd Explosive Ordnance Battalion, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Robert A. Lynch, 20, of Louisville, Ky. Cpl. James H. McRae, 22, of Springtown, Texas Cpl. Matthew R. Zindars, 21, of Watertown, Wis. All three Marines died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Diyala province, Iraq. Lynch was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. McRae was assigned to 3rd Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. Zandars was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died July 23 in Sarobi District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy. Killed were: 1st Sgt. Michael S. Curry Jr., 37, of Dania Beach, Fla. Sgt. Travon T. Johnson, 29, of Palmdale, Calif. Pfc. Adam J. Davis, 19, of Twin Falls, Idaho. Pfc. Jessy S. Rogers, 20, of Copper Center, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hospitalman Daniel S. Noble, 21, of Whittier, Calif., died July 24, as a result of enemy action while conducting security operations in the Dilaya Province, Iraq.He was permanently assigned to 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense No. 921-07 FOR RELEASE AT July 25, 2007 Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public/Industry(703) 428-0711 CONTRACTS MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY The Boeing Co., of Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a sole source maximum $80,000,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee, indefinite-delivery letter contract to conduct activation planning of a European-based Missile Defense Complex as part of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program element.Work will be performed at Huntsville, Alabama and the European site, and is expected to be complete by September 2013.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, AL is the contracting activity (HQ0147-07-D-0001). Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems of Moorestown, New Jersey 08057-0927, is being awarded a $33,091,838 firm-fixed-price contract modification to fulfill the Japan Aegis ship program requirement to procure Aegis BMD Block 2004 capability for a Kongo-class Aegis Destroyer.Work will be performed at Moorestown, New Jersey and is expected to be complete by February 2009.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-06-C-6106). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $40,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies and related services. This contract is exercising second one-year option. Using services are Defense Logistics Agency. The original proposal was solicited on FedBizOps with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 28, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP12). Bet-Ko Air, Inc., Yuma, Ariz., is being awarded a maximum $10,295,460.38 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Using services are United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian services. There were 3 proposals originally solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0049). NAVY M2 Technologies Inc., Framingham, Mass., was awarded an estimated $20,823,081 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract on July 19, 2007, for design, development, production and delivery of two Anti-Sniper Infrared Targeting Systems (ASITS) for field trail and subsequent use, with options for up to eight more units.Work will be performed in Lexington, Ky., and work is expected to be complete in July 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract is a sole-source contract.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-1034). BAE Systems, Information & Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $6,313,690 time and material, firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6353) to exercise options for Field Service Representatives, Depot-Level repair services, and spares for the Dismounted Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems, to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Dismounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program.Dismounted CREW systems are wearable electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED.This contract is to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense's (OSD) Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO).Work will be performed in Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom (69.0 percent); Lansdale, Pa. (28.0 percent); and Nashua, N.H. (3.0 percent) and is expected to be completed by July 2008.This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with five offers received.Contract funds in the amount of $6,313,690, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Zachary R. Endsley, 21, of Spring, Texas, died July 23 in Arghendab District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces usingindirect fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, Germany.

U.S. Nuclear Weapons Strategy Delivered To Congress On Friday, 20 July 2007, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates joined with the Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to submit to Congress a three-page statement on U.S. national security and nuclear weapons, entitled "Maintaining Deterrence in the 21st Century." The statement underscores the President's policy for achieving "an effective strategic deterrent at the lowest level of nuclear weapons consistent with U.S. national security and our commitment to our allies."The statement acknowledges that the Cold War is behind us, but points out that a new, diverse array of potential adversaries must now be deterred. At the same time, U.S. allies must remain assured of America's continuing security commitment and capabilities. To achieve this, the strategy paper states that it is crucial to have bipartisan support for a 21st century nuclear weapons strategy. The statement recommends that Congress initiate the Reliable Replacement Warhead program, and notes the importance of a responsive nuclear infrastructure for managing the technological and geo-political risks associated with drawing down the size of the nuclear arsenal.

CONTRACTS NAVY Boeing Helicopter, Ridley Park, Pa., is being awarded $28,314,301 for ceiling priced order 0233 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE SRA International Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $5,769,720.This action provides for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support services in support of the U-2 Reconnaissance Program.This acquisition is analytical, advisory, management, technical and functional support of 9th Reconnaissance Wing for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information systems, operations planning, programming, and budgeting activities (e.g. integration, IT network support, systems requirementsidentification, registrar, training, administrative, scheduling, etc.).At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete October 2007.Headquarters 9th Contracting Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA4686-07-C-0005).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Bobby L. Twitty, 20, of Bedias, Texas, died July 22 from a non-hostile vehicle accident in Al Anbar province, Iraq.He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Shawn G. Adams, 21, of Dixon, Calif., died July 22, in Owaset, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer, 21, of East Northport, N.Y., died July 21 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Scientific Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is

being awarded a maximum $200,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price

adjustment, integrated prime vendor contract for the material and

material management of benchstock items.Other locations of performance are

North Carolina and Florida.Using services are Navy.There were 12 proposals

originally solicited with 4 responses.Contract funds will not expire

at the end of the current fiscal year.This is the 1st option year being

exercised.Date of performance completion is July 22, 2009.Contracting

activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa.

(SPM500-04-D-BP13).

BP West Coast Products, LLC, La Palma, Calif., is being awarded a

maximum $30,200,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment,

indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for fuel.Using services are

Defense Energy Support Center.Other locations of performance are

Washington.There were 6 proposals originally solicited with 3

responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of

performance completion is October 30, 2007.Contracting activity is

Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0498).

Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a

maximum $26,401,368.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment,

indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Using service

is Defense Energy Support Center. Other location of performance is Port

Arthur, Texas. The proposal was web solicited with 2 responses.

Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of

performance completion is August 30, 2007. Contracting activity is Defense

Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0497).

ARMY

SUMMA Technology Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on July 11,

2007, a delivery order amount of $26,912,818 as part of a $78,016,971

firm-fixed-price contract for the Container Roll In/Out Platform.Work will

be performed in Cullman, Ala., and is expected to be completed by June

30, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal

year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide

Web on Dec. 21, 2005, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army

Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting

activity (W56HZV-06-D-0269).

Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicines,

Pomona, N.Y., was awarded on July 9, 2007, a $17,344,548

cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for management of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury

Center program.Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (51.5

percent), Columbus, Ohio (9 percent), Fort Bragg, N.C. (3.5 percent), San

Diego, Calif. (6.5 percent), Tampa, Fla. (2 percent), Lackland Air Force

Base, Texas (5 percent), Johnstown, Pa. (10 percent), Richmond, Va. (2

percent), Palo Alto, Calif. (2.5 percent), Minneapolis, Minn. (2

percent), and Charlottesville, Va. (6 percent), and is expected to be

completed by Feb. 19, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the

current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the

World Wide Web on April 6, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S.

Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Detrick, Md., is the

contracting activity (W81XWH-07-C-0089).

Tetra Tech EC Inc., Langhorne, Pa., was awarded on July 16, 2007, a

delivery order amount of $14,139,250 as part of a $14,139,250

firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an air traffic control facility.Work

will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Del., and is expected to be

completed by Oct. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end

of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on March 8,

2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-06-D-0006).

SLR Contracting and Service Co. Inc.*, Buffalo, N.Y., was awarded on

July 16, 2007, an $8,121,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction

of a dental clinic. Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is

expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2009.Contract funds will not expire

at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 55 bids solicited on

April 5, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0020).

Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp., Germantown, Md., was awarded on July 6,

2007, a $7,800,000 firm-fixed-price contract for MT-2011F

Transceivers.Work will be performed in Tempe, Ariz., and is expected to be completed

by Aug. 10, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the

current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 29,

2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth,

N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-J416).

Schutt Industries Inc.*, Clintonville, Wis., was awarded on June 27,

2007, a $7,672,635 firm-fixed-price contract for Light Tactical

Trailers.Work will be performed in Clintonville, Wis., and is expected to be

completed by Dec. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of

the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on May 2, 2007,

and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments

Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0441).

Grip Pod Systems L.L.C.*, Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded on July 16,

2007, a $6,934,400 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for an

additional Rapid Fielding Initiative requirement work.Work will be

performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March

31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal

year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide

Web on March 16, 2005, and three bids were received.The Joint Munitions

and Lethality Acquisition Center, Picatinny, N.J., is the contracting

activity (W15QKN-06-C-0071).

OCCI Inc., Fulton, Mo., was awarded on July 14, 2007, a $6,924,534

firm-fixed-price contract for the Spillway Tainter Gate repair. Work will

be performed in Manhattan, Kan., and is expected to be completed by

Aug. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current

fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World

Wide Web on May 4, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity

(W912DQ-07-C-0027).

Jacobs/Tetra Tech (Joint Venture), Boston, Mass., was awarded on July

11, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,772,620 as part of a

$17,012,119 firm-fixed-price contract for the hazardous waste clean-up of the New

Bedford Harbor Superfund site.Work will be performed in New Bedford,

Mass., and is expected to be completed by May 27, 2013.Contract funds

will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an

unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 19, 2001,

and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Concord,

Mass., is the contracting activity (DACW33-03-D-0006).

Simula Aerospace, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on July 13, 2007, a

delivery order amount of $6,207,300 as part of a $41,841,800

firm-fixed-price contract for add-on armor kits for the M915 Wheeled Vehicles.Work

will be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by

April 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current

fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 26,

2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich.,

is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-0165).

Ceres Caribe Inc., Lajas, Puerto Rico, was awarded on June 29, 2007, a

$5,811,629 firm-fixed-price contract for a flood control project.Work

will be performed in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and is expected to be

completed by April 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the

current fiscal year.There were 18 bids solicited on Feb. 26, 2007, and

three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (W912EP-07-C-0017).

NAVY

L-3 Titan Corp., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a $10,474,119

cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for

performance based engineering, technical, and programmatic services in

support of the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA)/Ea6B Prowler Integrated

Product Team (IPT).The estimated level of effort for this option is

107,520 man-hours.Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., and is

expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the

end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively

procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons

Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity

(N68936-07-D-0061).

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), San Diego, Calif., is

being awarded a $9,143,000 one-year follow-on contract under

previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-reimbursement

contract (N66001-04-D-2504) to exercise an option to provide support for

the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC), San Diego, to include studies

of symptoms, morbidity, hospitalizations, reproductive outcomes,

mortality, and other health-related issues among service members and

Department of Defense beneficiary populations. The original two-year contract

included three one-year options, and this award represents exercising

of the second option year.The cumulative potential value of the

contract, if the third option is exercised, is $45,000,000. Work will be

performed in San Diego, Calif. (90 percent) and at NHRC Detachment at Wright

Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio (10 percent), and is expected to be

completed July 2008. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center,

San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Cherry Hill, N.J., is being awarded a

$6,573,128 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and technical

services in support of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force

(JMSDF).This contract supports the JMSDF for the DDH 2320 Ship Construction

program under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in

Washington, D.C. (85 percent), Tokyo/Yokohama, Japan (15 percent), and

is expected to be completed by September 2012.Contract funds will not

expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not

competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard,

D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-4003).

Welin Lambie Ltd*, Britannia House, Brierly Hill, West Midlands DY5

1UB, United Kingdom, is being awarded a $6,307,920 time and materials,

indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for furnishing

engineering and technical services for the repair, overhaul and maintenance of

U.S. Navy FFG, LHA, LSD, and Coast Guard WHEC, WMEC, WAGB, WLB and WLBB

Class Government-owned Boat Davits manufactured by Welin Lambie Ltd.The

contract also provides for services to investigate and resolve

systemic problems, training and installation support services, and for

technical documentation.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (30 percent);

Mayport, Fla. (25 percent); San Diego, Calif. (25 percent); Everett,

Wash. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2012.Contract

funds in the amount of $24,666, will expire at the end of the current

fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval

Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering

Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity

(N65540-07-D-0009).

Avaya Inc., DBA Avaya Communications, Arlington, Va., is being awarded

$5,719,438 for fixed price task order under previously awarded

contract (N68939-97-D-0040) for maintenance and operational support

requirements for the Consolidated Area Telephone System (CATS) San Diego,

Calif.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (66 percent); Coronado,

Calif. (30 percent); Chula Vista, Calif. (1 percent); Imperial Beach,

Calif. (1 percent); San Clemente Island, Calif. (1 percent); and Santee,

Calif. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September

2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal

year.This contract was competitively procured, with four offers received.The

Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif. is the contracting

activity.

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., on behalf of DuPont-University of

Delaware Very High Efficiency Solar Cell Consortium, Wilmington, Del., is

being awarded a $8,144,000 increment of a $12,242,711 other

transaction for prototypes agreement for design and development of very high

efficiency solar cells.Work will be performed in Wilmington, Del., and is

expected to be completed July 2008.Funds will not expire at the end of

the current fiscal year.DARPA issued a solicitation in Federal Business

Opportunities on January 1, 2005, and over 100 proposals were

received.The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects

Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-9-0005).

*Small business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jacob S. Schmuecker, 27, of Atkinson, Neb., died July 21 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 755th Recon/Decon Company, Nebraska Army National Guard, Oneill, Neb.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Rhett A. Butler, 22, of Fort Worth, Texas, died July 20 of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Khan Bani Sa'd, Iraq.He was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Washington.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died July 18 in Adhamiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when their vehicle was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. The Soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Luis E. Gutierrez-Rosales, 38, of Bakersfield, Calif., Spc. Zachary R. Clouser, 19, of Dover, Pa., Spc. Richard Gilmore III, 22, of Jasper, Ala., and Spc. Daniel E. Gomez, 21, of Warner Robbins, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Brandon M. Craig, 25, of Earleville, Md., died July 19 in Husayniyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Ronald L. Coffelt, 36, of Fair Oaks, Calif., died July 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade (Airborne), XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Missing WWII Sailor is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Fireman 3rd Class Alfred E. Livingston, U.S. Navy, of Worthington, Ind.He will be buried on Saturday in Worthington. On Dec. 7, 1941, Livingston was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma when it was attacked by Japanese torpedo aircraft and capsized in Pearl Harbor.The ship sustained massive casualties.Livingston was one of hundreds declared killed in action whose body was not recovered.In the aftermath of the attack, some remains were recovered from the waters of Pearl Harbor.One set of sailor's remains was recovered and thought to be associated with the USS Arizona losses.However, when efforts to identify the sailor failed, it was inconclusive what ship he was assigned to and he was buried as an unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as The Punchbowl. In 2006, a Pearl Harbor survivor and researcher, contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) and suggested that the biological and dental information on file for the unknown sailor may be correlated with Livingston's personnel file.JPAC's analysts studied the documentation and found enough evidence to support the researcher's findings that Livingston was actually recovered after the war even though he was originally listed as one of the hundreds of unrecoverable servicemen from the attack on Pearl Harbor.In February 2007, the grave for the unknown sailor was exhumed. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of Livingston's remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. James J. Harrelson, 19, of Dadeville, Ala., died July 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS NAVY International Military and Government LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded $413,869,860 forfirm-fixed-priced, delivery order #0004 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for an additional 755 Category I (CAT I) Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles.The CAT I is an MRAP vehicle provided for the Marine Corps and other Joint Forces that is needed in convoy operations.The MRAP vehicles are required to increase survivability and mobility of troops operating in a hazardous fire area against known threats such as small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices.Work will be performed in WestPoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by February 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $201,010,722 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5350) for FY07 STANDARD Missile-2 production requirements.This modification will provide for procurement of 190 missiles, 121 shipping containers, spares and associated data for the U.S. (73.12 percent) and the Governments ofJapan (22.17 percent); Germany (3.28 percent); Spain (1.10 percent); and Canada (.33 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (83 percent); Andover, Mass. (14 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); and Farmington, N.M. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $100,000,000 fixed-price-incentive modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-2300) to exercise an option for long lead time material and associated labor for the 10th ship of the T-AKE 1-Class (T-AKE 10).The contractor will perform material sourcing, material ordering, vendor interface, and material quality assurance.T-AKE is a new Combat Logistics Force Underway Replenishment Naval vessel intended to replace the current capability of the Kilauea-Class (T-AE 26) Ammunition Ship, Mars-Class (T-AFS 1) Combat Stores Ships, and when operating in concert with a Henry J. Kaiser-Class (T-AO 187) Oiler ship, the Sacramento-Class (AOE 1) Fast Combat Support Ship.In its primary mission role, the T-AKE will provide logistic lift from sources of supply such as friendly ports, or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships by consolidation, and will transfer cargo (ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material) at sea to station ships and other naval warfare forces.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a minimum guaranteed $10,530,210 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services utilizing an unmanned aircraft system in support of the Global War on Terrorism.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $381,542,865.Work will be performed in the area of operations in support of I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs) deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Work is expected to be complete December 2007 (December 2010 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Navy Electronic Commerce Office, with two offers received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-2052). Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded an estimated $6,160,606 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technical support of the Aircraft Suspension and Release Equipment Fleet Support team while work is transitioned from Raytheon to Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane.Technical support is comprised of product engineering, production engineering support, program-related logistics and integrated logistics support for multiple-application/out of production bomb racks and guided missile launchers employed on U.S. Navy aircraft.Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $1,000,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-4280). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Global Investment Recovery, Tampa, Fla, is being awarded a maximum $10,854,030.00 firm fixed price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, total set aside contract with an eighteen month base and three twelve-month options for electronic equipment de-manufacturing services. Other locations of performance are Nevada and South Carolina. There were 7 responses to the original proposal. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS), Battle Creek, Mich. (SP4410-07-D-1007). AIR FORCE Actel Corp., Mt View, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for $10,188,131.This effort is for a contract with Actel Corp., to address the technical issues and provide a Space Qualified Reprogrammable and Non-Volatile Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) product platform that addresses the needs of the space electronics community and additionally provide a complete system controller capability via Actel's Programmable System Chip platform.At this time, $1,196,525 has been obligated.Solicitations began in November 2006 and negotiations were complete in July 2007.This work will be complete October 2010.Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-07-C-0177).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died July 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 401st Military Police Company, 92nd Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Pfc. Ron J. Joshua Jr., 19, of Austin, Texas. Pfc. Brandon K. Bobb, 20, of Orlando, Fla.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Nathan S. Barnes, 23, of American Fork, Utah, died July 17 in Rushdi Mullah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY MedImmune Shepherdsville, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $23,900,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for influenza virus vaccine. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Pennsylvania. There were 2 proposals originally solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 31, 2007. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DP-07-D-0004). AIR FORCE EG & G Technical Services, Las Vegas, Nev., is being awarded a requirements contract for $13,342,157.This action provides for T-43 Pilot Flight Operations.2-Month basic period, one 1-year option and seven 6-month option periods.At this time, $542,476 has been obligated.Solicitations began April 2007.This work will be complete March 2012.Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3089-07-D-0011). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY ATK Launch Systems of Corrine, Utah is being awarded a sole source $13,212,500 fixed price contract for five Castor IVB motor assemblies to support the Targets and Countermeasures Program.Work will be performed at the contractor's facilities in Magna, Utah and is expected to be complete by August 2010.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama is the contracting activity (HQ0147-07-C-0199).FY 07 research and development funds will be used.The contract will be incrementally funded, and at award will obligate $1,956,000. NAVY Special Tactical Services, LLC (STS)*, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $6,300,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the acquisition of course instructors for various crew served weapons courses on behalf of the Center for Security Forces, Little Creek, Va.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (45 percent); San Diego, Calif. (45 percent); and Camp Lejuene, N.C. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2011.Contract funds in the amount of $88,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal, with three offers received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-07-0016). John C. Grimberg Company, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded $5,899,400 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0018 under a previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for renovation of Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Building 902 for the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force at Indian Head, Md. The work to be performed provides for the complete renovation of Building 902's piping and fire protection systems, replacement of the heating and ventilation system, mold abatement, as well as updates to the flooring and walls. Work will be performed in Indian Head, Md., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Public Works Department, South Potomac, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N62477-04-D-0012). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Navy Casulaties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died July 17 as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq.The two sailors were assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eleven, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. Killed were: Chief Petty Officer Patrick L. Wade, 38, of Key West, Fla. Petty Officer First Class Jeffrey L. Chaney, 35, of Omaha, Neb.

Soldiers Missing in Action from the Korean War are Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Sgt. Donald C. Trent, of Crab Orchard, W. Va.; Cpl. Robert K. Imrie, of Randolph, Mass.; and Cpl. Samuel Wirrick of Lancaster, Pa.; all U.S. Army.Imrie will be buried Monday at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.; and Trent and Wirrick will be buried at Arlington in October. Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. In late November 1950, these soldiers were members of the 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, then operating south of the Chongchon River in North Korea.Their regiment's positions came under heavy attack by Chinese forces and the 2nd Battalion was forced to withdraw to positions near the town of Kujang.On Nov. 27, Imrie was killed in action, and Trent and Wirrick were reported missing. In 2000, a joint U.S.-Democratic People's Republic of Korea-Korean People's Army team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a mass burial believed to contain the remains of U.S. soldiers who died near Kujang.The team found human remains, Wirrick's identification tag and other material evidence associated with U.S. Army infantry equipment. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Eric M. Holke, 31, of Crestline, Calif., died July 15 in Tallil, Iraq, of wounds sustained from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Holke was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry, California Army National Guard, Fullerton, Calif

NAVY CONTRACTS Litton Systems Inc. Garland, Texas, is being awarded a $74,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity letter contract for production and delivery of the AN/PVS-17C miniature night sight and associated spare and repair parts.The contract provides for a minimum quantity of 100 and a maximum of 10,000 units.Work will be performed in Garland, Texas, and is expected to be completed December 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This follow-on contract meets an urgent requirement and was not awarded competitively.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va. is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-1011). Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif.; Northtrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corp., Defense Mission Systems Division, Herndon, Va.; Stanley Associates, Inc., Arlington, Va.; and Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., are being awarded $23,100,000 for indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, time and material pricing provisions, multiple contracts for support services for independent research, technical, and analytical support to commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force in the definition, conduct, and analysis of structured operational and integrated test and evaluation of a vast array of weapons systems, integrated systems, and equipment to support the fleet sailor. This contract four one-year option periods, which if exercised would bring the value of the contract to a ceiling price of $115,500,000.Work will be performed in a variety of locations throughout the Continental United States with provision for Afloat and Outside-of-the-Continental United States locations as needed.Work is expected to be completed July 2008 (July 2012 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $4,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured through under full and open competition and solicited through the Government-wide Points of Entry, Navy Electronic Commerce On-line, and the Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with four offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Norfolk Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-0102, N00189-07-D-0104, N00189-07-D-0105, N00189-07-D-0106) Lockheed Martin Corporation/Naval Electronics & Surveillance Division, Eagan, Minn., is being awarded a $13,888,589 firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded contract (N00024-98-D-5202) for logistics support of the AN/UYQ-70 advance display system.The logistics support includes the furnishing of repaired and new units for approximately 399 line items in response to fleet requisitions.Work will be performed in Eagan, Minn., and is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point, Mechanicsburg, Pa., is the contracting activity. Dutch Valley, Lawrenceville, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $9,772,744 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for multi-spectral targeting system (MTS) spare parts.MTS spare parts are hand control units, transducers and trigger guards.The spare parts will be utilized to repair and replace HCU and parts on both Air Force and Navy MTS units.Work will be performed in Lawrenceville, Ga., and is expected to be completed by July 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8508). Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $9,586,594 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the installation and training of the cockpit upgrade program for the VH-60N executive helicopter.Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in December 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0047).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Shawn V. Starkovich, 20, of Arlington, Wash., died July 16 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.His death is under investigation. Starkovich was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif

Marine Missing From Vietnam War Is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Cpl. Jim E. Moshier, U.S. Marine Corps, of Bakersfield, Calif.He will be buried Wednesday in Bakersfield. On June 11, 1967, Moshier was one of 11 passengers on board a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter that was inserting forces into Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, when the aircraft was struck by enemy ground fire and crashed.Pilots from two nearby helicopters saw the crash and reported that none of the men on board could have survived.Aircraft flew over the site for several hours, but saw no survivors.A ground patrol attempted to access the site the next day, but could not because of the large concentration of enemy forces in the area.Two weeks later, a reconnaissance patrol was within 25 meters of the crash site, but extensive enemy activity prevented the team from approaching closer. Between 1993 and 1994, U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted two surveys of the site, and interviewed several Vietnamese citizens who said they witnessed the crash.Two of the citizens claimed to have seen bone fragments while scavenging the site years earlier.The teams found small pieces of wreckage, but no human remains. In May 2005, Vietnamese officials notified U.S. officials that possible human remains were present at a district security compound in Quang Tri Province.The Vietnamese reported they confiscated the remains and other items, including Moshier's identification tag, from a Vietnamese citizen in 1996.The remains were then buried in the security compound, but the ID tag and other items had supposedly been lost over the years.Later that month, a U.S./S.R.V. team excavated the secondary burial site in the security compound and recovered a box containing human remains. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of Moshier's remains.Remains from one of the other servicemembers on board the aircraft, Pfc. James E. Widener, U.S. Marine Corps, were identified in August 2006.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Universal Technology Corp., Dayton, Ohio, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity with cost-plus-fixed fee contract for $24,900,000. The Collaborative Research and Development Program will provide basic, exploratory and development research in the physical and engineering sciences.This effort will utilize unique Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/ML) equipment for thorough investigations and knowledgeable evaluations.The program will require the contractor to conduct research in the areas of metallurgy, solid mechanics, composites, ceramics, polymers, chemistry, physics, biotechnology, nano-technology, Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems, and nondestructive evaluation in support of the Air Force mission.Specifically, the work consists of a wide range of individual requirements involving theoretical studies, analytical experiments, diagnostic and measurement techniques, evaluation of new ideas, systems, devices and concepts.At this time, $50,000 has been obligated.Solicitations began April 2007 and negotiations were complete July 2007.This work will be complete July 2013.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-D-5800). NAVY General Dynamics Land Systems, under their operating Unit General Dynamics Amphibious Systems (GDAMS), Woodbridge, Va., is being awarded a $10,625,245 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-01-C-0001) for the sustaining equipment manufacturing, technical, and engineering efforts in support of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) engine, during the extended Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the of the EFV program. Work will be performed in Woodbridge, Va. (12 percent) and Friedrichshafen, Germany (88 percent) and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Schutt Industries, Inc., Clintonville, Wis., is being awarded $6,856,521 for firm-fixed-price, Delivery Order 0008 under previously awarded contract (M67854-06-D-5083) for 905 Light Tactical Trailer, Marine Corps Chassis (LTT-MCC).Work will be performed in Clintonville, Wis., and work is expected to be complete September 2009.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract is a full open competition award to Schutt Industries, Inc., as it is the sole manufacturer of the LTT-MCC.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Robert D. Varga, 24, of Monroe City, Mo., died July 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.He was assigned to the 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Christopher D. Kube, 18, of Sterling Heights, Mich., died July 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

CONTRACTS NAVY EDO Communications & Countermeasures Systems (EDO CCS), Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $209,884,759 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6311) to exercise options for the production and support of 3,000 vehicle-mounted, Counter- Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Vehicle Mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program.Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED.Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (87 percent); and Lancaster, Calif. (13 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $116,369,994 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-2103) for lead yard services, and for development studies and design efforts, related to Virginia-Class submarines. The Lead Yard Services will maintain, update, and support the design and related drawings and data for each submarine, including technology insertion, throughout its construction and Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) period. The contractor will also provide all engineering and related Lead Yard Services necessary for direct maintenance and support of Virginia Class Ship Specifications.In addition, the contract provides Development Studies and Design efforts related to the submarine design and design improvements, preliminary and detail component and system design, integration of system engineering, design engineering, test engineering, logistics engineering, and production engineering.The contractor will continue development studies and design efforts related to components and systems to accomplish research and development tasks and prototypes and engineering development models required to fully evaluate new technologies to be inserted in succeeding Virginia Class Submarines.Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (97 percent); Newport, R.I. (2 percent); and Quonset, R.I. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. ViaSat*, Carlsbad, Calif., was awarded on July 13, 2007, a $44,949,228 firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded contract (N00039-00-D-2101) for Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVTs).The MIDS-LVT provides secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army platforms.This delivery order combines purchases for the U.S. (94.8 percent), the government of Portugal (3.5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program, and the Government of Germany (1.7 percent) under the MIDS Program Memorandum of Understanding.Contractfunds in the amount of $2,469,735will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Work will be performed in Carlsbad, Calif., (30 percent), in various other sites worldwide (70 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2009.This delivery order was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare E-commerce web site.The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site.Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Coherent *, Doylestown, Pa., is being awarded a $48,522,901 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, manufacture, installation, and repair of Navy Special Projects Systems associated with the Electro-Optic and Special Mission Sensors Program. This effort will include focus on the research, development, analysis, and prototyping of a family of systems that result in a C4ISR system architecture. Work will be performed in Windber, Pa., (40 percent); Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., (30 percent); and Patuxent River, Md., (30 percent) and is expected to be completed in July 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-R-0150). BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $21,868,500 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for Delivery Order #0003 to change the type of vehicle from Category (CAT) I to CAT II for the purchase of 239 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) CAT II vehicles.Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. ITT Night Vision, Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a maximum $16,600,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of 6,800 18 mm Image Intensifier MX-10160C Tubes.Image Intensifier Assembly, 18-mm Microchannel Wafer High Performance Tubes are utilized in night vision goggles.Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured by a request for proposals with two firms solicited and one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8543). CDM Constructors, Inc.*, Carlsbad, Calif., is being awarded $16,233,070 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0015 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-04-D-5110) to repair and/or replace approximately 300 sewer pipelines at sewer treatment plants 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.The work pipelines range in size from 6" to 18" for a total length of approximately 78,000 feet. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Aqua-Chem, Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., is being awarded a $12,829,398 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for 6,800 gallon-per-day Reverse Osmosis Desalination (ROD) units and 2,000 gallon-per-day High Purity Reverse Osmosis (HPRO) units for installation in FFG-7 and LSD Class ships.The ROD Unit will be used to produce drinking water from seawater, and HPRO Unit will be used to produce high purity water from drinking water, for cooling the ship's gas turbine engines.Work will be performed in Knoxville, Tenn, and is expected to be completed by July 2012. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with six offers received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-07-D-0012). BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Greenlawn, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,530,052 delivery order of Option Year 2 to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0027) for the procurement of 105 AN/APX-118 common digital transponders for the U.S. Army (101), and the U.S. Navy (4); 32 MT-7221/APX Mounts for the U.S. Army; 51 RT-1836(c) APX-118(v) Mode 5 kits for the U.S. Army; 33 RT-1912(c) APX-123(v) transponders for the U.S. Army(32) and U.S. Navy (1); 1 C-12720 Mode 5 Remote Control Units for the U.S. Navy; 21 E-HRE Crypto Units for the U.S. Army; and 78 power supplies for the U.S. Army.Work will be performed in Greenlawn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in June 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Army ($6,048,513; 93 percent), and the U.S. Navy ($481,539; 7 percent).The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Sea Box, Inc., East Riverton, N.J., is being awarded $6,358,757 firm-fixed-price Delivery Order #0001 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5060) for 185 Large Refrigeration Systems.Work will be performed in East Riverton, N.J., and work is expected to be complete in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.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, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Angel R. Ramirez, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died Feb. 21 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., after being medically evacuated following a non-hostile incident in Al Qaim, Iraq, on Dec. 21, 2006. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. The incident is currently under investigation. The announcement surrounding the death of this Marine was delayed due to an administrative adjustment to the Marine's original death classification.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jeremy D. Allbaugh, 21, of Luther, Okia. Lance Cpl. Steven A. Stacy, 23, of Coos Bay, Ore. Both Marines died July 5 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Allbaugh was assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Stacy was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division,I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died July 6 in Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Sgt. Gene L. Lamie, 25, of Homerville, Ga.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Pfc. Le Ron A. Wilson, 18, of Queens, N.Y.He was assigned to the 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died July 6 in Muhammad Sath, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device. Killed were: Cpl. Kory D. Wiens, 20, of Independence, Ore.He was assigned to the 94th Mine Dog Detachment, 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Pfc. Bruce C. Salazar Jr., 24, of Tracy, Calif.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Master Sgt. Randy J. Gillespie, 44, of Coaldale, Colo., died July 9, in Herat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered during small arms fire outside of Camp Stone.He was assigned to the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

Marine Missing In Action From Korean War Is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Pfc. Domenico S. Di Salvo, U.S. Marine Corps, of Akron, Ohio.He will be buried July 12 in Seville, Ohio. In late November 1950, Di Salvo was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division then deployed near Yudam-ni on the western side of the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.On Nov. 27, three Communist Chinese Divisions launched an attack on the Marine positions.Over the next several days, U.S. forces staged a fighting withdrawal to the south.Di Salvo was lost on Dec. 2, 1950, as a result of enemy action near Yudam-ni.He was among several in his company buried by fellow Marines in a temporary grave near the battlefield. During Operation Glory in 1954, the North Korean government repatriated the remains of U.S. and allied soldiers.Included in this repatriation were sets of remains associated with Di Salvo's burial.That year, U.S. officials identified five of these individuals.One repatriated individual could not be identified at that time and was buried as an unknown in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Hawaii. In November 2006, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) exhumed remains from the NMCP believed to be those of Di Salvo. Among other forensic tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC used dental comparisons in Di Salvo's identification

CONTRACTS ARMY South Bend, Ind., was awarded on July 3, 2007, a $378,341,704 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). The Wexford Group International Inc.*, Vienna, Va., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $63,059,962 as part of a $63,059,962 firm-fixed-price contract for operations support for the Asymmetric Warfare Group.Work will be performed in Vienna, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on March 6, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-06-D-0005). Taunton, Mass., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $22,500,000 increment as part of a $1,069,909,287 cost-plus-award-fee contract for system development and demonstration for the architecture of the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical System.Work will be performed in Taunton, Mass. (40 percent), and Gaithersburg, Md. (60 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 19, 2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-02-C-F404). Head Inc.*, Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on July 5, 2007, an $18,560,650 firm-fixed-price contract for 167th Airlift Wing base conversion from C-130 to C-5 Aircrafts and Extension and Upgrade of Runway and Taxiway.Work will be performed in Martinsburg, W.V., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 19, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Buckhannon, W.V., is the contracting activity (W912L8-07-C-0008). Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Company L.L.C., Independence, Mo., was awarded on July 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,123,910 as part of a $400,467,194 firm-fixed-price contract for small caliber ammunition items.Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 31, 2006.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016). Alpine Diversified Inc.*, Lemoore, Calif., was awarded on July 3, 2007, a $5,129,224 firm-fixed-price contract for the Rio De Flag Flood Control Project.Work will be performed in Flagstaff, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by July 12, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 17, 2007, and eight bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0018). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Alaska Structures, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for shelters, components, and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is Mesilla Park, N.M. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6064). Anchor Industries, Evansville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-06-D-6005). Base-X Expedition Shelters, Fairfield, Va., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, trailers, and components. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6063). Celina Tent, Inc., Celina, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for humanitarian shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-06-D-6001). DHS Systems, LLC, Orangeburg, N.Y., * is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, components, and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised.Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6060). Johnson Outdoors, Binghamton, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters, trailers, and components. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM100-05-D-6059). Schutt Industries, Clintonville, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters and trailers. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-06-D-6002). MMI - Federal Marketing Service Corp, Montgomery, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000 firm fixed price contract for a variety of shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is Sharon Center, Ohio. The original proposal was web solicited and ten responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-06-D-6007). Metals USA i-Solutions, Fort Washington, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $9,900,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, tailored vendor relationship contract for metals and metal products.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies.There were 63 proposals originally solicited with 3 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This is to extend the first option year of a two year base with three one-year options contract.Date of performance completion is March 6, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-06-D-BP17). Belleville Shoe Mfg. Co., Belleville, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $25,173,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for hot weather combat boots. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other location of performance is Arkansas. The original proposal was web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 9, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1518). Altama Footwear, Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $20,411,033.72 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for hot weather combat boots. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Puerto Rico and Tennessee. The original proposal was web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 9, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1519). Wellco Enterprises, Inc., Waynesville, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $15,113,428.50 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for hot weather combat boots. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other location of performance is Puerto Rico. The original proposal was web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 9, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1522). Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc., Nelsonville, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $6,448,040.47 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for hot weather combat boots. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other location of performance is Puerto Rico. The original proposal was web solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 9, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1523). * Small Business

In the month after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Mike Talleda was searching for a way to help the country and motivate others to do the same. His answer was the "9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation." "The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation's mission is to recognize and support the families of ... fallen and wounded warriors," Talleda, the foundation's president, said. "(It's) huge for families to know that people have not forgotten their sacrifice." For the past six years, the foundation has focused on providing monthly financial support to wounded servicemembers and families of the fallen. That support comes in the form of $200 a month for an 18-month period, Talleda said. Volunteers of the California-based 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation also have become much more involved in the lives of the nine families his group supports, he said. Visits with the troops and their families are regular occurrences, as are outings that bring families together. "Our formula is great," Talleda said. "We just need to have more funds to add more guys to the list." The group holds golf and poker tournaments and similar events to raise funds, he said. Grants or donations would be a new and welcomed source of much-needed funding, Talleda said. The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation is one of the newest members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. "We are hoping (joining) America Supports You may give us an opportunity to find people that like what we are doing and may be willing to help us," Talleda said. "What we do is a lot of work, but it is also a labor of love," Talleda said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Col. Jon M. Lockey, 44, of Fredericksburg, Va., died July 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation. Lockey was assigned to Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, D.C.

DoD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for June The Department of Defense announced today its recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for the month of June. Active duty recruiting. Three of the four services met or exceeded recruiting goals for July. The Army recruited 7,031 soldiers, which is 84 percent of its goal of 8,400. The Navy finished with 3,999 recruits for 102 percent. Their goal was 3,924. The Marine Corps recruited 4,113 new Marines reaching 110 percent of its goal of 3,742, and the Air Force met its goal of 2,233 recruits. Active duty retention.Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force met or exceeded overall retention missions. Reserve forces recruiting.Five of the six reserve components met or exceeded their recruiting goals in June. The Army National Guard recruited 5,342 soldiers surpassing its goal of 5,338. The Army Reserve and Navy Reserve finished at 108 percent with 5,255 and 1,013 recruits, respectively. The Marine Corps Reserve recruited 1,078 Marines surpassing its goal of 986 at 109 percent. The Air National Guard was the only reserve component to miss its goal finishing at 75 percent with 779 of its goal of 1,036. The Air Force Reserve met its goal of 597 recruits. Reserve forces retention.For June, Army National Guard retention was 107 percent of the cumulative goal of 26,405, and Air National Guard retention was 98 percent of its cumulative goal of 8,430. Both the Army and Air Guard are currently at 101 and 99 percent of their end strength, respectively. Losses in all reserve components for May are well within acceptable limits.Indications are that trend will continue into June

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Sean K. Mitchell, 35, of Monterey, Calif., died July 7 in Kidal, Mali, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jason E. Dore, 25, of Moscow, Maine, died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey, 23, of Bismarck, Ark., died July 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Anthony M.K. Vinnedge, 24, of Okeana, Ohio, died July 5 at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.The incident is under investigation. Vinnedge was assigned to Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 107th Armor Cavalry Regiment, Ohio Army National Guard, Greenville, Ohio

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Roberto J. Causor Jr., 21, of San Jose, Calif., died July 7 in Samarra, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS NAVY Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $407,992,320 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-03-C-0057) for the procurement of three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Pilot Production aircraft.Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., (26.5 percent); at various locations across the United States, (25.88 percent); Syracuse, N.Y, (23.57 percent); St. Augustine, Fla., (18.63 percent); and Menlo Park, Calif., (5.42 percent) and is expected to be completed in August 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. W. G. Yates and Sons Construction Company, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded a $92,753,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of seven projects - P737K Fitness Center; P8790 Bachelor Enlisted Quarters; P812K Navy Exchange (NEX) Complex and NEX Cold Storage Facility; P814K Consolidated Security Complex; P821K Storm Drainage Improvements; P824K 22nd Naval Construction Regiment Command and Control Facility; and P825K Training Hall at Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Miss.. The contract contains eleven options totaling $7,202,000, of which two of the options are included in the contract award amount along with the basic contract award. The remaining nine options may be exercised within 365 days, bringing the total contract amount to $108,966,766.00.Work will be performed in Gulfport, Miss., and is expected to be completed January 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with six proposals received in Phase I.Four proposals were solicited in Phase II.Three proposals were received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0754). Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $24,849,545 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) to exercise an option for AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Protection Radio Systems for the U.S. Air Force.This modification consists of 329 each RT-1851 ARC-210 Receiver-Transmitter Radios; 323 each C-12561 Radio Control Sets, and 294 each MT-4935 Mounting Bases for the Air Force's A-10 aircraft.Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $14,746,284 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-04-C-0058) to exercise an option for technical and engineering services for Communications-Electronics Advanced Technologies (CEAT), supporting the Special Communications Requirements Division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland.The estimated level of effort for this option is 118,800 man-hours.Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (80 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Alliant Integrated Defense Co. LLC, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $14,637,139 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0107) to exercise an option for the procurement of AAR-47(V)2 Missile Approach Warning Set hardware weapons replacement assemblies.This modification consists of 564 Integrated Optical Sensor Converters with laser warning capabilities for the U.S. Navy (400); U.S. Air Force (116); and the governments of Canada (20); Australia (16); the Netherlands (8); and the United Kingdom (4).In addition, this modification provides for 127 Computer Processor upgrade kits for the U.S. Navy (85); U.S. Air Force (30); and the governments of Canada (5); Australia (4); the Netherlands (2); and the United Kingdom (1).This modification also provides for 47 Control Indicators for the U.S. Navy (10); U.S. Air Force (5); and the governments of the United Kingdom (21); Canada (5); Australia (4); and the Netherlands (2).Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla. and is expected to be completed in September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S Navy ($9,854,375; 67 percent); U.S. Air Force ($3,245,036; 22 percent); and the Governments of Canada ($567,095; 4 percent); Australia ($453,676; 3 percent); the United Kingdom ($290,119; 2 percent) and the Netherlands ($226,838; 2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $12,347,346 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-05-C-0030) for the design and manufacture of the VH-71 Systems Integration Laboratory.Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. (50 percent) and Patuxent River, Md. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $9,999,950 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract for Multiple Link Simulation Test and training tools, including test, interoperability, certification, and training equipment for the Integrated Warfare System Lab.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines support for the U.S. Navy (80 percent), Japan (eight percent), Spain (eight percent), and Australia (four percent), under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity. (N00178-07-D-2007) National Steel and Shipping Company (NASSCO), San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $8,164,259 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4402) for repairs and alterations scheduled during the Non-Docking availability of the USS Dubuque (LPD-8).National Steel and Shipbuilding Company furnishes the material, supports (electrical, crane, and rigging) and facilities necessary for the maintenance and modernization of the LSD/LPD Class ships.This availability includes replacement of generating tubes, main propulsion boilers number one and two and overhaul of remote operator for main condenser seawater system valve in machinery room number two.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $7,919,331 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $235,657,972.57 firm fixed price contract for spare parts supplied as support to numerous aircraft platforms. Using services are Army, Navy Air Force, and Marine Corps. There was 1 sole source proposal originally solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 7, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM400-05-D-9413). ARMY Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin (Joint Venture), Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $172,206,845 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Javelin FY07 production and remanufacture option exercise and Command Launch Unit supplemental hardware.work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (60 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 22, 2003.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0136). Holston Defense Corp., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on June 29, 2007, an $89,932,084 modification to a cost contract for post-retirement benefits.Work will be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2061.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 1994.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-92-Z-0008). The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $76,500,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for CH-47F new build production helicopters.Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 31, 2003.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-C-0012). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $53,972,933 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). Sundt Construction, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $42,143,000 as part of a $42,143,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of permanent vehicle barriers, construction access road, associated wash crossings and/or culverts, construction wells, and monitoring wells along the International Boundary between the United States and Mexico.Work will be performed in Southwestern Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on May 11, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (DACW63-03-D-0003). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on July 2, 2007, a $32,446,850 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Ceridian Corp., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on June 30, 2007, a $31,969,638 firm-fixed-price, time and materials, and cost contract for the establishment of a 1-800 Call Center to support armed forces and their families.Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 15, 2007.The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Detrick, Md., is the contracting activity (W81XWH-07-C-0090). Mabey Bridge Inc., Elkridge, Md., was awarded on June 28, 2007, a $28,118,844 firm-fixed-price contract for a Logistics Support Bridge with Float Bridge with Piers and Ramps.Work will be performed in Lydney, United Kingdom (70 percent), Houston, Texas (15 percent), and Gavle, Sweden (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 10, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 15, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0469). BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $27,057,622 as part of a $70,780,744 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for procurement and installation of Bradley Improvised Explosive Device Mine Armor Kits.Work will be performed in York, Pa. (58 percent), and Santa Clara, Calif. (42 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 14, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 16, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005). MW Builders of Texas Inc.*, Temple, Texas, was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $22,917,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a standard design Medium Battle Command Training Building, Access Control Point, and Tactical Operations Center. Work will be performed at Fort Riley, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 16, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 11, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-C-0026). K&S Associates Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $14,455,640 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center.Work will be performed in Granite City, Ill., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 31, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0036). Harkins Builders Inc., Marriottsville, Md., was awarded on July 3, 2007, a $14,356,900 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center.Work will be performed at Fort Detrick, Md., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 17, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 21, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0044). Freightliner L.L.C., Portland, Ore., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,283,309 as part of a $740,319,612 firm-fixed-price contract for M916A3 Light Equipment Transporters.Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 21, 2000, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-S022). Bordeaux Construction*, Durham, N.C., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $13,014,561 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center, organizational maintenance shop, and unheated storage building.Work will be performed in Raleigh, N.C., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 29, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0037). Clark Construction Enterprises L.L.C.*, St. Martinsville, La., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $12,933,495 as part of a $12,933,495 firm-fixed-price contract for a hurricane protection levee.Work will be performed in St. Charles Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 9, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were eight bids solicited on April 17, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-06-D-0086). Greenleaf-ECI (Joint Venture)*, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on June 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $12,746,215 as part of a $12,746,215 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a six-company Operation Facility and parking for a future Battalion Headquarters.Work will be performed at Fort Riley, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 20, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 16, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0045). World Wide Technology Inc.*, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $9,525,143 firm-fixed-price contract for acquisition of various equipment and services in support of the Teleport Generation 2 Phase II Project.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 20, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-F-0024). BAE Systems, Lexington, Mass., was awarded on July 2, 2007, an $8,575,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Cooler/Dewar Group OR-336/A (Common Module) Units.Work will be performed in Lexington, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 24, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-W004). Textron Marine & Land Systems, New Orleans, La., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $5,944,692 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for field service representatives to be deployed in the Central Command Theater of Operations in support of the Armored Security Vehicle Systems in South West Asia.Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 9, 2005.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470). * Small Business

Nothing could dampen the spirit of the 49th annual race or its fans. Soldiers of the Army Reserve's 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) from Orlando, Fla., were among the 82 soldiers who took part in presenting the U.S. flag in the pre-race ceremony. Men and women of the Army Reserve came from units as far away as Massachusetts and Ohio to take part in the ceremony. The soldiers ran the American flag onto the center of the racetrack and then unraveled it while Bianca Ryan, the winner of the "America's Got Talent" television show, sang the "Star-Spangled Banner." Ordinarily, race officials said, it takes at least 150 soldiers to carry the 1,400-pound flag, but the soldiers happily managed the load. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Quinn, 741st Postal Detachment, 143rd Sustainment Command, said it was gratifying not only to carry the flag but to also see the fans who support the troops. "It's rewarding for us soldiers. Racecar driving is a big American event; it really brings out people's patriotism," Quinn said. "It got me pumped up to hear people shout, 'USA, USA, USA.' The esprit de corps that's here, that's what it's all about -- just knowing that these Americans support us." The crowd and soldiers cheered as four U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle fighters from Tyndall Air Force Base flew low over the track with their afterburners aglow in the night sky, while on the ground fireworks lit up the infield of the track. Pepsi 400 fans shook the stands with a standing ovation for the troops as the soldiers passed by carrying the U.S. flag. Sgt. Anthony J. Pekala of the 993rd Medium Truck Palletized Motor System Company, 143rd Sustainment Command, a self-professed NASCAR fan, said he believes it's important for soldiers to be represented in a positive light. "This event is good exposure for the Army Reserve and the military," Pekala said. "It's good for the public. It's good that Americans see that we're real people." Staff Sgt. Loretta L. Young, of the 1186th Transportation Terminal Brigade, in Jacksonville, who served with the 143rd Sustainment Command during her deployment to Kuwait, was appreciative of the support. "It's a privilege to serve. I'm serving my country," Young said. "I'm going to be here no matter what." After the pre-race ceremonies, soldiers were invited to watch the race from various racing pits, which made some of them feel like celebrities. But some, like Young, got to actually meet some of NASCAR's royalty. "Richard Petty, he came by and shook our hands," Young said. "That was fantastic. They really show us that there are Americans who support us." Jamie McMurray won the Pepsi 400 later that night by .005 seconds. Kyle Busch came in second, and Kurt Busch won third place

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Christopher S. Honaker, 23, of Cleveland, N.C., died July 5 of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire and indirect fire in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Thomas P. McGee, 23, of Hawthorne, Calif., died July 6 of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Wazi Khwa, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 546th Military Police Company, 385th Military Police Battalion, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Sweetheart, Jackson and Ellie Mae, three pooches, are helping to change the lives of wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center here. The mixed beagle, German shepherd and Lhasa Apso are therapy dogs trained to console soldiers, family members and sometimes medical staff with reassuring hugs and occasionally dog kisses. "There's a bond between humans and animals," explained dog trainer Charlie Brugnola, of Silver Lakes, Calif. "Pets help us to deal with stress and put us in a mood that is beneficial to us." Brugnola and his wife, Sally, brought the dogs to the hospital during June as part of the Delta Society of San Antonio Chapter Therapy Dog Program at the medical center. "In the eyes of the wounded warriors we see a light, a light of determination and tenacity. That light glows when making contact with the eyes of Sweetheart," Brugnola said. "She looks deep into their eyes, conveying a message -- a message only she and the soldier truly comprehend. And therein lies the magic, the wonderment and the connection these animals give to humans, the ability to bond and heal in very profound ways beyond human ability." Sweetheart, a mixed beagle, has a direct connection with soldiers and anyone who meets her. That connection is tied to a near-fatal incident that occurred several years ago. Left to die in a burning house, Sweetheart was rescued when a witness saw the terribly burned dog sit up and wag her tail. A doctor performed skin grafts and was amazed by the canine's determination. Several people were involved with Sweetheart's recovery. "Sweetheart is a burn survivor that inspires, motivates and melts hearts," Brugnola said. "Throughout her life, Sweetheart has repaid this obligation by helping other people." "A number of patients felt a special kinship with Sweetheart, because of her experience of overcoming severe burns," said Chaplain (Col.) Daniel Moll, chief of the Ministry Department at Brooke Army Medical Center. "A friendly nuzzle or lick from a puppy is always a positive experience for our patients here. There's a special connection for those in the burn treatment ward." To share Sweetheart's survivor skills, the Brugnolas decided to visit the wounded soldiers at BAMC. "It's phenomenal what takes place here," Sally said. "We are in awe and humbled by the very men and women we strive to serve. These young soldiers and their families are an inspiration to us." During a three-week visit, Sweetheart and Jackson, a German shepherd, laid next to soldiers during mat workouts at the Center for the Intrepid, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center here, and Ellie Mae, a Lhasa Apso, rode on the laps of soldiers in wheelchairs, all the while giving kisses. Also, the dogs wagged a greeting to anyone within petting distance during long strolls through the hallways. Army Sgt. Joy Nelson, an occupational therapist assistant, knows firsthand about the work of therapy dogs. "Everyone I saw, I told them about the dogs. When patients talked about the pain, I'd tell them about the dogs. I'd say a dog can't tell you how bad it hurts," Nelson said. "And then the patient's mind would get redirected." Nelson said one patient with a head injury had not responded as he should have until "he played with the dogs for about five minutes." "That afternoon, he started talking more," Nelson said. "The next day he was up walking around, called his parents and was discharged from the hospital." "There's a special connection," Moll said. "Pet therapy brings a sense of home normalcy to patients who are in the healing process. Brugnola echoed Moll's remarks. "After the patient spent time with the dogs, it triggered that he had a dog and that he needed to take care of it." "Animals, dogs, have been put on earth for very special reasons," Brugnola added. "We, as humans, are just starting to realize their special purpose." (Jen Rodriguez works at Brooke Army Medical Center Public Affairs.)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Michelle R. Ring, 24, of Martin, Tenn., died July 5 of wounds sustained from enemy mortar fire in Baghdad, Iraq.She was assigned to the 92d Military Police Battalion, Fort Benning, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died July 5 when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq.They were assigned to 96th Civil Affairs Battalion, 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, Fort Bragg, N.C.. Killed were: Maj. James M. Ahearn, 43, of Calif. Sgt. Keith A. Kline, 24, of Oak Harbor, Ohio.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Joseph A. Miracle, 22, of Ortonville, Mich., died July 5 of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire and indirect fire in the Watapor Valley of Kunar Province, Afghanistan.He was assigned to 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died July 6 as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq.The three sailors were assigned to an East Coast-based SEAL team. Killed were: Petty Officer First Class Jason Dale Lewis, 30, of Brookfield, Conn., Petty Officer First Class Robert Richard McRill, 42, of Lake Placid, Fla., Petty Officer First Class Steven Phillip Daugherty, 28, of Barstow, Calif.

CONTRACTS NAVY USS Product Carriers LLC, Edison, N.J., is being awarded a $51,309,850 fixed-price contract with reimbursable items for the time charter of two new-build, U.S.-flagged tankers.These vessels are being constructed at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego.The tankers will operate globally to transport petroleum products in support of U.S. military forces and will replace the current government-owned T-5 tankers that are expected to reach the end of their service life in 2010.The new tankers will deliver in 2010 and 2011.This contract includes three one-year option periods and one 11-month option, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $219,842,124 plus reimbursables costs, which include fuel and port charges.Work will be performed world-wide, Work is expected to be completed October 2011 (August 2015 if all option periods are exercised).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with over 85 proposals solicited and six offers received.The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N00033-07-C-5416). Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $12,546,210 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0086) for the procurement of phases two and three of the Composite Maintenance Trainers (CMTs) effort, to include two UH-1Y trainers and two AH-1Z trainers.The CMTs will be based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and will be used to train personnel on the repair and maintenance of the H-1 Upgrades Aircraft.Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and is expected to be completed in August 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded cost-plus-award-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification for $7,633,602.This is a modification to the existing Space Based Infrared System High Component Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development contract.This contract action alters the schedule for Effectivity 3 and Effectivity 11; combines Operations Test activities into a joint Operational Utility Evaluation; provides end-to-end testing to prepare fort he OUE; and increases hardware and software capability of the Mission Control Station Backup.To date, $355,071 has been obligated. This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0017/P00415

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Warrant Officer Scott A.M. Oswell, 33, of Washington, died July 4 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his helicopter struck a power line.He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 6th U.S. Air Cavalry, Fort Lewis, Wash

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Andrew T. Engstrom, 22, of Slaton, Texas, died July 4 in Taji, Iraq, from injuries sufferedin a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Engstrom was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Labatt Food Service, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $25,129,796.00 firm fixed price contract for full line food distribution. Using services are Army, Navy Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were 41 proposals originally solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is the 2nd option year being exercised. Date of performance completion is July 14, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-07-D-3143). Adams Brothers Produce, Birmingham, Ala.,* is being awarded a maximum $10,800,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for full-line fresh fruit and vegetable support. Using services are Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Mississippi. The original proposal was web solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan., 03, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-07-D-P005). Barrels Boxes & More, Bolton, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $5,600,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, two year base contract for shipping and storage drums. Using services are Army, Navy Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 4 proposals originally solicited with 4 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 6, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM8ED-07-D-0002). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity with firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable no fee and labor hour arrangements contract for $1,070,000,000.This action provides for Aircrew Training and Rehearsal Support (ATARS) II program that sustains and supports mission qualification training and rehearsal system hardware, software and courseware (including instructors) for Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) schoolhouse training.This contract will provide total training solution to include as a minimum support of Program Flying Training (PFT), Mission Rehearsal and Exercises at the 19 SOS, 58 TRS, 193 SOW, and additional CONUS/OCONUS sites as well as within the Joint Synthetic Battle Space.To date, $1,279,510 has been obligated. Solicitations began October 2006 and negotiations were completed June 2007.This work will be complete June 2017.PA POC can be reached at (801) 777-2284.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8223-07-D-0001). NAVY McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $90,242,460 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) for the procurement of a newly developed, additional capability for the AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (95 percent) and St. Louis, Mo. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. EDO Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems (RSS), Morgan Hill, Calif., is being awarded a $6,985,100 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N68335-06-G-0016) for the development, installation, upgrade and testing of the ALR-95 (V)X, for the P-3 aircraft Block Mod Upgrade Plus.Work will be performed in Morgan Hill, Calif., and is expected to be completed in February 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $3,458,175 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Primatech Construction, Inc.,* Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $6,763,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (EPMU) 6 Replacement Facility, Pearl Harbor Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.Work will be performed in Hawaii and is expected to be complete by November 26, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 26 proposals solicited and five offers received.Primatech Construction, Inc. is an emerging small business and HUBZone, woman-owned, Small Disadvantaged Business concern.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-07-C-1308). ARMY BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $54,641,130 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for production of M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles with authorized stockage list spares.Work will be performed in York, Pa. (98 percent), and Aiken, S.C. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 26, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-N030). The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $52,699,408 as part of a $147,271,800 firm-fixed-price contract for remanufacture of H-47 aircraft to the MH-47G configuration.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (98.3 percent), and Middletown, Del. (1.7 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 28, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-G-0023). Allison Transmission Division, Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $32,333,088 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for upgrade of X1100-3B transmissions in support of the System Enhancement Package Retrofit Program.Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 18, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-N040). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on June 28, 2007, a $20,107,747 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for full rate production of Unitary Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System rocket pods.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (20.8 percent), East Camden, Ark. (76.8 percent), Orlando, Fla. (2.4 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 Nov. 9, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0001). Straub Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., was awarded on June 28, 2007, a $17,251,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a permanent party dormitory.Work will be performed at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 22, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0017). General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on June 28, 2007, a $14,665,000 increment as part of a $215,373,106 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for system development and demonstration for the Extended Range / Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (43 percent), Adelanto, Calif. (14 percent), Palmdale, Calif. (8 percent), Salt Lake City, Utah (18 percent), Hunt Valley, Md. (14 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 120 bids solicited on Sept. 1, 2004, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069). Sundt Construction Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,661,870 as part of a $205,588,293 firm-fixed-price contract for design, construction, and installation of a primary fence.Work will be performed at Calexico, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on June 18, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (DACW63-03-D-0003). Allison Transmission Division, Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $12,646,211 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for upgrade of X200-4 to X200-4A Transmissions and reconditioned containers.Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 30, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-04-C-0422). Bay Electric Company Inc.*, Newport News, Va., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,795,441 as part of a $10,795,441 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Logistics Support Center.Work will be performed at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 11, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-D-0032). Fort Sill Apache Industries*, Apache, Okla., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a $10,641,000 firm-fixed-price contract for clearing and grading at Training Area 5.Work will be performed at Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 23, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-C-0034). Docupak, Pelham, Ala., was awarded on June 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,000,000 as part of a $472,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for support of the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va. (25 percent), and Alabaster, Ala. (75 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 26, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 1, 2007, and three bids were received.The National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-07-D-0007). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on June 28, 2007, an $8,164,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for C Pillar Armor Field Kits for the M1151A1 with B Kit.Work will be performed in Mishawka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on June 28, 2007, a $7,765,777 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,500,000 as part of a $112,469,971 firm-fixed-price contract for remanufacture of H-47 Aircraft to the MH-47G configuration and an option for additional aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (98.3 percent), and Middletown, Del. (1.7 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 11, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-G-0023). Freightliner, L.L.C., Portland, Ore., was awarded on June 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,603,563 as part of a $5,603,563 firm-fixed-price contract for M915A4R2 Tan and M915A4R3 Camouflage Glider Kits, and hard copy sets of the M915A4R3 Glider Installation instructions/drawings.Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 15, 2005.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-D-0233). Snap-On Industrial, Kenosha, Wis., was awarded on June 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,119,600 as part of a $5,119,600 firm-fixed-price contract for Common 24 Shop Sets.Work will be performed in Crystal Lake, Ill., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were ten bids solicited on April 3, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-D-0087).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Steven A. Davis, 23, of Woodbridge, Va., died July 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with grenades.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

- A soldier from Fort Belvoir, Va., celebrated the Fourth of July by making the shot of the day in the star-studded Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am at Congressional Country Club here. Tournament host Tiger Woods has gone out of his way this week to honor servicemen and women at the AT&T National PGA Tour event. He named the Pro-Am in honor of his late father, a 20-year Army veteran. He donated 30,000 tournament tickets to active-duty military personnel. Army Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly, of the 1st Information Operations Command at Fort Belvoir, Va., and Master Sgt. Andy Amor, of Andrews Air Force Base, Md., played the Pro-Am in Woods' foursome. But another Woods stole the show on the seventh hole. Sgt. Michael Woods of the Army Materiel Command was selected to be Tiger's honorary caddie for just one hole. As Tiger lined up his birdie putt, he turned to his caddie. "He asked me to put the bag down and called me over to him, and he asked me: 'What do you see?'" the sergeant said. "I said: 'Fairway leans to the right; you should hit it to the left.' And he said: 'Here you go.'" "Show me," Tiger said as he handed his trusty putter to Sergeant Woods, who promptly knocked down the 12-footer. And the gallery went wild. "I think it means a lot to a lot of people," Sergeant Woods, 32, said of Tiger's military support. "This is our independence and the birth of our nation, so it was really cool that he put this event on and allowed the military to be a part of it." Tiger said he was honored to be surrounded by servicemen and women. "I grew up with the military - grew up playing golf on a military base," he said. "That's where my home golf course was. So being around Mia and Andy and being around our armed services is what I am comfortable with. "This is what it's all about. They do so much for us that part of the general public doesn't really understand or relate to, so for them to go out there and give of themselves and the commitment it takes for them to do what they do, we really wanted to say 'thank you,' and this is our small way of saying thank you." Sergeant Woods learned at 5:15 a.m. yesterday that he would caddie for Tiger. "I knew that I would be out here somewhere with a professional golfer; I just didn't know which one," he said. "I've been playing golf a little bit, trying to get decent at it, and that was probably the best putt I've ever seen in my life. "I'm nervous right now," Sergeant Woods continued. "I'm shaking." The word around Congressional was that Woods gave the putter to the soldier. "No, I stole it back," Tiger said. "It's got 11 majors in it." Either way, Tiger made this July 4 one that many soldiers will never forget, particularly Sergeant Woods. "This is a day I'll remember forever," he said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford, 25, of Newport, Ohio, died July 2 near Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the Forward Support Group, 19th Engineer Battalion, Fort Knox, Ky.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. William C. Chambers, 20, of Ringgold, Ga. Lance Cpl. Jeremy L. Tinnel, 20, of Mechanicsville, Va. Both Marines died July 1 from a non-hostile boat accident in the Euphrates River just off the shore of Al Anbar province. They were both assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.The accident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. James L. Adair, 26, of Carthage, Texas, died June 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS ARMY Freightliner L.L.C. Portland, Ore., was awarded on June 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $165,939,183 as part of a $725,283,624 firm-fixed-price contract for M916A3 Light Equipment Transporters.Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 17, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 21, 2000, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-S022). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on June 27, 2007, a $71,907,000 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank program.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). Harper Construction Co. Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on June 27, 2007, a $34,115,039 increment as part of a $35,115,039 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a building that house multiple instructional classrooms, simulators, office space, vehicle repair space, and laboratories.Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on July 7, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2003). Harper Construction Co. Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on June 27, 2007, a $32,045,308 increment as part of a $42,937,265 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the primary infrastructure to support the new utility requirements, repair and overlay of roads, and construction of building house multiple instructional classrooms, simulators, office space, vehicle repair space, and laboratories.Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 7, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2002). Arrigah (Joint Venture)*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $6,592,069 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of rock revetment.Work will be performed in Shishmaref, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 30, 2007.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0022). DRS Test & Energy Management Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,523,044 as part of a $6,523,044 level-of-effort contract for system technical support for the embedded diagnostics system of the Abrams tank.Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 6, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-06-G-0002). JMR Construction Corp.*, Folsom, Calif., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $6,450,786 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of Aircraft Maintenance Shop Facilities.Work will be performed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 8, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 26, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0015). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $6,389,092 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M1151A1B1 High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in Mishawka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). SRI International, Menlo Park, Calif., was awarded on June 27, 2007, a $5,378,260 increment as part of a $5,378,260 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a research effort entitled: "PLATO:Phased Learning Through Analyzing, Teaching, and Observation" to support the Bootstrap Learning Program.Work will be performed in Menlo Park, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 14, 2006, and seven bids were received.The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Contracts Management Office,Arlington, VA, is the contracting activity (HR0011-07-C-0060). AeroVironment Corp.*, Monrovia, Calif., was awarded on June 27, 2007, a $5,328,324 modification to a firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-plus-incentive contract for RQ-11 small unmanned aircraft systems and initial spares packages.Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 13, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338). NAVY Broadmoor L.L.C., Metairie, La., is being awarded a $56,911,894 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of command and control hardening facility, a crash/fire/rescue station, a public works complex, hangar renovation, comprehensive utilities improvements, and a youth center at Naval Air Station, New Orleans.The contract contains two options totaling $578,331, which may be exercised within 365 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $57,490,225.Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by November 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with eight proposals received in Phase I.Five proposals were solicited in Phase II.At the closing date of 29 May 2007, all five proposals were received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0062). Communications and Power Industries, Inc, MPP-Division, Palo Alto, Calif., was awarded a $10,636,814 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract on June 29, 2007, for production of traveling wave tubes supporting the NULKA Missile decoy system program.Work will be performed in Palo Alto, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.This contract combines support of the U.S. Navy (97.5 percent) and Government of Canada (2.5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8912). Insight Technologies, Inc.,Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a $6,345,538contract for the production, delivery and support of the Mini Thermal Imager (MTI).The MTI will provide individual Marines a thermal imaging capability at the small unit and command levels across the spectrum of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed in August of 2009.Contractfunds in the amount of$6,345,538 willexpire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-R-1082).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died July 1 in Ta'meem, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Raymond R. Buchan, 33, of Johnston, Pa. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff Jr., 31, of Yosemite, Calif. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Fifteen Soldiers Selected to Participate in 'Black Jack Idol'

Like many people, Maj. Michael Duck has an addiction. His vice is shared by millions of people throughout the world, a fact that is easily confirmed by the high ratings that their obsessions provide to television stations. "I'm a fan of reality TV," Duck said, admitting to his guilty pleasure. Duck, chief of operations for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, said one show in particular, "American Idol," is a favorite of his, and he recently came up with the idea of replicating the premise of the show in Baghdad. Throughout June, soldiers have been encouraged to try out the brigade's version of the hit show, dubbed "Black Jack Idol." "We devised this competition after 'American Idol,' and we thought we'd do something for the soldiers and their morale," the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native explained. "We worked on this to try to come up with something for them, and that's basically how we got it started." Just like the real "American Idol," a weekly competition during which contestants vying for a recording contract sing and either move to the next round or are eliminated based on their performance, Black Jack Idol started off with several weeks of auditions. The auditions were held twice a week and alternated between Forward Operating Base Prosperity and Forward Operating Base Union III. As on American Idol, soldiers performed in front of a three-judge panel. Acting as the judges were Duck, 2nd Lt. Ruben Acosta, the brigade's assistant personnel officer, and Maj. Stephanie Sanderson, the brigade's judge advocate. "I'm looking for confidence, a nice full voice, someone who is outgoing and can perform in front of people and show their talents," Acosta said of the criteria he expects potential contestants to meet. Acosta, who is originally from San Antonio, said he was invited to be a judge after Duck learned that he had spent five years as a high school band director in Texas. "It's a chance for soldiers who have some abilities or talents to show it," he said of the competition. "And so far, it's been really interesting." During the auditions, contestants were able to sing whatever they wanted, with the only stipulation being that the performance had to be a cappella, a fact that Acosta said he took into consideration. "It's kind of nerve wracking because there's no music behind them," he explained. "A lot of people are used to singing in a vehicle or in the privacy of their room. Now they have to come out here and sing with no background music or anything, and that's really tough; so you always give them the benefit of the doubt." Once the actual competition starts, however, the contestants will be backed by music provided from a karaoke machine, and each week a different genre of music will be featured, forcing them to demonstrate their vocal diversity -- or lack thereof. "We're going to pick the tone and genre of music during the competition, so each week is going to be a different person or different type of music they're going to have to sing," Duck said. "We're going to see what they can do with a vast variety of types of music." While the soldiers who auditioned said they obviously love music, their experiences performing varied. "I've sang in church, and I've played in bands," said Pfc. Daniel Jens, a Milwaukee native with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. "I've played in front of a few people and up to 5,000 people." Jens performed Edwin McCain's "A Prayer to St. Peter," because, he said, it allowed him to show off his vocal range and he appreciates the song's message. "It's about soldiers and St. Peter letting the soldiers into heaven regardless of what they did on earth," he explained. Jens said he didn't do much to prepare for the audition because he sings all the time anyway. "I love performing, and I've got a lot of friends and family and people who I've met playing that like hearing me," he added. Like Jens, Pvt. Stacey Hanson, a medic with the brigade's headquarters, said that friends have told her she has a good singing voice and was encouraged to try out for the competition although she has no experience performing in public. "I try to play my guitar and sing along with that and had a couple people tell me I have a nice voice if I would just sing a little louder, so I just wanted to give it a try," the San Antonio native said. Although she said her audition, for which she sang Don Henley's "End of Innocence," was not perfect, she was pleased with her performance. "I'm glad I got some constructive criticism, especially since I've never sang in front of people or professionally," she said. "I think I've got a little bit of work to do, but I feel really good about it today." Going into the auditions, the judges said they didn't have a certain number of contestants in mind for the competition and have settled on 15 soldiers to participate in the eight-week competition, which they are planning to begin around July 21. As contestants are eliminated, and they get closer to the finals, Duck said they hope to have the 1st Cavalry Division Band provide music for the singers, which he said will give the competition more of a live-concert feel. He also said a grand prize has not been decided on, but right now he is expecting the winner to receive a sound system and a four-day pass to Qatar. Regardless of the prize, though, Sanderson said the competition is all about letting soldiers showcase their talents in front of peers and have fun doing it. "I enjoy anything that makes the soldiers happy," she said. "All soldiers are individuals, and it's good to give them something to display their talents. I'm having a great time so far."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Victor A. Garcia, 22, of Rialto, Calif., died July 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jonathan M. Rossi, 20, of Safety Harbor, Fla., died July 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

CONTRACTS ARMY GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $256,887,103 as part of a $5,410,884,329 firm-fixed-price contract for Stryker vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (60 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 6, 2000, and 17 bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). BAE Systems, Lexington, Mass., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $183,249,165 as part of a $2,191,036,916 firm-fixed-price contract for thermal weapons sights with associated testing.Work will be performed in Lexington, Mass. (70 percent), and Manassas, Va. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 9, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0030). Litton Systems Inc., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on June 21, 2007, a delivery order amount of $91,072,697 as part of a $336,391,741 firm-fixed-price contract for lightweight laser designator rangefinder components.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., 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 14, 2005.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-05-D-0033). Raytheon Systems, McKinney, Texas, was awarded on June 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $63,436,033 as part of a $2,611,131,928 firm-fixed-price contract for thermal weapons sights with associated testing.Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (65 percent), and Goleta, Calif. (35 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 9, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0029). Akima Facilities Management L.L.C.*, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $26,280,242 cost-plus-award-fee contract for base operating support services.Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 15, 2006, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Fort McPherson, Ga., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-C-0013). General Dynamics Network Systems, Needham, Mass., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $21,950,371 modification to a fixed-price-incentive with award-fee contract to survey, plan, design, install, and implement the information technology systems and infrastructure for Wedge 2-5 tenants.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 28, 2002.The Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-98-C-2002). DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems Inc., Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,377,710 as part of a $2,280,130,116 firm-fixed-price contract for thermal weapons sights with associated testing.Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. (65 percent), and Dallas, Texas (35 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 9, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0031). Whitesell-Green Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on June 21, 2007, an $11,888,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a weapons release shop, fuel cell hangar, and an A-10 engine trim apron.Work will be performed at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited in April 16, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0039). Harper Construction Company Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on June 21, 2007, an $11,637,265 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the primary infrastructure to support the new utility requirements, repair and overlay of roads, and construction of new water distribution mains, sewer mains, gas distribution mains, and electrical/communication ductbanks.Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 20, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2005). Goodrich Corp., Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $6,885,477 firm-fixed-price contract for integrated vehicle health management system kits and associated hardware to support health monitoring for Iraq and Afghanistan deployed UH-60A/L. Work will be performed in Vergennes, Vt., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 17, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0142). Docupak, Alabaster, Ala., was awarded on June 16, 2007, a $5,147,918 firm-fixed-price contract for Guard recruiting assistant program services.Work will be performed in Alabaster, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 11, 2007.The National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-07-C-0025). AIR FORCE Agility First Support LLC., Madison, Ala., is being awarded cost-plus-award-fee with 3percent base fee contract for $43,600,000.This action provides for base operation and maintenance services using government-furnished facilities at Moron Air Base and Zaragoza, Spain to include: program management, postal services and communication, safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene and ambulance services, civil engineering, services and logistics support services.In addition to providing day-to-day base operation and maintenance services, the requirement also includes contingency and exercise support on a to be negotiated basis.To date, $13,400,000 has been obligated. Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were completed June 2007.This work will be complete September 2009.435th Air Base Wing, Spangdahlem Air Force Base, GE, is the contracting activity (FA5613-07-C-5400). CH2M Hill Academy Service LLC., Englewood, Colo., is being awarded firm-fixed-price with cost reimbursable contract for $23,456,932.This action provides for civil engineer services, cadet support, facility and infrastructure maintenance and operations, environmental services, and property management.To date, $2,506,525 has been obligated. Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were completed June 2007.This work will be complete September 2008.Headquarters 10th Air Base Wing, USAF Academy, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA7000-07-C-0035). NAVY Dehler Manufacturing Co. Inc.*, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $6,172,767 fixed-price-delivery order against GSA schedule contract GS-27-F-2030B in support of the Marine Corps Whole Room Concept (WRC) Program.The program is for the procurement of full room furnishings (furniture, drapes, carpet, television, wall art, artificial plants and decor) and includes delivery and installation for Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point. The requirement also includes the removal and proper disposal of existing furniture and accessories.Work will be performed at MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C. (63.9 percent), and MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. (36.1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by December 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured, with three offers received.The United States Marine Corps Contracting Department, Camp Lejeune, N.C., is the contracting activity (M67001-07-F-0055). Detyen's Shipyards Inc., North Charleston, S.C., was awarded a $5,198,535 firm-fixed-price contract on June 28, 2007, for a regular overhaul and drydock of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,117,358. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $7,117,358 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with seven proposals solicited and two received.The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a subordinate command of Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N40442-07-C-1018). Correction: The BAE Systems Land & Armaments, York, Pa., contract warded June 28, 2007, should have read that the award was for $213,887,918. The vehicle breakdown should have read:255 Mine Resistant and Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category (CAT) I vehicles; 170 MRAP CAT I U.S. Special Operations Command Variant; and 16 CAT II Ambulance Variant vehicles.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Robb L. Rolfing, 29, of Milton, Mass., died June 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died June 28 of wounds sustained when their unit was attacked in Baghdad by insurgents using improvised explosive devices.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Killed were: Sgt. Shin W. Kim, 23, of Fullerton, Calif., Sgt. Michael J. Martinez, 24, of Chula Vista, Calif., Sgt. Giann C. Joya Mendoza, 27, of North Hollywood, Calif., Spc. Dustin L. Workman II, 19, of Greenwood, Neb. Pfc. Cory F. Hiltz, 20, of La Verne, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. William W. Crow Jr., 28, of Grandview Plaza, Kan., died June 28 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Frank M. Sandoval, 27, of Yuma, Ariz., died June 18 in Palo Alto, Calif., of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire Nov. 28, 2005, in Tikrit, Iraq.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Artillery, Fort Sill, Okla.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Boeing, St Louis, Mo., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for $2,015,000,000.This contract provides for Engineering Services of an Enhanced A-10 Wing.Minimum guarantee is Engineering Services and one each First Article.The maximum contract limitation is Engineering Services plus 242 Wings.Estimated order dates for the ordering period is 7 June 2007 through 30 September 2011.Estimated order date for one additional optional ordering period is 1 October 2011 through 30 September 2016.To date, $74,181,576 has been obligated. Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were completed May 2007.This work will be complete September 2018.PA POC can be reached at (801) 777-2284.PA POC can be reached at (937) 255-2350.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8202-07-D-0004). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Boeing, Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for $248,425,655.This contract action funds the FY07 fourth quarter option for the C-17 sustainment-labor/engine CLS and material.This effort supports foreign military sales to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Commonwealth of Australia and Canadian Forces.To date, total funds have been obligated.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00191). Booz, Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a labor hour and cost-reimbursement contract for $9,874,370.This contract action will provide for Advisory and Assistance Services for Professional Acquisition Support and Engineering and Technology Acquisition Support.Solicitations began May 2007 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be complete by December 2007.To date, $9,830,624 has been obligated. Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8721-07-F-0001). Boeing Co., Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for $8,977,139.The USAF is investing a concept for a conventional ballistic missile capable of destroying targets at global range in less than one hour flight time.The study parameters make use of a Minotaur launch vehicle and a delivery vehicle designed to carry and dispense multiple BLU-108B/B sensor fused weapons to the target area.The maximum use of existing system elements is intended to reduce the cost and development risk associated with a future acquisition.Solicitations began in April 2007 and negotiations were completed in May 2007.This work will be complete by June 2009.To date, $450,000 has been obligated. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-07-C-0006). Gemini Industries Inc., Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a labor hours and cost-reimbursement contract for $6,889,064.This contract action will provide for Advisory and Assistance Services for Professional Acquisition Support and Engineering and Technology Acquisition Support.Solicitations began May 2007 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be completed by December 2007.To date, $3,550,766 has been obligated. Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8721-07-F-0110). ARMY Akima Facilities Management L.L.C.*, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $26,280,242 cost-plus-award-fee contract for base operating support ervices.Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 15, 2006, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Fort McPherson, Ga., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-C-0013). General Dynamics Network Systems, Needham, Mass., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $21,950,371 modification to a fixed-price-incentive with award-fee contract to survey, plan, design, install, and implement the information technology systems and infrastructure for Wedge 2-5 tenants.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 28, 2002.The Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-98-C-2002). DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems Inc., Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,377,710 as part of a $2,280,130,116 firm-fixed-price contract for thermal weapons sights with associated testing.Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. (65 percent), and Dallas, Texas (35 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 9, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0031). Whitesell-Green Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on June 21, 2007, an $11,888,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a weapons release shop, fuel cell hangar, and an A-10 engine trim apron.Work will be performed at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited in April 16, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0039). Harper Construction Company Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on June 21, 2007, an $11,637,265 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the primary infrastructure to support the new utility requirements, repair and overlay of roads, and construction of new water distribution mains, sewer mains, gas distribution mains, and electrical/communication ductbanks.Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 20, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2005). Goodrich Corp., Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $6,885,477 firm-fixed-price contract for Integrated Vehicle Health Management System Kits and associated hardware to support health monitoring for Iraq- and Afghanistan-deployed UH-60A/L. Work will be performed in Vergennes, Vt., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 17, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0142). Docupak, Alabaster, Ala., was awarded on June 16, 2007, a $5,147,918 firm-fixed-price contract for Guard Recruiting Assistant Program Services.Work will be performed in Alabaster, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 11, 2007.The National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-07-C-0025). Akima Facilities Management L.L.C.*, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $26,280,242 cost-plus-award-fee contract for base operating support services.Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 15, 2006, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Fort McPherson, Ga., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-C-0013). General Dynamics Network Systems, Needham, Mass., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $21,950,371 modification to a fixed-price-incentive with award-fee contract to survey, plan, design, install, and implement the information technology systems and infrastructure for Wedge 2-5 Tenants.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 28, 2002.The Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-98-C-2002). DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems Inc., Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,377,710 as part of a $2,280,130,116 firm-fixed-price contract for thermal weapons sights with associated testing.Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. (65 percent), and Dallas, Texas (35 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 9, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0031). Whitesell-Green Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on June 21, 2007, an $11,888,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a weapons release shop, fuel cell hangar, and an A-10 engine trim apron.Work will be performed at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited in April 16, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0039). Harper Construction Company Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on June 21, 2007, an $11,637,265 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the primary infrastructure to support the new utility requirements, repair and overlay of roads, and construction of new water distribution mains, sewer mains, gas distribution mains, and electrical/communication ductbanks.Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 20, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2005). Goodrich Corp., Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on June 26, 2007, a $6,885,477 firm-fixed-price contract for integrated vehicle health management system kits and associated hardware to support health monitoring for Iraq- and Afghanistan-deployed UH-60A/L. Work will be performed in Vergennes, Vt., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 17, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0142). Docupak, Alabaster, Ala., was awarded on June 16, 2007, a $5,147,918 firm-fixed-price contract for Guard Recruiting Assistant Program Services.Work will be performed in Alabaster, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 11, 2007.The National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W9133L-07-C-0025). NAVY Miller/Watts Constructors-Pave Tech, A Joint Venture, Novato, Calif., is being awarded $13,338,051 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0005 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-04-D-3035) for operational access to Shore Bombardment Area, Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, San Clemente.The work to be performed provides for the repair of San Clemente Ridge Road and paving of Range Electronic Warfare Systems Road, construction of an Assault Vehicle Maneuver Road (AVMR), regrading of existing AVMR, and incidental related work.Work will be performed at San Clemente Island, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Two proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest Division, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded $9,818,535 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #2848 under previously awarded contract (N00383-06-G-006F) to purchase blade extenders for the CH-53 helicopter.Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn. (24 percent) and Manchester, Conn. (76 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Insight Environmental Engineering & Construction, Inc.*, Diamond Bar, Calif., is being awarded $9,814,446 for firm-fixed price Task Order #0021 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N68711-01-D-6008) to remediate and remove contaminated soil from four burn ash Installation Restoration sites at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.One (1) proposal was received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz, is being awarded a $9,767,680 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5350) for FY07 STANDARD Missile 2 Provisioning Item Order post-production spares.The modification will provide for procurement of various United States STANDARD Missile-2 spares in support of maintenance and repair of shipboard launch missiles.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (83 percent); Andover, Mass. (14 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent) and Farmington, N.M. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $9,686,979 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Technical Services, Augustine, Fla., is being awarded a $9,536,377 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee requirements contract for procurement of life cycle support services for the E-2C and C-2A aircraft.This contract contains four one-year options which, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $34,289,928.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and work is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-0072). Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $9,496,903 for ceiling priced order #0233 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the MV-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. National Steel and Shipping Company, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $6,116,467 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4402) for repair and alterations scheduled for accomplishment during the non-docking availability of the USS Comstock (LSD-45).National Steel and Shipbuilding Company furnishes material, support (electrical, crane, and rigging) and facilities necessary for maintenance and modernization of LSD/LPD Class ships.This availability includes the installation of 20,000 square feet of synthetic well deck planking and a five-year Strength and Integrity Inspection of auxiliary boiler No. 1.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $6,116,467, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, 600 East Hurst Blvd., Hurst, Texas 76053-8030., is being awarded $6,021,270 for ceiling priced order #0232 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the MV-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. BAE Systems, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $5,913,308 firm-fixed-price contract for the regular overhaul and drydocking of Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $7,180,638.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $7,180,638 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with six proposals solicited and two offers received.The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a subordinate command of Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N40442-07-C-1004). U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Dell Marketing LP, Round Rock, Texas, is being awarded a $17,865,560.23 contract modification for basic year and four year options. The basic year, including modification, has been funded in the amount of $9,803,593.97. The U.S. Special Operations Command and the component commands require renewal of software assurance for software that currently has a license and software assurance, and for new licenses and software assurance for new products not previously licensed. Original delivery order was awarded in March 2007 for a total of $33,225,753.54, funded at $5,337,271.02. The four year ordering period will be completed in January 2011. The contract number is H92222-07-F-0015.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Newsome, 27, of Chicopee, Mass., died June 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Joel A. Dahl, 21, of Los Lunas, N.M., died June 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS NAVY BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP. Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded $212,423,188 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0003 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for the purchase of 271 Mine Resistant and Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category (CAT) I vehicles, 16 MRAP CAT II Ambulances Variant, and 154 MRAP CAT I U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Variant, and Sustainment Integrated Logistics Support (ILS). The Sustainment ILS will consist of 90 day consumables, forward deployment blocks, maintenance workshop blocks, field service representatives, and operator and maintenance training. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by July 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Sensor Technology Engineering, Inc, Santa Barbara, Calif., is being awarded a potential $86,581,480 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Linear Radiation (LRM) and Handheld Radiation Monitors (HRM) for the Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal community. The LRM is a unique item containing multiple gamma and neutron radiation detectors spaced at 3 foot intervals. It allows the operators to search for radioactive materials over large areas, around vehicles and containers and in wells and tunnels. The HRM is a smaller version of the LRM with a single gamma and single neutron radiation detector that can be worn on a person or strapped onto a weapon or other piece of equipment. Work will be performed in Santa Barbara, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $11,000,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-07-D-0014). Insight Technology, Londonderry, N.H., is being awarded a maximum $24,879,872 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for Special Operations Visual Augmentation System (SOVAS) Hand Held Imager-Pocket (HHI-P).The SOVAS HHI-P is an all-weather, all light condition (low light, no light) hand held capability that allows Special Operations Force operators to maintain situational awareness of their surroundings and thus enhance the probability of successful mission completion. Work will be performed in Londonderry, N.H., and is expected to be completed by July 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with three offers received.Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8521). Garco Construction, Inc., Spokane, Wash., is being awarded a $23,257,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Consolidated Fuel Facility at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island.The work to be performed will provide construction of a jet fuel storage facility which will consolidate four isolated locations to one facility close to the flightline.This will improve operational efficiency and significantly decrease environmental risk of fuel leak from the old underground tanks.Work will be performed in Oak Harbor, Wash., and is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-07-C-0003). Camber Corporation, Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $11,466,807 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and technical support services for the Defense Readiness Reporting Systems (DRRS).This effort will provide implementation planning, testing, training, user site support, help desk services, management support, system administration support, data warehouse support, web site support, and documentation support for DRRS.Work will be performed by on-site personnel at the DRRS Implementation Office (Washington, D.C.), Pacific Command (Camp Smith, Hawaii), Central Command (MacDill AFB, Fla.), European Command (Stuttgart, Germany), Joint Forces Command (Norfolk, Va.), Northern Command (Peterson AFB, Colo.), Special Operations Command (MacDill AFB, Fla.), Southern Command (Miami, Fla.), Strategic Command (Offutt AFB, Neb.), Transportation Command (Scott AFB, Ill.), United States Forces Korea (Korea), National Guard Bureau (Arlington, Va.), and Defense Logistics Agency (Fort Belvoir, Va.).Work is expected to be completed in June 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was published via the Federal Business Opportunity web site and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central web site as a sole source contract under 10 U.S.C 2304 (c)(1) and the Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-C-0072). The Hana Group, Inc.,* Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded an estimated $11,365,340 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for regional security services at Naval facilities in Hawaii.The work to be performed includes, but is not limited to, entry control point services, personnel and vehicle checks, roving patrol services, interior and perimeter patrol, flight line patrol, escort and courier services, crowd control, dispatching services, traffic court services, and armor services.The contract contains four option years, which if exercised, will bring the total contract amount to $56,365,770.Work will be performed at Commander Naval Region Hawaii (CNRH), Pearl Harbor; Naval Station (NAVSTA), Pearl Harbor; Naval Magazine (NAVMAG), Lualualei; and Naval Communications Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS), Wahiawa.Work is expected to be completed September 2008 (September 2012 with options).This contract was a sole source negotiated procurement under the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) program.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-07-D-2311). Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc., Aiea, Hawaii, is being awarded $10,306,914 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0017 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1300) for repair of Wharf K9 at the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Pearl Harbor.Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Corporation Electronic-Marine Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded $9,686,880 for modification #P00004 to previously awarded contract (N00030-07-C-0006) to provide the Launcher Initiation Subsystem (LIS) design, development, and production to deliver 12 ship sets plus spares of launcher safing units, firing units, and initiators to support ongoing SSBN operations.The contract modification shall provide program, systems engineering, and technical support for the subsystem test and evaluation, post installation integration and test program, and deployed subsystem support.Fiscal Year 2008 options for LIS production and Gas Generator Refurbishment are also included in the effort.Work will be preformed in Sunnyvale, Calif. (85 percent) and Hollister, Calif. (15 percent), and work is expected to be completed in January 2011 (April 2011 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity. CACI Inc. - Federal, Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $9,589,067 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-05-C-0011) to exercise an option for program services supporting the Chief of Naval Air Forces and the Naval Aviation Readiness Integrated Improvement Program (NAVRIIP) in meeting the objectives of the Naval Aviation Enterprise, including enterprise cost management.Work will be performed at various U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force facilities within the United States, and is expected to be completed in October 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $9,589,067 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $6,992,350 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) to exercise an option for AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Protection Radio Systems for the Governments of Australia ($5,911,460; 84.5%); The Netherlands ($952,740; 13.6%); and New Zealand ($128,150; 1.9%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This modification consists of 80 RT-1851A(C) receiver-transmitters for Australia (68) and the Netherlands (12); 80 HAVEQUICK Royalty Fee - Category I for Australia (68) and the Netherlands (12), including licenses and warranties, and 50 C-12561A Radio Control Sets for Australia (40) and New Zealand (10).Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Halbert Construction Co., Inc.*, El Cajon, Calif., is being awarded $5,778,632 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0002 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-07-D-2014) to replace the fire alarm loop system with a digital alarm communicator transmitter for various buildings and piers at Naval Base, San Diego.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE L3 Communications, Link Simulation and Training, Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $18,786,687.This action provides for one Aircrew Training Device (ATD) for the Hellenic Air Force, upgrades to current ATD and associated Contractor Logistics Support (CLS).This work will be complete by June 2011.To date, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-07-C-6260). Boeing Co., Seal Beach, Fla., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for $11,200,000.The purpose of this modification is to incrementally fund the Boeing Co. through 30 September 2007.This work will be complete by December 2008.To date, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Global Positioning Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-96-C-0025/P00481). Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems, Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $10,906,498.This contract action provides for support and assembly of C-5B Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Group A and Spares for seven aircraft.Solicitations began April 2007 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be complete by December 2008.To date, $5,453,249 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6473). Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Simulator, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $7,650,000.This action provides for C-130J Training, Block 6.0 (USAF) and Block 6.5 (USMC) upgrades.This work will be complete by September 2009.To date, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-06-C-6300/P00009). ARINC Inc., Annapolis, Md., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, time and materials, cost-plus-fixed-fee and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $5,761,970.This action provides for the upgrade of a existing system in the Air Traffic Control Communications Testing Facility and Avionics System Test (ACTFAST) facility, hardware and software operation and maintenance activities for all systems and integration updates required for CNS/ATM testing; analysis of new test requirements and system capabilities, and configuration management by the contractor on their proprietary source code, objects, and libraries that are embedded in the Air Traffic Control Communications Testing Facility and Avionics System Test (ACTFAST) facility.These requirements include data services provider services, communication services, on-call technical/engineering support, maintenance, system enhancement and software/hardware modifications, system modifications, and documentation and licenses.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be completed by June 2012.To date, $54,478 has been obligated. Headquarters Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9302-07-D-0003). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Piedmont Hawthorne Aviation, LLC, San Antonio, Texas is being awarded a maximum $5,562,160.98 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 2 proposals originally solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0087).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Andre Craig Jr., 24, of New Haven, Conn., died June 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

Famous television Chef Emeril Lagasse will salute the military with two programs showcasing recipes created by the men and women who keep the troops fed and happy. "Emeril's Army-Navy Contest" will air on the Food Network tomorrow at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. "Emeril's Military Contest" will air the following evening at the same time. The six winners, representing each of the five branches of the military, were selected from entries in "Emeril's Military Recipe Contest." "These folks are the real heroes," Lagasse said of the servicemembers. "You just can't understate the importance of what they do day in and day out in terms of morale. As (you'll) see from the winning recipes, the food they're turning out is pretty extraordinary. "What better way to head into the July 4th holiday than to take these opportunities to pay tribute to our (servicemembers) for all that they, and their families, are doing for us?" he added. From their seats of honor at the chef's table, the winners will get to chat with Lagasse while he cooks their dishes, which of course, he'll "kick up a notch." He also takes the opportunity to share some of their culinary inspirations and personal stories with viewers at home. "We had envisioned one special, but there were so many great recipes and stories that we expanded it so we could give them their due," said Karen Katz, executive producer of "Emeril Live." "Emeril and the show have long had a special relationship with the military ... but even so, we were surprised at the response to the military recipe contest and delighted with the depth of talent we discovered." "Emeril's Army-Navy Cook-off" features Lagasse cooking the winning recipes from both Army and Navy food specialists, and the U.S. Army Field Band Brass Quintet performs in the studio. Featured in this episode with their winning recipes are: -- Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Travis Smith, Headquarters 19th Expeditionary Sustained Command, South Korea, with his Fire Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Cilantro Cream and Grilled Cajun Catfish; -- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Chiarelli, a culinary specialist aboard the USS Tarawa stationed in San Diego with his Cedar Plank Salmon Parmesan with Asian Reduction Sauce over Julienned Vegetables; and -- Army National Guard Spc. Andrew Ruga, 222nd Transportation Company, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, and his winning recipe for Pecan Crusted Chicken over Field Greens with Caramel Citrus Vinaigrette. "Emeril's Military Contest," which premieres June 30, features Lagasse cooking the best recipes submitted by airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines. They are joined in the studio by the U.S. Army Blues Ensemble Swamp Romp for the hour-long special featuring the winning recipes of: -- Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wesley Williams, dining facility manager at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., who won for his Rainbow Fruit Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Fried Cheddar Grits and a Blueberry Coulis; -- Marine Col. Stewart Navarre, Marine Corps Installations West, Camp Pendleton, Calif., who won with his recipe for Combat Steak; and -- Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Stacey Russell, stationed at Sector Long Island Sound, New Haven, Conn., who served up her recipe for pumpkin pie.

Tiger Woods will honor soldiers and military families July 4 at the inaugural Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am Tournament, part of the AT&T National PGA Tour event, scheduled for July 3 - 8 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Woods donated 30,000 free tickets for the tournament to military personnel, who will be treated to special seating behind the greens and hospitality tents. "It's very important to me that this tournament honor the men and women who serve in our armed forces," Woods said. "They put their lives on the line so that we are able to enjoy our freedom, and we'd love for them to come out and enjoy a few days of relaxation. Our intent is to honor and really thank the people that protect us." Woods even extended a playing date to a soldier: Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly of the 1st Information Operations Command at Fort Belvoir, Va. She will tee off with Tiger at 6:30 a.m. on the No. 1 hole on Congressional CC's blue course. Air Force Master Sgt. Andy Amor of Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and AT&T Chairman Randall Stephenson will complete the foursome. "I think this is one of the most exciting things ever - it's almost like winning the Powerball of golf," Kelly said. The quartet will be joined on the 15th or 16th hole by former President George H.W. Bush, who will accompany them for the remainder of the round. Sixty soldiers from Fort Belvoir will unveil a large American flag inside the ropes on the No. 1 fairway to the tune of "God Bless America." Four hundred U.S. flags also will be distributed to spectators surrounding the tee box, while an Air Force drill team performs and a Navy band plays patriotic songs. Spc. Vicki Golding, the Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command's 2006 Military Idol winner, will sing the national anthem at 11:26 a.m., followed by a flyover by the Army's elite Blackhawk Helicopter Wing. Wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., will be acknowledged by tournament officials and dignitaries. At 11:38 a.m., Woods will offer a golf tip to former President Bush, who - following a drum roll - will launch the honorary first shot of the tournament. "Tiger's doing this in honor of his father, who was a Vietnam veteran," Fort Belvoir Golf Club general manager Peter Cizdziel said. "I think it will be beyond words," added Kelly, who was born in South Korea in 1965 and adopted in 1970. She moved to the United States in 1974 and attained U.S. citizenship 10 years later. She joined the U.S. Army in 1983 and has deployed five times to Panama, Afghanistan and Iraq. Kelly, who holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland, began playing golf in 2004. She is a member of Fort Belvoir Golf Club, where she plays several times per week. "I would rather play golf than do almost anything else - it's an absolute passion," said Kelly, who has an 11 handicap. Sgt. Timothy Smith, who works for the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office at Fort Belvoir, is scheduled to serve as Kelly's caddie during the Pro-Am. Complimentary tickets for active-duty military personnel to attend the second round of the AT&T National on July 6 are still available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Pentagon's ITT/ITR Ticket Office. A limited number of tickets also are available for purchase at the ITT/ITR office for $20 to attend daily play July 3 - 6 or $25 for the final two rounds of the tournament. (Tim Hipps works at U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs.)

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Capt. Darrell C. Lewis, 31, of Washington, D.C., died June 23 in Vashir City, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by insurgents using rocket propelled grenades, mortars and small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

ContractsDEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Minacorp Ltd., Gibraltar, is being awarded a maximum $367,298,266.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel.Using services are Air Force.Other locations of performance are Biskek, Kyrgyzstan.The original proposal was web solicited with 4 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is May 30, 2009.Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-1007). NAVY Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $222,987,079 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5431) to procure 294 Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM), 68 shipping containers and spares for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Andover, Mass. (10 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); Australia (11 percent); Germany (8 percent); Canada (7 percent); The Netherlands (6 percent); Norway (5 percent); Spain (3 percent); Denmark (1 percent); Greece (1 percent); Turkey (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $29,817,354 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00024-96-C-2100) to accomplish the maintenance, repair, alterations, testing, and other work on USS Texas (SSN 775) during its scheduled Post Shakedown Availability (PSA).Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by February 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. R. A. Burch Construction Company, Inc.*, Ramona, Calif., is being awarded $7,459,828 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0006 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-02-D-8065) for design and renovation of Ingersoll Hall, a combination administrative building and training facility at the Naval Post Graduate School.Work will be performed in Monterey, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2009.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest Division, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Honeywell Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $5,579,420.This action will exercise options to purchase 79 Embedded Global Positioning/Inertial Production Install Units, twenty EGI mounts, ten EGI Contractor Depot Repair and eight EGI Retrofit Kits through the Tri-Service EGI office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.This work will be complete by May 2009.To date, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters 77 Aeronautical Systems Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2065/P00028). Manufacturing Technology Inc., Ft Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for $5,307,935.This action provides for Advanced Component Obsolesces Management (AVCOM) Loading and Maintenance effort.Solicitations and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete by July 2008.To date, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8222-05-D-0007-Q902).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Derek C. Dixon, 20, of Riverside, Ohio, died June 26 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Trista L. Moretti, 27, of South Plainfield, N.J., died June 25 in Nasir Lafitah, Iraq, when her unit was attacked by insurgents using indirect fire.She was assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

A soldier was killed in Iraq today and another was killed June 23, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has released the name of an airman who was killed over the weekend. A Task Force Marne soldier died in a small-arms attack today in Baghdad, and a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died of wounds suffered from a roadside bomb and small-arms attack in eastern Baghdad early June 23, officials said. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identity of an Air Force airman killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died June 23 of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. Nathan was assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron at the Royal Air Force base in Lakenheath, England. (Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq

CONTRACTS NAVY Harris Corp., RF Communications Division, Rochester, N.Y., is being awarded a $211,724,850 firm-fixed-priced, General Services Administration (GSA) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) contract for the Tactical Hand-Held Radio (THHR), Dual Vehicle Adapter (DVA), and antennas.The BPA will have a 3-year ordering period with a contract maximum of 14,141 DVAs equipped with two THHRs, and 28,282 antennas.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and work is expected to be complete June 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured utilizing the GSA Ebuy website, with 17 proposals solicited and two offers received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-A-7063). Global PCCI (GPC), Irvine, Calif., is being awarded an estimated $130,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-award fee contract for services to manage, maintain and operate the U.S. Navy's Emergency Ship Salvage Material (ESSM) system bases.The primary purpose of this contract is to provide for management, maintenance and operation of the U.S. Navy's ESSM bases in support of the Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, in the conduct of salvage, diving, pollution response and underwater ship husbandry.Work will be performed in Williamsburg, Va. (80 percent); Port Hueneme, Calif. (10 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (5 percent); Irvine, Calif. (3 percent) and Fort Richardson, Alaska (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $50,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and was advertised via the Internet, with two proposals received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-D-4130). Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, Va., was awarded a $20,669,181 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract on June 25, 2007, for core team and continuous maintenance planning, Extended Dry-docking Selected Restricted Availability planning, hull planning yard services, execution of continuous maintenance, and inactivation planning for USS Enterprise (CVN 65).This contract allows for the necessary planning, alterations, maintenance, repairs and routine work to enable USS Enterprise to continue mission capability until the end of the ship's service life.Work will be performed in Newport News, Va. (66.6 percent) and Norfolk, Va. (33.4 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2011.Contract funds in the amount of $20,669,181 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (N62793-07-C-0001). Simmonds Precision Products Inc., DBA Goodrich Fuel and Utility Systems, Vergennes, Vt., is being awarded a $17,076,696 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0298) for 56 CH-53 Integrated Mechanical Diagnostics and Health Usage Monitoring System (IMD-HUMS) units.Work will be performed in Vergennes, Vt., and is expected to be completed in September 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $304,941 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded $11,598,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0007 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1302) for repair and improvements of Bravo Docks 12, 13, and 14 at Naval Station, Pearl Harbor.Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by April 2009.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $10,743,734 cost plus fixed fee modification to definitize previously awarded contract N00024-96-C-2100, for tasking associated with the execution of the USS Virginia (SSN 774) Post Shakedown Availability (PSA).Work was performed in Groton, Conn. (99 percent) and Quonset Point, R.I. (1 percent), and was completed in March 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton Conn., is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Australia Limited, Abbotsford, Vic, Australia, was awarded a $6,723,377 firm-fixed-price job order to previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00164-05-G-8728) on June 25, 2007, for electromagnetic compatibility upgrades to the U.S. Navy Nulka MK234 Electronic Decoy Cartridge Payloads.Nulka is a decoy launching system aboard ships, intended to counter a wide spectrum of radar guided anti-ship missiles.Work will be performed in Marion, Mass. (95 percent) and Abbotsford, Australia (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Teledyne Scientific and Imaging, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $15,527,890 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This action provides for High Stare technology development program designed to advance infrared sensor state-of-the-art for future missile warning and/or missile defense space system deployment.At this time, $850,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete January 2012.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-5414). Integral Systems, Inc., Lanham, Md., is being awarded a $5,823,969 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.This contract change modifies the Command and Control System-Consolidated (CCS-C) effort to support the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS) Program Operations Readiness, add training, and incorporate changes to the system/Subsystem Specification (SSS) to clarify development requirements for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite program.The CCS-C program provides an upgraded capability to command and control the Air Force's communication satellites, including the Defense Satellite Communication System, Milstar, Advanced Extremely High Frequency, and Wideband Gapfiller Satellites.At this time, $2,000,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete June 2010.Headquarters Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Eric C. Palmer, 21, of Maize, Kan., died June 24 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl,Germany, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire June 21 in Bayji, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Adin Salkanovic won't spend a full 15 months in Iraq like the rest of the soldiers in his unit. Still, he knows all too well about the sacrifices of war. The platoon sergeant with 1st Cavalry Division's Troop B, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq after recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered in Buhriz, Iraq, March 6. Salkanovic, 27, was leading a dismounted, eight-man reconnaissance team when 15 to 20 insurgents wielding grenades, sniper rifles and AK-47s started attacking from three different directions. Pinned down on the roof of a building, Salkanovic and his squad returned fire. In a span of 15 minutes, Salkanovic was struck by three enemy bullets: one to his left index finger and shoulder and one apiece to his right shoulder and bicep. Two more enemy rounds nearly struck Salkanovic, but were stopped by his body armor - "the two that would have killed me," he called them. Salkanovic's team managed to fend off the attack, eventually killing two insurgents. If not for the actions of one of his soldiers, Cpl. Cory Walter, Salkanovic is sure he would have died that day, he said. "Corporal Walter is pretty much responsible for me being alive right now." Salkanovic, whose wounds caused him to lose two liters of blood, was evacuated to Germany and later moved to Fort Hood, Texas, to recover. After two months of healing and rehabilitation, he was ready to head back to Iraq. He rejoined his unit, which is based at Forward Operating Base Normandy, May 15. "As soon as (my doctor) cleared me to come back, I was on the first flight out," said Salkanovic, a native of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Although returning to Iraq was entirely his choice, Salkanovic said, the decision was not up for debate. Rejoining his unit was his goal from the start. "It's like a family - especially being a platoon sergeant. You get attached to the soldiers," he said.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, of Macon, Ga., died June 23, in Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. Airman Nathan was assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England.

Eleven servicemembers died and four were wounded yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identities of six servicemembers killed recently during U.S. operations abroad. -- Four Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers died yesterday when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle northwest of Baghdad. An Iraqi interpreter was also wounded in the attack. -- Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers died and three others were wounded yesterday when their unit was struck by a roadside bomb, then received small arms fire in eastern Baghdad. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and one other was wounded yesterday during combat northwest of the Iraqi capital. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday when a patrol was attacked with small arms fire in southern Baghdad. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday from non battle-related causes. The incident is under investigation. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier died yesterday in a non-combat related incident in Tikrit. The incident is under investigation. -- A Multinational Corps Iraq airman died yesterday when a car bomb detonated near his vehicle in Tikrit. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Meanwhile, Defense Department officials have identified six servicemembers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan recently: -- Army Sgt. Dustin J. Perrott, 23, of Fredericksburg, Va., died June 21, in Miri, Afghanistan, when a car bomb detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Spc. Karen N. Clifton, 22, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., died June 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, when a rocket propelled grenade hit her vehicle. She was assigned to the 554th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, Kaiserslautern, Germany. -- Army Pfc. Raymond N. Spencer Jr., 23, of Carmichael, Calif., died June 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. -- Marine Sgt. Shawn P. Martin, 30, of Delmar, N.Y.; and Marine Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Wilson, 28, of Duluth, Ga., died June 20 during combat in Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Army Pfc. Jacob T. Tracy, 20, of Palestine, Ill., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, when a car bomb detonated near his vehicle June 17 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

National Guard troops are helping to search for people still missing after flash floods deluged the southern Catskill Mountains, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer said in a statement today, and Alaska Guardsmen are fighting spreading wildfires in the nation's largest state. About 50 National Guard troops are on duty - a number that will increase to about 75 - to provide search-and-rescue, engineering and other flood-related support, officials from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs reported today. The New York Army National Guard's 53rd Troop Command sent combat engineers from the 204th Engineer Battalion to help remove debris and make emergency road repairs, officials said. The task force is using six 20-ton dump trucks, three bulldozers, three bucket loaders, two excavator vehicles, two trucks and a rough terrain roller to conduct the mission. Officials said more equipment will be provided, if needed. Their efforts are focused on the town of Colchester and Delaware County, which received torrential rains earlier this week. Four people are reported missing. Meanwhile, Alaska National Guard troops were helping the state Department of Forestry fight about 14 wildfires spreading across the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and crews are using Bambi buckets -- collapsible buckets with a valve on the bottom that releases water -- to help douse the flames, National Guard Bureau officials reported. Each helicopter has a six-person crew, and about 30 Guardsmen are involved in the effort. The crews are working out of Palmer Airport, and have been asked to remain on station for seven days, officials said. Thunderstorms, erratic winds, hot temperatures and low humidity are challenging fire-control efforts, and more troops could be needed, they said. "The Alaska National Guard is always ready and prepared to take care of fellow Alaskans," said Army Brig. Gen. Deborah McManus, chief of staff for the Alaska National Guard's Joint Forces Headquarters. "We stand poised to help the firefighting efforts in other areas of the state if called upon."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jacob T. Tracy, 20, of Palestine, Ill., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle June 17 in Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Minacorp Ltd., Gibraltar, is being awarded a maximum $367,298,266.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Using services are Air Force. Other locations of performance are Biskek, Kyrgyzstan. The original proposal was web solicited with 4 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is May 30, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-1007). Columbia Sewing Co., Inc., Hope, Ark.,* is being awarded a maximum $8,362,225.70 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for Marine Corps combat utility uniforms. Using services are Marine Corps. The original proposal was web solicited with 10 responses. This contract was one of two awards made under the small business set aside portion. This is option year 1 of the contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 25, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-04-R-0118). AIR FORCE Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursement-no fee contract modification for $115,276,400.This requirement is for the foreign military sales of the Advanced Self Protection Integrated Suite (ASPIS II) to the country of Greece.This Electronic Warfare system will be used on the F-16 aircraft being procured under a separate acquisition by the F-16 program office.Associated spares, support equipment, engineering services, flight test support and data are also being acquired under this contract.This effort supports foreign military sales to Greece.This work will be complete by June 2009.To date total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8523-06-C-0027/P00002). Raytheon Technical Services Co., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, time & material and cost reimbursable contract for $75,000,000.The contract is to support the US war-readiness requirement for the GBU-15/AGM-130 family weapons.The USAF has a requirement to vacate 1710-1755 MHz frequency bands used for the training frequency for all weapons that are flown in CONUS with a four-year time frame.The present frequency band has been sold to other frequency users (industry).This change will affect all the AGM-130/GBU-15 Data Link Systems and associated test equipment.The Aircraft Pods, data links, and test sets will be modified to operate on both the training and operational frequency will be used; when the weapons are needed by the war fighters the operational frequencies will be used.The modified WDL/SDL will not be dual use, but will be dedicated for training, test, and Weapon System Evaluation Program (evaluation) use only.The purpose of the software and hardware changes is to incorporate the movement of the operational frequency for training and Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) assets.It is necessary to modify 340 Weapon/Switchable Data Links (WDL/SDL) 71 AXQ-14 and 21 ZSW-1 PODS, and 53 Test Sets (Pod and Weapon).The contract will include analysis, code integration, test, development and delivery of software, hardware, and associated documentation.These requirements express the immediate requirement for the AGM-130/GBU-15 Data Link/POD Systems.This work will be complete by June 2010.To date, $31,800,000 has been obligated. 84th Munitions Sustainment Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-07-D-0001). General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification for $69,407,519.This undefinitized contract action was awarded 26 December 2006 for Predator/Reaper contractor logistics support to include all program management, urgent repairs and services, logistics support, configuration management, technical manual and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor engineering technical specialists (formerly field support representatives), contractor inventory control point (formerly depot supply support) and spares management, depot repair, flight operations support, reliability/maintenance enhancements, CAMS/REMI/CEMS data collection/entry and numbered Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) for the Predator MQ-1 and MQ-9 Unmanned Aircraft System program.The UCA covered these requirements through 26 June 2007.This contract modification definitizes the original UCA and also awards the contract for the requirement from 30 June 2007 through 31 December 2007.Solicitations began July 2006 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be complete by December 2007.To date, a total of $73,673,841 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028, delivery order 001503/ No modification number at this time). General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification for $43,983,622.This effort is exercising an option for the manufacture, test and delivery of four Predator B Reaper MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehiclesand associated equipment to include Initial Spares, Ground Support Equipment, and 30 Day Pack-up kits.This work will be complete by December 2009.To date, total funds have been obligated. Solicitations began January 2006 and negotiations were complete April 2007.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028-0007/P0001). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-incentive-fee/fixed-price-award-fee contract modification for $31,118,242.This is a contract modification for Foreign Military Sales requirement for the Canadian Forces (CF) C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership program.This action incorporates the CF aircraft into the C-17 "virtual fleet" which includes aircraft maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment for FY07 Quarter IV.This work will be complete by March 2008.To date, $15,118,121 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00193). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for $30,000,000.This is a contract modification to the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) C-17 Producibility Enhancement/Performance Improvement contract to increase the ceiling amount of the basic contract.This contract provides for the development of integrated software and hardware upgrades to the C-17 aircraft via multiple projects.The work under this contract has been for the type contemplated prior to award but with greater costs.An increase to the ceiling is required to allow additional delivery orders to be warded during the existing contract ordering period.These projects are authorized under the approved acquisition strategy and funded in the C-17 baseline.This work will be complete by June 2008.To date, no funds have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-2000/P00021). NAVY VT Halter Marine, Inc, Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $41,534,132 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2212) for long lead-time materials (LLTM) for command and control systems of three Fast-Missile Crafts for the Egyptian Navy under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The modification is for LLTM supports the Phase II detail design and construction expected to be awarded in FY 2008.The efforts required include all hardware, software, licensing, design engineering, production engineering, manufacturing, test engineering, technical documentation, and program management through factory acceptance testing and shipyard delivery of each respective system. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (40.5 percent); Annapolis, Md. (40.5 percent); Manassas, Va. (17 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. SERCO Inc., Vienna Va., is being awarded an $11,500,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, time and material contract (N65236-02-D-3712) for air traffic control systems engineering, installation, and technical support services.This contract included options, which brings the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $61,350,798.Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C. (57 percent); Vienna, Va. (37 percent); Yuma, Ariz.(1 percent); Reno, Nev. (1 percent); and OCONUS ( 4 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with two offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity for this action. BAE Systems, Land Systems (Weapons and Vehicles) Ltd, Scotswood Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, is being awarded $9,499,998 for firm-fixed-price, delivery order #0007 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-5017) for six Joint Assault Bridge Launchers.Work will be performed in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, and work is expected to be complete in June 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract is a sole source award to BAE Systems, Land Systems Ltd as they are the sole manufacturer of the Joint Assault Bridge Launchers.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems, San Diego Ship Repair, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $7,432,062 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-2307) for accomplishment of the Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) of DDG 51 Class AEGIS Destroyers homeported in San Diego, Calif.Specific efforts include: engineering and management in support of PSA; labor and procurement of material to correct government responsible deficiencies and accomplish system upgrades; perform specified PSA work items inclusive of tests and post repair sea trials; task additional manhours and material in order to complete emergent repairs.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-03-C-2307). Marine Hydraulics Inc., Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $6,911,992 firm-fixed-price contract for a 90-calendar-day post shipyard availability of Military Sealift Command's dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2).This shipyard availability will accomplish a number of transportation alterations, defined as new installations that change existing ship equipment or ship configurations.The ship's primary mission is to operate as part of a carrier strike group, providing fuel, ammunition and dry and refrigerated stores to support U.S. Navy ships at sea.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $8,735,842.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., andussbryant665 is expected to be completed by November 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $8,735,842 will expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 12 proposals solicited and three offers received.The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority (N40442-07-C-3002). *Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Raymond N. Spencer Jr., 23, of Carmichael, Calif., died June 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Karen N.Clifton, 22, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., died June 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when her vehicle was hit with a rocket propelled grenade. She was assigned to the 554th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Terror Suspect Transferred To Guantanamo The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of a dangerous terror suspect to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Haroon al-Afghani, who was captured as a result of our ongoing efforts in the Global War on Terror, is known to be associated with high-level militants in Afghanistan, and has admitted to serving as a courier for al-Qaeda Senior Leadership (AQSL). There is significant information available that Haroon al-Afghani is a senior commander of Hezb-e-Islami/Gulbuddin (HIG), a declared hostile terrorist group associated with AQ in Afghanistan and commanded multiple HIG terrorist cells that conducted improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Nangarhar Province.He is assessed to have had regular contact with senior AQ and HIG leadership. The capture of Haroon al-Afghani exemplifies the genuine threat that the United States and other countries face throughout the world in the war on terror. Due to the continuing threat this terrorist represents and his high placement in the Hezb-e-Islami/Gulbuddin, he has been transferred to the DOD Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay.The detainees being held at Guantanamo have provided information essential to our ability to better understand how Al Qaeda operates and thus to prevent future attacks. As with all detainees in Guantanamo, Haroon al-Afghani will undergo a Combatant Status Review Tribunal, where he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of the evidence against him and contest his enemy combatant status. The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to this detainee.With today's transfer there are approximately 375 detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Shawn P. Martin, 30, of Delmar, N.Y. Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Wilson, 28, of Duluth, Ga. Both Marines died June 20 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Both Marines were assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 13, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Dustin J. Perrott, 23, of Fredericksburg, Va., died June 21, in Miri, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS NAVY FLIR Systems, Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., is being awarded a $9,424,120 cost-plus-fixed fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for AN/AAQ-22X production, repairs, and spare parts.The AN/AAQ-22 is used on the U.S. Marine Corps Huey Helicopter and provides reconnaissance video day/night laser targeting capabilities.Work will be performed in Wilsonville, Ore., and is expected to be completed by June 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8577). CommIT Enterprises, Inc.,* Hughesville, Md., is being awarded a $8,657,277 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee/cost-plus-incentive-fee performance based contract for engineering and integration support services as required by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston S.C.The contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $44,998,486.Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (50 percent) and Wash. D.C., (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2008. If all options are exercised, work could continue until Jun 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited and one offer received via the commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity(N65236-07-D-6875). Blackbird Technologies, Inc.,* Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $7,404,500 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of Tagging, Tracking and Locating devices from a value added reseller.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $28,000,000.Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is expected to be completed by June 2008 (June 2010 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 11 proposals solicited and fouroffers received .The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, SC., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-5114). Raytheon Technical Services Company, LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded $5,219,317 for delivery order #7202 under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-04-G-011F) for the repair of various components of the APG-65 Radar System which is used in support of the F/A-18 aircraft.Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and work is expected to be completed in June 2009.Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Crown Clothing Co., Vineland, N.J.,* is being awarded a maximum $8,459,421.84 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for coats. Using services are Marine Corps. The original proposal had 4 solicitations with 4 responses. This is a total set aside acquisition. This is option year 2 of the contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-05-D-0504). * Small Business

Fourteen U.S. servicemembers have been killed in Iraq over the last two days, military officials reported today. -- Five Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers, three Iraqi civilians and an Iraqi interpreter were killed today when a roadside bomb detonated near a coalition vehicle during combat operations in a northeastern section of Baghdad June 21. Another soldier and two Iraq civilians were also wounded in the attack. -- A Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed and three others were wounded early today when their vehicle was attacked by a rocket-propelled grenade in northern Baghdad. -- Four Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday when their convoy was struck by a roadside bomb in western Baghdad. Another soldier was wounded in the attack. -- Two Marines assigned to Multinational Force West were killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. -- Two Task Force Marne soldiers were killed and four others were wounded yesterday when roadside bombs exploded near their vehicle southwest of Baghdad June 20. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Meanwhile, Defense Department officials have identified 13 soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan in recent days: -- Army Sgt. 1st Class William A. Zapfe, 35, of Muldraugh, Ky., and Army Pfc. Joshua S. Modgling, 22, of Las Vegas, died June 19 in Muhammad al Ali, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. -- Army Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23, of Hickory, N.C., died June 19 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb explosion. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Derek T. Roberts, 24, of Gold River, Calif.; Army Spc. Val J. Borm, 21, of Sidney, Neb.; and Army Spc. Farid Elazzouzi, of Paterson, N.J., died June 14 in Kirkuk, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35, of Trenton, N.J., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with insurgents using small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Army Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24, of Altoona, Pa., died June 18 in Arab Jabor, Iraq, when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart. -- Army Sgt. Richard K. Parker, 26, of Phillips, Maine, died June 14 in Scania, Iraq, of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb explosion the previous day. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, Waterville, Maine. -- Army Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Ill.; Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore.; and Army Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La., died June 17 in Panjway, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Steele and Hendrson were was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan. Hennen was assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, Lake Charles, La. -- Army Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18 of wounds suffered in a roadside bomb attack in Baghdad the previous day. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23, of Hickory, N.C., died June19 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 14 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Infantry Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Killed were: Sgt. Derek T. Roberts, 24, of Gold River, Calif. Spc. Val J. Borm, 21, of Sidney, Neb. Spc. Farid Elazzouzi, of Paterson, N.J.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35, of Trenton, N.J., died June 18 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with insurgents using small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24, of Altoona, Penn., died June 18 in Arab Jabor, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

CONTRACTS ARMY ITT Federal Services International Corp., Colorado Springs, Colo., was awarded on June 11, 2007, a $50,334,266 cost-plus-fixed-fee/award-fee contract for Qatar Base Operations Services/Base Security Services.Work will be performed at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 23, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Qatar, is the contracting activity (W912D2-07-C-0004). Achaogen, San Francisco, Calif., was awarded on June 15, 2007, an $18,789,538 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to Perform Research on Novel Broad-Spectrum Therapeutics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial Threat Agents.Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif. (68.50 percent), Menlo Park, Calif. (15.25 percent), Detroit, Mich. (8.35 percent), Baltimore, Md. (5.58 percent), and Frederick, Md. (2.32 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 14, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 1, 2006, and 50 bids were received.The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (HDTRA1-07-C-0079). AeroVironment Corp.*, Monrovia, Calif., was awarded on June 15, 2007, a $17,610,621 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-plus-incentive contract for Maintenance and Repair for RQ-11 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 31, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338). B.L. Harbert International L.L.C., Birmingham, Ala., was awarded on June 15, 2007, an $11,953,700 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and Construction of a Brigade/Battalion Headquarters Annex.Work will be performed at Fort Knox, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 12, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0035). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on June 15, 2007, a delivery order amount of $9,985,505 as part of a $5,500,896,405 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Retrofit of Stryker Brigade Combat Team Vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (60 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 6, 2000, and 17 bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). Sytronics Inc.*, Dayton, Ohio, was awarded on June 15, 2007, an $8,729,679 firm-fixed-price contract for Modular Buildings for Turbine Engine Test Cells.Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 10, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web, and four bids were received.The Anniston Army Depot, Anniston, Ala., is the contracting activity (W911KF-07-C-0009). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on June 14, 2007, a $5,339,580 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M1113 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in Mishawka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 17, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Valero Marketing & Supply Company, San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $25,159,820.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, and indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was web solicited with 4 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0542). NAVY CSC Applied Technologies, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $24,929,005 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-02-C-3052) to extend by 4 months the services for aircraft modification work involving the design, installation and support of special flight test instrumentation systems, for the Atlantic Ranges and Facilities Department, Atlantic Target and Marine Operations, and the Air Vehicle Modification and Instrumentation Department. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in October 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. C&G Boat Works, Inc., Mobile, Ala., is being awarded an $18,260,565 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of two YP Class Training Craft, with one lot of spare parts, for the U.S. Naval Academy. The YP Class Training Craft is used to train U.S. Navy midshipmen at the Academy.Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala., and is expected to be completed by November 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with five proposals received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-2236). Harris Corp., Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded an $9,307,193 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0044) to exercise an option for the procurement of 80 Tactical Aircraft Moving Map Capability (TAMMAC) Digital Map Computers (DMC); 198 TAMMAC DMC extension housings; and 104 TAMMAC digital video map computers for U.S. Navy use in F/A-18C/D/E/F, EA-18, AV-8B AH-1Z, UH-1Y aircraft.In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of 7 TAMMAC DMC and 5 TAMMAC DMC extension housings for the AV-8B Joint Program Office (JPO) with Spain and Italy and 22 TAMMAC DMC and 22 TAMMAC DMC extension housings for the Government of Finland.Work will be performed in Malabar, Fla. (80%) and Palm Bay, Fla. (20%), and is expected to be completed in March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($8,303,653; 89 percent); the JPO with Spain and Italy ($239,195; 3 percent); and the Government of Finland ($764,346; 8 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE BAE Systems Information and Electronics, Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for $15,332,183.This contract is to advance the state-of-the-art and scientific knowledge for large area, high-performance, high functionality Short Wavelength Infrared mercury-cadmium telluride hybrid Sensor Chip Assemblies.The High State technology development program will advance infrared sensor state-of-the-art for a new generation of future missile warning and missile defense spacebased system deployment.Solicitations began March 2007 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be complete by June 2012.To date $850,000 has been obligated. Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-07-C-0181).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Richard K. Parker, 26, of Phillips, Maine, died June 14 in Scania, Iraq, from wounds suffered on June 13 when improvised explosive devices detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment, Maine Army National Guard, Waterville, Maine.

A U.S. soldier was killed in Iraq yesterday, another was killed June 18, and the Defense Department released the identities of four soldiers killed recently in the war on terror. A Task Force Lightning soldier died as a result of injuries suffered from an explosion near his vehicle while conducting operations in Diyala province yesterday. Two other soldiers were wounded and transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment. A Task Force Marne soldier was killed and three others were wounded when their patrol was struck by a roadside bomb south of Baghdad June 18. The soldiers were responding to another improvised explosive device attack that wounded one soldier. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending next of kin notification. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of four soldiers killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit June 17 in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Ill.; Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore.; and Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La., died June 17 in Panjway, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Steele and Henderson were assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley. Hennen was assigned to the Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, Lake Charles, La.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died June 17 in Panjway, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Capt. Joshua E. Steele, 26, of North Henderson, Ill.He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan. Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Henderson, 35, of Hillsboro, Ore.He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Transition Team), Fort Riley, Kan. Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La.He was assigned to theLouisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, Lake Charles, La.

A 7-year-old Wood County, Wis., boy who'd been reported missing since June 14 has been found dead, a Wisconsin official said today. Benjamin Heil was the subject of a massive search conducted over the past several days by state and local officials, including Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard helicopters. Heil's body was discovered by search dogs late this morning in a small pond located not far from his home in Saratoga, Wis., said Keith Tveit, fire service coordinator for the state of Wisconsin's emergency management office. The outcome of the search for the boy "was not what we were looking for," Tveit said. Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters had flown daytime search missions June 15, 16 and 17, and during several hours yesterday, Wisconsin National Guard spokeswoman Jackie Guthrie said during a phone interview with American Forces Press Service earlier today. The Michigan National Guard provided an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter to search at night, Guthrie said. A canine search dog took his handler to the pond where Heil was found, Tveit said. "It was very emotional" when news reached the searchers that Heil's body had been discovered, Tveit said. An autopsy

CONTRACTS NAVY Force Protection Industries, Inc.,* Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $221,688,050 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0004 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) for additional 395 Category I and 60 Category II Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles.Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed by December 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Eagan McAllister Associates, Inc. (EMA)*, Lexington Park Md., is being awarded a $17,482,610 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide advanced technology services for systems engineering; integration and technical support; program management; configuration management; network security systems engineering; training and procurement support; information assurance certification, test, and evaluation; integrated logistics support and Life cycle support; security sustainment services; and security operations support services as required by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C.The contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to the estimated amount of $91,039,152.Work will be performed in Government-owned and the Contractor's facilities located within the U.S.:Charleston, S.C. (75 percent) and Norfolk Va. (25 percent).The base year will be for the period 19 June 2007 through 18 June 2008 (June 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured under full and open competition.The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website and six offers were received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-7880). Raytheon Systems Corporation, Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $16,919,495 firm-fixed-price contract for Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) FY07 production for three SSDS MK 2 Tactical Ship Sets, four Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) Kits for tactical cabinets for shore site, and one Open Architecture Unit Tester.The Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) implements an evolutionary acquisition of improved ship self defense capabilities against Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASC) for selected ships by integrating existing and programmed Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) stand alone systems and by providing an automated quick response and multi-target engagement capability emphasizing performance in the littoral environment.Integration focuses on coordinating sensor information, providing threat identification and evaluation, assessing the defensive readiness, and recommending an optimized defensive tactical response to counter single and multiple anti-ship cruise missile attacks. The SSDS system design emphasizes the use of non-developmental items, commercial standards, next generation computer resources, computer program re-use and open system architecture.Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. and is expected to be completed by June 2008 for CVN 68, October 2007 for LHA 6, and January 2009 for LPD 17. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5105). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Camel Manufacturing Company, Pioneer, Tenn., is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract for shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other federal civilian agencies. This proposal was Gateway solicited with 12 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a multiple four year contract. Date of performance completion is August 15, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (contract number TBD). Alaska Tent and Tarp, Fairbanks, Alaska,* is being awarded a maximum $96,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract for shelters. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other federal civilian agencies. This proposal was Gateway solicited with 12 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a multiple four year contract. Date of performance completion is August 15, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (contract number TBD). DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY Oberon Associates, Inc., of Manassas, VA was awarded on June 15, 2007 an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract for Defense Information System Network (DISN) Network Management Support Services - Global/Recompete Associate Support Contract (DNMSS-G/R ASC) . The period of performance is (a one-year base period and four one-year option periods) from June 15. 2007 through June 14 , 2012. Performance will be at various locations within the United States which includes the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, and Outside CONUS (OCONUS). The solicitation was issued as a competitive small business set aside. The solicitation was posted on FedBizOpps and the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) Contracting Opportunities websites. There were eight proposals received. DITCO-Scott AFB, IL, is the contracting activity (HC1013-07-D-2023). *Small Business

Detainee Transfer Announced The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of six detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.Two detainees were transferred to Tunisia and four detainees were transferred to Yemen.These detainees were determined to be eligible for transfer following a comprehensive series of review processes at Guantanamo Bay. Approximately 80 detainees remain at Guantanamo who the U.S. government has determined eligible for transfer or release.Departure of these remaining detainees is subject to ongoing discussions between the United States and other nations. Since 2002, approximately 405 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Yemen. Approximately 375 detainees remain at Guantanamo.

DoD Identifies Arrmy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22, of Elkhart, Ind., died June 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit June 17 in Baghdad.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

A U.S. Army soldier died yesterday in Iraq and another soldier was killed June 17, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified seven previous casualties. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire during combat in eastern Baghdad. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died June 17 when a roadside bomb detonated near the soldier's patrol south of the Iraqi capital. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified seven soldiers who died recently from injuries suffered during operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. -- Army 1st Lt. Frank B. Walkup IV, 23, of Woodbury, Tenn., died June 16 in Kirkuk, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during dismounted operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Staff Sgt. Roy P. Lewsader Jr., 36, of Belleville, Ill., died June 16 in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle. He was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Sgt. Danny R. Soto, 24, of Houston, Texas; and Army Spc. Zachary A. Grass, 34, of Beach City, Ohio, died June 16 in Rashidiyah, Iraq, when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Pfc. Michael P. Pittman, 34, of Davenport, Iowa, died June 15 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley. -- Army Staff Sgt. Michael A. Bechert, 24, of New Castle, Ind., died June 14 in San Antonio from injuries suffered when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb May 30 in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Cpl. Dustin R. Brisky, 26, of Round Rock, Texas, died June 14 in Tallil, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosion. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 952nd Engineer Company, Paris, Texas. The unit was attached to the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Frank B. Walkup, IV, 23, of Woodbury, Tenn., died June 16 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from injuries sustained in Rashaad Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during dismounted operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Roy P. Lewsader, Jr., 36, of Belleville, Ill., died June 16, in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 16 in Rashidiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Ft. Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Sgt. Danny R. Soto, 24, of Houston, Texas. Spc. Zachary A. Grass, 34, of Beach City, Ohio.

CONTRACTS NAVY Thales Communications Inc., Clarksburg, Md., is being awarded a $3,510,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide interim software-defined, single-channel handheld radios to the U.S. military.The contract will help consolidate handheld radio purchases across participating services to significantly reduce unit costs.Thales Communications Inc.'s software-definable radio supports interoperability in joint operations of the U.S. military as well as among other government personnel.This contract is one of two contracts being awarded: both awardees will compete for delivery orders during the ordering period. This contract includes four, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the total potential value of this contract to $9,040,000,000.Work will be performed in Clarksburg, Md., and work is expected to be completed June 2008 (June 2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily website and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce website, with two offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0107). The Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., is being awarded a $2,740,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide interim software-defined, single-channel handheld radios to the U.S. military.The contract will help consolidate handheld radio purchases across participating services to significantly reduce unit costs. The Harris Corporation's software-definable radio supports interoperability in joint operations of the U.S. military as well as among other government personnel.This contract is one of two contracts being awarded: both awardees will compete for delivery orders during the ordering period.This contract includes four, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the total potential value of this contract to $6,980,000,000.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed June 2008 (June 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily website and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce website, with two offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0054). NAVMAR Applied Sciences.*, Warminster, Pa., is being awarded a $9,173,860 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, manufacture, installation, and repair of Navy Special Projects Systems associated with the Electro-Optic and Special Mission Sensors Program.This effort will include nine digital recording systems, spares for digital recording systems, one over the horizon communication system, and one light detection and ranging review.Work will be performed in Chester, Pa., and is expected to be completed in July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0395). International Military and Government LLC (IMG), Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded an $8,492,976 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0003 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for an additional 16 Category II (CAT II) Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.The CAT II is an MRAP vehicle provided for the Marine Corps and other Joint Forces that is needed in convoy operations.The MRAP vehicles are required to increase survivability and mobility of troops operating in a hazardous fire area against known threats such as small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices.Work will be performed in WestPoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by February 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $9,547,248 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. B.E. Meyers & Co. Inc., Redmond, Wash., is being awarded a $6,511,116 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-07-F-1014) for 725 Green Beam Designator-IIIC, remote activation cables, mounting brackets, and spare parts.Work will be performed in Redmond, Wash., and is expected to be completed January 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $6,140,553 firm-fixed-price contract for a 60-calendar-day regular overhaul of Military Sealift Command's fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8). The shipyard availability will accomplish dry-docking and undocking of the ship; underwater hull cleaning and painting; hull freeboard cleaning and painting; anchor chain painting and marking; cleaning and gas freeing of air tanks; switchboard cleaning; and overhaul of sea valves.The ship's primary mission is to rapidly replenish Navy task forces and carry more than 177,000 barrels of oil; 2,150 tons of ammunition; 500 tons of dry stores; and 250 tons of refrigerated stores.The ship receives petroleum products, ammunition and stores from shuttle ships and redistributes these items simultaneously to carrier strike group ships.The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,901,643.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed in September 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with three offers received.The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting authority (N40442-07-C-2005). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract modification not to exceed $64,200,000.This modification is an undefinitized contract action (UCA) for the procurement of one additional KC-130J aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps.The aircraft is being added to the UCA that was previously awarded under contract FA8625-06-C-6456 P00008, on Dec. 8, 2006.The UCA was for the procurement of four FY06 Global War on Terrorism Supplemental aircraft (3 USAF C-130J's and 1 USMC KC-130J).This additional aircraft is being funded entirely by dollar savings realized by the U.S. Marine Corps as a result of the conversion of the C-130J Multi-Year Procurement contract from FAR Part 12 FAR Part 15.This total of five aircraft will now be definitized under one single proposal.This work will be complete by March 2010. To date $32,100,000 has been obligated. Headquarters Air Force Material Command Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8625-06-C-6456/P00015). Sumaria Systems, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $49,900,000.This action provides for advisory and assistance Services.This work will be complete in June 2012.To date no funds have been obligated.Headquarters Air Force District Washington, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., is the contracting activity. (FA7014-07-A-0027). Thales-Raytheon Systems Co., LLC, Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $30,043,008 cost plus award fee, cost plus incentive fee, firm fixed price contract modification. The Battle Control System Spiral 3 contract was awarded to Thales Raytheon Systems Co., and initiated with the Spiral 3A Linux porting effort (FA8722-05-C-0003.The Human Machine Interface, Tactical Display Framework Shared Services, and Data Link enhancements and 3B2 Fielding deliver Battle Control System Spiral 3 capabilities to the four U.S. BDS-F sites and Canada are being added.The BCS Spiral 3 will be integrated and installed in both the BCS-F and BCS-M equipment configurations.Solicitation began in December 2006 and was complete in May 2007.To date $16,107,482 has been obligated.Headquarters Electronics Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity.(FA8722-05-C-0003/P00012). Electro-Methods Incorporated, South Windsor, Conn., is being awarded a $8,584,758 firm fixed price contract. This action provides for TF33 Engine Spare Parts-Compressor Case, total of 78. Solicitations began in March 2007 and were complete in May 2007.All funds have been obligated.Work will be complete August 2010.Headquarters Oklahoma Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity.(FA8104-07-C-0178). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Metals USA i-Solutions, FT. Washington, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $10,500,000.00 fixed price, indefinite delivery/quantity contract for metals and metal product contract.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other federal civilian agencies. This proposal had 63 solicitations with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This is a 5 year contract (2 year base with 3 to 1-year options) currently in its second option year.Note: The contract's dollar maximum is being increased by 10.5 million from $60.4 million to $70.9 million.Date of performance completion is Feb. 16, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia , Pa., (SPM500-06-D-BP16).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Michael P. Pittman, 34, of Davenport, Iowa, died June 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Dustin R. Brisky, 26, of Round Rock, Texas, died June 14 in Tallil, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosion.He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 952nd Engineer Company, Paris, Texas.The unit was attached to the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Owens & Minor, Glen Allen, Va, is being awarded a maximum $396,081,495.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, and indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical supplies needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland, Illinois, Wisconsin, and New Jersey.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7000). Cardinal Health 200 Inc., McGaw Park, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $396,081,495.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7001). Owens & Minor, Glen Allen, Va., is being awarded a maximum $396,081,495.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery Prime Vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal Civilian Agencies, Coast Guard, and other Non-DoD Agencies.Other locations of performance are Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland, Illinois, Wisconsin, and New Jersey.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is February 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7006). Owens & Minor Medical, Glen Allen, Va., is being awarded a maximum $206,681,129.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7002). Cardinal Health 200, Inc., McGaw Park, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $206,681,129.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7003). Owens & Minor, Glen Allen, Va., is being awarded a maximum $201,422,492.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Illinois.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7004). Cardinal Health 200, Inc., McGaw Park, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $201,422,492.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Minnesota, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Arizona, Utah, Missouri, California, Alaska, and Washington.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7005). Midwest Medical Supply Co., Earth City, Mo.,* is being awarded a maximum $100,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Connecticut, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7007). Owens & Minor Medical, Glen Allen, Va., is being awarded a maximum $100,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7008). American Medical Depot, Opa Locka, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $100,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Florida.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7009). Owens & Minor, Glen Allen, Va., is being awarded a maximum $100,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Illinois.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7010). Cardinal Health 200, Inc., McGaw Park, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $100,000,000.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery prime vendor contract for medical/surgical needs.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies, Coast Guard, and other non-DoD agencies.Other locations of performance are Minnesota, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Arizona, Utah, Missouri, California, Alaska, and Washington.This proposal was solicited on Fed Biz Opps with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 19, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-05-D-7011). ARMY Specialty Defense Systems, Dunmore, Pa., was awarded on June 8, 2007, an $112,026,200 firm-fixed-price contract for improved outer tactical vests.Work will be performed in Dunmore, Pa., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on May 21, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-C-0084). Universal Construction Company Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on June 12, 2007, an $83,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Human Resources Center of Excellence.Work will be performed at Fort Knox, Ky., and is expected to be completed by June 11, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 38 bids solicited on Nov. 8, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0033). Point Blank Body Armor Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., was awarded on June 8, 2007, a $52,725,000 firm-fixed-price contract for improved outer tactical vests.Work will be performed in Pompano Beach, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on May 21, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-C-0085). AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on June 11, 2007, a $39,175,154 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for SHADOW Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems and associated support equipment.Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 23, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0292). FN Manufacturing Inc., Columbia, S.C., was awarded on June 7, 2007, a delivery order amount of $33,202,418 as part of a $143,596,834 firm-fixed-price contract for M24B Machine Guns.Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by June 6, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on Nov. 2, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-D-0319). KOO Construction Inc.*, West Sacramento, Calif., was awarded on June 7, 2007, a $26,785,827 firm-fixed-price contract for the distributed common ground system.Work will be performed in Beale Air Force Base, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 25, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on Feb. 1, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0012). Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on June 11, 2007, a delivery order amount of $24,466,333 as part of a $24,466,333 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for intelligence and operational support for the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Targeting Program.Work will be performed in Charlottesville, Va. (28.10 percent), Fort Belvoir, Va. (28.10 percent), Afghanistan (19.16 percent), and Iraq (24.64 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 7, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were four bids solicited on May 4, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W4-04-D-0002). EOD Technology Inc.*, Lenoir City, Tenn., was awarded on June 10, 2007, an $18,330,265 increment as part of $122,511,282 firm-fixed-price contract for static security services.Work will be performed in Baghdad, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on April 15, 2007, and two bids were received.The Multi-National Security and Transition Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-07-C-0053). Thales-Raytheon Systems Co., L.L.C., Fullerton, Calif., was awarded on June 7, 2007, a $14,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract for sentinel enhanced target range and classification system kits and spare transmitter kit.Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 4, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0217). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on June 8, 2007, an $8,924,202 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Integration of the Meso Scale Diagnostics Identifier into the Joint Biological Point Detection System.Work will be performed in Charlotte, N.C. (55 percent), and Gaithersburg, Md. (45 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 20, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 2, 2006.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-04-C-0017). AM General L.L.C., Mishawaka, Ind., was awarded on June 7, 2007, an $8,111,713 firm-fixed-price contract for vehicular doors for the high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles.Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 9, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0376). Engineering Design Technologies Inc.*, Marietta, Ga., was awarded on June 7, 2007, a $6,350,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a recruiting brigade operations building.Work will be performed in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 8, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 785 bids solicited on March 7, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0033). Aurora Flight Sciences*, Manassas, Va., was awarded on June 7, 2007, a $6,161,260 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Orion Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Prototype Development and Test Flight.Work will be performed in Starkville, Miss., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 21, 2005, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-06-C-0186). AIR FORCE Hawker Beechcraft Corp., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $59,639,687 undefinitized contract.This action will facilitate the continuation of a long lead aircraft parts ordering, engineering services, and data deliverable to bridge the gap between the end of the previous JPATS production contract and the beginning of the new production contract.This action mitigates the gap in services; an interruption of these services and deliverables would adversely impact current JPATS program operations.Interruptions in long lead parts ordering and program support would result in aircraft being "not mission capable" and therefore hinder student pilot training at both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy user's main operating bases.At this time $74,730,014 has been obligated.This work will be complete June 2008.Headquarters Air Force Material Command (AFMC) Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151). Micro-electronics Research Development Corp., (Micro-RDC), Colorado Springs, Colo. is being awarded a $6,312,844 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This contract is to design and develop plug-and-play and responsive space components, systems, and process to enable the 'six-day' satellite.Micro-electronics Research Development Corp., with the assistance of subcontractors, will lead technical and program efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory in support of the responsive space initiative. At this time, $50,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete June 2010.Headquarters Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N. M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-07-C-0179). NAVY Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $10,959,332 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for non-personal modeling and simulation, information technology and engineering efforts in support of the Navy Warfare Development Command, Fleet Forces Command and its components as they relate to their mission of modeling and simulation in support of CONOP and doctrine development and coordination, SEA TRIAL coordination, experimentation, analysis and other required efforts.This contract includes four one-year options, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $58,160,939.Work will be performed in Newport, R.I. (50 percent); Norfolk, Va. (25 percent); San Diego, Calif. (15 percent); and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed by December 1007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded competitively through full and open competition, with two offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z032). Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems, Inc., Reston, Va., is being awarded a $9,582,549 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for non-personal modeling and simulation, information technology and engineering efforts in support of the Navy Warfare Development Command, Fleet Forces Command and its components as they relate to their mission of Modeling and Simulation in Support of CONOP and doctrine development and coordination, SEA TRIAL coordination, experimentation, analysis and other required efforts.This contract includes four one-year options, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $50,121,774.Work is to be completed by December 2007.Work will be performed in Newport, R.I. (50 percent); Norfolk, Va. (25 percent); San Diego, Calif. (15 percent); andPearl Harbor, Hawaii (10 percent).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded competitively through full and open competition, with two offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z033). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,775,480 firm-fixed-price, time and materials contract to upgrade three EA-6B aircraft to the improved capability III configuration, to include installation of airframe change kits, 364-day inspections and performance of repairs incidental to modification and over and above repairs.Work will be performed in St. Augustine, Fla., and is expected to be completed in August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0015).

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, 52, of Lake Park, Ga., died June 11 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.His death is under investigation. Felix was assigned to the 622nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Michael A. Bechert, 24, of New Castle, Ind., died on 14 June in San Antonio, Texas of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on May 30 in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Four coalition servicemembers were killed today in Afghanistan, military officials reported. In addition, on June 15, a coalition servicemember was killed in Afghanistan and a U.S. soldier was killed in Iraq. -- Three coalition servicemembers and an Afghan interpreter were killed today around 1:30 p.m. when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. -- A coalition soldier was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade while conducting combat operations in Uruzgan province in southern Afghanistan today around 3 p.m. Three Afghan National Army soldiers were injured in the attack and are being treated at a nearby coalition medical facility. -- A coalition forces servicemember died of wounds suffered during a combat operation June 15 in Paktika province. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated near a patrol during combat operations in a southern section of Baghdad June 15. Three other soldiers were wounded in the attack. The names and nationalities of the deceased servicemembers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of one airman and three soldiers killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Air Force Maj. Kevin H. Sonnenberg, 42, of McClure, Ohio, died June 15 when his jet crashed five miles north of Balad Air Base, Iraq. He was assigned to the 112th Fighter Squadron, Toledo, Ohio. The cause of the crash is under investigation. -- Army Master Sgt. Arthur L. Lilley, 35, of Smithfield, Pa., died June 15 in Shkin, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Spc. Josiah W. Hollopeter, 27, of San Diego, Calif., died June 14 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small-arms fire in Muqdadiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Pfc. Casey S. Carriker, 20, of Hoquiam, Wash., died June 13 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Kevin H. Sonnenberg, 42, of McClure, Ohio, died June 15 when his jet crashed five miles north of Balad Air Base, Iraq. He was assigned to the 112th Fighter Squadron, Toledo, Ohio.

Soldier Missing In Action From WWII Is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Pvt. Lawrence P. Burkett, U.S. Army, of Jefferson, N.C.He will be buried Saturday in Jefferson. Representatives from the Army met with Burkett's next-of-kin in their hometown to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army. In early December 1944, Burkett was a member of Company A, 357th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division.The 90th ID had been assigned the task of breaching the southern portion of the enemy's "West Wall" near the German city of Saarbrücken.The 357th was occupying a bridgehead in the Dillingen Forest near the Saar River when the Germans launched a strong counterattack.The 357th suffered many casualties and on Dec. 11, Burkett was among those listed as missing in action. In May 2006, U.S. officials were notified that a German citizen had found and dug up the remains of a possible American soldier in a wartime fighting trench in the Dillingen Forest near Saarbrüken.The U.S. officials traveled to the site and collected the remains and associated evidence, including Burkett's identification tags and his social security card. In September 2006, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) excavated the burial site in the Dillingen Forest and recovered additional human remains and material evidence. Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Master Sgt. Arthur L. Lilley, 35, of Smithfield, Pa., died June 15, in Shkin, Afghanistan, from wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Casey S. Carriker, 20, of Hoquiam, Wash., died June 13 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Josiah W. Hollopeter, 27, of San Diego, died June 14 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire in Al Muqdadiyah, Iraq.He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corporation, Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a firm-fixed price contract modification not to exceed $64,200,000. This modification is an undefinitized contract action (UCA) for the procurement of one additional KC-130J aircraft for the United States Marine Corps.The aircraft is being added to the UCA that was previously awarded under contract FA8625-06-C-6456 P00008, on 8 December 2006.The UCA was for the procurement of four FY06 Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Supplemental aircraft (3 USAF C-130J's and 1 USMC KC-130J).This additional aircraft is being funded entirely by dollar savings realized by the USMC as a result of the conversion of the C-130J Multi-Year Procurement (MYP) contract from FAR Part 12 FAR Part 15.This total of five aircraft will now be definitized under one single proposal.This work will be complete by March 2010. To date $32,100,000 has been obligated. Headquarters Air Force Material Command (AFMC) Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8625-06-C-6456/P00015). Sumaria Systems, Incorporated, Arlington, Va., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $49,900,000.This action provides for Advisory and Assistance Services.This work will be complete in June 2012.To date no funds have been obligated.Headquarters Air Force District Washington, Andrews AFB, Md., is the contracting activity. (FA7014-07-A-0027). Thales-Raytheon Systems Company LLC, Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $30,043,008 cost plus award fee, cost plus incentive fee, firm fixed price contract modification. The Battle Control System Spiral 3 contract was awarded to Thales Raytheon Systems Company (TRS) and initiated with the Spiral 3A Linux porting effort (FA8722-05-C-0003. The Human Machine Interface (HMI), Tactical Display Framework (TDF) Shared Services, and Data Link enhancements and 3B2 Fielding deliver Battle Control System Spiral 3 capabilities to the four U.S. BDS-F sites and Canada are being added.The BCS Spiral 3 will be integrated and installed in both the BCS-F and BCS-M equipment configurations.Solicitation began in December 2006 and was complete in May 2007.To date $16,107,482 has been obligated.Headquarters Electronics Systems Center, Hanscom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity.(FA8722-05-C-0003/P00012). Electro-Methods Incorporated, South Windsor, Conn., is being awarded a $8,584,758 firm fixed price contract. This action provides for TF33 Engine Spare Parts-Compressor Case, total of 78. Solicitations began in March 2007 and were complete in May 2007.All funds have been obligated.Work will be complete August 2010.Headquarters Oklahoma Air Logistics Center (AFMC), Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity.(FA8104-07-C-0178). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY US Foodservice Lexington, Lexington, S.C., is being awarded a maximum $37,500,000.00 firm fixed price, prime vendor contract for food and beverage support.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Bamberg Job Corp, Bamberg, S.C.This proposal was web solicited with 4 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This is the third option year.Date of performance completion is June 19, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-07-D-3057). EA Industries, Inc., San Lorenzo, PR,* is being awarded a maximum $12,810,846.30 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, and indefinite delivery, small business set-aside contract for Marine Corps combat utility uniforms.Using services are Marine Corps.This proposal was web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is June 18, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-06-D-0361). General Injectables & Vaccines, Inc., Bastian, Va., is being awarded a maximum $8,453,235.00 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, and indefinite delivery contract for influenza virus vaccine.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.There were 18 proposals solicited with 4 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is December 31, 2007.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DP-07-D-0001). NAVY Technology Service Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $8,349,656 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a minimum 4,334/maximum 71,670 hours of performance-based engineering services in support of AEGIS Systems.Services will include efforts that will increase reliability and improve performance of equipment, as well as design and develop test equipment. Contractor will perform engineering analyses, provide statistical research and evaluation of microwave tube components, evaluate test equipment, analyze and recommend solutions to production or material problems, and test and evaluate microwave tube systems and components. Work will be performed in Crane, Ind. (80 percent) and Bloomington, Ind. (20 percent) and is expected to be completed by June 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The contract combines support of the U.S. Navy (57 percent) with the governments of Japan (21.5 percent) and Korea (21.5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-8907) Lockheed Martin Corporation, Eagan, Minn., is being awarded a $5,654,993 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification under a previously awarded contract (N00039-03-C-0026) for continued development and maintenance of the Common Submarine Radio Room (CSRR) Configuration & Maintenance (C&M) Software.Work will be performed in Eagan, Minn., and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract procured on a sole-source basis under the authority of FAR 6.302-1.This requirement was synopsized on Federal Business Opportunities website on Oct. 8, 2002 under solicitation N00039-03-R-0002.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Four soldiers were killed in Iraq yesterday, and another soldier died of non-combat related injuries June 13. In addition, the Defense Department released the identities of several servicemembers recently killed in Iraq. -- One Task Force Lightning soldier was killed by small-arms fire in Diyala province yesterday. -- Three Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed as a result of injuries suffered in an explosion near their vehicle while conducting operations in Kirkuk province yesterday. Another soldier was wounded and transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier died June 13 in a non-combat related incident that is under investigation. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Also, the Defense Department released the identities of four servicemen who died in Iraq and one who died in Southwest Asia. Killed were: -- Army Pvt. William C. Johnson, 22, of Oxford, N.C., died June 12 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Johnny R. Strong, 21, of Waco, Texas, died June 12 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Army Spc. Damon G. Legrand, 27, of Lakeside, Calif., died June 12 in Baqubah, Iraq, when insurgents attacked his unit with anti-tank mines, rocket-propelled grenades, and small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to 571st Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Pfc. Cameron K. Payne, 22, of Corona, Calif., died June 11 in Balad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley. -- Air Force Lt. Col. Glade L. Felix, 52, of Lake Park, Ga., died June 11 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. His death is under investigation. Felix was assigned to 622nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Chevron Products Company announced yesterday that its Havoline with Deposit Shield motor oil brand is partnering with Operation Homefront

A national motor oil company is partnering with a volunteer troop-support group to keep spouses of service members deployed overseas on the road. Chevron Products Company announced yesterday that its Havoline with Deposit Shield motor oil brand is partnering with Operation Homefront to launch a national program supporting troops' wives. The program, called Operation Havoline Star, will provide 1,000 free conventional oil changes, including lube and filter, at participating Texaco Xpress Lube locations. The program is available to select military families with a financial need, and is available now through Dec. 31. "Operation Havoline Star is one way we can help America's military families in times of need," said Alison Townley, consumer sector business manager for Chevron Products Company. "With this program, we are protecting the cars of the families whose loved ones are protecting our freedom." Eligible military families can receive a gift certificate for one free oil change redeemable at participating Texaco Xpress Lube locations across the country. The program limits each eligible family to one gift certificate. Operation Homefront will help administer the Chevron program by handling the application development and the review and selection process. Military dependants with an active-duty servicemember currently deployed overseas are eligible for Operation Havoline Star and can apply through one of Operation Homefront's 31 local chapters or on the group's Web site. Additional details about the program can be found on the Operation Homefront Web site, www.operationhomefront.net. Operation Homefront is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. "Our organization receives hundreds of requests for oil changes from our network of military families, but until now, we were unable to fulfill the requests," said Amy Palmer, executive vice president of operations for Operation Homefront. "Through Operation Havoline Star, we are able to help our military families take care of their car, one of their largest and most important investments."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Damon G. Legrand, 27, of Lakeside, Calif., died June 12 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit withanti-tank mines, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 571st Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Johnny R. Strong, 21, of Waco, Texas., died June 12 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Two soldiers were killed in Iraq yesterday and a Marine was killed June 11, military officials reported. Also, the Defense Department released the identities of three soldiers killed recently in Iraq. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and two others were wounded when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in southern Baghdad in the early morning hours yesterday. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed June 11 when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in an eastern section of Baghdad. The deceased servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of three soldiers who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 10 in Karbala, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. Killed were: -- Cpl. Llythaniele Fender, 21, of Medical Lake, Wash. Fender was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Cpl. Meresebang Ngiraked, 21, of Koror, Republic of Palau. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Lewis. -- Spc. Adam G. Herold, 23, of Omaha, Neb. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Two minarets at the Golden Mosque compound in Samarra, Iraq, were destroyed around 9 a.m. today, military officials reported. Iraqi police on site described hearing two near-simultaneous explosions coming from inside the mosque compound, but they did not see any attackers in the vicinity. The Golden Mosque, one of the holiest Shiite shrines in the country, was the site of an insurgent bombing in February 2006 that sparked widespread sectarian violence. The Iraqi police at the scene are investigating the cause of the explosions. No casualties have been reported. U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker and Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, issued a statement today condemning the attack. "This brutal action on one of Iraq's holiest shrines is a deliberate attempt by al Qaeda to sow dissent and inflame sectarian strife among the people of Iraq," the leaders said in the statement. "It is an act of desperation by an increasingly beleaguered enemy seeking to obstruct the peaceful political and economic development of a democratic Iraq." The leaders said they share in the outrage of the Iraqi people about this crime, and they called on all Iraqis to reject the call to violence. "We cannot allow these terrorists to work against the interests of the Iraqi people who are seeking peace and prosperity for all," they said.

CONTRACTS ARMY L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, L.P., of Greenville, Texas, was awarded a firm-fixed price contract June 13, 2007, estimated at $2.04 billion for procurement of up to 78 Joint Cargo Aircraft (C-27J Spartan).This includes pilot and loadmaster training, and contractor logistics support for the United States Army and Air Force.The contract consists of three 12-month ordering periods for Low-Rate Initial Production and two 12-month options for Full-Rate Production.Four bids were received under the full and open competition in response to the March 17, 2006, request for proposals.Work in the United States will be performed at Waco, Texas.Aircraft manufacture will occur in Italy.Work is to be completed by June 30, 2012.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity(W58RGZ-07-0099). NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime System and Sensors - Marine Systems, Baltimore Md., is being awarded a $23,163,694 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5363) for procurement of the CG Class (Guided Missile Cruisers) modernization requirements (Ordalt Kits, MK 683s, and Spares).The contract will provide upgrade to the MK 41 Vertical Launching System Program (CG 53-58 Modernization Program).The CG Modernization Program will provide fabrication, test and delivery of Ordalt Kits, MK 683s and Spares.Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (82 percent), Baltimore, Md. (18 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded an $18,548,481 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0310) for the infrared marker upgrade for the Full Rate Production (Lot 4 and 5) Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pods for the F/A-18C/D and F/A-18E/F aircraft.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (58 percent) and McKinney, Texas (42 percent) and is expected to be completed in November 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., is being awarded an $8,012,177 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5103) for production, assembly and testing of eight sets of AEGIS MK 82 Mod 0 Guided Missile Directors and MK 200 Mod 0 Director Controllers, major components of the Aegis Weapons Systems.This modification supports the governments of Australia (75 percent) and Spain (25 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program.Six MK82/200 sets are for the Commonwealth of Australia Air Warfare Destroyer shipbuilding program and two sets are for the Government of Spain F105 program.The MK82 mounts the antenna assembly on an elevation-over-train pedestal and provides space stabilization for the radar line of sight (LOS).The assembly is capable of motion on two axes, train and elevation (parallel to and normal to the base plane of the director), and is unmanned with start, stop and reset controls remotely located.The director, which is not limited in train or traverse positioning, supplies train and elevation position data and radar LOS rates in traverse and elevation for use by the fire control system computer.Work will be performed in Burlington, Vt., and is expected to be completed by February 2013.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. William C. Johnson, 22, of Oxford, N.C., died June 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Cameron K. Payne, 22, of Corona, Calif., died June 11 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device that detonatednear his vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died June 10 in Karbala, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. Killed were: Cpl. Llythaniele Fender, 21, of Medical Lake, Wash.He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash. Cpl. Meresebang Ngiraked, 21, of Koror, Republic of Palau.He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash. Spc. Adam G. Herold, 23, of Omaha, Neb.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

One of TV's biggest names, Don Bellisario -- creator of "Magnum PI," "JAG" and, most recently, "NCIS" -- credits his own Marine Corps experience with giving him the background he needed to break into the television industry. "You write what you know," said Bellisario, who served in the Marine Corps before going into advertising then television. He said his military background helped him break into TV 30 years ago with the NBC drama, "Baa Baa Black Sheep." "I guess I looked at that as kind of a talisman for me, my lucky rabbit foot," he said during an interview in his Hollywood office, where mementos of his Tinseltown successes are displayed alongside a Marine Corps flag flown over Fallujah, Iraq. Two years after "Baa Baa Black Sheep" hit the screen, Bellisario created "Magnum PI," a detective story based in Hawaii. He said he knew he was taking a bold step when he bucked anti-Vietnam sentiment still prevalent in Hollywood at the time and portrayed the show's stars as Vietnam veterans. "Something I'm very proud of happened," he said, reflecting on that time. "I began to get letters from veterans who had been in Vietnam, thanking me for portraying them in a positive manner. Because up until that show, anytime you saw a Vietnam vet in television, he was an alcoholic, a druggie, a shooter in a tower, a wife beater, a killer, (or) insane. And you never saw a positive image." But that doesn't mean Bellisario's audiences see military portrayals through rose-colored glasses or that the storylines don't venture into controversial topics. He recalled one "JAG" episode, loosely based on a story he heard about two submariners who covered up evidence that they had accidentally sunk a torpedo while unloading the gun tubes. Bellisario said he decided to spice up the plot line by making the missing torpedo a nuclear round. The Navy reviewed the script, but refused to support the production because officials said existing security measures make the storyline preposterous. Rather than change the script, Bellisario produced the show without military support. "I understood, and they understood," he said. In his portrayals, Bellisario strives to give a balanced picture of the military, he said. He cited a JAG episode that was based loosely on a real incident about a female flier who cried sexual harassment after getting poor ratings on her checkout rides. As it turned out, she really was "an accident waiting to happen," Bellisario said. "That's an interesting story, but I'm not going to tell that story unless I tell another story that balances it, where a woman is, in fact, held back ... because she rejected somebody's advances," he said. "I told both of those stories in two different shows." Bellisario said he goes out of his way to give the military a fair shake in his shows, and he called that a big factor in why he rarely gets turned down when he asks the Defense Department for support. "The truth is, it is rare that they do not cooperate on a show," he said. "And the reason it's rare, I think, is because I always try to hold the military up in a very positive light. I don't want to do anything negative to hurt the military or the people serving in the military. I don't like to do that."

Defense Department officials have released the identities of five soldiers killed supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. -- Army Staff Sgt. Brian M. Long, 32, of Burns, Wyo., died June 10 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from explosive ordnance. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Sgt. Cory M. Endlich, 23, of Massillon, Ohio, died June 9 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis. -- Army Pvt. Scott A. Miller, 20, of Casper, Wyo., died June 9 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis. -- Army Sgt. Charles E. Wyckoff Jr., 28, of Chula Vista, Calif., died June 6 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Dariek E. Dehn, 32, of Spangle, Wash., died June 2 in Sharkat, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Dariek E. Dehn, 32, of Spangle, Wash., died June 2 in Sharkat, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Cory M. Endlich, 23, of Massillon, Ohio, died June 9 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Scott A. Miller, 20, of Casper, Wyo., died June 9 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Brian M. Long, 32, of Burns, Wyo., died June 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosive ordnance.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Charles E. Wyckoff Jr., 28, of Chula Vista, Calif., died June 6 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS NAVY BAE Systems, Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a not-to-exceed ceiling $276,000,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5117) for the design, development and construction of the advanced gun system (AGS) in support of the DDG 1000 Program.The advanced gun system is a fully automated, single barrel, 155-mm, vertically loaded, stabilized gun mount that is capable of storing, programming, loading, and firing long range land attack projectiles.Its primary mission is Land Attack Warfare in support of ground and expeditionary forces beyond line-of-sight in the DDG 1000 System's littoral engagement area where precise, rapid-response, high-volume, long-range fire support is required.Work will be performed in Cordova, Ala. (32 percent), Minneapolis, Minn. (25 percent), Louisville, Ky. (23 percent) and Burlington, Vt. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2014.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $265,215,349 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0309) for 10 Fiscal Year 2007 T-45 training system airframes, logistic support analysis, technical manuals and technical support of support equipment, production integration testing support, and flight test instrumentation systems equipment and repair. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (58 percent) and Warton, Lancashire, England (42 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Bath Iron Works Inc., Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $197,071,953 cost-reimbursement type modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) for DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer long lead material, and pre-production planning to support detail design and construction.The mission of the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class of Destroyers is to provide affordable and credible independent forward presence/deterrence and to operate as an integral part of the Naval, Joint, or Combined Maritime Forces.DDG 1000 will provide advanced land attack capability in support of the ground campaign and contribute Naval, Joint, or Combined battle-space dominance in littoral operations.Work will be performed in Bath, Maine (44 percent), Parsippany, N.J. (16 percent), Pittsburgh, Pa. (10 percent), Iron Mountain, Mich. (5 percent), Erie, Pa. (4 percent), Kingsford, Mich. (4 percent), Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (4 percent), York, Pa. (3 percent), Kent, Wash. (3 percent), Indianapolis, Ind. (3 percent), Hudson, Maine (2 percent), and Newton Square, Pa. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $13,308,617 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-01-C-2089) for Common Aviation Command & Control System Support 2007.This effort provides for on-site support at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, software, hardware and doc corrections, three software build deliveries, logistics and training support and Protected Distribution System Refresh/Combat Operations Center Integration.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2007.Contract funds will not expire during the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS), Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $9,986,434 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2304) for procurement of DDG 1000 research, development, test and technical services.The mission of the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class of Destroyers is to provide affordable and credible independent forward presence/deterrence and to operate as an integral part of the Naval, Joint, or Combined Maritime Forces.DDG 1000 will provide advanced land attack capability in support of the ground campaign and contribute Naval, Joint, or Combined battle-space dominance in littoral operations.Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss. (45.09 percent); Herndon, Va. (26.66 percent); Annapolis, Md. (6.53 percent); Aberdeen, Md. (4 percent); West Bethesda, Md. (3.75 percent); Linthicum, Md. (2.68 percent); San Antonio, Texas (3.76 percent); Washington, D.C. (2.32 percent); Reston, Va. (2 percent); Arlington, Va. (1.20 percent); Pt. Mugu, Calif. (1.01 percent); Newport News, Va. (0.75 percent); and Tacoma, Wash. (0.25 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE SURVICE Engineering Co., Belcamp, Md., is being awarded a $25,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee with cost reimbursable contract.This action provides for munitions effectiveness and target delivery schedules of the analysis division of the air armament center.This effort covers technical and analytical studies and analyses, theoretical investigations, computer programming and program documentations, mathematical computations, and special peration analysis.At this time, $174,987 have been obligated.Solicitations began Feb., 2007 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete May 2012.Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0056). Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $7,640,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This firm fixed price contract modification is for 50 Central Power Conditioners (CPC) that go into the MK21 Peacekeeper Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, (ICBM) Re-Entry Vehicle, which is replacing the MK12 Re-Entry Vehicle on the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, (ICBM).At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began Feb., 2007 and negotiations were complete June 2007.This work will be complete Sept., 2009.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8204-04-C-0011/P00006). Computer Sciences Parson LLC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is being awarded a $5,713,181 firm-fixed-price contract.This contract is for Civil Engineering Services; the contractor will provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform base civil engineer tasks and functions at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete Jan., 2008.72d Contracting Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34650-99-C-0082). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Alliance Aviation Service, Fort Worth, Texas,* is being awarded a maximum $15,962,390.03 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for Fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 2 proposal solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0115). *Small Business

Three U.S. soldiers were killed and six were wounded when a suicide car bomb struck the checkpoint they were manning south of Baghdad yesterday. An Iraqi interpreter also was wounded in the attack, which destroyed part of a highway overpass near Mahmoudiya. The wounded were evacuated to coalition medical facilities for treatment. The names of the dead and wounded are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Eric M. Barnes, 20, of Lorain, Ohio, died June 9 as a result of an improvised-explosive-device attack on an Air Force convoy about 100 miles south of Baghdad. He was assigned to the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Eric M. Barnes, 20, of Lorain, Ohio, died June 9 as result of an improvised explosive device attack on an Air Force convoy about 100 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Airman 1st Class Eric M. Barnes, 20, of Lorain, Ohio, died June10 as result of an improvised explosive device attack on an Air Force convoy about 100 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

A U.S. airman and soldier were killed today, and two U.S. soldiers were killed yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported. -- The airman, assigned to the 586th Air Expeditionary Group, was killed today during convoy operations in southern Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated and struck his vehicle. -- A Multi-National Division Baghdad soldier was killed today during combat operations in a southern section of Baghdad. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier and a Multinational Division North soldier died yesterday as a result of injuries suffered from small-arms fire while conducting operations in Diyala province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified an airman and 15 soldiers who died as a result of enemy action in Iraq or Afghanistan. -- Air Force Senior Airman William N. Newman, 23, of Kingston Springs, Tenn., died June 7 south of Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device attack. He was assigned to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team of the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Greg L. Sutton, 38, of Spring Lake, N.C., died June 6 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device attack. He was assigned to the 212th Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Cole Jr., 28, of Missouri City, Texas, died June 6 in Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device attack. He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Matthew Soper, 25, of Kalamazoo, Mich., died June 6 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1461st Transportation Company (Combat Heavy Equipment), Michigan Army National Guard, Jackson, Mich. -- Army Pfc. Shawn D. Gajdos, 25, of Grand Rapids, Mich., died June 6 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley. -- Army Sgt. Andrews J. Higgins, 28, of Hayward, Calif., died June 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Pfc. Timothy R. Vimoto, 19, of Fort Campbell, Ky., died June 5 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Italy. -- Army Pfc. Justin A. Verdeja, 20, of La Puente, Calif., died June 5 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Army Staff Sgt. Greg P. Gagarin, 38, of Los Angeles; Army Sgt. James C. Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M.; Army Sgt. Tyler J. Kritz, 21, of Eagle River, Wis.; and Army Sgt. Robert A. Surber, 24, of Inverness, Fla., died June 3 in Thania, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis. -- Army Sgt. Kimel L. Watt, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died June 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Sgt. Caleb P. Christopher, 25, of Chandler, Ariz., died June 3 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Spc. Jacob M. Lowell, 22, of New Lenox, Ill., died June 2 near Gowardesh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using a rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy. -- Army Staff Sgt. Juan F. Campos, 27, of McAllen, Texas, died June 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades May 14 in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Greg L. Sutton, 38, of Spring Lake, N.C., died June 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 212th Military Transition Team, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Senior Airman William N. Newman, 23, of Kingston Springs, Tenn., died June 7 south of Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team of the 15th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

CONTRACTS ARMY Tompkins Builders Inc., Washington, D.C., was awarded on June 6, 2007, a $49,600,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Sustainment Center of Excellence headquarters.Work will be performed at Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 20, 2006, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-C-0026). Cubic Applications Inc., Lacey, Wash., was awarded on June 6, 2007, an $11,044,181 increment as part of a $468,552,672 cost-plus-award-fee contract for mission support services for the Joint Readiness Training Center.Work will be performed at Fort Polk, La., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2017.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 19, 2006, and two bids were received.The Northern Region Contracting Center, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911S0-07-C-0001). SOC-SMG Inc., Minden, Nev., was awarded on June 5, 2007, a $9,500,000 increment as part of a $14,611,783 firm-fixed-price contract for security services.Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by June 14, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 15 bids solicited on May 29, 2007, and ten bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command Iraq/Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GDW-07-C-4005). Granite Construction Co., Watsonville, Calif., was awarded on June 5, 2007, an $8,000,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for flood control and ecosystem restoration along Tucson Arroyo/Arroyo Chico Watershed. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 12, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0014). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on June 5, 2007, a $7,263,600 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). AM General L.L.C., Mishawaka, Ind., was awarded on June 5, 2007, a $6,541,191 firm-fixed-price contract for windows for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 22, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0315). Whitesell-Green Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded on June 4, 2007, a $5,956,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a fire station with utilities and parking.Work will be performed in at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 819 bids solicited on Oct. 12, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0028). AIR FORCE Xilinx Inc., San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a $23,424,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for research and development to produce a radiation hardened by (RHBD) implementation of a fully functional multi-million gate single-event effects immune reconfigurable field-programmable ate array (FPGA) (SIRF) by introducing radiation hardening within their existing architecture and design methodology.This implementation is to be based on Xilinx newly released Virtex-5 family of FPGA's using the latest 65 nm technology.The proposed effort involves research of the individual logic blocks that comprise the FPGA to determine susceptible elements and migrate against single effects (SEU).Radiation hardening of Xilinx's SIRF Virtex-5 will provide the Government with architecture that potentially eliminates the need for multiple redundant instantiations and voting, and allow system developers greater flexibility in space and missile applications.The resulting FPGA would be targeted to meet strategic military and space requirements for reconfigurable, radiation performance, power consumption, and to the maximum extent possible, would be extensible to future FPGA technology generations.At this time, $2,137,600 have been obligated.Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete September 2010.Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-07-C-0178). Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp., Mission Systems, Missile Defense Division, San Bernardino, Calif., is being awarded an $8,676,462 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This contractor will provide the following: (1) delivery vehicle parametric design study, (2) mission/program planning study.The USAF is investigating a concept for a conventional ballistic missile capable of destroying targets at global range in less than one hour flight time.The study parameters make use of a Minotaur launch vehicle and a delivery vehicle designed to carry and dispense multiple BLU-108B/B sensor fused weapons to the target area.The maximum use of existing system elements is intended to reduce the cost and development risk associated with a future acquisition. At this time, $8,050,000 have been obligated.Solicitations began April 2007 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete June 2009.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-07-C-0005). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Alliance Aviation Service, Fort Worth, Texas,* is being awarded a maximum $15,962,390.03 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 2 proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0115). NAVY Lockheed Martin's MS2 Division of Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,569,098 cost plus fixed fee (CPIF) contract for engineering support to the Navy's SQQ-89A(V)15 Undersea Warfare System.Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with one (1) proposal received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5202). Lockheed Martin's MS2 Division of Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,114,764 CPIF contract for test and integration engineering of the Navy's SQQ-89A(V)15 Undersea Warfare System.Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with one (1) proposal received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5201). General Dynamics Land Systems, under their operating Unit General Dynamics Amphibious Systems, Woodbridge, Va., is being awarded a $5,649,807 modification to previously awarded contract M67854-01-C-0001 for the redesign of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, using an alternate architecture in place of Spraycool Technology, during the Systems Development and Demonstration phase of the Program Manager, Advanced Amphibious Assault. Work will be performed in Woodbridge, Va., (34.2 percent), Spokane, Wash., (20.7 percent), Colorado Springs, Colo., (14.6 percent), Tallahassee, Fla., (11.5 percent), Calgary, Canada (9.5percent), Ottawa, Canada (4.2 percent), Los Angeles, Calif., (2.1 percent), Salisbury, Md., (2.0 percent) and Sterling Heights, Mich., (1.2 percent) and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $3,308,317.00 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Timothy R. Vimoto, 19, of Fort Campbell, Ky., died June 5 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne) 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Camp Ederle, Italy.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Matthew Soper, 25, of Kalamazoo, Mich., died June 6 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 1461st Transportation Company (Combat Heavy Equipment), Michigan Army National Guard, Jackson, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Justin A. Verdeja, 20, of La Puente, Calif., died June 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Shawn D. Gajdos, 25, of Grand Rapids, Mich., died June 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Cole Jr., 28, of Missouri City, Texas, died June 6 in As Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Juan F. Campos, 27, of McAllen, Texas, died June 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by insurgents using improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades May 14 in Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Jacob M. Lowell, 22, of New Lenox, Ill., died June 2 near Gowardesh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using a rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy.

CONTRACTS ARMY AECOM Government Services, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on June 1, 2007, a delivery order amount of $47,444,298 as part of a $253,446,296 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursable contract for Iraqi Army maintenance support services.Work will be performed in Iraq, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 1, 2007.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-D-0004). Hensel Phelps Construction, Greeley, Colo., was awarded on May 31, 2007, a $34,200,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a barracks and company operation facility.Work will be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 14, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0011). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on May 31, 2007, an $18,401,870 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for low-cost reduced-range Practice Rocket Pods.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (15 percent), and East Camden, Ark. (85 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 22, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0110). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on May 31, 2007, a $14,918,651 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Full Rate Production.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (20.8 percent), East Camden, Ark. (76.8 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (2.4 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 Nov. 9, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0001). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $10,527,330 as part of a $270,176,141 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (17 percent), Fort Lewis, Wash. (30 percent), Germany (8 percent), Iraq (14 percent), Kuwait (2 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (29 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 31, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). Harris Corp. / RF Communications, Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on June 4, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,182,058 as part of an $800,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for 150-Watt base stations to conduct counterterrorism operations.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 1, 2000.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-01-D-M001). Hensel Phelps Construction, Austin, Texas, was awarded on May 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,750,944 as part of an $82,107,376 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a barracks buildings.Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 2, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 23, 2007.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0039). Caddell Corporation Company Inc., Montgomery, Ala., was awarded on May 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,145,650 as part of a $20,485,500 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of Brigade and/or Battalion Headquarters facilities.Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by April 2, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 28, 2007.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-06-D-0032). Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on June 1, 2007, a $5,424,000 increment as part of a $12,737,523 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for development of a Spectrally Innovative Laser Component and performance of a vapor plume simulation.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. (57.53 percent), Louisville, Colo. (33.71 percent), Albuquerque, N.M. (7.79 percent), and San Diego, Calif. (0.97 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 19 bids solicited on Aug. 18, 2006, and 19 bids were received.The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-07-C-0070). NAVY The Korte Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $24,250,000 (first increment) firm-fixed price contract for Hangar 5 recapitalization at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island.The work to be performed provides for all labor, materials, and equipment and associated costs to design and construct repairs/renovation to recapitalize Hangar 5 to meet life safety, health, and environmental requirements, including seismic repair, anti-terrorism force protection improvements, vault security requirements, and Navy Marine Corps Intranet standards. All work is to be designed and constructed in accordance with sustainable design requirements.An additional $25,300,000 will be funded upon the passage of the FY 2009 Military Construction Appropriation Bill making the total contract amount $49,550,000.Work will be performed in Oak Harbor, Wash., and is expected to be completed by June 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with two proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-07-C-0011). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Microelectronics Advanced Research Corp. (MARCO), Durham, N.C., is being awarded a $17,163,000 other transaction for the Focus Center Research Program.Work will be performed in Durham, N.C. (6 percent); Pittsburgh, Pa. (18 percent); Atlanta, Ga. (20 percent); Cambridge, Mass. (18 percent); Berkeley, Calif. (22 percent); Los Angeles, Calif. (16 percent) and is expected to be completed in October 2007.Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This is a sole source award.The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-3-0002). AIR FORCE L3 Communications Corp., Communications Systems West, Salt lake City, Utah, is being awarded a $9,995,898 firm-fixed-price contract.This effort will develop, fabricate and test four airborne with routers and two ground communications terminals with routers which use the Common Data Link (CDL) waveform and to develop a 548 megabit per second (mbps) signaling waveform for use on the Angel Fire programs.At this time, $8,479,581 have been obligated.Solicitations began April 2007 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete October 2009.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-4509). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $9,477,468 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.This is a contract modification for on board Inert Gas Generator line Replacement Unit spares II.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete September 2010.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00185).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Andrews J. Higgins, 28, of Hayward, Calif., died June 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Navy to Commission New Guided Missile Destroyer KIDD The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Kidd, Saturday, June 9, 2007, during an 8 p.m. CDT ceremony in Galveston, Texas. Designated hull number DDG 100, the new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Rear Adm. Isaac Campbell Kidd Sr.On Dec. 7, 1941, Kidd was commander of Battleship Division One and the senior officer present afloat during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.From the bridge of his flagship, the USS Arizona, Kidd directed the counterattack against enemy aircraft until the magazine of Arizona exploded by enemy ordnance, eventually sinking the ship.Kidd was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Regina Kidd Wolbarsht and Mary Corrinne Kidd Plumer will serve as sponsors of the ship named for their grandfather. Two previous U.S. Navy destroyers have been named in honor of Kidd. The first ship was a Fletcher-class destroyer that was in service from 1943-1974. It is now a floating veterans' memorial and museum in Baton Rouge, La.The second, the lead ship of the Kidd-class destroyers, was also built at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. It served from 1981-1998 and was sold to Taiwan in 2004 and renamed Tzuo-Ying, and given the hull number designation DDG 1803. The newest USS Kidd is the 50th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided-missile destroyers. This multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of strategic maritime operations. Kidd will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously. Cmdr. Richard E. Thomas of Westwood, N.J., is the ship's first commanding officer and will lead her crew of 276 officers and sailors. The 9,200-ton Kidd has an overall length of 511 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 33 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died June 3 in Thania, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Greg P. Gagarin, 38, of Los Angeles. Sgt. James C. Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M. Sgt. Tyler J. Kritz, 21, of Eagle River, Wis. Sgt. Robert A. Surber, 24, of Inverness, Fla.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Flight Safety Services Corp., Centennial, Colo., is being awarded a $474,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and time and materials contract.This action provides for contractor logistics support for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (T-6A) ground based training systems.At this time, $9,563,132 have been obligated.Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were complete April 2007.PA POC can be reached at (937) 255-2350.This work will be complete December 2017.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6172/order # 0001). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $51,779,738 cost-plus-incentive fee, firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract modification.This contract modification is a foreign military sales requirement for the Canadian Forces (CF) C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) program.This action incorporates the CF aircraft into the C-17 "virtual fleet" which includes aircraft maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment.This effort supports foreign military sales to the Canadian Forces, Canada.At this time, $25,779,738 have been obligated.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00180). Science Application International Corp., Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $5,912,133 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.The overall systems engineering integration contract represents a Department of Defense long-term engineering and integration effort for the mission planning enterprise. It will support operation and maintenance; life cycle upgrades of the portable flight planning software and mission planning legacy systems and supports the technical and management tasks associated with migrating from these legacy systems to Joint Mission Planning Mission Systems. The scope of the current contract includes continued Mission Planning System Engineering and Integration effort for the next twelve years and includes technical and managerial tasks associated with the Integration of the Joint Mission Planning Systems.The purpose of this modification is to incorporate the requirements of an engineering change proposal including additional Navy Systems Engineering and Test, Air Force Maintenance and Sustainment Tasks, and foreign military sales platform integration.The contract data requirements list are updated to incorporate OSD required cost reporting deliverables.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete April 2017.Headquarters 951st Electronic Systems Group, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8720-05-C-0005/P00038). NAVY Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Schenectady, N.Y., is being awarded a $69,863,062 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2100) for Naval nuclear propulsion components.Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (85 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (15 percent).Work completion date or any additional information is not provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Nan, Inc., dba Ocean House Builders, Honolulu, Hawaii,is being awarded a $20,300,000 firm-fixed price contract for construction of the Pacific Warfighting Center on Ford Island.The work to be performed provides for the construction of a new two story building for applied instruction facility with administration offices, conference and training rooms, theatre, video telecommunication center, warehouse, computer room, telecommunication and electrical rooms, uninterrupted power supply, mechanical rooms, break area, toilet facility, mechanical enclosure; and other building support rooms.Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by December 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 36 offers solicited and three proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-07-C-1307). Contingency Response Services, LLC, Irving, Texas, is being awarded $14,437,658 for Task Order 0001 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Global Contingency Services contract (N62742-06-D-1113) for Philippines operations support in the Republic of the Philippines for the Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines.The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, management, tools, materials, equipment, facilities, transportation, incidental engineering, and other items necessary to provide facilities support services in the Republic of the Philippines.Work will be performed in the Republic of Philippines, and has an expected completion date of January 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $8,000,350 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. ARMY GM GDLS Defense Group LLC., (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $53,755,863 as part of a $5,117,571,013 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 1" Slat Kits, Headlight Extension Kits, and 1" Slat Spare Parts for the Stryker family of vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 29, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). Cox Construction Co.*, Vista, Calif., was awarded on May 29, 2007, a $30,488,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center.Work will be performed in Moreno Valley, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 29, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 11, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0027). Walbridge Construction, Detroit, Mich., was awarded on May 25, 2007, a $22,395,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Battle Command Training Center.Work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is expected to be completed by April 20, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 120 bids solicited on March 19, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0028). McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on May 25, 2007, a delivery order amount of $18,794,553 as part of a $22,099,009 firm-fixed-price contract for update of software documentation for the Flight Control System.Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 11, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-G-0005). * Small Business

Three U.S. soldiers were killed and one was wounded today, and another was killed yesterday during operations in Iraq, officials reported. Also, the Defense Department released the names of 11 servicemembers killed recently in the war on terror. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated during combat operations in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital today. Another soldier was wounded in the attack. -- A 13th Sustainment Command soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device today while executing a combat logistics patrol near Bayji, Iraq. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed today as a result of injuries suffered from an explosion in Diyala province. Another soldier was wounded during the explosion and was transported to a coalition medical facility for treatment. -- A Multinational Division North soldier died of wounds suffered from enemy gunfire in Diyala province yesterday. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of two airmen, eight soldiers and a Marine killed recently supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. -- Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind., and Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25, of North Canton, Ohio, died June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle. Both airmen were special agents assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. -- Army Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif, died June 2, and Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla., died June 3 in Baghdad. They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle June 2 in Baghdad. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died June 2 in Hadid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Crouch was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Spc. Jeremiah D. Costello, 22, of Carlinville, Ill., and Army Spc. Keith V. Nepsa, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, died June 2 near Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. -- Army Spc. Doonewey White, 26, of Milpitas, Calif., died May 29 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle May 28 in Baghdad. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Marine Lt. Col. Michael A. Robinson, 42, of Sylacauga, Ala., died June 1 in Kabul, Afghanistan. His death is under investigation. Robinson was assigned to Mobilization Command, Deployment Processing Command, Marine Corps Installations East, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Charles R. Browning, 31, of Tucson, Ariz., died June 1 in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Arizona National Guard, Gilbert, Ariz. -- Army Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, of Newport News, Va., died June 1 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. He was assigned to 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Caleb P. Christopher, 25, of Chandler, Ariz., died June 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two airmen who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.They were both assigned as Special Agents to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Killed were: Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind. Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Kuglics, 25, of North Canton, Ohio.

DoD Announces Winners Of The Secretary Of Defense Environmental Awards The Department of Defense announced today the winners of the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards for fiscal 2006. A panel representing federal and state agencies and public members has selected the following installations, teams, and individuals as the winners of this year's awards: Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Natural Resources Conservation - Large Installation Fort Drum, N.Y. Cultural Resources Management - Installation Gary M. O'Donnell, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii Cultural Resources Management - Individual/Team Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Environmental Quality - Industrial Installation Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler, Japan Environmental Quality - Overseas Installation Marine Corps Base, Hawaii Pollution Prevention - Non-Industrial Installation Pollution Prevention Afloat Team, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. Pollution Prevention - Individual/Team Dover Air Force Base, Del. Environmental Restoration - Installation Each year since 1962, the secretary of defense has recognized outstanding achievement in environmental management by military and civilian personnel, at both domestic and overseas bases, to sustain military readiness, training and operational capabilities. Kenneth Krieg, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, will officiate at the ceremony honoring the winners, on June 7, 2007, at 3 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Auditorium (BH650).For more information on the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards Program and highlights of this year's winners and honorable mentions, please visit:

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died June 2 near Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st CavalryDivision, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed were: Spc. Jeremiah D. Costello, 22, of Carlinville, Ill. Spc. Keith V. Nepsa, 21, of New Philadelphia, Ohio.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations June 2 in Baghdad, Iraq.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Killed were: Sgt. Shawn E. Dressler, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif.He died June 2 in Baghdad. Pfc. Joshua D. Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla.He died June 3 in Baghdad.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Charles R. Browning, 31, of Tucson, Ariz., died June 1 in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Arizona National Guard, Gilbert, Ariz.

CONTRACTS NAVY Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $191,119,037 cost-reimbursement type modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2304) for DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer long lead material, production planning labor, integrated logistics support, and systems integration engineering to support detail design and construction.Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss. (47 percent), Pittsburgh, Pa. (30 percent), Parsippany, N.J. (12 percent), Indianapolis, Ind. (5 percent), Erie, Pa. (4 percent), and Iron Mountain, Mich. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Technical Services Co. LLC, Reston, Va., is being awarded a $151,251,664 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for life cycle contractor support for worldwide operations and sustainment of training aids, devices, simulations, and simulators in support of the Army's Warfighter Field Operations Customer Support Program.Work will be performed in Sierra Vista, Ariz. (20.84 percent); Los Alamitos, Calif. (18.43 percent); Killeen Texas (11.5 percent); Radcliff, Ky. (6.85 percent); Orlando, Fla. (5.82 percent); Clinton, N.C. (4.77 percent); Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. (4.77 percent); Ft. Polk, Alexandria, La. (4.31 percent); Ft. Riley, Manhatten, Kan. (2.81 percent); Ft. Picket, Hampton, Va. (2.77 percent); Dothan, Ala. (2.32 percent); Ft. Drum, Watertown, N.Y. (1.95 percent); Pasco, Wash. (1.92 percent); Ft. Indiantown Gap, Harrisburg, Pa. (1.58 percent); Ft. Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska (1.49 percent); Wheeler AFB,Honolulu, Hawaii (1.24 percent); Pinion Canyon Maneuver Area, Colorado Springs, Colo. (1.18 percent); Eastover, S.C. (1.12 percent); Ft. Leonardwood, Columbia, Mo. (.65 percent); Ft. Sill, Lawton Okla. (.56 percent); Knoxville, Tenn. (.50 percent); and various locations within the United States (2.97 percent), and various locations within the United States (2.97 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $12,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a request for proposals; two offers were received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-07-D-0015). Federal Cartridge Co., Anoka, Minn., is being awarded a maximum $19,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 5.56 mm linked frangible ammunition.The 5.56 mm linked frangible ammunition is to be used for training purposes.Work will be performed in Anoka, Minn., and is expected to be completed by June 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $19,500,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with three offers received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-4306). USSOCOM In accordance with FAR 19.805-1(b)(2) (8(a) Alaska Native Corporation program), Shee Atika Languages, LLC, 94 River Street, Suite 300, Rumford, Maine, is being awarded a requirements contract with an estimated ceiling of $250,000,000 million. This contract contains a base year with four option years and is for linguist and translation services in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command. The work may be performed within and outside the continental United States. The contract number is H92222-07-D-0021.

Coalition and Iraqi troops continue to search for two missing U.S. soldiers abducted by terrorists after a complex attack in Iraq on May 12. Soldiers of Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., and the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted Operation Polar Charade southwest of Rushdi Mullah, today to search for the missing Soldiers. Nineteen suspected terrorists were detained during the operation and are being held for questioning. As part of an earlier search for the missing soldiers, Iraqi soldiers killed two insurgents linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and detained two other suspected insurgents southwest of Balad Air Base during an early-morning raid June 1. In other Iraq operations, attack helicopter crews from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in a coordinated operation with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, killed four terrorists, apprehended six suspects and destroyed one van and several rockets that were aimed toward the Baghdad's International Zone yesterday. The Apache helicopter team was alerted to the area when terrorists were spotted setting up several rocket firing positions aimed at the International Zone. Four terrorists were killed, and one vehicle and 10 rockets were destroyed. Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists in raids last night targeting al Qaeda in Iraq in the Mosul and Taji areas. Two coordinated operations targeted four brothers in Mosul who are suspected of heading and staffing a terrorist cell associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq. Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists in the raids, including two of the brothers. During the operation, coalition forces found a vehicle rigged as a car bomb. In numerous operations yesterday, coalition and Iraqi forces captured suspected insurgents and weapons caches throughout Iraq -- Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained eight suspected terrorists, including an alleged senior al Qaeda in Iraq leader, in operations. -- Coalition forces raided a building in Hit while tracking an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists, one allegedly the military emir of the area who works directly with other high-level al Qaeda operatives. -- West of Baghdad, coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists, including one individual who allegedly builds and plants improvised explosive devices for use in the Karkh neighborhood of Baghdad. -- A suspected member of a car-bomb cell in Adamiyah was detained during a coalition raid east of Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the individual also was involved in attacks against coalition forces. --Iraqi security and coalition forces killed seven members of al Qaeda in Iraq, detained eight suspects and destroyed a truck bomb factory in the Sinaee district of Fallujah. Fallujah police, soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi army division and Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 conducted the combined operation. Eight personnel were detained and taken for questioning. No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during the incident. A day earier, several other operations yielded similar successes. -- Iraqi army soldiers conducted a maritime operation, seizing explosives and weapons during a sweep of river banks and caves near Rawah, on the Euphrates River. With coalition forces present as advisors, Iraqi forces recovered more than 70 pounds of homemade explosives, one 57 mm rocket, and a sniper rifle. -- Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team uncovered a weapons cache north of Sadr City. A tip from a local led the soldiers to the cache, which contained 20 107 mm rocket warheads, three fully assembled 107 mm rockets, one 60 mm mortar, and a sandbag full of blasting devices. In other news from Iraq, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured two men attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device on a major road near Dubai on May 31. Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were conducting a mounted patrol and caught the two men attempting to emplace the IED. Elsewhere, soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team caught the suspected triggerman of a roadside-bomb attack during a raid May 31 in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district. The suspect was captured during an early-morning raid on a residence in the Safina neighborhood. The raid was conducted by Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. Two other suspects also were taken into custody. The suspect is believed to be responsible for detonating a roadside bomb that killed one soldier and wounded three others May 14. He also is reported to have ties to al Qaeda in Iraq operations in the area.

Six U.S. soldiers died and eight were wounded in Iraq yesterday, and one servicemember died in Afghanistan. Three other soldiers died and one was wounded in Iraq a day earlier, military officials reported. Also, the Defense Department released the names of 13 soldiers killed recently in the war on terror. -- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers died yesterday of wounds suffered from an explosions while conducting operations in Diyala province. Six other wounded soldiers are being treated. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed yesterday in the western section of the Iraqi capital when an improvised explosive device detonated. Two other soldiers were also wounded in the attack. -- One Task Force Marne soldier was killed yesterday by small-arms fire while patrolling south of Baghdad yesterday. -- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed yesterday when their patrol was attacked while conducting operations in Ninewah province. -- A U.S. servicemember died yesterday in Kabul, Afghanistan, of an unknown cause. The cause of death is under investigation. -- One Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed June 1 by small-arms fire near Zawiyah. -- One Task Force Marne soldier on a dismounted patrol was killed June 1 by a suicide bomber southwest of Baghdad. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died June 1 of wounds suffered May 30 when an improvised explosive device detonated in the southwestern section of Baghdad. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed May 30 when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire. One other soldier and an Iraqi interpreter were wounded in the attack. The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of Army soldiers killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Sgt. Chadrick O. Domino, 23, of Ennis, Texas, died May 31 in Baghdad when he encountered enemy small-arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Pembroke, Mass., died May 31 at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered May 19 in Lutifiyah, Iraq, when he was struck by enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Pfc. Matthew E. Baylis, 20, of Oakdale, N.Y., died May 31 in Baghdad of wounds suffered on May 30 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Sgt. Bacilio E. Cuellar, 24, of Odessa, Texas; Spc. James E. Lundin, 20, of Bellport N.Y.; Pfc. Joshua M. Moore, 20, of Russellville, Ky., died May 30 in Baghdad when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Cpl. Jonathan A. Markham, 22, of Bedford, Texas, died May 29 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Pfc. Robert A. Liggett, 23, of Urbana, Ill., died May 29 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat-related incident. Liggett was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. -- First Lt. Kile G. West, 23, of Pasadena, Texas; Sgt. Anthony D. Ewing, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Cpl. Zachary D. Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark.; Cpl. James E. Summers, III, 21, of Bourbon, Mo., and Spc. Alexandre A. Alexeev, 23, of Wilmington, Calif., died May 28 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle. They were assigned to 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.

Following suit from events earlier in the day, a military judge tonight dismissed the terrorism charges against Yemeni detainee Salim Ahmed Hamdan. Navy Capt. Keith J. Allred, the judge in Hamdan's military commission case here, granted a defense motion to dismiss the charges based on a lack of jurisdiction. Allred's ruling follows a decision earlier today by Army Col. Peter Brownback, who dismissed the charges against Canadian Omar Khadr for similar reasons. The issue in both cases was the status of the detainees as determined by their Combatant Status Review Tribunals. Both detainees were classified as "enemy combatants," one of only two designations offered by the administrative hearings, but the Military Commissions Act of 2006 requires that a detainee be classified as an "unlawful enemy combatant" to be tried by military commission. In announcing his decision, Allred said that the CSRT determination, in 2004, was made to determine the proper detention of detainees, not their qualification for military commissions. Also, the CSRT finding used a much less stringent definition for "enemy combatant" than the Military Commissions Act uses for "unlawful enemy combatant," he said. Allred also noted that the CSRT was conducted two years before the Military Commissions Act was signed into law, and Hamdan may well have acted differently if he knew the hearing would determine whether he would be tried by military commission. Hamdan was charged with conspiracy and providing material support for terrorism. The specific allegations included that he was a bodyguard and personal driver for Osama bin Laden and transported weapons, ammunition and supplies for al Qaeda. Joseph McMillan, one of Hamdan's civilian attorneys, argued that U.S. law establishes that jurisdiction of military courts is very limited and must be specifically defined. The charge sheet against Hamdan fails to state the facts on which jurisdiction depends, and instead is very vague, McMillan said. He urged Allred not to ignore the word "unlawful," as it was inserted into the law purposefully to ensure lawful enemy combatants are not subject to the law of war. "Congress inserted the word 'unlawful' deliberately, repeatedly and with good reason," McMillan said, referring to the Military Commissions Act. In arguing against the dismissal, the prosecution said that because Hamdan is alleged to have been a member of al Qaeda, that qualifies him as an unlawful enemy combatant, based on a presidential pronouncement in 2002 that qualifies all members of that and affiliated groups as unlawful enemy combatants. Allred dismissed that argument, saying the president's pronouncement applies to the group at large, and not individual cases. Allred allowed that the prosecution may have evidence that proves Hamdan is an unlawful enemy combatant, but making that determination will require either reopening the 2004 CSRT or establishing a new one. The prosecution asked for 72 hours to consider appealing Allred's decision, and their request was granted. Hamdan's case was the one that caused the previous military commissions system to be shut down, after he challenged his detention and his case went to the U.S. Supreme Court. His arraignment today was under the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which Congress and the president crafted in response to the Supreme Court's ruling. After the ruling, McMillan and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles Swift, Hamdan's detailed defense counsel, called today a good day for the military justice system. "What this demonstrates once again is if you put together a statute in three weeks' time, try and rush it through, and then make a series of decisions that are conclusory, you end up with a process that doesn't work," Swift said. "Hopefully, what you also saw was that military justice and military judges are capable of doing good work." McMillan said that Allred's ruling conforms to the precedence for military tribunals, and was based on a good reading of the Military Commissions Act. The onus is now on the prosecution to decide whether to appeal and to hold an administrative hearing that correctly classifies Hamdan, he said. Swift said that Hamdan is relieved that he will have a better chance at a fair hearing, and is patiently waiting for that opportunity. Although Hamdan does not have much formal education, Swift said, he believes in fairness. "That's all he's ever asked for," Swift said. In response to the ruling in this case and the Khadr case, Army Maj. Beth Kubala, spokeswoman for the Office of Military Commissions, dispelled any conjectures about the future of military commissions. "Based on today's rulings in the Hamdan and the Khadr arraignments, the public should make no assumptions about the future of (Office of Military Commissions) status or processes," Kubala said. "OMC will continue to operate in a manner that's fair, transparent, open and legitimate. If nothing else, today's rulings highlight that the judges operate independently."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died May 30 in Upper Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, when their helicopter crashed apparently due to enemy fire.They were assigned to the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were: Chief Warrant OfficerChristopher M. Allgaier, 33, of Middleton, Mo. Chief Warrant Officer Joshua R. Rodgers, 29, of Carson City, Nev. Staff Sgt. Charlie L. Bagwell, 28, of Lake Toxaway, N.C. Sgt. Jesse A. Blamires, 25, of West Jordan, Utah. Sgt. Brandon E. Hadaway, 25, of Valley, Ala.

Six Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed and five wounded during operations around the Iraqi capital yesterday, officials reported. Another soldier was also killed and eight wounded a day earlier. -- While conducting a combined cordon-and-search operation, four soldiers died yesterday when a bomb detonated near their vehicle northwest of Baghdad. -- Another soldier was killed when a roadside bomb detonated in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital yesterday. Two other soldiers were wounded in the attack. -- While providing security for coalition forces operating in the western section of Baghdad, a soldier was killed and three were wounded yesterday during a bomb blast. Two of the wounded soldiers returned to duty. -- Also due to a bomb blast, a soldier was killed and eight were wounded west of the capital June 2. Officials said six of the wounded have returned to duty. The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

CONTRACTS NAVY Data Link Solutions, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded a not-to-exceed $33,669,887 undefinitized firm-fixed-price delivery order on April 27, 2007, for Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) Production Transition Terminals (PTTs).Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J. (50 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2009.This requirement was awarded on a sole source basis.Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-00-D-2100). W. F. Magann Corp., Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded a $23,789,519 firm-fixed-price contract for dry dock modernization at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.The work to be performed provides for an extension to Dry Dock #8 to service the new CVN Class hull with the bulbous bow.Demolition of existing structures and utilities will be required to support the project as well as providing utility trenches, mechanical and electrical work and other incidental related work.Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with two proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-7038). ViaSat*, Carlsbad, Calif., was awarded a not-to-exceed $15,600,724 undefinitized firm-fixed-price delivery order on April 27, 2007, for Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) Production Transition Terminals (PTTs).Work will be performed in Carlsbad, Calif., (30 percent), in various other sites worldwide (70 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2009.This requirement was awarded on a sole source basis.Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-00-D-2101). MTU Detroit Diesel, Inc., Detroit, Mich., is being awarded a $30,546,032firm-fixed-price contract for Kuwaiti Navy fast interceptor boat propulsion systems packages under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Detroit, Mich. (25 percent); Sweden and Germany (25 percent); and Gulfport, Miss. (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-C-K908). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $17,617,414 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This contract modification will produce and deliver A/OA-10 Aircraft Precision Engagement production kits and associated items to allow the Air Force to modify A/OA-10A aircraft to the A/OA10C PE configuration:a) Precision Engagement Modification Kits (total 25), b) Portable Automated Test Sets (total 30), c) Throttle Quadrant Tester Upgrade (total 5), d) Third SP103 Single Board Computer (total 25), e) Stick Grip Attachment (total 30), f) Throttle Grip Cover (total 357).At this time, $8,807,707 have been obligated.This work will be complete January 2009.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8202-05-C-0004/P00022). Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp., Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif., is being awarded an $8,000,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.The purpose of the Alternative Infrared Satellite Program Research and Development Announcement effort is to perform system definition, allocate technical requirements document requirements to the various subsystems, and assess whether the requirements allocation is supportable with components available by Key Decision Point B in December 2007.The Alternative Infrared Satellite System is a potential alternative to the Space-Based Infrared System.At this time, $2,000,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-07-0002/modification # 00001). General Dynamics C4 Systems, Gilbert, Ariz., is being awarded a $6,419,548 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.The purpose of the Alternative Infrared Satellite Program Research and Development Announcement effort is to perform system definition, allocate technical requirements document requirements to the various subsystems, and assess whether the requirements allocation is supportable with components available by Key Decision Point B in December 2007.The Alternative Infrared Satellite System is a potential alternative to the Space-Based Infrared System.At this time, $2,294,625 have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-07-C-0001/modification #00001).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, or Newport News, Va., died June 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Support Command, Fliegerhorst, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins, 31, of Bozeman, Mont., died June 1 in Al Yusufiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.Atkins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lt. Col. Michael A. Robinson, 42, of Sylacauga, Ala., died June 1 in Kabul, Afghanistan.His death is under investigation. Robinson was assigned to Mobilization Command, Deployment Processing Command, Marine Corps Installations East, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Doonewey White, 26, of Milpitas, Calif., died May 29 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations May 28 in Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., died June 2 in Al Hadid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Crouch was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Servicemembers Missing From WWII Now Listed In Electronic Database The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that an electronic database listing the names of servicemembers still unaccounted for from World War II is now available for family members and researchers. This new listing will aid researchers and analysts in WWII remains recovery operations.Prior to this three-year effort, no comprehensive list of those missing from WWII has existed. This database, listing nearly 78,000 names, was compiled by researchers from DPMO and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.They used hard-copy sources including "The American Graves Registration Service Rosters of Military Personnel Whose Remains were not Recovered" from the National Archives II repository in College Park, Md., and "The World War II Rosters of the Dead."Once transferred into electronic formats, they used computer programs to compare the two lists and determined possible discrepancies among the entries.These differences were then resolved using additional sources from the National Archives and thousands of personnel files from the Washington National Records Center. After more than three years of research and coordination to transfer information into an electronic format, efforts to gather more data on unaccounted-for WWII servicemembers continue.New names and information will be added as historical documents and personnel files are located.The names of servicemen whose remains are recovered and identified in the future will be removed as families accept the identification and inter their loved ones in cemeteries of their choice. This WWII database, along with databases listing the missing from the Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War and Gulf War, are available on DPMO's Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo

Coalition and Iraqi troops continue to search for two missing U.S. soldiers abducted by terrorists after a complex attack in Iraq on May 12. Soldiers of Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., and the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted Operation Polar Charade southwest of Rushdi Mullah, today to search for the missing Soldiers. Nineteen suspected terrorists were detained during the operation and are being held for questioning. As part of an earlier search for the missing soldiers, Iraqi soldiers killed two insurgents linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and detained two other suspected insurgents southwest of Balad Air Base during an early-morning raid June 1. In other Iraq operations, attack helicopter crews from 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in a coordinated operation with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, killed four terrorists, apprehended six suspects and destroyed one van and several rockets that were aimed toward the Baghdad's International Zone yesterday. The Apache helicopter team was alerted to the area when terrorists were spotted setting up several rocket firing positions aimed at the International Zone. Four terrorists were killed, and one vehicle and 10 rockets were destroyed. Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists in raids last night targeting al Qaeda in Iraq in the Mosul and Taji areas. Two coordinated operations targeted four brothers in Mosul who are suspected of heading and staffing a terrorist cell associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq. Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists in the raids, including two of the brothers. During the operation, coalition forces found a vehicle rigged as a car bomb. In numerous operations yesterday, coalition and Iraqi forces captured suspected insurgents and weapons caches throughout Iraq -- Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained eight suspected terrorists, including an alleged senior al Qaeda in Iraq leader, in operations. -- Coalition forces raided a building in Hit while tracking an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader. The ground force detained three suspected terrorists, one allegedly the military emir of the area who works directly with other high-level al Qaeda operatives. -- West of Baghdad, coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists, including one individual who allegedly builds and plants improvised explosive devices for use in the Karkh neighborhood of Baghdad. -- A suspected member of a car-bomb cell in Adamiyah was detained during a coalition raid east of Baghdad. Intelligence reports indicate the individual also was involved in attacks against coalition forces. --Iraqi security and coalition forces killed seven members of al Qaeda in Iraq, detained eight suspects and destroyed a truck bomb factory in the Sinaee district of Fallujah. Fallujah police, soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi army division and Marines from Regimental Combat Team 6 conducted the combined operation. Eight personnel were detained and taken for questioning. No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during the incident. A day earier, several other operations yielded similar successes. -- Iraqi army soldiers conducted a maritime operation, seizing explosives and weapons during a sweep of river banks and caves near Rawah, on the Euphrates River. With coalition forces present as advisors, Iraqi forces recovered more than 70 pounds of homemade explosives, one 57 mm rocket, and a sniper rifle. -- Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team uncovered a weapons cache north of Sadr City. A tip from a local led the soldiers to the cache, which contained 20 107 mm rocket warheads, three fully assembled 107 mm rockets, one 60 mm mortar, and a sandbag full of blasting devices. In other news from Iraq, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers captured two men attempting to emplace an improvised explosive device on a major road near Dubai on May 31. Soldiers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment were conducting a mounted patrol and caught the two men attempting to emplace the IED. Elsewhere, soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team caught the suspected triggerman of a roadside-bomb attack during a raid May 31 in Baghdad's Adhamiyah district. The suspect was captured during an early-morning raid on a residence in the Safina neighborhood. The raid was conducted by Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. Two other suspects also were taken into custody. The suspect is believed to be responsible for detonating a roadside bomb that killed one soldier and wounded three others May 14. He also is reported to have ties to al Qaeda in Iraq operations in the area.

The Army is helping out U.S. states and territories that are in the paths of potentially deadly hurricanes by providing equipment to help fill shortages identified by National Guard commanders there, a senior Army official said today. The Army is either issuing or loaning 2,600 pieces of equipment to a handful of coastal states, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, said Army Brig. Gen. David Halverson, director of operations, readiness and mobilization, for the deputy chief of staff for operations and plans. This announcement comes on the first official day of an Atlantic hurricane season that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting will be "above normal" in its hurricane activity, according to the NOAA Web site. NOAA is predicting as many as five major hurricanes that could be Category 3 or above. Hurricane Katrina was a Category 5 hurricane. "Just like any war fight, we are trying to be postured mentally and physically so we can have success," Halverson said. The equipment includes relief necessities, such as generators, trucks, Humvees and radios. Some of the equipment will be permanently assigned to fill shortages at the states, Halverson said. Equipment on loan is temporarily assigned and positioned within the state and will be returned at the end of hurricane season, in November. The Army started issuing the equipment in May and expects that all will be in place by mid-June, Halverson said. Right now, a little more than half of the equipment is in place, he said. Some equipment is in transit to Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Halverson said that Army officials asked National Guard commanders in March for equipment assessments. With the supplemental equipping, Halverson said, commanders reported back to senior Army leaders that they can manage storms up to Category 3. Above Category 3, Halverson said, states would use Emergency Management Assistance Compacts in place that would allow governors to borrow equipment and personnel from surrounding states. Above Category 5, states may need federal help with personnel and equipment, Halverson said. Overall, lines of communication between state and federal agencies are now better equipped to manage disaster relief, and agencies are more focused on how to provide aid and less on establishing lines of control, Halverson said. "It's just not about equipment. It's really about how you bring the whole interagency team together to be able to provide lifesaving capabilities and to be able to stop the suffering at the local area," he said. In 2006, the states and territories asked the Army for 11,000 pieces of equipment, Halverson said. Last year it took until September to distribute all of the equipment. "This year we're much better prepared than we were last year," he said. The National Guard is the first military responder in the event of a hurricane, under the control of the state governors. At the request of the governor, the president can authorize use of federal forces to assist in disaster relief, Halverson said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 28 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: 1st Lt. Kile G. West, 23, of Pasadena, Texas. Sgt. Anthony D. Ewing, 22, of Phoenix, Ariz. Cpl. Zachary D. Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark. Cpl. James E. Summers, III, 21, of Bourbon, Mo. Spc. Alexandre A. Alexeev, 23, of Wilmington, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle they were in struck an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Killed were: Sgt. Bacilio E. Cuellar, 24, of Odessa, Texas. Spc. James E. Lundin, 20, of Bellport N.Y. Pfc. Joshua M. Moore, 20, of Russellville, Ky.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Matthew E. Baylis, 20, of Oakdale, N.Y., died May 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered on May 30 when his dismounted patrol encountered enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jonathan A. Markham, 22, of Bedford, Texas, died May 29 in Abu Sayda, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position.He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTSNAVY Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $2,400,000,000 fixed-price incentive modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-2221) for the detail design and construction of the LHA 6 Amphibious Assault Ship.The LHA 6 will replace the LHA 1 Class Amphibious Assault Ships and will provide forward presence and power projection as an integral part of joint, inter-agency and multi-national maritime expeditionary forces.It will launch tilt-rotors, helicopters, and fixed wing, short take-off vertical landing aircraft in support of amphibious operations.The LHA 6 will be a variant of the LHD 8 Amphibious Assault Ship currently under construction by NGSS and will have enhanced aviation capabilities.Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss. (95 percent) and New Orleans, La. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $258,500,000 firm-fixed-priced requirements Performance Based Logistics long-term contract for support of 44 weapons systems of the T/AV8B Harrier aircraft.This contract contains an option, which if exercised, will bring the total estimated value of the contract to $400,000,000.Work will be performed in various Conus (80 percent) and OConus locations (20 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-07-D-001G). Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Global Sustainment, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a $133,813,516 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N00019-05-D-0013) to exercise an option for the P-3C sustainment, modification and installation program.Work will be performed in Greenville, S.C., and is expected to be completed in June 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Marlborough, Mass., is being awarded a $27,088,193 firm-fixed-price contract for production, test, and delivery of nine Extremely High Frequency (EHF) Satellite Communications Follow-On Terminal Communication Groups P/N: G752718-2 and 17 ship Antenna Groups P/N: G674898-1 (seven Radar Reducing Cross Section and ten Non-RRCS variants).This contract includes an option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $38,326,000.Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (61.8 percent); Marlborough, Mass. (36.8 percent); and Saint Pete, Fla. (1.4 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.This effort was synopsized as a sole source procurement via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce web site on July 5, 2006.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-07-C-0001). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Public Warehousing Company P.S.C., Kuwait, is being awarded a maximum $2,801,334,120 firm fixed price prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products.First term option year period.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.This proposal was web solicited with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is June 2, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3128). General Electric Transportation Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $10,989,292 firm fixed price requirements type contract for ten years with a two-year base and four, two-year options.This acquisition was solicited with 1 response prior to the issuance of the Interim Rule limiting task or delivery order contract to not more than 5 years.Forty-one NSNs are being added to the contract.The scope of this contract covers commercial, sole source items on engine lines.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM400-00-D-9403). Cutter Aviation, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a maximum $6,543,768.33 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel.Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.There were 2 proposals solicited with 2 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011.Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0044). AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, Airborne Ground Surveillance and Battle Management Systems, Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded a $12,200,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to provide for the E-10A as the next generation wide area surveillance platform designed to provide advanced integrated ground and air surveillance and targeting capabilities to provide warfighter a Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) force multiplier that detects, classifies, characterizes and reports cruise missiles and surface targets to the joint forces within a networked Multi-Sensor Command and Control Constellation environment.The subject ECP007 modification is for a seamless continuation of Pre-SDD program to complete limited risk reduction activities in the areas of Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) Mission Execution, and BMC2 Kill Chain, without introducing new requirements.This action covers the BMC2 and Kill Chain Risk Reduction of the Weapon System Integration Program efforts during the Technology Development Phase I.The period of performance extension will be an additional 12 months to the program.At this time, $6,100,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-03-C-0014/P00056 (ECP 007)). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $9,871,710 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to provide for the System Development and Demonstration for he Cost Effective Light Aircraft Missile Protection (CELAMP) system as well as system integration with AAQ-24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) system, System Integration laboratory testing, and flight testing.CELAMP will be an evolution of previous Defense Acquisition Challenge Program work performed by the Raytheon Co., to develop a light weight, low cost Infrared (IR) countermeasures assembly (Quiet Eyes micro-turret) that leverages guidance components from the combat proven AIM-9X IR missile to provide highly responsive, all-aspect IR protection.Northrop Grumman Corp. and the Raytheon Co., will bring their respective LAIRCM and Quiet Eyes experience/capabilities together to integrate the Quiet Eyes technology wit the LAIRCM system.This letter contract effort will demonstrate an integration of the Quiet Eyes micro-turret with LAIRCM AAQ-24(V) components with the intent of providing IR protection for US Army and Navy helicopters (such as the MH-47 and AH-1Z) in addition to Air Force aircraft like the A-10 and MH-53.At this time, $3,485,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6477).

Although it opens today on the heels of the Defense Department's May 25 release of its China Military Power Report, U.S. defense officials attending the Asia Security Summit here intend to let the "let the report speak for itself and let others draw conclusions," a senior official said. The official, speaking to reporters on background, said the summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, isn't expected to focus on China's growing military capability. The annual China report, mandated by Congress, covers key developments in China over the past year and changes in Chinese military strategy. While this year's report emphasizes the need for China to be more transparent about its military programs and budget, it also notes China's increased willingness to engage with the United States and other countries, the official said. As an example of that trend, China has sent its most senior military delegation ever to this year's Shangri-La Dialogue. Lt. Gen. Zhang Qinsheng, director of military intelligence for the People's Republic of China, will lead the group. Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld promoted greater Chinese participation here during the 2006 conference and when he visited China in 2005. "The more people from China visit with the rest of these folks, I think it develops relationships and demystifies things in a way that's constructive," he told reporters covering last year's Shangri-La Dialogue. Those initiatives now appear to be bearing fruit. "What we are seeing is a ... greater willingness and eagerness of the Chinese, I believe, to engage and engage at the uniformed officer level," the official said. No formal bilateral meetings are scheduled between the two countries' delegations, he said. However, they will interface along with senior defense and military officials from 23 other countries throughout the three-day conference. He noted that many other countries in the region share the United States' concerns about China and are watching the situation closely. There's no question that the Chinese are building significant military capacity, Gates told reporters during a stop at U.S. Pacific Command Headquarters, in Hawaii, while en route here. "Our concern is over their intent," he said. That's hard to gauge in light of China's secretiveness about its programs, he said, expressing a desire to see more openness. "Tell us more about where you are headed. What are your intentions? That is the real issue," Gates said. "The fact that they are building capacity is just a fact. It's what they plan or do not plan to do with it that is of interest, and that is where their transparency ... would be helpful to everyone." Navy Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, recently travelled to China and met with Chinese officials to help address this concern. His discussions with Chinese officials emphasized "developing a better understanding of intentions so as to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding," he said during a media roundtable with Gates. "It is complicated enough as is, and if there aren't open channels of communication, if there aren't better ways of communicating intent, ... the likelihood of a miscalculation increases." Not knowing China's intentions, the United States has no choice but to assume the worst, the senior defense official said. "If you don't have any ... really good idea about why they are deploying a certain system or developing competence in a particular area, you are left then to guess," he said. "And when you guess, you have to hedge. And when you hedge, you have to assume worst-case scenarios." More transparency on China's part would help the United States narrow those scenarios, the official said. That, in turn, "would probably allow us to be less concerned and cause us to hedge less," he said. "And I think that's where we are heading."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Matthew A. Bean, 22, of Pembroke, Mass., died May 31 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered on May 19 in Lutifiyah, Iraq, when he was struck by enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Five U.S. soldiers were among those killed when a Chinook helicopter flying a NATO International Security Assistance Force mission went down in Helmand province near Kajaki last night, military officials reported. The crash killed all seven people on board. The five U.S. soldiers were assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 82, and were the crewmembers of the helicopter. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and comrades of the soldiers who were involved in the crash," said Army Col. Kelly Thomas, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade and Task Force Pegasus commander. "Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten, and we will honor them by continuing our commitment to supporting the Afghan people and government while fighting the war on terror." After the crash, a coalition forces patrol moved to secure the crash site and was engaged by a large number of insurgents. One coalition servicemember and one Afghan civilian were wounded. Coalition forces medical personnel stabilized the civilian injured by small-arms fire, who was medically evacuated to a nearby treatment facility. The coalition servicemember was only slightly wounded and did not require evacuation. Coalition forces aircraft were requested to suppress the insurgents and secure the crash site. A large number of insurgents were killed during the five-hour engagement. Two International Security Assistance Force servicemembers were also killed when the helicopter crashed. The nationalities of these servicemembers will be released by their respective nations at a later date. The names of the deceased Americans will be released pending notification of next of kin. A team from the U.S. Army Aviation Center from Fort Rucker, Ala., is en route to Afghanistan to investigate the cause of the crash.

Four U.S. soldiers were killed and two were injured by roadside bombs yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported. Eight soldiers were injured by a suicide bomber yesterday, and two other U.S. soldiers died May 29. Also, the Defense Department released the names of 10 soldiers and three Marines killed recently in the war on terror. -- Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed yesterday by an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in the southwestern section of the Iraqi capital. Two other soldiers were wounded in the attack. -- A roadside bomb killed two Multinational Division Center soldiers on dismounted patrol yesterday. --A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died May 29 of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device explosion May 28. The soldier was conducting combat operations northwest of Baghdad when he was injured. --A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died of a non-battle related cause May 29. --A suicide car bomb detonated yesterday at a vehicle checkpoint in the Adhamiyah district of the Iraqi capital, wounding eight U.S. soldiers and three Iraqi civilians, including a child. The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 10 soldiers and three Marines who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Staff Sgt. Joseph M. Weiglein, 31, of Audubon, N.J., and Army Sgt. Richard V. Correa, 25, of Honolulu, died May 29 in Ilbu Falris, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army 1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman, 24, of Norwich, Conn., and Army Chief Warrant Officer Theodore U. Church, 32, of Ohio, died May 28 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed after receiving heavy enemy fire during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Staff Sgt. Thomas M. McFall, 36, of Glendora, Calif., and Army Pfc. Junior Cedeno Sanchez, 20, of Miami, Fla., died May 28 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Villarreal, 21, of Eagle Pass, Texas, died May 27 of injuries suffered in a non-hostile vehicle accident at Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Marine Sgt. Nicholas R. Walsh, 27, of Millstadt, Ill., died May 26 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton. -- Army Spc. Clinton C. Blodgett, 19, of Pekin, Ind., died May 26 in Baghdad when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Spc. Francis M. Trussel Jr., 21, of Lincoln, Ill., died May 26 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Pfc. Charles B. Hester, 23, of Cataldo, Idaho, died May 26 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis. -- Marine Lance Cpl. David P. Lindsey, 20, of Spartanburg, S.C., died May 25 from a non-hostile incident in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Spc. Mark R. C. Caguioa, 21, of Stockton, Calif., died May 24 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered May 4 in Baghdad, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.

- Seven servicemembers assigned to NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan are dead after a Chinook helicopter flying an ISAF mission went down in Helmand province near Kajaki last night. In accordance with NATO policy, ISAF does not release casualties' nationality prior to the relevant national authority doing so. The entire crew of five and two military passengers died in the incident. An Afghan civilian was injured by small-arms fire after the crash. Responding to the scene of the crash, a unit was ambushed by enemy fighters, officials said. Under continued fire, the responding patrol called for an air strike to eliminate the enemy threat. The injured civilian is being treated at an ISAF medical facility. Military officials are investigating the cause of the crash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 29 in Ilbu Falris, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their position during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Joseph M. Weiglein, 31, of Audubon, N.J. Sgt. Richard V. Correa, 25, of Honolulu.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Robert A. Liggett, 23, of Urbana, Ill., died May 29 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation. Liggett was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga

CONTRACTS NAVY International Military and Government LLC (IMG), Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded $623,073,400 for delivery order #0002 under previously awarded firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for 1,200 additional Category I (CAT I) Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles.The CAT I is an MRAP vehicle provided for the Marine Corp and other Joint Forces that is needed in convoy operations.The MRAP vehicles are required to increase survivability and mobility of troops operating in a hazardous fire area against known threats such as small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices.Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by February 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $623,073,400 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Network Centric Systems, Marlborough, Mass. is being awarded a $20,600,000 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee development, firm-fixed-price and time and material contract (N00039-04-C-0012) for the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT).The NMT is the next generation military satellite communications terminal to be deployed onboard submarines, ships, and shore installations to provide maritime communications using the Milstar, Advanced EHF, Defense Satellite Communication System and Wideband Global SATCOM families of satellites. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $959,890,912.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (94 percent) and Canada (3.54 percent); the United Kingdom (1.68 percent); and the Netherlands (.78 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (83 percent) and Marlborough, Mass. (17 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2011.If all options are exercised, work could continue until 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract wascompetitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command e-Commerce Central website with two offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an undefinitized contract action with a not-to-exceed value of $13,600,000 for the procurement of long lead items in support of the production of Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) Low-Rate-Initial-Production units.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0041). Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz. is being awarded an $8,617,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0009) for the repair of up to 250 AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) guidance and control sections.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in May 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $7,916,578 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $7,204,246 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0309) for Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) for Phase II of the T-45 Hot Section Reliability Improvement Program. This effort is in support of flight test, including carrier suitability testing aboard ship, as well as identification of required changes to T-45 publications and retrofit activities.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in November 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. S&K Sales Co., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $6,632,727 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for supplies in support of the Navy's Ships Stores Program.This contract includes four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $33,163,635.Work will be performed in various Conus locations, and work is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was a sole-source award.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-0078). Kollmorgen Corp., Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $6,580,913 firm-fixed-price contract for production of eight Universal Modular Mast (UMM) Systems.The UMM provides for development and acquisition of a non-hull penetrating mast that serves as a lifting mechanism for five sensor configurations (the Photonics Mast, the Multi-Function Mast, the Integrated Electronic Mast, the High Data Rate Mast and the Photonics Mast Variant) on Virginia Class and SSGN Class submarines.Each sensor is mounted on a Universal Modular Mast.Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass. (20 percent) and Bologna, Italy (80 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6227). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Scientific Applications International Corp, Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $107,800,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity prime vendor contract for maintenance, repair, and operations supplies.Exercise of second 1-year option.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies.Other locations of performance are Honolulu, HI.This proposal was web solicited with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is May 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0500-04-D-BP06). ARMY Longbow L.L.C., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on May 24, 2007, a $28,880,672 firm-fixed-price contract to support the Saudi Arabia AH-64D Apache Longbow Fire Control Radar Programs.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 17, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0129). Raytheon Co., Bedford, Mass., was awarded on May 25, 2007, a $13,804,125 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for FY 07 PATRIOT engineering services.Work will be performed in Burlington, Mass. (3.95 percent), Huntsville, Ala. (8.09 percent), Andover, Mass. (9.82 percent), Tewksbury, Mass. (76.44 percent), El Paso, Texas (1.67 percent), and Norfolk, Va. (0.03 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 9, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 26, 2003.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0020). SM Wilson, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on May 24, 2007, a $13,525,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of Permanent Party Barracks Phase 2.Work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 15, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 13, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-C-0022). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 25, 2007, an $11,541,400 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank Program.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Carson, Calif., was awarded on May 25, 2007, an $8,049,959 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to upgrade, fabricate, assemble, integrate, test, and deliver the Air and Missile Defense Planning Control Systems to the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. (80 percent), and Carson, Calif. (20 Percent), and is expected to be completed by May 24, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 10, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0212). Signal Technology Corp., Plano, Texas, was awarded on May 25, 2007, a $5,491,535 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Chameleon Phase VI Program.Work will be performed in Plano, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were four bids solicited on April 4, 2007, and one bid was received.The Defense Microelectronics Activity, McClellan, Calif., is the contracting activity (H94003-07-C-0709). AIR FORCE Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $12,532,203 cost-plus-incentive fee and firm-fixed-price contract modification.This is a contract modification to the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership contract to incorporate added work scope for C-17 Automated Test Equipment (CATE) Realignment Initiative (CATE) station 2006 spares and maintenance service cost differential on CATE stations).This modification also includes a target price adjustment due the government as a result of terms and conditions established in a previous modification.The terms and conditions previously established required the contractor to provide further analysis to support potential cost savings realized from certain changes in the CATE system requirements.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2011.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00124). Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Littleton, Colo., is being awarded a $9,580,281 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.This action provides for additional scope of supplier readiness in order to accommodate the appropriate levels required on the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Launch Capability (ELC) contract.The supplier readiness ensures that the contractor manages the critical suppliers needed to maintain assured access to space.At this time, $6,155,281 have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002/P00033). Raytheon Co., C3I, Reston, Va., is being awarded a $7,508,052 cost-plus-award-fee/firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide for the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) program, DoD's satellite-based system for distributing video, imagery, and other large data files to users around the world.The modification directs Raytheon to build sixty-two Army Receive Suites and twenty Marine IP Receive Suites which will provide theater commanders the ability to broadcast theater-specific command and control information in a timely manner.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete June 2008.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F04701-97-C-0044/P00251). Honeywell Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $7,422,300 firm-fixed-price contract modification to exercise options to purchase 74 embedded Global Positioning/Inertial Production Units (Installs) for the CH-47F (700 and MH-47 (4) platforms, 4 Mounts for the MH-47 platform, 3 Spares for the F/A-18 platform, and 167 Contractor Depot Repairs (CDRs) for the H-1W (67), CH-47F (25), HH-60J (5), and F-15/F-16 (70) platforms through the Tri-Service EGI Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2065/P00025). Honeywell International Inc., DBA: Defense Avionics Systems, Teterboro, N.J., is being awarded a $5,501,285 firm-fixed-price contract.This effort will develop form-fit-function for obsolete subassemblies in the F-15 Avionics Intermediate Shop (AIS) Antenna Test Station (ATS) and Enhanced Aircraft Radar Test Station (EARTS).This effort includes the design, hardware and software, and formal testing of F3 prototypes for obsolete subassemblies.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete Feb 2009.742d Combat Sustainment Group, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8517-05-G-0001-0015-01).

Navy Pilot Missing From Vietnam War Is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Lt. Michael T. Newell, U.S. Navy, of Ellenville, N.Y.He will be buried today in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. On Dec. 14, 1966, Newell was flying an F-8E Crusader aircraft as wingman in a flight of two on a combat air patrol over North Vietnam.During the mission, the flight leader saw a surface-to-air missile explode between the two aircraft.Although Newell initially reported that he had survived the blast, his aircraft gradually lost power and crashed near the border between Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces in south central North Vietnam.The flight leader did not see a parachute nor did he hear an emergency beacon signal.He stayed in the area and determined that Newell did not escape from the aircraft prior to the crash. Between 1993 and 2002, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), visited the area of the incident five times to conduct investigations and survey the crash site.They found pilot-related artifacts and aircraft wreckage consistent to an F-8 Crusader. In 2004, a joint U.S./S.R.V. team began excavating the crash site.The team was unable to complete the recovery and subsequent teams re-visited the site two more times before the recovery was completed in 2006.As a result, the teams found human remains and additional pilot-related items. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

CONTRACTS NAVY Solipsys Corporation, dba Raytheon Solipsys, Fulton, Md., is being awarded a $49,950,960 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Small Business Innovative Research Phase III contract (N00421-02-D-3065) to expand, assess and mature the Tactical Component Network (TCN) towards an acquisition ready technology, including the purchase of an expanded TCN software license.Work will be performed in Fulton, Md. (92 percent) and Lihue, Hawaii (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Martin-Baker Aircraft Co., Ltd., Middlesex, England is being awarded a $39,723,124 firm-fixed-price contract for 172 Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seats (NACESs), including 70 for the Navy F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G; 20 for the Navy T-45; 22 for the Marine Corps F/A-18A+; and 60 for the Government of Canada.In addition, this contract provides for associated component parts and production support for the U.S. Navy production aircraft and the Government of Switzerland.Work will be performed in Middlesex, England (71.5 percent); Johnstown, Pa. (16 percent); Northridge, Calif. (7 percent); and Ronkonkoma, N.Y. (5.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps ($26,497,206; 66.70 percent) and the governments of Canada ($13,116,369; 33.02 percent) and Switzerland ($109,549; .28 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0011). Kimball Electronics Group, Jasper, Ind., is being awarded an estimated $15,728,415 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Circuit Card Assemblies (Sets H and Q).Circuit cards, consisting of H and Q, are for MH-60 and ALQ-99 helicopters.Set H is used to provide compatible interface between external stores, weapons systems and aircraft control devices.Set Q will be used to produce additional ALQ-99 Pod Programmable Interface units for the EA-18G Growler Aircraft. Work will be performed in Jasper, Ind., and is expected to be completed by May 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $156,668 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 12 proposals solicited and three offers received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-0008) Harper Construction Company, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $14,528,983 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0003 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1056) for design and construction of a four story Bachelor Enlisted Quarters building with a Learning Resource Center at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Five proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Forrester Construction Company, Rockville, Md., is being awarded $12,261,000 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0005 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0035) for the restoration, modernization and upgrade upgrade of office and educational space in three separate buildings - Nimitz Library, Ricketts Hall, and Mahan Hall - at the United States Naval Academy.Work to be completed in these areas includes, but is not limited to: interior demolition, hazardous material remediation; replacement of interior finishes; interior partitioning; replacement of electrical/mechanical systems; lighting; upgrading of data and telecommunications systems; and fire protection/alarm systems.Work will be performed in Annapolis, Md., and is expected to be completed by August 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Four proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Force Protection Industries, Inc.,* Ladson, S.C., is being awarded $11,991,406 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 needed in convoy operations.Work will be performed in Ladson, SC and work is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $11,991,406 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $10,756,275 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed price contract for non-recurring engineering design to install a Directed Infrared Countermeasures Systems (DIRCM) onto CH-46E helicopters.Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed in August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0039). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $8,061,944 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0027) for the procurement of a Harpoon Missile Subsystem Test Set Weapon Station upgrade, interim spares, installation and checkout, and applicable training for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo. (34.02 percent); Dallas, Texas (28.89 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (18.46 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (7.34 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (3.43 percent); Yorba Linda, Calif. (3.19 percent); Chatsworth, Calif. (1.20 percent); Englewood, Colo. (.70 percent); Austin, Texas (.60 percent); and various locations across the United States (2.17 percent) and is expected to be completed in January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Saab Bofors Dynamics AB, Karlskoga, Sweden, is being awarded a $ 7,062,000 firm fixed priced requirements contract for the production, testing, and delivery of M136 (AT4) Rockets.The base year is for a maximum quantity of 3,500 production units and associated technical data.The M136 (AT4) Rocket is a light-weight, recoilless, preloaded, disposable, man-portable weapon employed mainly against armored personnel carriers.It can also be employed as an assault weapon against bunkers, field fortifications, and other hard-point positions.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $40,351,500.Work will be performed in Karlskoga, Sweden, and is expected to be completed by May 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was a sole source procurement.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager for Ammunition, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-1005). Emerald Coast Utility Authority (ECUA), a regulatory agency created by the Florida legislature, Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded a $7,057,500 firm-fixed price modification under previously awarded contract (N62467-73-C-0309) for installing necessary pipes and lift stations at Naval Air Station, Pensacola to connect to the ECUA wastewater treatment plant.Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Raytheon Co., C3I, Reston, Va., is being awarded a $7,508,052 cost-plus-award-fee/firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide for the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) program, DoD's satellite-based system for distributing video, imagery, and other large data files to users around the world.The modification directs Raytheon to build sixty two Army Receive Suites and twenty Marine IP Receive Suites which will provide theater commanders the ability to broadcast theater-specific command and control information in a timely manner.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete June 2008.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F04701-97-C-0044/P00251).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 28 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their OH-58D Kiowa helicopter crashed after receiving heavy enemy fire during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Killed were: 1st Lt. Keith N. Heidtman, 24, of Norwich, Conn. Chief Warrant Officer Theodore U. Church, 32, of Ohio.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their position during a dismounted patrol. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Thomas M. McFall, 36, of Glendora, Calif. Pfc. Junior Cedeno Sanchez, 20, of Miami, Fla.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Charles B. Hester, 23, of Cataldo, Idaho, died May 26 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

Navy Secretary Names New Combat Logistics Ship Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter has announced his decision to name the Navy's newest underway replenishment vessel, the USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6).The name honors Amelia Mary Earhart for her courage, vision, and groundbreaking achievements, both in aviation and for women. Amelia Earhart's name became a household word in 1932 when she became the first woman--and second person--to fly solo across the Atlantic, on the fifth anniversary of Charles Lindbergh's feat, flying a Lockheed Vega from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland to Londonderry, Ireland.That year, she received the Distinguished Flying Cross from the Congress, the Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honor from the French government, and the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society from President Herbert Hoover. In January 1935 Earhart became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean from Honolulu to Oakland, Calif.Later that year she soloed from Los Angeles to Mexico City and back to Newark, N.J.In July 1936 she took delivery of a Lockheed 10E "Electra," financed by Purdue University, and started planning her round-the-world flight. The primary goal of the T-AKE program is to provide effective fleet underway replenishment capability at the lowest life cycle cost.To meet that goal, the ship will be designed and constructed to commercial specifications and standards and certified/classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Coast Guard, and other regulatory bodies. All of the new ships will be operated by the Military Sealift Command.They are being built in San Diego by General Dynamics NASSCO.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Clinton C. Blodgett, 19, of Pekin, Ind., died May 26 in Baghdad, Iraq, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Emmanuel Villarreal, 21, of Eagle Pass, Texas, died May 27 from a non-hostile vehicle accident at Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait.He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Southwest Airport Services, Houston, Texas,* is being awarded a maximum $51,817,243.45 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are KEFD, Ellington Field. There were 2 proposals solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0081). NAVY L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Waco, Texas, is being awarded a $42,202,914 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the development of a Next Generation Range Support Aircraft (NGRSA).Efforts include the modification/upgrade of the P-3 aircraft, including designing, developing, documenting, installing, integrating, and testing to verify the integration of the aircraft modifications and range instrumentation.Work will be performed in Waco, Texas, and is expected to be completed in April 2011.Contract funds in the amount of $1,500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a request for proposals; six firms were solicited and two offers were received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-07-C-0047). M. A. Mortenson Company, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded$19,006,622 on May 25, 2007, for Task Order JM01 Modification 06 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62472-01-D-0077) for the design and construction of a hangar and aircraft parking apron at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville to accommodate aircraft and personnel being relocated from NAS Brunswick, Maine.The work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. Joseph J. Henderson & Son, Inc., Gurnee, Ill., was awarded a $16,061,800 firm-fixed price contract on May 25, 2007, for the design and construction of a Federal health care facility parking and infrastructure project at the North Chicago Veteran Affairs Medical Center.The work includes construction of a 4-story parking garage, a gatehouse and entry gates, utility relocations, a new site entry intersection on Green Bay Road with a traffic light, a south parking area, a retention pond and other related site work.Work will be performed in North Chicago, Ill., and is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively negotiated via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-07-C-0006).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Francis M. Trussel Jr., 21, of Lincoln, Ill., died May 26 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Mark R. C. Caguioa, 21, of Stockton, Calif., died May 24 at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered on May 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. David P. Lindsey, died May 25 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. His death is under investigation. Lindsey was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Nicholas R. Walsh, died May 26 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Ten U.S. soldiers were killed and three were wounded in two incidents yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported. Eight other U.S. soldiers were killed and 12 were wounded in Iraq over the preceding several days. Also, the Defense Department released the identities of several servicemembers killed recently in the war on terror. -- Six Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed when explosions occurred near their vehicles during operations in Diyala province yesterday. Three other soldiers were wounded in the incident and were taken to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. -- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed when a helicopter went down in Diyala province yesterday. -- While conducting a combat security patrol in the southern section of the Iraqi capital, two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed when an improvised explosive device detonated yesterday. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed when an explosion occurred near his vehicle while conducting operations in Diyala province May 26. Two other soldiers were wounded in the incident and were taken to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed May 26 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. -- While conducting a combat security patrol in the southern section of the Iraqi capital, a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and two others were wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated May 26. An Iraqi interpreter also was injured in the attack. -- While conducting a combat security patrol in the western section of the Iraqi capital, a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and four others were wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated May 26. Two soldiers have been returned to duty. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier died of wounds suffered from small-arms fire while conducting operations in Baghdad province May 25. One other soldier, also wounded in the incident, was taken to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died May 25 in a non-combat related incident in Anbar province. -- An improvised explosive device killed a Multinational Corps Iraq soldier May 25 in Maqdadiyah. -- A Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed and three were wounded in a complex attack against their military vehicle near Taji on May 25. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. Two soldiers were treated for minor injuries and returned to duty. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 16 soldiers who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Sgt. Clayton G. Dunn II, 22, of Moreno Valley, Calif.; Spc. Michael J. Jaurigue, 20, of Texas City, Texas; and Spc. Gregory N. Millard, 22, of San Diego, Calif., died May 26 in Salah Ad Din province, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Spc. Erich S. Smallwood, 23, of Trumann, Ark., died May 26, near Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to A Company, 875th Engineer Battalion of the Arkansas Army National Guard in Marked Tree, Ark. -- Spc. Mathew P. LaForest, 21, of Austin, Texas, died May 25 in Taji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Spc. Alexander Rosa Jr., 22, of Orlando, Fla., died May 25 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Pfc. Casey P. Zylman, 22, of Coleman, Mich., died May 25 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle May 24 in Tallafar, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Pvt. William L. Bailey III, 29, of Bellevue, Neb., died May 25, in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Bailey was assigned to the 755th Chemical Reconnaissance/Decontamination Company, Nebraska Army National Guard, O'Neill, Neb. -- Sgt. 1st Class Robert E. Dunham, 36, of Baltimore, and Staff Sgt. Russell K. Shoemaker, 31, of Sweet Springs, Mo., died May 24 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 1st Brigade Transition Team, and attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. -- Sgt. Iosiwo Uruo, 27, of Agana Heights, Guam, died May 24, in Buhriz, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Pfc. Robert H. Dembowski, 20, of Ivyland, Pa., died May 24 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Staff Sgt. Steve Butcher Jr., 27, of Penfield, N.Y., and Pfc. Daniel P. Cagle, 22, of Carson, Calif., died May 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit in Ramadi, Iraq. Butcher died in Ramadi, while Cagle died in Balad, Iraq. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. -- Cpl. Victor H. Toledo Pulido, 22, of Hanford, Calif., and Cpl. Jonathan D. Winterbottom, 21, of Falls Church, Va., died May 23 in Nahrawan, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Benning, Ga.

About 2,000 veterans, former and current military personnel, families and other spectators marked the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here today during the annual Memorial Day Observance. For a quarter of a century, family members, friends and cohorts have solemnly filed past the memorial commonly known as "The Wall," seeking their loved ones among the 58,000 names of the fallen etched on the black granite panels. "I think this is place where people feel very comfortable and they really become a part of the memorial by getting closer to it," said Jan C. Scruggs, founder and president of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and today's master of ceremonies. "It's a good place for events that are patriotic and thoughtful in nature, and I think the spirits of the soldiers on the wall are probably always there for everybody," he said. Three names were added to the wall recently, he noted, bringing the total to 58,256. Family members read the names of Navy Fireman Apprentice Joseph Gerald Krywicki of Holton, Mich.; Army Sgt. Richard Monroe Pruett of San Diego, Calif.; and Army Spc. Wesley Alvin Stiverson of Monticello, Ill. "The past is part of the present and part of the future as well," he said, "so when it comes to military service, remembering those who have gone before is a part of honoring those who are serving us today." Scruggs paid tribute to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who attended the ceremony to honor their brothers in arms who fought before them. Several young men stood at attention, and family members of Army Sgt. Samuel Floberg lifted him from his wheelchair while the crowd applauded with fervor. Floberg, a member of the North Dakota National Guard, was wounded in Afghanistan Nov. 23, 2006 during an ambush on his patrol vehicle. "The fourth (rocket-propelled grenade) went through the door of the Humvee and took out my leg and took out the driver, Cpl. Nathan Goodiron," said Floberg, whose right leg was amputated above his knee. "The Wall heals," Floberg said, watching Vietnam veterans studying the engraved names on the glassy granite wall. "It's a place that people can come back and just reflect on their heroes, their brothers and sisters." Veterans groups, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Gold Star Wives, American Gold Star Mothers, Sons and Daughters in Touch, Jewish War Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Rolling Thunder, Inc. participated in the ceremony. One of the Vietnam veterans among the hundreds of thousands of bikers riding in yesterday's Rolling Thunder, said it took a long time for him to visit the wall. Retired Navy field hospital corpsman Jim Enos, president of the Wilmington, N.C., Rolling Thunder chapter, said he has rumbled to the nation's capital every year since 1996 for Vietnam veterans' motorcycle rally on the National Mall here. But it took him 10 years, he said, to face familiar names on the memorial wall. "I did not visit The Wall until last year," Enos said. "There are a lot of names on The Wall that I know, and it took me all those years." "First time I went to it last year, I had a good cry," he said. "Now I can go to the Wall and I can just - I can handle it." Joseph M. Lawler, national capital regional director for the National Park Service, co-host of the ceremony along with the Vietnam Memorial Fund, told the audience that few visitors are untouched by the memorial's symbolism. "It's somewhat ironic how often the mention of walls invokes the immediate thought of separation or barrier," he said. "However, in this case the wall is a connector, a welcomed device, an instrument of unity." Retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, this year's keynote speaker, told the audience "there is no single Vietnam war experience." He implored veterans to think back on their unique reflections. "As we remember all these experiences - and a lot of them are pretty darn positive, and we shouldn't forget that - friendship, trust, courage, intense humor; shared misery done so easily by youth," he said. "But a lot of that's clouded by those of us who could not come home, whose lives were ended so completely in combat." "The pain is sharp ... there's a sense of permanent loss," he said. "That's why we're here to remember, to pay honor to those memories, to learn and take comfort in their sacrifice." Teaching the lessons of fallen veterans' example is the most important aspect of preserving their memory, the general said. "There will be a final day of reckoning," he said. "All of us here will again be reunited with these brave soldiers who we remember. The last time we saw them they were alive, frozen in time with their youth, their optimism." Alluding to surviving veterans' mortality, including his own, McCaffrey said that everyone who fought in Vietnam will have a final homecoming. "Then we'll be able to say, 'We have all come home together,'" he said. "God bless all of our 58,000 friends here. God bless you all." Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock, acting Army surgeon general and commander for U.S. Army Medical Command, told audience members it was a privilege to join them in reaffirming a commitment to the men and women in uniform, and to the unknown number of civilians who served during Vietnam and other conflicts. The U.S. is implementing ways to provide all veterans with the emotional and physical care and support they have earned, Pollock said. "Let us not forget the importance of talking about these invisible wounds so they can heal and not permanently scar and interfere with our lives," she said. "As I look out on the crowd," she said, "I smile because I can only imagine how proud our fallen heroes would be to see all of you here today showing your appreciation for their selfless service for our incredible nation and simply saying 'Thanks,' to them for going the distance."

Evoking the memories of citizens who died defending America throughout history and urging a new generation to safeguard freedoms for which previous generations made sacrifices, President Bush commemorated Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery here today. "Today we honor the warriors who fought our nation's enemies, defended the cause of liberty, and gave their lives in the cause of freedom," Bush said to a crowd of more than 5,000 people after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. "We offer our love and our heartfelt compassion to the families who mourn them. We pray that our country may always prove worthy of the sacrifices they made." Bush was joined by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace, members of Congress and military leaders in paying tribute to the nation's fallen. This year was the 139th observance of Memorial Day at Arlington. Military veterans, servicemembers, families and other citizens gathered for the ceremony, which was precluded by a performance from the U.S. Marine Corps Band. In welcoming the crowd to the ceremony, Pace called today a time to reflect on the "incredible heroes" who have served the nation, and also on the families they left behind. He also pledged that those in uniform today will stay dedicated to defending freedom. "We will not let down those who have gone before us," he said. Bush noted that Arlington is home to the remains of many well-known American heroes, as well as hundreds of thousands who served in the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and other places. Now, the cemetery is receiving a new generation of heroes in the servicemembers who have died in the war on terror. "Like those who came before them, they did not want war -- but they answered the call when it came," Bush said of the troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. "They believed in something larger than themselves. They fought for our country, and our country unites to mourn them as one." These troops gave their lives at a time when America is under attack and underestimated, Bush said. However, the sacrifices they made have ensured that America is still a bastion of freedom, and is still producing citizens who are willing to answer the call to duty. "The greatest memorial to our fallen troops cannot be found in the words we say or the places we gather. The more lasting tribute is all around us -- a country where citizens have the right to worship as they want, to march for what they believe, and to say what they think," Bush said. "These freedoms came at great costs -- and they will survive only as long as there are those willing to step forward to defend them against determined enemies." The war on terrorism will end one day, as all wars do, Bush acknowledged. The duty of this generation is to ensure that the war's outcome justifies the sacrifices of those who have fought and died, he said. "From their deaths must come a world where the cruel dreams of tyrants and terrorists are frustrated and foiled -- where our nation is more secure from attack, and where the gift of liberty is secured for millions who have never known it," he said. It is America's destiny to pursue this future of freedom and liberty, Bush said, and though the journey may be rough, it is the bravery of the men and women in uniform that keeps the country going. "On this day of memory, we mourn brave citizens who laid their lives down for our freedom," he said. "They lived and died as Americans. May we always honor them. May we always embrace them. And may we always be faithful to who they were and what they fought for."

NASCAR fans, drivers and race teams had the opportunity to show their appreciation to the U.S. military yesterday by dedicating the Coca-Cola 600 here to the men and women of the armed forces. More than 180,000 fans gathered at Lowe's Motor Speedway to see one of the race season's biggest races and to pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and those who are currently serving in the military. "It's important to show the troops that we support them," said H. A. "Humpy" Wheeler, Lowe's Motor Speedway president. "Race fans are very patriotic. We know that they love this and have come to expect it on Memorial Day weekend." NASCAR officials dedicated portions of prime advertising space on eight Nextel Cup cars and two Busch series cars to emblazon military logos and other messages of support to troops during the weekend's races. Local driver and crowd favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. had his car covered with a desert camouflage pattern; Mark Martin drove a yellow and black Army car; Denny Hamlin represented the Marines; Bill Elliott paid tribute to the Air Force; Jimmie Johnson drove the "Power of Pride" Chevrolet; and race winner Casey Mears drove the National Guard/American Heroes car. DuPont driver Jeff Gordon's car had the Defense Department seal on the hood, along with the America Supports You logo. DuPont is a member of America Supports You, the Defense Dept. program designed to connect the American public with servicemembers and their families at home and abroad. "It's a great honor to be driving the Defense Department car, and it's important to support our troops," said Gordon. "I'm proud to be part of this today." DuPont was the first one to sign on to be part of the event's special paint scheme supporting the troops, said Larry Deas, DuPont racing team manager. "I knew we could get support from DuPont to participate because we're conscientious about our duties as a company and about supporting our men and women in uniform," Deas said. NASCAR is a vibrant sport and, after football, is the second largest-viewed sport, said DuPont Vice President Mike Crickenberger. "We reach a very large audience and a cross section of America. This was a wonderful idea by NASCAR to support the troops today, on this Memorial Day weekend," Crickenberger said. DuPont has been supplying the armed forces with products for more than 200 years. The most well known products the company currently manufactures for troops are those made with Kevlar and Nomex materials. "We appreciate what our troops overseas are doing," Crickenberger said. "DuPont is proud to be supporting them. We want them home safely; that's why we do what we do." In addition to the unique paint scheme, speedway officials invited more than 6,000 troops and their families from Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Campbell, Ky., to be event guests and participate in race day activities. "It's unfortunate that people like you are asking me for my autograph," said Chevrolet driver Jeff Burton as he addressed the troops before the race. "I'm the one who should be getting yours." "You deserve this day and everything else we can do for you," Burton said. "Thank you so much for what you do." Pre-race festivities included flyovers of Apache, Blackhawk and Kiowa Warrior helicopters in addition to firepower demonstrations by squads of infantry soldiers as they used machine guns and howitzers to simulate attacking and blowing up obstacles. The U.S. Army Golden Knights also performed a parachuting demonstration, landing on the speedway's infield while the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus and the U.S. Army Drill Team performed elsewhere in the complex. The crowd inside came to its feet with wild cheers and applause as more than 1,500 troops marched onto the track for the introduction of the race's drivers and grand marshal Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Today is a day to take a moment to pause and think about the men and women who serve our country," Pace told those in the speedway. "Those of us who have the privilege of wearing the uniform also take this time to rededicate ourselves to upholding the legacy we inherited." "And as long as we have the strength we will ensure that our children and grandchildren live in a free America," Pace said, bringing the crowd back to its feet.

Memorial Day is a time when troops remember the oath they took for their country and rededicate themselves to those who have gone before, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told servicemembers, drivers and fans here at NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 yesterday. "Thank you for what you have done and what you are about to do for your country," Marine Gen. Peter Pace told 6,000 soldiers and families from Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Campbell, Ky., before the race. "We simply couldn't be doing this without you." Pace thanked the troops' families for the sacrifices they also make for the country. He said that they are the ones who love the troops and stay behind praying for them while they are in harm's way. "We know that our families - spouses, kids, moms and dads - are the real strength behind our armed forces," he said. "Families serve this nation as well as any of us in uniform." The general served as the race's grand marshal and spoke to the crowd of 180,000 at Lowe's Motor Speedway before making a ceremonial lap in the pace car to kick off the event. "NASCAR has done a wonderful thing this weekend to reach out to the American public and to say thanks to the men and women of the armed forces," Pace said. "It makes a huge difference to American servicemembers to know the American people value our service," Pace said. The teamwork is similar between NASCAR and the military, Pace said. "I think that's why there is such an affinity between NASCAR and the armed forces," he noted. "No one in the armed forces is successful without the men and women to their right and left," he said. "It's that way with NASCAR as well - drivers and crew members have to pull together to be successful." NASCAR and speedway officials dedicated the weekend's races to the men and women of the armed forces by painting military logos and messages of support for the troops on eight Nextel Cup and two Busch series cars. For yesterday's race, many of the drivers took the opportunity to show their support for the troops. Dale Earnhardt Jr. covered his car with a military uniform's desert camouflage pattern. Mark Martin drove a yellow and black Army car. Denny Hamlin represented the Marines. Bill Elliott paid tribute to the Air Force. Jimmie Johnson drove the "Power of Pride" Chevrolet. Race winner Casey Mears drove the National Guard/American Heroes car, and Jeff Gordon's car had the Defense Department seal on the hood of his car. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and the U.S. Army Drill Team performed for cheering crowds. Army helicopters, including Apaches, Blackhawks and Kiowa Warriors, and Air Force F-22s performed flyovers brought the speedway to its feet. "We have a largely patriotic fan base," said Larry Deas, who is the Dupont racing team manager. "It is a natural fit for NASCAR to salute the military this weekend." Deas said that the crowd's patriotism is evident when seeing the reverence shown during the playing of the National Anthem and the way race fans display the American flag on their cars, tents and clothing. During the pre-race driver's meeting, David Hoots, the managing event director for NASCAR, encouraged the drivers to emphasize the importance of the meaning behind the race to their crews. "When you're on the track with your team before the start of the race, remind your crew that we are here to honor those men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice," Hoots said. "It's important to show the nation how much we appreciate these folks."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Erich S. Smallwood, 23, of Trumann, Ark, died May 26, near Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to A Company, 875th Engineer Battalion of the Arkansas Army National Guard in Marked Tree, Ark.

Patriotism was on display during today's 50th annual Indy 500 Festival Parade in downtown Indianapolis. People showed support for their country and their troops when patriotic displays and military parade participants marched past. Cheerleaders from Indiana University carried abanner heralding the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which proclaimed that "We Support You - Our Military Men and Women." Parade announcers told the crowd about the program, which connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.The announcers invited people in the crowd to support the troops. The type of appreciation shown by the parade-goers lifts the spirits of servicemembers, and the crowd's reaction is a real morale boost, said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Dorian Sweatt. "You have a smile on your face and ... you're just happy that you're taking care of them and keeping them safe," Sweatt, an aircraft mechanic stationed at NAS Indianapolis, said. "It kind of makes you feel good, kind of makes you feel like a celebrity a little bit." Members of a joint color guard were certainly treated as celebrities as they marched the Stars and Stripes along the parade route. People cheered for them and showed their support. "It brought tears to my eyes. I took my hat off and saluted them," said Ted Bruington, a retired schoolteacher from Cameron, Ill. "I think it's just great that everyone stood and honored the flag, and honored our men and women that gave us all these freedoms that we enjoy today." More Americans need to understand the importance of the sacrifices troops are making, Bruington said. "This younger crowd has got to realize that we're fighting for a cause and that's their freedom and their future," he said. Feelings of patriotism were even more evident as the American Legion float, "Heroes to Hometowns," rolled past. "Those guys are fighting for our country and it's just a sense of pride," Julie Krizan of Brownsburg, Ind., said. "We know how brave they are." She said she has a true appreciation for all servicemembers, and she learned that early on from her father after her uncle was killed fighting in Guam. "I just grew up knowing that my father's brother had been killed fighting for the country," she said. "My dad just always taught me that you respect them and that you are proud of them no matter where they're at or where they're fighting because they're representing our country." The lesson Krizan learned as a child is still being taught to young Hoosiers. Curtis Carey, 13, said he'd like to thank the nation's military men and women for serving the country. "We appreciate everything they're doing," he said. His buddy, Sean Hahnen, 13, said he, too, was grateful for the troops. "I'm glad that they're here for us," Hahnen said. "They do so much for us and without them our country would be nothing. In them you can find the real American." The two are Boy Scouts with Troop 359 from Noblesville, Ind., and had helped set up for the parade. The parade also featured the Indiana Army National Guard's 38th Division band. A group of servicemembers from each service also carried giant red, white and blue flags in the parade. The procession passed through Monument Circle in the center of Indianapolis, which features a large obelisk. The spire honors Revolutionary War veterans. It's just one of many monuments dotting the city that honors war veterans. The military tribute will continue tomorrow during pre-race festivities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Event planners are hoping that, as it did today, that the sun shines on Indianapolis.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. William L. Bailey III, 29, of Bellevue, Neb., died May 25, in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Bailey was assigned to the 755th Chemical Reconnaissance/Decontamination Company, Nebraska Army National Guard, O'Neill, Neb.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Alexander Rosa Jr., 22, of Orlando, Fla., died May 25 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to the 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died May 25 in Taji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. Spc. Mathew P. LaForest, 21, of Austin, Texas, was assigned to 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 1st Brigade Transition Team, and attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Robert E. Dunham, 36, of Baltimore, Md. Staff Sgt. Russell K. Shoemaker, 31, of Sweet Springs, Mo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 23 in Al Nahrawan, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to 3d Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Benning, Ga. Killed were: Cpl. Victor H. Toledo Pulido, 22, of Hanford, Calif. Cpl. Jonathan D. Winterbottom, 21, of Falls Church, Va.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Casey P. Zylman, 22, of Coleman, Mich., died May 25 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle May 24 in Tallafar, Iraq.He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Iosiwo Uruo, 27, of Agana Heights, Guam, died May 24, in Buhriz, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Robert H. Dembowski, 20, of Ivyland, Pa., died May 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Supreme Foodservice AG, Ziegelbruecke, Switzerland, is being awarded a maximum $2,801,334,120.00 firm fixed price prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Swedesboro, N.J. This proposal was web-solicited with 5 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Option year exercised is first term option period. Date of performance completion is June 07, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0300-05-D-3130).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 23 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit in Ramadi, Iraq.They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Steve Butcher Jr., 27, of Penfield, N.Y. He died in Ramadi, Iraq. Pfc. Daniel P. Cagle, 22, of Carson, Calif. He died in Balad, Iraq.

Five soldiers were killed and four others were wounded yesterday in several attacks throughout Iraq, one soldier was killed May 22, and the Defense Department has released the identities of several servicemembers who died in Iraq recently. -- Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed when their patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device in a western section of the Iraqi capital yesterday. An Iraqi interpreter was also killed in the attack, and one other soldier was wounded. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed in Nineveh province yesterday when an explosion occurred near his vehicle. Two other soldiers were wounded in the incident and were taken to a coalition forces medical treatment facility for further treatment. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier died of wounds suffered from small-arms fire in Diyala province yesterday. -- One 13th Sustainment Command soldier was killed and one was wounded in an improvised-explosive-device attack against their tactical vehicle near Salah Ad Din yesterday. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to a coalition theater hospital in Balad. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed in Baghdad province May 22 when an explosion occurred near his vehicle. Two other soldiers were wounded in the incident and were taken to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of seven soldiers who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Spc. Benjamin J. Ashley, 22, of Independence, Mo., died May 24 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Ashley was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Staff Sgt. David C. Kuehl, 27, of Wahpeton, N.D., died May 22 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Staff Sgt. Kristopher A. Higdon, 25, of Odessa, Texas, and Pfc. Robert A. Worthington, 19, of Jackson, Ga., died May 22 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Staff Sgt. Shannon V. Weaver, 28, Urich, Mo.; Sgt. Brian D. Ardron, 32, of Acworth, Ga.; and Spc. Michael W. Davis, 22, of San Marcos, Texas, died May 21 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Benjamin J. Ashley, 22, of Independence, Mo., died May 24 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Ashley was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Announces Change-In-Status of Army Soldier The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom who was previously listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown. Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif., was captured May 12 by enemy forces in Al Taqa, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by insurgents using automatic fire and explosives. His body was recently recovered in Iraq.The circumstances surrounding his capture and death remain under investigation. Anzack was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y

The Army spares no expense or effort to provide soldiers the top level of protection technology available

, the officer in charge of outfitting and equipping Army soldiers said yesterday. The service has fielded the most effective body armor tested thus far, said Army Brig. Gen. Mark Brown, Program Executive Officer Soldier, on a call with "bloggers" and online journalists. His comments came in response to May 17 and 20 NBC News reports challenging the Army's use of Interceptor body armor vs. the newer "Dragon Skin" armor developed by Pinnacle Armor Inc. The NBC reports claimed Dragon Skin performed better in independent testing than the body armor currently in use by soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. That was not the case in a series of Army-run tests, Brown stated. In Army testing conducted May 16 to 19, 2006, the Dragon Skin armor "failed catastrophically," Brown said. The armor sustained "13 out of 48 complete penetrations under a variety of conditions," Brown explained. When comparing armor manufacturers, "it's a sudden-death playoff," the general noted. "One failure is failure." As a matter of policy, the Army does not publicly release testing information, Brown said, but in this case, leaders believed the value of reassuring soldiers' families and loved ones trumped other concerns. "We generally don't talk about our vulnerabilities and our counters to those vulnerabilities in public because we believe that informs a very media-savvy and Internet-savvy al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, etc.," Brown said. "However, there's a balance to be struck," he said, "and we think the NBC reporting tipped the balance in favor of 'we had to go public in order to support the soldiers' confidence in their equipment.'" Even the opening shots of the NBC segments showed a soldier wearing Interceptor armor, taking a shot from an enemy round, falling over, and getting up to re-engage the enemy, Brown described. "If one picture is worth a thousand words, that should have been quite impressive right there," he said. Furthermore, the general noted, his organization operates with all of the financial and leadership support it requires to best equip deployed forces by actively pursuing new measures and technologies. "We are always researching for the next best thing," he said, with expenditures for basic research, nanotechnology, off-the-shelf systems and other avenues for research and development. In the case of body armor, Brown explained, "It is about the bullet, but it's not all about the bullet. It also has to cover the maximum amount of area. It also has to be light enough for the soldier to use. And, it has to work in conjunction with all the other soldier equipment." Interceptor armor weighs 28 pounds; while the Dragon Skin equivalent weighs 47 pounds. "You should not load up the human body with more than one third of their body weight for extended periods of time," Brown said. "For a 150-pound soldier, a 47-pound vest would be the entire one third of their body weight" before accounting for other equipment such as helmet, rifle, boots and canteen, he explained. Those demands recommend use of the Interceptor armor over and above its stronger performance in testing, Brown said. "Today we have the best body armor in the world, bar none," he stated. "It is live-fire tested; it is proven in combat."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 22 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit.They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Kristopher A. Higdon, 25, of Odessa, Texas. Pfc. Robert A. Worthington, 19, of Jackson, Ga.

DoD Assists in Identification of Missing Vietnam-Era CIA Pilot The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of an American civilian pilot, missing in action from Vietnam while flying for Civil Air Transport, a proprietary of the CIA, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is James B. McGovern Jr. of Elizabeth, N.J.He will be buried tomorrow at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. On May 6, 1954, McGovern, along with his co-pilot, First Officer Wallace A. Buford, and four French servicemen, departed Haiphong, Vietnam, in their Civil Air Transport C-119 on what was to be the last supply drop to the besieged French forces at Camp Isabelle-the remaining French holdout in the battle of Dien Bien Phu.As the aircraft approached the drop zone, it was hit by anti-aircraft fire.The pilots attempted to fly southwest to the relative safety of Laos, but crashed along the Song [River] Ma in Houaphan Province.Only two of the Frenchmen survived and were taken prisoner by Lao forces.One of them died within a few days, and the other was released and returned to France a few months later.McGovern, Wallace and two of the French servicemen were not recovered. Between 1997 and 1998, joint U.S.-Lao People's Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), traveled to Houaphan Province two times to investigate the incident.They interviewed several Laotian citizens who recalled the crash.The citizens said that three of the crewmen who died in the impact had been buried near the crash site.When the team surveyed the site, they found small fragments of aircraft wreckage, but did not locate any grave sites. In 2002, another joint U.S.-L.P.D.R. team excavated the site.They found crew-related equipment and aircraft wreckage, including an aircraft data plate dated 8-21-52, but found no human remains.A few months later, another team revisited the site and recovered human remains from an isolated burial. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA in the identification of McGovern's remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. David C. Kuehl, 27, of Wahpeton, N.D., died May 22 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS ARMY RMR (Joint Venture)*, Minot, N.D., was awarded on May 17, 2007, a $160,686,817 firm-fixed-price contract for replacement of family housing.Work will be performed at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and is expected to be completed by May 24, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 7, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0008). Hensel Phelps Construction, Greeley, Colo., was awarded on May 18, 2007, a $56,465,000 increment as part of a $105,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Brigade Combat Team-Heavy complex.Work will be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 9, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0010). M.A. Mortenson Co., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on May 17, 2007, a delivery order amount of $32,775,000 as part of a $200,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility buildings.Work will be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 9, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-D-0010). Fabritech Inc.*, East Alton, Ill., was awarded on May 18, 2007, an $11,370,375 firm-fixed-price contract for spare parts for the CH47 helicopter.Work will be performed in East Alton, Ill., and is expected to be completed by May 3, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on March 9, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0141). Carothers Construction, Water Valley, Miss., was awarded on May 18, 2007, a $10,171,399 firm-fixed-price contract for renovations of a Battle Seminar facility.Work will be performed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and is expected to be completed by July 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 23, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-C-0021). Vacco Industries Inc., South El Monte, Calif., was awarded on May 16, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,090,800 as part of a $14,602,400 firm-fixed-price contract for anti-icing valve assemblies for the T-700 engine on the Black Hawk helicopter.Work will be performed in South El Monte, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on Aug. 7, 2004, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-D-0127). HHI Corp.*, Farmington, Utah, was awarded on May 17, 2007, a $7,047,612 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an armament overhaul/test facility.Work will be performed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and is expected to be completed by May 19, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were eight bids solicited on Oct. 24, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0011). Alliant Techsystems, Plymouth, Minn., was awarded on May 17, 2007, a $6,000,000 modification to a cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-award-fee, and firm-fixed-price contract for 155mm, M549 system development and demonstration.Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minn., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 14, 2007, and five bids were received.The Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0130). Woodward Governor Co., Rockton, Ill., was awarded on April 23, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,814,828 as part of a $17,657,085 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance and overhaul of CH-47 fuel control.Work will be performed in Rockton, Ill., and is expected to be completed by April 20, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on March 27, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-D-0162). AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory, San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a $26,100,000 firm-fixed-price contract.The purpose of this action is to procure U-2 Airborne Signal Intelligent Payload (ASIP) support equipment i.e., depot level spares, test equipment, High Band System (HBS) refurbished equipment and back shop support equipment in support of ASIP U-2 fielding.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-07-C-4018). Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $13,035,143 cost-plus-award-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.This is a contract modification to the existing Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) high component engineering, manufacturing, and development contract.This contract action primarily provides for support to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) test and modeling and simulation programs team.This effort provides testing support in the form of manned and operated SBIRS representation to be known as the Test Support Capability (TSC) located at the Boulder, Colo. facility.At this time, $3,024,560 have been obligated.Negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete September 2010.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0017/P00433). NAVY Compass Systems, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $12,362,183 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the research and development for various command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting programs, sensors, mission and targeting systems, communication suites, and small aircraft vehicle systems. These efforts are in support of the Roll-On Roll-Off Sensor System for the Contingency Airborne Response program.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in May 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured under a Broad Agency Announcement, with one offer received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-07-C-0011). Force Protection Industries, Inc.*, Ladson, S.C., is being awarded $11,991,406 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 needed in convoy operations.Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $11,991,406 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an $11,567,381 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 70,590 engineering man-hour design agent engineering services for the MK-31 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) guided missile weapon system, and associated efforts.The MK-31 RAM Guided Missile Weapon System is a cooperative development and production program conducted jointly by the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany under a Memoranda of Understanding.Support procured under this contract is required to maintain current weapon system capability, as well as resolve issues through design, systems, software maintenance, reliability, maintainability, quality assurance and logistics engineering services.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (N00024-07-C-5443) Computer Sciences Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,978,983 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development, test and evaluation in environmental technology and engineering, marine science, chemistry, biological science, information technology and management, advanced sensor development, environmental platform systems, decision support systems and ocean/harbor/coastal surveillance in support of the Advanced Systems and Applied Sciences Division.This contract is one of two contracts awarded: both awardees will compete for task orders during the ordering period. This three-year contract includes one two-year option, which, if exercised, will bring the potential, cumulative value of the contract to $18,945,823. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed May 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with two offers were received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0108). Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,438,103 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development, test and evaluation in environmental technology and engineering, marine science, chemistry, biological science, information technology and management, advanced sensor development, environmental platform systems, decision support systems and ocean/harbor/coastal surveillance in support of the Advanced Systems and Applied Sciences Division.This contract is one of two contracts awarded: both awardees will compete for task orders during the ordering period.This three-year contract includes one two-year option, which, if exercised, will bring the potential, cumulative value of the contract to $17,969,822.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed May 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with two offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0091). Adara Networks, Inc., Scotts Valley, Calif., is being awarded a $7,304,818 firm-fixed-price contract for designing, testing, evaluation, and project support for the demonstration of the capability of an integrated service platform to solve problems of network latency, scalability and integration complexity to support Naval Health Research Center.Work will be performed in San Jose, Calif. (85 percent); Charleston, S.C. (10 percent); San Diego, Calif. (2 percent); Dahlgren, Va. (1 percent); Patuxent River (1 percent); and Quantico, Va. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with one offer received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity (N00244-07-C-0027). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Signature Flight Support Corp., Huntsville, Al., is being awarded a maximum $6,711,682.90 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were 2 proposals solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0065). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was awarded on May 22, 2007, a $5,505,000 cooperative agreement for research and development in ocean sciences.Work will be performed in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed in September 2008.Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This is a follow-on cooperative agreement.The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-07-02-0005). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered whenmultiple improvised explosive devices detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Shannon V. Weaver, 28, Urich, Mo. Sgt. Brian D. Ardron, 32, of Acworth, Ga. Spc. Michael W. Davis, 22, of San Marcos, Texas.

Two Multinational Force West soldiers died yesterday during combat in Anbar province, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified two previous casualties. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of two Army soldiers killed recently in Iraq. -- Army Sgt. Robert J. Montgomery Jr., 29, of Scottsburg, Ind., died May 22 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit in Jabour. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Pvt. Oscar Sauceda Jr., 21, of Del Rio, Texas, died May 22 when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Robert J. Montgomery Jr., 29, of Scottsburg, Ind.,died May 22, in Al Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Oscar Sauceda Jr., 21, of Del Rio, Texas, died May 22, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

Three soldiers, an airman and a Marine died, and 11 servicemembers were wounded in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported, and the Defense Department identified previous casualties. -- Two soldiers died and four others were wounded when their dismounted patrol came under small-arms fire southeast of Baghdad. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and four others were wounded by an improvised explosive device in northern Baghdad. -- A Multinational Corps Iraq airman died and three others were wounded by an improvised explosive device in southern Baghdad. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died during combat in Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of one Marine and four soldiers killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army 1st Lt. Andrew J. Bacevich, 27, of Walpole, Mass., died May 13 in Balad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit in Salah Ad Din province. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Spc. Rhys W. Klasno, 20, of Riverside, Calif., died May 13 in Haditha, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1114th Transportation Company, Bakersfield, Calif. -- Marine Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec, 34, of Albuquerque, N.M., died May 11 while conducting combat operations in Baghdad. He was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps National Capital Region, Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va. -- Army Pfc. William A. Farrar Jr., 20, of Redlands, Calif., died May 11 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Darmstadt, Germany. -- Army Pvt. Anthony J. Sausto, 22, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., died May 10 in Baghdad from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS NAVY The U.S. Navy is awarding indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to 391contractors that will provide for their competition for service requirements solicited by Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Naval Supply Systems Command, Military Sealift Command, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Strategic Systems Programs, and the United States Marine Corps.The 22 functional service areas within the scope of the contracts include 1. Research and Development Support.2. Engineering System Engineering and Process Engineering Support.3. Modeling, Simulation, Stimulation, and Analysis Support.4. Prototyping, Pre-Production, Model-Making, and Fabrication Support.5. System Design Documentation and Technical Data Support.6. Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support.7. Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability Support.8. Human Factors, Performance, and Usability Engineering Support.9. System Safety Engineering Support. 10. Configuration Management Support. 11. Quality Assurance Support. 12. Information System Development, Information Assurance, and Information Technology Support. 13. Inactivation and Disposal Support. 14. Interoperability, Test and Evaluation, Trials Support. 15. Measurement Facilities, Range, and Instrumentation Support. 16.Logistics Support. 17. Supply and Provisioning Support. 18. Training Support. 19. In-Service Engineering, Fleet Introduction, Installation and Checkout Support. 20. Program Support, 21. Functional and Administrative Support. and 22. Public Affairs and Multimedia Support.These contracts are in addition to the existing 892 contracts previously awarded under the SeaPort Enhanced (SeaPort-e) acquisition program for services procurements. The government estimates a maximum of $5,300,000,000 of services will be procured per year via orders issued under the SeaPort-e multiple award contracts.The awards have a two-year base period with one five-year award term and one additional three-year award term.These contracts were competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 399 offers received and 391 contracts awarded.Contract funds will be obligated at the time of task order award and as such, multiple funding types (with varying expiration dates) may be used, consistent with the purpose for which the funds were appropriated.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va. is the contracting activity (N00178-07-D-4920 through N00178-07-D-5310). The list of contractors involved are:4Ward Sciences Inc., Encinitas, Calif.; A&H Technologies, Inc., Ocean Springs, Miss.; A. Harold and Associates, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla.; A.T. Kearney, Inc., Chicago, Ill.; Abbott On Call dba AOC, Incorporated, Vienna, Va.;ABSG CONSULTING INC., Arlington, Va.; Acelsior, Inc., Wash. D.C.; ACTA, Inc., Torrance, Calif.; ActioNet, Inc, Fairfax, Va.; Adams Communication & Engineering Technology, Incorporated, Waldorf, Md.; ADC Engineering Technology, Inc., Gardena, Calif.;ADI Technologies, Mclean, Va.; Advanced Aviation Products LLC, Kennesaw, Ga.;Advanced C4 Solutions, Inc., Tampa, Fla.;Advanced Information Services Inc., McLean, Va.; Advanced Integrated Systems, Santa Barbara, Calif.; Advanced SW Technologies, LLC, Chesapeake, Va.; Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Germantown, Md.;Advantage Development, Westlake, Ohio; Advetco LLC, Fairfax, Va.; Aegis Federal LLC, Seattle, Wash.; Aero Simulation Inc, Tampa, Fla.; Aerotek, Inc., Elkridge, Md.; Affordable Engineering Services, Totowa, N.J.; Altruistic Technologies, Inc., Solana Beach, Calif.; Ambient Control Systems, Inc., El Cajon, Calif.; Ambit Group LLC, Reston, Va.;American Competitiveness Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.; American Technical Services, Glendale, Calif.; Amron Corporation, McLean, Va.;Amtec Corporation, Huntsville, Ala.; Analytical Research, LLC, Wash. D.C.; ANGLE Inc., Springfield, Va.; Antaeus Systems LLC, Wash. D.C.; AOC Applied Technologies Corporation, Chantilly, Va.; Apextech, LLC., Arlington, Va.; Apollo Professional Solutions Inc, Haverhill, Mass.; Applied Computing Technologies, Inc. (ACT), Falls Church, Va.; Applied Knowledge Group Inc., Reston, Va.; Applied Operations Research, Inc., Del Mar, Calif.; Applied Quality Communications, Inc., Oxon Hill, Md.; Applied Resources, Inc., Arlington, Va.; Applied Solutions Incorporated, Reston, Va.; Applied Technology, Inc., King George, Va.; ARA, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Architecture Systems & Technologies, Moss Point, Miss.;Armada Companies, LLC, Petaluma, Calif.; Arrowpoint Corporation, Alexandria, Va.;Artisan Electronics, Inc., Gosport, Ind.; ASAAW Group, LLC, Ashburn, Va.; ASC Group, Inc., Falls Church, Va.; Asynchrony HUBZone LLC, St. Louis, Mo.; Atlantic CommTech Corporation, Virginia Beach, Va.; Atlantis Systems America, Orlando, Fla.;Atlas Executive Consulting, LLC, Mt Pleasant, S.C.; Aviation Training Consulting, LLC, Altus, Okla.;Avid Technology Professionals, Laurel, Md.; AVUM Inc., Malibu, Calif.; BAI Inc., Alexandria, Va.; Bart & Associates, Inc., McLean, Va.; Bay Systems Consulting, Inc., Oakland, Calif.;BCF Solutions, Inc, Chantilly, Va.; Bering Straits Aerospace Services, Anchorage, Alaska;Bernardo Technical Services Inc., San Diego, Calif.; BETAH Associates, Bethesda, Md.; Black Laboratories, L.L.C., Newport News, Va.; Blackhawk Consulting Group, LLC, Bellevue, Wash.;BrainWaves, Inc., Johns Island, S.C.;Brockwell Industries, Petersburg, Va.;BTAS, Inc.dba Business Technology & Solutions, Beavercreek, Ohio;BTP Systems LLC, Ludlow, Mass.;Burr Business Solutions, LLC (BBS), Camp Hill, Pa.; C & A Solutions LLC, El Cajon, Calif.;C4I & Space Consulting, LLC, La Jolla, Calif.;CALNET Inc., Reston, Va.;Calvert Systems Engineering, Owings, Md.;Cape Henry Associates, Virginia Beach, Va.; Capgemini Government Solutions LLC, Herndon, Va.; Cartert-Lambert LLC, Landover, Md.; CCG, LLC dba Compass Contracts Group, EASTON, Md.;CellExchange Federal, Inc., Cambridge, Mass.; Celtic Technologies, Inc., Middletown, Md.;CenTauri Solutions, Alexandria, Va.;Centech Group Inc, Arlington, Va.;CenterScope Technologies, Inc., Elkridge, Md.; CGW Technologies, Inc., Great Mills, Md.; Chesapeake Technology International Corporation, California, Md.; Client Solution Enterprises LLC, Warrenton, Va.; Cline-Morin Associates, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.; Coleman Group, Inc., Lanham, Md.; CommIT Enterprises, Hughesville, Md.;Compumatics Inc dba Compumatics Group, Vienna, Va.;Comtech LLC, Vienna, Va.; Conserv Incorporated, Rockville, Md.; Consolidated Cordage Corporation, Boca Raton, Fla.;Copper River Information Technology, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska;CORTEK, Fredericksburg, Va.; Cousins & Associates, Inc., Mechanicsville, Va.;Cowan & Associates, Inc., Arlington, Va.; CPS Professional Services, LLC, Fairfax, Va.; Cryptek, Inc., Sterling, Va.;CTI Resource Management Services Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.;CyberBest Technology, Orlando, Fla.;CYIOS Corpp, Wash. D.C.;DC Maritime Systems, Alexandria, Va.; DEFTEC Consortium , Kapolei, Hawaii; Dell Federal Systems, L.P., Round Rock, Texas;Delta Consulting Group, Inc., Eads, Tenn.;; DePaul Industries, Portland, Wash.; DeVine Consulting, Inc., Union City, Calif.; Digiflight Incorporated, Wash. D.C.; Dimension4, Inc, Bremerton, Wash.; Diverse Technologies Corporation, Upper Marlboro, Md.; DJR Associates, Inc., Frederick, Md.; DMJM H&N, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif.; DPRA Incorporated, Knoxville, Tenn.;; DQSI Corp, Covington, La.; Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass.; DSCI, Eatontown, N.J.;Dynamic Science Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.;DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas; Eagle Applied Sciences, LLC, San Antonio, Texas; Eagle Group International, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.; EM Solutions, Arlington, Va.; EM-Assist, Inc., Folsom, Calif.; EMW, Inc., Herndon, Va.; ENCIN Technologies, INC., San Diego, Calif.; Engineering Management Integration, Herndon, Va.; Enlightened, Inc., Wash. D.C.; Enterprise Information Services, Inc., Vienna, Va.; Environmental Consulting & Training Services (ECATS), Knoxville, Tenn.;; eScience & Technology Solutions, Inc, Charleston, S.C.; ESHGroup, Inc., Alexandria, Va.; e-Source Technologies, Inc., Bethesda, Md.;ESRG Government Services, LLC, Virginia Beach, Va.;Evolvent Acquisition Corporation, Falls Church, Va.; EWA Information and Infrastructure Technologies, HERNDON, Va.; Executive Leadership Group, Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colo.; Expeditionary Technical Solutions(ETSI), Oceanside, Calif.; Facchina Global Services, LLC, La Plata, Md.;Fairmount Automation, Inc., Newtown Square, Pa.; Farrow and Associates, Inc., Williamsburg, Va.;Federal Technology Solutions Inc, Irvine, Calif.; Finbar Technologies, Pensacola, Fla.;FreightDesk Technologies, Inc, McLean, Va.; Fulcrum Corporation, Fairfax, Va.;Futron Incorporated, Lorton, Va.;GBS Group, Virginia Beach, Va.; Gemini Tech, LLC, Waipahu, Hawaii;General Infomatics, Inc., Springfield, Va.; Geographic Information Services, Inc. (GISi), Birmingham, Ala.; Geomorph Information Systems, LLC, San Diego, Calif.; Global Business Solutions, Inc., Pensacola, Fla.; Global Enterprise Management Solutions, L.L.C., Lorton, Va.;Global Management Systems, Inc, Wash. D.C.; GMG Management Consulting Inc, Laurel, Md.; Gnostech, Inc., Warminster, Pa.; Goldbelt Hawk, LLC, Yorktown, Va.; GovSource, Inc., Herndon, Va.; Grey Beard Systems, Inc Highlands Ranch, Colo.; GuideSoft, Inc. dba Knowledge Services, Indianapolis, Ind.; H&S Resources Corporation, Crownsville, Md.; Hana Group, Inc, Philadelphia, Pa.; Harbor Wing Technologies, Inc., Seattle, Wash.; Harris Corp dba Harris Gov Comm Systems, Palm Bay, Fla.; HART Technologies Inc, Manassas, Va.; Haztrain Inc dba Global Secure Training, White Plains, Md.; HCH Enterprises, LLC, East Providence, R.I.; HERDT Consulting, Inc., Chelsea, Ala.; Hodges Transportation, Inc., Silver Springs, Nev.;Horton Technical Associates, Inc., Las Cruces, N.M.; i3Tech Data Solutions, Inc., Oceanside, Calif.; Imedia.it, Inc., Houston, Texas; INDUS Corporation, Vienna, Va.; Info Soft Systems Inc, Potomac, Md.; InfoReliance Corporation, Fairfax, Va.; Information Design, Bremerton, Wash.;Information Dynamics International, Laurel, Md.; Information Management Resources, Costa Mesa, Calif.; Information Network Inc., Lanham, Md.; Information Research Corporation, Weston, W. Va.; Information Systems Professionals, Inc., Camarillo, Calif.; Innovative Decisions, Inc., Vienna, Va.; Innovative Logistics Support ILSS, New Orleans, La.; Innovative Productivity, Inc. dba NST Center, Louisville, Ky.; Innovative Technology Systems, Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Instant Data Technologies, San Antonio, Texas; Integrated Communication Solutions, Inc. (ICS), Frederick, Md.; Integrated Computer Solutions, Inc., Montgomery, Ala.;Integrated Solutions Inc, Holmdel, N.J.; Integrated Systems Technology & Telecommunications, Columbia, S.C.; Intelligent Decisions, Inc., Ashburn, Va.; intelliSolutions, inc., San Diego, Calif.;Interoptek, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.; IPG Solutions, San Diego, Calif.; Iron Shield Inc, Reston, Va.;ISI Professional Services, Wash. D.C.; ITA International LLC, Yorktown, Va.; IZ Technologies, Inc, Dulles, Va.; Jaggy, Inc., Wash. D.C.; JBI Technologies, Annapolis, Md.; KASEMAN Corp dba ALEX-Alternative Experts, Inc., Chantilly, Va.; Kay & Associates, Inc., Buffalo Grove, Ill.; KAYA Associates, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.;Ki Ho Military Acquisition Consulting, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; KJ and Associates, LLC, California, Md.;KMS Solutions, LLC, Vienna, Va.;Knowledge, NOWLEDGE ENGINEERS, INC., Alexandria, Va.;Kros-Wise, Incorporated, Escondido, Calif.;KSJ & Associates, Inc., Falls Church, Va.;KT Consulting Inc., ANTIOCH, Calif.;Larry Green and Associates, La Mesa, Calif.; LATEOTT Inc, Bremerton, Wash.;Leading Technologies Inc., Davie, Fla.; Liberty Business Associates, North Charleston, S.C.; Logical Apps, Inc., Irvine, Calif.;Logis-Tech, inc., Manassas, Va.; Louisiana Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Shreveport, La.; LTI DataComm, Inc., Sterling, Va.; Lunarline Inc, Wash. D.C.; MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc., Alpharetta, Ga.; Maden Technologies, Arlington, Va.; MagnaCom, Huntsville, Ala.;Marshall Communications Corporation, Ashburn, Va.; MATHTECH Inc., Falls Church, Va.; MDA Technologies, LLC, Woodbridge, Va.;Media Box Studios, Warrenton, Va.; Mercury Data Systems, Inc., Greensboro, N.C.;METHODS Technology Solutions, Inc., Baton Rouge, La.; MetroStar Systems Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Micro Systems Integration, Inc., Pawcatuck, CT; MicroTech, LLC, Vienna, Va.; MSS Services, Inc., Germantown, Md.; Mystikal Solutions, LLC, San Antonio, Texas; N2N Tech Solutions, LLC, San Antonio, Texas;Nakuurug Solutions LLC, Anchorage, Alaska; Namtra Business Solutions (NBS), Reston, Va.; NanoTech, LLC, Annandale, Va.; Nathan Kunes Inc. (NKI), Coronado, Calif.;NCI Information Systems Inc, Reston, Va.;Nekton Research, LLC, Durham, N.C.; Networking Technologies and Support, Inc., Midlothian, Va.;New Age Systems, Inc, Alexandria, Va.; New Technology Management, Reston, Va.; New World Associates, Fredericksburg, Va.; NextGen Aeronautics, Torrance, Calif.; NicTec, Virginia Beach, Va.; n-Link Corporation, Bellevue, Wash.; NMR Consulting, Annapolis, Md.; Novus Consulting Group, Manassas, Va.; NS Software Services, Pensacola, Fla.;Omega Systems, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.; OMEGA Training Group, Inc, Columbus, Ga.; Opal Soft Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.; OPTECH, LLC, Detroit, Mich.; Optimal Technologies International LLC (OTI),Orlando, Fla.;Orca Maritime, Inc., Imperial Beach, Calif.; Orion Solutions, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla.; Overlook Systems Technologies, Inc., Vienna, Va.; Pacific LLC National Research And Emer Serv dba AMARCOR, Ewa Beach, Hawaii; PAL Services, O'Fallon, Mo.; Paramount Solutions, Inc, Roswell, Ga.; Paratusec, Brunswick, Maine; PatchPlus Consulting Inc., Medford, N.J.; Patriot Financial Solutions (PFS), San Diego, Calif.; Patrona Corporation, Sterling, Va.; Paw Printz Solutions, Inc., Bowie, Md.; PBM Associates, West Creek, N.J.; PCCI Inc., Alexandria, Va.; PeopleTec, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.; Performance Management Consulting, Inc., McLean, Va.; Pilar Services, Inc, Laurel, Md.; Pioneer Technologies, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Planning and Learning Technologies, Inc, Arlington, Va.; Port Tobacco Consulting, LLC., La Plata, Md.; Potomac Management Group, Inc., Alexandria, Va.; Potomac-Hudson Engineering Inc., Bethesda, Md.; Prairie Quest Consulting, Fort Wayne, Ind.;Prism Maritime LLC, Virginia Beach, Va.; Procentrix Inc, Reston, Va.; Professional Data Dimensions, Indianapolis, Ind.; Professional Management Enterprises, Indianapolis, Ind.; Professional Project Services (Pro2Serve), Oak Ridge, Tenn.;; Professional Systems Associates, Inc., Panama City, Fla.; Prokor, Inc., Falls Church, Va.; ProLogic, Inc., Fairmont, W. Va.; Prosolutions, Inc, Boca Raton, Fla.;PSC Technology, Inc, Virginia Beach, Va.; QinetiQ Inc., Arlington, Va.; Qnexis Inc ,Herndon, VA ; Qsys Ltd., Arlington, Va.; Quantum Professional Services, San Diego, Calif.; Radiance Technologies, Inc., Huntsville, Ala.;Rapid Deployable Systems, Inc., North Charleston, S.C.; Reality Technology, Inc., Denver, Colo.; RECON Environmental, Inc., San Diego, Calif.; ReMilNet, LLC, Ponte Vedra, Fla.; Renaissance Sciences Corporation, Chandler, Ariz.; Rex Systems Incorporated, Chippewa Falls, Wis.; Rhinocorps Ltd Co, Albuerquerque, N.M.; RISE International, LLC, Herndon, Va.; RMGM Corporation, Northport, N.Y.;RMT Spectrum Associates, Inc. (RMT), Bowie, Md.; Roccomar, Inc., Brookeville, Md.; Roy D. McQueen & Associates, Ltd., Dulles, Va.; RS Information Systems, Inc., McLean, Va.; RSBP, LLC, Hollywood, Md.; S and K Technologies, Saint Ignatius, Mont.; ScenPro, Inc., Richardson, Texas; Science and Technology Research, Douglassville, Pa.; SCL Services, LLC, Mount Pleasant, S.C.; Secure Infrastructure Solutions Corporation, Fairfax, Va.; Sedna Digital Solutions, LLC, Fairfax, Va.; Sextant Engineering Technologies, Irvine, Calif.; SNVC, LLC, Fairfax, Va.; SoBran, Inc., Dayton, Ohio;Soft Concept Inc., Fairfax, Va.;SoHaR Inc, Culver City, Calif.; Solutions 4, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio; Solvern Innovations, Glen Burnie, Md.; SP Systems, Inc., Greenbelt, Md.; SPADAC Inc., McLean, Va.; SpecPro Technical Solutions, LLC, San Antonio, Texas; Spiral Technology, Inc., Lancaster, Calif.;Spry Methods, Inc., Rosslyn, Va.; Staff Tech, Inc., Folsom, Calif.;Strategic Computer Solutions, Syracuse, N.Y.; Strategic e-Business Solutions, Inc., Bethesda, Md.; Strategic Operations, Inc., San Diego, Calif.;Summit Technical Solutions, LLC, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Sunset Design, Oxnard, Calif.; Sympora Technologies, Oxon Hill, Md.; Synergy Software Design, LLC, Ellicott City, Md.;SynExi, LLC, Clifton, Va.; Synnovative Consulting, Alexandria, Va.; Syntronics LLC, King George, Va.; Systalex Corporation, Rockville, Md.; System of Systems Analytics, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Systems and Proposal Engineering Company (SPEC), Marshall, Va.; Systems Engineering Support, San Diego, Calif.; SYTRONICS, Incorporated, Dayton, Ohio; T.J. Incorporated, Christmas, Fla.; T3W Business Solutions, LLC, El Cajon, Calif.;TARVOS Systems, Inc, La Jolla, Calif.; TechFlow, Inc., San Diego, Calif.;Technical Data Analysis, Inc., Falls Church, Va.; Technology Solutions, Inc., Lexington Park, Md.;Technology Unlimited Group, San Diego, Calif.;Tec-Masters, Incorporated, Huntsville, Ala.;Tek Source USA Inc, Tampa, FL ; Tekla Research, Woodbridge, Va.;Test & Evaluation Solutions, LLC, Warrenton, Va.; TFC, LLC., Ft. Washington, Md.; Thomas Group, Inc., Irving, Texas; Thornberry Consulting, LLC, Mount Airy, Md.; Tikras Technology Solutions Corp, Alexandria, Va.; TimeWise Management Systems, Celebration, Fla.; TKC Technology Solutions, Fairfax, Va.; Total Resource Management, Inc., Alexandria, Va.; Totemic Business Solutions, LLC, Richmond, Va.; Toyon Research Corporation, Goleta, Calif.; Transformation Systems Inc., Blacksburg, Va.; Trident Information Services International Inc, Moraga, Calif.; Tridentis, LLC, Wash. D.C.; Tri-Force Consulting Services, Lansdale, Pa.; Tritek Services Inc., Las Cruces, N.M.;Twin-Soft Corporation, Alexandria, Va.; UMAKRIS CONSULTANTS, Del Mar, Calif.; Universal Consulting Services, Inc., Fairfax, Va.; Universal Technical Resource Services, Cherry Hill, N.J.; USfalcon, Inc, Morrisville, N.C.; Vaughn Management and Services, Inc., Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Veda Associates, Inc., Roswell, Ga.; Veraxx Engineering Corporation, Chantilly, Va.; Versar, Inc., Germantown, Md.; Veteran Enterprise Technology Services, LLC, Fairfax, Va.;VIATEQ Corporation, Fort Washington, Md.; ViGYAN, Inc., Williamsburg, Va.; Vision Systems & Technology, Inc., Ellicott City, Md.; Vista International Operations, Huntsville, Ala.; Visual Solutions, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.; Vitality, LLC, Wash. D.C.; VSolvIT, LLC, Newbury Park, Calif.; Vulcan Wireless, Carlsbad, Calif.; W. A. Swartz & Associates, Hagerstown, Md.; Walsh Analytics, San Diego, Calif.; Windsor Continental Corporation, Alexandria, Va.; Xcalibur Software Inc., Suite 510, Va.; XtremeConcepts Systems, Arlington, Va.; and Zapata Engineering, Charlotte, N.C. Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS-a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation), Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded an estimated $20,737,897 cost-plus-award-fee contract for DDG 51 Class follow yard services.NGSS will provide expert design, planning, and material support services for both ship construction and modernization.Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Miss., and is expected to be completed by September 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-2302). Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $15,572,561 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-01-C-0109) to exercise options for organizational, selected intermediate, and limited depot-level maintenance for aircraft operated by the Adversary Squadrons based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Fla.; NAS, Fallon, Nev.; and Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz.Work will be performed in Key West, Fla. (40 percent); Fallon, Nev. (30 percent); and Yuma, Ariz. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $15,572,561 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Sauer, Inc., dba Sauer Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $14,484,900 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of Phase II of a Consolidated Academic Facility at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune.Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by December 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with two (2) proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-1917). AIR FORCE Lear Siegler Services Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a $14,372,618 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This unpriced modification to the C-26 contractor logistics support contract is for an unpriced contract action for an OCONUS deployment in support of the Air National Guard.The work to be performed includes maintenance, repair, and support functions of the C-26 aircraft.At this time, $10,779,463 have been obligated.This work will be complete August 2007.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-07-C-0004/P00003). Radian Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $6,700,744 firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide for Deployable Power Generator Distribution Systems (DPGDS) secondary equipment.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Air Combat Support Systems Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8678-06-C-0105/P00014).

Nine servicemembers died and three were wounded yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified 20 previous casualties. -- Three Multinational Division Center soldiers died and two were wounded when multiple improvised explosive devices struck their patrol in Baghdad. An interpreter also was wounded in the attack. -- Two Task Force Lightning soldiers died when an explosion detonated near their vehicle in Baghdad. -- Two Marines assigned to Multinational Force West died during combat in Anbar province. -- A Task Force Marne soldier died and another was wounded when an improvised explosive device struck their dismounted patrol southwest of Baghdad. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died when his patrol was attacked with small-arms fire in western Baghdad. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of two Marines and 18 Army soldiers killed recently in Iraq. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Benjamin D. Desilets, 21, of Elmwood, Ill.; and Marine Cpl. Julian M. Woodall, 21, of Tallahassee, Fla., died May 22 during combat in Anbar province. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, 28, of Alpaugh, Calif.; Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, 27, of Pelham, Ala.; Spc. David W. Behrle, 20, of Tipton, Iowa; Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore, 26, of Webster, Fla.; Pfc. Travis F. Haslip, 20, of Ooltewah, Tenn.; and Pfc. Alexander R. Varela, 19, of Fernley, Nev., died May 19 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Baghdad. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Justin D. Wisniewski, 22, of Standish, Mich., died May 19 in when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit in Lutfiyah. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Sgt. Jason A. Schumann, 23, of Hawley, Minn., died May 19 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Diwaniyah. Schumann was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La. -- Army Cpl. Ryan D. Collins, 20, of Vernon, Texas, died May 19 when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire in Hamiyah. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott J. Brown, 33, of Windsor, Colo.; and Army Spc. Marquis J. McCants, 23, of San Antonio, died May 18 when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire in Baghdad. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Anselmo Martinez III, 26, of Robstown, Texas; Spc. Casey W. Nash, 22, of Baltimore; and Spc. Joshua G. Romero, 19, of Crowley, Texas, died May 18 when an improvised explosive device struck their unit in Tahrir. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood. -- Army Sgt. Ryan J. Baum, 27, of Aurora, Colo., died May 18 when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire in Karmah. Baum was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Jesse B. Albrecht, 31, of Hager City, Wis.; Spc. Coty J. Phelps, 20, of Kingman, Ariz.; and Pfc. Victor M. Fontanilla, 23, of Stockton, Calif., died May 17 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Iskandariya. They were assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Benjamin D. Desilets, 21, of Elmwood, Ill. Cpl. Julian M. Woodall, 21, of Tallahassee, Fla. Both Marines died May 22 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Raytheon Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $51,015,778 firm-fixed-price contract to provide for the production of parts with a 21-month lead-time for aircraft items.These aircraft production items are being procured in accordance with a Secretary of the Air Force approved Berry Amendment waiver.This action mitigates the schedule and cost risk to the T-6 aircraft production line by purchasing critical-path parts with exceptionally long lead-times prior to the award of the production contract.By initiating production of these parts today the Government will be prepared to deliver training aircraft and training devices to both the Air Force and Navy training bases on time and on cost.At this time, $25,507,889 have been obligated.This work will be complete June 2008.Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151 delivery order 0001-02). Boeing Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $49,165,697 time and materials, firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursement contract modification to definitize an undefinitized contract action which established not-to-exceed CY 07 time and materials rate and a not-to-exceed firm-fixed-price each for option VIII for this contract.The acquisition is for the procurement of sustaining engineering services to support the B-52H Stratofortress aircraft fleet.The engineering services will be provided on individual engineering assignment.At this time, $649,937 have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34601-99-C-0006/P00246).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Ryan D. Collins, 20, of Vernon, Texas, died May 19, in Hamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire May 18.The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. Collins was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jason A. Schumann, 23, of Hawley, Minn., died May 19 in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Schumann was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, La.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Christopher Moore, 28, of Alpaugh, Calif. Sgt. Jean P. Medlin, 27, of Pelham, Ala. Spc. David W. Behrle, 20, of Tipton, Iowa. Spc. Joseph A. Gilmore, 26, of Webster, Fla. Pfc. Travis F. Haslip, 20, of Ooltewah, Tenn. Pfc. Alexander R. Varela, 19, of Fernley, Nev.

U.S. troops operating in Iraq and Afghanistan have the best body armor in the world, and the Army is constantly looking for ways to improve force protection, the general in charge of the program told reporters here today. "Force protection is the No. 1 priority of the U.S. Army. We value our soldiers very highly, and we do everything we can do to ensure that they have the finest in force protection as they go into the battle," Army Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown, Program Executive Officer Soldier, said at a Pentagon news conference. In response to a May 17 NBC News report challenging the Army's use of Interceptor body armor vs. the newer "Dragon Skin" armor developed by Pinnacle Armor Inc., Brown today released information about the testing that ruled out Dragon Skin a year ago. The tests were conducted May 16 to 19, 2006, at H.P. White labs near Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The Pinnacle armor was subjected to the same tests Interceptor body armor goes through, first being X-rayed and analyzed and then undergoing a series of live-fire tests, Brown said. The live-fire tests included room-temperature tests, harsh environment tests, and durability and drop tests. Of the eight Pinnacle vests tested, four of them failed the tests, with 13 rounds penetrating completely on the first or second shot, Brown said. After the first complete penetration, the vests technically failed the test, but the Army continued the testing to be fair, he said. The Pinnacle vests also were subjected to extreme temperature variations, from minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which would be a realistic cycle if the equipment was loaded onto a plane and flown to the Middle East, Brown said. These temperature tests caused the adhesive holding the Dragon Skin's protective discs together to fail, and the discs gathered at the bottom of the vest, leaving gaps in protection, he said. Brown also noted that the Dragon Skin vests are significantly heavier and thicker than the Interceptor vests. Dragon Skin vests in size extra large are 47.5 pounds and 1.7 to 1.9 inches thick; the Interceptor vests in size large, which offer an equivalent coverage area to the extra large Dragon Skin vests, weigh 28 pounds and are 1.3 inches thick. "Bottom line is it does not meet Army standards," Brown said of the Pinnacle body armor. Brown showed reporters videos of the tests, which were supervised by the chief executive officer of Pinnacle. He also displayed the actual vests that were tested, with markers showing the penetration sites. The Army did not initially release the information about the tests because of possible security concerns, Brown said. "We are facing a very media-savvy enemy," he said. "They're not only media-savvy, they are Internet savvy. ... Everything that we put out into the public domain, we pretty much assume that they get. We don't like to discuss our vulnerabilities and our counters to the vulnerabilities in the open public." However, after the NBC report, Army leaders felt they needed to counter any doubts in the minds of servicemembers and their families, Brown said. "Our soldiers and, more importantly, the families - the wives, the children, the parents - have to have confidence that our soldiers have the best equipment in the world," he said. Right now, the Army's safety-of-use message mandates that all soldiers use Interceptor body armor, which has passed the same tests the Pinnacle armor failed, Brown said. The Army is interested in a more flexible armor, like the Pinnacle design, and if the company improves its product, it could be reconsidered, he said. Brown stressed that the Army has more than one set of body armor for every soldier in the combat theater, and that he has all the money and support he needs to make improvements to force protection. Also, the Army is constantly working to develop new technologies that will deliver better protection. "This is not just a matter of debate for us; this is personal," he said, noting that many of his staff members have relatives or friends who have served or are serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Amid the howl of revved-up racecars, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway yesterday showcased its 27th Armed Forces Day program with a group enlistment of recruits from all services and other military-themed events. The track held its Armed Forces Day activities in conjunction with final timed qualifications, called "Bump Day," to fill out the 33-car field for the Indianapolis 500 race May 27. Near the entrance of the track's green-tinted glass "Pagoda," U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar of Indiana gave the oath of enlistment as 61 Indiana young people raised their right hands to join the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard. "The whole community wants to honor the people who've made the decision you've made to serve your country," Lugar told the recruits before the swearing-in ceremony. "Thank you so much for being here and for your commitment." Lugar thanked speedway president and chief executive officer Tony George, noting this is the 27th year the track has hosted Armed Forces Day events. Lugar was among several prominent officials who participated in the Armed Forces Day program, which preceded the start of the day's qualification runs. Lugar presented a $105,000 college scholarship to each of four Indiana recruits who plan to obtain ROTC-sourced commissions upon graduation. The speedway is among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces here and abroad. Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications, hailed George and his staff for their support. Barber said she's impressed with the patriotism evidenced by the new military members and their families. "When you see that kind of determination and tenacity and focus on mission, it gives you a great sense as an American citizen that we have young men and women in the military who say, 'We want to serve our country,'" Barber said. Tracy Funk's 17-year-old son, Mitchell, joined the Air Force during the enlistment ceremony. Funk said she's proud of her son's decision. "His dad is retired Air Force, and Mitchell has always wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps. We're very proud of him," the 40-year-old mother and Brownsburg, Ind., resident said. "I believe in the training, and I'm confident that he'll be safe." Funk believes a lot of young people "are missing out" by not joining the military. "To serve your country is an honor, and it's a privilege," she said. Mitchell, who wants to become a helicopter gunner, said he's not worried about being deployed overseas. "We enjoy our freedom because of the men and women serving right now, and I am very proud that I get to do that," he added. Indiana Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Patrick Shannon was on hand to take three laps around the track with three-time Indy winner Johnny Rutherford at the wheel of the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette pace car. Shannon also waved the green flag to start the day's qualification trials. A member of Indiana's 38th Infantry Division, based in Indianapolis, Shannon was wounded in Ramadi, Iraq, in November. Shannon said he was inspired to see the speedway and America Supports You honor the nation's servicemembers. "Any time that a company or individuals appreciate the military is outstanding," Shannon said. "It's a great feeling to know America's behind you and that people support you." Several teams, including Indianapolis-based Playa del Racing, will sport America Supports You decals on the engine covers of their racecars during the Indy 500 race. The troops "really do a great job of representing our country," David Morgan, Playa del Racing's team manager, said as mechanics prepped the team's two 650-horsepower, Honda-V-8-powered machines. "It's important to support what they're doing."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 17 in Iskandariya, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Jesse B. Albrecht, 31, of Hager City, Wis. Spc. Coty J. Phelps, 20, of Kingman, Ariz. Pfc. Victor M. Fontanilla, 23, of Stockton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 18 in Tahrir, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Sgt. Anselmo Martinez III, 26, of Robstown, Texas. Spc. Casey W. Nash, 22, of Baltimore. Spc. Joshua G. Romero, 19, of Crowley, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Scott J. Brown, 33, of Windsor, Colo. Spc. Marquis J. McCants, 23, of San Antonio.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Jacobs Technology Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., is being awarded a $480,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure engineering and technical advisory and assistance services for ESC for the next three years.These services include but are not limited to providing a broad range of engineering acquisition support such as engineering services, engineering support, technical support, provisioning and logistics support, modeling and simulation, configuration, and data management, architectural support, text and evaluation, security engineering and certification, capability based planning , commercial off-the-shelf integration, support, integration master plans, integration scheduling, and technical reviews in support of various research, development and production activities.At this time, $5,353,727 have been obligated.Solicitations began August 2006 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete May 2010.For questions please call (781) 377-0241.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8721-07-D-0015). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $371,376,333 fixed-price-incentive firm-target contract modification to provide for five Global Hawk Air Vehicles, three mission control elements, three launch and recovery elements, along with associated equipment.At this time, $185,688,167 have been obligated.Solicitations began March 2006 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete March 2010.PA POC can be reached at (937) 255-2350.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-C-3002/P00001). Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Wichita, Kans., is being awarded a $29,246,017 firm-fixed-price contract.The B-52H Integrated Weapon Interface Unit (IWIU) program is a newly developed Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) which will replace the current 1980s developed LRU's which are becoming unsupportable.The LRU's currently installed in the Stub Pylon/Heavy Stores Adapter Beam (SP/HSAB) provide the command and control link between the B-52H Offensive Avionics System and all "smart" MIL-STD 1760 current and future weapons carried on the B-52H. The total amount of units to be procured is 120.The items being procured include Group "A" and "B" Kits, data, and engineering support.At this time, $16,963,618 have been obligated.Solicitations began December 2006 and negotiations were complete may 2007.This work will be complete December 2011.Headquarter Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8107-07-D-0001/order number 0001). NAVY McDonnell Douglas, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $88,860,996 order under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00383-06-D-004H) for procurement of newly manufactured spares in support of the F/A-18 C/D flight services system.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and work is expected to be completed by October 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Honeywell International, Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Albuquerque, N.M., is being awarded a $13,600,075 firm-fixed price contract for the full-rate production of 200 Advanced Multi-Purpose Displays (AMPD) for Lot 31 F/A-18F and E/A-18G aircraft and retrofit of F/A-18E/F Lots 26-28 aircraft. A total of 87 five-by-five inch forward; 56 five-by-five inch aft; and 57 eight-by-ten inch AMPDs will be procured. Work will be performed in Albuquerque, N.M., and is expected to be completed in December 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0014). Marvin Engineering Co., Inc.*, Inglewood, Calif., is being awarded an $8,825,070 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-06-C-0050) to exercise an option for 325 production BRU-32B/A ejector bomb racks and three periodic production samples for the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.Work will be performed in Inglewood, Calif., and is expected to be completed in April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ITT Corp., Night Vision Division, Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a $5,999,724 firm-fixed-price five-year indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for 18MM Image Intensifier Tubes for use in ground system night vision devices.The 18MM Image Intensifier Tubes are used in night vision goggles, night vision weapon sights, night vision binoculars and night vision monoculars.The tubes magnify and enhance existing natural light or laser illumination to allow users to see in the dark.Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by May 2012.$137,000 in contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured and solicited via the World Wide Web via Federal Business Opportunities with one offer received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8520). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY HRL Laboratories, Malibu, Calif., was awarded on May 15, 2007, a $2,600,000 increment of a $6,889,449 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus fixed-fee contract for military applications of quantum information science.Work will be performed in Malibu, Calif. (63 percent), Los Angeles, Calif. (17 percent), Cambridge, Mass. (11 percent), and Madison, Wisc. (9 percent), and is expected to be completed May 2009. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This action is a limited competition contract.The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-06-C-0052, P00007).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Justin D. Wisniewski, 22, of Standish, Mich., died May 19 in Lutfiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Ryan J. Baum, 27, of Aurora, Colo., died May 18, in Karmah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Baum was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

One soldier was killed and three were wounded yesterday

when their patrol was struck by a roadside bomb south of Baghdad, according to Defense Department officials. In another incident, a 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) soldier was killed and two soldiers were wounded in an improvised explosive device attack against their tactical vehicle near Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, near midnight yesterday, officials reported. The wounded soldiers were evacuated to a nearby military medical treatment facility. The weekend incidents followed a difficult day May 18 that claimed seven U.S. lives. On May 18, two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed and two others wounded when their combat security patrol was hit by an IED and engaged by small-arms fire in a northwestern section of Baghdad. In addition, one soldier was killed by small-arms fire during combat operations south of Baghdad. Three Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed in Diyala province when an explosion occurred near their vehicle. A soldier assigned to Multinational Force West was killed during combat operations in Anbar province. The names of the troops killed are being withheld until their families are notified. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the names of additional servicemembers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among them was Sgt. Anthony J. Schober, who has previously been listed as "duty status whereabouts unknown." Schober, 23, of Reno, Nev., died May 12 in Al Taqa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using automatic fire and explosives. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. In addition: -- Pfc. Jonathan V. Hamm, 20, of Baltimore, Md., died May 17 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when his forward operating base received indirect enemy fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Sgt. Steven M. Packer, 23, of Clovis, Calif., died May 17 in Rushdi Mullah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his dismounted patrol encountered an IED. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Pfc. Aaron D. Gautier, 19, of Hampton, Va., died May 17 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered when his mounted patrol came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire and an IED. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez, 25, of Winslow, Ariz., died May 14 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an IED and small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Whitaker, 23, of Long Beach, Calif., died May 15 in Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. Whitaker was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

David Matthew Hicks, a detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has been transferred to Australia

to serve out the rest of his sentence, Defense Department officials announced yesterday. Hicks pled guilty and was convicted of material support to terrorism March 30 during the first trial under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. As part of a pretrial agreement, Hicks's sentence has been limited to not more than nine months confinement. He will serve the remainder of his sentence in Australia as part of a transfer agreement with the United States, officials said. The Military Commissions Act established procedures that fully comply with Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, officials said. Military commissions have historically been used to prosecute enemy combatants who violate the laws of war. The last time the United States used military commissions was during World War II. Officials said the commissions provide a full and fair trial, while protecting classified and sensitive information and all personnel participating in the process, including the accused. The law of war provides the legal framework to hold enemy combatants for the duration of hostilities. Trials by military commission demonstrate that the United States is committed to holding dangerous terror suspects accountable for their actions, officials said. Since 2002, some 395 detainees have left Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Yemen.

Detainee Transfer Announced

The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of David Matthew Hicks from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to Australia. On March 30, Hicks pled guilty and was convicted of material support to terrorism in the first trial under the Military Commissions Act of 2006. The military commissions Act established procedures that fully comply with Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. Military Commissions have historically been used to prosecute enemy combatants who violate the laws of war. The last time the United States used military commissions was during World War II. Military commissions provide a full and fair trial, while protecting classified and sensitive information and all personnel participating in the process, including the accused. The law of war provides the legal framework to hold enemy combatants for the duration of hostilities. Trials by military commission demonstrate that the United States is committed to holding dangerous terror suspects accountable for their actions. As part of a pretrial agreement, Hicks's sentence has been limited to not more than nine months confinement. The remainder of his sentence will be served in Australia as part of a transfer agreement with the United States. Since 2002, approximately 395 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Yemen. Approximately 380 detainees remain at Guantanamo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jonathan V. Hamm, 20, of Baltimore, Md., died May 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his forward operating base received indirect enemy fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense today announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Sgt. Steven M. Packer, 23, of Clovis, Calif., died May 17 in Rushdi Mullah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his dismounted patrol encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Aaron D. Gautier, 19, of Hampton, Va., died May 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his mounted patrol came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS

AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $371,376,333 fixed-price-incentive / firm-target contract modification to provide for 5 Global Hawk Air Vehicles, 3 Mission Control Elements, 3 Launch and Recovery Elements, along with associated equipment.At this time, $185,688,167 have been obligated.Solicitations began March 2006 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete March 2010.Public Affairs POC can be reached at (937) 255-2350.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-C-3002/P00001). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boeing Co., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $28,800,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide for Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) Precision Laser Guidance Set (PLGS), quantity of 600 (USAF-400, USN-200).In response to a compelling and urgent operational need, the LJDAM Precision Laser Guidance Set system provides the Air Force and the Navy an improved aerial delivery capability for existing 500-pound bombs to attack moving surface targets.The LJDAM PLGS modifies existing JDAM GBU-38 guidance kits in inventory, using a laser seeker for the purpose of attacking moving surface targets.This effort also involves the management, engineering and logistics support necessary for production qualification and performance verification of the non-development PLGS.At this time, $2,800,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete June 2009.Headquarters Air to Ground Munitions Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-07-C-0209). Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Savannah, Ga., is being awarded a $7,300,000 firm-fixed-price and firm-fixed-price-level of effort contract modification to provide for C-20 Engineering Assignment.Engineering services will include design, modification, and concurrent maintenance on a C-20E model for conversion to the Gulfstream Test Vehicle (GTV).The GTV will provide a worldwide capable test-bed, able to fix existing VIP/SAM communications reliability and demonstrate the system to USAF senior leadership during representative executive airlift missions.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2008.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34601-01-C-0008/P00077). NAVY Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $7,067,265 firm-fixed-price Task Order 0002 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1056) for renovations to Bachelor Enlisted Quarters 13109 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Five proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Andrew J. Bacevich, 27, of Walpole, Mass., died May 13 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat patrol operations in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Yesterday marked Phil Stacey's first full day back to duty since his "deployment" to "American Idol." Petty Officer 2nd Class Stacey departed the base Jan. 22. The Navy musician made it into the top six finalists on Fox's "American Idol" before being voted off the show on May 2. "It feels good to be back. I've had a lot of support and love from Jacksonville, especially the military community. I wanted to represent the Navy and Jacksonville, but I also want to be an example for people who are set on accomplishing something they dreamed about doing," Stacey said. Although he was voted off, former contestants return for a finale episode that takes place after the next American Idol has been selected. Stacey will return to Los Angeles today. About his time on "Idol," Stacey admitted that he didn't expect to get as far as he did. "Even the fact that I got to go out there was pretty amazing. I've had a lot of support from my command," he said. Stacey said he hopes to go on the "American Idol" tour this summer, but that is still up to the military and his leaders haven't made a decision yet. He said the idea of auditioning on "American Idol" initially came about after he missed his friend's wedding because of a Navy band commitment. The friend jokingly said that the only way he would forgive Stacey was if he tried out for "American Idol." Stacey said he made lifelong friendships and had some incredible experiences during his time on the show. "I met some amazing people: Quincy Jones, Bono from U2. I even got to meet Tom Cruise at a party, and we talked about our kids," he said. "However, my favorite part of being there was being part of ... 'Idol Gives Back,'" a two-night special charity fundraiser on April 24 and 25. "We raised almost 70 million dollars to fight poverty," he said. The contestants all lived in a hotel together for a month before the show even started. Once they entered into the top 12, they were moved into apartments. Stacey resided with Blake Lewis, who is still in the contest, and Chris Richardson, who was voted out with Stacey on May 2. "I made some really great friends; the contestants in the top 12 are all like family to me," Stacey said. "I feel blessed for all the support from the Navy community. I especially appreciate my shipmates standing in for me while I was gone," he added. "I am very grateful."

The annual Joint Service Open House here kicked off today in tandem with a preview of two new military-themed, high-soaring postage stamps. Maj. Gen. Robert L. Smolen, commander of the Air Force District of Washington, hosted the Open House and stamp kick-off ceremony this morning inside Hangar 3, while outside on the tarmac servicemembers hobnobbed with visitors and spoke with pride about their freshly polished aircraft and other military equipment. This year's air show, held today through May 20, is truly special, Smolen said, since it's the 50th such event held at the Suitland, Md., base, while this year also marks the Air Force's 60th anniversary. Andrews' annual open house also showcases soldiers, sailors, Marines as well as Coast Guard members in addition to their equipment, Smolen pointed out, noting the event is called joint for good reason. "You're going to see the fine hardware and technology that our sister services have brought, and every bit of that is important to the missions that we have to perform," Smolen said. "There's nothing that we do today, worldwide, that we can do individually. "Each of our services contributes in a very special, integrated way to make it all happen," the two-star general said. Smolen also saluted America for supporting U.S. troops deployed overseas in the global war against terrorism. "We're very proud of the job that everybody is doing, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but throughout the world, representing the freedoms that we all value dearly," Smolen said. One of the new U.S Postal Service stamps bears the image of President Bush's Air Force One jet, while the other displays the commander in chief's Marine One helicopter. The stamps go one sale June 13. The Air Force One stamp will be issued for priority mail and will cost $4.60 each. The Marine One stamp will be used for express mail and will cost $16.25 each. The Air Force One fleet is based at Andrews and consists of two specially equipped Boeing 747-200B series jets. The fleet is operated by the Presidential Airlift Group, part of Air Mobility Command's 89th Airlift Wing here. The 89th's commander, Air Force Col. Margaret H. Woodward, was on hand for the air show and stamp kick-off ceremony. "We really appreciate this opportunity to recognize our banner aircraft in the Air Force fleet," Woodward said before the stamps were unveiled. "Air Force One is, of course, more than an airplane. It's a traveling monument to freedom. It is instantly recognizable to millions of people all over the world, serving as a beacon of hope, democracy and so many other things that this great nation stands for." The Marine One helicopter transport fleet is based at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Va., and consists of two specially equipped Sikorsky helicopters. The fleet is operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron One, commanded by Col. Andrew W. O'Donnell Jr. The Marine helicopter squadron has "the important and prestigious responsibility" of transporting the commander in chief, O'Donnell said during the ceremony. "On behalf of all the Marines and sailors serving in HMX-1, I want to thank you, and certainly thank the postal service for recognizing their service." David Failor, the postal service's executive director for stamp services, thanked the Air Force for hosting the stamp preview, noting 185,000 U.S. Postal Service employees are military veterans. "Their expertise and dedication have helped us deliver record service and performance for our customers," Failor said. The postal service, he added, coordinates closely with the military to ensure that letters and packages reach servicemembers deployed overseas. The postal service has issued many military flight-themed stamps over the years, Failor said, including the World War II-era F-6F Hellcat, the P-47 Thunderbolt, and the B-29 Superfortress bomber. "This morning we will add the beautiful images of Air Force One and Marine One to our stamp gallery," Failor said. These two aircraft represent not only the power of the presidency, he said, but they also symbolize "the extraordinary military professionals that stand behind that power and epitomize the meaning of duty, honor and country." Later on in the morning, open house visitor Denise Rogers, 15, from Capitol Heights, Md., checked out the inside of a Marine Corps' CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, one of myriad types of military equipment arrayed on Andrews' flight line for public scrutiny. "It's a nice helicopter," Rogers said as she sat in one of the cockpit seats and gazed upward at the Sea Knight's ceiling-mounted switches and gizmos. "It's pretty, and it has a lot of buttons." Marine Cpl. Brandon Fiaseu, 22, an in-flight mechanic who hails from Albuquerque, N.M., and is assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One's presidential fleet at Quantico, was on hand to explain the workings of the Sea Knight to air show visitors. Not many Marines get to work with the president, Fiaseu observed, noting it's also enjoyable to meet the public at venues like Andrews' open house. "Being at this air show is a great opportunity to show what we do and what our (Navy) brothers do in the fleet," Fiaseu said.

Three U.S. soldiers died and one was wounded yesterday when a roadside bomb struck their patrol south of Baghdad, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified 12 previous casualties. The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 10 Army soldiers, one airman and one Marine killed recently during U.S. operations abroad. -- Army Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Whitaker, 23, of Long Beach, Calif., died May 15 during combat in Qalat, Afghanistan. Whitaker was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Maj. Larry J. Bauguess Jr., 36, of Moravian Falls, N.C., died May 14 during combat in Teri Mengel, Pakistan. He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Allen J. Dunckley, 25, of Yardley, Pa.; and Army Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez, 25, of Winslow, Ariz., died May 14 during combat in Salman Pak, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. -- Air Force Staff Sgt. John T. Self, 29, of Pontotoc, Miss., died May 14 as result of enemy action near Baghdad. He was assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. -- Army Sgt. Thomas G. Wright, 38, of Holly, Mich., died May 14 en route to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, from a non-combat related illness he developed while serving at Balad, Iraq. Wright was assigned to the 46th Military Police Company, 210th Military Police Battalion, Kingsford, Mich. -- Army Pfc. Nicholas S. Hartge, 20, of Rome City, Ind., died May 14 during combat in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker, 21, of Macon, Ga., died May 14 during combat in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class James D. Connell Jr., 40, of Lake City, Tenn.; Army Cpl. Christopher E. Murphy, 21, of Lynchburg, Va.; and Army Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya, 19, of Nashville, Mich., died May 12 during combat in Taqa, Iraq. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Pfc. Zachary R. Gullett, 20, of Hillsboro, Ohio, died May 1 in Baghdad in a non combat-related incident. His death is under investigation. Gullett was assigned to the 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Carson, Colo.

Search efforts continue for three missing U.S. soldiers who are believed to have been abducted by al Qaeda on May 12 in Quarghuli Village, Iraq. Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), from Fort Drum, N.Y., and the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, have been conducting non-stop searches for the missing soldiers -- all assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT -- since their abduction. "As soon as we were aware of the incident, we immediately cordoned off the area and started the search," said Army Col. Michael Kershaw, 2nd BCT commander. The brigade, which is made up of about 14 company-sized elements, is using almost all of its elements both to search and to provide logistical support to soldiers on the ground. "We have been averaging about 20 events a day, and we're providing cots, food and water to those assisting with the search," Kershaw said. Aside from searching the area, soldiers have been continually asking Iraqis for any information they may have in regarding the incident, hoping the tips will lead them closer to the soldiers. "Although some tips may not be accurate, it is important for each one to be investigated," said Army Maj. Rob Griggs, the 4-31 operations officer. "All tips must be considered important, because you never know if it is the one that will lead you to the soldiers." "Everyone is motivated and knows the importance of finding the soldiers," Kershaw said. "They all take pride in this brigade and their fellow soldiers. ... It is in the Soldiers' Creed to never leave a fallen comrade." Search efforts will continue until the soldiers are found, U.S. officials have pledged. "The families back home need to know that we are not going to stop searching for the soldiers until they are found," Kershaw said. "They (the families) need to know the soldiers in this brigade are doing everything they can to find these soldiers."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Whitaker, 23, of Long Beach, Calif., died May 15 in Qalat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.Whitaker was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Army officials continue work to determine the identity of one of the four U.S. soldiers who were killed during an enemy attack May 12 near Mahmudiyah, Iraq. The Defense Department yesterday released the names and units of seven U.S. Army soldiers who were killed or reported missing when their squad was ambushed May 12 about 20 miles south of Baghdad. An eighth servicemember, an Iraqi army interpreter, also was reported killed in the attack. All of the U.S. soldiers belong to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), based at Fort Drum, near Watertown, N.Y. "It may be sometime today, leaning towards later in the day," when the identity of the soldier might be confirmed, Fort Drum spokesman Ben Abel said today. The deceased soldier's remains are undergoing DNA testing at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Abel said. The unidentified U.S. soldier's duty status is listed, for now, as whereabouts unknown, he said, along with the three missing soldiers. Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists in Iraq have claimed to be holding the three missing soldiers. Meanwhile, U.S. and Iraqi security forces continue to scour the area in search of the missing soldiers. "By God, they're not going to stop until they find their fallen comrades," Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said yesterday from Baghdad during a telephone interview with reporters. A reporter asked for Lynch's reaction in regard to reports that al Qaeda has placed statements on the Internet telling U.S. forces to cease the search for the missing soldiers. "I give no credence in what al Qaeda and al Qaeda-associated members decide to put on the Internet or what they decide to announce to the world," Lynch said. "We're not going to stop looking for our soldiers until we find those soldiers. "Whatever they put on the Internet, whatever pronouncements they make, we're not going to stop. We will not leave our fallen comrades," the two-star general emphasized.

CONTRACTS ARMY McKnight Construction Co., Augusta, Ga., was awarded on May 16, 2007, a delivery order amount of $15,354,619 as part of a $15,354,619 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a combined arms collective training facility.Work will be performed at Fort Stewart, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 20, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 20 bids solicited on Jan. 24, 2007, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0013). AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $11,450,000 fixed-price-incentive - firm-target contract to provide for low rate initial production lot 7 items:two RQ-4 Block 30 - Airborne Signal Intelligence Processor enabled air vehicles each containing an enhanced Integrated Sensor Suites; three RQ-4 Block 40 air vehicles - each containing a Multi Platform-Radar Technology Insertion Program Sensor; One Mission Control Element; Two enhanced Integrated Sensor Suites; Support Segment - support equipment and initial spares.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete March 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-07-C-4015).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker, 21, of Macon, Ga., died May 14 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Graybar Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $74,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations supplies.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. This proposal was web solicited with 7 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year, exercise of 2nd one-year option.Date of performance completion is May 18, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP07). Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, NJ., is being awarded a maximum $27,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations supplies.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.This proposal was web solicited with 7 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year, exercise of 2nd one-year option.Date of performance completion is May 18, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP08). Canadian Commercial Corp., Quebec, Canada,* is being awarded a maximum $23,092,171 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel. Using service is Air Force. There were 1 proposals solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-9401). World Fuel Services America, Inc., Greenwich, Ct., is being awarded a maximum $15,817,500 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for marine gas oil and fuel oil. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. There were 11 proposals solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is October 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-06-D-0384). ARMY AM General SPLO, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 14, 2007, a $23,098,788 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Frag 5 Field Kits for the M1152A1 and M1165A1 high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). NAVY Walton Construction Co., LLC, Shreveport, La., is being awarded an $11,465,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an integrated operations center at Barksdale Air Force Base.The work to be performed provides for renovation of Building 6402 for its reuse as the new integrated operations center.Work will be performed in Shreveport, La., and is expected to be completed by January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-1765). Motorola, Inc., Columbia, Md, is being awarded an $8,463,568 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to provide ancillary equipment for the Integrated Intra Squad Radio for the U.S. Marine Corps as required by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston.Work will be performed in Columbia, Md., and is expected to be completed by April 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was procured as a sole source. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-6306). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $7,394,189 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) for the redesign of five monolithic microwave integrated circuits utilized in the F/A-18E/F AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (95 percent) and St. Louis, Mo. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $6,040,893 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

National guardsmen in four states are helping to battle wildfires that have burned more than 300,000 acres, Defense Department officials said today. All of the guardsmen are working under command of state authorities. In New Jersey, a training mission started a fire at the Warren Grove Training Range in the Pine Barrens. An Air Guard F-16 conducting a close air support training mission dispensed flares that started a fire in the scrub pine forest. While range safety personnel were on the site immediately, the fire jumped a county road and a state road and has burned roughly 13,500 acres, New Jersey Guard officials said. Conditions on the ground are perfect for fires: low humidity, high wind and no rain for 20 days. New Jersey guardsmen in Blackhawk helicopters are cooperating with state forest officials and dropping water on the blaze, which has damaged about four dozen homes, officials said. In Florida, 110 National Guardsmen are supporting firefighting efforts in Flagler County. This includes guardsmen from South Carolina, and Georgia. In Southeast Georgia, 41 guardsmen are supporting operations, officials said. Georgia National Guard aircraft have flown 289.4 hours, delivering more than 2,500 buckets, each filled with 2,000 gallons of water onto hotspots. Guardsmen have also dumped more than 200 buckets, each filled with 700 gallons,on the flames. In Georgia,two CH-47 helicopters and a UH-60 helicopter are supporting the effort, officials said, adding that guardsmen are also providing some ground support. In Minnesota, two Air National Guard servicemembers are supporting firefighting efforts in Grand Marais, officials said.

Navy Names Two New Guided Missile Destroyers Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter has announced the names for the U.S. Navy's two newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyers to honor two American heroes famous for their naval service. DDG hull number 110 will be named the USS William P. Lawrence to honor Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, who served nearly six years as a prisoner of war (POW) in North Vietnam and later as superintendent of the Naval Academy. Lawrence was born Jan. 13, 1930, in Nashville, Tenn.He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951.At the Naval Academy, he played three varsity sports and was president and brigade commander, in which capacity he helped establish the Brigade Honor concept.He graduated from the Naval Air Test Center as an honor graduate and in 1958 was the first naval aviator to fly twice the speed of sound. During the Vietnam War, as commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 143, Lawrence earned the Silver Star for a strike against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam.He completed his mission, but was captured after his aircraft went down and he remained a POW until March 1973.He earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership to fellow POWs.Along with fellow prisoner and naval aviator, Vice Adm. James Stockdale, Lawrence became noted for resistance to his captors.Stockdale remarked that Lawrence, "repeatedly paid the price for being perceived by the enemy as a source of their troubles through his high crime of leadership.He could not be intimidated and never gave up the ship. In August 1978, he became superintendent of the Naval Academy and subsequently served as commander Third Fleet and chief of naval personnel. Following promotion to rear admiral in 1974, he served as: commander, Light Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet; director Aviation Programs Division on the staff of the chief of naval operations; assistant deputy chief of naval operations (air warfare); superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy; commander, U. S. Third Fleet in the Pacific; and chief of naval personnel, retiring in 1986. DDG hull number 111 will be named the USS Spruance to honor Adm. Raymond A. Spruance, whose calm and decisive leadership in command of Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway contributed to the pivotal American victory. Spruance was born in Baltimore, on July 3, 1886.He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906..His career was extensive, including command of five destroyers and the battleship Mississippi. In the first months of World War II in the Pacific,. Spruance commanded a cruiser division. He led Task Force 16, with two aircraft carriers, during the Battle of Midway. Spruance's disposition of forces and management of available aircraft proved to be brilliant. His decisions during that action were important to its outcome, which changed the course of the war with Japan. After the Battle of Midway, he became chief of staff to the commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas and later was deputy commander in chief. In mid-1943, he was given command of the Central Pacific Force, which became the Fifth Fleet in April 1944. While holding that command in 1943-45, with the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) as his usual flagship, Spruance directed the campaigns that captured the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Iwo Jima and Okinawa and defeated the Japanese fleet in the June 1944 Battle of Philippine Sea. Spruance held command of the Pacific Fleet in late 1945 and early 1946.He then served as president of the Naval War College until retiring from the Navy in July 1948.In 1952-55, he was ambassador to the Philippines.Spruance died at Pebble Beach, Calif., on Dec. 13, 1969. The USS William P. Lawrence and the USS Spruance will provide dynamic multi-mission platforms to lead the Navy into the future. Using a gas turbine propulsion system the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.Combat systems center around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-lD, multi-function phased array radar. The combination of Aegis, the Vertical Launching System, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Zachary R. Gullett, 20, of Hillsboro, Ohio, died May 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, as a result of a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Gullett was assigned to the 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Carson, Colo

The Defense Department yesterday released the names and units of seven U.S. Army soldiers who were killed or reported missing when their squad was ambushed by enemy forces May 12 near Mahmudiyah, Iraq. During a Baghdad news conference today, Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, extended his condolences to the soldiers' families, adding that the search for the three missing soldiers continues. Efforts also continue to make a positive identification of one of the deceased soldiers, whose duty status is for now listed along with the three missing soldiers as whereabouts unknown, the two-star general said. Army soldiers identified as killed in the attack are: Sgt. 1st Class James D. Connell Jr., 40, of Lake City, Tenn.; Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya, 19, of Nashville, Mich.; and Pfc. Christopher E. Murphy, 21, of Lynchburg, Va. Army soldiers listed as duty status whereabouts unknown are: Sgt. Anthony J. Schober, 23, of Reno, Nev.; Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.; Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif.; and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich. All of the U.S. soldiers belong to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, N.Y. In Iraq, the soldiers came under Multinational Division Center. Caldwell said he couldn't guarantee that the ongoing search for the missing soldiers would end in the most positive manner. "I cannot promise you the result that we're all praying for," the general said. "But, I can promise you that we and our Iraqi counterparts are doing absolutely everything we can to find our soldiers." The soldiers went missing after a convoy carrying seven U.S. soldiers and an Iraqi army interpreter was ambushed by enemy forces as it traveled west of Mahmudiyah, Iraq, during a search for roadside bombs. The attack site is located about 20 miles south of Baghdad. Local Iraqis have provided more than 140 tips and reports regarding the missing soldiers, Caldwell said, noting 37 specific operations related to the search have been conducted from that information. The search area is divided into 35 zones, Caldwell said, noting operations have been conducted in 32 of those zones. More than 600 people have been questioned, he said, while 11 or so have been detained for further questioning. One U.S. soldier has been wounded during the search operations, Caldwell said. "Those operations are still ongoing," Caldwell said. He added that thousands of U.S., coalition and Iraqi forces are involved in the effort and that some previously searched areas have been or are being reexamined.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 14 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Killed were: Sgt. Allen J. Dunckley, 25, of Yardley, Pa. Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez, 25, of Winslow, Ariz.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Thomas G. Wright, 38, of Holly, Mich., died May 14 enroute to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, from a non-combat related illness while serving at Balad, Iraq.Wright was assigned to the 46th Military Police Company, 210th Military Police Battalion, Kingsford, Mich.

DoD Announces Army Soldiers as Whereabouts Unknown The Department of Defense announced today the identities of four soldiers listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They have been unaccounted for since May 12 in Al Taqa, Iraq, when their patrol was attacked by enemy forces using automatic fire and explosives.They are assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Reported as DUSTWUN are: Sgt. Anthony J. Schober, 23, of Reno, Nev. Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Mass. Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif. Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Maj. Larry J. Bauguess Jr., 36, of Moravian Falls, N.C., died May 14 in Teri Mengel, Pakistan, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Nicholas S. Hartge, 20, of Rome City, Ind., died May 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using grenades and an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 12 in Al Taqa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their patrol was attacked by enemy forces using automatic fire and explosives.They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class James D. Connell Jr., 40, of Lake City, Tenn. Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya, 19, of Nashville, Mich. Pfc. Christopher E. Murphy, 21, of Lynchburg, Va.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. John T. Self, 29, of Pontotoc, Miss., died May 14 as result of enemy action near Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.

CONTRACTS NAVY PAE Government Services, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., is being awarded a $26,442,433 cost-plus-award-fee contract for base operations services at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Horn of Africa, their tenants, and outlying facilities.This contract contains four option years, which if exercised, would bring the total to a not to exceed amount of $140,658,850.Work will be performed in Djibouti, with an expected completion date of August 2008 (August 2012 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with six proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, is the contracting activity (N33191-07-D-0207). Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensor, Electronics Park, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded $7,397,531 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #0045 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-2002).The award is for the design, procurement, fabrication, integration, test, provisioning, data/ documentation and field installation of 12 modification kits and spares for the AN/TPS-59(V)3 Long Range Radar System 1A4 Exciter.The AN/TPS-59(V)3 Radar System supports Anti-Air Warfare operations, enroute traffic control to a distance of 300 nautical miles (nmi), and Theater Ballistic Missile surveillance to 400 nmi. The AN/TPS-59(V)3 is the only long range 3D Radar in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The 1A4 exciter is considered obsolete and must be replaced.Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was not competitively procured.Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, Electronics Park, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded $7,367,984 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #0043 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-2002) for the design, procurement, fabrication, integration, test, provisioning, data/documentation and field installation of seven 1A5 Cabinet Upgrades for the AN/TPS-59(V)3 long range radar system.The AN/TPS-59(V)3 Radar System supports Anti-Air Warfare operations, enroute traffic control to a distance of 300 nautical miles (nmi), and Theater Ballistic Missile surveillance to 400 nmi. The AN/TPS-59(V)3 is the only long range 3D Radar in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.The 1A5 cabinet contains multiple obsolete components and must be redesigned.Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was not competitively procured.Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. ARMY Emerson Construction Co., Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on May 11, 2007, a $17,322,900 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of a Combined Arms Collective Training Facility.Work will be performed at Fort Hood, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 17, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on Dec. 19, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0020). Alloy Surfaces Co., Inc., Chester Township, Pa., was awarded on April 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $16,998,991 as part of a $200,086,939 firm-fixed-price contract for M211 Infrared Countermeasure Decoys.Work will be performed in Chester Township, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 27, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 24, 2003.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-04-D-1002). L-3 Communications, Lancaster, Pa., was awarded on April 26, 2007, a $12,370,454 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for 105mm M467A1 Target Practice with Tracer Cartridges.Work will be performed in Lancaster, Pa. (40 percent), Largo, Fla. (24 percent), Riverbank, Calif. (15 percent), East Camden, Ark. (9 percent), Louisville, Ky. (4 percent), Radford, Va. (5 percent), and Belgium (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 23, 2005.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAE30-03-C-1104). Forrester Construction Co., Rockville, Md., was awarded on April 27, 2007, a $7,498,001 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a multi-level parking structure.Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on March 5, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-07-C-0012). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on April 27, 2007, a $6,244,463 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Curtiss Wright Controls, Littleton, Mass., was awarded on April 27, 2007, a $5,548,351 firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of items for the AN/APR-39A(V) 1 radar signal detecting set. Work will be performed in Littleton, Mass., and is expected to be completed by April 27, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 27, 2008.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-C205). Speegle Construction Inc.*, Niceville, Fla., was awarded on April 26, 2007, a $5,327,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and Construction of a Squadron Operations Facility with Utilities.Work will be performed at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 730 bids solicited on Oct. 30, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0023). Donjon Marine Co. Inc., Hillside, N.J., was awarded on May 10, 2007, a $5,057,560 firm-fixed-price contract for Maintenance Dredging in Port Reading/Fresh Kills Reach, Arthur Kill, and N.Y. and N.J. Channels.Work will be performed in Carteret, N.J., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were eight bids solicited on Jan. 5, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0017). AIR FORCE Engineered Fabrics Corp., Rockmart, Ga., is being awarded a $15,952,382 firm-fixed-price contract.This contract action provides for C/KC-135 fuel cells used in the center wing, aft, will forward and upper desk positions of the C/KC-135 aircraft.The primary function of the fuel cell is to store fuel for use during flight.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete June 2010.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8103-07-C-0077). General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,282,902 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This action will demonstrate an engineering scale-up of supercritical water oxidation system to convert 10 gallon per minute, or approximately 50 tons per day, DoD generated energetic waste.At this time, $809,600 have been obligated.Solicitations began October 2006 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete September 2010.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-5900). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Tulsair Beechcraft Inc., Duns., Tulsa, OK.,* is being awarded a maximum $8,184,541 fixed price with economic price adjustment for jet fuel.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0073). * Small Business

Coalition and Iraqi forces have been working around the clock since a pre-dawn attack May 12 that left one Iraqi and four U.S. soldiers dead and three other U.S. soldiers missing, Multinational Corps Iraq officials reported today. Every asset has been brought to bear in the hunt for the missing troops, who belong to Multinational Division Center, including search dogs, trucks with speakers, unmanned aerial vehicles, law enforcement advisors, and both U.S. and Iraqi troops, officials said. In a news conference today, Army officials at Fort Drum, N.Y., confirmed that the dead and missing soldiers are from Fort Drum's 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. The names of the soldiers have not been released. Personnel monitoring Iraqi tip call-in lines also have been busy, Multinational Corps Iraq officials said. Thousands of leaflets requesting information leading to the return of the soldiers have been dropped. The leaflets list telephone numbers for tip lines, and the information given is routed to units in the area. Army Maj. Kenny Mintz, the brigade operations officer for the 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Division, said the unit's participation in the search for the soldiers is continuing by all available means. "Right now our focus is on searching for the missing soldiers, and we're trying to isolate the areas where we think they could be," Mintz said. "The (captors) don't have freedom of movement; if they have the soldiers, they can't move them from where they are. We're doing a deliberate search of the areas for the people responsible for the soldiers we're looking for." The soldiers went missing after a convoy carrying seven U.S. soldiers and an Iraqi army interpreter was ambushed by enemy forces as it traveled west of Mahmudiyah, Iraq, during a search for roadside bombs. The attack site is located about 20 miles south of Baghdad.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Rhys W. Klasno, 20, of Riverside, Calif., died May 13 in Haditha, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Klasno was assigned to the 1114th Transportation Company, Bakersfield, Calif.

National Memorial Day Parade to Feature Actor Gary Sinise, U.S. Air Force Band and Veterans From All Branches of Military

-- The American Veterans Center again presents the annual National Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 28, at 2 p.m. along Constitution Avenue.

The parade features Honorary Marshal actor Gary Sinise, (best known for his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump and current star of TV's "CSI New York"). The Grand Marshals are a contingent of wounded heroes from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Honorary Marshal for WWI is Frank Buckles -- one of the last living American veterans of "The Great War."

Leading the parade is the U.S. Air Force band and the marching band from Washington, DC's Eastern High School.

Other highlights along with floats, military vehicles and active duty military, include:

* The parade commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the United States Air

Force with an Air Force flyover in the "Missing Man Formation" during a

National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. when the parade will halt for

one minute.

* Veterans of the "Band of Brothers," E. Company of the 506th Parachute

Infantry, 101st Airborne Division of World War II, made famous by the

HBO miniseries by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

* Tuskegee Airmen, pioneers who formed the first unit of black fighter

pilots during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen were recently awarded

Congressional Gold Medals by President George W. Bush for their heroic

service.

* Singer Pat Boone performs his tribute song to the National Guard called

"For My Country" prior to the start of the parade.

* Parade announcer is Adrian Cronauer, the famed Vietnam disc jockey

portrayed by Robin Williams in the movie, Good Morning, Vietnam!

* Several of the "Doolittle Raiders." 65 years ago, sixteen American

B-25s, led by Jimmy Doolittle, undertook a daring bombing mission

against Japan. The raid was a morale boost to the country, reeling

from the attack at Pearl Harbor. Included is Doolittle's co-pilot, Lt.

Col. Richard E. Cole.

For more information, visit http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com/ or call Tim Holbert at 703/302-1012, ext. 220 or e-mail tholbert@americanveteranscenter.org.

Source: The American Veterans Center

Web site: http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com/

DoD Identfies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec, 34, of Albuquerque, N.M., died May 11 while conducting combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps National Capital Region, Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense

CONTRACTS MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a sole source $140,696,593 cost contract for long lead material required for the manufacture and delivery of thirty-six Standard Missile-3 Block IA missiles to meet U.S. and Foreign Military Sales requirements in support of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. Work will be performed at Tucson, Arizona and is expected to be complete by May 2008.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6119). Fiscal Year 2007 research and development and Foreign Military Sales funds will be used.The contract will be incrementally funded, and at award will obligate $20 million FY-07 research and development and $5 million Japan Foreign Military Sales funds. ARMY Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on May 8, 2007, a $124,981,841 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the guided multiple launch rocket system; dual purpose improved conventional munitions, and unitary GMLRS rockets.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (20.8 percent), East Camden, Ark. (76.8 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (2.4 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 Nov. 9, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0001). B.L. Harbert International L.L.C., Birmingham, Ala., was awarded on May 9, 2007, an $83,947,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of barracks and company operations and dining acilities.Work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 26, 2006, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0024). Parsons Infrastructure and Technology Group, Pasadena, Calif., was awarded on May 10, 2007, a $69,686,662 modification to a cost-plus-award-fee contract for continued chemical agent neutralization operations leading to the closure of the Newport chemical agent disposal facility.Work will be performed in Newport, Ind., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 32 bids solicited on March 9, 1998, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-C-0016). McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on May 9, 2007, a $15,500,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for war replacement AH-64D Apache Longbow aircraft.Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 4, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala.., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0274). McGoldrick Construction Services Corp.*, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded on May 10, 2007, an $11,487,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Basic Expeditionary Airman Training Facility.Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 21, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 111 bids solicited on Jan. 11, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0019). Smiths Detection, Edgewood, Md., was awarded on May 9, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,892,514 as part of a $60,123,907 firm-fixed-price contract for M22 automatic chemical agent alarm systems.Work will be performed in Edgewood, Md., 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 May 2, 2007.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-06-D-0001). NAVY TEC, Inc. Joint Venture, Charlottesville, Va., is being awarded a $30,417,249 to exercise an option under previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62742-06-D-1870) for architect-engineer services for environmental planning to support strategic forward basing initiatives and related technical services for projects and activities at various locations.Work will be performed predominantly in Guam (95 percent), and in Hawaii, Saipan, and various locations in areas under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific), other NAVFAC components, or other governmental agencies for which NAVFAC Pacific is tasked to provide assistance (5 percent).The exact location of individual efforts will be designated on individual contract task orders.Work is expected to be completed May 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Aqua-Chem Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., is being awarded a $26,079,822 firm-fixed-price requirements type contract for 36,000 gallon-per-day Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination systems.The RO desalination unit is designed to produce 36,000 gallons per day of freshwater, with a total dissolved solids level below 500 parts per million from seawater.Unitswill be used on FFG and LSD ship modernization programs.Work will be performed in Knoxville, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by December 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with four proposals received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-07-D-0004). Triton Services, Inc., Electronic Technology Division*, Easton, Pa., is being awarded a $12,969,257 firm-fixed price, time and material indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of 265 Microwave Power Module Amplifiers Type II, engineering and technical support services, and repair services.Work will be performed in Easton, Pa., and is expected to be completed in May 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a request for proposals, with 11 proposals solicited and three offers received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Pt. Mugu, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-07-D-0011). John C. Grimberg Co., Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded $12,267,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0017 under previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0012) for construction of a clandestine lab training center at the Drug Enforcement Administration Justice Training Center, Marine Corps Base Quantico.Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Two proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE RS Information Systems Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $12,011,772 time and materials contract modification.This contract will provide for network operations center information technology services support to Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command (HQ AFMC).At this time, $10,542,000 have been obligated.Solicitations began March 2007 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8604-07-F-7068). * Small Business

National Guard troops are responding to wildfires in Florida,

Georgia, Minnesota and California, using air assets to deliver water and providing logistics and communication support. In Florida, 84 Army National Guard troops are currently activated in response to fires in Flagler County, according to information from the National Guard Bureau. Since May 5, Florida National Guard assets have flown 67 hours, 445 sorties, and dropped 379,360 gallons of water. A 32-personnel ground force is conducting mop-up training, and three helicopters are assisting with the Dairy Road Fire, in Bradford County. The Georgia National Guard is providing 42 troops in response to fires in the southeastern part of the state. As of May 11, Georgia National Guard assets, including two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, have flown 302 hours, delivering more than 5 million gallons of water. Twelve Army National Guard personnel with two Humvees, three 2.5-ton trucks, and one water buffalo are assisting with logistics support. In addition, three Air National Guard troops with one pickup truck are providing communication support. In Minnesota, the National Guard has deployed two UH-60s along with crews, and two fuel trucks with drivers and fuel handlers. The troops are dropping water to prevent continued flare-ups of a previously contained fire. The California National Guard provided eight troops in response to a fire on Catalina Island. Between May 9 and 13, two CH-47s with eight personnel on annual training status were used fly 103 civilian firefighters to the island, and two CH-47s are on standby to deploy again if needed

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Anthony J. Sausto, 22, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., died May 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Navy to Christen USNS Richard E. Byrd The Navy will christen the USNS Richard E. Byrd at 7:30 p.m. PDT on May 15.

The launching ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships will be held at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego. The ship honors Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957), an explorer famous for his Antarctic expeditions and for leading the first expedition to fly over the North Pole.Like the legendary explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, for whom the first ship of the class was named, Byrd bravely volunteered to explore one of the most remote and harshest places on earth. Due to his unquenchable thirst for exploration, he provided substantial contributions to the world's understanding of the Antarctic. Following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912, Byrd became a naval aviator and pioneered many techniques for navigating airplanes over the open ocean including drift indicators and bubble sextants. His expertise in this area resulted in his appointment to plan the flight path for the U.S. Navy's 1919 transatlantic crossing. On May 9, 1926, Byrd and naval aviator Floyd Bennett attempted to fly over the North Pole. For this extraordinary heroic achievement, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by a special act of Congress. Byrd departed the United States on Aug. 28, 1928, on his first Antarctic expedition. After World War II, he continued his exploration and led the largest Antarctic Expedition to date, Operation Highjump. This expedition involved 13 ships and 4,700 men who explored much of the little-known continent. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Byrd as officer-in-charge of U.S. Antarctic programs to command Operation Deep Freeze. Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr., commander of Military Sealift Command, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Bolling Byrd Clark will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her father. The launching ceremony will be highlighted in the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "Richard E. Byrd." The USNS Richard E. Byrd is the fourth ship in the Navy's new 11-ship T-AKE 1 class. T-AKE is a combat logistics force vessel that will replace the current capability of the T-AE 26 Kilauea class ammunition ships, T-AFS 1 Mars class and T-AFS 8 Sirius class combat stores ships, and when operating with T-AO 187 Henry J. Kaiser class oiler ships, the T-AKE will replace the AOE 1 Sacramento class fast combat support ships. To conduct vertical replenishment, the ship can carry and support two helicopters. Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S., NATO and allied ships, the USNS Richard E. Byrd will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Ships such as the USNS Richard E. Byrd provide logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships. The ship will transfer cargo, such as ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material, to ships and other naval warfare forces at sea. The USNS Richard E. Byrd is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 106 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet and displaces about 42,000 tons with a full load. Powered by a single-shaft diesel-electric propulsion system, the ship can reach a speed of 20 knots.As part of the Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the ship will be designated as a U.S. naval ship and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners.The ship will also have a military detachment of 11 sailors to provide operational support and supply coordination, and when needed, the ship will carry a helicopter detachment of 39 military personnel.

Three U.S. Army soldiers died in Iraq today and two others were killed yesterday

, military officials reported, and the Defense Department identified a previous casualty. -- Two U.S. Army soldiers died and four were wounded today when their dismounted patrol came under small-arms fire southeast of Baghdad. -- A Multination Division Baghdad soldier died today of non-battle causes. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier died and another was wounded yesterday when an explosive detonated near the patrol in Salah Ad Din province. -- One Multinational Coalition Iraq soldier died and another was wounded yesterday when an improvised explosive device detonated close to their vehicle near Haditha. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identity of a soldier killed recently while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Spc. Michael K. Frank, 36, of Great Falls, Mont., died May 10 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The U.S. military, coalition partners and Iraqi security forces are making a "massive effort" to find three American soldiers missing in Iraq since May 12

, a senior U.S. military officer said today. "We are using every asset and resource available to the United States and our Iraqi allies in these efforts," Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said during a videotaped release broadcast on the Pentagon Channel today. A convoy carrying seven U.S. soldiers and an Iraqi army interpreter was ambushed by enemy forces as it traveled west of Mahmudiyah, Iraq, during a search for roadside bombs, U.S. officials reported. The attack site is located about 20 miles south of Baghdad. Positive identification has been made of three U.S. soldiers killed in the attack, Caldwell said, and of the Iraqi interpreter. Identification of the fourth U.S. soldier killed in the ambush is pending, he said. However, "we still have three missing American soldiers," Caldwell said, noting their current duty status is classified as "whereabouts unknown." "We are doing everything we can to locate our soldiers," Caldwell emphasized, adding that Iraqi citizens are providing tips to help find the missing troops. Caldwell said credible intelligence information indicates that the U.S. soldiers have been abducted by al Qaeda or an affiliated terrorist group operating in Iraq. Intelligence teams, manned and unmanned aircraft, and an array of other U.S., coalition and Iraqi assets are being employed in the search operations, Caldwell noted. Information now being disseminated about the missing soldiers is intentionally limited, Caldwell noted, so as not to jeopardize ongoing search operations. The missing soldiers' families are receiving all available information, he said. Caldwell said the U.S. military's thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the missing soldiers and to those families who have suffered the death of a loved one as a result of the attack. Thousands of U.S. troops are combing the area where the missing soldiers were last seen, Caldwell said, noting everyone involved is "doing everything we can to find these brave and courageous soldiers." The U.S. Army is pledged to honor its tradition of never abandoning a comrade on the battlefield, Caldwell pointed out.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. William A. Farrar Jr., 20, of Redlands, Calif., died May 11 in Al Iskandariyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Farrar was assigned to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Darmstadt, Germany.

- All available assets are being engaged to find three missing U.S. soldiers who apparently were captured by enemy forces during a May 12 ambush near Mahmoudiya, Iraq,

a senior U.S. military officer told reporters yesterday at a Baghdad news conference. Aircraft, intelligence units and thousands of U.S. troops have been scouring an area about 20 miles south of Baghdad where the attack occurred, Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters. "We have an ongoing effort, obviously, to find our three soldiers that have a duty status of whereabouts unknown," Caldwell said. About 4,000 U.S. forces, he said, are "directly associated" with search efforts. "Everybody is fully engaged" in the search for the soldiers, Caldwell pointed out, noting "every asset we have, from national (other U.S. government) assets to tactical assets" are being employed. A convoy-conveyed squad of eight soldiers, seven Americans and one Iraqi army interpreter was attacked by insurgent forces about 12 miles west of Mahmoudiya on May 12, according to U.S. military officials. An al Qaeda-affiliated terror group that operates in Iraq has since claimed responsibility for the attack and says it is holding the missing U.S. soldiers. Five soldiers were reported killed in the engagement, Caldwell said, adding the U.S. military sends its thoughts and prayers to the families of the soldiers who were killed or are missing. Officials have identified four of the five soldiers killed in the attack as being three American and an Iraqi army interpreter, Caldwell said. Efforts continue to identify the remaining deceased U.S. soldier, Caldwell said. "We have not released even the unit identification to which those soldiers are assigned, because we don't know who the fifth soldier is yet," Caldwell said, noting identification of the fifth deceased soldier should be completed soon. Caldwell pointed to the "Soldier's Creed," which says soldiers are not to leave fallen comrades on the field of battle. "To every man and woman out there serving in uniform here in Iraq from the United States, we believe in this deeply," Caldwell said. "And, therefore, we will make every effort available to find our three missing soldiers."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Michael K. Frank, 36, of Great Falls, Mont., died of injuries suffered in Baghdad May 10, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

A coalition soldier died in Iraq after being struck by a makeshift bomb on May 11,

and the Defense Department has identified five previous casualties. The 89th Military Police Brigade soldier was severely wounded by a makeshift bomb blast south of Iskandariyah, Iraq. The soldier was evacuated for treatment at the coalition medical treatment facility at forward operating base Kalsu but later died of his wounds. The name of the soldier is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of a five soldiers who died recently supporting operations in Iraq. -- Army Sgt. Jason W. Vaughn, 29, of Iuka, Miss., died May 10 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a makeshift bomb detonated near his vehicle. Vaughn was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Pfc. Roy L. Jones III, 21, of Houston, died May 10 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small-arms fire. Jones was assigned to the 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Army Sgt. Maj. Bradly D. Conner, 41, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, died May 9 near Al-Hillah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a makeshift bomb detonated near his vehicle. Conner was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Sgt. Blake C. Stephens, 25, of Pocatello, Idaho; and Army Spc. Kyle A. Little, 20, of West Boylston, Mass, died May 8 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a makeshift bomb detonated near their vehicle. Both soldiers were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning,

Five U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq today and three others are currently missing following an attack near Mahmudiyah,

a senior U.S. military officer reported. "This morning at 4:44 a.m. in Iraq, a coalition force team of eight soldiers (seven Americans and an Iraqi Army interpreter), were attacked 12 miles west of Mahmudiyah," Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said in a written statement. "As a result of this attack, five soldiers were killed in action and three are currently missing." A nearby coalition unit heard explosions during the attack and unsuccessfully attempted to establish communications. Coalition forces arrived within an hour, secured the site, and immediately initiated a search, Caldwell said. The general said coalition forces are currently using every means at their disposal to find the missing soldiers, and will continue these efforts until all are accounted for. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed in this attack and for the missing soldiers and their loved ones back home," Caldwell said. The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending final identification and notification of next of kin. The specifics are as follows: -- Coalition forces heard an explosion at 4:44 a.m. this morning about 12 miles west of Mahmudiyah; -- After an unmanned aerial vehicle observed two burning vehicles, a quick reaction force was dispatched, arriving on scene at 5:40 a.m.; -- The quick reaction force reported finding five members of the team killed in action and three others whose duty status and whereabouts are unknown; -- Helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle, and fixed wing assets are being used to search in the vicinity; -- Checkpoints have been established throughout the area in a concerted effort to focus the search and prevent potential movement of missing soldiers out of the area; -- Coalition forces have engaged with local leaders to enlist their support in providing any information they can, and these engagements continue.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Roy L. Jones III, 21, of Houston, died May 10 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire.Jones was assigned to the 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jason W. Vaughn, 29, of Iuka, Miss., died May 10 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Vaughn was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 8 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Sgt. Blake C. Stephens, 25, of Pocatello, Idaho. Spc. Kyle A. Little, 20, of West Boylston, Mass. Both soldiers were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning

CONTRACTS NAVY

AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $30,409,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery contract for integrated training support and execution by U. S. Fleet Forces Command, associated fleet commands and activities conducting fleet training.This contract contains four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $163,432,349.Work will be performed in the Atlantic Region (90 percent); Central Region (7 percent); Pacific Region (2 percent); and OConus (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by April 2008, (April 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured, with 50 proposals solicited and one offer received.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-D-Q146). Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $17,485,372 for ceiling-priced-order #0225 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the CV-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Boeing Helicopter, Ridley Park, Pa., is being awarded $15,936,133 for ceiling-priced-order #0222 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the CV-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Healy Tibbitts Builders, Inc., Aiea, Hawaii, is being awarded $12,613,064 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0016 under previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1300) to dredge West Loch Channel for the T-AKE vessel at Naval Magazine, Pearl Harbor.The work to be performed provides for construction dredging in the West Loch Channel to provide access and berthing facilities at Wharves W1, W2, and W3 for the T-AKE vessel.The project also provides horizontal directional drilling construction of a water line under West Loch channel and bank stabilization along the dredged/excavated shoreline along Baltimore Point by slope control.Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Onyx of Alexandria, Inc. dba The Onyx Group, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a maximum $7,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for architect-engineer (A-E) services for facilities and land use planning studies and documents.The primary tasks anticipated are originating and updating planning studies and documents. The A-E may be assigned ancillary work to edit and rework incomplete or preliminary planning documents into final completed products based on technical knowledge and skills gained by professional training and experience in the planning and maintenance of military and government facilities and installations.Work will be performed in the areas under the cognizance of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific (NAVFAC Pacific), or the military service for which NAVFAC Pacific is tasked to provide planning assistance.The exact location of individual efforts will be designated on individual contract task orders.The term of the contract is not to exceed five years with an expected completion date of May 2008 (May 2012 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation websitewith five proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-07-D-1886).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Maj. Bradly D. Conner, 41, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, died May 9 near Al-Hillah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improved explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Conner was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Three U.S. servicemembers died and two were wounded yesterday during operations in Iraq

, military officials said, and the Defense Department has identified 10 previous casualties. -- A Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was severely wounded by enemy small-arms fire yesterday during a patrol in Diwaniyah, Iraq. The soldier was evacuated for treatment, but later died of his wounds. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed by enemy small-arms fire yesterday during a patrol in the southern section of the city. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and two others were wounded yesterday when their patrol encountered an improvised explosive device in eastern Baghdad. One of the wounded soldiers later returned to duty. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of nine soldiers and one Marine killed recently supporting U.S. operations abroad. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Walter K. O'Haire, 20, of Lynn, Mass., died May 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. O'Haire was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Timothy P. Padgett, 28, of Defuniak Springs, Fla., died May 8 in Tarin Kwot, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces during combat patrol operations. Padgett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Spc. Dan H. Nguyen, 24, of Sugar Land, Texas, died May 8 in Tahrir, Iraq, when his unit came under enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, 23, of Lodi, N.J.; Army Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, 25, of Clarkesville, Ga.; Army Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, 28, of Sandia Park, N.M.; Army Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander, 21, of Gretna, Neb.; Army Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw, 21, of San Antonio, Texas; and Army Cpl. Michael A. Pursel, 19, of Clinton, Utah, died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Staff Sgt. Virgil C. Martinez, 33, of West Valley, Utah, died May 6 in Kadhimiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire in Baghdad. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Walter K. O'Haire, 20, of Lynn, Mass., died May 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. O'Haire was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Timothy P. Padgett, 28, of Defuniak Springs, Fla., died May 8 in Tarin Kwot, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces during combat patrol operations.Padgett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS

NAVY Advanced American Construction, Inc.*, Portland, Ore.; General Construction Co., Poulsbo, Wash.; Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Wash.; Nova Group, Inc., Napa, Calif.; and Watts Constructors, LLC, Novato, Calif., are being awarded a firm-fixed priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract to provide new construction, renovation, alteration, demolition, and repair work, including any necessary design for marine/waterfront projects at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest (NAVFAC Northwest) area of responsibility.The total aggregate amount of all contracts is not to exceed $85,000,000, with a guaranteed minimum of $25,000 to each contractor.Watts Constructors LLC is being awarded the initial task order in the amount of $792,000 (including the minimum guarantee) for main dewatering discharge valve replacement in pumpwell #2 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Wash.Work for this task order is expected to be completed by October 2008.The remaining four contractors are being awarded the minimum guarantee of $25,000.Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations at various locations within the NAVFAC Northwest area of responsibility including but not limited to Washington (94 percent); Oregon (2 percent); Idaho (2 percent); Montana (1 percent), and Alaska (1 percent).The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of May 2008 (May 2012 for options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with nine proposals received.These five contractors will compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (contract numbers N44255-07-D-2009/2010/2011/2012/2013). Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, Niederlassung Nico Trittau, Bei der Feuerwerkerei 4, D-22946, Trittau, Germany, is being awarded an estimated $21,900,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MK13 Mod 0 BTV-1 EL diversionary hand grenades.The diversionary hand grenade produces a bright light and loud sound with minimal smoke and is used to provide a stunning effect, which temporarily dazes or disorients the targeted individuals or groups before they can injure themselves or others.Work will be performed in Trittau, Germany, and is expected to be completed by May 2010.Contract funds in the amount of $760,392, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4270) Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., is being awarded an estimated $5,553,632 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, contract to provide tactical communications systems integration; vehicular communication and electronic systems integration; aircraft communications systems (commercial and military) integration; airborne tactical communications systems support; roll-on en-route communications and electronics systems to support tactical missions.This contract is for technical, management, and logistics support to include, product development, communication systems production, logistical support, training and deployed lifecycle sustainment to support Code 59 customers.The contractor shall provide support to the Joint Warfighter Support Division to include:integration, sustainment, test and evaluation; systems analysis; systems integration; and operational systems.The contract contains options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $28,998,675. Work will be performed in Fayetteville, N.C., (70 percent); Charleston, S.C., (10 percent); Tampa, Fla., (10 percent), and Other, (10 percent) and is expected to be completedMay 2008 (May 2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-5880). ARMY S.B Ballard Construction Co., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on May 7, 2007, a $38,779,496 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an operations center.Work will be performed at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 15, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 14, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-C-0024). Army Armaments Inc., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on May 4, 2007, a $27,272,390 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for support services for the Shadow 200 system.Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by May 4, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 2, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0256). Harris Corp. RF Communications, Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on May 3, 2007, a delivery order amount of $21,305,515 as part of an $800,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for 150 watt base station radio systems, 150 watt vehicular radio stations, 50 watt multiband vehicular radio system, and 50 watt base station multiband radio system.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 1, 2000.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-01-D-M001). Sierra Nevada Corp.*, Hagerstown, Md., was awarded on May 4, 2007, a $12,659,719 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for airborne reconnaissance multi-sensor and medium altitude reconnaissance and surveillance systems.Work will be performed in Hagerstown, Md., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 29, 2006.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-M067). Frawner Corp.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on May 4, 2007, an $8,755,000 firm-fixed-price contract to upgrade the ammo supply point to accommodate munitions requirements.Work will be performed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 8, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0010). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Source for Native American Products, Eastport, Me.,* is being awarded a maximum $31,200,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for JSLIST chemical protective suits.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is a total set aside acquisition.Competition was sole source. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia (SPM1C1-07-D-1527). SYSCO Foods of Seattle, Kent, WA., is being awarded a maximum $10,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for full line food distribution.Using service is Navy.This proposal was web solicited with four responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is May 11, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia (SP0300-07-D-3053). * Small Business

Within four hours of the deadly tornado that struck this town under the cloak of darkness, Kansas National Guard servicemembers were called to duty to bring relief to their devastated neighbors.

Before the sun rose May 5 to allow responders to clearly see the extent of damage, 15 security forces personnel from the Kansas Air National Guard in Wichita were on the scene, providing law enforcement assistance to local authorities. "We arrived to utter devastation," said Master Sgt. Frank Cook, one of the first-wave responders with the 184th Security Forces Squadron, 184th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. "We worked to make a difference and protect what little property these people have left." The Air Guard security forces were joined by about 30 soldiers from the Battery E, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard, from Great Bend, Kan. The state's new C2V Mobile Incident Response Vehicle was mobilized early May 5 and placed next to the Greensburg Court House, one of the few buildings in the town left standing. Air Force Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general of Kansas and the director of emergency management, was on site in the early hours, setting the stage for timely communication response in support of local authorities. "We were fully operational within 12 minutes of arriving, and had on-board computers, phones, satellite internet, UHF, VHF, HF and 800 MHz radios. Emergency management personnel and the highway patrol utilized the vehicle extensively throughout the recovery," said Sgt. John Staiert, a Kansas Army Guardsman from Joint Forces Headquarters in Topeka. Also on the first wave of responders from the Kansas Air Guard was the 134th Air Control Squadron from McConnell Air Force Base. Their 15 personnel arrived on the scene during the wee hours following the EF-5 tornado that hit Greensburg head-on at 9:45 p.m. May 4, bringing with them many mobile communication assets. In short order, they established a command center complete with power, phones, video and teleconferencing capabilities. Generators, lights, water, fuel, a wrecker and heavy equipment operators also were on site. "The connection, coordination, and communication between the Air Guard and our Army counterparts have been fantastic," said Air Force Maj. Tim Smith, 134th ACS and on-site commander for the Kansas Guard resources. In response to numerous national and local media flocking to the area, the 184th Air Refueling Wing also sent a four-person public affairs team. They facilitated news conferences hosted by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and other officials. "Kansans are resilient," Sebelius said as she toured the area the evening of May 6. "I am so thankful for the prayers of not only Kansans, but from people across the nation." Air Guardsman Senior Airman Shane Clarke of Derby, Kan., has been a security forces troop for four years, but this was the first disaster he was called to serve in. "I got the initial phone call at 3 a.m., and at first I was nervous because I didn't know exactly what was going on. Once I went in and learned the full situation, I was eager to lend a hand. I want to help these people who must feel helpless and a little desperate. I want to let them know we care." Kansas National Guard personnel, along with local, state and federal emergency management agencies, will remain in the area throughout cleanup and recovery.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died May 6 at Pol-e-Charki, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from small arms fire.Their deaths are under investigation. Killed were: Col. James W. Harrison Jr., 47, of Missouri.He was assigned to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Master Sgt. Wilberto Sabalu Jr., 36, of Chicago.He was assigned to the U.S. Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Norman L. Tollett, 30, of Columbus, Ohio, died Apr. 28, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat patrol operations.Tollett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Discovery Cruise Line Celebrates Military Day All Year Long

WHO: Discovery Cruise Line.

WHERE: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

WHAT: Invites all Military who have served or are serving in Iraq or

Afghanistan on a complimentary fun day cruise from Fort Lauderdale

to Grand Bahama Island any time through December 31, 2008. The

free cruise has a value of up to $149.98.

WHEN: All year long. Military personnel or their families need only

fill out the form on www.discoverycruiseline.com and Discovery

will send them an email entitling them to their complimentary free

cruise. Reservations are required along with a Military I.D.

WHY: Discovery wants to recognize and thank the Military personnel

representing our country in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is its fifth year of offering the program.

Source: Discovery Cruise Line

Web Site: http://www.discoverycruiseline.com/

The Baghdad security plan is taking time to implement and will take time to produce results, so the evaluation of the plan in September, even if it's negative, likely won't lead to any precipitous actions, such as withdrawing all troops, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters at the Pentagon today. Speaking at a news conference with Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gates said the evaluation probably will lead to a "new direction" for the strategy, whether the plan is working or not. The United States has the capacity to sustain the surge into Baghdad through the spring of next year, Gates said, but future troop levels have not been decided. He said he made the announcement this week about the next troop rotation to Iraq, which involves 35,000 troops, to give the troops and families as much notice as possible. "They may or may not have to (deploy), but they know their next deployment will not be before, say, December, so they know they've got seven months to plan. It also gives their units time to train and do all the right things," Gates said. "So I think that there's a little confusion in terms of what our capacity is and in terms of what will actually be needed." Gates and Pace both emphasized that the evaluation in September will give them more information about what troop levels will be needed in Iraq in the future. "There's no doubt in my mind that we all understand exactly how this process is going to work," Pace said. "We're going to get to September, we're going to take a look at where we are, then we're going to make recommendations, the secretary and the president are going to make decisions and we'll carry it out from there. But this positions us to be able to either sustain or not, based on what the decisions are at the top." Gates said he hopes for bipartisan agreement on troop levels in Iraq - not necessarily on exact numbers and tactics, but on two basic principles: first, that is important for the United States to defend itself abroad so it doesn't have to defend itself against terrorists at home, and second, that the United States and Iraq will have some kind of strategic agreement that ensures U.S. troops are in Iraq as a stabilizing force for some time to come. Gates indicated that U.S. troops might provide intelligence services, logistics support or air support, but that the Iraqi government would have a lot of input into decisions about future U.S. troop levels. Currently, 10 Iraqi battalions are operating independently, 88 are operating in the lead with coalition forces, 27 are operating with coalition forces in the lead, and 29 still being formed, Pace said. The battalions operating on their own are able to plan and conduct their own missions, but may need air support, artillery support or medical evacuation help from U.S. forces. Pace also said that April saw the highest number of explosively formed projectile attacks in Iraq than any other month. All the EFPs are manufactured in Iran, but it "is not possible to point directly to who inside of Iran is supplying those or who has knowledge of those," he said. The primary purpose of the U.S. surge into Iraq is to provide stability for the Iraqi government to work on reconciliation and legislation, Gates said. Along those lines, he said, he cautioned Iraqi leaders on his recent trip to Baghdad that a two-month break by the Council of Representatives would be ill-advised. "I was blunt enough to say that every day that we're buying them for reconciliation is being paid for with American blood, and that the idea of the ... Council of Representatives going out for two months, in my personal opinion, was unacceptable while we were continuing to pay that price," he said. After his visit, Gates said he was confident that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the presidential council would do everything they could to convince the Council of Representatives not to take the break, and to continue working on the political progress that is so important to Iraq's future.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of six Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 6 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Vincenzo Romeo, 23, of Lodi, N.J. Sgt. Jason R. Harkins, 25, of Clarkesville, Ga. Sgt. Joel W. Lewis, 28, of Sandia Park, N.M. Cpl. Matthew L. Alexander, 21, of Gretna, Neb. Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw, 21, of San Antonio, Texas. Cpl. Michael A. Pursel, 19, of Clinton, Utah.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Dan H. Nguyen, 24, of Sugar Land, Texas, died May 8 in Tahrir, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

NASCAR Nextel Cup points leader Jeff Gordon today unveiled a new design for his No. 24 Dupont-sponsored car sporting a Department of Defense color scheme and the America Supports You logo emblazoned on its hood. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that showcases America's support for the men and women of the armed forces and their families. "May is 'Military Appreciation Month,' and there is no better place to honor our military than at the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day, particularly when Jeff Gordon takes to the track in his new blue America Supports You car," said Roxie Merritt, chief of Integrated Communications for the Department of Defense. Merritt was the America Supports You representative at the unveiling ceremony. "We truly appreciate Jeff's commitment to our troops and their families and NASCAR for amplifying the message to our servicemembers that Americans stand behind them," she said. The design is showcased as part of the American Heroes Memorial Day salute to the Armed Forces on May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway here. Gordon and sponsor DuPont created the commemorative paint scheme for the salute. Eight Nextel Cup drivers and two Busch drivers are sporting new looks with military themes during the Coca Cola 600 to help kick off a nationwide effort to raise funds for military families in need. The NASCAR team owners, sponsors, drivers and employees donated the space on their cars. Participating drivers include Greg Biffle, Ward Burton, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Shane Huffman, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Casey Mears and Jon Wood. The number of drivers and sponsors willing to participate surprised Gordon, who headed the initiative. Advertising alone on the hoods of some of the cars can bring up to $1 million per race, said Larry Deas, manager of Dupont Motor Sports. "These men and women fight with their lives on the line for our peace and our freedom. When you think about that, there's not enough that you can do," Gordon said. "It's a no-brainer." Deas said his group jumped at the opportunity. "I appreciate all (servicemembers) do," he said. "I hope this is just a little bit of a message from Dupont to say how much we appreciate what (the troops) do as a corporation. The fact that we supply a lot of products for them that help make them safer and more likely to come back home to their loved ones is something that I'm very proud of." Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, Army National Guard chief, represented the Defense Department at the ceremony. He said the morale boost from the cars' new paint jobs will be felt around the globe in the 177 countries where U.S. troops are serving. "It sends an enormous message of the commitment of NASCAR and the genuine care that they have for our American servicemembers," Vaughn said. "It has an impact on morale to know that there is a significant amount of the population that is strongly behind everything that (the troops are) doing and what they stand for." Marshall Carlson, Hendrick Motor Sports general manager said he has seen servicemembers over the years show their support to NASCAR, and his company appreciates the opportunity to express its gratitude for their service. His team runs the No. 25 National Guard car with driver Casey Meers. "When this opportunity came up, every one of our folks jumped all over it," he said. "We recognize the sacrifice and the hard work that all of the servicemembers give to the rest of us without any expectation of thanks. When you have the opportunity to express that gratitude to them, it's an opportunity you don't want to pass up." Gordon's Chevrolet features Defense Department colors of medium and dark blue, gold and red. "America Supports You" tops the circular logo against a dark blue background, with "Department of Defense" lettered along the bottom. Within the circle, against a medium-blue background, is the America Supports You program logo with its red heart and reversed white stars and stripes supported by a dark blue ribbon with a reversed white dog tag. The dog tag with the America Supports You logo is the official emblem of the program. The American Heroes Memorial Day Tribute is being supported by Nextel, which will conduct a national fundraising campaign encouraging its customers support the troops with donations to the United Service Organizations. The American Heroes program hopes to raise more than $1 million for American military families in need through the effort. "The USO is proud to be the beneficiary of the American Heroes campaign," said Edward A. Powee, USO president and chief executive officer, in a release to the media. "We thank Speedway Motorsports, Nextel, the NASCAR community and its fans for their support of our men and women in uniform and the USO." Four organizations are promoting the American Heroes Memorial Day Tribute and fundraising efforts: the USO, America Supports You, Speedway Children's Charities, and the Special Operations Hero Fund. The Speedway Children's Charities was founded in 1982 and provides medical, educational and social services to underprivileged children. In 2006, they awarded more than $2.8 million to more than 470 organizations, according to a news release. The Special Operations Hero Fund provides scholarships and educational grants to children of special operations personnel killed in training or combat. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc., or NASCAR, began in 1948. It is the top U.S. spectator sport holding 17 of the top 20 attended sporting events in the U.S., and is the No. 2 rated regular season sport on network television with broadcasts in 150 countries and has 75 million fans. More Fortune 500 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport, according to the NASCAR web site. Gordon is a four-time series champion. NASCAR has been a corporate team member of America Supports You since July 2005.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Virgil C. Martinez, 33, of West Valley, Utah, died May 6 in Kadhimiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Missions Systems, Carson, Calif., is being awarded a $97,023,309 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.This modification to the Space Based Surveillance contract is being issued to increase the contract value to recognize a subcontract overrun of $97,023,309.No additional work is being added to the contract by this modification.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-04-C-0002/P00055). Goodrich Corp., Group, Goodrich Aerostructures, Chula Vista, Calif., is being awarded a $9,370,800 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for forward nose landing gear door, gridlock design, 300 each; aft nose landing door, gridlock design, 300 each, in support of A-10 aircraft.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete April 2008.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8221-07-D-0002). NAVY Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Archbald, Pa., is being awarded a $19,024,478 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0020) to exercise an option for the procurement of 10,139 laser guided training rounds and 2,000 wooden containers.Work will be performed in Archbald, Pa., and is expected to be completed in August 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $191,012 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Rocket Center, W.V., is being awarded a $6,998,688 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0133) to exercise an option for the procurement of 7,034 FMU-139C/B electronic bomb fuzes, and 3,496 FZU-61/B lanyards.Work will be performed in Rocket Center, W.V. (91 percent), Clear Lake, S.D. (7 percent), and Janesville, Wis. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Four U.S. service members died and five others were wounded yesterday during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, military officials said, and the Defense Department has identified 10 previous casualties. Taliban fighters engaged Afghan National Army soldiers and U.S. advisors with small-arms, mortar and rocket-propelled-grenade fire yesterday northeast of the Sangin district center in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Combined forces fired back and pursued the retreating Taliban fighters. During the pursuit, the friendly force continued to receive enemy fire from the Helmand River's western side. Afghan soldiers and coalition forces maintained contact with the enemy as Taliban fighters took cover in compounds or continued firing on combined forces. Coalition close-support aircraft destroyed three enemy command-and-control compounds, including an enemy underground tunnel network along the upper Sangin River Valley. During the 16-hour battle, Afghan soldiers and coalition forces fought through three separate enemy ambush sites while dozens of Taliban fighters from Kajaki and Lashkar Gha reinforced enemy positions. During the engagement, more than 200 Taliban fighters engaged combined forces. Intelligence also indicates foreign fighters and Taliban fighters from Herat participated in the battle. One coalition member was killed in action during the long battle. There were no reported injuries to any Afghan civilians. "We will continue to pursue and interdict Taliban fighters who threaten the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," said Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesperson. "Taliban fighters have two choices: stop fighting and reconcile with the IROA, or face elimination by ANA and coalition forces." In Diyala province, Afghanistan yesterday, a Task Force Lightning soldier was killed by gunfire. Four other soldiers were wounded in the incident and were taken to a coalition forces' medical treatment facility. In Iraq, two soldiers were killed and one was wounded southeast of Baghdad yesterday when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of eight Army soldiers and two Marines killed recently supporting U.S. operations abroad. -- Army Col. James W. Harrison Jr., 47, of Missouri, and Army Master Sgt. Wilberto Sabalu Jr., 36, of Chicago, died May 6 during combat in Pol-E-Charki, Afghanistan. Harrison was assigned to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Sabalu was assigned to the U.S. Military Police School, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Their deaths are under investigation. -- Army Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Kiernan, 37, of Virginia Beach, Va., died May 6 in Baghdad during combat patrol operations. Kiernan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Hamlin, 24, of London, Ky.; and Army Pfc. Larry I. Guyton, 22, of Brenham, Texas, died after an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle May 4 in Baghdad. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Sameer A.M. Rateb, 22, of Absecon, N.J., died May 6 at Forward Operating Base Summerall in Bayji, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident. Rateb was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. His death is under investigation. -- Army Spc. Robert J. Dixon, 27, of Minneapolis, died May 6 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Dixon was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Pfc. Jerome J. Potter, 24, of Tacoma, Wash., died May 3 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Potter was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Marine MSgt. Kenneth N. Mack, 42, of Fort Worth, Texas; and Marine Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II, 36, of Manteca, Calif., died May 5 during combat in Iraq's Anbar province. Mack was assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, 2nd MEF, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Palmer was assigned to 8th Communication Battalion, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, 2nd MEF, Camp Lejeune.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Sameer A. M. Rateb, 22, of Absecon, N.J., died May 6 at Forward Operating Base Summerall in Bayji, Iraq, from injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Rateb was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Robert J. Dixon, 27, of Minneapolis, died May 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Dixon was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS NAVY Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $105,462,144 cost-plus-scheduled event-based incentive fee contract for system design and development of the Block 2 upgrade to the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), guided missile weapon system, in support of the Program Executive Office-Integrated Weapon Systems.The RAM MK 31 Guided Missile Weapon System is co-developed and co-produced under a NATO cooperative program between the United States and Germany.RAM is a missile system designed to provide anti-ship missile defense for multiple ship platforms.The Block 2 upgrade will enable the RAM missile to more effectively counter the emerging threat of more maneuverable anti-ship missiles.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by December 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5454). Hydroid, LLC, Pocasset, Mass., , is being awarded a $25,954,622 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the maintenance, repair, alterations and upgrades of the Remote Environmental Measuring Unit (REMUS) Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) system variants, as well as upkeep of documentation used with these UUV systems.The REMUS UUV is a two-man portable underwater vehicle.Efforts of this contract will include services and supplies required for the operation and maintenance of UUV systems, including maintaining them in state-of-the-art configuration.The contract will also provide for procurement of up to 24 additional UUV replacement vehicles/ auxiliary support equipment, should UUV's be lost or damaged beyond repair.Work will be performed in Pocasset, Mass., and is expected to be completed by May 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-07-D-0001). Hontek Corp.*, South Windsor, Conn., is being awarded a not to exceed $10,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program under Topic N02-162 entitled "Innovative Erosion-Resistant Coating Materials/Concept for Leading Edges on Composite Rotor Blades" for services and materials for engineering tasks.This contract is to continue the research and development, productization and integration, test and evaluation and product support of display replacement technology and/or replacement switch technology and products including exploratory study of application, further research and development, analysis for system integration, customizing prototype to specific platform needs, test and evaluation, production buys, support and training as necessary. Work will be performed in South Windsor, Conn., and is expected to be completed in May 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N02-162 and twenty-seven offers were received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity.(N68335-07-D-0008) Vasquez Marshall Architects, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $7,500,000 (base period and four options years) firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for architectural and engineering services for the renovation, repair and new construction of facilities on Navy and Marine Corps bases. The work to be performed includes the preparation of designs, drawings, specifications, and design-build Request for Proposal packages for repair, renovation and minor construction, demolition and new construction at various facilities.Services shall include design of interior and exterior alterations and repair incorporating the coordination of various architectural-engineering disciplines, and the differing aspects of phasing of construction that involve occupied and unoccupied facilities for the purpose of providing construction documentation.Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps bases in California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah, and work is expected to be completed May 2008 (May 2012 with options).The contract was issued as an unrestricted procurement. AIR FORCE Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $14,636,654 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification to provide for risk reduction for miniature air-launched decoy jammer system to include ground and captive flight testing. At this time, $9,641,946 have been obligated.This work will be complete March 2008.Headquarters 328th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08635-03-C-0002/P00053). ARMY ITT Federal Services International Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo., was awarded on May 1, 2007, a $6,268,892 increment as part of a $100,822,804 firm-fixed-price contract for management, supplies, and services, and for qualified personnel to provide armed guard services.Work will be performed in Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 28 bids solicited on Dec. 23, 2002, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Wiesbaden, Germany, is the contracting activity (DABN01-03-C-0010). -MORE- Freightliner L.L.C., Portland, Ore., was awarded on May 1, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,934,650 as part of a $557,192,901 firm-fixed-price contract for M917A2 dump trucks and M916A3 light equipment transporters.Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 21, 2000, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DACA85-02-D-0011). Martin Electronics Inc.*, Perry, Fla., was awarded on April 30, 2007, a $5,500,742 firm-fixed-price contract for M228 practice fuzes.Work will be performed in Perry, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 1, 2007.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-C-0029). * Small Business

A troop commander in Afghanistan delivered an apology today to family members of innocent Afghans who were killed following an attack on a Marine unit in the country March 4. On behalf of the U.S. government and coalition forces, Col. John Nicholson, commander of the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, apologized to the families of the 19 who were killed and 50 injured in the fighting following a suicide attack on a U.S. Marine Special Forces Unit. "All life is precious," Nicholson said in his prepared statement. "Our soldiers believe this, the American people believe this." Nicholson also gave the family members token amounts of money, "not as a claim, but as a gesture of genuine condolence and deep regret over the incident." "I stand before you today deeply, deeply ashamed and terribly sorry that Americans have killed and wounded innocent Afghan people," he continued. "...the death and wounding of innocent Afghans at the hand of Americans is a stain on our honor and on the memories of many American who have died defended Afghanistan and the Afghan people." Nicholson told reporters during a press briefing from Afghanistan that U.S. forces go to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties. He said that connections with local people are of great importance to U.S. forces. "It they do occur we go to great lengths to make it right with the people who suffered, because that's what America stands for," he said. "We seek to do no harm to innocent people," Nicholson said during the press conference. "So events such as that do set us back with the population and do need to be addressed directly." He said that by showing respect and being genuinely remorseful the meeting had great cultural significance and had a positive outcome with the families involved. "They hold us to a higher standard," he said. "And they should hold us to a higher standard. We should hold ourselves to a higher standard, because we are professionals and we can do better than that."

All five crew members of a Navy SH-60F Seahawk helicopter died yesterday in a crash about 10 miles west of here. Officials are investigating the cause of the accident. Press reports indicate the helicopter may have hit power lines in the area. Military aircraft initially located the crash site at 9:40 p.m. local time, 15 minutes after the helicopter crashed. A Navy UH-1N Huey search-and-rescue helicopter dispatched from Naval Air Station Fallon arrived at the scene at about 10:15 p.m. The helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 based in Jacksonville, Fla., was conducting a routine training mission from NAS Fallon. The squadron, part of Carrier Air Wing 3, which deploys on USS Harry S. Truman, began a month-long training detachment at NAS Fallon on April 30. The names of the aircrew are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jerome J. Potter, 24, of Tacoma, Wash., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Potter was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS NAVY L-3 Communications Titan Corp., Mount Laurel, N.J.; RBC, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va.; Sabre Systems, Inc.*, Warminster, Pa.; Navmar Applied Sciences Corp., Warminster, Pa.; Sabre Systems, Inc., Warminster, Pa.; Navmar Applied Sciences Corp.*, Warminster, Pa.; and BAE Systems Applied Technologies Inc., Rockville, Md. are each being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee modifications to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts (N00421-04-D-0080, N00421-04-D-0081, N00421-04-D-0082, N00421-04-D-0083 and N00421-04-D-0084, respectively) under a multiple award for the development of sensor systems and equipment.These modifications, which will increase the ceiling for each of the current IDIQ holders to $200,000,000, are L-3 Communications Titan Corp. ($96,061,530), RBC, Inc. ($111,019,202); Sabre Systems, Inc. ($117,193,273); Navmar Applied Sciences Corp. ($113,240,514); and BAE Systems Applied Technologies, Inc. ($117,922,154).Places and percentages of work will be determined based on the successful offeror for each individual task order issued.However, it is estimated that approximately 80 percent of the work for task orders issued will be performed at contractor facilities and 20 percent at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md.The five-year ordering period expires in April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Islands Mechanical Contractors, Inc.,* Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $16,577,967 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a migrant operations complex at the U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.The work includes providing packaged wastewater treatment plants, showers, latrines, laundry facilities, site work, utilities, administrative facilities, fencing, and warehouse facility. Work will be performed at the U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is expected to be completed by May 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with six proposals solicited and two offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Public Works Department, U.S. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-3313). AIR FORCE General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $58,976,370 firm-fixed-price contract.This effort is for the manufacture, test and delivery of four Predator B Reaper MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles and associated equipment to include initial spares, ground support equipment, and 30-day pack-up kits.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2006 and negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete December 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028-0007). Goodrich Corp., Chelmsford, Mass., is being awarded a $37,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for delivery of two reconnaissance pods, one mobile ground station, and test and integration support.This effort supports foreign military sales to Greece.At this time, $18,449,876 have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-07-C-4021). General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,135,251 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This contract action will provide a series of required tasks to design, fabricate, integrate, and test the Predator MQ-1B Block X aircraft which will utilize a Heavy Full Engine (HFE), will support a 3,200 lbs gross take-off weight, and will carry four Hellfire missiles (2 on each wing).The Predator MQ-1B Block X shall leverage off technology from the existing Predator B (MQ-9) program, the Army's extended range multi-purpose program and on-going GA-ASI internal research and development efforts.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began June 2006 and negotiations were complete April 2007. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028-0016). EMC Engineering Inc., Lakewood, Calif., Reynolds Smith and Hills, Jacksonville, Fla., and Lockwood, Andrews and Newnan Inc., Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a $10,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for ID/IQ Worldwide Architectural and Engineering services for energy and environmental requirements for the support of the Defense Commissary Agency.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Air Education and Training Command, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-07-D-0011/EMC Engineering Inc., FA3002-07-D-0010/Reynold Smith & Hills, FA3002-07-D-012/Lockwood, Andrews & Newnan Inc). Rockwell Collins Inc., Government Systems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $6,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This contract action provides for five C-130 avionics Group "B" kits for the Pakistan Air Force.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began February 2007 and negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete August 2008.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8504-07-C-0006). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 5 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Master Sgt. Kenneth N. Mack, 42, of Fort Worth, Texas. Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II, 36, of Manteca, Calif. Mack was assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquaters Group, II MEF, Camp Lejeune, N.C.Palmer was assigned to 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II MEF, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Kiernan, 37, of Virginia Beach, Va., died May 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat patrol operations.Kiernan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations May 4 in Baghdad, Iraq.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Hamlin, 24, of London, Ky., died May 4 in Baghdad, Iraq. Pfc. Larry I. Guyton, 22, of Brenham, Texas, died May 5 in Balad, Iraq.

Five Missing WWII Airmen are Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of five U.S. servicemen, missing from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are 1st Lt. Cecil W. Biggs, of Teague, Texas; 1st Lt. William L. Pearce, of San Antonio, Texas; 2nd Lt. Thomas R. Yenner, of Kingston, Pa.; Tech. Sgt. Russell W. Abendschoen of York, Pa.; and Staff Sgt. George G. Herbst of Brooklyn, N.Y.; all U.S. Army Air Forces.Pearce was buried April 27 in Louisville, Ky.; Herbst will be buried June 8 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.; Biggs will be buried June 9 in Teague, Texas; Abendschoen's funeral is June 13 at Arlington; and Yenner will be buried July 30 at Arlington. Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army. On Sept. 21, 1944, a C-47A Skytrain crewed by these airmen was delivering Polish paratroopers to a drop zone south of Arnhem, Holland, in support of "Operation Market Garden."Soon after departing the drop zone, the plane crashed and there were no survivors.The Germans opened the dikes in the region where the plane crashed and flooded the area before any remains could be recovered. When Dutch citizens returned to their homes in Arnhem the next year, they recovered remains from the Skytrain's wreckage and buried them in a nearby cemetery.A U.S. Army graves registration team later disinterred the remains which were reburied as group remains in 1950 at the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Kentucky. In 1994, a Dutch citizen located more human remains and other crew-related materials at a site associated with this C-47 crash.They were eventually turned over to U.S. officials. Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains of these five men.The remains that could not be attributed to a specific individual have been buried with the first set of group remains at the Zachary Taylor National Cemetery.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today put some punch behind implementing changes in wounded warrior care by announcing an oversight committee chaired by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England

that will ensure recommendations by his Independent Review Group are implemented. The group's findings and recommendations were presented in a 129-page report to the Defense Department April 19, and Gates met with the group today. Flanked by the group's co-chairs, former Army secretaries Togo D. West Jr. and John O. Marsh Jr., Gates said the oversight group will ensure the recommendations of the IRG, the president's Commission on Care for Returning Wounded Warriors, and the Interagency Task Force are promptly and properly integrated, implemented, coordinated and resourced. Other members of the group attended the briefing, along with a handful of senior Defense Department civilian officials. "Apart from the war, this department and I have no higher priority" than to ensure wounded servicemembers have the best care and facilities and ample assistance navigating the next step in their lives, Gates said. "That is what we intend to give them," he said. Senior military and civilian officials will make up the oversight committee, including all of the service chiefs or vice chiefs, the chairman or vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and senior civilian leadership from the department's personnel and readiness and health affairs functions, Gates said. The committee will meet weekly. Defense Department Health Affairs and the Army have already begun implementing changes recommended by the nine-member panel charged with assessing care for servicemembers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. The group held public meetings, established a hotline to receive comments and visited 10 military medical centers across the country. "Though we perceive ourselves as a nation that is grateful, (that) is honored by the service of its wounded veterans and servicemembers ... our review suggests that our servicemembers and their families have not always seen it that way," said West. West said the group found that inpatient care was "excellent" but that problems began when the servicemember was transferred to outpatient care. Among the recommendations were more caseworkers and better training, more physicians to coordinate patient care, and an improvement of attitude in general, said West. Also, West said, the Base Realignment and Closure and A76 cost-comparison processes at Walter Reed caused uncertainty among the personnel at the center. He called for a review to examine how the processes affect medical centers. The group, however, did not recommend that the aging D.C. hospital campus be taken off of the BRAC list, but instead recommended that the process be expedited and preparations be made faster at the National Naval Medical Center and at Fort Belvoir, Va., to receive those functions. The report also calls for establishing a center of excellence that focuses on traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder. The medical evaluation process is "lengthy and segmented" and needs to be consolidated into one process involving all related departments, the report recommends. "For those in the departments who understand how it works, it all seems logical," West said. "For vulnerable servicemembers and their families, it seems a contradictory mass of sequential reviews, of several sequential decisions, compounded by confusing regulations at a time when they are most vulnerable and least able to follow them." Marsh said a breakdown in the system of reporting complaints caused reports of substandard care not to be heard quickly enough. The group recommended establishing an oversight system to field complaints and elevate them to senior leadership. Army officials said the service has resolved, or is resolving, 24 of the 26 findings of the review group. The remaining two findings require efforts by the Defense or Veterans Affairs departments, they said.

Three U.S. troops were killed yesterday,

two in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, and two servicemembers were wounded yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported. Two U.S. servicemembers were killed and two others wounded yesterday when an apparent Afghan National Army soldier fired shots into their vehicles as they left the Pol-E-Charki Prison in Kabul. Other Afghan National Army soldiers providing external security for the prison rushed to the aid of the U.S. personnel and fatally shot the rogue soldier. The two wounded soldiers were listed in stable condition. U.S. and Afghan officials are investigating the incident. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed yesterday when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire in the western section of the Iraqi capital. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Apr. 28 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire during combat operations.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. Killed were: Sgt. Glenn D. Hicks Jr., 24, of College Station, Texas. Pfc. Jay-D H. Ornsby-Adkins, 21, of Ione, Calif. Pvt. Cole E. Spencer, 21, of Gays, Ill.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense

CONTRACTS USSOCOM Harris Corp., RF Communications Division, Rochester, N.Y., is being awarded a $422,000,000 not to exceed ceiling, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity five year contract (with an optional five year ordering period) for the procurement of Improved Special Operation Forces High-Frequency Multi-Band Radio System in support of the Special Operations Acquisition and Logistics, Intelligence and Information Systems, Program Management of Command, Control and Communications Office.The work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y.The contract number is H92222-07-D-0008. NAVY Knik Construction Co., Inc., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded an $11,725,000 firm-fixed price construction contractfor repairs to Leeward Airfield at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with two offers received.Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-1257). Eagan McAllister Associates, Inc., (EMA) Lexington, Md., is being awarded a $7,400,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N65236-03-D-5859) for engineering, technical and logistical communication services for various Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) equipment and systems. EMA is currently providing on-going critical systems engineering support for Naval Modular Automated Communications System II/Single Messaging Solution, Defense Message System, Automated Digital Network Systems, Demand Assigned Multiple Access Common User Digital Information Exchange Subsystem II systems support to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston's C4ISR programs, to ensure that continuing engineering and technical support is provided in the Iraqi Freedom and Global War on Terrorism efforts.EMA is also providing critical engineering and related support services directly to fleet and shore units involved in eradicating global terrorism.The cumulative value of this contract, including the modification is an estimated $56,804,858. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by February 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-03-D-5859). AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $19,034,029 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to provide for Block 50 F-16 Mission Training Center training services for Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and Misawa Air Base, Japan.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began in March 2006 and negotiations were complete February 2007.This work will be complete May 2012.Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-07-D-6272). [Web Version:

From its drivers to its millions of fans, NASCAR has long been associated with patriotism, and the tradition has continued as troops serve in the global war on terrorism. NASCAR has been a corporate supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad, since 2005. "We, like all of our country, certainly enjoy the benefits of the history of America's military," Mike Hilton, the president of NASCAR, said. "NASCAR's role is personal to all of us. It's not just about what we can do; it's what we should do." Before the start of the Aaron's 499 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama on April 29, Helton acknowledged the sacrifice of servicemembers who protect the freedoms that allow his league to entertain fans. "The fact of the matter is ... there are fellow Americans who are putting themselves in the middle of harm's way in order for us to have the liberties that we've got," he said. For those who put their lives on the line, he had a simple message. "On behalf of NASCAR, but (me) personally, I would simply just want to say, 'Thank You,'" and that doesn't seem like enough to be able to do," Helton said. "We're honored to have you be fans of NASCAR, but I must tell you that we're very proud of you as the soldiers and the men and women who wear the uniform and the colors of the military of the United States of America." Grant Lynch, president of the Talladega Superspeedway and the vice president of the International Speedway Corporation, also zeroed in on the close ties between NASCAR and the military. He pointed out the numerous American flags that fans camping on the Superspeedway property fly and the fact that the military sponsors cars that fans can cheer each time they race. "The armed forces have chosen to use our sport to help with recruiting efforts, and the big displays that you see (outside the track are) for the fans to go through and see what the military means," Lynch said. "(The military uses) it as a way to build a base going forward for the country." The drivers are no less enamored by the military than the military is with them, either. Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet and winner of this year's Aaron's 499 at Talladega, said it's a privilege to do what he does and that he realizes he might not have that option if it weren't for the military. "This is entertainment. This is not saving lives and saving the world," he said. "I know if it weren't for the armed forces and all the men and women that serve in it, that we wouldn't be able to have this luxury ... to be able to come out here and entertain all these fans." Gordon also said he's looking forward to Memorial Day weekend, when he will show his support for the troops in a very special way during the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, N.C. "I'm going to be carrying the Department of Defense logo on our DuPont Chevrolet, and that's a real privilege and honor for me to represent all the men and women out there in the Department of Defense," he said. "Hopefully I'm going to make them proud and get that No. 24 Department of Defense car to Victory Lane." The car, with its America Supports You logo, will be unveiled at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, on May 8.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $6,200,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for privatization of chemicals and packaged petroleum, oils and lubricants. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite quantity contract with a five-year base period and one 5-year option periods. Proposals were Web-solicited and 3 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is May 1, 2012. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM4AR-07-D-0001). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $34,475,885 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.The Automated Collision Avoidance/Fighter Risk Reduction Program will provide AFRL with matured, modular designs for Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS), Automatic Air Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) and integrated AGCAS/ACAS.At this time $300,000 have been obligated.Solicitations began in November 2006 and negotiations were complete April 2007.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-05-G-5503-0003). Material and Technical Support Service Corp., Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a $20,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity with cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This action provides for Joint Services and Air Force Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense Science and Technology Support and the objective is to provide the Air Force and Joint Services enabling Science and Technology to defend against and to sustain combat effectiveness following chemical, biological, and radiological attacks.At this time $7,199,277 have been obligated.Solicitations began in December 2006 and negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete November 2013.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-D-6739-0001). ARMY Torix General Contractors, Colorado Springs, Colo., was awarded on April 27, 2007, a $19,944,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a special operations forces battalion support complex, company operations facility, and other facilities.Work will be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 1, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 31, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0004). General Dynamics Network Systems, Needham, Mass., was awarded on April 30, 2007, an $18,406,189 modification to a fixed-price-incentive with award-fee contract for continuing efforts to survey, plan, design, install, and implement the information technology systems and infrastructure for Wedge 2-5 tenants.Work will be performed at The Pentagon, Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 28, 2002.The Pentagon Renovation and Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-98-C-2002). Baggette Construction Inc.*, Decatur, Ala., was awarded on April 30, 2007, a $15,477,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a special operation forces hangar-squadron operations facility.Work will be performed at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on Oct. 25, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0028). Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Company L.L.C., Independence, Mo., was awarded on April 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $12,512,872 as part of a $387,921,388 firm-fixed-price contract for numerous small caliber ammunition items.Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 31, 2006.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016). ATK Launch Systems Inc., Corinne, Utah, was awarded on April 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $11,611,548 as part of a $171,281,959 firm-fixed-price contract for M212 infrared countermeasure flares.Work will be performed in Corinne, Utah, and is expected to be completed by March 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 18, 2007.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-04-D-1003).

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY International Oil Trading Co., Boca Raton, Fl., is being awarded a maximum $456,802,652.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aviation turbine fuel, diesel fuel, and motor gasoline.Using service is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC). This contract includes two 12-month options.Proposals were Web-solicited and 6 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is DESC, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0483). Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $6,200,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for privatization of chemicals and packaged petroleum, oils and lubricants. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite quantity contract with a five-year base period and one 5-year option periods. Proposals were Web-solicited and 3 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is May 1, 2012. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM4AR-07-D-0001). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $35,828,599 cost-plus-award-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.This is a contract modification to the existing Space Based Infrared System High Component Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development contract.This contract action provides the upgrades of the Geosynchronous Earth Orbit test anomaly resolution and operation support.At this time $6,160,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2011.Space and Missile Systems Center, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0017/P00400). Lockheed Martin Corp., is being awarded an $11,460,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide for incorporation of a settlement from alternative dispute resolution regarding acquisition of Kaiser and BAE special test equipment in support of Lot 5 production.At this time total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete November 2007.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-04-C-2851). McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded an $8,000,000 time and material contract modification.This is a contract modification to the C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract to increase funding for FY05 and FY06 Material Improvement Projects (MIPS) for the United States Air Force.The MIP program was established on a contract modification based on estimated performance requirements for non-recurring engineering and retrofit.This estimated annual program does not identify specific MIPs to be performed, just general requirements.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete November 2007.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P000184). Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $5,699,067 cost-plus-fixed-type contract.This action provides for clean sweep, identification algorithm development.The objective of the clean sweep is to develop a wide area search (detection) and high-confidence identification (HCID) capability to sweep clean an area of quiescent (non-moving, non RF-emitting) military objects of interest.Innovative solutions will be developed under this contract to detect, characterize, and provide HCID of targets in 3D data. At this time, $419,860 have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete May 2007.This work will be complete February 2011.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-1129). NAVY SRI International, Menlo Park, Calif., was awarded a $9,999,918, cost-plus-fixed-fee, service contract on May 1, 2007, to provide independent engineering and analytical support for National Guard Reserves Defense.SRI International will provide for instrumentation and simulation technologies for the Department of Defense and other Government agencies.Work will be performed in Menlo Park, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2010.Contract funds in the amount of $9,999,918, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indianhead, Md., is the contracting activity. (N00174-07-D-0013) Virtexco Corp., New Bern, N.C.; Joyce & Associates Construction, Inc.*, Newport, N.C.; C. L. Price & Associates, Inc.*, Newport, N.C.; Alderman Building Co., Inc.*, Jacksonville, N.C.; Pro Construction, Inc., Jacksonville, N.C.; and Tesoro Construction, Virginia Beach, Va., are each being awarded a maximum amount of $8,000,000, guaranteed minimum of $5,000 (base period), firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity multiple award construction contract for general construction projects in the North Carolina area.The work to be performed provides for new construction, demolition, repair, total/partial interior/exterior alteration/renovation of buildings, systems and infrastructure and may include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and communication systems.The not to exceed amount for each contract is $40,000,000 bringing the total potential for all contracts to $240,000,000.Virtexco Corporation is being awarded the initial task order in the amount of $363,367 (including the minimum guarantee) for interior/exterior repairs to Building 233 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.Work for this task order is expected to be completed by November 2007.The remaining five contractors are being awarded the minimum guarantee of $5,000. Work will be performed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (80 percent); Marine Corps Air Station New River (10 percent); and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (10 percent).The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of May 2008 (May 20012 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 89 offers solicited and 17 proposals received.These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-D-1907/1908/1909/1910/1911/1912). British Aerospace Systems Information & Electronic Systems Integration, Greenlawn, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,535,959 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-05-G-009G) for the procurement of 60 combined interrogator transponders to support incorporation of engineering change proposal 6161R1 into Lots 22 through 26 of the F/A-18 aircraft.This will allow the capability of implementing Identification Friend or Foe Mode S with the incorporation of operation Flight Program SCS H-4.Work will be performed in Greenlawn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in December 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $2,619,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. ARMY RO Defence Projects Ltd., Cumbria, United Kingdom, was awarded on April 30, 2007, a $9,034,422 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional M777A1 howitzers.Work will be performed in Barrow, United Kingdom (27 percent), Hattiesburg, Miss. (2 percent), Portland, Ore. (14 percent), Lynchburg, Va. (3 percent), Whitehall, Mich. (6 percent), and OCONUS (48 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 4, 2007.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-05-C-1173). MPRI, Alexandria, Va., was awarded on April 29, 2007, an $8,153,970 firm-fixed-price contract for the M16/M4/M203 and the AK-47 refurbishment program.Work will be performed in Baghdad, Iraq (60 percent), and Taji, Iraq (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 20, 2007.The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-07-C-0035). Dyer Construction Co., Inc.*, Dyer, Ind., was awarded on April 30, 2007, a $6,000,000 increment as part of a $20,799,080 firm-fixed-price contract for the Indiana Harbor and Canal - Confined Disposal Facility gradient control and perimeter drainage project.Work will be performed in East Chicago, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 22, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Chicago, Ill., is the contracting activity (W912P6-07-C-0005). *Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Johnathan E. Kirk, 25, of Belhaven, N.C., died May 1 from wounds received while conducting combat operations on April 23 in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Kirk was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. Killed were: 1st Lt. Ryan P. Jones, 23, of Massachusetts. Spc. Astor A. Sunsin-Pineda, 20, of Long Beach, Calif.

Twelve U.S. servicemembers lost their lives over the past few days while serving in Iraq, and the Defense Department has identified eight pervious casualties. -- Six Task Force Lightning soldiers and a civilian journalist died after an improvised explosive device attack on their vehicle in Iraq's Diyala province today. Two soldiers were wounded in the attack and were taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and two others were wounded today when their vehicle was struck by two IEDs north of Baghdad. The unit was conducting a clearing operation in the area when the attack occurred. -- Another Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed today while conducting when an IED struck the unit's vehicle during a combat patrol in a southern section of the Iraqi capital. Another soldier was wounded. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier died today in a non-combat related incident. -- Two Marines assigned to Multinational Force West were killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and four others were wounded May 4 when an improvised explosive device detonated in a western section of the Iraqi capital. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities of seven soldiers and a Marine killed recently supporting U.S. operations abroad. -- Army Pfc. Joseph G. Harris, 19, of Sugar Land, Texas, died May 3 at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Spc. Matthew T. Bolar, 24, of Montgomery, Ala., died May 3 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Spc. Andrew R. Weiss, 28, of Lafayette, Ind., died May 3 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Felix G. Gonzalez-Iraheta, 25, of Sun Valley, Calif., and Army Pfc. John D. Flores, 21, of Barrigada, Guam, died of wounds suffered when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire May 3. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Staff Sgt. Coby G. Schwab, 25, of Puyallup, Wash., and Army Spc. Kelly B. Grothe, 21, of Spokane, Wash., died May 3 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their armored personnel carrier was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to Company B, 321st Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve, Hayden Lake, Idaho. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Johnathan E. Kirk, 25, of Belhaven, N.C., died May 1 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations on April 23 in Iraq's Anbar province. He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 3 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds sustained when their armored personnel carrier was struck by an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to Company B, 321st Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve, Hayden Lake, Idaho. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Coby G. Schwab, 25, of Puyallup, Wash. Spc. Kelly B. Grothe, 21, of Spokane, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. Killed were: Sgt. Felix G. Gonzalez-Iraheta, 25, of Sun Valley, Calif. Pfc. John D. Flores, 21, of Barrigada, Guam. Both were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Andrew R. Weiss, 28, of Lafayette, Ind., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Weiss was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense CONTRACTS NAVY General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $46,700,000 firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded multiple award indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contract (N00024-04-D-4408) for the preparation and accomplishment of the Fiscal Year 2007 docking and selected restricted availability of USS Alexandria (SSN 757).The contractor will perform advance planning, design documentation, engineering, procurement, ship-checks, fabrication and preliminary shipyard work and/or any other work necessary to prepare for and accomplish the necessary alterations and repairs, maintenance, testing and routine work on the USS Alexandria (SSN 757).Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $30,890,889 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. Black Construction Corporation, Barrigada, Guam, is being awarded a $41,981,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the FY07 military construction of a Global Hawk aircraft maintenance and operations complex at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.Work will be performed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam and is expected to be completed May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 24 proposals solicited and two offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Construction Contracts Branch, is the contracting activity (N62742-07-C-1310). Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., was awarded an $8,867,449 firm-fixed-priced contract on May 3, 2007 for five JERRV and five Buffalo up-armored vehicles and associated sustainment and training.The sustainment will consist of 90-day consumables, forward deployment blocks, maintenance workshop blocks, field service representatives, operator and maintenance training. This procurement is in support of the Government of Canada under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by May 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was solicited as a sole source procurement under the terms of an "International Agreement" as cited under FAR 6.302-4.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-5039). Simmonds Precision Products Inc., Vergennes, Vt., is being awarded an $8,059,087 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0298) for Integrated Mechanical Diagnostics-Health and Usage Management Systems (IMD-HUMS) comprised of 21 production kits, 15 retrofit kits, 21 delta kits, 24 integrated vehicle health management units (IVHMUs), 42 circuit cards, 21 data transfer units (DTU) and 3 maintainer kits.Work will be performed in Vergennes, Vt., and is expected to be completed in February 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $42,250 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Edison Chouest Offshore, Galliano, La., is being awarded a $7,465,039 fixed-price contract for the charter of U.S. flagged Maritime Support Vessel MV C-Courageous to support maritime security operations. The vessel will provide berthing and messing for 30 military personnel and will serve as a platform to transport, launch, recover, refuel, rearm and perform maintenance on small patrol watercraft. The vessel can operate at full capacity for up to 30 days without re-supply.This contract includes three one-year option periods and one 11-month option period that, if exercised, would bring the total award amount to $36,467,547, including the estimated cost of reimbursable items such as fuel, port services and canal charges. Work will be performed worldwide, and is expected to be completed August 2008 (July 2012 with options).Contract funds for the base year will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with more than 100 proposals solicited and nine offers received.The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-07-C-2002). DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY Military Produce Group LLC, 1106 Ingleside Road, Norfolk, VA 23502-5609 is being awarded an indefinite delivery, requirements type contract on May 4, 2007, to provide fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V) for resale at 31 commissary store locations throughout Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachussetss, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,and Virginia.The estimated award amount is $45,771,838.Contractor will deliver FF&V to the store locations as needed.The contract is for a two year base period beginning May 4, 2007, through April 30, 2009.Two one-year option periods are available.If both option periods are exercised, the contract will be completed April 30, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.One hundred and fifty-one firms were solicited and eighteen offers were received.The contracting activity is the Defense Commissary Agency, Resale Contracting Division, Produce Support Branch, 1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800.(HDEC02-07-D-0006). ARMY GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on April 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $42,150,030 as part of a $5,154,879,556 firm fixed-price contract for Stryker vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (60 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 6, 2000, and 17 bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). Watterson/Davis (Joint Venture), Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on April 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $41,599,000 as part of a $41,599,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of barracks.Work will be performed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on Oct. 18, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (DACA85-02-D-0011). Davis Constructors and Engineers, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on May 1, 2007, a $39,966,138 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of Army family housing.Work will be performed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 29, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0020). McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on May 1, 2007, a $17,736,690 firm-fixed-price contract for remanufactured and new-build parts and safety stock, unique spares, and provisioning conference in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Longbow Program.Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 27, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0135). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on May 2, 2007, a $13,987,123 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams tank program.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on April 27, 2007, an $11,990,645 as part of a $74,539,867 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging of the Brunswick Harbor, deepening the inner harbor, and east river turning basin.Work will be performed in Brunswick, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 11, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 21, 2007.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-04-C-0034). Caesar Rodney School District, Camden, Del., was awarded on April 30, 2007, an $8,150,850 firm-fixed-price contract for educational services.Work will be performed at Dover Air Force Base, Del., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 8, 2007, and one bid was received.The Department of Defense Education Activity, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HE1254-07-C-0008). Functional Genetics Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., was awarded on May 2, 2007, a $6,452,882 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to perform research on host-oriented broad-spectrum small molecule inhibitors for biothreat viruses.Work will be performed in Gaithersburg, Md. (40.32 percent), Wilmington, N.C. (5.44 percent), Alexandria, Va. (1.14 percent), Chicago, Ill. (6.80 percent), Florence, S.C. (0.01 percent), and Frederick, Md. (46.30 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 26, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec.1, 2006, and 50 bids were received.The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (HDTRA1-07-C-0080). AIR FORCE General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $7,002,962 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide for the standoff precision identification in 3 Dimensions (SPI3D) program to develop a high resolution three dimensional imaging system.At this time total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began March 2007 and negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete April 2008.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-7715). *Small Business

American Forces Press Service - Seven U.S. Army soldiers were killed and 13 others were wounded recently in Iraq, military officials said, and the Defense Department identified 18 previous casualties. -- A Task Force Marne soldier was killed and two were wounded today when a roadside bomb struck their patrol south of Baghdad. -- A soldier assigned to Multinational Force Baghdad died and six others were wounded yesterday when improvised explosive device struck their vehicle in eastern Baghdad. The unit was conducting a combat security patrol in the area when the attack occurred. -- A soldier assigned to Multinational Force Baghdad died and three others were wounded yesterday when an improvised explosive device detonated near their patrol in western Baghdad. An Iraqi interpreter also was killed in the attack. -- Two soldiers assigned to Multinational Force West died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. -- Two Multinational Force Baghdad soldiers were killed and two others were wounded May 2 when an IED struck their vehicle in southern Baghdad. The unit was conducting route-clearance operations in the area when the attack occurred. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 15 Army soldiers and three Marines killed recently supporting U.S. operations abroad. -- Army 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell, 26, of Doylestown, Pa., died yesterday in Musayyib, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army 1st Lt. Ryan P. Jones, 23, of Massachusetts, and Army Spc. Astor A. Sunsin-Pineda, 20, of Long Beach, Calif., died May 2 in Baghdad when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Pfc. Katie M. Soenksen, 19, of Davenport, Iowa, died May 2 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. She was assigned to the 410th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Marine 1st Lt. Travis L. Manion, 26, of Doylestown, Pa., died April 29 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Manion was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Army Staff Sgt. Jay E. Martin, 29, of Baltimore, Md.; Army Sgt. Alexander J. Funcheon, 21, of Bel Aire, Kan.; Army Pfc. Brian A. Botello, 19, of Alta, Iowa., died April 29 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Army Sgt. Michael R. Hullender, 29, of Little Falls, N.J., died April 28 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Hullender was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Sgt. Norman L. Tollett, 30, of Columbus, Ohio, died April 28, in Baghdad, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Tollett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Glenn D. Hicks Jr., 24, of College Station, Texas; Army Pfc. Jay-D H. Ornsby-Adkins, 21, of Ione, Calif.; Army Pvt. Cole E. Spencer, 21, of Gays, Ill., died April 28 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was struck with an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. -- Army Cpl. Jeremy R. Greene, 24, of Springfield, Ohio, died April 28 at Forward Operating Base Tillman, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered during a non-combat related incident. Greene was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. His death is under investigation. -- Marine Sgt. William J. Callahan, 28, of South Easton, Mass., died April 27 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Callahan was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Spc. Eddie D. Tamez, 21, of Galveston, Texas; and Army Pfc. David A. Kirkpatrick, 20, of Upland, Ind., died April 27 in Fallujah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. -- Marine Cpl. Christopher Degiovine, 25, of Lone Tree, Colo., died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Matthew T. Bolar, 24, of Montgomery, Ala., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations.Bolar was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Joseph G. Harris, 19, of Sugar Land, Texas, died May 3 at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Afghanistan.His death is under investigation. Harris was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell, 26, of Doylestown, Pa., died May 3 in Musayyib, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Katie M. Soenksen, 19, of Davenport, Iowa, died May 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle.She was assigned to the 410th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Soldier Missing in Action from the Korean War is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Cpl. Pastor Balanon Jr., U.S. Army, of San Francisco, Calif.He will be buried May 3 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Representatives from the Army met with Balanon's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army. In late October 1950, Balanon was assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Calvary Regiment, then engaging enemy forces south of Unsan, North Korea, near a bend in the Kuryong River known as the Camel's Head.Chinese communist forces attacked the 8th Regiment's positions on Nov. 1, 1950, forcing a withdrawal to the south where they were surrounded by the enemy.The remaining survivors in the 3rd Battalion attempted to escape a few days later, but Balanon was declared missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, in the vicinity of Unsan County. In 2001, a joint U.S.-North Korean team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), excavated a burial site in Kujang County, south of Unsan County.A North Korean citizen living near the site told the team that the remains were relocated to Kujang after they were discovered elsewhere during a construction project.The battle area was about one kilometer north of the secondary burial site. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in Balanon's identification.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Apr. 27 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Killed were: Spc. Eddie D. Tamez, 21, of Galveston, Texas.

CONTRACTS

from the United States Department of Defense No. 500-07 FOR RELEASE AT April 30, 2007 Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132 Public/Industry(703) 428-0711 CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Haas TCM, Inc., West Chester, Pa.,* is being awarded a maximum $2,000,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment for privatization of compressed gases and cylinders. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite quantity contract with a five-year base period and one 5-yr option periods. Proposals were Web-solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 29, 2012. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM4AR-07-D-0100). NAVY Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $73,705,470firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity long-term contract for repair, overhaul, and modification of various configurations for the main rotor head, sleeve and spindle assemblies, main gearbox assemblies, free wheel units, as well as other components for the CH-53E, MH-53E and CH-53D helicopters.This contract contains one five-year base period and four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $394,212,081.Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and work is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-07-D-007F). General Dynamics Land Systems, under their operating unit General Dynamics Amphibious Systems, Woodbridge, Va., is being awarded a $43,758,348 contract modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-01-C-0001) for spares - material for the continuation of Systems Development and Demonstration phase of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program.Work will be performed in Germany (38.61%); Michigan (13.38%); Indiana (7.56%); Virginia (6.04%); Colorado (5.37%); Florida (4.61%); California (4.2%); Canada (4.26%); Maryland (3.94%); Washington (3.72%); Arizona (2.52%); North Carolina (2.49%); Louisiana (2.21%); New York (.27%); South Carolina (.24%); Massachusetts (.20%); Missouri (.19%); Minnesota (.16%);Pennsylvania (.02%); and is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Sauer Inc, d/b/a Sauer Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $17,616,600 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a new Central Energy Plant and modification to Building 468.This facility is required to support the Keesler Air Force Base Medical Center to current building codes and national Fire Code.The facility will house emergency generators, electrical switchgear, transformers, chillers, boilers and cooling towers. Work will be performed in Biloxi, Miss., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 21, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured, with six offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, FL is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0756). Mississippi Power Co., an investor-owned utility company, Gulfport, Miss., is being awarded a $16,611,950 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded electric commodity contract (N62467-88-F-1862) for utility hardening work at Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Miss.The work to be performed provides for reinforcing various station utility infrastructure to convert the electricity from overhead lines to underground lines to improve the survivability of the infrastructure and thus minimize infrastructure downtime when subjected to hurricane forces or acts of terrorism.Work will be performed in Gulfport, Miss., and is expected to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was negotiated on a sole-source basis.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (Modification P00006). Sauer, Inc., dba Sauer Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $13,689,500 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0010 under a previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62467-01-D-0297) for design and construction of an enlisted dining facility at the Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, SC.Work will be performed in Beaufort, S.C., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The basic contract was competitively procured with 32 offers solicited, six proposals received, and award made on May 30, 2002.The total contract amount is not to exceed $200,000,000 (base period and four option years).The multiple contractors (3 in number) may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the existing contract.One proposal was received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, South East, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Schenectady, N.Y., is being awarded a $13,411,406 cost-plus-fixed fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2101) for additional naval nuclear propulsion components.Work will be performed in Schenectady, N.Y.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Work completion date or additional information is not provided on contracts supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Z-Corp/Lee Technologies, Joint Venture, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $12,707,171 firm-fixed-price contract for P-013K Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) Generator Upgrades. This contract calls for construction of a new centralized UPS and emergency generator complex to replace the seven existing generators/UPS systems.This project includes the demolition of the seven existing generator/UPS system and collocate all functions into one new centralized UPS and emergency generator complex. Work will be performed at Stennis Space Center, Miss., and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was a competitively procured, with seven offers received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0060) Nova Group, Inc., Napa, Calif., is being awarded a $12,243,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the fixed wing apron and hydrant fueling system including four direct fueling stations for re-fueling and de-fueling aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma.Work will be performed in Yuma, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by June 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The basic contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-C-6002). Harris RF Communication, Rochester, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,787,045 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for AN/PRC-117F Multiband Radio Set, AN/PRC-150 HF/VHF Systems Manpack Radio Set, AN/VRC-103 Multiband Vehicular Radio Set, AN/VRC-104(V)2 20W Vehicular Radio Set, AN/VRC-104(V)3 150W Vehicular Radio Set, AN/VRC-104(V)4 400W Vehicular Radio Set,and related ancillary parts. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $35,880,972.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.This effort was synopsized as a sole source procurement via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce web site on Sept. 22, 2006. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-07-D-0001). Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems Western Region, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $7,675,484 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-05-C-0057) for operations and maintenance support for the Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration (GHMD), including operation and sustainment, logistics support and sustaining engineering throughout the demonstration.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (90 percent) and San Diego, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $4,093,962 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Korte Construction Co., dba The Korte Co., Highland, Ill., is being awarded $7,300,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0004 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-02-D-8063) for the design and construction of a consolidated communications/electronic maintenance and storage facility, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty Nine Palms, Calif. This facility will serve as the centralized location for the consolidated efforts of three battalions and one regiment which include maintenance equipment and storage of communications and electronic equipment. Work will be performed in Twenty Nine Palms, San Bernardino County, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website and award was made to multiple contractors on July 12, 2002.The total contract amount is not to exceed $150,000,000 (base period and four option years).The multiple contractors (six in number) may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the existing contract.Four proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $23,000,000 fixed-price-incentive-firm contract.To provide for advance procurement of long lead items for Lot 1 of the Low Rate Initial Production for the C-5M Reliability Enhancements and Re-engining program.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations and negotiations were complete April 2007.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-07-C-6471). General Electric Co., Aircraft Engines, Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a $22,147,560 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This contract modification will exercise option I.This action provides for Combustion Chamber, 360 units.The Air Force requirements are applicable to F110 Engine in the F-16 Fighter aircraft.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-06-D-0029/P00001). Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded an $8,279,647 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification to provide for the purchase of C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program additional flight test spares to support extended flight test program, maintenance demonstration, and Isochronal Inspection.This contract action is a modification to an existing contract.At this time, $6,209,735 have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-2000/P00126). Honeywell International Inc., Teterboro, N.J., is being awarded an $8,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This order for overhaul and modernization is support of the F-15 Avionics Intermediate Shop (AIS) Antenna Test Station (ATS) and Enhancement Aircraft Radar Test Station (EARTS) -2 to a -5 in order to extend the service life of these test systems and provide fault isolation diagnostics for the F-15 aircraft until the year 2015.This effort includes the hardware and software integration and formal testing of the upgrades.Honeywell will develop upgraded packages that incorporate all the hardware, software, special tools, and engineering data necessary for the installation of this equipment into the ATS-10, MSIP-9, and EARTS-5.The upgrades packages shall be integrated into these systems for final testing and government acceptance.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete April 2011.742d Combat Sustainment Group, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8517-05-G-0001-0016). General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $7,002,962 cost-plus-award-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This action provides for the Standoff Precision Identification in 3 Dimensions (SPI3D) program to develop a high resolution three dimensional imaging system.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete April 2008.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-7715). Small business*

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Michael D. Thomas, 34, of Seffner, Fla., died Apr. 27 in Hirat Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.Thomas was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C. For more information in regard to this release the media can contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at (910) 432-6005.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Daniel F. Mehringer, 20, of Morgantown, W.Va., died Apr. 27 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Mehringer was assigned to Division Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Nicholas E. Riehl, 21, of Shiocton, Wis., died Apr. 27 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat patrol.He was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Dod Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Christopher Degiovine, 25, of Lone Tree, Colo. Degiovine died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Cpl. Jeremy R. Greene, 24, of Springfield, Ohio, died Apr. 28 at Forward Operating Base Tillman, Afghanistan, due to injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Greene was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Peter Woodall, 25, of Sarasota, Fla. Woodall died April 27 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Four U.S. soldiers were killed and three were wounded in Iraq April 28, while three U.S. soldiers and two Marines died April 27 during Iraq operations, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identities of two Marines killed recently in Iraq. -- Three U.S. soldiers were killed and one soldier suffered injuries when their patrol encountered a roadside bomb southeast of Baghdad April 28. -- One U.S. soldier was killed and two were wounded when their patrol was struck by a roadside bomb south of Baghdad April 28. -- Three U.S. soldiers and two Marines were killed April 27 while conducting combat operations in al Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of two Marines who were killed recently in Iraq. Marine Cpl. Willie P. Celestine Jr., 21, of Lafayette, La., died April 26 while conducting combat operations in al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Marine Lance Cpl. Adam E. Loggins, 27, of Athens, Ga., died April 26 from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Soldier Missing From The Korean War Is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from the Korean War, has been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is Cpl. Clarence R. Becker, U.S. Army, of Lancaster, Pa.He was buried April 25 in Indiantown Gap, Pa. Representatives from the Army met with Becker's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army. On Dec. 1, 1950, Becker went missing in action when the convoy of trucks in which he was riding was ambushed south of Kunuri, North Korea.He was captured and taken prisoner.U.S. servicemen who were held in captivity with Becker said he died in the North Korean Pyoktong POW Camp 5 around May 1951 from malnutrition and disease.He was buried near the camp. Following the Armistice, the Chinese Army exhumed remains from several POW camp cemeteries and repatriated them in 1954 to the United Nations forces during Operation Glory.Becker's remains could not be identified at the time and were subsequently buried as unknown remains at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific-the Punch Bowl-in Hawaii. In 2005, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) reexamined Korean War-era documents relating to unknowns buried at the Punch Bowl, which suggested that some of these remains might be identifiable.Later that year, JPAC exhumed a grave there believed to be associated with Becker. Among other traditional forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC also used dental comparisons in Becker's identification.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Trajen Flight Support LP dba Atlantic Aviation, Plano, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $23,195,974 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is El Paso, Texas. There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0014). Pepco energy Services, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a maximum $13,016,323 firm fixed price contract for electricity for Federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is Illinois. There were 79 proposals solicited and 5 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is June 30, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-G-8029). Burlington Apparel Fabrics Division of Burlington Industries, LLC., Greensboro, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $8,640,060 firm fixed price contract for cloth for the Navy. Other locations of performance are Hurt, Va.; Burlington, Raeford and Cordova, N.C. This is an indefinite delivery, quantity contract.Proposals were Gateway-solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is October 16, 2008. NAVY Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $9,629,398 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N68936-04-D-0005) to provide continued engineering technical services in support of the development and production of advanced electronic warfare systems to include the AN/ALR-67(V)3 and AN/ALE-50A.Services include engineering support and products for software and systems engineering, software configuration management, operational flight program, user data file, and other software configuration item development and testing.Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif. (80 percent); China Lake, Calif. (10 percent); and Pt. Mugu, Calif. (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of nine soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Apr. 23 in As Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their location. Killed were: 1st Lt. Kevin J. Gaspers, 26, of Hastings, Neb. Staff Sgt. Kenneth E. Locker Jr., 28, of Wakefield, Neb. Staff Sgt. William C. Moore, 27, of Benson, N.C. Sgt. Randell T. Marshall, 22, of Fitzgerald, Ga. Sgt. Brice A. Pearson, 32, of Phoenix, Az. Sgt. Michael L. Vaughan, 20, of Otis, Ore. Spc. Jerry R. King, 19, of Browersville, Ga. Spc. Michael J. Rodriguez, 20, of Sanford, N.C. Pfc. Garrett C. Knoll, 23, of Bad Axe, Mich. All were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Jeremy E. Maresh, 24, of Jim Thorpe, Pa., died Apr. 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Maresh was assigned to C Battery, 1st Battalion, 213th Air Defense Artillery, Spring City, Pa

A coalition servicemember was killed in Afghanistan today and three Marines were killed in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported. The Defense Department also released the identities of 10 soldiers killed recently in Iraq. One coalition servicemember was killed today when coalition forces made contact with enemy fighters while conducting a combat patrol four kilometers south of Shindand in the Shindand district of Afghanistan's Herat province. Three Marines assigned to Multinational Force West died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 10 soldiers who were killed recently in Iraq. Army Spc. Jeremy E. Maresh, 24, of Jim Thorpe, Pa., died April 24 in Baghdad from a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation. Nine soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., died April 23 in Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their location. Killed were 1st Lt. Kevin J. Gaspers, 26, of Hastings, Neb.; Staff Sgt. Kenneth E. Locker Jr., 28, of Wakefield, Neb.; Staff Sgt. William C. Moore, 27, of Benson, N.C.; Sgt. Randell T. Marshall, 22, of Fitzgerald, Ga.; Sgt. Brice A. Pearson, 32, of Phoenix; Sgt. Michael L. Vaughan, 20, of Otis, Ore.; Spc. Jerry R. King, 19, of Browersville, Ga.; Spc. Michael J. Rodriguez, 20, of Sanford, N.C.; and Pfc. Garrett C. Knoll, 23, of Bad Axe, Mich.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense CONTRACTS ARMY Osborne Construction Co., Kirkland, Wash., was awarded on April 24, 2007, an $117,508,318 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of family housing replacements.Work will be performed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 4, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0018). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on April 24, 2007, a delivery order amount of $59,261,435 as part of a $249,090,634 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for STRYKER vehicle and remote weapon station system parts support.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (17 percent), Ft. Lewis, Wash. (30 percent), Germany (8 percent), Iraq (14 percent), Kuwait (2 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (29 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 24, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). Contrack International Inc., Arlington, Va., was awarded on April 24, 2007, a $38,162,330 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of a rotary and fixed wing aircraft hangar, operations facility, and other related support facilities.Work will be performed at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, and is expected to be completed by March 15, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 14 bids solicited on Oct. 19, 2006, and seven bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-07-C-0006). Brechbill & Helman Construction Company Inc., Chambersburg, Pa., was awarded on April 25, 2007, a $12,666,300 firm-fixed-price contract for 167th Airlift Wing Base Conversion from C-130 to C-5 aircraft and replacement of a fire station and a base supply facility.Work will be performed in Martinsburg, W.V., and is expected to be completed by May 8, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 22, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Buckhannon, W.V., is the contracting activity (W912L8-07-C-0006). Price Waterhouse Coopers L.L.P., Washington, D.C., was awarded on April 25, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,542,860 as part of a $16,771,039 firm-fixed-price contract to conduct a financial statement audit of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works FY2007 financial statements.Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by April 25, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on March 20, 2006, and five bids were received.The Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00421-05-D-0025). Summa Technology Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on April 24, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,408,686 as part of a $51,104,153 firm-fixed-price contract for a container roll-in/out platform.Work will be performed in Cullman, Ala., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 21, 2005, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-D-0269). NAVY Raytheon, Network Centric Systems, Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $59,101,540fixed-price, award fees requirements contract for logistics support of the AN/USG-2 shipboard and AN/USG-3 airborne Cooperative Engagement Capability systems.Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (80 percent), and St. Petersburg, Fla. (20 percent), and work is expected to be completed by April 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-07-D-L001). BAE Systems Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $26,119,652 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-03-C-0035) to exercise an option for engineering and technical services in support of identification system programs.The estimated level of effort for this option is 468,000 man-hours.Work will be performed at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md. (60 percent) and in California, Md. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control - Orlando, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $54,561,370 firm-fixed-price contract to provide for sniper targeting pods in the amount of 22 each and associated support for foreign military sales requirements to Pakistan.At this time, $27,280,685 have been obligated.Solicitations began March 2007 and negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete December 2010.Headquarters 542d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8539-07-C-0009). Honeywell Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $14,449,555 firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide for the purchase of 29 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI) Retrofit Kits for the MH-60/47 Aircraft Platform, 149 EGI Production Units (Installs) for the UH-1Y, MH-60T, VH-60/CH-47 and AH-64D Platforms, 18 EGI Initial Spares for the F-16 and F/A-18 Platforms, 20 EGI mounts for the MH-60T platform and 22 Contractor Depot Repairs (CDRs) for the Air Force Research Laboratory and the MH-47 platform through the Tri-Service EGI Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete March 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2065/P00025). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Macquarie Aviation North America 2, Inc., Atlantic Gulfport Division, Gulfport, Miss., is being awarded a maximum $6,946,713 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. There was 1 proposal solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0024).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Willie P. Celestine Jr., 21, of Lafayette, La., died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Adam E. Loggins, 27, of Athens, Ala., died April 26 from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to3rd Battalion,6th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Airmen Missing In Action From Vietnam War Are Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Col. Norman D. Eaton, of Weatherford, Okla., and Lt. Col. Paul E. Getchell, of Portland, Maine, both U.S. Air Force.Eaton will be buried April 25 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., and Getchell will be buried later this spring at Arlington. On Jan. 13, 1969, Eaton and Getchell crewed a B-57B Canberra bomber participating in a nighttime attack on targets in Salavan Province, Laos.The target area was illuminated by flares from a C-130 aircraft; however, the flares dimmed as the B-57 began its third bombing run on the target.The crew was low on fuel, but decided to continue the attack run without illumination.The C-130 crew received a radio transmission indicating that the B-57 was off target and seconds later, the plane crashed.Eaton and Getchell could not be recovered at the time of the incident. In 1995, a joint U.S.-Lao People's Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and interviewed a Laotian citizen who recalled the crash.Another joint U.S.-L.P.D.R. team surveyed the site and found wreckage and crew-related materials consistent with the citizen's report. In 2003, a joint U.S.-L.P.D.R. team excavated the crash site and recovered Eaton's identification tag.The team was unable to complete the recovery and subsequent teams re-visited the site five more times between 2004 and 2005 before the recovery was complete.As a result, the teams found Getchell's identification tag, human remains and additional crew-related items. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.

Operation Straight Up Tour is working to help military children and families become stronger through faith-based entertainment, its founder said. "OSU Tour is an organization dedicated to helping our armed forces with the common issues brave men and women face," Jonathan Spinks said, referring to child rearing, troubled marriages, anger, depression, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder. "We're addressing those things through entertainment." OSU Tour is one of the newest members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which connects citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families at home and abroad.. Spinks said he expects to include the America Supports You banner on stage during performances. "Everything I've ever seen about the America Supports You organization is just great. Obviously (it's) got a great reputation," Spinks said, adding that America Supports You is an established organization that has been around long enough to add credibility to its member organizations. The entertainment provided by OSU Tour is diverse and includes sports personalities, comedians, actors, and even the Flying Wallendas and their death-defying feats on the high wire. Those appearing on behalf of OSU Tour present wholesome, family-oriented entertainment that's also of interest to single men and women, Spinks said. As a result of their personal experiences, the entertainers also are able to provide positive role models, he said, holding actor Stephen Baldwin up as one of those role models. "Since God made a difference in his life, he's been very outspoken," Spinks said. "His life was going in one direction that was causing chaos and disruption in his life, and he just feels like God made those things better. "So he (delivers) a simple message like that and tries to lend encouragement," Spinks added. Since it's founding in August 2005, OSU Tour has taken its brand of entertainment to Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Hood, Texas. More shows are in the works, including at overseas venues. "We obviously are very interested in going to Iraq," Spinks said. "They've been encouraging us to go to Germany, which we're also working on."

CONTRACTS NAVY The Applied Research Laboratories, University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT), Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $928,325,956 cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity order type modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-D-6200) for approximately 45,653 staff months of research and development and specialized engineering support.ARL:UT, as a Navy University Affiliated Research Center, will provide research and development, test and evaluation and specialized engineering capabilities.These capabilities have been established and maintained at the Applied Research Laboratories since the 1940's, and have continued to be determined essential to the Navy's needs.Work will be performed in Austin, Texas, and is expected to be completed by March 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $30,141,985 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00019-03-C-0003) for the upgrade of 268 AIM-9M missiles for the Governments of Pakistan (200), Malaysia (57), and Korea (11); and for 229 Circuit Card Assembly kits for the Government of Canada.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (84 percent); Rocket Center, W.Va. (13 percent); and Andover, Mass. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the Governments of Pakistan ($21,355,000; 70.8%); Malaysia ($6,086,175; 20.2%); Canada ($1,526,285; 5.1%) and Korea ($1,174,525; 3.9%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Core Tech International Corp.,* Tamuning, Guam, is being awarded a $9,960,820 firm-fixed-price contract for the FY07 Military Construction Upgrade Northwest Field Infrastructure, Phase I, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.The scope of work includes the design and construction of upgrades to the existing water, wastewater, and electrical infrastructure systems at Northwest Field.Work will be performed in Guam on Andersen Air Force Base and is expected to be completed November 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 31 proposals solicited and six offers received.Core Tech International Corporation is a small, woman-owned, Section 8(a), certified Small Disadvantaged Business, certified HUBZone firm.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Construction Contracts Branch, is the contracting activity (N62742-07-C-1309). Tetra Tech EC Inc, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $7,924,684 for task order #0006 under previously awarded indefinite-quantity contract (N62473-06-D-2201)for environmental remediation services at various locations in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and other DoD sites nationwide. Task Order #0006 calls for base-wide radiological support at Hunters Point Shipyard.Work will be performed at Hunters Point Shipyard, San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2008.The basic contract was competitively procured unrestricted, with three proposals received and award made on Nov. 9, 2005.The total contract amount is not to exceed $100,000,000 (base period and five option years). Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Boeing Satellite Systems Inc., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $27,042,766 fixed-price-incentive contract modification.This action provides for two priced for Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) Vehicle 4: 1) Launch Services and 2) Astrotech Launch Site Processing Facilities.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2011.Headquarters Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-06-C-0001/P00009).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Dale G. Peterson, 20, of Redmond, Ore., died April 23 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Peterson was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Steven R. Tudor, 36, of Dunmore, Pa., died Apr. 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire during combat operations.Tudor was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jeffrey A. Avery, 19, of Colorado Springs, Colo., died April 23 in Muqudadiyah, Iraq, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during checkpoint operations. He was assigned to the 571st Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS NAVY BAE Systems - Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $108,900,000 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5117) for completion of design, development and integration of the Advanced Gun System (AGS), in support of the DDG 1000 Program.The Advanced Gun System is a fully automated, single barrel, 155-mm, vertically loaded, stabilized gun mount that is capable of storing, programming, loading, and firing Long Range Land Attack Projectiles.Its primary mission is Land Attack Warfare in support of ground and expeditionary forces beyond line-of-sight in the DDG 1000 System's littoral engagement area where precise, rapid-response, high-volume, long-range fire support are required.Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minn. (76 percent); Burlington, Vt. (19 percent); and Baltimore, Md. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Acepex Management Corp.*, Montclair, Calif.; Blackstone Consulting, Inc.*, Los Angeles, Calif.; and E&E Industries, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif., are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award service contract for operations and maintenance services at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR).The total contract amount is not to exceed $90,000,000 (base period and nine option years) with a guaranteed minimum of $5,000.Acepex Management Corporation is being awarded the initial task order in the amount of $5,384,891 (including the minimum guarantee) for exhaust hoods, ducts, building heating ventilation and air conditioning preventive maintenance, and inspection certification services at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.Work for this task order is expected to be completed by April 2017.The remaining two contractors are being awarded the minimum guarantee of $5,000.Work will be performed at various Naval and Marine Corps installations within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Ventura counties in Southern California (80 percent); Arizona (10 percent), and Nevada (10 percent).The term of the contract is not to exceed ten years, with an expected completion date of April 2008 (April 2017 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was advertised as a small business set-aside via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with 14 proposals received.These three contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-5007/5008/5009). AIR FORCE Bearing Point, Alexandria, Va., was awarded on 16 April 2007, a $99,000,000 firm fixed price contract.This action provides for Advisory and Assistance Services for Air Force Smart Operations 21 (AFSO21).AFSO21 is based on both Lean and Six Sigma business process improvement tools.These tools were developed chiefly in the private sector to focus on increasing value to customers, save time and money, reduce waste and improve quality.AFSO21 will be the centerpiece of the Air Force strategy to understand and optimize the basic processes round which it organizes.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Headquarters Air Force District of Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (FA7014-07-A-0026). Boeing Corp., Expendable Launch Systems, Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded an $8,999,969 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.The purpose of this modification is to add an additional 52,204 labor hours to the contractor development support for CY07 to the Global Positioning System Wing.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2007. Headquarters Global Positioning Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-96-C-0025/P00478). ATK Launch Systems, Corinne, Utah, was awarded on 16 April 2007, a $7,600,000 firm fixed price, cost plus fixed fee (indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity) contract.This action provides for engineering and technical services necessary to support the motor maintenance and aging and surveillance efforts for the Minuteman II Stages I and III motors and related components. At this time, $805,511 have been obligated.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8818-06-D0021). Vision Systems International, San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a $6,587,106 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action provides for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS).Specific components and estimated repair values are set forth by attachment hereto.The JHMCS provides the war fighter an ejection-compatible, helmet-mounted display with the capability to cue and verify high off-axis sensors and weapons on USAF/USN single and dual seat fighter aircraft.The system is currently populated on the USAF F-15 models C/D, USAF F-16 models C/D, and Navy F/A-18 models A-G.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete August 2007. Headquarters 542d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8522-04-D-0040/P00004). ARMY Sundt Construction Inc.*, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on April 23, 2007, a $42,385,209 increment as part of a $61,774,220 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an armed forces reserve center, vehicle maintenance shop, and organizational unit storage facility.Work will be performed in Bell, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 12, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0020). J.E. McAmis*, Chico, Calif., was awarded on April 20, 2007, a $9,813,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Columbia River channel improvement, consolidated materials dredging.Work will be performed in Portland, Ore. (50 percent), and Vancouver, Wash. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 19, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on March 5, 2007, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Portland, Ore., is the contracting activity (W9127N-07-C-0009). McLean Contracting Co., Glen Burnie, Md., was awarded on April 23, 2007, an $8,999,035 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a bulkhead, closing the opening in cell 6, and some stockpiling of materials.Work will be performed in Talbot, Md., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 21, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 5, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-07-C-0011). * Small Business

Military Commission Charges Referred The Department of Defense announced today that charges were referred to a military commission in the case of Omar Ahmed Khadr by the Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions, Susan J. Crawford. The convening authority referred charges of murder in violation of the law of war; attempted murder in violation of the law of war; conspiracy; providing material support for terrorism; and spying against Khadr, a non-capital case. Khadr and his defense counsel will be served a copy of the charges.In accordance with the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and the Manual for Military Commissions, Khadr will be arraigned within 30 days of the service of charges.Within 120 days of charges, the military judge will assemble the military commission. Assembly is the procedural step that usually occurs when all parties, including the members, are present and sworn, and the judge announces on the record that the commission is now assembled. The military judge will contact attorneys in the case to set an initial trial schedule. Khadr is presumed innocent of any criminal charges unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at a military commission. Military commissions are regularly constituted courts, affording all the necessary judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples for purposes of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Ray M. Bevel, 22, of Andrews, Texas, died Apr. 21 in Yusifiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat patrol operations.Bevel was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Nine Task Force Lightning soldiers died as a result of injuries suffered from an explosion near a patrol base in Iraq's Diyala province yesterday, military officials reported. Twenty soldiers and one Iraqi civilian were wounded when a car bomb attacked the patrol base. Twelve soldiers were returned to duty after initial medical care, and eight soldiers and the Iraqi civilian were evacuated to a coalition forces medical treatment facility for further care. Three of those soldiers were later returned to duty. Also yesterday, a Multinational Corps Iraq soldier died at about 12:45 p.m. after an improvised explosive device exploded near his location in Muqudadiyah. The names of the deceased soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of eight soldiers and one Marine who were killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Army Staff Sgt. Marlon B. Harper, 34, of Baltimore, died Apr. 21 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when he came in contact with enemy forces using a rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms fire. Harper was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. William W. Bushnell, 24, of Jasper, Ark., died Apr. 21 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle. Bushnell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. -- Army Pfc. Christopher M. North, 21, of Sarasota, Fla., died Apr. 21, in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. North was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Pvt. Michael J. Slater, 19, of Scott Depot, W.Va., died Apr. 21 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle rolled over during combat operations. Slater was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Alexander Van Aalten, 21, of Monterey, Tenn., died Apr. 20 in Sangin, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when a land mine detonated near his unit. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Jeffery A. Bishop, 23, of Dickson, Tenn., died April 20 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Bishop was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Chief Warrant Officer Dwayne L. Moore, 31, of Williamsburg, Va., died Apr. 19 in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire. Moore was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Cpl. Wade J. Oglesby, 27, of Grand Junction, Colo., and Army Cpl. Michael M. Rojas, 21, of Fresno, Calif., died Apr. 18 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, here for meetings with Russian leaders, expressed his sympathies on today's death of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin. "He was an important man in Russian history," Gates told U.S. and Russian reporters here. Gates is in Moscow to meet with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian leaders to discuss U.S. plans to deploy missile defense assets in Eastern Europe. From here, the secretary is slated to travel to Poland and Germany to meet with senior leaders on the topic. Yeltsin was the first president of the Russian Federation. He served from July 1991 until December 1999. "No Americans at least will forget seeing him standing on the tank outside the (Russian) White House resisting the coup attempt," Gates said, referring to the former president's public defiance of a communist coup just a month after he took office. Gates noted that Yeltsin received him in the Kremlin during a 1992 visit. "I think he was an important figure in Russia's evolution toward democracy," the secretary said.

CONTRACTS NAVY Force Protection Industries, Inc.,* Ladson, S.C., is being awarded $481,414,500 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order (#0003) under a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) for additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles.The Government shall purchase 300 Category I Vehicles and 700 Category II Vehicles, for a total of 1,000 vehicles.Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed by May 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $59,452,101 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) to exercise an option for the Lot 7 production of AIM-9X tactical missiles for the U.S. Air Force (17) and U.S. Navy (1), and for the Governments of Finland (100), Singapore (40), and Switzerland (1 Lot (quantity classified)).In addition, this option provides for the procurement of Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) for Finland (40) and Singapore (20), as well as containers for the U.S. Air Force (15), and the Governments of Finland (39), Switzerland (18), and Singapore (15).Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (93 percent) and Andover, Mass. (7 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This option combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($3,087,475; 5.2 percent), U.S. Navy ($172,475; 0.3 percent), and the Governments of Finland ($25,658,565; 43.2 percent); Singapore ($16,299,060; 27.4 percent), and Switzerland ($14,234,526; 23.9 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Ionatron, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,839,094 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development of a laser transportable demonstrator vehicle, physics modeling and experiments, laser guided energy effects, and advanced ultra short pulsed laser requirements.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (95 percent); Los Alamos, N.M. (3 percent); and Urbana, Ill. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-8901). McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,105,605 ceiling priced delivery order (# 7020) under previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-07-G-005H) for repair of 27 F/1-18 outer wing panels.Work will be performed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (95 percent), and Mesa, Ariz. (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Trimble Navigation Limited, Dayton, Ohio, is being awarded an $8,623,970 firm-fixed-price purchase order against GSA contract number GS-07F-5588P.This purchase order is for machine control simulation training software, survey simulation training software, grade control systems, base kit for graders, robotic total station, automatic self leveling laser package, automatic level, and associated accessories, warranties, training and cases for the Caterpiller 130G road grader.All items are available on the contract.Work will be performed in Dayton, Ohio, and work is expected to be completed September 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.The initial GSA contract was solicited competitively.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-05-F-5041). AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Carson, Calif., is being awarded a $20,533,632 cost-plus-award-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.This modification to the Space Based Surveillance contract transfers work from Northrop Grumman Mission Systems to Boeing as part of a program restructure.The work transferred includes external interface management, program protection support, on-orbit support and certification and accreditation.This modification also adds additional systems testing requirements to the contract.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-04-C-0002/P00052). ARMY Alutiiq International Solutions*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on April 19, 2007, a $15,578,576 firm-fixed-price contract for Design and construction of a brigade complex-transitional facilities.Work will be performed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 24, 2006.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-07-C-0008). Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on April 19, 2007, an $11,527,147 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursable contract for an on-site depot level diagnostic, fault isolation, clean-up, and repair capability for the PATRIOT weapon system major items.Work will be performed in Korea (39.1 percent), El Paso, Texas (18.6 percent), Germany (14 percent), Killeen, Texas (2.5 percent), Fayetteville, N.C. (1.8 percent), Lawton, Okla. (1.8 percent), Andover, Mass. (7 percent), Japan (4.6 percent), and Kuwait (4.9 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 16, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 15, 2005.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0352). General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., was awarded on April 18, 2007, a $6,163,370 firm-fixed-price contract for customer support services.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by April 18, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 28, 2007, and three bids were received.The Washington Headquarters Service, Rosslyn, Va., is the contracting activity (HQ0034-07-C-0121). *Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Christopher M. North, 21, of Sarasota, Fla., died Apr. 21, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire during combat operations.North was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Michael J. Slater, 19, of Scott Depot, W. Va., died Apr. 21 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle rolled over during combat operations.Slater was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Apr. 18 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were: Cpl. Wade J. Oglesby, 27, of Grand Junction, Colo. Cpl. Michael M. Rojas, 21, of Fresno, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Warrant Officer Dwayne L. Moore, 31, of Williamsburg, Va., died Apr. 19 in Mahmudiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire.Moore was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jeffery A. Bishop, 23, of Dickson, Tenn., died April 20 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Bishop was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. William W. Bushnell, 24, of Jasper, Ark., died Apr. 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by a rocket propelled grenade during combat operations.Bushnell was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Marlon B. Harper, 34, of Baltimore, Md.,died Apr. 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he came in contact with enemy forces using a rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire during combat operations.Harper was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Alexander Van Aalten, 21, of Monterey, Tenn., died Apr. 20 in Sangin, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when a land mine detonatednear his unit during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Four soldiers died and eight were wounded yesterday in combat operations around Baghdad. Another soldier died of a non-battle-related cause. The Defense Department also released the identities of two soldiers killed previously in Iraq. -- A Task Force Marne soldier was killed and two were wounded during an indirect-fire attack against a forward operating base southwest of Baghdad last night. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died due to a non-battle-related cause. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and another was wounded by small-arms file while patrolling in eastern Baghdad. -- Another Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and three others were wounded by a roadside bomb while patrolling in a southwestern section of Baghdad. -- A Task Force Marne soldier was killed and two were wounded by a roadside bomb during a dismounted patrol 15 miles southwest of Baghdad. Names of those killed and wounded are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the names of two soldiers who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Pfc. Jason M. Morales, 20, of La Puente, Calif., died April 18 in Baghdad of injuries suffered from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Pfc. Steven J. Walberg, 18, of Paradise, Calif., died April 15 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Jason M. Morales, 20, of La Puente, Calif., died April 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and Fort Riley, Kan.

The United States is facing a lethal enemy that is "smart, capable and unpredictable," President Bush told high school students today in Tipp City, Ohio. The 9/11 terrorist attack made it clear the nation was at war, Bush said in an address at Tipp City High School. Consequently, he vowed to protect the United States from harm by aggressively pursuing and defeating the enemy overseas, rather than facing them at home. In keeping with this strategy, U.S. forces entered Afghanistan to remove the Taliban and then Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein from power. "What has happened since then," Bush said, "is that we are trying to help a young democracy survive in the heart of the Middle East, and at the same time prevent our stated enemies from establishing safe haven from which to attack us again." The president said al Qaeda's stated objective is to drive the United States out of Iraq in order to establish a safe haven. "They would need a safe haven from which to plot and plan and train to attack again," he said. "They have an objective and that is to spread their ideology throughout the Middle East," he said. "Our objective is to deny them safe haven, to prevent al Qaeda from being able to do in Iraq that which they did in Afghanistan, which is where they trained thousands of young men to come and to eventually kill innocent people." Bush said recently he made the difficult decision to increase the U.S. military presence in Iraq because he believes the Iraqis want a peaceful society. "I wouldn't ask families to have their troops there if I didn't think, one, it was necessary, and two we can succeed," he stressed. "I believe we're going to succeed, and I believe success will embolden other moderate people to that (have) said, they're going to reject extremists and radicals in their midst." He said coalition troop levels need to be commensurate with the Iraqi society's ability to protect itself. "The objective is to have the Iraqi's take over their own security," he said. "It's just that they weren't ready to do so." Bush said al Qaeda claim credit for many of the "spectacular" violence in Iraq, such as the bombing of the parliament, and the Golden Samarra mosque. "These are the Sunni extremists, inspired by Osama bin Laden who attacked the United States," he said. "I keep repeating that," he noted, "because I want you to understand what matters overseas, in my judgment, affects the security of our United States in America." Al Qaeda's objective is twofold, Bush said. They aim to shake the confidences of the Iraqis by proving their government is incapable of providing security, and to shake the confidence of the American people. Iraq is in the process of rebuilding it's political and economic infrastructure, which cannot happen without security, Bush said. "If a failed state creates violence and chaos that eventually could come and hurt us, it's in our interest to help (that state) succeed," he said.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Odyssey Systems Consulting Group LTD, Wakefield, Mass., Samaria Systems Inc., Danvers, Mass., Gemini Industries Inc., Billerica, Mass., BTAS Inc., DBA Business Technology & Solutions, Beavercreek, Ohio, Quantech Services Inc., Bedford, Mass, Oasis System Inc., Lexington, Mass., PE Systems Inc., Fairfax, Va., and Abacus Technology Corp., Chevy Chase, Md., is being awarded a $800,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.This contract will procure professional acquisition support services for Hanscom Air Force Base for the next five years.These services include but are not limited to providing a broad range of non-engineering acquisition support for development, acquisition, integration, test deployment, and sustainment in support of Research and Development and production activities.At this time, $40,000 have been obligated. For information contact HQ ESC/PA at (781) 377-8543.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8721-07-D-0005/Odyssey Systems Consulting Group LTD, FA8721-07-D-0004/Quantech Services Inc., FA8721-07-D-0006/Sumaria Systems Inc., FA8721-07-D-0007/Oasis Systems Inc., FA8721-07-D-0011/Gemini Industries Inc., FA8721-07-D-0008/PE Systems Inc., FA8721-07-D-0009/BTAS Inc., and FA8721-07-D-0010/Abacus Technology Corp.). Aerojet-General Corp., Sacramento, Calif., is being awarded a $9,868,213 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.This modification exercises option contract 0008 to continue on the research Upper Stage Engine Technology (USET) effort.The objective of the USET effort is to enable the rapid and successful design, development, and test of liquid rocket propulsion Turbopump.This will be accomplished through developing and/or improving upon current engineering design, physical modeling and component performance simulation tools, in order to, exceed the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology Cryogenic Upper Stage Phase I goals and strive for Phase II goals.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete July 2010.Headquarters Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9300-04-C-0008/P00029). Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $7,693,812 cost-plus-award-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.This is a contract modification to the existing Space Based Infrared System high component engineering, manufacturing, and development contract.This contract action provides for the procurement/manufacturing, testing, and storage of Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) 1 and 2 critical spares for the SBIRS program.At this time, $2,219,469 have been obligated.This work will be complete March 2009.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-95-C-0017/P00402). Vision System International, San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a $6,587,106 firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS).Specific components and estimated repair values are set forth by attachment hereto.The JHMCS provides the war fighter and ejection-compatible, helmet-mounted display with the capability to cue and verify high off-axis sensors and weapons on USAF/USN single and dual seat fighter aircraft.The system is currently populated on the USAF F-15 models C/D, USAF F-16 models C/D, and Navy F/A-18 models A-G.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete August 2007.Headquarters 542d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8522-04-D-0040/P00004). Ball Aerospace and Technologies Systems Engineering Solutions, Albuquerque, N.M., is being awarded a $6,407,176 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide for radiometric and radiation characterization of Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) associated devices using government furnished equipment.The data and analysis produced by the laboratory are vitally important in determining the overall performance and radiation hardness of devices for use in space applications.This effort includes developing innovative techniques to advance the state-of-art in the characterization of infrared and visible FPA's and associated devices.These innovative techniques include the development of the characterization and analytical techniques, test hardware, and operational and test procedures that advance the experimental capabilities for the infrared Radiation Effects Laboratory.At this time, $288,800 have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete April 2007.This work will be complete April 2012.Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-07-C-0180). NAVY Raytheon Co., Electronics Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $77,774,646 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0123) to exercise an option for the full-rate-production of 97 Lot 9 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) for the U.S. Navy (24 percent) and the Royal Australian Air Force (55 percent), including spare weapon replaceable assemblies for the U.S. Navy (6) and for the Royal Australian Air Force (12 percent).The AN/ALR-67(V)3 RWR is a radar warning receiver that provides visual and aural alerts to F/A-18E/F aircrew upon detection of ground-based, ship-based, or airborne radar emitters.It is designed to enhance pilot situational awareness by providing accurate identification, lethality, and azimuth displays of hostile and friendly emitters.Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (27 percent); Goleta, Calif. (23 percent); Lansdale, Pa. (23 percent); Forest, Miss. (21 percent); McKinney, Texas (3 percent); and Portland, Ore. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($25,069,188; 32.23 percent) and the Government of Australia ($52,705,458; 67.77 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $12,939,007 firm fixed price prime vendor contract awarded to meet the pharmaceutical requirements of the routine Navy fleet and the hospital ships USNS Comfort and Mercy.Using services are Navy.There were 11 proposals solicited and 3 responded.This contract consists of a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods, this is the third option year.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is May 19, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-04-D-7020).

Four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq over the past two days, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identities of 10 servicemembers who were killed recently in Iraq. Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers died and one other was wounded when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device north of Baghdad yesterday. The unit was returning from a combat patrol in the area when the attack occurred. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died when a combat security patrol was attacked with small-arms fire in a southwestern section of Baghdad yesterday. A Task Force Marne soldier died in Baghdad April 17 of non-battle injuries. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Department of Defense released the identities of seven soldiers and three Marines who were killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Army Pfc. Richard P. Langenbrunner, 19, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died April 17 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation. -- Marine 1st Lt. Shaun M. Blue, 25, of Munster, Ind., died April 16 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Army Sgt. Mario K. De Leon, 26, of San Francisco, Calif., died April 16 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Scherry, 20, of Rocky River, Ohio, died April 16 from a non-hostile accident in Anbar province, Iraq. Scherry was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Jesse D. Delatorre, 29, of Aurora, Ill., died April 16 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Delatorre was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Army Pfc. Lucas V. Starcevich, 25, of Canton, Ill., died April 16 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Pfc. Aaron M. Genevie, 22, of Chambersburg, Pa., died April 16 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Basham, 22, of Kenosha, Wis., died April 14 at Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar, as a result of injuries from a non-combat incident. His death is under investigation. -- Army Sgt. Joshua A. Schmit, 26, of Willmar, Minn., and Army Sgt. Brandon L. Wallace, 27, of St. Louis, Mo., died April 14 in Fallujah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1451st Transportation Company, 13th Support Command, Iraq.

Gates: Iraqis Need to Speed Up Reconciliation Process

The path to reconciliation among Iraqi factions is arduous, but Iraqi leaders from all parties need to step up the pace, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today in Tel Aviv, Israel. "Frankly, I would like to see faster progress," Gates said, moments before boarding a military aircraft to travel to Iraq. Continued debate on Capital Hill over potential troop redeployments help show the Iraqis that "this isn't an open-ended commitment" on the part of the United States military, he said. "Our president has said that our patience is not unlimited," Gates said. "I don't think we've been very subtle in communicating these messages to the Iraqis." He said the Iraqi government needs to approve several important pieces of legislation, including laws governing foreign investment in Iraqi oil and how best to share the revenue from such dealings. Iraqis are also working on, but have so far failed to agree upon, a "de-Baathification law," to govern how best to deal with former members of Saddam Hussein's regime. Passing these laws won't change the security situation overnight, but it will send an encouraging message to the Iraqi people, Gates said. "I think ... the ability to get them done communicates a willingness (of) all of the parts of the Iraqi government to work together to begin solving some of these problems," he said. After arriving in Iraq, Gates held a joint news conference with Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq. During the briefing, Petraeus seconded Gates' notion about the Iraqi laws. "Those (laws) are hugely important for all Iraqis to feel a stake in the success of the new Iraq," Petraeus said. U.S., coalition and Iraqi forces are working through the Baghdad security plan "to provide a window of opportunity ... that will allow Iraqi leaders to resolve some of these very tough issues that are out there confronting them, among those the need to reconcile in a variety of different ways," Petraeus said. A series of bombings that killed and wounded hundreds in several areas of Baghdad yesterday set back what Petraeus described as "a bit of traction" in the security situation. "Yesterday was a bad day, there's no two ways about it," Petraeus said. "And a day like that can have a real psychological impact." Still, yesterday's bombings and an April 12 attack that killed an Iraqi Council member shouldn't stop the Iraqi government from moving forward, Gates said. "Clearly the attack on the Council of Representatives has made people nervous," Gates said. "But I think that it's just very important that they bend every effort to getting this legislation done as quickly as possible." Petraeus said these sensational attacks should not be viewed as anything other than setbacks and challenges. "It does show that the enemy has a vote, and the enemy -- in this case al Qaeda -- clearly is intent on trying to reunite sectarian violence and on trying to derail the Baghdad security plan," Petraeus said. "And I think the Iraqi leaders and the coalition leaders have shown the determination to give back." Iraqi leaders "responded very resolutely" to the attacks, Petraeus said. He noted that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other leaders met with Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker last night to discuss actions to improve security and focus intelligence on the car-bomb networks. "And they met again today for that very purpose," he added. Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Gen. Peter Pace, who traveled here separately to join the secretary in high-level talks with U.S. military and Iraqi leaders, met with Petraeus, U.S. Central Command chief Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, and Multinational Corps Iraq Commander Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno in Fallujah today. Also present was Gates' new senior military assistant, Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, who preceded Odierno as the corps commander in Iraq. Gates and Pace will meet with the other senior leaders again this evening to get their "in-depth evaluation (on) how they think things are going and what they see the prospects will be," Gates said. The secretary also is scheduled to meet with Ambassador Crocker and Iraqi leaders, including Maliki.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Foster-Caviness Co., Inc., Colfax, N.C.,* is being awarded a maximum $37,600,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment base contract for full-line fresh fruit and vegetable support for military installations and USDA School Lunch participants in the state of North Carolina. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and USDA School Lunch Participants. This proposal was web solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is October 11, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3217). Produce Source Partners, Newport News, Va.,* is being awarded a maximum $27,600,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract. This is a base contract for full-line fresh fruit and vegetable support for military installations in southern Virginia. Other location of performance is Norfolk, Va. Using services are Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. This proposal was web solicited and 3 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is October 11, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3216). East Coast Fruit Company, Savannah, Ga.,* is being awarded a maximum $25,600,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract. This is a base contract for full-line fresh fruit and vegetable support for military installations and USDA School Lunch participants in the state of South Carolina. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and USDA School Lunch Participants. This proposal was web solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is October 11, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3218). Ashland Sales & Service, Co., Olive Hill, Ky.,* is being awarded a maximum $10,822,500 firm fixed price contract for flyers' jackets. Using services are Navy and Air Force. This proposal was Gateway solicited and 4 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 13, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-05-D-4010). Signature Flight Support Corp., Austin, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $5,757,238 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0013). AIR FORCE AAR Mobility Systems, Cadillac, Mich., is being awarded a $28,069,431firm-fixed-price contract.This action is a basic requirements contract for the repair of 463L pallets, an order against requirements contract for the repair of 32,929 each.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8519-05-D-0007-0016). ARMY Securimetrics Inc.*, Martinez, Calif., was awarded on April 11, 2007, a delivery order amount of $19,227,000 as part of a $71,083,500 firm-fixed-price contract for handheld interagency identity detection equipment.Work will be performed in Martinez, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 10, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 21, 2007.The Vicksburg Consolidated Contracting Office, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W9132V-07-D-0003). Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on April 13, 2007, a $19,058,782 modification firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for the family of medium tactical vehicle trucks.Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-03-C-S023). Watterson Construction Co., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on April 12, 2007, an $18,773,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a dormitory.Work will be performed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 12, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 9, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0017). MWH Constructors Inc., Broomfield, Colo., was awarded on April 13, 2007, an $18,508,135 firm-fixed-price contract for a space test and evaluation facility.Work will be performed at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., and is expected to be completed by March 13, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 17, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0006). B.L. Harbert International, Birmingham, Ala., was awarded on April 12, 2007, a $13,747,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a dining facility.Work will be performed at Fort Knox, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 54 bids solicited on Nov. 21, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0017). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on April 12, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,047,085 as part of an $189,204,672 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support for other customer's remote weapon station systems.Work will be performed in Iraq (66.5 percent), and Afghanistan (33.5 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 6, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). L-3 Communication Titan Corp., Reston, Va., was awarded on April 13, 2007, a delivery order amount of $12,860,130 as part of a $63,042,846 firm-fixed-price contract for continued contractor support to the Joint Staff Systems Integration Services.Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 12, 2005.The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (W74V8H-05-D-0004). Speegle Construction Inc.*, Niceville, Fla., was awarded on April 10, 2007, a $12,422,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a single four-story building.Work will be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 10, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 431 bids solicited on Aug. 29, 2006, and seven bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0018). Lockheed Martin Corp., Goodyear, Ariz., was awarded on April 12, 2007, a $10,158,808 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for a research and development effort to design and develop the tactical reconnaissance and counter-concealment enabled radar program.Work will be performed in Goodyear, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 15, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on Dec. 1, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Communication-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-P030). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on April 13, 2007, a delivery order amount of $9,119,000 as part of a $5,157,921,700 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for interior and exterior driver enhancement kits for the Stryker family of vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 29, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on April 10, 2007, a delivery order amount of $9,107,590 as part of a $9,107,590 cost contract for long lead material reset of improved SEP RESET for battle damaged System Enhancement Package tanks.Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala. (40 percent), Lima, Ohio (20 percent), Sterling Heights, Mich. (10 percent), and Scranton, Pa. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 10, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006). Engineered Electric Co. DBA Fermont, Bridgeport, Conn., was awarded on April 10, 2007, a $6,830,933 firm-fixed-price contract for Caterpillar Inc. turbo diesel engines.Work will be performed in Bridgeport, Conn., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Feb. 12, 2007, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-07-C-D407). Paul Akins Co., Inc.*, Statesboro, Ga., was awarded on April 12, 2007, a $6,389,389 firm-fixed-price contract forthe construction of an operations and training headquarters facility.Work will be performed in Savannah, Ga., and is expected to be completed by April 25, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on Jan. 12, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Atlanta, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912JM-07-C-0005). NAVY PAR Government Systems Corp., Rome, N.Y., is being awarded a $9,932,780 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Rapid Robust Sensor development and deployment.This effort is to perform research and analysis on the technological advancements in Special Mission sensors for unmanned airborne and unattended surveillance systems development, testing, deployment and support.Work will be performed in Rome, N.Y. (60 percent); Patuxent River, Md. (10 percent); and various overseas government locations (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement with three offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0239). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Richard P. Langenbrunner, 19, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Apr. 17 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation. Langenbrunner was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Robert J. Basham, 22, of Kenosha, Wis., died Apr. 14 at Camp As Sayliyah in Doha, Qatar, as a result of injuries from a non-combat incident.His death is under investigation.

Osprey Aircraft to Make Combat Debut in Iraq

A Marine aircraft with dual personalities -- part airplane, part helicopter -- will soon buzz and hover above Iraq's deserts, providing assault and medical support. Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway announced at the Pentagon this morning that the MV-22 Osprey aircraft will make its combat debut in Iraq this September, when Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, with 10 Ospreys and 171 personnel, deploys to Al Asad Air Base. "This deployment directly supports our Corps' number one priority, the Marines and sailors in contact at the tip of the spear," Conway said. "This is a great day for our Corps and for my aviation folks in particular." The Corps' tiltrotor MV-22 alternates between fixed- and rotary-wing capabilities, a unique attribute that gives U.S. fighting forces the versatility of a helicopter, with the 300 mph speed and increased altitude of an airplane, reducing the threat from small-arms fire. "It goes twice as fast, three times as far, it's more survivable by six or seven times (than) the aircraft it replaces," Marine Lt. Gen. John Castellaw, deputy commandant for aviation, told reporters at the Pentagon. The MV-22, which can travel up to 900 miles before refueling, is set to phase out the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter introduced in the 1960s. In 2000, the Osprey came under controversy when an MV-22 crashed, killing 23 Marines. Castellaw said the accident resulted from rapid descent in "helicopter mode," a risky tactic not normally used by pilots. Newer models are equipped with warning systems to help prevent a similar situation, he said. In conjunction with the commandant's announcement today, media members were invited to Landing Zone Seven at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., to observe the aircraft up close. Later, 20 press members would climb aboard for a jaunt above the clouds in what Marines call a "familiarization ride." Around 1 p.m., two Ospreys roared overhead, sending dust and blades of grass into the faces of reporters and photographers. During a downwind turn, the Ospreys' prop-rotors pivoted perpendicular to the ground and into helicopter mode. The crafts hovered over their landing spots, floating smoothly on a vertical descent until their wheels met grassy terrain. Lt. Col Paul Rock, the commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, hopped out of one MV-22 and approached the bouquet of microphones poised on a makeshift podium. "The mission is medium-lift assault support," Rock said. "We carry combat troops, supplies and equipment across the spectrum of expeditionary operations. "It's not an F-18 Hornet or an 88 Harrier," he said. "We're not looking to put bombs on people's heads, we're going to put the most lethal thing the Marine Corps has -- the individual rifleman -- on the deck." Rock told reporters the Corps has a three-phase, 18-month logistical program in place to train pilots and aircrews on the new craft. The first of the six-month phases includes "qualifications training flights," followed by a half-year of "maturation training." During the final pre-deployment phase, Marine aviators undergo Operation Desert Talon training in Yuma, Ariz. -- a location selected for its desert climate and conditions, Rock said. As the outdoor briefing closed, the 85-foot rotors soon reappeared over the tree line. Eager press members pulled rudimentary white helmets, appropriately called "cranials," and their attached headphones into place. Inside the Osprey, chests harnesses held reporters and photographers fast against the fuselage making tangible the low-frequency hum of the spinning propellers. From the rear hatch, which remained open during the flight, a network of exposed wires ran along the ceiling toward the cockpit like nerve bundles. Without warning, the MV-22 separated from the ground. A mid-range humming seeped under the headphones and signaled the craft's metamorphosis from helicopter to airplane mode. For roughly the next 20 minutes, press members on board climbed, descended, yawed, pitched and rolled in the Osprey like paint in a mixer. In moments of sheer beauty, the second Osprey fell back and appeared through the rear hatch, gliding along in parallel formation and eliciting composer Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries," as in the famed UH-1 Huey scene from the film "Apocalypse Now." As a testament to the Osprey's sheer power, one photographer onboard was compelled to use a complimentary airsick bag. Another passenger, a news correspondent, wore a yellow hue on her face that was absent before the flight. At the edge of the landing zone, Sgt. Courtney Joseph, an MV-22 aircrew member and mechanic, watched the disoriented press members deplane -- rather de-helicopter -- the Ospreys. "The quickest way to turn anyone into a believer is to ride on it," she said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Apr. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Killed were: Spc. Ismael G. Solorio, 21, of San Luis, Ariz. Pfc. Brian L. Holden, 20, of Claremont, N.C. Pvt. Brett A. Walton, 37, of Hillsboro, Ore.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Sgt. Mario K. De Leon, 26, of San Francisco, Calif., died April 16 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.Pfc. Steven J. Walberg, 18, of Paradise, Calif., died April 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Aaron M. Genevie, 22, of Chambersburg, Pa., died April 16 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Apr. 14 in Fallujah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1451st Transportation Company, 13th Support Command, Iraq. Killed were: Sgt. Joshua A. Schmit, 26, of Willmar, Minn. Sgt. Brandon L. Wallace, 27, of St. Louis, Mo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Lucas V. Starcevich, 25, of Canton, Ill., died April 16 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

CONTRACTS ARMY Agilent Technologies Inc., Englewood, Colo., was awarded on April 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $94,091,286 as part of a $94,091,286 firm-fixed-price contract for AN/PRM-35 radio test sets.Work will be performed in Englewood, Colo., and is expected to be completed by March 30, 2014.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on Jan. 26, 2007, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-D-0008). Colt Defense L.L.C.*, Hartford, Conn., was awarded on April 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $50,775,745 as part of a $50,775,745 firm-fixed-price contract for M4 and M4A1 carbines.Work will be performed in Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 16, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-04-D-0086). Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on April 5, 2007, a $32,499,999 firm-fixed-price contract for Excalibur Block IA-1 projectiles.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (39 percent), Farmington, N.M. (1 percent), Niceville, Fla. (18 percent), Heraldsburg, Calif. (7 percent), Cincinnati, Ohio (5 percent), Minneapolis, Minn. (6 percent), Anaheim, Calif. (4 percent), Thousand Oaks, Calif. (3 percent), Williamsport, Pa. (2 percent), Joplin, Mo. (2 percent), Fort Lowel, Mass. (1 percent), Minneapolis, Minn. (1 percent), and Karlskoga, Sweden (11 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 16, 2007.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-C-0100). Tug Hill, Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on April 5, 2007, a delivery order amount of $19,100,000 as part of a $19,100,000 firm-fixed-price contract for work on Sergeant Major Boulevard and base utilities.Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on March 10, 2007, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-06-D-0032). Crye Precision L.L.C.*, Brooklyn, N.Y., was awarded on April 9, 2007, a $17,132,251 firm-fixed-price contract for nape neck protectors.Work will be performed in Brooklyn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 5, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 23, 2007.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-C-0074). FLIR Systems Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded on April 5, 2007, a delivery order amount of $14,678,393 as part of a $14,678,393 firm-fixed-price contract for FLIR StarSAFIRE sensors.Work will be performed in Wilsonville, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 27, 2007.The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-07-D-0001). Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Company L.L.C., Independence, Mo., was awarded on April 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,446,872 as part of a $355,131,420 firm-fixed-price contract for small caliber ammunition items.Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 31, 2006.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016). Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Company L.L.C., Independence, Mo., was awarded on April 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $11,225,370 as part of a $366,356,790 firm-fixed-price contract for small caliber ammunition items.Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 31, 2006.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016). Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Company L.L.C., Independence, Mo., was awarded on April 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $8,819,850 as part of a $375,176,640 firm-fixed-price contract for small caliber ammunition items.Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 31, 2006.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016). Best Tool and Manufacturing Co.*, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on April 9, 2007, a $6,755,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for MK93 machine gun mounts.Work will be performed in Kansas City, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 30, 2004, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-05-C-0071). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., was awarded on April 5, 2007, a $6,600,000 firm-fixed-price contract for installation of a directional infrared countermeasures system.Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and is expected to be completed by July 27, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 21, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-07-C-0026). Silvus Communication Systems*, Los Angeles, Calif., was awarded on April 9, 2007, a $5,964,633 firm-fixed-price contract for a comprehensive multi-input/output solution for mobile wireless ad-hoc networking.Work will be performed in Los Angeles, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 13, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 31, 2006, and 20 bids were received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0089). NAVY Colonna's Shipyard, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a maximum $47,600,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to furnish management, material support services, labor, supplies, and equipment, for marine boatyard and industrial support, including specific modifications, upgrades, service life extensions and repairs to non-commissioned boats, craft, lighterage, service craft and associated systems.Work will be performed in Hampton Roads, Va., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $127,750 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with eight offers received.The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, U.S. Navy, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity. (N40025-07-D-7019) Watts Constructors, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded $42,680,000 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price design/build contract (N62742-06-C-1308) to exercise Option 1 (Phase II) to replace typhoon damaged homes at North Tipalao, Commander, Naval Marianas, Marianas Islands, Guam.The work to be performed includes the demolition, removal and disposal of 108 typhoon damaged homes and construction of 103 new three-bedroom and five new four-bedroom family housing units with one-car garage, covered patio, privacy fencing, and exterior storage features, bus stop shelters, mailbox clusters, asphalt concrete road sections, concrete driveways, curbs, gutters, ramps, sidewalks, jogging paths, and bike/walkways, drainage and utility systems, recreational facilities; repair of concrete curbs and gutters; landscaping; provision of temporary utility connections for family housing units designated to remain; and incidental related work.The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $78,580,000.Work will be performed in Guam and is expected to be completed by May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $24,482,554 cost plus fixed fee material order under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for purchase of Virginia Class long lead-time material to support construction of spares for ships service turbine generator and main propulsion units.Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by August 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. Colonna's Shipyard, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a maximum $19,800,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to furnish management, material support services, labor, supplies, and equipment, for marine boatyard and industrial support, including specific modifications, upgrades, service life extensions and repairs to non-commissioned boats, craft, lighterage, service craft and associated systems.Work will be performed in Hampton Roads, Va., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $41,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 12 offers received.The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, U.S. Navy, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-07-D-7018). General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $7,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee material order under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for purchase of Virginia Class long lead-time material to support construction of rotatable pool spares.Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by November 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. Sound & Sea Technology, Inc.*, Edmonds, Wash., is being awarded $5,711,751 under previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N62473-06-D-3005) to exercise option year two for engineering and technical services in support of the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC), Ocean Facilities Department, Port Hueneme, Calif.The work to be performed provides for ocean engineering services that include project planning and execution of sub-sea cable projects including shore landings, seafloor engineering, ocean work platform support, underwater construction tool development, offshore structure and buoy projects, marine power systems, heavy load handling engineering, and harbor and waterside security projects.The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $16,943,474.Work will be performed at various installations under Naval Facilities Engineering Command's area of responsibility worldwide, and word is expected to be completed April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jesse D. Delatorre, 29, of Aurora, Ill., died April 16 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Delatorre was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Scherry, 20, of Rocky River, Ohio, died April 16 from a non-hostile accident in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Scherry was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Shaun M. Blue, 25, of Munster, Ind., died April 16 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

CONTRACTS NAVY Impact Science & Technology (IST), Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $56,900,893 firm-fixed-price, time and material (cost) contract for production and support of 1,100 Vehicle Mounted Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Vehicle Mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program.Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED.This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command Area of Responsibility.The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense's Joint IED Defeat Organization.Work will be performed Nashua, N.H., (75 percent); Dover, N.H. (18 percent); Lowell, Miss. (6.8 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (.2 percent); and is expected to be completed by May 2008.The contract was competitively procured with five offers solicited and five offers received.Contract funds in the amount of $56,900,893, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6319). Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $44,977,846 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-04-C-0101) to provide additional funding for the E-6B Block I modification program, including the design, development, installation, and testing of a fully integrated airborne command and control communication system.Work will be performed in Waco, Texas (80 percent) and Richardson, Texas (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. ERAPSCO, Columbia City, Ind., is being awarded an $11,661,506 firm-fixed-price contract for AN/SSQ-101 sonobuoys and associated data. The AN/SSQ-101 sonobuoys are dropped from various airborne platforms and utilized for search and detection of submerged submarines.Work will be performed in Columbia City, Ind. (50 percent), DeLeon Springs, Fla. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-6788). Rockwell Collins, Inc., Government Systems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded an $11,109,382 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-06-G-0006) for approximately 69,288 hours of engineering and logistics services and related hardware in support of the CH-53E and MH-53E Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM)Program.Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. 3Phoenix Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded an $8,076,766 cost-plus-fixed-fee Small Business Innovative Research Phase III contract to provide engineering services to support software development, procurement of Commercial Off-the-Shelf products, and hardware/software integration required to provide improved technology for U.S. Navy Open Architecture and Network Centric Operations, and Warfare systems in support of USS Virginia Class Submarine and other submarine/surface ship systems.The requirement includes system engineering, architecture design, software engineering, prototyping, integration, and test activities.These services will be rendered as needed to support the Navy's initiative to maintain the pace of performance improvement through judicious use of lower power electronics, advanced algorithm design, and innovative applications of open software and hardware.In addition, this contract will support construction, testing, delivery and integration of subsystem components or engineering development models as needed.Work will be performed in Falls Church, Va. (40 percent); Wake, N.C. (40 percent), Columbia, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2008.Funds in the amount of $1,438,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (N00024-07-C-6274) Delex Systems, Inc.*, Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $7,490,436 firm-fixed-priced order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-03-G-0015) for the development, documentation, testing and delivery of a turnkey Harpoon Tactical Training Program for the Pakistan Navy under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Vienna, Va. (95 percent), and Karachi, Pakistan (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $6,985,181 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-4004) for the FY07 Planned Incremental Availability of the USS Ronald Reagan.A PIA provides for extensive renovation and modernization of an aircraft carrier, including alterations and repairs as well as inspection and testing to all ships systems and components ensuring safe and dependable operation of the ship.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $6,985,181 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Corp., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a minimum $21,030,048 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for mid-grade, unleaded gasoline.Other locations of performance are various locations in Japan.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.There were 4 proposals solicited and 2 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is February 28, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-06-D-1256 American Apparel, Inc., Selma, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $19,396,880 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms.Using services are Marine Corps.This proposal was web solicited and 10 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 18, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0331). Norcross Safety Products, LLC, Rock Island, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $15,357,834 firm fixed price contract for black vinyl overshoes. Other location of performance is Nashua, N.H.Using services are Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. This proposal was solicited via Bidders list and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 12, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-07-D-1513). Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, PR., is being awarded a maximum $13,204,725.80firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms.Using services are Marine Corps.This proposal was web solicited and 10 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 18, 2008.Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0332). * Small Business

Four Army soldiers died and three were wounded during operations in Baghdad over the past three days, defense officials said. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday when his patrol was attacked with small-arms fire north of the Iraqi capital. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday due to a non-battle-related cause. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and two others were wounded April 11 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their patrol in eastern Baghdad. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and another was wounded April 10 when their unit came under attack in southern Baghdad. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the name of a soldier who died recently during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Pfc. Kyle G. Bohrnsen, 22, of Philipsburg, Mont., died April 10 in Baghdad when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Raymond S. Sevaaetasi, 29, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, died April 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jason J. Beadles, 22, of La Porte, Ind., died April 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 887th Engineer Company, 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1ST Lt. Gwilym J. Newman, 24, of Waldorf, Md., died April 12 in Tarmiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Edelman L. Hernandez, 23, of Hyattsville, Md., died April 11 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, while on combat patrol. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. James T. Lindsey, 20, of Florence, Ala., died April 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Both died Apr. 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, when their patrol encountered an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Cpl. Cody A. Putnam, 22, of Lafayette, Ind. Pfc. John G. Borbonus, 19, of Boise, Idaho.

A U.S. Army soldier and two Marines died during operations in Iraq recently, and another soldier died in Qatar, defense officials said. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire in southern Baghdad. The unit was supporting an Iraqi national police unit that came under fire near a local mosque. -- A 13th Sustainment Command soldier died April 14 from non-combat related causes during leave in Qatar. The incident is under investigation. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force Iraq was killed April 14 when an improvised explosive device detonated near troops patrolling south of Baghdad on foot. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died April 14 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of one soldier and one Marine killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Santee, 21, of Mission Viejo, Calif., died April 14 from a non-hostile vehicle accident in Anbar province. Santee was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Sgt. Larry R. Bowman, 29, of Granite Falls, N.C., died April 13 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Bowman was assigned to the 513th Transportation Company, 57th Transportation Battalion, 593rd Corps Support Group, Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS NAVY Allied Container Systems, Inc., Pleasant Hill, Calif., is being awarded a ceiling price $461,635,454 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to produce, test, install and deliver the Combined Arms Military Operations in Urban Terrain (CAMOUT) training system at the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.The contractor will perform a mix of design, fabrication, installation, integration, verification and fielding of the CAMOUT.The CAMOUT will provide a realistic environment to support a variety of training tasks related to the deployment and maneuvering in an urban seeting of a Marine Expeditionary Battallion and its constituent elements.Work will be performed in Twentynine Palms, Calif. (60 percent) and Pleasant Hill, Calif. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed April 2010.Contract funds in the amount of $19,145,534 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured through full and open competition, with five offers received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-8000). Spacesaver Storage Systems, Inc., Fort Atkinson, Wis., is being awarded an estimated maximum value $129,354,698 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for weapons cabinets and associated accessories.This contract contains options which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of the contract to $244,324,208. Work will be performed in Fort Atkinson, Wis., and is expected to be completed by April 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via GSA's E-Buy website, with one offer received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-1092). SERCO, Inc., Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $39,309,017 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee with an option for fixed-price orders, performance-based contract to provide Sea Enterprise C4ISR support services for installation, material acquisition, system/equipment modification, test and checkout, systems training and documentation preparation.This contract includes four one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $208,093,258.The work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (85 percent) and miscellaneous locations including: public/private shipyards and numerous sites in the continental U.S. and overseas (15 percent) and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition.The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-Commerce website and two offers were received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston is the contracting activity for this action (N65236-07-D-8852). Raytheon Co., Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $7,458,104 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for building engineered nano-composite oxides for high durability missile domes.The objective is to develop processing method for the manufacture of IR transport domes capable of higher speed operation and greater particle impact resistance than sapphire, the current material choice.This contract contains options which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of this contract to $14,389,0720.Work will be performed in Tewksbury, Mass., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $3,915,756 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured, with two offers received.The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-07-C-00037). AIR FORCE Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $180,335,364 firm fixed price contract.This action provides 5 AIM-120D AMRAAM Air Vehicles Instrumented, 96 AIM-120D AMRAAM Air Vehicles, warranty for 25 USAF Captive Air Training Missiles, and 105 Non-Developments Item-Airborne Instrumentation Units.This action also funds the Manufacturing Excellence Model Initiative, Test Equipment, and two priced options.At this time, $175,601,780 have been obligated.This work will be complete January 2010.Headquarters Medium Range Missile Systems Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-07-C-0055). BAE Systems Information Technology Inc., Hendon, Va., is being awarded a $49,900,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This action provides life-cycle software development engineering for the Department of Defense Intelligence Information System and the U. S. Intelligence Community worldwide.This involves the development of and providing for studies, analysis, design, development recommendations, enhancement, integration management, configuration management, testing and evaluation of new/existing system and their transition into the operation environment, software and hardware installation, and system and network administration/operation.At this time, $454,400 have been obligated.Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-07-D-0053). The Boeing Co., Kent, Wash., is being awarded a $46,197,759 firm fixed price contract.This contract provides 14 CALCM/ALCM Test Instrumentation Kids for the CALCM and ALCM missiles.At this time, $9,001,437 have been obligated.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base., Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8107-05-C-000C/P00015)). Associated Aerospace Activities, Inc., San Leandro, Calif., is being awarded a $14,641,822 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.This action provides divergent flaps applicable to the F101 engine used on the B-1 Bomber aircraft.At this time, $4,189,442 have been obligated.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base., Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-07-D-0006). US TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Lynden Air Cargo, LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a modification to their existing contract for charter air cargo movement up to 40,000 lbs to sites throughout Alaska.The modification increases the estimated amount by $8,807,382 over the next 17 months.The current contract runs through September. 30, 2007 but has an option to extend through September. 30, 2008.The contract is funded with the Transportation Working Capital Fund.All flights originate from Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, Alaska.This contract increase was a non-competitive action.The US Transportation Command, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity (F11626-03-D-0047 P00006).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Ryan A. Bishop, 32, of Euless, Texas, died April 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualities The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died April 12 in Miri, Afghanistan, when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Casey D. Combs, 28, of Auburn, Wash. Sgt. David A. Stephens, 28, of Tullahoma, Tenn.

Two coalition forces troops were killed and five injured earlier today when two helicopters crashed in a rural area southwest of Taji, Iraq, coalition officials reported. An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the incident; however, officials said initial reports indicate it appears to be from mid-air collision and not the result of enemy fire. The names of the soldiers killed or wounded are being withheld until their families are notified. Three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed April 12 in Iraq, U.S. military officials reported. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and another was wounded when their vehicle was struck by a makeshift south of Baghdad. The unit was conducting a security patrol in the area when the attack occurred, officials reported. Elements of the unit have conducted multiple road clearing operations in the past few weeks, resulting in finding more than a dozen makeshift bombs. Also on April 12, two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed and seven others were wounded when their patrol base came under attack by anti-Iraqi forces south of Baghdad. Two Iraqi interpreters were also killed in the attack, officials said. A quick reaction force was sent to the scene along with attack aviation helicopters, which quickly repelled the attack. In the past few weeks, the unit has conducted several clearing operations south of the capital resulting in the capture of 22 insurgents and the seizure of five weapons caches. Iraqi and coalition forces continue to work toward a stable, secure and self-reliant Iraq in the support of Operation Fardh Al-Qanoon, officials said. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of a 10 soldiers who died recently supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. -Army Cpl. Jason J. Beadles, 22, of La Porte, Ind., died April 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 887th Engineer Company, 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. -Army 1st Lt. Gwilym J. Newman, 24, of Waldorf, Md., died April 12 in Tarmiyah, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -Army Spc. James T. Lindsey, 20, of Florence, Ala., died April 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck a makeshift bomb. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -Army Staff Sgt. Casey D. Combs, 28, of Auburn, Wash.; and Army Sgt. David A. Stephens, 28, of Tullahoma, Tenn., died April 12 in Miri, Afghanistan, when makeshift bomb struck their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -Army Sgt. Edelman L. Hernandez, 23, of Hyattsville, Md., died April 11 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, while on combat patrol. The incident is under investigation. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. -Army Sgt. Raymond S. Sevaaetasi, 29, of Pago Pago, American Samoa, died April 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck a makeshift bomb. He was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -Army Spc. Ismael G. Solorio, 21, of San Luis, Ariz.; Army Pfc. Brian L. Holden, 20, of Claremont, N.C.; Army Pvt. Brett A. Walton, 37, of Hillsboro, Ore., died Apr. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, when a makeshift bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Three Marines and five U.S. Army soldiers died, and six soldiers were wounded, in Iraq recently, defense officials said. The Defense Department also released the identities of three soldiers killed previously in Iraq. -- Three Marines assigned to Multinational Force West died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. -- An Army soldier assigned to Multinational Force Baghdad died and two others were wounded yesterday when an explosively formed projectile detonated near their patrol in southern Baghdad. -- An Army soldier assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad died and another was injured yesterday when their combat security patrol was attacked with small-arms fire in a southwestern section of Baghdad. -- An Army soldier assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad died and another was wounded yesterday when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in a southern section of Baghdad. -- Two Army soldiers assigned to 13th Sustainment Command were killed, and two were wounded, April 14 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M-1114 vehicle in Fallujah. One of the wounded soldiers was evacuated to the Balad Airforce Theater Hospital for medical treatment. The other injured soldier was treated and returned to duty. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of three soldiers killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Spc. Ryan A. Bishop, 32, of Euless, Texas, died April 14 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Cpl. Cody A. Putnam, 22, of Lafayette, Ind., and Pfc. John G. Borbonus, 19, of Boise, Idaho, died April 12 in Baghdad when their patrol encountered an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Larry R. Bowman, 29, of Granite Falls, N.C., died April 13 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Bowman was assigned to the 513th Transportation Company, 57th Transportation Battalion, 593rd Corps Support Group, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Santee, 21, of Mission Viejo, Calif., died April 14 from a non-hostile vehicle accident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Santee was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Kyle G. Bohrnsen, 22, of Philipsburg, Mont., died April 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $70,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee and time and materials contract.This action provides continuing development, integration, and production of Situation Awareness Data Link and Improved Date Modem efforts in support of on-going A/OA-10C Precision Engagement fleet modernization and upgrade efforts.At this time, $4,100,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8635-07-D-6015). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a $12,055,245 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.This contract provides a final equitable adjustment for Ammonium Perchlorate for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Propulsion Replacement Program Full Rate Production 5 (FRP5) effort.At this time, $11,830,961 have been obligated.Headquarters 526th ICBM Systems Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001/No modification number at this time). USSOCOM Trivec-Avant Corp., Huntington Beach, California, is being awarded a $41,000,000, not to exceed ceiling, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity five year contract for the procurement of ultra high frequency satellite communication antennas in support of United States Special Operations Command, Special Operations Multi-Mission, Multi-Band Radio Program.The work will be performed in Huntington Beach, Calif., (H92222-07-D-0013). NAVY Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $24,855,000 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0005 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N68711-02-D-8019) for family housing replacement in the Desert View and Club Street Area at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow.The work to be performed provides for design and construction services for 74 family housing units and a community center, consisting of all necessary site clearing, grading, demolition, improvements, structures, and off-site work as required.Work will be performed in Barstow, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Missing WWII Airmen are Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of ten U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are 2nd Lt. Raymond A. Cooley, of Leary, Texas; 2nd Lt. Dudley R. Ives, of Ingleside, Texas; 2nd Lt. George E. Archer, of Cushing, Okla.; 2nd Lt. Donald F. Grady, of Harrisburg, Pa.; Tech. Sgt. Richard R. Sargent, of North Girard, Pa.; Tech. Sgt. Steve Zayac, of Cleveland, Ohio; Staff Sgt. Joseph M. King, of Detroit, Mich.; Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Knight, of Brookfield, Ill.; Staff Sgt. Norman L. Nell, of Tarkio, Mo.;and Staff Sgt. Blair W. Smith, of Nu Mine, Pa.; all U.S. Army Air Forces.The dates and locations of the funerals are being set by their families. Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army. On April 16, 1944, a B-24 Liberator crewed by these airmen was returning to the aerodrome at Nadzab, New Guinea, after bombing enemy targets near Hollandia.The aircraft was altering course due to bad weather and was proceeding to the aerodrome at Saidor, but it never returned to friendly lines. In late 2001, the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea notified the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command that wreckage of a World War II bomber had been found in Morobe Province.Early the next year, a JPAC team surveyed the site and found aircraft wreckage and remains.They also collected more remains and Grady's identification tag from local villagers who had found the items at the crash site. Later in 2002, a JPAC team began excavating the crash site and recovered remains and crew-related items, including identification tags for Knight and Smith.The team was unable to complete the recovery, and another JPAC team re-visited the site two weeks later to complete the excavation.The team found additional remains and identification tags for Sargent and King. Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. James J. Coon, 22, of Walnut Creek, Calif., died April 4 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when in improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Coon was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Four Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed and one wounded Saturday as a result of an explosion near their vehicle in Iraq's Diyala Province, defense officials said. In other news, coalition forces captured a senior al-Qaeda leader and two others during raid Sunday morning in Baghdad. Coalition forces identified the man as the gatekeeper to the al-Qaeda emir of Baghdad. He has alleged ties to several senior al-Qaeda members and is reportedly linked to a number of mass casualty, vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attacks in the Baghdad area. He was detained along with another known al-Qaeda VBIED cell leader and one other suspect. "This is a significant step in our efforts to disrupt the VBIED network and their devastating attacks against the Iraqi people," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. Meanwhile, soldiers from the Iraqi Army and coalition forces from Multinational Division Center South and Multinational Division Baghdad entered their third day of fighting today against illegally-armed militia in Diwanuyah. Operation Black Eagle netted 39 militia members and large caches of weapons including several explosively formed projectiles and IED-making factories, according to military officials. "So far we have achieved great success fighting the terrorists," said Maj. Gen. Oothman Faroudm, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, which is leading the assault. "We have freed the people of Diwaniyah from the murder and intimidation that has plagued the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week for months." On Saturday, paratroopers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, detained three known insurgents south of Baghdad, according to military officials. The coalition forces discovered the suspects while performing a reconnaissance of an area north of Mahmudiyah. According to military officials, two of the detainees were positively identified as individuals involved in the shooting of two paratroopers April 3 that killed one and wounded the other. The third detainee is linked with a known IED production cell near Hawr Rajab, Iraq. One AK-47 with an empty bandolier was also confiscated. (Compiled from Multinational Force and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

CONTRACTS NAVY Stauder Technologies, St. Peters, Mo., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $14,980,400 ceilingmodification with undefinitized contract line items under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-C-2062) for the Urgent Universal Need Statement of 448 complete Target Location, Designation and Hand-off Systems (TLDHS) used as the forward observer's entry device for requesting the new Excalibur Unitary GPS Precision Guided Munition when fielded for the M-777A2 155-mm howitzers in third quarter fiscal year 2007.TLDHS is a man-portable equipment suite.The system enables the user to perform target acquisition then hand targets off to fire support agencies via interface with tactical data systems using current and planned communications equipment.Work will be performed in St. Peters, Mo., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Schafer Corp., Chelmsford, Mass., is being awarded an $8,834,189 modification to previously awarded contract (N00174-02-D-0015) to increase the ceiling amount to provide Scientific, Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support services as required to support the Information Exploitation Office (IXO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.In fulfilling this responsibility, support services include planning, monitoring, data collection and analysis, system analysis, evaluation, assessment, and documentation of IXO technology and system programs.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity. Pedigree Technologies*, Fargo, N.D., is being awarded an $8,438,667 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the research and development of Electro-Optical Radio Frequency and Acoustic Sensors for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle platforms.Work will be performed in Fargo, N.D., and is expected to be completed in December 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with three offers received via a Broad Agency Announcement.The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0271). The Boeing Co., Inc., Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a $7,100,000 time and mMaterials contract for the Fiber Optic Data Multiplex System (FODMS) program.The Boeing Company will provide design agent tasks for FODMS/Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System (GEDMS) ship sets for DDG 110, 111, and 112.Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif. (85 percent) and Arlington Va. (15 percent) and is expected to be completed by November 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5445). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $10,978,800 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This contract action will definitize Lot 8 Advanced Buy through 12 October 2007, in support of the F-22 program.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2011.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2899/P00015). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Palmdale, Calif., is being awarded a $10,164,788 modification to a previously awarded other transaction for prototypes agreement to exercise an option for the Falcon Combined Cycle Engine Technology portion of the Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle effort.Work will be performed in Palmdale, Calif. (20 percent); Philadelphia, Pa. (73 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (7 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008.Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-04-9-0010, P00027). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Clifford A. Spohn III, 21, of Albuquerque, N.M., died Apr. 9 in Karmah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the enemy attacked his location with indirect fire.Spohn was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jesse L. Williams, 25, of Santa Rosa, Calif., died April 8 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Baqubah, Iraq.Williams was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Apr. 7 in Zaganiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit.They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were: Capt. Jonathan D. Grassbaugh, 25, of East Hampstead, N.H. Spc. Ebe F. Emolo, 33, of Greensboro, N.C. Spc. Levi K. Hoover, 23, of Midland, Mich. Pfc. Rodney L. McCandless, 21, of Camden, Ark.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died April 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Harrison Brown, 31, of Prichard, Ala. Pfc. David N. Simmons, 20, of Kokomo, Ind.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cmdr. Philip A. Murphy-Sweet, 42, of Caldwell, Idaho, died April 7, as a result of enemy action in the vicinity of Baghdad.He was operationally assigned to Joint Contracting Command, Multi-National Force - Iraq and was deployed from his permanently assigned command of Naval Inventory Control Point, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Four National Guard brigade combat teams have been notified for possible deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, DoD officials said today. The units are the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Little Rock, Ark.; the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, from Oklahoma City; the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, from Indianapolis; and the 37th Brigade Combat Team, out of Columbus, Ohio. The units are not scheduled to begin deployment until December, officials said, and some may not go at all. "The units will only be deployed if conditions on the ground dictate it," a DoD spokesman said. These units will be mobilized for one year in total. In the past, units often mobilized months in advance of a one-year deployment to train for the mission. Officials would also add a month on the end of a deployment for demobilization. Often units spent 16 months mobilized for a yearlong deployment. A total of 13,000 National Guardsmen are affected by the alert. The alert is earlier than is common for active-duty units. This time gives the units time to notify families and employers of the possible deployment. It also gives the soldiers time to train for the tasks they will perform in Iraq. While all of these units have deployed in the war on terror, most of the soldiers in the units have not. DoD officials said that more than 60 percent of the soldiers in these four brigades have not deployed before. The 39th Brigade served under the command of the 1st Cavalry Division from February 2004 to February 2005. The 45th Brigade Combat Team served in Afghanistan to support training of the Afghan National Army. The unit deployed in Fall 2003. The 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team served in Kosovo from August 2004 to February 2005. The brigade includes soldiers from Ohio and Michigan. Many elements of Indiana's 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team have deployed since November 2002 to both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The last brigade-level rotation was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from May 2004 to August 2005.

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense CONTRACTS NAVY Black Construction Corp., Barrigada, Guam, is being awarded a $42,125,000 firm-fixed-price contract for replacement of 61 housing units at Old Apra, Naval Base, Guam.The work to be performed provides for the design, demolition, removal and disposal, and reconstruction of existing housing units and supporting facilities.The units consist of duplex housing units (28 total units) and 33 four-bedroom officer single detached housing units and supporting facilities.Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 13 offers solicited and two proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii is the contracting activity (N62742-07-C-1306). AIR FORCE Integral Systems Inc., Lanham, Md., is being awarded an $8,456,177 cost-plus-award fee contract modification.This modification provides for the production year 1 for contract 0307 and 0311 to procure two geolocation systems deployable antennas with threshold capabilities.These capabilities will provide the initial interference detection and geolocation for the Rapid Attack Identification Detection and Reporting System program.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete January 2009.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-05-C-0018/P00036).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Todd A. Singleton, 24, of Muskegon, Mich., died April 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Adam P. Kennedy, 25, of Norfolk, Mass., died April 8 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered with his unit came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire.Kennedy was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died April 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Killed were: Capt. Anthony Palermo, 26, of Brockton, Mass. Spc. Ryan S. Dallam, 24, of Norman, Okla. Pvt. Damian Lopez Rodriguez, Tucson, Ariz.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 6 from enemy action while conducting combat operations near Kirkuk, Iraq. Killed were: Chief Petty Officer Gregory J. Billiter, 36, of Villa Hills, Ky. Petty Officer 2nd Class Curtis R. Hall, 24, of Burley, Ind. Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph A. McSween, 26, of Valdosta, Ga. All three sailors were assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Eleven, Whidbey Island, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Conor G. Masterson, 21, of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., died April 7 in Eastern Afghanistan of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Masterson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Hohenfels, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Phillip I. Neel, 27, of Maryland, died April 8 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using grenades.His death is under investigation. Neel was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.For

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died April 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Killed were: Pfc. Walter Freeman Jr., 20, of Lancaster, Calif. Pfc. Derek A. Gibson, 20, Eustis, Fla.

Six Army soldiers were killed and four wounded yesterday during operations across Iraq, defense officials said. -- Three Multinational Division Center soldiers were killed yesterday, and one soldier was wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated while they patrolled south of Baghdad. -- One Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday, and three others were wounded during an indirect-fire attack targeting units operating south of the Iraqi capital. -- One Multinational Division North soldier died yesterday from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Diyala province. -- One Task Force Lightning soldier died yesterday of wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Salah Ad Din province. The servicemembers' identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of seven soldiers and a sailor who died recently during Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph C. Schwedler, 27, of Crystal Falls, Mich., died April 6 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Schwedler was assigned to East Coast Navy SEAL Team. -- Army Pfc. Jay S. Cajimat, 20, of Lahaina, Hawaii, died April 6 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a car bomb detonated near his unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Pfc. Daniel A. Fuentes, 19, of Levittown, N.Y., died April 6 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley. -- Army Sgt. Forrest D. Cauthorn, 22, of Midlothian, Va., died April 5 in Hawijah, Iraq, from wounds suffered during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Spc. Jason A. Shaffer, 28, of Derry, Pa., died April 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, when a car bomb detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Shaffer was assigned to 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Jerry C. Burge, 39, of Carriere, Miss.; and Cpl. Joseph H. Cantrell IV, 23, of Ashland, Ky., died Apr. 4 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood. -- Army Pfc. James J. Coon, 22, of Walnut Creek, Calif., died April 4 in Balad, Iraq, when an IED detonated near his vehicle. Coon was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died from wounds suffered Apr. 4 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Jerry C. Burge, 39, of Carriere, Miss. Cpl. Joseph H. Cantrell IV, 23, of Ashland, Ky. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

- One terrorist was killed and three others detained during an assault by coalition forces in southwest Baghdad today. The detainees said the dead man was a local car bomb cell leader in charge of approximately 40-50 men, military officials reported. While searching the targeted building coalition forces found several AK-47s. "Coalition forces continue methodical and deliberate efforts to eliminate vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cells in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. Meanwhile, south of Ramadi, coalition forces captured four suspected terrorists they believe have ties to an al Qaeda in Iraq foreign fighter facilitation network. Elsewhere in Iraq, a coalition air strike today targeted armed militia men, killing one in Ad Diwaniyah, military officials said. Operation Black Eagle, coordinated by 8th Iraqi Army and Multinational Division Baghdad and Multinational Division Center South coalition forces, was launched yesterday to defend against illegally armed militia men who allegedly used shoulder-fired rocket propelled grenades. Iraqi Army personnel, through a tip line, were informed by local residents of the militia men who were operating in the area. Operation Black Eagle netted 39 enemy fighters who are being detained for questioning. Iraqi and coalition forces also discovered several weapons and ammunition caches including 27 90mm rockets, six claymore mines, five crates of C-4 explosives, 14 hand grenades, 13 fully-loaded AK-47 ammunition magazines, 900 PKC ammunition gun rounds, two PKC machine gun barrels, one PKC machine gun stock, one mortar system sight, and five ballistic vests. During the operation, one coalition vehicle was struck by an IED. Ammunition and fuel ignited and destroyed the vehicle. Three coalition soldiers were wounded, receiving cuts and bruises, military officials reported. Also today, Iraqi police with support from paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, captured two suspects in a mosque in Musayyib. The search of the mosque was conducted based on intelligence repots of terrorist activities there. When operating in and around holy sites, Iraqi security and coalition forces take precautions to minimize damage to property and disruption of legitimate activities, military officials reported. On Friday, two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed in Baghdad during two separate incidents. The first incident occurred in an eastern section of the Iraqi capital. The soldiers were conducting a combat security patrol when an explosively-formed projectile detonated. In addition to killing one, four soldiers were wounded by the blast, military officials reported. Meanwhile, on the westside of Baghdad, one Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and three others were wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated while they conducted a security patrol. Military officials said that over the past two weeks, elements of the unit found a car bomb and disarmed it. Elsewhere, in western Ramadi yesterday, 12 Iraqi civilians were killed and 43 injured after a truck bomb, suspected of containing chlorine, exploded near a police checkpoint, military officials reported. When the truck approached an Iraqi Police checkpoint in the Ta'meem district at a high rate of speed, police attempted to signal the driver to stop. When the driver did not stop, the officers engaged him with small arms fire. It was unclear whether the police gunfire caused the vehicle to explode or if the driver detonated it, officials reported. Coalition forces arrived on the scene to assist with the medical evacuation and set up security around the blast site. The injured were evacuated to a local hospital and a coalition medical facility. The names of the soldiers killed in Baghdad are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The U.S. Marine Corps has created a new regiment focused on tracking and assisting wounded Marines and sailors across the nation, the regiment's first commander announced at a Pentagon news conference today. "The mission of the Wounded Warrior Regiment is to provide and facilitate assistance to wounded, ill and injured Marines, sailors and their families throughout the phases of their recovery," said Marine Col. Gregory Boyle. The Marine Corps has taken care of its own since 1775, Boyle said, and the way the Corps does it is through "caring and concerned leadership - from the commandant down to the individual Marine." Although taking care of their fellow Marines isn't a new concept, Boyle said, the establishment of the regiment marks the first time the Marine Corps has given oversight in tracking wounded troops to one command. He said a single data base and tracking system will help streamline the transition process and help Marines cut through red tape. The Wounded Warrior Regiment plans to support troops as they navigate through medical evaluation boards and assist in the processing of traumatic life insurance claims, Boyle said. Regiment leaders will provide information on charitable organizations to family members and will ensure accountability in the management of non-medical phases of transition. Boyle also said the regiment will ensure the continuation of care without discrimination to the type of illness, whether it is physical or behavioral. Leaders within the command will strive to make the transition seamless for wounded sailors and Marines as they go from Defense Department care to that of the Veterans Affairs Department. Former Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Michael W. Hagee established similar assistance under the "Marine for Life" program in 2005. Injured Marines and sailors used the nationwide network as a means to transition back to civilian life in their hometowns. More emphasis was put on the existing program when current Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway made it one of his top priorities March 23 to establish a regiment with battalion headquarters on both the East and West coasts. The regiment, with headquarters in Quantico, Va., is spending $53 million in new construction for its two battalions -- one on Camp Lejeune, N.C., and one on Camp Pendleton, Calif. Each battalion will have a barracks facility to house outpatient Marines who are recovering before returning to their units or who are transitioning out of the military to civilian life. The two locations will help eliminate possible seams and cracks for Marines to fall through, Boyle said. Marines will receive the same level of support regardless of their location. Efforts will first focus on the 370 Marines who are currently on inpatient and outpatient status at military medical centers across the country. After addressing these cases, Boyle said, he plans to widen his efforts. "My vision is to get in touch with Marines from (Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom) efforts as far back as 2001 on a monthly basis," the colonel said. "The new organization will allow us to give a personal touch to former Marines."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Shane R. Becker, 35, of Helena, Mont., died April 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Becker was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Gabriel J. Figueroa, 20, of Baldwin Park, Calif., died April 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Figueroa was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Curtis R. Spivey, 25, of Chula Vista, Calif., died April 2 in San Diego of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations on Sep. 16, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq.Spivey was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

CONTRACTS from the United States Department of Defense CONTRACTS ARMY Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $122,633,090 firm-fixed-price contract for logistical support for the AH-64 Apache Modernized and Legacy Target Acquisition Designation Sight Assembly and Pilot Night Vision Sensor Assembly System.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 19, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0058). Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $94,408,000 as part of a $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an airfield runway, pavements, and southside facilities.Work will be performed at Fort Riley, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 15, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 17, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0027). Walton Construction Co., L.L.C., Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on March 29, 2007, a $13,523,312 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for FY07 PATRIOT engineering services.Work will be performed in Burlington, Mass. (3.95 percent), Huntsville, Ala. (8.09 percent), Andover, Mass. (9.82 percent), Tewksbury, Mass. (76.44 percent), El Paso, Texas (1.67 percent), and Norfolk, Va. (0.03 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 9, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 26, 2003.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0020). Tyonek Fabrication Corp.*, Madison, Ala., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $35,580,232 as part of a $35,580,232 firm-fixed-price contract for form fit functional replacement for the UH-60 Blackhawk Enhanced Survivability Inertial Measurement Unit Global Positioning System Navigation System.Work will be performed in Madison, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 13, 2004.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-D-0061). Lawman Heating & Cooling Inc.*, Sackets Harbor, N.Y., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $32,104,704 firm-fixed-price contract for Phase I construction of a Brigade Combat Team complex.Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 66 bids solicited on Nov. 9, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0009). FCI Constructors Inc., Litchfield Park, Ariz., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $30,891,908 firm-fixed-price contract for the Kayenta Community School replacement.Work will be performed in Kayenta, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 5, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were ten bids solicited on July 19, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-07-C-0010). BAE Systems Land & Armaments, York, Pa., was awarded on April 3, 2007, a delivery order amount of $23,440,919 as part of a $41,879,022 firm-fixed-price contract for Bradley Improvised Explosive Devices Belly Armor Kits.Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 3, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005). B.L. Harbert International L.L.C., Birmingham, Ala., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $23,097,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a Support Brigade barracks complex.Work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 5, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 31, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0012). Watts Constructors L.L.C., Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded on March 31, 2007, a $20,951,510 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a C-17 Fuel Cell Nose Dock.Work will be performed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 4, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 2, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-07-C-0005). K.L. House Construction Co., Inc.*, Albuquerque, N.M., was awarded on April 2, 2007, a $14,774,400 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the San Felipe Day School expansion and facility renovation.Work will be performed at Sandoval, N.M., and is expected to be completed by July 13, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 20 bids solicited on Nov. 6, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-07-C-0011). Longbow L.L.C., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on April 2, 2007, a $10,760,608 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for life cycle contractor support for the Longbow Fire Control Radar.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. (50 percent), and Baltimore, Md. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept.12, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-C-0050). ACC Construction Co., Augusta, Ga., was awarded on April 3, 2007, a $10,315,461 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of barracks buildings.Work will be performed at Fort Stewart, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 379 bids solicited on Sept. 27, 2005, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0026). TORIX General Contractors, Colorado Springs, Colo., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $9,915,000 firm-fixed-price contract for renovations of a dormitory.Work will be performed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 3, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 30, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0003). L.C. Gaskins Construction Co.*, Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $7,997,757 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a medium bay aircraft maintenance hangar.Work will be performed at Robbins Air Force Base, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 230 bids solicited on Dec. 21, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0020). GSC Construction Inc.*, Augusta, Ga., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $7,735,775 firm-fixed-price contract for Phase V construction of the Special Operations Forces Rowe Training Facility.Work will be performed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 25, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on Oct. 30, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer, District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0025). Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, Mass., was awarded on April 2, 2007, a $7,469,547 firm-fixed-price contract for educational services for grades PreK-8.Work will be performed at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 27, 2006, and one bid was received.The Department of Defense Education Activity, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HE1254-07-C-0005). STC Constructors L.P.*, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $7,328,833 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Air Support Operations Squadron and weather facility.Work will be performed at Fort Bliss, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 173 bids solicited on Nov. 8, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0012). ARMTEC Defense Products Co.*, Coachella, Calif., was awarded on March 30, 2007, a $5,418,582 firm-fixed-price contract for M204 increment containers.Work will be performed in Coachella, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on Sept. 13, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-C-0030). AIR FORCE Boeing Co., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $68,781,989 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS) Full Rate Production 4 (FRP 4) for the USAF F-15, and F-16, MACH Brooks, the Navy F/A-18 platforms, and foreign military sales countries.This effort supports foreign military sales to F-16 Poland, F-16 Belgium, F-16 Pakistan, F-16 Greece, F/A-18 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), F/A-18 Switzerland, and F/A-18 Canada.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2009.Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-0026/Delivery Order 0058). JGB Enterprise Inc., Liverpool, N.Y., is being awarded a $20,708,899 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources (BEAR) Water Systems and related components.This action is for the following:3 diesel pumps, 5 source run subsystem, 11 each, 550 Initial, 11 follow on, 4 industrial operations and flightline extension, 14, 600 reverse osmosis water purification units (ROWPU), 38, 1500 ROWPU, 2 source run cold weather kits, 6 550 initial cold water kits, 6 550 follow on cold weather kits, 2 industrial operations and flightline extension cold weather kits.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete January 2008.Headquarters 542d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8519-04-D-0017-0006). NAVY M. A. Mortenson Co., Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded$19,540,000 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0010 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62472-01-D-0077) for construction of a dry dock shelter maintenance and engineering facility at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek. The work to be performed provides for construction of a two-story addition to a helicopter trainer building currently being constructed with raised flooring, high-bay space for flight simulators, secret internet protocol routing network (SIPRNET) and restricted access spaces; demolition of building SP-267 and incidental related work.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. Pave-Tech, Inc.*, Carlsbad, Calif., is being awarded $13,547,625 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0003under previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-06-D-1063) for new construction and repair of asphalt and or concrete roads, parking lots and sidewalks at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton and Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook Annex.Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif. and Fallbrook, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Resident Officer in Charge of Construction, Camp Pendleton, Calif., is the contracting activity. CACI, Inc. - Federal, Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $9,038,565 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for technical and engineering support services to be provided in support of the Naval Supply Systems Command Readiness Based Sparing (RBS) Program.This contract includes one 12-month basic ordering period, and four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $47,980,674.Work will be performed in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a solicitation posted to Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with one offer received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z027). ATK Tactical Systems Co., Rocket Center, W. Va., is being awarded a $7,625,700 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0019) for the procurement of RIM-7P Rocket Motor (MK 58 MOD 6/7) and associated data in support of the Sparrow Missile Program. The total quantity of 370 missiles will be provided to the Governments of Korea (239); Germany (67); Chile (50); Kuwait (10); and Portugal (4).Work will be performed in Rocket Center, W. Va., and is expected to be completed in May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Governments of Korea ($4,925,790; 65 percent); Germany ($1,380,870; 18 percent); Chile ($1,030,500; 13 percent); Kuwait ($206,100; 3 percent); and Portugal ($82,440; 1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Baldi Bros, Inc.*, Beaumont, Calif., is being awarded $6,918,074 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0012 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-04-D-3033) for the C-17 reconstruction of Taxiway Lima at Travis Air Force Base.Work includes demolition and construction of the runway and adjacent shoulders, installation of sub-drain system and incidental related work.The contract contains four options totaling $393,815, which may be exercised within 120 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $7,311,889.Work will be performed in Fairfield, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc.*, Walnut Creek, Calif., is being awarded $6,895,824 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0010 under previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee indefinite-quantity contract (N68711-05-D-6403) for loading, transportation and removal of contaminated soil at Hunters Point Shipyard.Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY U.S. Foodservice, Inc., Salem, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $11,735,342 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, contract for full line food distributor. Other location of performance is Topeka, Kan. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were 178 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 19, 2007. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3033). Signature Flight Support Corp, Kenner, La., is being awarded a maximum $5,107,086 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for Jet Fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Ft. Belvoir Va. (SP0600-07-D-0117). * Small Business

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical System Inc., is being awarded a $52,110,193 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity with labor hour, firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursement contract.The Joint Air Defense Integrator (JADSI) is a command and control system that serves as a real-time bridge between tactical data links, radar, and electronic intelligence data.JADSI refers to the complete suite of JADSI hardware, software and infrastructure needed for a discrete JADSI functional location.The purpose of this contract is to support the Air Force, and other DoD services and the Department of Homeland defense's Joint Air Defense Systems Integrator (JADSI) systems, including development, sustainment, technical refresh, and field support by modifying and upgrading JADSI capabilities in response to validated operational requirements, and effectively sustaining deployed JADSI and related equipment in he field.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began February 2006 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete April 2013.Headquarters 653d Electronic Systems Wing, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8726-07-D-0001). Associated Aerospace Activities Inc., San Leandro, Calif., is being awarded a $6,257,865 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for augmentor nozzle, 3,944 units (480 per month).This Air Force requirement is applicable to F110 Engine in the F-16 fighter aircraft.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete April 2009.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-07-C-0072). NAVY General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on April 4, 2007, a $9,191,125 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of long lead materials required to support the upgrade of Fox Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance System Vehicles from M93 or M93A1 configurations, to MP31A1P1 configuration.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 23, 2007.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (DAAM01-96-C-0028).

Five soldiers from Multinational Division Baghdad were killed during separate operations in Baghdad yesterday, military officials reported. While providing escort security north of capital city, two soldiers died and another was wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated near their convoy. In a separate incident, a soldier died when a patrol was attacked with small-arms fire in an eastern section of Baghdad. Military officials said the unit was conducting an area reconnaissance mission when the attack occurred. Also yesterday, two soldiers died and three were wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated in a southern section of the city. The servicemembers' are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of 11 soldiers and two Marines who died recently during U.S. operations abroad. -- Army Pfc. Gabriel J. Figueroa, 20, of Baldwin Park, Calif., died April 3 in Baghdad when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Figueroa was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Shane R. Becker, 35, of Helena, Mont., died April 3 in Baghdad when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Becker was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Spc. Curtis R. Spivey, 25, of Chula Vista, Calif., died April 2 in San Diego of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations on Sept. 16 in Baghdad. Spivey was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg, 24, of Long Island, New York, died April 2 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations in Kirkuk, Iraq. Ritzberg was assigned to the 977th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Staff Sgt. Bradley D. King, 28, of Marion, Ind., died April 2 in Amiriyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. King was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade, Marion, Ind. -- Army Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, 26, of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Army Staff Sgt. Eric R. Vick, 25, of Spring Hope, N.C.; Army Sgt. Robert M. McDowell, 30, of Deer Park, Texas; and Army Spc. William G. Bowling, 24, of Beattyville, Ky., died April 1 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Olsen, 20, of Eagan, Minn., died April 2 while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. Olsen was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Marine Pfc. Miguel A. Marcial III, 19, of Secaucus, N.J., died April 1 in Anbar province. His death is under investigation. Marcial was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army 1st Lt. Neale M. Shank, 25, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died March 31 in Baghdad in a non-combat-related incident. His death is under investigation. Shank was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Sgt. Joe Polo, 24, of Opalocka, Fla., died March 29 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Polo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

During the past three weeks, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Althea Green Dixon has done a lot of walking and talking. She's also done a lot of listening. As well as much inspecting, checking, moving and shaking. Sitting in her new office in the command section of the red-bricked Building 1 on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus, Dixon is surrounded by blank walls and bare cabinets. Her office is adorned with only the American and Army flags. All of her "stuff" is still in her old office on Fort Detrick, Md., she said. But that's OK, because the new top NCO over the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command hasn't spent a lot of time in her office since being handpicked for the job at Walter Reed. "I believe in management by walking around. Just stop in on people and say, 'Hi.' See how they are doing. Check on things," Dixon said. "I can get a lot done in this office sitting behind that computer, but I can get a lot more done by walking around and interacting with people and really seeing how things are going out there and hearing from folks directly," she said. Army Maj. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, the new commander of Walter Reed and the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command, chose the 29-year career medical soldier to lead the changes in wounded soldier care at the center and within the command. The center and its previous leadership have been under fire for the past month since media reports of poor outpatient soldier care caught national attention. Dixon served as Schoomaker's "right hand" on Fort Detrick and Fort Gordon, Ga. She found out March 2 that Schoomaker wanted her to move to Walter Reed with him. The next day, when she was supposed to be packing her bags for a vacation in California, she was instead at the center helping coordinate the packing and moving of soldiers and their belongings out of Building 18. The building was spotlighted in the media for poor living conditions, including moldy walls, faulty plumbing and backed-up maintenance work orders. "I needed to be here," Dixon said. "Our first priority that weekend was to move our soldiers out of Building 18 and into suitable quarters. And we got that done." Dixon has taken only one day off since. A native of Trinidad, Dixon speaks with a pleasant Caribbean accent, soft and sure about the basics of soldier care. Her passion for taking care of troops showed during an interview with American Forces Press Service. "I hate to talk about the past. I probably shouldn't. But part of the reason that we have this situation that we're in right now is because noncommissioned officers failed to do their jobs," Dixon said. "They're supposed to check on their soldiers," she added. "They are supposed to know how they are living, what problems they have. "I'm sorry. I get a little emotional when I talk about that because that's basic stuff and they didn't do it," she said. For the past three weeks, Dixon has spent countless hours making her rounds across the sprawling 113-acre campus reacquainting the center's NCOs with the basics of soldier care as she sees them. "I'm about three things: basics, standards and accountability," she said. "Basic things like taking care of soldiers, basic things like checking soldiers' living quarters, basic things like keeping up with your soldiers' whereabouts. If you stick to the basics, you generally end up OK." Probably the biggest effort she's taken on so far has been making sure all wounded warriors at Walter Reed are housed in "accommodations that are suitable for an American soldier," she said. Wounded soldiers in outpatient care with families at the center now live in the 280-room Mologne House, which boasts all the amenities of a luxury hotel, as well as Delano Hall and the two popular Fisher Houses. The 274-room Abrams Hall became the primary facility for unaccompanied soldiers in outpatient care. Each room offers a private bath -- some with tubs -- kitchenette, walk-in closet, a large, flat-screen television mounted on the wall, and a brand new 17-inch iMac computers. Ten of the rooms there are fitted for wheel-chair access. Brightly lit dayrooms sport large-screen televisions and pool, foosball and ping pong tables. "It's the nicest set of barracks that I've ever seen since I've been in the Army, ... and I've been in a lot of barracks," Dixon said with a laugh as she walked from her office toward Abrams Hall to finish her room inspections. Abrams Hall is across the street and only a short walk from Dixon's office. The grounds look more like an apartment complex than an Army barracks. Walking down bright white halls with waxed floors, past the security desk, Dixon lightly quizzed a handful of soldiers on duty about an upcoming town hall meeting. They told her they knew about it, but not the time or the place. She kindly set them straight. "Looking forward to seeing you there," Dixon said. To make room in Abrams hall, some permanent party and student soldiers living there were moved into furnished, two-bedroom apartments off the campus. Each has walk-in closets and private baths. A shuttle is provided for transportation. The Army paid all relocation, utility transfer and hook-up fees, Dixon said. "We don't want our young soldiers to be subject to any financial liabilities because of decisions that their leadership has made," Dixon said. "I don't think any soldier lost anything in this shuffle." Both Dixon and her boss have talked regularly to the student soldiers and have received nothing but positive feedback, she said. "I haven't heard any major complaints so far. But we're keeping those lines of communication open. We want to make sure we're doing right by all of our soldiers," she said. Regular barracks checks help keep her in touch with the soldiers and the NCOs who lead them, Dixon said. "When a new face comes in they tend to open up a little bit," she said. "When I go over there, ... I try to have a dialogue with them, just to see how they're doing, get an azimuth check on how we're doing and if there are any issues." Face-to-face communication is a recurring theme in many of the changes that Dixon and Schoomaker have made. The center now has a weekly orientation for every new soldier-patient and family. On March 21 Schoomaker held his first town hall meeting with the soldier-patients, and more are planned. Schoomaker and Dixon also have held sensing sessions with NCOs and other leaders. "We are here for the soldier. That's our job. They ought to not feel they are imposing on us if they come to us with an issue. We are here to deal with those issues," Dixon said. In light of recent changes, Dixon said, morale for wounded soldiers is on an "upswing." At the same time, Dixon must also focus on the morale of her staff of soldiers. She said that the negative publicity has had an effect on those in uniform serving there. She said she is meeting with staff members to "get their thoughts on how they are doing and what can be done to improve their quality of life," she said. "Although a lot of the scrutiny has been on the (care of the) patient-soldiers, I want our employees to know that we still care for them," she said. "We are here to take care of them the same as we are here to take care of our patient-soldiers." Dixon said she is pleased with the changes made already, but acknowledged much work ahead. She said she is receiving support, both from top-level leaders across the Army and DoD, as well as from her NCOs and staff. The next step is to stand up the Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade, charged with overseeing the health, welfare and morale of patients as they recover. Army combat veterans have been chosen to stand up brigade. Its new top NCO, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Hartless, has spent time recovering at the center from wounds he suffered while serving in Afghanistan. About 600 soldiers will make up the three companies in the new brigade. Many officers and NCOs have been given only 30 days notice to report to their new assignments at the center, but haven't complained about the sudden change. There has been "no whining," Dixon said. "They are just stepping up to the plate," she said. The three company commanders for the new transition brigade are already on the ground working through issues of furniture, space, personnel restructuring, offices and so forth. By the end of this month, half of the staff is set to be in place, three-quarters by the end of April, and full staffing for the brigade should be in place by the end of May, Dixon said. In the meantime, the sergeant major makes no apologies for the standards she sets and said she will continue taking care of soldiers with "high standards with a big heart." "I can be pretty easy going. But I'm often not, because I have high standards, because I really like people and I really care about people," she said. "Sometimes I have to correct people. I try to be nice about it. Sometimes I'm not so nice about it."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Joe Polo, 24, of Opalocka, Fla., died Mar. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.Polo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

A soldier and a Marine died in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department identified six soldiers who died previously. Three coalition soldiers were injured, and one later died of wounds suffered when a large truck bomb exploded at a police station yesterday in Kirkuk. A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of six soldiers who died recently during U.S. operations abroad. -- Staff Sgt. Jason R. Arnette, 24, of Amelia, Va., died April 1, and Spc. Wilfred Flores Jr., 20, of Lawton, Okla., died March 31 of wounds suffered March 31 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Sgt. Joe Polo, 24, of Opalocka, Fla., died March 29 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Polo was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Sgt. Edmund W. McDonald, 25, of Casco, Maine, and Spc. Agustin Gutierrez, 19, of San Jacinto, Calif., died March 29 in North Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered during a non-combat related vehicle accident March 28 in North Kabul. They were assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Spc. Christopher M. Wilson, 24, of Bangor, Maine, died March 29 at Korengal Outpost, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from a rocket-propelled-grenade explosion. Wilson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg, 24, of New York, died April 2 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations in Kirkuk, Iraq.Ritzberg was assigned to the 977th Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Bradley D. King, 28, of Marion, Ind., died April 2 in Al Amiriyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.King was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade, Marion, Ind.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died April 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Killed were: Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, 26, of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Staff Sgt. Eric R. Vick, 25, of Spring Hope, N.C. Sgt. Robert M. McDowell, 30, of Deer Park, Texas. Spc. William G. Bowling, 24, of Beattyville, Ky.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Olsen, 20, of Eagan, Minn., died April 2 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Olsen was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Miguel A. Marcial III, 19, of Secaucus, N.J., died April 1 in Al Anbar province, Iraq.His death is currently under investigation. Marcial was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Neale M. Shank, 25, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Mar. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident.His death is under investigation.

More than 7,000 servicemembers will deploy to Iraq in the coming months, including two units that will not have been back at their home stations for the year they expected when they returned home from their last deployments, Defense Department officials said today. The rotations will enable commanders in Iraq to maintain 20 brigade combat teams in the theater through the end of August, officials said. The 3,500 soldiers of the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y., will return to Iraq 47 days before their one-year stateside "dwell break" is finished. The headquarters of 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, will return to Iraq 81 days early. "The level of effort that the United States is maintaining in Iraq is a build-up to 20 combat brigades," said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman. "These combat brigades - with these additional troop rotations - will permit the surge to commit at that level through the end of August." The 18th Airborne Corps from Fort Bragg, N.C., will replace the 3rd Corps out of Fort Hood, Texas, as the lead unit for Multinational Corps Iraq in November. The corps headquarters is at Camp Victory outside Baghdad. The 1st Armored Division headquarters, from Wiesbaden, Germany, will go in to replace the 25th Infantry Division headquarters, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, in August. The 25th Infantry Division headquarters will extend in Iraq for 45 days. The 25th Infantry Division is the headquarters for the Multinational Division North, based in Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit. The 4th Infantry Division will return to the Iraqi capital, to replace the 1st Cavalry Division as headquarters for Multinational Division Baghdad in September. The 4th served a yearas the lead for Multinational Division Baghdad through 2006. The 1st Cavalry will depart on schedule. The rotations will allow commanders the latitude they need to continue operations in Iraq. They can maintain the level, go down or go up depending on the circumstances, Whitman said. "What you are seeing here today reflects a decision that will carry the effort of 20 brigade combat teams through August '07," he said. There will be other decision points for commanders in Iraq over the next few months, he said. There are roughly 1,000 servicemembers apiece in the division headquarters. A DoD official said today the department regards the dwell break for the two units as significant, and that proposals being worked in DoD would compensate servicemembers who either go back to Iraq early or are extended in the country.

CONTRACTS NAVY Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $1,811,100,000 advance acquisition contract for the FY 2008 procurement of long-lead components associated with the manufacture and delivery of 21 Lot 12 MV-22 (Marine variant) and five Lot 12 CV-22 (Air Force variant) tiltrotor aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (50 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (35 percent); and Amarillo, Texas (15 percent).Work for the MV-22 is expected to be completed in October 2010, and work for the CV-22 is expected to be completed in September 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0001). Hoffman Construction of Washington, Seattle, Wash., was awarded a $60,958,000 firm-fixed-price construction contract on March 31, 2007, for design and construction of Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Naval Station Everett, Everett, Wash. The procurement is for all work including labor, materials, and equipment for the design and construction of market style apartments and associated replacement parking.Related work includes site development, landscaping, demolition of existing infrastructure, on-site storm drainage and other related efforts.Work will be performed in Everett, Wash., and work is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured utilizing full and open competition, with two proposals received.Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-07-C-0001). American Security Programs, Inc., Dulles, Va., is being awarded an $18,019,120 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with award- fee/award-option contract for regional armed security officer services to be performed at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Charleston, S.C., Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas, NAS Whiting Field, Fla., Construction Battalion Center (CBC) Gulfport, Miss., NAS Atlanta Ga., NAS Meridian Miss., Naval Support Activity (NSA) Athens, Ga., NSA Panama City, Fla., and NSA Orlando, Fla.The work to be performed provides for both armed and unarmed security officer services that include but are not limited to: entry control point services, roving patrols services, pass and I.D. office services, emergency dispatching services, traffic court services (administrative), arms rooms services, training services (administrative and recordkeeping), physical security surveys, police administration, police supply services, and impound services. This contract contains options, which if exercised, will bring the value of this contract to a not-to-exceed amount of $433,906,361.Work will be performed in NWS Charleston S.C.; NAS Kingsville, Texas; NAS Whiting Field, Fla.; CBC Gulfport Miss.; NAS Atlanta Ga.; NAS Meridian Miss.; NSA Athens Ga.; NSA Panama City Fla.; NSA Orlando Fla., and work is expected to be completed by September 2007 (September 2016 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 14 proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-D-1261). Rolands & Associates, Inc., Monterey, Calif., is being awarded a $10,578,149 cost-plus-fixed-fee task order contract for purchase of software support services for the Joint Theater Level Simulation Systems (JTLS) and integration support with the Joint Multi Resolution Model (JMRM).This contract includes three 24-month option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $34,322,770.Work will be performed in Monterey, Calif. (92 percent), and various CONUS locations (8 percent), and work is expected to be completed by March 2013.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z025). GrimmerSchmidt Compressors, LLC*, Franklin, Ind., is being awarded a $7,013,371 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of up to 505 portable air compressors, including five pilot production units.In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of associated engineering and logistics data.Work will be performed in Franklin, Ind., and is expected to be completed in April 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals; two offers were received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0015). AIR FORCE United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $107,565,198 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract.This action provides for 12 install and 1 spare F-119-PW-117-PW-100 engines.At this time, $96,808,686 have been obligated.This work will be complete July 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-07-C-2076). Boeing Aerospace Operations Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla., is being awarded a $26,030,000 time and material and firm-fixed-price contract.This contract provides for Umbrella Engineering Services Support sustaining and non-recurring engineering services to support research and development, aircraft modifications, aircraft maintenance and technical services for Boeing commercial derivative military use aircraft.At this time, $4,056,574 have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-07-C-0001). ARMY The Korte Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on March 29, 2007, an $18,334,807 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an unaccompanied enlisted dorm.Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 26, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0014). Spawglass Contractors Inc., Selma, Texas, was awarded on March 29, 2007, a $12,121,200 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new telecommunications facility, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, parking lots, access drives, sidewalks, lighting, and a communications system.Work will be performed at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 9, 2006, and seven bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-07-C-0013). CADDO/Wolverine (Joint Venture)*, Wasilla, Alaska, was awarded on March 27, 2007, a $10,271,000 firm-fixed-price contract for revitalization ofArmy Family Housing.Work will be performed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 22, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 30, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0007). BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on March 29, 2007, a $9,304,202 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the upgrade of steam plant boilers.Work will be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 13, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 22, 2007.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-98-E-0006). Martin Electronics Inc., Perry, Fla., was awarded on March 27, 2007, a $7,817,561 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M228 Practice Fuzes.Work will be performed in Perry, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 14, 2005, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-C-0050). Speegle Construction Inc.*, Niceville, Fla., was awarded on March 28, 2007, a $5,526,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Redhorse Vehicle maintenance facility.Work will be performed at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and is expected to be completed by June 19, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 17, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0015). Kalmar RT Center L.L.C., Cibolo, Texas, was awarded on March 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,200,000 as part of a $37,400,000 time and materials contract for reset of Rough Terrain Cargo Handler Vehicles.Work will be performed in Ahmadi, Kuwait, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 8, 2004. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-04-D-0160). Kalmar RT Center L.L.C., Cibolo, Texas, was awarded on March 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,200,000 as part of a $32,200,000 time and materials contract for reset of Rough Terrain Cargo Handler Vehicles.Work will be performed in Cibolo, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on April 8, 2004.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-04-D-0160). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Bergen Brunswig Drug Co., Inc., Orange, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $38,187,976 firm fixed price contract for distribution of pharmaceuticals. Other location of performance is Honolulu, Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were 36 proposals solicited and 5 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-01-D-1604). Aircraft Braking Systems, Akron, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $10,244,000 firm fixed price contract for consumable spare parts which are subcomponents of aircraft brakes with multiple weapon systems applications. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This is a sole source competition. This is a requirements type contract with a two-year base period and 3 one-year options. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 2, 2009. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM4A2-07-D-0006). Accenture National Services Inc., LLC, Reston, Va., is being awarded a maximum $10,575,124 fixed price with incentives contract for services to maintain the integrated set of core business software applications completed with the Business Systems Modernization effort for Defense Logistics Agency. Other locations of performance are Ohio, Pa., Mich. And Va. Proposals were GSA e-Buy solicited and two responded. This is a 10-year contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the DLA Enterprise Support Contracting Services Office - Philadelphia (DES-DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP4701-07-A-0001). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died March 29 in North Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered during a non-combat related vehicle accident on March 28 in North Kabul.Their deaths are under investigation. Killed were: Sgt. Edmund W. McDonald, 25, of Casco, Maine. Spc. Agustin Gutierrez, 19, of San Jacinto, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.The soldiers died from wounds suffered Mar. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Jason R. Arnette, 24, of Amelia, Va.He died April 1 in Baghdad, Iraq. Spc. Wilfred Flores Jr., 20, of Lawton, Okla.He died Mar. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Understanding the critical role spouses play in the recovery of wounded warriors, Operation Homefront has created the Wounded Warrior Wives Project to help them navigate the challenges they may face. "While the military sees to their physical health, the key to the short- and long-term stability and full restoration of our wounded warriors lies in the support of their spouses," Meredith Leyva, founder of Operation Homefront, said. "It is the spouses, not the wounded warriors, who are most responsible for key family issues such as financial viability and seeking assistance." The Wounded Warrior Wives Project is an opportunity for spouses to get together and really discuss issues surrounding their servicemembers' recovery, Leyva said. And though the title specifically mentions wives, "we are certainly open to everyone," she said. The Wounded Warrior Wives Project began at Operation Homefront's annual chapter presidents' meeting, Leyva said. The group recognized that each new phase of recovery and rehabilitation brings new challenges not only for the patient, but the caregivers, Leyva said. "It' a comprehensive program," Leyva said. "We catch them in the hospital at the acute phase (and) they can continue with physical support groups at the rehabilitation centers." The Wounded Warrior Wives Project strives to help provide caregivers with an emotional and practical support system to navigate those challenges. Through the program, Operation Homefront will provide support groups at each major military medical facility, Leyva said. It will continue this support network beyond the family's involvement in the medical system with Web-based magazine content and discussion forums that will directly address pertinent issues. This content will launch April 2, she said. The Web content will become a new section on CinCHouse.com, Operation Homefront's online community. Dr. Julia Storey, a retired Air Force psychologist, and Tonia Sargent, a Marine wife whose husband suffered severe head injuries, will lead this endeavor, Leyva said. Local support groups are primarily peer-to-peer with the goal of presenting information on all the programs available for military families, Leyva said. "However, we will not be allowing command officials and program officials into the inner workings of the support group meetings, as a matter of privacy, unless the support group members specifically request that," Leyva said. "People need to be able to talk openly and without fear of reprisal, and I think command officials understand this." Operation Homefront is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights the support the nation's servicemembers are receiving from the American public and the corporate sector

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corporation, A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Company, Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $248,344,713 firm fixed and cost plus incentive fee price contract modification. This action funds the FY07 third quarter option for the continued performance of the Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership.This option continues the support for the C-17 sustainment-labor/engines CLS and material.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8614-04-C2004/P00177) Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems, Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded an $89,839,078 firm fixed price contract modification.This action provides for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Cryptography Upgrade (ICU) full rate production of 650 KS-60 Cryptographic devices to include fielding.The KS-60's will perform encryption and decryption functions to support a mandate from the National Security Agency (NSA). At this time, total funds have been obligated.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, Utah is the contracting activity.(F42610-98-C-001/Modification Number for this requirement has not yet been assigned) ATA Aerospace, Albuquerque, N.M. is being awarded a $48,500,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with cost plus fixed fee task orders contract. This action provides for Space Technology Research, Analysis, Integration, and Test (STRAIT) program will provide the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) with the required engineering, technician, program management, and administrative services to perform space based technology research, analysis, integration, and test in support of the mission.At this time, $881,000 have been obligated.Detachment 8, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, N.M. is the contracting activity.(FA9453-07-D-0189) Schafer Corporation, Albuquerque, N.M. is being awarded a $48,500,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with cost plus incentive fee task orders contract.This action provides for Space Technology Research, Analysis, Integration, and Test (STRAIT) program will provide the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) with the required engineering, technician, program management, and administrative services to perform space based technology research, analysis, integration, and test in support of the mission. At this time, $200,000 have been obligated Detachment 8, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, N. M. is the contracting activity. (FA9453-07-D-0002) Jackson and Tull, Washington, is being awarded a $48,500,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity with cost plus fixed fee task orders contract.This action provides for Space Technology Research, Analysis, Integration, and Test (STRAIT) program will provide the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS) with the required engineering, technician, program management, and administrative services to perform space based technology research, analysis, integration, and test in support of the mission.At this time, $200,000 have been obligated.Detachment 8 Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, N.M. is the contracting activity. (FA9453-07-D-0001) Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $29,000,000 firm fixed price, time and material contract. This actions provides the total repair and return of the existing V-9 Radar flown on F-16 foreign military aircraft.Interfaces are maintained between the performance work system primary areas of system test/evaluation, project management, repair and facilities.At this time, $1,000,000 have been obligated.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill AFB, Utah is the contracting activity. (FA8232-07-D-0001) Advanced Information Engineering Services, Incorporated, Fairfax, Virginia is being awarded a $24,900,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, with cost plus fixed fee orders contract.This action provides for Directed Energy Bio-effects Research, and the objective of the effort includes conducting research to identify the benefits, risks, and capabilities for a wide range of military RF/HPM radiation systems.Another objective is to predict and mitigate the bio-effects of directed energy on personal and mission performance, and to exploit the bio-effects of directed for directed energy (DE) weapons applications.At this time $2,099,999 have been obligated.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity.(FA8650-07D-6800/Task Order 0001) FlightSafety International, Incorporated, Flushing, N. Y., is being awarded a $7,502,570 firm fixed price contact. This action provides for Pilot Training on the following aircraft: King Air 200, C-12D, Westwind IL, Gulfstream IV, V and 550. At this time, no funds have been obligated.Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB, Tx., is the contracting activity.(FA3002-07-D-0003) General Electric Company, Cincinnati, Ohio is being awarded a $5,932,045 firm fixed price contract.This action provides for turbine frame, in support of F101 GE102, B-1B aircraft. At this time, total funds have been obligated.Headquarters Oklahoma city Air Logistics Center, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity.(FA8104-05-G-0003-0117) NAVY Kollsman, Inc., Merrimak, N.H., is being awarded a $97,580,812long term indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for test, teardown, analysis, and repair/modification of various Night Targeting System (NTS) Weapon Repairable Assemblies (WRAs) and System Repairable Assemblies (SRAs) in support of the AH-1 W Marine Corps Helicopter.Work will be performed in Merrimack, N.H., and work is expected to be completed by March 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured, with two proposals solicited for this limited competition requirement and two offers received.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-07-D-001N). Systems Application & Technologies, Inc., Oxnard, Calif., is receiving a $10,000,000 modification under previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-deliver/indefinite-quantity contract (N62473-06-D-3033) to exercise an option for program management, technical and integrated logistics services to support the Navy's Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Ashore Program. The work to be performed provides for recommendations for assessments of ATFP effectiveness, standardization, regional systems solutions, enterprise network solutions, performance based logistics, configuration management, and recommended design and technical solutions.The ATFP Program will utilize a total systems engineering approach to automate and improve the security of Navy shore installations worldwide. Work will be performed at Naval installations in various worldwide locations, and is expected to be completed March 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity. AGVIQ/CH2M Hill JV,* Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a maximum amount $40,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery job order contract for environmental services in support of performing remedial actions,removal actions including demolition, expedited and emergency response actions, performing pilot and treat ability studies, developing work plans, providing treatment plant/facility or system operation, maintenance, repair and operations, performing traditional and innovative methods for a complete remedial action for environmentally contaminated sites.Work will be performed at various locations within the areas of responsibility of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington.The exact locations will be specified in the individual task orders issued under the basic contract.The contract is expected to be complete by March 2011.This contract is a negotiated sole source procurement under the Small Business Agreement 8(a) Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC) Program.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-07-D-0451) CACI Inc. Federal, Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $34,516,583 cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, manufacturing, logistics and technical services to the Gun Weapons System Department at Port Hueneme Division, Louisville.Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky. (85 percent), and various field service locations (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $1,844,840 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities website, with two proposals solicited and one offer received.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity. (N63394-07-D-4004) HITT Contracting Company, Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $14,883,041 firm-fixed-price construction contract for a 144-person dormitory and multi-purpose room at Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter.Work will be performed in Sumter, S.C., and is expected to be completed by November 2008.The contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with two proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-1759). Sauer, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $14,714,269 for task #0001 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N62477-04-D-0036) for the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) Test Facilities supporting the MMA Program at Patuxent River, Md.Work will be performed in Patuxant River, Md., and is expected to be completed March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured, with two proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contract activity. SCI Technology, Inc., dbs SCI Manufacturing, Defense and Aerospace Systems, Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $11,057,116 firm-fixed-price contract to provide Tactical Operations Center Intercommunication System (TOCNET) modules to support the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Command and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle program and other USMC Programs of Record.Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed June 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was a sole source acquisition.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-C-6304). John C. Grimberg, Co., Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $10,912,200 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of the Agile Chemical Facility at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md.Work to be performed provides for the construction of a facility to manufacture nitrate eaters, new buildings (including a control building for remote process operation), tanks, containment structures, and other supporting equipment and facilities, stairways, platforms and electrically conductive floors.Upgrade storage and delivery facilities for chemicals and raw materials; product handling and transfer facilities; a wastewater treatment system; and a spent acid processing system.This project will include the demolition of five substandard building at the existing manufacturing plant.Work will be performed in Indian Head, Md., and is expected to be completed October 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with two proposals received.The Naval Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-07-C-0161). General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $10,172,500 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-03-C-0361) for the Fiscal Year 2007 F/A-18E/F F-414 Engine Component Improvement Program.Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass. and is expected to be completed in November 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. GFS Group, Hagatna, Guam, is being awarded an estimated $7,572,103 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity and time and material contract (N40192-05-D-9005) to exercise and option for housing operations and maintenance services for various Naval Installation, Territory of Guam. The housing operation maintenance services to be performed include, but are not limited to, general management & administration services, family housing, bachelor housing and operation and maintenance of radon reduction.Work will be performed at various naval housing in the Territory of Guam for the Commander, U. S. Naval Forces Marianas, and is expected to be completed March 2008. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas is the contracting activity (Mod. P00003). ARMY Alcan General Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on March 26, 2007, a $20,670,806 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a physical fitness center.Work will be performed in Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 22, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 29, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0011). Alliant Techsystems, Rocket Center, W.V., was awarded on March 26, 2007, a $10,357,620 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M228 practice fuzes.Work will be performed in Rocket Center, W.V., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 14, 2005, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-C-0049). Signal Technology Corp., Plano, Texas, was awarded on March 26, 2007, an $8,692,732 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Microsensor Phase VI Program.Work will be performed in Plano, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were five bids solicited on Feb. 14, 2007, and one bid was received.The Defense Microelectronics Activity, McClellan, Calif., is the contracting activity (H94003-07-C-0705). BWAY Corp., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded on March 26, 2007, a $6,488,352 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M2A1 metal boxes.Work will be performed in Homerville, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 12, 2005, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-C-0067).

A soldier and two Marines have been killed while serving in Iraq in recent days, and the Defense Department has released the identities of four soldiers killed March 25. -- A Multinational Force Iraq soldier died March 27 after an attack by indirect fire in the International Zone. A second soldier is currently being treated at a local coalition force facility for wounds suffered in the attack. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West also died March 27 during combat operations in Anbar province. -- Another Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed March 24 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of family members. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has identified a Marine and six soldiers who were killed earlier in Iraq. -- Marine Staff Sgt. Marcus A. Golczynski, 30, of Lewisburg, Tenn., died March 27 from wounds suffered in Anbar province. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Nashville, Tenn. -- Army Sgt. Curtis J. Forshey, 22, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., died March 27 in Hamburg, Germany, of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. -- Army Spc. Sean K. McDonald, 21, of Rosemount, Minn., died March 25 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Wiesbaden, Germany. Four soldiers assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. died March 25 in Baqubah when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: -- Sgt. Jason W. Swiger, 24, of South Portland, Maine; -- Cpl. Jason Nunez, 22, of Naranjito, Puerto Rico; -- Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez, 21, of New Freedom, Pa.; and -- Pfc. Anthony J. White, 21, of Columbia, S.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Master Sgt. Sean M. Thomas, 33, of Harrisburg, Pa., died March 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using indirect fire during combat operations.Thomas was assigned to the 28th Division Support Command, Harrisburg, Pa.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Marcus A. Golczynski, 30, of Lewisburg, Tenn., died March 27 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Golczynski was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Nashville, Tenn.

A northern-Virginia-based nonprofit organization has provided worldwide assistance to families of deployed U.S. servicemembers for the past six years. Founded in mid-2001, Salute Our Services augments existing military family support programs by providing information and services for spouses and children of deployed military members, Patricia Johnson, the group's chief executive officer, said from her office in Reston, Va., during a phone interview with American Forces Press Service. Sharing information and concerns with other military spouses who've experienced times when their spouses were deployed "provides you with perspective and makes you better prepared and equipped to handle it in a good way," Johnson, a military spouse herself, explained. Johnson recalled feeling isolated years ago when her husband was away on deployments. Family members belonging to his Maryland-based Army reserve unit were dispersed across several states, she noted. Johnson's unease was made worse, she said, because, "I wasn't part of a crowd that had military experience." An SOS-sponsored virtual family readiness group Internet site was established in 2002, Johnson said. It provided spouses of deployed servicemembers who may live hundreds of miles apart the ability to share information of mutual interest. Today, those secure sites are managed by U.S. Army Community and Family Services, she said, and they service at least 1,000 Army units across the United States. SOS is proud to partner with America Supports You, a Defense-Department sponsored program highlighting the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers, Johnson said. "America Supports You has been great," Johnson said. Association with the DoD program has helped her organization obtain assistance from high-profile celebrities such as National Basketball Association superstar Shaquille O'Neal, she said. The SOS group manages a mentorship program that connects military family members experiencing a spouse's deployment for the first time with someone who's already been through that experience, Johnson said. SOS-provided assistance for military families also includes grants and other programs, Johnson said. For example, one initiative provides military families with deployed spouses living in Fairfax County, Va., with free admission to county-provided recreational activities. Other programs offer family outings to local professional sporting events, Johnson said. And O'Neal is participating in the SOS-sponsored "A Thousand Thanks to Military Children" program. The Miami Heat player is helping to send out thank you letters to children of deployed servicemembers. Each letter is personalized "so that the child realizes that Dad or Mom, whoever is deployed, is thinking about them," Johnson said. Studies show military members perform better during deployments if they're not distracted by family issues from back home, she said. "If they don't have to worry about us back home, then they are better able to do their jobs," Johnson pointed out. Karen McCoy, 42, the wife of a Virginia Army National Guard staff sergeant, obtained SOS grants for her son and daughter after her husband deployed in December 2005 for more than a year of duty in Kosovo. McCoy used one grant for ballet lessons for her then-11-year-old daughter, she said. The other grant, she added, paid for her then-10-year-old actor son's voice lessons. These after-school activities, McCoy explained, helped to keep her children engaged in positive activities while their father was away. SOS offers much-appreciated assistance for military families, McCoy, a Herndon, Va., resident, said. Organization representatives "were always asking if there was anything more that they could provide," she recalled. "Salute Our Services was very responsive," McCoy said. "They are full of energy and very helpful."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Sean K. McDonald, 21, of Rosemount, Minn., died Mar 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. McDonald was assigned to the 9th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Wiesbaden, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Curtis J. Forshey, 22, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., died Mar. 27 in Homburg, Germany, of a non-combat related illness.Forshey was assigned to the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY SupplyCore, Inc., Rockford, Ill., * is being awarded a maximum $250,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for maintenance, repair, and operations prime vendor. Other locations of performance are Okinawa and Mainland, Japan. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Proposals were web-solicited and 6 responded. This contract is exercising option year one. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-05-D-BP06). NAVY Raytheon Company, Integrated Defense Systems, Sudbury Mass., is being awarded a $184,918,996 firm-fixed-price definitization modification for production of four Aegis Weapon Systems (AWS) Transmitter Groups.AWS is the primary anti-air warfare defensive weapons system onboard surface ship combatants.The heart of AWS is the AN/SPY-1 Radar System, a three-dimensional, air/surface search and tracking radar.The transmitter group is part of that system.Three of the transmitter groups are for the Commonwealth of Australia Air Warfare Destroyer shipbuilding program, with one designated for the Government of Spain F105 program.Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by April 2010.This modification supports the Governments of Australia (75 percent) and Spain (25 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-06-C-5118). Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $20,507,000 unpriced letter contract, to procure TRIDENT II (D5) long lead time materials.Work will be performed at various locations and is yet to be determined for this undefinitized effort, and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source procurement.Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-07-C-0100). Sauer, Inc., d/b/a Sauer Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $14,865,000 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price design/build construction contract (N69272-05-C-0004) to exercise an option for design and repairs to Hangar 1000 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.The work to be performed provides for design and repairs to the 422,055 square foot (39,210 square meter), hexagon shaped, squadron maintenance and operations hangar for safety regulations and revitalization.Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $14,865,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (Mod P00010). Q.E.D. Systems, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $6,823,601 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to chemically clean CHT (collection holding transfer) piping system and clean heat exchangers/coolers onboard Naval vessels at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.Work will be performed in Mayport, Fla., and is expected to be completed March 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $1,310,259, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 19 proposals solicited and two offers received.The Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Mayport, Fla., is the contracting activity (N40027-07-D-0002). Raytheon Co., Network Centric Systems, McKinney, Texas, is being awarded $6,025,212 for delivery order #0001 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite contract (M67854-07-D-6038) for 108 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Thermal Sight System (TSS) with a 3 year warrantyto replace the current AAV sight.The contract allows the purchase of up to 1026 TSS with a three year warranty which, if procured would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $34,213,860.Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed August 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The base contract was competitively procured through full and open best value competition and two offers were received, with two awards made.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics, Mason, Ohio, is being awarded $5,736,528 for delivery order #0001 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite contract (M67854-07-D-6035) for 108 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Thermal Sight Systems (TSS) with a 3 year warrantyto replace the current AAV sight.The contract allows the purchase of up to 1026 TSS with a three year warranty which, if procured would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $49,093,074.Work will be performed in Mason, Ohio (70 percent) and Islip, New York (30 percent), and is expected to be completed August 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The base contract was competitively procured through full and open best value competition and two offers were received, with two awards made.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE ICOR, Arlington, Va., The Analysis Group, LLC (TAG), Falls Church, Va. and SDS International, Incorporated, Fredericksburg, Va. are being awarded a $99,000,000 firm fixed price contract. This action provides for business, engineering, and technical assistance services, Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS).At this time, no funds have been obligated. Headquarters Air Force District of Washington, Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., is the contracting activity (FA7014-07-A-20, FA7014-07-A0021 and FA7014-07-A-0022). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $35,500,000 modification to an undefinitized cost plus award fee contract.This action will provide logistics for Global Hawk system from April 1 thru 30 September 2007.The logistics support contract incorporates all contractor activities required for support of the Global Hawk Weapon System.The LSC shall provide materials and support services to include planning, activating, and operating in support of Beale Air Force Base and forward operating locations and bases.At this time, $15,000,000 have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio is the contracting activity.(F33657-02-C-5424/P00037) ARMY Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on March 22, 2007, a $48,182,779 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Lot 4 Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot's Night Vision Sensor for the Apache Aircraft.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 7, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169). Ronco Consulting Corp.*, Washington, D.C., was awarded on March 27, 2007, a $16,448,126 firm-fixed-price contract for de-mining and unexploded explosive ordnance removal in Afghanistan.Work will be performed in Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by March 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 414 bids solicited on Feb. 25, 2007, and two bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91B4N-07-F-0028). Bristol Design Build Services L.L.C.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on March 23, 2007, a $12,746,620 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a multi-faith chapel and educational facility.Work will be performed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 22, 2007.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0014). Quick Protective Systems Inc.*, Stuart, Fla., was awarded on March 27, 2007, an $11,138,335 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Joint Service Chemical Environmental Survivability Masks.Work will be performed in Santa Ana, Calif. (50 percent), and Guntersville, Ala. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 27, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 16, 2003, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-04-C-0002). David Boland Inc.*, Titusville, Fla., was awarded on March 27, 2007, a $9,720,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new dormitory facility.Work will be performed at Mac Dill Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 11, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 415 bids solicited on Dec. 20, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0014). TMS/Compton Construction Co., (Joint Venture)*, Clarksville, Tenn., was awarded on March 26, 2007, an $8,794,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the tactical equipment maintenance facility.Work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 47 bids solicited on Dec. 11, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0013). Traylor Brothers Inc., Evansville, Ind., was awarded on March 23, 2007, a $6,500,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for crane impact cofferdam and excavation at Howard Hansen Dam.Work will be performed in King County, Wash., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 31, 2005.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-04-C-0003). Woodward Governor Co., Rockford, Ill., was awarded on March 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,368,000 as part of a $28,499,000 firm-fixed-price contract for main fuel control for the T-700 Engine.Work will be performed in Rockford, Ill., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were three bids solicited on July 22, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-D-0129). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 25 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were: Sgt. Jason W. Swiger, 24, of South Portland, Maine. Cpl. Jason Nunez, 22, of Naranjito, Puerto Rico. Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez, 21, of New Freedom, Pa. Pfc. Anthony J. White, 21, of Columbia, S.C.

CONTRACTS NAVY Bell Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $24,460,000 not-to-exceed delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) for non-recurring development and recurring implementation of design solution in both production and retrofit for the V-22 Engine Air Particle Separator.Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas (95 percent); New River, N.C. (4 percent); and Philadelphia, Pa. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded an $8,874,083 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0003) to procure 31 Engineering Project Descriptions for the H-53 helicopter T-64 engine Component Improvement Program.Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $54,800 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ManTech Enterprise Integration Center (e-IC), Advanced Systems International, Inc., Fairmont, W.V., is being awarded a $6,315,390 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) engineering services research and development for the Naval Sea Systems Command Distance Support Community.The CBM+ effort is a system under development to aid the evaluation and modernization of maintenance processes, tools, and the integration of innovative technologies and solutions to the fleet.Work will be performed in Fairmont, W.V. and various locations as required to support ship installations, and is expected to be completed by February 2012.Contract funds in the amount of $6, 315,390, will expire at the end of the fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with 16 proposals received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-4205). AIR FORCE Composite Engineering, Inc., Sacramento, Calif., is being awarded a $23,858,299 firm fixed price modification to an existing contract awarded to Composite Engineering Inc.The Air Force Budget Appropriation 3010 funds will be used to procure Air Force Subscale Aerial Target (AFSAT), exercise of full rate production option of Lot 4 (quantity of 42 AFSATs) and the procurement of Exhibit B-Data for Lot 4.At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla,, is the contracting activity (FO8635-02-C-0005/P00053). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Tama Manufacturing Co., Inc., Allentown, Pa., * is being awarded a maximum $21,935,100 firm fixed price contract for battle dress uniform, men's coats, men's trousers, women's coats and women's trousers for air force. Other location of performance is Taylorsville, Miss. Proposals were Web-solicited and 26 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/delivery contract with a base year and 4 one-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is July 31, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-07-D-1501). Bethel Industries, Inc., Jersey City, N.J., (small disadvantaged, woman-owned business) is being awarded a maximum $14,157,000 firm fixed price contract for battle dress uniform, men's coats, men's trousers, women's coats and women's trousers for air force. Other locations of performance are Taylorsville, Miss. Proposals were Web-solicited and 26 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/delivery contract with a base year and 4 one-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is July 31, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-07-D-1502). Petron Corporation, Makati City, Philippines is being awarded a minimum $6,741,825 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for diesel fuel. Using services are Army and Navy. There were 2 proposals submitted and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is January 30, 2010. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-1257). Small business*

The Navy honored Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham March 24 by naming a guided missile destroyer after the fallen Marine hero during a ceremony here. Hundreds of students, teachers and veterans packed the gym of Scio Central High School as Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter announced that the name of the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer would honor the memory of the Marine Corps' most recent Medal of Honor recipient. Dunham is the Marine Corps' first Medal of Honor recipient for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in Iraq on April 14, 2004, when he threw himself on top of a live grenade to save the lives of his fellow Marines. He died of his injuries eight days later at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Winter made the announcement in Dunham's hometown, with Dunham's parents, Dan and Deb, and siblings in attendance. "Dan and I are very excited and proud to accept the powerful tribute the Navy has honored Jason with," said an emotional Deb Dunham to the crowd. "We wish to thank the Navy for this historical honor you have given Jay by commemorating his actions and memory with a ship's title." "There is a long tradition in the United States Navy of naming our war ships after heroes," Winter said. "The hero would no longer be with us, but his name would live on." Winter said that when the time came to name the newest destroyer, he had no problem coming up with a fitting namesake. "It seemed appropriate, when the time came to name DDG 109, that we name that great ship after our newest Medal of Honor recipient," he said. "This is the first time we've had a chance to recognize a Marine from this generation, and particularly a Marine who served so well and sacrificed his life on behalf of our nation in the global war on terror." The Navy currently has six destroyers named after Marine Medal of Honor recipients. Winter said he expects the USS Jason Dunham to serve the fleet well for many years to come. "I fully expect that this ship will be in the fleet for 30, 40 years, or maybe even more," he said. The USS Jason Dunham will be christened in 2009 and commissioned in 2010. Army Sgt. First Class Paul R. Smith is Operation Iraqi Freedom's only other Medal of Honor recipient so far. He also received the award posthumously. (Marine Corps Sgt. Helen M. Searcy is assigned to Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps.)

Roadside bombs killed five U.S. soldiers in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department has identified two Marines who died earlier. Four Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed and two others were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near their patrol in Kiyala province. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and two others were wounded in a roadside-bomb explosion in a northwestern section of the Iraqi capital. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, Defense Department officials today identified two Marines who died earlier in Iraq. -- Cpl. Henry W. Bogrette, 21, of Richville, N.Y., died March 22 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Corps Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Roberts, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla., died March 24 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Oklahoma City, Okla.

CONTRACTS NAVY Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $260,364,992 fixed-price incentive modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5120) for production of four Aegis Weapon Systems (AWS).This contract modification definitizes AWS Long Lead Material requirements.The AWS is the primary anti-air warfare defensive weapons system onboard surface ship combatants.The heart of the AWS is the AN/SPY-1 Radar System, a three-dimensional, air/surface search and tracking radar.Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by February 2013.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This modification combines support of the Commonwealth of Australia (75 percent) and the Government of Spain (25 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an $11,139,903 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development efforts for high temperature development, material test and evaluation, radome conceptual design, and manufacturing and test planning of wideband radome technology for next generation hypersonic vehicles.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in May 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement, with five offers received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-07-C-0003). Passport Systems, Inc.*, Acton, Mass., is being awarded a $9,883,410 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for active detection and imaging of special nuclear material and all nuclear isotopes via nuclear resonance fluorescence imaging. Work will be performed in Acton, Mass., and is expected to be completed March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This is a follow-on contract to a previously competitively awarded contract.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0025). IAP World Services, Cape Canaveral, Fla., is being awarded an $8,259,194 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for base operations support at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River and its tenant activities.The work to be performed provides for base operations support to include general maintenance; repair; refuse collection and recycling; minor facilities construction; swimming pools maintenance; and electrical, water, and wastewater operations.This contract contains options, which if exercised, will bring the total not-to-exceed cumulative value of the contract to $83,123,418.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed October 2007 (April 2012 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-07-D-0470). Armorworks, Inc., Tempe, Arizona, is being awarded a $5,609,170 delivery order under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-3071) for Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts used as personal armor by Marines.Work will be performed in Tempe, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $5,609,170 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., is being awarded a $5,508,134 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, development, integration, production, and delivery of Organizational-Level Electronic Warfare Test Program Set (OEWTPS) for the CV-22 ALQ-211 including the Antenna Coupler Interface Group (ACIG). Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed in March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with three offers received via electronic request for proposal. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0246). AIR FORCE Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $62,732,50 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.This action provides for engineering and technical services in support of communications-computers systems for Pacific Air Force Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Wargaming, and Force Protection at operational, proposed, and deployed-to sites in the Pacific Area of Operations.Engineering and technical services in information technology and staff analyst support are also provided to non-Headquarters Pacific Air Force organization.At this time, $1,036,116 have been obligated.Solicitations began October 2005 and negotiations were complete October 2006.This work will be complete October 2012.Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (FA5215-07-D-0005). ITT Industries Systems Division, Cape Canaveral, Fla., is being awarded a $10,418,018 cost-plus-award fee contract modification.This contract modification will upgrade digital electronics and the Command Transmitter Control Console System at Jonathan Dickinson Missile Tracking Annex (JDMTA), Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Fla.This effort will require the contractor to perform all management and support functions to acquire, develop, modify, install, and test hardware and software as necessary.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete October 2008.Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001/P00401). General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,388,153 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for five (5) Lynx AN/APY-8 Radars and associated spares.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2006 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete April 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-G-3028-0008). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY BBN Technologies, Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on March 19, 2007, a $3,468,751 increment of a $13,965,086 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee contract for military applications of quantum information science.Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass., (40 percent), Yorktown Heights, N.Y., (39 percent),and Arlington, Va., (21 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2010.Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This action is a limited competition contract.The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-06-C-0051, P00004). ARMY TCI Architects/Engineers/Contractors Inc., La Crosse, Wis., was awarded on March 22, 2007, a $10,431,400 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a general purpose warehouse.Work will be performed at Fort McCoy, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 23, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 7, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-07-C-0010). Bristol Design Build Services L.L.C.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on March 22, 2007, a $9,231,600 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Department of Homeland Security border patrol station.Work will be performed in Sumas, Wash., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 12, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-07-C-0005). * Small Business

Terror Suspect Transferred To Guantanamo The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of a dangerous terror suspect to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Abdul Malik, who was captured as a result of our ongoing conflict against Al Qaida, has admitted to being involved in terrorist attacks in East Africa. Malik has admitted to participation in the 2002 Paradise Hotel attack in Mombasa, Kenya, in which an explosive-filled SUV was crashed into the hotel lobby, killing 13 and injuring 80.He also has admitted to involvement in the attempted shootdown of an Israeli Boeing 757 civilian airliner carrying 271 passengers, near Mombasa. The capture of Malik exemplifies the genuine threat that the United States and other countries face throughout the world in the war on terrorism.Due to the significant threat this terror suspect represents, he has been transferred to Guantanamo.The detainees being held at Guantanamo have provided information essential to our ability to understand better how Al Qaeda operates, and thus to prevent future attacks against innocent civilians. As with all the detainees in Guantanamo, Malik will undergo a combatant status review tribunal, where he will be given the opportunity to review an unclassified summary of the evidence against him and contest his enemy combatant status. The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to this detainee.With today's transfer there are approximately 385 detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Henry W. Bogrette, 21, of Richville, N.Y. Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Roberts, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla. Roberts died March 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Oklahoma City, Okla.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Henry W. Bogrette, 21, of Richville, N.Y. Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Roberts, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla. Bogrette died March 22 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.He was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Corps Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Roberts died March 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Navy Names New Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Jason Dunham The Department of Navy announced today that the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer will be named the USS Jason Dunham, honoring Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, made the announcement in Dunham's hometown of Scio, N.Y."Jason Dunham, the friendly, kind-hearted, gifted athlete who followed his star in the United States Marine Corps, went on to become one of the most courageous, heroic and admired Marines this great country has ever known," said Winter."His name will be forever associated with DDG 109.May those who serve in her always be inspired by the heroic deeds of Jason Dunham, and may all of us strive to be worthy of his sacrifice." Dunham was born in Scio, Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps.After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2000 and completed recruit training 13 weeks later at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C. Following his first duty assignment with Marine Corps Security Forces, Kings Bay, Ga., Dunham transferred to the infantry and was later assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, based in Twentynine Palms, Calif.Before deploying to Iraq in spring 2004, Dunham was selected to lead a rifle squad, a position that ultimately placed him on the front line in the war against the Iraqi insurgency. On April 14, 2004, Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander's convoy was ambushed. When Dunham's squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand. He immediately alerted his fellow Marines, and when the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines. In November 2006 at the dedication of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia, President George W. Bush announced that the Medal of Honor would be awarded posthumously to Dunham. During his speech, President Bush said, "As long as we have Marines like Corpoal Dunham, America will never fear for her liberty." President Bush presented Dunham's family with the Medal of Honor during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 11, 2007. In the spirit of this Marine, the USS Jason Dunham will continue protecting America's liberty by providing a multi-mission maritime platform to lead the Navy into the future. Utilizing a gas turbine propulsion system, the ship can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups. The ship's combat systems center on the Aegis combat system and the SPY-Ld (V) multifunction phased array radar. With the combination of Aegis, the vertical launching system, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles, the Arleigh Burke-class continues the revolution at sea.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Co., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a maximum $926,760,985 fixed price with economic price adjustment for jet fuel for Defense Energy Support Center.Other locations of performance include Baytown, Texas and Baton Rouge, La.Proposals were solicited using Federal Business Opportunities website.This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0468). ConocoPhillips, Bartlesville, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $267,444,503 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for Turbine Fuel, Aviation.Using services are Defense Energy Support Center.Other locations of performance are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado.There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-R-0061). Refinery Associates of Texas, Inc., New Braunfels, Texas * is being awarded a maximum $171,825,670 fixed price with economic price adjustment for naval distillate for Defense Energy Support Center.Other location of performance is Pasadena, Texas.Proposals were Web-solicited and 21 responded.This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0479). Gary-Williams Energy Corp., Denver, Colo., * is being awarded a maximum $153,503,716 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel for Defense Energy Support Center.Other location of performance is Wynnewood, Okla.Proposals were Web-solicited and 21 responded.This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0476). Alon USA, L.P., Dallas, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $137,907,444 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for turbine fuel for Defense Energy Support Center.Other location of performance is Big Spring, Texas. Proposals were Web-solicited and 21 responded.This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0477). AGE Refining Inc., San Antonio, Texas,* is being awarded a maximum $91,896,125 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel.Using services are Defense Energy Support Center.This proposal was Web solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va.,(SP0600-07-D-0471). Calumet Sales Co., Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $91,487,400 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for turbine fuel for Defense Energy Support Center.Other location of performance is Shreveport, La.This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.Proposals were Web-solicited and 21 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0478). Tesoro Refining and Marketing Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $74,841,029 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel for Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are Mandan, N. D., and Moorhead, Minn. This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. Proposals were Web-solicited and 21 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0474). Hermes Consolidated, Inc., Denver, Colo., * is being awarded a maximum $58,128,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel for Defense Energy Support Center. Other location of performance is Newcastle, Wyo. This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. Proposals were Web-solicited and 21 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0475). Delek Refining, LTD., Tyler, Texas is being awarded a maximum $30,729,336 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel.Using services are Defense Energy Support Center.This proposal was Web solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-07-D-0472). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Engineering Management Concepts of Camarillo, Calif., 93010, is being awarded a $16,183,445 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification to continue operation of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Financial Integration and Analysis Center.Work will be performed at MDA's facilities in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be complete by December 2009.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The MDA, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (HQ0006-C-0037). CACI Dynamic Systems, Inc., of Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $59,852,718 indefinite-delivery contract for scientific, engineering, and technical assistance.Work will be performed in the National Capital Region, Washington, D.C., and is expected to be complete by January 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Offers were solicited electronically and 1 was received.The contracting activity is the Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C., (HQ0006-07-D-0006). AIR FORCE Raytheon Co., Reston, Va., is being awarded a $14,504,677 cost-plus-award fee, firm-fixed-price contract modification.This contract modification is for the Global Broadcast Services program, DoD's satellite-based system for disturbing video, imagery, and other large data files to users around the world.This modification directs Raytheon to build 59 Army receive suites and 69 Air Force IP receiver suites which will provide theater commanders the ability to broadcast theater-specific command and control information in a timely manner.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began March 2006 and negotiations were complete February 2007.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F04701-97-C-0044/P00237). General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,712,324 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for engineering and installation services.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began February 2007 and negotiations were complete March 2008.This work will be complete June 2010.6th Air Mobility Wing, Macdill Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity [FA4814-05-A-0021 (BPA)/FA4814-07-F-A052 (DO)]. Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems Co., Denver, Colo., is being awarded a $5,012,441 cost-plus-award fee contract modification.This action provides for ground support equipment for the launch processing operations.This action will include the design of equipment for mission requirements unique to processing the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft.Lockheed Martin will install/remove two tooling doors, test and install access platforms for personnel entry thru the payload fairing and boat-tail doors, test the ground support equipment required to implement a payload faring to support equipment required to implement a payload fairing to support the pre-launch operation, and also provide personnel necessary to support testing.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began April 2006 and negotiations were complete February 2007.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002/P00023). NAVY Serco, Inc., Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $12,026,897 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract with a cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing arrangement for surveillance systems engineering support and special projects.Work will include advanced technology efforts for maritime domain awareness, homeland force protection, and antiterrorism systems; Navy tactical command and control; sector command center (joint) and joint perimeter security command and control; advanced concept site; fleet battle experiments; coalition warrior interoperability demonstration; extended littoral battlefield; and combined maritime operations center.This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative potential value of the contract to $63,940,722. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed March 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited on an unrestricted basis via publication in the Federal Business Opportunity web site and posting on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central web site, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0069). Pacific Science Engineering Group, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $8,710,990 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to conduct a broad spectrum of human factors research and development in the area of human system integration and human factors engineering for the Marine Corps (USMC).The primary objective of this work is to ensure optimal integration of the warfighter system in all USMC operational environments.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed March 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured under an Office of Naval Research Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), BAA 07-001, with one offer received.The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00014-07-C-0459). Northrop Grumman XonTech Systems Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., will be awarded an $8,820,900 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide technical services to gather TRIDENT II (D5) operations data. Work will be performed in Los Angeles, Calif. (50 percent) and Rockledge, Fla. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed March 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $4,764,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was a sole source procurement.The Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-07-C-0012). Sealift, Inc., Oyster Bay, N.Y., will be awarded a $5,905,000 fixed-priced contract for the time charter of one self-sustaining vessel capable of carrying containers laden with ammunition.The vessel will be operated in support of the war on terrorism and the United States Central Command. The contract is expected to commence on April 1, 2007, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $5,905,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via Military Sealift command's Web page with one offer received.Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-07-C-5503 * Small Business

Two U.S. soldiers died March 23 during operations in Iraq, officials said, and the Defense Department has identified four earlier casualties. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated during a dismounted combat patrol conducted south of Baghdad, and a soldier assigned to Multi National Force-West died while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified four soldiers who died earlier this week while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 30, of Frazee, Minn., died Mar. 23 in Habbaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Bemidji, Minn. Army Spc. Lance C. Springer II, 23, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Mar. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Army Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner Jr., 26, of Little Rock, Ark., died Mar. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. He was assigned to the 18th Engineer Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. Army Sgt. Adrian J. Lewis, 30, of Mauldin, S.C., died Mar. 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 30, of Frazee, Minn., died Mar. 23 in Habbaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations.He was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Bemidji, Minn.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Adrian J. Lewis, 30, of Mauldin, S.C., died Mar. 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Lance C. Springer II, 23, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Mar. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Freeman L. Gardner Jr., 26, of Little Rock, Ark., died Mar. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol.He was assigned to the 18th Engineer Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

March 23, 2007 - A U.S. soldier and a Marine died yesterday during operations in Iraq, officials said, and the Defense Department has identified two earlier casualties. A Multinational Force Iraq soldier died when an improvised explosive device detonated as the soldier's unit was conducting route clearance operations in western Baghdad, and a U.S. Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. The servicemembers' names of are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified two soldiers who died earlier this week. -- Staff Sgt. Darrell R. Griffin Jr., 36, of Alhambra, Calif., died March 21 in Balad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with small-arms fire during combat operations. Griffin was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Sgt. Nicholas J. Lightner, 29, of Newport, Ore., died March 21 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol March 15 in Baghdad. Lightner was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Medal of Honor recipients are heroes, despite their many humble objections to the label, and are important to the fabric of our society, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England told those gathered yesterday to celebrate the official naming of March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day. Medal of Honor recipients and their families, politicians, senior military members and others packed the historic caucus room in the Russell Senate Office Building to honor those wearing the nation's highest military award for bravery. Congress this month designated March 25 each year as National Medal of Honor Day. The day is significant as the day the first Medal of Honor was presented in 1863. At last night's ceremony, England highlighted the importance of the honor and its recipients to the nation and its military. "Heroes are important. They are important to our military. But they are also important to every citizen and to every person in the world who enjoys and yearns for freedom and liberty," England said. "Heroes set standards for the rest of us to aspire to. And by their example they encourage others to excel," he said. England also recognized at the ceremony the two most recent recipients of the award, Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham and Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, both recognized posthumously for bravery in the war in Iraq. "They are an example of this generation of Americans who volunteer to serve and who serve today in sacrifice for all of us," England said. "In performing these acts, the recipients have demonstrated resolve, commitment, determination, will and raw courage to prevail. Those qualities are the underpinning of our nation." England read a letter from President Bush to the group. In the letter, Bush said the country owes Medal of Honor recipients a debt for their service and, for many, the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. "Our country is in debt to these great warriors and that debt is one that we can never fully pay," Bush wrote. "The courage and leadership of the men and women who are honored on this day represent the highest ideals in military service and each of them has set a fine example of what it means to be a fine American." Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. and Medal of Honor recipient Gary L. Littrell took the podium following the evening's longest ovation for a speaker. Littrell said that during the past two years he has visited troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that such visits help him appreciate the freedom we have in America. "When we get complacent -- which I do quite often, and I forget the freedom that we have -- all you have to do is visit a third-world country, and how quickly will you appreciate what the young men and women in uniform are doing for the freedoms that we have today," he said. Littrell said that during his visits he likes to ask the servicemembers if they know why they are serving and fighting. "I get a stern look," he said. "They look at me and they say, 'Sergeant Major, I am here because I am fighting this global war on terrorism on their land and in their country to keep them from bringing it back to ours,'" Littrell said. Littrell said he views National Medal of Honor Day as a call to action for its living recipients to help perpetuate the purpose of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. "I do not view 25 March for the years to come as a day to honor 'we' the Medal of Honor recipients," he said. "I view the 25th of March as a day that we the Medal of Honor recipients can give back to our youth." Littrell said he plans to spend the day each year speaking to groups such as the Boy or Girl Scouts, or at schools. "Let's educate our youth. Let's give to our kids -- the future leaders of this great nation," Littrell said. Littrell is the current president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Littrell was a sergeant first class in Vietnam in 1970 when his actions earned him the Medal of Honor. Since 1863, 3,444 servicemembers have received the nation's highest military honor for courage under fire.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Nicholas J. Lightner, 29, of Newport, Ore., died Mar. 21 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol March 15 in Baghdad, Iraq.Lightner was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Darrell R. Griffin Jr., 36, of Alhambra, Calif., died Mar. 21 in Balad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with small arms fire during combat operations.Griffin was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Dustin J. Lee, 20, of Quitman, Miss., died March 21 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Lee was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga.

Two U.S. soldiers and a Marine died in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department has identified seven soldiers who died previously. A Marine and one soldier assigned to Multinational Force West died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Another soldier, assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad, died yesterday while conducting combat operations in western Baghdad. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names ofseven Army soldiers who died recently during Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Sgt. Wayne R. Cornell, 26, of Holstein, Neb., and Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson, 22, of Bridgeport, Conn., died March 20 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. -- Sgt. John E. Allen, 25, of Palmdale, Calif.; Sgt. Ed Santini, 25, of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico; Pfc. William N. Davis, 26, of Adrian, Mich.; and Pfc. John F. Landry Jr., 20, of Lowell, Mass., died March 17 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. -- Lt. Col. Peter E. Winston, 56, of Plant City, Fla., died Nov. 13 in Kaiserslautern, Germany, from a non-combat related incident that occurred while he was in Iraq. He was assigned to the 143rd Sustainment Command, Orlando, Fla. The incident is under investigation

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Curtis E. Glawson Jr., 24, of Daleville, Ala., died Mar. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Glawson was assigned to the 610th Brigade Support Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Shell Oil Products - Deer Park, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $967,043,238 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aviation turbine fuel.Other location of performance listed is Deer Park, Texas.Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0481). Valero Marketing and Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $499,382,415 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for fuel.Other location of performance listed is Ohio.Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0470). Shell Oil Products - Mobile, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $257,843,636 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aviation turbine fuel.Other location of performance listed is Alabama. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0482). Shell Chemical Yabucoa, Inc., Yabucoa, PR. is being awarded a maximum $142,954,121 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for naval distillate fuel.No other location of performance listed. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0467). Placid Refining Co., LLC., Port Allen, La.,* is being awarded a maximum $116,090,235 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for aviation turbine fuel.No other location of performance listed. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center (DESC). There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0469). Hunt Refining Co., Tuscaloosa, Alabama is being awarded a maximum $69,955,004 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for JP8 jet fuel and aviation turbine fuel.No other location of performance listed. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center. There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0480). Western Petroleum Co., Eden Prairie, Mn.,* is being awarded a maximum $60,012,500 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for aviation turbine fuel.No other location of performance listed. Using services are Defense Energy Support Center.There were 33 proposals solicited with 21 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-R-0061). Strategic Energy, LLC, Pittsburg, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $28,794,717 firm fixed price contract for electricity for federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is Department of Energy Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Ill. There were 49 proposals solicited and 8 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 31, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-8006). NAVY Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $53,495,405 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0569) for the Fiscal Year 2007 procurement of 111 Tomahawk composite capsule launching system (CCLS) capsules and 220 SSGN/SSN CCLS retrofit kits.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Greenlawn, N.Y., is being awarded a $20,122,969 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0027) to exercise an option for the procurement of 348 AN/APX-118 common digital transponders for the Army (316), the Navy (20) and Coast Guard (12); 400 C-12664/APX remote control units for the Army; 35 MT-7221/APX Mounts for the Army (18), the Coast Guard (12) and Navy (5); 50 RT-183(c) APX-118(v) mode 5 kits for the Army; 76 RT-1912(c) APX-123(v) transponders for the Army (71) and Navy (5); and 93 C-12720 mode 5 capable remote control units for the Army, and associated warranties.Work will be performed in Greenlawn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in February 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the Army ($12,873,205; 64 percent), the Navy ($6,868,200; 34 percent) and the Coast Guard ($381,564; 2 percent).The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. L3 Communications Titan Corp., Marlton, N.J., is being awarded a ceiling $12,147,263 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for ongoing product support for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Tactical Warfare Simulation (MTWS) system.The system provides exercise control services and tactical combat simulation for surface, air, ground, and amphibious operations. Project manager, training systems, MCSC is providing project management, planning, coordination, oversight, and reporting on MTWS software development and activities.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed December 2010.This contract was a sole source procurement due to L3 Communications being the only responsible source.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-8003). Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded an $11,921,116 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for consolidated planning yard, engineering and technical support for nuclear submarine operational ships and shore facilities.Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (82 percent); Kings Bay, Ga. (10 percent); Bangor, Wash. (7 percent); Quonset, R.I. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems, Saint Petersburg, Fla, is being awarded $8,203,092 for delivery order 0001 under a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (M67854-05-D-6014) to prepare low rate initial production and full rate production for the Expeditionary Fire Support System/Internally Transportable Vehicle.The Expeditionary Fire Support System/Internally Transportable Vehicle is the weapon system that can be carried inside the MV-22.These vehicles will support Marine infantry conducting long-range vertical assault and ship to objective maneuver.Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla. (75 percent); Ocala, Fla. (10 percent); and Robbins, N.C. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with three proposals solicited and three offers received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $7,540,018 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-01-C-0109) to exercise an option for organizational, selected intermediate, and limited depot-level maintenance for aircraft operated by the adversary squadrons based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Fla.; NAS, Fallon, Nev.; and Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. Work will be performed in Key West, Fla. (40 percent); Fallon, Nev. (30 percent); and Yuma, Ariz. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $7,540,018 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $23,434,092 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action provides for C-5 AMP production Lot V kits and spares.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-0006/P00167). Aircraft Braking Systems, Akron, Ohio, is being awarded a $6,708,800 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for 599 wheel assemblies for the A-10 aircraft.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began February 2007 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete June 2010.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42620-03-G-0003-0068). FMC Technologies Inc., Ogden, Utah, is being awarded a $5,597,794 firm-fixed-price contract.This action will provide 113 trailer mounted air conditioner units.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete November 2008.Headquarters 642d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8533-06-D-0001-0005). McDonnell Douglas Training Systems and Services, St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,216,393 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed fee contract.This action will support the Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C mission training system contractor operator maintenance instructor support for calendar year 2007.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-2074-QP03). ARMY Wamar International Inc., Simi Valley, Calif., was awarded on March 20, 2007, a $14,916,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the hot gas path and combustion inspections for the GE frame 9 gas turbine units.Work will be performed in Qudas and South Baghdad, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 23, 2006, and four bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GXY-07-C-0014). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on March 21, 2007, a delivery order amount of $12,460,868 as part of a $5,112,841,513 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for 1" slat and headlight extension kits for the Stryker family of vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 29, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). *Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Joey T. Sams II, 22, of Spartanburg, S.C., died Mar. 21 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, of injuries suffered when he was pinned between two vehicles.His death is under investigation. Sams was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga

Peace in the Middle East is hard work, but it's necessary for U.S. security and for the development of the region, President Bush said here today. "We have a remarkable country, and we have people from different walks of life, different levels of experience, make the decision to serve America by helping a young democracy survive," Bush said after meeting with Iraq provincial reconstruction team leaders at the White House. "They understand what I understand, and that is, success in Iraq is important for the security of the United States." Bush met with team members from the U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the military. PRTs are joint civilian-military units that support local leaders and empower provincial authorities by working closely with the communities on reconstruction and other activities. Bush thanked the team members for the sacrifices they make, and called on Congress to fully fund their efforts, along with the rest of the military. "I believe it's important for our commanders on the ground to have the flexibility necessary to make decisions to succeed," he said. "We don't want you to go into Iraq and then have unnecessary strings placed upon the money so you can't do your job." Bush also said that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is headed to the Middle East to continue work with the Palestinians, Israelis and Arabs in seeking a solution in the region. "This will be hard work," Bush said. "It's not easy to get all parties headed in the right direction. But it's necessary work for this country, and it's necessary for our secretary of state, with my strong approval, to be moving the process forward. And that's what she'll be doing."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Killed were: Sgt. Wayne R. Cornell, 26, of Holstein, Neb. Pfc. Stephen K. Richardson, 22, of Bridgeport, Conn.

CONTRACTS NAVY Rolls Royce Naval Marine, Inc., 110 Norfolk Street, Walpole, Mass. 02081, is being awarded a $76,640,200 firm fixed price contract for DDG-1000 main turbine generator sets.Work will be performed in Walpole, Mass., and is expected to be completed by September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with two offers received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity. (N00024-07-C-4014). Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, Inc., 6801 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD20817, is being awarded a $73,261,643 (est), indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-feecontract (N65236-07-D-5877) to provide recurring requirements such as operations and maintenance support for base LAN, commercial SATCOM, technical control facility, and circuit actions, telephone, land mobile radio and both inside and outside cable plant installations.These services will be instrumental in supporting the warfighter through various efforts in base communication infrastructure, satellite and data network design and installation. This procurement will provide over 270 mission-essential communications engineering, operations and maintenance personnel at 13 bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and six other nations which fall in the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility. Team Logistics Joint Venture, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $16,565,565 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-01-D-0239) to exercise an option for 433,937 hours of maintenance planning and design interface technical/management support services for the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J.These services include evaluating initial designs and proposed design changes, maintenance planning, and sustaining maintenance plans.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (90%) and Lakehurst, N.J. (10%), and is expected to be completed in March 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. FN Manufacturing, LLC, 797 Old Clemson Road, Columbia, S.C. 29224, is being awarded a maximum $11,499,999 firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the 7.62mm MK48 MOD 1 lightweight machine gun and auxiliary support equipment (barrels, bolt assemblies, slide assemblies and tool/gage kits).Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., and is expected to be completed by March 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4813) Columbia Research Corporation (1201 M Street, SE; Suite 010; Washington, DC,. 20003-3703) is being awarded a $6,300,283 award term task order, M67854-04-A-5167 Task Order 0003, for acquisition, logistics, and administrative support services for the Program Manager Optics & Non-Lethal Systems (ONS), Infantry Weapons Systems office.The task will be fully funded at the time of contract award.The ONS program manager develops, demonstrates, procures, fields, and provides life-cycle management support for optics and non-lethal systems to support USMC warfighting forces.This includes all day and night scopes, laser pointers, laser illuminators, thermal weapons sights, night vision enhancement devices, and non-lethal systems.Critical FY07/08 requirements include acquisition planning and documentation, logistics analysis and documentation, program scheduling and tracking, life-cycle management oversight, fielding and training coordination, and commercial product assessments for various Electro-Optical and non-lethal systems. Work will be performed in Quantico, VA (81 percent);Albany, GA (13 percent); Camp Lejeune, NC (3 percent); and Camp Pendleton, CA. (3 percent). Additionally, to accommodate logistics management and training issues, on-site support at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, GA, and other various CONUS locations is required throughout the contract duration to support expedient handling of logistics and training requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the expected triple increase in assets.Throughout the performance period, conventional administrative support will be required for financial management, budget monitoring, business planning, project management (e.g., MS Project, WBS) and briefings. ARMY Lawman Heating & Cooling Inc.*, Sackets Harbor, N.Y., was awarded on Mar. 15, 2007, a $35,874,771 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of the 10100 Area barracks building and supporting utilities.Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 23 bids solicited on Nov. 9, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0007). Structural Associates Inc., East Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on Mar. 15, 2007, a $29,513,700 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Brigade Combat Team 1 Complex Phase 1 building and supporting utilities.Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 23 bids solicited on Nov. 9, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0010). Lawman Heating & Cooling Inc.*, Sackets Harbor, N.Y., was awarded on Mar. 15, 2007, a $25,915,289 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the 10300 Area barracks building and supporting utilities.Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 23 bids solicited on Nov. 18, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0012). McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Mar. 19, 2007, a delivery order amount of $21,400,460 as part of a $41,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for improved helmet display sight system ship sets in support of the Apache helicopter.Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Mar. 17, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-G-0005). Vetco Contracting Services L.L.C.*, Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Mar. 15, 2007, a $6,220,800 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a child development center and supporting utilities.Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 86 bids solicited on Nov. 7, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0008). Structural Associates Inc., East Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on Mar. 15, 2007, a $5,850,693 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of the Brigade Combat Team 3 Complex Phase 1 building and supporting utilities.Work will be performed at Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 23 bids solicited on Nov. 9, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-07-C-0011). AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., St Louis Mo., is being awarded a $17,695,105 cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification.This action provides for a joint capabilities technology demonstration (JCTD) contract to demonstrate the military utility of a low collateral damage warhead comprised of a composite case and multi-phase blast explosive fill integrated onto a small diameter bomb (SDB-I) weapon.This new weapon variant is designated the Focused Lethality Munitions (FLM).The 918th Armament Systems Group plans to exercise an option on the JCTD contract for continued integration and testing of the FLM and engineering support for a military utility assessment/extended user evaluation.Deliverables are 50 residual FLM assets.Residual assets are flight worthy assets delivered as all-up rounds to the warfighter for the extended user evaluation.The residual assets will be delivered no later than 16 months after the contract modification is awarded.At this time, $3,329,298 has been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.918th Armament Systems Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-06-C-0228/P00003). Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $16,933,675 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action provides for 139 guided bomb unit 28C/B guidance control units and tail kits.The Guided Bomb Unite-28C/B (GBU), also known as Enhanced Paveway III, provides the Air Force with an improved aerial delivery.The GBU-28C/B possesses a Global Positioning System aided laser guidance capability with improved lethality, survivability, and penetration over the previously produced GBU-28B/B weapon system.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Air-To-Ground Munitions Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-05-C-0075/P00016). Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $6,000,000 cost-plus-fixed fee contract.This effort requests Lockheed Martin to design, build, install and test an L5 payload on Global Positioning System IIR-M satellite.The payload is to provide an L5 signal to comply with international radio frequency spectrum requirements.At this time, $3,000,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete March 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-07-C-0005). LLC International Truck Body, Conrad, Mont., is being awarded a $5,822,846 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for flight line tow tractors.This action is an order of 160 each 4 X 2 flight line tow tractors and 5 each 4 X 4 flight line tow tractors against a basic requirements contract.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete June 2008.Headquarters 642d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8519-05-D-0003 order # 0011).

Parents of even young children often wonder how they'll pay for college tuition, but military service organizations are taking some uncertainty out of the equation. The Military Officers Association of America and the United Services Automobile Association both offer college savings plans to help servicemembers defray the cost of college educations long before the bill arrives in the mail. MOAA and USAA also are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's servicemembers. Both organizations offer state-sponsored 529 College Savings Plans, which are available in nearly every state. MOAA's "Degrees of Success" plan, chosen for its low fees and expenses, has been available to all servicemembers since November, Phil Dyer, MOAA's deputy director of financial education, said. It also offers a waiver of the typical $3,000 initial fee. The waiver requires enrollment through the MOAA Web site and participation in a $50 automatic payment plan. Dyer, who is also a certified financial planner, said the frequency of that payment is flexible. The $3,000 waiver is automatically available to all enlisted personnel. Officers wishing to take advantage of the benefit must be MOAA members, however, Dyer said. Investing in a 529 plan is much like investing in mutual funds, Dyer said. "Some are fixed income choices, which may return 4 percent a year, but most of them are tied to a basket of stock market mutual funds," he added. If an investor doesn't want to play the market when it comes to paying for college, there's an option that will put minds at ease, Dyer said. "Most 529 plans will have what is called an age-weighted option, ... kind of like a fire-and-forget missile," he said. "You just pick the maturity year that you want and then they will automatically adjust the investments as you draw closer to that to make it more conservative." The 529 plans also offer benefits beyond defraying the cost of college before the child begins classes. For instance, withdrawals used for qualified educational expenses are state and federal income tax exempt, Dyer said. Qualifying expenses include participation in accredited trade school programs, undergraduate study at two- and four-year schools, and graduate programs, Dyer added. Owners of these savings plans -- generally parents -- are free to change the beneficiary once a year with no penalty, he said. That feature is useful if a beneficiary child, for whatever reason, doesn't use the money saved. "If you get to the end of the line and nobody's used the money, ... you (can) take the money out for a nonqualified education expense and it's treated just like a premature (individual retirement account) distribution," Dyer said. "What that means is ... that anything you take out is going to be added to your taxable income for the year." The money also incurs a 10 percent "non-qualifying withdrawal" tax penalty, he said. While USAA offers a similar plan, the terms are a little different, June Walbert, a certified financial planner with USAA, said. USAA members can open an account for as little as $250 with a subsequent $50 per month contribution. The organization also offers an additional feature to help boost a 529 College Savings Plan's bottom line. "Our program is linked with the Upromise rewards service, which means that if you register a credit card or a debit card with Upromise -- without any catches or without any fees -- if you shop and use certain products, ... then you can get Upromise rewards credited directly to your 529 College Savings Plan," she said. The Upromise program is connected with thousands of retailers and restaurants. In addition to the 529 College Savings Plan, USAA offers another option, the Coverdell Education Savings Account. Money in a Coverdell account can be used for education beginning at the elementary level and continuing through higher education, Walbert said. "So if the parent starts a Coverdell Education Savings Account when the kiddo is born, a few years later they can start withdrawing the money after it's had some time to percolate, if you will, in the market," she said. The Coverdell plan has slightly different guidelines from 529 plans, she added. There is a $2,000 a year contribution limit, and there are income parameters imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. "So you can't make too much money and still qualify for the Coverdell Education Savings Account," Walbert said. One form of college savings plan that Walbert cautions parents about is the 529 Pre-paid Tuition Plan, which is valid only in the state it's linked to. It's a little riskier, she said, and that risk has more to do with a child's choice of schools than stock market fluctuations. "None of us know where our kids want to go to school, number one," Walbert said. "With a 529 Pre-paid Tuition Plan, (investors) are buying tuition credits for the future at today's rates, ... and the requirement is that you go to school in that state."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class John S. Stephens, 41, of San Antonio, Texas, died March 15 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came under attack during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas Sgt. Nimo W. Tauala, 29, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died March 17 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury.He was assigned to the 209th Aviation Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed were: Sgt. John E. Allen, 25, of Palmdale, Calif. Sgt. Ed Santini, 25, of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Pfc. William N. Davis, 26, of Adrian, Mich. Pfc. John F. Landry Jr., 20, of Lowell, Mass.

A roadside bomb killed two U.S. soldiers in Baghdad today, and the Defense Department has identified seven soldiers and a Marine who died in Iraq earlier. The soldiers killed today were assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad. They died when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle during a combat security patrol in a southern section of the Iraqi capital, officials said. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the names of seven soldiers and a Marine who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Sgt. Ryan P. Green, 24, of Woodlands, Texas, died March 18 in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol March 15 in Baghdad. Green was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Nimo W. Tauala, 29, of Honolulu, died March 17 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury. The death is under investigation. Tauala was assigned to the 209th Aviation Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Spc. Marieo Guerrero, 30, of Fort Worth, Texas, died March 17 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Guerrero was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin L. Sebban, 29, of Chattanooga, Tenn., died March 17 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Sebban was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Pfc. Anthony A. Kaiser, 27, of Narrowsburg, N.Y., died March 17 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Kaiser was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Harry H. Timberman, 20, of Minong, Wis., died March 17 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. Timberman was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. Brevard, 31, of Phoenix, died March 16 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Brevard was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class John S. Stephens, 41, of San Antonio, died March 15 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came under attack during combat operations. Stephens was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS ARMY HRL Laboratories, Malibu, Calif., was awarded on March 19, 2007, a $16,000,000 increment as part of a $75,152,312 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for military applications of quantum information science.Work will be performed in Malibu, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 19, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were six bids solicited on June 13, 2006, and six bids were received.The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-06-C-0052). Longbow L.L.C., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on March 15, 2007, a $10,544,300 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for production of additional radar frequency interferometers for the AH-64D Apache helicopter.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 6, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0113). AM General Corp., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on March 16, 2007, a $5,613,320 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for tool sets for the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). NAVY Bath Iron Works Inc., 700 Washington Street, Bath, Maine 04530, is being awarded a $12,550,000 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract N00024-06-C-2303, for DDG 1000 research, development, test and technical services.Work will be performed in Bath, Maine (39.08%), Brunswick, Ga. (19.70%), West Bethesda, Md. (12.22%) Groton, Conn. (9.55%), Arlington, Va. (6.10%), Elk Grove (4.33%), Herndon, Va. (3.79%), Annapolis, Md. (2.73%), Pt. Mugu, Calif. (1.72%), Montgomeryville, Pa. (.50%), Washington D.C. (.25), San Antonio, Texas (0.03), and is expected to be completed by January 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $3,580,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Marieo Guerrero, 30, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Mar. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Guerrero was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Ryan P. Green, 24, of Woodlands, Texas, died Mar. 18 in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol Mar. 15 in Baghdad, Iraq.Green was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class John S. Stephens, 41, of San Antonio, Texas, died March 15 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came under attack during combat operations.Stephens was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Sgt. Nimo W. Tauala, 29, of Honolulu, Hawaii, died March 17 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury.His death is under investigation.Tauala was assigned to the 209th Aviation Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

A detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has admitted to helping orchestrate the bombings of the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1998 and the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. The Defense Department today released the transcript of Walid Muhammad Salih bin Attash's combat status review tribunal hearing, held March 12 at the detention facility. The tribunal was an administrative hearing to determine only if Attash could be designated an enemy combatant. Attash is one of 14 high-value detainees who were transferred Sept. 6, 2006, to Guantanamo Bay from CIA custody. The CSRT hearings for these detainees are not open to media because of national security concerns, DoD officials said. After hearing allegations against him, including his involvement in the Aug. 7, 1998, embassy bombing and the Oct. 12, 2000, attack on the USS Cole, Attash said he carried out "many roles" in the attacks. Speaking through an interpreter, Attash said he met in Karachi, Pakistan, with the operator who carried out the embassy attack just hours beforehand. "I was the link between Osama bin Laden and his deputy, Sheikh Abu Hafs al Masi, and the cell chief in Nairobi," Attash said. "I was the link that was available in Pakistan." In that capacity, Attash said he supplied the terror cell "with whatever documents they need(ed), from fake stamps to visas, whatever, sending them from Afghanistan to Pakistan and individuals, cell members." The attack, conducted almost simultaneously with an attack on the U.S. embassy in Tanzania, left 213 people in Nairobi dead, including 12 Americans, and more than 4,500 wounded. Attash heard evidence against him charging that he facilitated and participated in close-combat training in the Lowgar training camp in Afghanistan in late 1999. Graduates of the class reportedly met with bin Laden, who lectured about the operational details of the East Africa bombings. The following year, Attash is alleged to have helped plan and carry out the attack on the USS Cole during a refueling stop in the Yemeni port of Aden. Seventeen U.S. sailors were killed and 39 others wounded. Attash said he helped plan the attack, purchased the boat and explosives used, and recruited the people who conducted it. He said he was in Kandahar with bin Laden during the actual attack. The detainee challenged details in the allegations against him, such as the allegation that a phone number stored in another captured terrorists' cell phone directory was also in his; he claimed he had no phone. But overall, he agreed to the allegations. The "facts of the operations are correct, and his involvements are correct, but the details are not correct," the interpreter said. Attash said he did not wish to correct the details. The U.S. government established the CSRT process at Guantanamo Bay as a result of a June 2004 Supreme Court decision in the case of Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden who challenged his detention at Guantanamo Bay. Between July 2004 and March 2005, DoD conducted 558 CSRTs at Guantanamo Bay. At the time, 38 detainees were determined to no longer meet the definition of enemy combatant, and 520 detainees were found to be enemy combatants. Attash's tribunal followed the March 10 proceedings for Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, who admitted to masterminding the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks as well as the World Trade Center bombing in 1993. Proceedings also were held March 9 for Abu Faraj al-Libi, an alleged senior al Qaeda member, and Ramzi bin al-Shibh, who is said to have helped Muhammad plan the Sept. 11 attacks. Neither of the two elected to be present for their tribunals.

CONTRACTS NAVY General Dynamics Land Systems, General Dynamics Amphibious Systems, Woodbridge, Va., was awarded a $144,000,000 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (M67854-01-C-0001) on Mar. 16, 2007, for design for reliability efforts for the continuation of Systems Development and Demonstration phase of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle program.Work will be performed in Woodbridge, Va., (40 percent), Indianapolis, Ind., (24 percent), Sterling Heights, Mich., (10 percent), Friedrichshafen, Germany, (10 percent), and various other states (16 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. IMIA, LLC, Theodore, Ala.; Q.E.D Systems, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.; and BAE Systems Maritime Engineering & Services, San Diego, Calif., are each being awarded a maximum value $51,450,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract to furnish the necessary management, material support services, labor, supplies, and equipment deemed necessary to perform depot level preservation on SSN, SSBN & SSGN Class submarines.Work will be performed in Norfolk/Virginia Beach (Hampton Roads), Va., area, and is expected to be completed by March 2008.Contract funds in the amount of $300,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This multiple award contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with four offers received.The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, USN, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity. (IMIA, LLC, N40025-07-D-7015); (Q.E.D Systems, Inc., N40025-07-D-7016); (BAE Systems Maritime Engineering & Services, N40025-07-D-7017) Carley Corp., Orlando, Fla.; Long Wave Inc., Fort Worth, Texas; and EG&G Technical Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., are each being awarded firm-fixed-price, not-to-exceed $27,000,000 multiple award contracts to fabricate Interactive multimedia training modules and modernize out-dated training materials, procedures and techniques for the Submarine On-Board Training Office .Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. (33.4 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (33.3 percent); Gaithersburg, Md. (33.3 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2012.Funds in the amount of $182,500 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 19 proposals received.These three contractors may compete for delivery orders under the terms and conditions of the multiple award contract.The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity. (Carly Corp.-N66604-07-D-153A), (Long Wave Inc.-N66604-07-D-153B), (EG&G Technical Services-N66604-07-D-153C) Omega Aerial Refueling Services, Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $24,033,080 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide contractor owned and operated aircraft in support of the Commercial Air Services Program, which provides tanking of Navy and other government agency aircraft for tanking of Navy and other government agencies, in support of Foreign Military Sales cases, government contractors and other aircraft capable of aerial refueling.Work will be performed in Oceana, Va. (30 percent); Point Mugu, Calif. (25 percent); and various military activities across the United States and OCONUS (45 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0009). Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical System, Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $10,100,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-pricecontract (N65236-06-D-5180) to provide the Multi-Tactical Data Information Link Processor and the Air Defense Systems Integrator program.The contract will provide technical services and supplies for appointed systems being implemented with the Navy data link systems, communication system, and cryptographic system required for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C.The cumulative value of this contract, including this modification, is $29,766,880.Work will be performed in Austin, Texas (60 percent), CONUS (35 percent) and OCONUS (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded on a sole source basis.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. Orbital Sciences Corp., Chandler, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,222,023 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the procurement of one GQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Target Vehicle, support equipment, spare parts, technical data, and technical assistance for the government of France under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The GQM-163A will support the validation of the French weapon system. Work will be performed in Chandler Ariz., (27 percent); Ile du Levant, France (18 percent); Orlando, Fla., (15 percent); Philadelphia, Pa., (15 percent); Manchester, N.H. (15 percent); Dulles, Va., (5 percent); and Indian Head, Md. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0031). ManTech Systems Engineering Corp., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded an estimated $9,000,000 for modification P00017 to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N65236-03-D-6829) for engineering and technical support services.This contract includes options, which bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $54,180,941.Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website, with four offers received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $7,705,220 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) for the procurement of ancillary mission equipment to support the F/A-18 E/F and E/A-18G aircraft.Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz. (70 percent); Clear Water, Fla. (20 percent); and St. Louis, Mo. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ARMY AEY Inc.*, Miami Beach, Fla., was awarded on March 13, 2007, a delivery order amount of $48,717,553 as part of a $298,004,398 firm-fixed-price contract for various ammunition for the Afghanistan Security Forces.Work will be performed in Miami, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 28, 2007, and ten bids were received.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-D-0004). Vane Line Bunkering Inc.*, Baltimore, Md., was awarded on March 14, 2007, a $17,507,083 firm-fixed-price contract for Atlantic Dedicated Barge Transportation Services.Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 17, 2006, and one bid was received.The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W81GYE-07-C-0005). Tri-County International Trucks Inc.*, Dearborn, Mich., was awarded on March 14, 2007, an $8,485,954 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for thermal shrouds to be used on the light armored vehicles for the Marine Corps.Work will be performed in Dearborn, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 11, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0490). Kalyn Siebert Inc., Gatesville, Texas, was awarded on March 12, 2007, an $8,462,751 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M870A3 semi-trailers.Work will be performed in Gatesville, Texas, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 8, 2004.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0258). Machining Technologies*, Hebron, Md., was awarded on March 12, 2007, an $8,313,495 firm-fixed-price contract for M31 120mm mortar tail fins.Work will be performed in Hebron, Md., and is expected to be completed by February 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 17, 2007, and three bids were received.The Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-C-0079). Kidde Technologies Inc., Goleta, Calif., was awarded on March 8, 2007, a $7,445,200 firm-fixed-price contract for automatic fire suppression system kits in support of the Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle fleet.Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 9, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 6, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0275). Bushmaster Firearms International L.L.C.*, Windham, Maine, was awarded on March 12, 2007, a $5,411,132 firm-fixed-price contract for Bushmaster rifle with 20 inch barrels, Bushmaster carbine with 11.5 inch barrel, M16A3 spare 30 round magazines, Bushmaster rifle contractor support package, Bushmaster carbine crates for 11.5 carbines, crates for M16A3 spares, and crates for Bushmaster rifles.Work will be performed in Windham, Maine, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 20, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 11, 2005.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-C-0086). Harry Pepper & Associates Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded on March 12, 2007, a $5,000,000 increment as part of a $12,647,487 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new gated single-bay Ogee Weir spillway with vertical lift gate.Work will be performed in Highlands, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 8, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 25 bids solicited on June 23, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (W912EP-07-C-0010). AIR FORCE Kovatch Corp., Nesquehoning, Pa., is being awarded a $20,906,256 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action will exercise an option for 109 each R-11 aircraft refueling tank trucks. At this time, total funds have been obligated.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-C-0141/P00015). Raytheon Co., Reston, Va., is being awarded a $14,504,677 cost-plus-award fee, firm-fixed-price contract modification.This contract modification is for the Global Broadcast Services program, DoD's satellite-based system for disturbing video, imagery, and other large data files to users around the world.This modification directs Raytheon to build fifty nine Army receive suites and sixty nine Air Force IP receive suites which will provide theater commanders the ability to broadcast theater-specific command and control information in a timely manner.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began March 2006 and negotiations were complete February 2007.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F04701-97-C-0044/P00237). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $21,359,781 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for Defense Energy Support Center. Other location of performance is Pasadena, Texas. Proposals were web-solicited and four responded. This is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity type contract. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 30, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0542). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. Brevard, 31, of Phoenix, died Mar. 16 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.Brevard was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin L. Sebban, 29, of Chattanooga, Tenn., died Mar. 17 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.Sebban was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Anthony A. Kaiser, 27, of Narrowsburg, N.Y., died Mar. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Kaiser was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Harry H. Timberman, 20, of Minong, Wis., died March 17 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Timberman was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Eight U.S. soldiers and a Marine died recently during operations in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified previous casualties. Four U.S. soldiers died yesterday when a makeshift bomb detonated while they patrolled in western Baghdad, military officials in Iraq reported. Small-arms fire followed the blast, wounding another soldier. Elsewhere, a Multinational Corps Iraq soldier died yesterday as a result of being shot while conducting operations in Baqubah. Also, a Task Force Lightning soldier died yesterday from injuries sustained from an explosion while conducting combat operations in Diyala province. Five other soldiers were wounded in the attack and taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment. A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West also died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. In addition, a Task Force Lightning soldier died yesterday in Tikrit in a non-combat- related incident, which is under investigation, Officials said a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed March 16 when a makeshift bomb detonated while his unit conducted a dismounted area reconnaissance patrol south of Baghdad. Three other soldiers were wounded by the blast. The names of the deceased are being withheld until their families are notified. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the names of 11 soldiers and a Marine who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. --Army Sgt. Robert M. Carr, 22, of Warren, Ohio, died Mar. 13 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a makeshift bomb detonated near his vehicle. Carr was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. --Army Pfc. Alberto Garcia Jr., 23, of Bakersfield, Calif., died Mar. 13 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire and a makeshift bomb. Garcia was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. --Army Spc. Forrest J. Waterbury, 25, of Richmond, Texas, died Mar. 14 near Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. --Army Spc. Adam J. Rosema, 27, of Pasadena, Calif., died Mar. 14 south of Baqubah of wounds suffered when a makeshift bomb detonated near his vehicle during recovery operations. Rosema was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. --Army Cpl. Brian L. Chevalier, 21, of Athens, Ga., died Mar. 14 in Mufrek, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a makeshift bomb detonated near him. Chevalier was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. --Army Spc. Stephen M. Kowalczyk, 32, of San Diego, died Mar. 14 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Kowalczyk was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. --Army Spc. Joshua M. Boyd, 30, of Seattle, died Mar. 14 at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds sustained when a makeshift bomb exploded near his unit Mar. 5 in Samarra, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. --Army Staff Sgt. Blake M. Harris, 27, of Hampton, Ga.; Army Staff Sgt. Terry W. Prater, 25, of Speedwell, Tenn.; Army Sgt. Emerson N. Brand, 29, of Rigby, Idaho; and Army Pfc. James L. Arnold, 21, of Mattawan, Mich., died Mar. 15 in Baghdad when a makeshift bomb detonated near their unit during combat operations. All four were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. --Marine Lance Cpl. Raymond J. Holzhauer, 19, of Dwight, Ill., died March 15 from a non-hostile incident in Anbar province. His death is currently under investigation. Holzhauer was assigned to 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Utah will observe "Thank a Soldier Day" tomorrow and March 19 to express gratitude to the servicemembers who protect America's freedoms. Tomorrow's public events will feature military equipment displays, a climbing wall, camouflage face-painting for children, concessions, and music. Speakers will include local and state politicians and military personnel. March 19 is the official, state-designated day for the observance, but organizers said most activities take place on the Saturday before the official day to facilitate high participation. "We want to create a culture of gratitude for the men and women that serve our country," Jared Gomez, president of Thank a Soldier Day, said. "We want to help especially the youth understand why it is that we can live the lives we do." It doesn't matter how anyone feels about the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq, he added. "There are people that are sacrificing their lives every day for us, and we need to respect that," Gomez said. To honor that sacrifice, the Thank a Soldier organization is sponsoring an injured servicemember who has recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan. The organization will, through donations, provide assistance to that servicemember who may have needs the government is not able to meet, Gomez said. "This is kind of our small way of showing our gratitude to them and that we appreciate their service," he said. He also hopes that the public will take a moment to do just that on March 19, which is set aside to personally say "thank you" to a servicemember, he said. "The idea is, whenever you walk past a soldier on the street ... you just stop and say, 'Thank you,'" Gomez said. "What I'd like to see happen is for all the news stations, all the radio stations on that day ... just stop and say, Today is Thank A Soldier Day.' We want to express our gratitude. Thank you for all you do.'" Thank a Soldier Day was started by seniors at West Jordan High School three years ago. Rachelle Romero initiated the day for personal reasons, Gomez said. "She has some family (members) that are members of the military, (and) she was really tired of all the negative news about the war and about soldiers," he said. "She didn't think it was right, so she wanted to do something." That original "something" was creating a huge banner for her school to sign before it was sent to Iraq. That sparked interest in doing something more, and a small group of students worked with the high school's assistant principal to create a day of recognition for servicemembers, Gomez said. This year, Thank a Solider Day's gratitude and goodwill are expanding to help America Supports You home-front member Operation Give, a care package group based out of Salt Lake City. America Supports You is a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation's servicemembers. "They initially contacted me just to have me actually speak during (tomorrow's) program," Paul Holton, a chief warrant officer in the Utah Army National Guard, said. "They wanted to get more of an ongoing project or organization involved in the Thank a Soldier Day organization, so we came up with 'Thank a Soldier for the Week.'" The groups have placed 15 drop boxes around the West Jordan area so residents who'd like to donate convenience items, food and entertainment items can do so. Those wishing to donate don't have to be local residents, though. Donations are accepted from across the country. "The can either look at the list and send us things that are on the list, or we would prefer that they donate money ... to purchase things that are needed," Holton said, explaining that cash donations help keep the cost of shipping down. "But they can go on our Web site ... and donate." Money donated through Operation Give's Web site can be earmarked for any specific project the group runs, including Operation Support the Troops, which the Thank a Soldier for a Week collection drive is benefiting. The Web site also provides the mailing address to donate items

Four coalition soldiers died in a roadside-bomb attack today, and 34 suspected terrorists were detained in operations taking place over the past few days in Iraq, military officials reported today. The Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers died when two roadside booms targeted their vehicles in Baghdad. A bomb detonated near the unit's vehicles as soldiers were returning from cordon-and-search operations, officials said. A second bomb detonated shortly after the initial blast, killing the four soldiers and wounding two others. An explosive ordnance disposal team found a third bomb at the scene, a device the military calls an "explosively formed projectile" - a form of improvised explosive device terrorists have used recently that has proven deadlier than improvised explosive devices more commonly encountered. The EOD team conducted a controlled detonation of the third device. This unit's soldiers recently aided in building several combat outposts and a joint security station in the eastern section of the capital, officials said, working with their partnered Iraqi security forces and continuing the ongoing transition toward Iraqi self-reliance. Also in Baghdad, coalition forces detained 17 suspected terrorists over the past three days while targeting al Qaeda and foreign facilitation networks, coalition officials reported. In an operation that began March 14, forces detained 12 suspects with alleged ties to al Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitation. Coalition forces found several AK-47s, artillery and mortar rounds, and bomb-making material. A raid this morning in Baghdad resulted in the detention of four suspected terrorists with alleged ties to foreign fighter facilitation and anti-coalition forces activities. In another operation, coalition soldiers killed an insurgent yesterday after spotting him unrolling wire to be connected to a roadside bomb west of Abu Ghraib. Troops from the 5th Cavalry Regiment subsequently engaged the man with small-arms fire. No U.S. soldiers were injured during the incident. In Mosul, a suspected terrorist with reported ties to al Qaeda was detained yesterday, military officials said. "Coalition forces will continue to systematically target al Qaeda in Iraq and foreign terrorist facilitators regardless of where they may hide or operate," Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, said.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Coastal Pacific Food Distributors, Stockton, Calif.,* is being awarded a maximum $149,200,000 firm fixed price contract for full line food distribution services for customers in Japan, Singapore and Diego Garcia. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, federal civilian agencies - Job Corps Center and embassies. There were 15 proposals submitted and 4 responded. This is an indefinite delivery/quantity type contract exercising option year four. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 16, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa (SPM300-07-D-3046). Raytheon Strategic Systems Division, Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a maximum $50,449,822 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for material and material management of benchstock items to be used at depot repair facilities for Army. Other locations of performance are Anniston, Ala. and Texarkana, Texas. This is a sole source competition. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract is exercising option year 1 and has two-year base period with a one-year option. Date of performance completion is July 26, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa (SPM500-05-D-BP22). ARMY General Dynamics, Garland, Texas, was awarded on March 12, 2007, a delivery order amount of $44,877,079 as part of a $104,476,951 firm-fixed-price contract for MK80 series bomb bodies.Work will be performed in Garland, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 16, 2006.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-06-D-0006). Critical Solutions International Inc.*, Dallas, Texas, was awarded on March 12, 2007, a $36,327,309 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for interim vehicle mounted mine detectors.Work will be performed in Gauteng, South Africa, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 31, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0306). Walbridge Aldinger, Tampa, Fla., was awarded on March 9, 2007, an $11,735,800 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a security forces facility.Work will be performed at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 10, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 685 bids solicited on Dec. 4, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-07-C-0010). Tower Industries*, Greenville, Wis., was awarded on March 7, 2007, a $10,866,120 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for bomb dummy unit-50C/B practice bombs.Work will be performed in Greenville, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct.10, 2003, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Munitions Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-04-C-0077). Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on March 8, 2007, a $10,325,000 increment as part of a $16,560,185 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Sandblaster program.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 8, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 6, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0182). Wintara-Salihi Group Inc., Fort Washington, Md., was awarded on March 7, 2007, an $8,687,150 firm-fixed-price contract for the combustion inspection, re-commissioning and start-up of two Siemens gas turbine units (V64 and V94) including the associated auxiliary systems and equipment at the Kirkuk/Taza power plant.Work will be performed in Kirkuk, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 3, 2007, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GXY-07-C-0012). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Forrest J. Waterbury, 25, of Richmond, Texas, died Mar. 14 near Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Joshua M. Boyd, 30, of Seattle, died Mar. 14 at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device exploded near his unit Mar. 5 in Samarra, Iraq.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

A Multinational Division North soldier was killed and another was wounded yesterday while conducting operations in Iraq's Salah ad Din Province, military officials reported today. The fatally wounded soldier's name is being withheld until the family is notified. Meanwhile, the Defense Department today released the name of a Marine who died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Steven M. Chavez, 20, of Hondo, N.M., died March 14 from a non-hostile incident in Iraq's Anbar province. His death is under investigation, officials said. Chavez was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations.They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Blake M. Harris, 27, of Hampton, Ga. Staff Sgt. Terry W. Prater, 25, of Speedwell, Tenn. Sgt. Emerson N. Brand, 29, of Rigby, Idaho. Pfc. James L. Arnold, 21, of Mattawan, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Robert M. Carr, 22, of Warren, Ohio, died Mar. 13 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Carr was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Stephen M. Kowalczyk, 32, of San Diego, died Mar. 14 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Kowalczyk was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Brian L. Chevalier, 21, of Athens, Ga., died Mar. 14 in Mufrek, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near him.Chevalier was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Adam J. Rosema, 27, of Pasadena, Calif., died Mar. 14 south of Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during recovery operations.Rosema was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Steven M. Chavez, 20, of Hondo, N.M., died March 14 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Chavez's death is currently under investigation. Chavez was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2007 - "Muse of Fire," a film that debuted here last night, uses American troops' eyewitness accounts and private journals to bring to life the tragedy, pain, horror, death and even the hope and optimism of war. The documentary, shown at the National Archives, is a frank account of life on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan. "I wanted to show servicemembers who have sacrificed so much for us, not only to humanize them, but to show how they grew personally and how they turned into writers," film director Lawrence Bridges said at the debut. Operation Homecoming, a National Endowment for the Arts literary program, served as Bridges' inspiration. The program brought a network of instructors to 50 writing seminars at 25 domestic and five overseas military bases. Six thousand troops and their family members wrote their stories and submitted 12,000 pages. A portion of this vast war narrative was edited and anthologized in a 377-page book, "Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families." Bridges said his goal was to make a film about how war sparked the troops' creativity. "I wanted to explore the military experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, the experience on the home front of spouses and children, and show through those experiences of deep trauma that may never be experienced by average Americans, how you use that in your creative life." Writing about traumatic experiences, Bridges said, can be cathartic for the troops. "When you don't talk about these things, and you're not open, it can lead to violence, it can lead to depression, it can lead to a life that isn't fulfilled," he said. "I think the power of Operation Homecoming is to give voices to those troops who need to get that out." Renowned novelist Jeff Shaara was one of the instructors who worked with the troops and encouraged them to record their narratives. "Invariably, the first words out of their mouths would be, 'My story is not very interesting,'" Shaara said. "Then they would tell me what their experience was and I would end up with my mouth hanging open." For former Army Sgt. John McCary, who contributed a letter to the program and who now writes for The Wall Street Journal, the desire to write during wartime was "like a flood." In the film, McCary shares an anecdote about a young Iraqi man with olive skin and black hair he met while stationed in Anbar province. The young man was known for his oil painting of local landscapes. "He was an artist who sold his wares on the base," McCary said. "The piece that I have captured the ghostly, transient nature of a lot of the construction that's over there. He did it with really minimal materials, and obviously minimal time and resources and it was just gorgeous. "Of course, it was made all the more poignant by the fact that I never saw him again," he said. Shortly after McCary befriended the young painter, he stopped appearing at the base. "I know that he never came back and he was rumored to be dead," McCary said. "The insurgents at that time made a concerted effort to target people that dealt with American forces. He lived right outside Fallujah; that's not a good place to be somebody who sells to the Americans." With death lurking around every corner, McCary said he felt compelled to record his experience. "The urge to write when you're in that situation is overwhelming," McCary said. "It's an impetus that you don't usually feel, and I think it has something to do with your need to communicate your experience to other people." While some troops censor the letters they send home, McCary gave his family a choice. "I asked my family right from the start, 'Do you want the cleaned-up version or do you want the fire hose? And they didn't even hesitate. They said, 'I want the fire hose.'" "I think the subtext there, the unsaid thing is, why would you hold anything back if this might be the last thing you say?" McCary said.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $43,663,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This effort is for the manufacture, test and delivery of two Predator B MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), two mobile ground control stations, and associated equipment to include initial spares, ground support equipment, pack-up kits, and Ku SATCOM antennas.At this time, $32,747,250 has been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 order number 0024/no modification number at this time). Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, West Palm Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This undefinitized contract action is against the McDonnell Douglas Corp., other transaction agreement for the RL-10 assured access to space projects.McDonnell Douglas and subcontractor Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne will increase the producibility and reliability of the RL-10 upper stage engine, thus enhancing mission assurance for the Delta IV and Atlas V rockets on the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program under the Launch and Range System Wing.At this time, a total of $896,665,277 has been obligated.Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-98-9-0005-0080). Aleut Facilities Support Services LLC., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a $5,935,291 fixed-price/award term contract modification.This contract modification will exercise option year one, to provide non personal services for customer support, infrastructure and facilities maintenance, physical plan operation, environmental, and property management for Cheyenne Mountain AFS, Colorado.Will provide civil engineering support to operate and maintain systems (electrical, mechanical, utility, blast, shock, chemical protection uninterruptible power supply, potable water, industrial water, and wastewater); operate and maintain diesel generators that provide prime power to CMAFS in the event of a commercial power outage.At this time, total funds have been obligated.21st Space Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA25174-06-C-5005/P00002). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY 3M Corporation, St. Paul, MN, is being awarded a maximum $31,344,765 firm fixed price, requirements type contract for sole source 3M Corporation items.Using services for this contract in the Air Force.There is only one known source of supply making this a sole source contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 14, 2009. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM4A2-07-D-0005). Labatt Food Service, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $9,931,419 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract for full line food distributor for Texas/Oklahoma area. Other location of performance is Dallas, Texas. Using services are Army, Navy, and Air Force. There were 125 proposals solicited with 4 responses.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 8, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3028). NAVY Raytheon Systems Company, McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $28,714,857 firm-fixed-price order under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00164-06-G-8555) for Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems Navy configuration including 25 turret units and associated line items in support of the MH-60 Romeo Multi-Mission Combat helicopter.The MTS is a forward-looking infrared system that provides real-time imagery selectable between infrared and day TV as well as laser designation capability.Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by April 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. British Aerospace (BAE) Systems & Armaments, L.P., Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $19,108,265 fixed-price-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5464) for procurement of FY07 MK 14 MOD 2 Canisters, including packaging, handling, storage, transportation equipment, with FY07 reconfigurable coding plug assemblies.MK 14 canisters for the MK 41 vertical launching system, store, transport in safety, and enable loading of Tomahawk missiles into MK 41 vertical launching systems aboard DDG-51 Class and CG-47 Class ships.Work will be performed in Aberdeen, S.D., and is expected to be completed by January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. EDO MTECH, Inc.*, Warminster, Pa., is being awarded a $10,688,485 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0026) for the procurement of 130 BRU-55/A aircraft bomb ejector racks, lot acceptance testing, including tooling and pre-production.Work will be performed in Warminster, Pa., (99 percent) and Bohemia, N.Y., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $10,688,485 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $9,990,000 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00024-96-C-2100) for execution of the USS Texas (SSN 775) post shakedown availability to accomplish the maintenance, repair, alterations, testing, and other work.Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is scheduledto be completed by February 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,220,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) for the follow-on persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle services.The services currently being performed are in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed during March 2008.Contract funds $9,220,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Applied Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $6,149,456 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to exercise an option under previously awarded contract (N00178-03-C-2003) for Tomahawk software engineering and technical support services.This contract includes support for all current and future versions of the Tomahawk weapon control system, both track control group and launch control group elements, the advanced Tomahawk weapon control system including both United States and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) configurations, the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System including both U.S. and FMS configurations, as well as all associated support tools and test simulations. Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity. Adaptive Methods, Inc., Centerville, Va., is being awarded a $5,981,700 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6305) to exercise an option for surface ship undersea warfare combat system engineering services.The contractor will perform systems engineering, software engineering, integration, and test services to transition sensor interface, signal processing, and information processing technologies into the AN/SQQ-89(V) USW combat system.Contractor will also provide services for reuse applications of surface ship USW technologies into the Littoral Combat Ship Anti-Submarine Warfare mission package.Work will be performed in Centerville, Va. (70 percent); Rockville, Md. (15 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (10 percent); and Chattanooga, Tenn. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-05-C-6305). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,917,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) for the follow-on persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle services.The services currently being performed are in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed during March 2008.Contract funds $5,917,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. * Small Business A soldier and a Marine died yesterday

during operations in Iraq, military officials reported today, and the Defense Department has identified two previous casualties. The Multinational Division West soldier died while conducting combat operations, and the Multinational Division West Marine died in a non-combat related incident, both in Iraq's Anbar province. Both names are being withheld until the families are notified. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the names of a soldier and a Marine who died recently supporting U.S. operations in Iraq. Army Sgt. 1st Class Douglas C. Stone, 49, of Taylorsville, Utah, died March 11 in Iraq of wounds suffered from a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation. Marine Pfc. Angel Rosa, 21, of South Portland, Maine, died March 13 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Rosa was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Angel Rosa, 21, of South Portland, Maine, died March 13 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Rosa was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

An independent review group charged by the defense secretary with identifying shortcomings and making recommendations for improvements in care for injured troops held its first public meeting at Walter Reed Army Medical Center yesterday. The group heard emotional testimony ranging from praise and support to tearful pleas for help and change. "What we really want from you is as much as you have to tell us," Togo West, a former Veterans Affairs and Army secretary, told those who had come to be heard. Anyone wanting to speak was allowed five minutes at the microphone, but no one was stopped if they went over their allotment. The panel promised individual meetings and follow-ups. Hearing the stories, panel members said, was their priority, and there would be no repercussions for anyone testifying. For nearly three hours, one by one, servicemembers, family members and veterans took turns at the microphone in a town-hall like session, delivering the details of their experiences -- good and bad -- at the facility that has been thrust into the national spotlight in recent weeks after reports of poor outpatient soldier care and bureaucratic medical board processes. The sometimes emotional testimony took roller-coaster-like turns, with some passionately defending the quality of care and the staff at the center, and others opening crying and pleading to the panel for help. While most proclaimed that the doctors and medical staff at Walter Reed provided exceptional care, even the staunchest defenders of the hospital conceded that changes are needed in the administration of its outpatient services and the medical and physical board processes. "You know, what's failed to have been said in all this bad press ... is that Walter Reed is not as bad as (what's) being portrayed in the media," said one of the first speakers, an Army specialist injured in Afghanistan. "Yes, there's issues with the (medical) board process -- there are issues -- but that's been ongoing for years. It's not exclusive to Walter Reed." He said that for five days he was bedridden with pain from his injuries, and that everyone in his chain of command, including his social worker and case manager, volunteered to deliver meals to his room. He's only lived in Walter Reed's outpatient quarters for five months - a relative newcomer, considering some servicemembers spend two years or more in outpatient care. But still, he said, he is not daunted by the impending board process that promises mountains of paperwork, numerous appointments and certain frustration. "They have helped me get supporting documents. Well, that eases me a little bit. Whenever I get ready to start my med board, I'm not as scared as what you might think, because I've got a good social worker. I have an excellent chain of command, and I do not feel that it's as big of an issue (as it's been made out to be)," he said. The panel followed up by asking the soldier if he was coached prior to the meeting, to which he responded "No." "I'm doing this on my own accord," he said. "This is my home right now. I'm sticking up for my home." Other testimony included a veteran who asked the panel to visit the Armed Forces Retirement Home and survey what he called "significant medical, health and welfare" issues there. Two Army National Guard soldiers testified to problems in the medical and physical board process. Doctors categorized their injuries as pre-existing, even though they had been cleared for duty and had no prior record of the injuries, they said. The wife of an Army National Guard lieutenant colonel said no one from the hospital met him when her husband arrived at the airport here last year. Her children drove from West Virginia to pick him up. He was forced to stay in a local motel for weeks because there was no room at the center, and still has not been reimbursed for the room. Near tears, she said she is tired of fighting the system. "Sometimes you just feel like giving up, you know? I've got other things I need to take care of. I've got to take care of my husband and my children, and I don't really have the time or the energy or the strength left in me to deal with all of this here," she said. The family is again staying in a motel, she said, for which she is not sure they will be reimbursed. One father of a soldier injured in Ramadi, Iraq, said the center is the best facility a servicemember could ask for. He cited several changes there that were made even prior to the media attention at the center. He said escorts now meet soldiers and families at the airport. Also, the Malogne House -- a temporary lodging facility on the Walter Reed grounds -- now accepts soldiers' meal cards. If soldiers are too ill to leave their rooms, meals will be delivered. "My son has received the best care," he said. A woman caring for her injured Army National Guard stepson said she is bothered by what others are surmising from recent media reports. "I get phone calls and letters from family and friends daily who think that my son is living in squalid conditions here. He's not," she said. Still, she said, holding up her calendar, her life is inundated with appointment-making, to the point that she cannot manage it by herself. She said that a central appointment system is needed so that all departments can schedule using a single servicemember appointment calendar. "This is out of hand. I can't do this any more. My son was in the hospital again for four days last week, so all of his appointments scheduled (were) completely cancelled. We had to start over," she said. She also cited several other family members she knew who were muddling through the benefits process unaware of benefits to which they are entitled and unsure of the claims process. The nine-member panel made up of doctors, lawyers, congressmen and former senior military members was formed about two weeks ago, and since then has been visiting medical facilities. The group is working as a subcommittee of the Department of Defense Health Board and will report its findings through the board to the secretaries of the Army and Navy by April 16. They travel to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., today for another such public meeting. The review group may hold additional meetings for patients and families. The group has established a Web site at www.ha.osd.mil/dhb/irg. There, anyone can submit comments. Click on "How You Can Help" in the left column of the review group Web site to provide comments. The group also has opened a toll-free hotline at 1-866-268-2285. Submissions will be recorded. All persons submitting comments can remain anonymous.

A soldier and a Marine died yesterday during operations in Iraq, military officials reported today, and the Defense Department has identified five previous casualties. The Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died and three others were wounded when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle while they were patrolling in southern Baghdad. The Marine, assigned to Multinational Force West, died in combat in Iraq's Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of five soldiers who died recently supporting U.S. operations abroad. -- Army Sgt. Gregory D. Fejeran, 28, of Barrigada, Guam, and Army Sgt. Christopher J.C. Fernandez, 28, of Dededo, Guam, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, Barrigada, Guam, died March 5 in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, of injuries suffered when their vehicle rolled over. -- Army Sgt. Thomas L. Latham, 23, of Delmar, Md., died March 11 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Sgt. Daniel E. Woodcock, 25, of Glennallen, Alaska, died March 11 in Dawr, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a building exploded while he was on combat patrol. Woodcock was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Spc. Jonathan K. Smith, 19, of Atlanta, died March 11 in Baghdad in a non-combat-related incident that is under investigation. Smith was assigned to the 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Thomas L. Latham, 23, of Delmar, Md., died March 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Daniel E. Woodcock, 25, of Glennallen, Alaska, died Mar. 11, in Ad Dawr, Iraq, of wounds suffered from a building explosion while on combat patrol.Woodcock was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS NAVY Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $30,022,725 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0093) on Mar.12, 2007, for the procurement of 118 Joint Standoff Weapon AGM-154C all-up-rounds (78 for Poland; 40 for Greece), one dummy air training missile for Greece; 108 CNU-672/E containers (67 for Poland; 41 for Greece), 2 PCMCIA cards for Greece, engineering/technical support, technical data, and administrative/financial data.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in February 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the Governments of Poland ($21,284,918; 66.7 percent) and Greece ($8,737,807; 33.3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ARINC Engineering Services, LLC, Annapolis, Md., was awarded an estimated $22,609,010 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N65236-03-D-3827-P00021) on March 12, 2007, for engineering and technical support services.This contract includes options, which bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $57,855,894.Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by October 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured with 25 proposals solicited and one offer received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime System and Sensors - Marine Systems, Baltimore, Md., was awarded a $16,067,773 firm-fixed-price contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5363) on March 12, 2007, for procurement of labor to provide MK 41 Baseline VII Vertical Launching System launcher ship sets for three Royal Australian Navy Air Warfare Destroyer Class ships and one Spanish F-105 Class ship under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program.The modification combines purchases for the governments of Australia (73 percent) and Spain (27 percent) under the FMS Program and includes the labor associated with production of installation and checkout (INCO) spares, INCO special tools and test equipment, onboard repair parts and other ancillary equipment.Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. and is expected to be completed by December 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. EMCOR Facilities Services, Arlington, Va., was awarded a $14,510,013 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract on Mar. 9, 2007, for base operations support throughout the National Capital Region.Base operations support will include general maintenance; repair; lead, mold and asbestos abatement; minor facilities construction; and snow removal.This contract contains options, which if exercised, would bring the not-to-exceed cumulative value of this contract to $187,782,614 or 117 months, whichever occurs first.This contract will serve approximately 27 NCR sites primarily within the capital beltway, but will also include the outlying site of Naval Air Facility Washington at Andrews Air Force Base.Work is expected to be completed December 2007 (December 2016 with options).Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with five proposals received, and discussions were entered into with three of the offerors.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-06-D-0374). Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc., Columbia, Md.; Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, Inc., Bethesda, Md.; Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems, Inc., Reston, Va.; Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC, Reston, Va., are each being awarded a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for procurement, installation, and sustainment of Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Ashore Program equipment at naval installations worldwide.The total amount per year is not to exceed $100,000,000; and the cumulative total for all four contracts over the entire contract term is $500,000,000 (base period and four one-year options).Work will be performed at various locations worldwide.The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of March 2008 (March 2012 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 11 proposals received.These four contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-4020/4021/4022/4023). ManTech Enterprise Integration Center (e-IC), Advanced Systems International, Inc., Fairmont, W. Va., is being awarded a $7,565,751 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Mission Readiness Assessment System (MRAS) Research and Development.MRAS is a ship decision support system that will be installed aboard all classes of surface ships, aircraft carriers and submarines to integrate the planning, prioritization, and scheduling of maintenance actions and allocation of maintenance and logistics resources and thereby, aid in optimizing unit readiness.Work will be performed in Fairmont, W. Va., and various Navy Fleet locations as required to support ship installations, and is expected to be completed by February 2012.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet as a Broad Agency Announcement.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-4205). Lockheed Martin Corporation, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $6,463,818 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6363) for the production and delivery of 55 SYMPHONY Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Jammer Systems; including Field Test Sets, Operator Reference Cards, Uploader Software, user guides, program protection, tool kits, depot support, field service engineering, and system documentation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.The SYMPHONY IED Jammer System is a programmable, radio-frequency IED defeat system that is vehicle mounted.Vehicle mounted systems are one element of the Department of Defense's Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW) program.Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $43,663,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This effort is for the manufacture, test and delivery of two Predator B MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles, two mobile ground control stations, and associated equipment to include initial spares, ground support equipment, pack-up kits, and Ku SATCOM antennas.At this time, $32,747,250 has been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 order number 0024/no modification number at this time).

Motivated by its commitment to those who fight for freedom, the Army is acting quickly to fix problems with the medical system that have come to light since reports surfaced in February of poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, the Army's top civilian leader said today. The reports in February highlighted shoddy facilities and failures of leadership at Walter Reed, but the scrutiny has revealed the larger problem of a disability system that is often complex and confusing, Acting Army Secretary Pete Geren said in an address to the staff of Walter Reed. The system has become overly bureaucratic and often stymies the best efforts of public servants trying to give wounded soldiers the care they need, he said. "A soldier who fights the battle should not have to come home and fight the battle of bureaucracy," he said. "Motivated by this simple truth, our president, our Army and our nation are reacting with urgency and conviction, born of our profound gratitude to those who defend our freedom." President Bush has appointed a bipartisan presidential commission to review servicemembers' health care, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates established an independent review group to assess outpatient treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and at the National Naval Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md., Geren noted. The final solution will take time and interagency effort to fully implement, he said, but the Army is not waiting to make positive changes. Yesterday, Army Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley resigned from his post as surgeon general of the Army, and Geren said he has directed an advisory board to begin looking for the new surgeon general immediately. In addition, a new commander and sergeant major took over at Walter Reed, and two combat-arms leaders are heading up the new Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade, to fight bureaucracy and ensure soldiers are taken care of. Army leaders have started improvements on facilities at Walter Reed, and have implemented a 24-hour hotline and one-stop assistance center for soldiers and families, Geren said. Today, the Army released an inspector general report on the disability system, and leaders at all Army medical facilities will implement those findings, he added. "We've made a good start, but much remains to be done," Geren said. "I share in your conviction that we will do whatever it takes to get it right." Geren noted that although these recent problems have tarnished the reputation of the Army medical system, Army medical professionals still perform miracles every day and are known for the excellence of their work. Many of the soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan would have died if not for advances in medical science and quality of care that the Army medical system has helped develop, he said. "Every one of you could receive more compensation elsewhere, work shorter hours, ... but you've chosen the Army; you've chosen to care for soldiers and their families, and I thank you for that," Geren said to the staff members. "In a time when much of modern medicine has become all about business, Army medicine and those who practice it are all about people serving people."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Jonathan K. Smith, 19, of Atlanta, died Mar. 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of a non-combat related incident, which is under investigation.Smith was assigned to the 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS NAVY Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded $135,000,000 for modification PH0005 under previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00030-06-C-0100) to provide for TRIDENT II (D5) life extension strategic programs alteration development.Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Sep 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year, FY 2007.Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contract activity. Eagan, McAllister Inc., Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $59,160,902 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract (N65236-04-D-6844) to provide continued systems engineering, software development, integration, engineering, training and configuration management, test, logistics management support services for Marine and Army C2 and self protection systems on armored vehicles in support of the global war on terrorism as required by the Space and Naval Warfare System Center, Charleston, S.C.The contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $253,954,528.Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (75 percent) and Lexington Park, Md., (25 percent) and is expected to be completed by November 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with one offer received.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $21,144,840 cost-plus-fixed fee with associated performance incentive fee contract modification.This contract modification is to the Joint-Air-to-Surface Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) Phase II development contract for procurement of 12 JASSM-ER operational test assets for additional testing.At this time, $12,000,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete March 2009.Headquarters 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-04-C-0004/P00030). Global Ground Support LLC., Olathe, Kan., is being awarded a $13,822,396 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for 43 truck mounted deicers.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete Apr. 2008.Headquarters 642d Combat Sustainment Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F41608-99-D-0297-0023) Northwest Florida Facilities Management Inc., Fort Walton, Fla., is being awarded a $7,428,215 fixed-price incentive fee with award fee contract modification.This contract will exercise the third option for the aircraft flight line maintenance, 14 each for the F-16 aircraft.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete Mar. 2008.Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-04-C-0008/P00021). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Babington Enterprises, Inc., McClean, Va., * is being awarded a maximum $10,469,681 firm fixed price letter contract for tray ration heating system, single pallet expeditionary kitchen and spare parts. Other location of performance is Rocky Mount, N.C. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This is a sole source competition with 1 response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3SD-07-D-0003). Ranger Aviation Enterprises, Inc., San Angelo, Texas, * is being awarded a maximum $6,100,659 fixed price with economic price adjustment for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0061). UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Northrop Grumman of Linthcum, Md. has been awarded a $7,365,570 contract modification Mar 2005 for the demonstration of their Viper Strike munition as a stand-off precision guided munition on the AC-130 gunship.The work is performed out of Huntsville, Ala. and is incrementally funded based on performance.The initial proof of concept work is to be completed by October 2006. This modification action adds the requirement for the contractor to support an extended user evaluation of the munitions on the AC-130 gunship. This modification brings the current total maximum estimated cost of this contract to $29,443,397 (H92222-05-C-0020, Modification P00012). Small Business*

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died Mar. 5 in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, of injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over.The incident is under investigation. Killed were: Sgt. Gregory D. Fejeran, 28, of Barrigada, Guam. Sgt. Christopher J. C. Fernandez, 28, of Dededo, Guam.

After two days of skiing and snowboarding, last night was all about fun for the 25 injured veterans participating in the Vail Veterans Program here and their guests. The group headed to Vail Mountain's Adventure Ridge for some snow tubing, ski biking, dinner and bonding. The activity was designed as a way for them to relax and have fun as a group, Cheryl Jensen, director of the Vail Veterans Program, said. "This is a time where they can all be together because they're so separated on the mountain doing their individual activities," Jensen said, adding that it was an opportunity for a few who hadn't been to the top of the mountain yet to take in the vistas. "It's just fun and relaxation, and it's so much fun to see them all interacting with each other." Activities like this also allow the spouses to bond, which they have very little time for while they're at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, with their loved ones, Josie Salzman said. Her husband, Army Sgt. J.R. Salzman, lost his right arm below the elbow in Iraq on Dec. 19. "You see (the other spouses) at Walter Reed," Josie said. "But you're so focused on him and taking care of him and making sure he's at his appointments and getting the right meds, that you talk to the spouses but you don't get to go out for the day and just hang out and relax." This, however provide that time and, she said, it was just plain fun. "I'm not stopping 'til they make me," Josie said. "I want to hug the person that created this and never, ever, ever let them go! Ever!" "Definitely a huge, huge thank you to whoever put this together for us so we had the opportunity to do this stuff," Sgt. Salzman said. "I'm one of the new guys. Two -and -a half months ago I got blown up in Iraq and lost my arm, and now I'm here in Vail tubing." The whoops and hollers as groups came screaming down the trails were evidence of the fun the veterans and their guests were having. "When you go skiing and snowboarding you're just kind of out there with your instructor," Marine Lance Cpl. Kade Hinkhouse said. "This is like a group thing where we can all hang out together." Hinkhouse lost his right leg above the knee and suffered a traumatic brain injury Oct. 8, 2005, in Iraq. After the group photo this morning, it's back to work learning to ski or snowboard before attending their farewell dinner at the Vail Firehouse.

Two home-front groups are helping American citizens support servicemembers and their families worldwide through the donation of gift certificates. "Gift of Groceries" and "Gifts from the Homefront" allow contributions to be made through "CertifiChecks" that can be redeemed at military commissaries and exchanges worldwide. Both groups are members of America Supports You, the Defense Department program connecting grassroots organizations with men and women of the military at home and abroad. Mike Baskerville, vice president of sales at CertifiChecks, first contacted the Defense Commissary Agency about starting the program in 2002 after he had difficulty getting care packages to his nephew stationed in Pensacola, Fla. He soon branched out to include the Army and Air Force Exchange Service as well. The certificates are accepted by the U.S. Treasury Department and are processed the same as certified checks. They can be purchased in person, on the Internet or by phone at 1-877-770-GIFT (4438). Gift certificates can be mailed to troops deployed overseas for use in one of the many exchanges located in the combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. Rather than paying shipping costs for large, heavy packages, troops can use the certificates to purchase items they need. Since the inception of the CertifiChecks program, more than $13 million have been donated or given as gifts to family members, Baskerville said. "This was a great gift-giving alternative to care packages that are often cumbersome," he said. "It made a lot more sense, and it was a great idea for people to donate these to charitable organizations." The Air Force Aid Society, United Service Organizations, Fisher House Foundation, American Red Cross and Operation Homefront are a few of the organizations highlighted on the Defense Commissary Agency and AAFES Web sites that receive the gift certificates to be distributed to families in need. Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to military families while servicemembers are deployed, is an America Supports You member benefiting from the CertifiCheck program. After being involved in the program for nearly two years, Operation Homefront has distributed more than $32,000 in gift certificates to at least 600 families who have applied for assistance and proven they have a financial need, the organization's executive vice president, Amy Palmer, said. The Fisher House Foundation, also a member of America Supports You, provides the certificates to families of the men and women in military or Veterans Affairs hospitals. The foundation became a recipient of the gift certificate programs in April 2003 and has since received more than $92,000 in donations. "(The foundation) has made support of combat casualties and others hospitalized due to their service in operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom our highest priority," said James Weiskopf, Fisher House Foundation vice president of communications. "Our largest donations go to these families, to help defray their living costs while they stay at one of our 37 Fisher Houses." Weiskopf said the donations are sent to house managers, who use them to purchase common goods like cleaning supplies and also distribute them to family members to purchase food while away from their homes to be with injured servicemembers. "(CertifiChecks) are making a difference in the lives of these families whose loved ones have suffered grievously while defending our nation in the global war on terrorism," Weiskopf said. "This has been an incredibly gratifying program."

Army Surgeon General Kiley Submits Retirement Request

Army Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, the service's surgeon general who has been under fire for shortcomings in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, submitted his request to retire from the Army yesterday. Army Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock, current deputy surgeon general, immediately assumed the surgeon general's duties, Army officials announced today. Published reports in February shed light on shortcomings in outpatient care for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey resigned March 2 over the same matters, and Walter Reed Commander Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman was relieved March 1. Acting Army Secretary Pete Geren yesterday directed the immediate convening of the required advisory board to recommend a slate of candidates for consideration as the next surgeon general. The board will convene in April. "We must move quickly to fill this position; this leader will have a key role in moving the way forward in meeting the needs of our wounded warriors," Geren said today. "We have an Army action plan under way under the leadership of the vice chief of staff, Army General (Richard) Cody, and the surgeon general has a critical role in the execution of that plan. I am confident Major General Pollock will ably lead the Army Medical Department during this transition period." Kiley said yesterday that he submitted his retirement because he felt it was in the best interest of the Army. "I want to allow Acting Secretary Geren, (Chief of Staff) General (Peter) Schoomaker, and the leaders of the Army Medical Command to focus completely on the way ahead and the Army action plan to improve all aspects of soldier care," he said. "We are an Army Medical Department at war, supporting an Army at war. It shouldn't be and it isn't about one doctor." Kiley has been Army surgeon general and commander of U.S. Army Medical Command since Sept. 30, 2004. He served nearly 31 years in the Army. "It has been my honor and my privilege to serve this nation and her soldiers for over 30 years," Kiley said. "I have the greatest respect for former Secretary Harvey, Acting Secretary Geren, and the senior Army leadership under General Schoomaker and General Cody. And I could not be prouder of the incredible Americans in the Army Medical Command who care for the warriors who have volunteered and sacrificed so much to defend our country and our way of life. I was blessed to have walked among them." Pollock became deputy surgeon general in October 2006 and is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She received her master of business administration degree from Boston University; a master's in health care administration from Baylor University, a master's in national security and strategy from the National Defense University, and an honorary doctorate of public service from the University of Maryland.

Four soldiers and a Marine died in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department released the identities of 11 servicemembers who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died yesterday due to a non-battle related cause. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed and two others were wounded yesterday when their unit was struck by a roadside bomb. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed and another was wounded yesterday by an explosion while their unit was conducting combat operations in Salah ad Din province. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier died yesterday in a non-combated related incident. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 10 soldiers and a Marine who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Veater, 20, of Jessup, Pa., died March 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. Veater was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, Marine Wing Support Group 47, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Wyoming, Pa. -- Army Pvt. Mark W. Graham, 22, of Lafayette, La., died March 7 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol March 2 in Baghdad. Graham was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Webb, 28, of Winchester, Calif.; Army Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen, 28, of Independence, Mo.; and Army Spc. Michael D. Rivera, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died March 7 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Justin M. Estes, 25, of Sims, Ark.; Army Staff Sgt. Robert M. Stanley, 27, of Spotsylvania, Va.; Army Sgt. Andrew C. Perkins, 27, of Northglenn, Colo.; Army Spc. Ryan M. Bell, 21, of Colville, Wash.; Army Spc. Justin A. Rollins, 22, of Newport, N.H.; and Army Pfc. Cory C. Kosters, 19, of The Woodlands, Texas, died March 5 in Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Dennis J. Veater, 20, of Jessup, Pa., died March 9 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Veater was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, Marine Wing Support Group 47, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Wyoming, Pa.

Disability Evaluation System Needs 'Top-Down' Overhaul, Officials Say

One of the Defense Department's top officials said today he is not surprised that servicemembers get different disability ratings from each of the services, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. They are three different systems governed by their own sets of laws and rate disabilities using scales unique to each department, said Dr. David S. C. Chu, the defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness. Each system has "fundamentally different approaches to the basis on which you should rate the individual. It is, therefore, not surprising that they reach different answers," Chu said. "From the individual's perspective, this is surely complex ... and frustrating in its character," he said. Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee today, Chu expressed confidence that, with legislative support, the system could be fixed. DoD currently is revising its disability evaluation system. Each service manages its own evaluation process within the framework of the DoD system. The Assistant Defense Secretary for health affairs, Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., said servicemembers deserve fair, consistent and timely determinations. "Complex procedures should be streamlined or removed. The system must not be adversarial, and people should not have to go through a maze or prove themselves to get the benefits they deserve," Winkenwerder said. He said now is the time to question the system and make changes needed for servicemembers and their families. "It's turning back to the bureaucracy and saying, 'Why can't we do it this way,'" Winkenwerder said. "If it's not meeting the needs of the customer, it's not getting the job done". The Army's top officer said that now is the time for a "top-down" overhaul. "There is an opportunity here that I hope we take. That is to fix things comprehensively," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker said. "This isn't about painting things and dealing with mildew and fixing some administrative processes," he said. About 900 active-duty soldiers are in medical holding units around the Army, said Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley. About 3,200 reserve-component soldiers are in a holdover status, including about 1,800 who have returned home and use local hospital systems to complete their care. In fiscal 2006, service eligibility board caseloads were 13,162 for the Army, 5,684 for the naval services, and 4,139 for the Air Force. In 2001, the numbers were: 7,218 for the Army, 4,999 for the naval services and 2,816 in the Air Force.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Webb, 28, of Winchester, Calif. Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen, 28, of Independence, Mo. Spc. Michael D. Rivera, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $400,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This contract is for provisioning spaces of sole source consumable and replenishment spares in support of the F-16 program.There is no known item or quantity identified at the time of award.As new changes and programs evolve the items and quantity will be identified.Awards will be placed against the basic contract by modification per the issuance of Provisioning Item Orders.This effort supports foreign military sales to Chile, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Poland, Taiwan, Turkey and Pakistan.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete Mar. 2012.POC for this contract is Lori Lloyd, (801) 777-5813.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA4890-07-C-0007). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $248,373,793 cost-plus-award fee & cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification.This contract action will definitize the Performance-Based Agile Logistics Support (PALS) contract line items 0207, 0216, and 0217.This effort will provide contract sustainment support to the F-22 weapon system.This work will be complete December 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2850/P00030) . (UPDATED) Science Applications International Corp., (SAIC), Torrance, Calif., is being awarded a $39,359,806 cost-plus-award fee & cost-plus-fixed fee contract.The purpose of this contract is to acquire Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) in support of the Global Positioning System (GPSW).In performing this effort the contractor will be responsible for producing and managing the technical baseline for the GPSW.The government maintains complete oversight and final decision authority and accountability for all key SE&I functional and technical baseline products, but assigns the responsibility for key functions and products to the SE&I contractor.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete Mar. 2007.This work will be complete March 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-07-C-0002). United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $27,203,400 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This contract is for F119 engine Lot 7 long lead undefinitized contract action.At this time, $13,601,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2900/P00002). Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $22,081,613 firm-fixed-price contract.This action providespreprocessor avionics central unit replacement computer production for the AN/ALQ-161A system.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations and negotiations were complete February 2007.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8523-07-C-0007). Honeywell International, Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded a $12,761,410 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.This is a ten year requirements contract (five year basic with two 2 ½ year options) for engineering services and research and development in support of the Air Force, Army and Navy Gas turbine and secondary power systems. At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began in May 2006 and negotiations were complete Jan. 2007.Contracting activity is the 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah (FA8208-07-D-0002). EDO Corp., North Amityville, N.Y., is being awarded a $12,368,784 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides production of digital RF memory upgrade for the AN/ALQ-161A system.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete Feb. 2007.This work will be complete Dec. 2007.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8523-07-C-0006). Superior Graphite Co., Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $6,078,547 technology investment agreement with cost-share contract.This action will establish a domestic manufacturing base capable of supplying the DoD with a silicon carbide powder production and ceramic armor manufacturing.At this time, $3,090,418 has been obligated.Solicitations began August 2006 and negotiations were complete Jan. 2007.This work will be complete June 2009.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-2-5308). NAVY Amsec LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a maximum $142,820,977 cost- plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity single award contract to provide engineering and technical services to accomplish specific requirements in support of maintenance and planning for the overhaul and repair of equipment and systems associated with Navy aircraft carriers and surface ships.It is expected that the labor force for this contract will be performing on board U.S. Naval vessels located around the world, and is expected to be completed by March 2008.The following locations and percentages of work to be performed are anticipated for Aircraft Carriers: Norfolk, Va. (35 percent); San Diego, Calif. (30 percent); Bremerton, Wash. (10 percent); Everett, Wash. (10 percent); Newport News, Va. (5 percent); Mayport, Fla. (5 percent); and other (5 percent), and the following locations and percentages are anticipated Surface Ships:San Diego, Calif. (53 percent); Bremerton and Everett, Wash. (16 percent); Yokosuka, Japan (14 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (11 percent); and Sasebo, Japan (6 percent).Contract funds in the amount of $700,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three solicitations requested and one offer received.The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, U.S. Navy, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity (N40025-07-D-7014). General Dynamics' Advanced Information Systems (formerly DSR Solutions division), Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $7,629,949 cost-plus-award-fee contract for continued software system engineering design support under existing Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) effort for the program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS).This SBIR Phase III effort focuses on bringing the latest software systems engineering design, analysis of newly emerging technologies, and Rapid Capability Insertion Project strategies to insert these technologies in support of PEO (IWS) programs and family of systems. The investigations will focus on the introduction of open architecture computing infrastructure to ease hosting of existing and new software applications to enable rapid deployment of enterprise solutions.Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. (79 percent); Virginia Beach, Va. (14 percent); Anaheim, Calif. (6 percent); and Pittsfield, Mass. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-03-C-5136). ARMY Longbow L.L.C., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Mar. 2, 2007, a $54,137,182 modification firm-fixed-price contract for production of mast mount assemblies for the Fire Control Radar.Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 12, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0134). AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Mar. 2, 2007, a $16,187,864 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract to reset/refurbish the equipment associated with the Shadow System.Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by March 1, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 7, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0256). Nana Pacific L.L.C.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Mar. 5, 2007, a $6,653,264 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a new antenna addition, weather vestibule between existing buildings, relocation of fuel storage tank, and expansion of area within the security fence at an existing defense satellite communications system facility.Work will be performed at Fort Greely, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by March 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 13, 2006.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0002).

CONTRACTS NAVY Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $93,775,750 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for the Joint Standoff Weapon AGM-154C-1 Block III Network Enabled Weapon Moving Target Capability and Seeker Obsolescence Redesign.Efforts to be provided under this delivery order include the design, development, integration, test and delivery of an AGM-154C-1 network enabled weapon moving target capability and qualification and production of a replacement for the obsolete seeker processor and detector components (Phase I).In addition, this order provides for delivery of a validated engineering change proposal (Phase II).Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ChaduxTT JV*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a not to exceed $50,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for architect-engineering services to provide comprehensive environmental response compensation and liability act, resourceconservationand recovery act, and underground storage tank studies at various Navy and Marine Corps installations serviced by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest.The work to be performed provides for a full range of architect-engineer environmental engineering and scientific or technical management services necessary to implement the environmental restoration program and similar media requirements for other Navy environmental programs.The majority of work will be performed in California (80 percent), Arizona (10 percent), Nevada (4 percent), New Mexico (2 percent), Utah (2 percent), and nationwide (2 percent).The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of March 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured as a 100 percent small business set aside under the Brooks act (Public Law 92-582) procedures via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 14 proposals received and three firms slated for interview.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-3213). Raytheon, Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $16,144,306 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5101) for the FY 2007 engineering services and design agent requirements for the Navy's Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) program.CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information, and also improves battle force effectiveness by improving overall situational awareness by enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies.Work will be performed at St. Petersburg, Fla.(95 percent) and Largo, Fla. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Watts Constructors, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $10,796,000 firm-fixed-price contract on March 7, 2007, for construction of the Mobile User Objective System at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific.The work to be performed provides for selective removal work, site preparation for the new antenna compound, including concrete foundations, equipment shelter, battery room renovations, conference room renovations, and incidental related work.Site work includes bituminous concrete roadway, concrete sidewalk, chain link fence, exterior lighting, security cameras, transformers, switchgears, power cable, miscellaneous site preparation and incidental related work.The contract contains two options at $1,004,000, which may be exercised within 360 calendar days, bringing the total cumulative value to $11,800,000.Work will be performed in Wahiawa, Hawaii and is expected to be completed by November 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 13 offers solicited and seven proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-07-C-1304). Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Mass., is being awarded a $9,749,826 firm-fixed-price requirements type, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to develop and enhance existing deep ocean survey capability to survey all ocean depths using Autonomous Undersea Vehicles.Work will be performed in Woods Hole, Mass., and work is expected to be completed by July 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively in accordance with FAR 6.302-3 and 10 USC 2304(c)(3)(ii) Industrial Mobilization; Engineering, Developmental, or Research Capability; or Expert Services, to establish or maintain an essential engineering, research, or development capability to be provided by an educational or other non-profit institution or federal funded research and development center.The Naval Oceanographic Office is the contracting activity (N62306-07-D-9002). AIR FORCE ITT Industries, System Division (ITT), Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a $7,876,673 firm-fixed-price with cost-reimbursable line items contract.This contract covers performing all support operations necessary to perform Forward Operating Location - Base Operating Support (FOL-BOS) services in support of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) aerial counterdrug surveillance mission at Reina Beatrix IAP Aruba (Optional FOL Site), HATO IAP Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, and Elroy Alfarao IAP Manta, Ecuador, US surveillance aircraft supporting USSOUTHCOM, Department of Defense (DoD), US State Department, and multi-counterdrug agencies currently operate from the FOLs to assure continued counterdrug surveillance in the Caribbean and Central and South American theaters.The Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Combat Command Commander, and Twelfth Air Force Commander determined that FOL support functions shall be contracted to the maximum extent possible.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Langley Air Force Base, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-07-C-0007). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a $6,070,886 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification.The Trainer Block Update (TBU) Program is in support of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Minuteman III trainers.The update will correct trainer deficiencies as defined by 30 AF Form 1067 modification requests.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Headquarters 526th ICBM Systems Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001/No modification number at this time). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY CONTRACT AWARD Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a competitive $5,760,063 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to support the Network Centric Airborne Defense Element risk reduction program.Work will be performed at Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be complete by March 2008.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-07-C-0010).FY2007 research and development funds will be used.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of six soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 5 in Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Justin M. Estes, 25, of Sims, Ark. Staff Sgt. Robert M. Stanley, 27, of Spotsylvania, Va. Sgt. Andrew C. Perkins, 27, of Northglenn, Colo. Spc. Ryan M. Bell, 21, of Colville, Wash. Spc. Justin A. Rollins, 22, of Newport, N.H. Pfc. Cory C. Kosters, 19, of The Woodlands, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Mark W. Graham, 22, of Lafayette, La., died Mar. 7 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol Mar. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq.Graham was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Petraeus: Iraq Security Plan Can Work, But Will Take Time

A new strategy that puts U.S. and Iraqi forces inside Baghdad neighborhoods to safeguard residents against insurgent and sectarian violence can work, but it'll take time to be fully implemented, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq said in Baghdad during his first news conference today. "We and our Iraqi partners recognize that improving security for the Iraqi people is the first step in rekindling hope," said Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, who became Multinational Force Iraq commander Feb. 10. "The upward spiral we all want begins with Iraqi and coalition forces working together and locating in the neighborhoods those forces must secure." About 40 joint Iraqi-U.S. security posts have been established across Baghdad as part of the three-week-old Operation Law and Order, Petraeus said. Protecting the people, he noted, is an important component of counter-insurgency operational doctrine. However, the operation "will take months, not days or weeks, to fully implement," Petraeus cautioned, noting it "will have to be sustained to achieve its desired effect." Iraqi and coalition security forces are working in tandem during patrols throughout Baghdad and surrounding areas to locate and capture or kill insurgents, Petraeus said. Their efforts seem to bearing early fruit, he said, noting sectarian killings have been lower in Baghdad in recent weeks compared to the previous month. And, small numbers of Baghdad residents are returning to homes they'd abandoned to escape the violence, he added. "Importantly, Iraqi and coalition forces will not just clear neighborhoods," Petraeus said. "They will also hold them to facilitate the 'build' phase of the operation and help Baghdad's residents realize aspirations beyond survival." As Iraqi citizens feel safer, that will set conditions for the resumption and improvement of basic services, Petraeus said. The Iraqi government, he added, has budgeted billions of dollars for infrastructure improvements and capital investment. "This is hugely important. Indeed, Iraqis have often ranked the provision of services ahead of security in importance," Petraeus said. "And, it is vital that the ministry representatives in the neighborhoods are able to provide for their constituents." Additionally, a joint U.S. State Department/Defense Department initiative will double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Iraq from 10 to 20, Petraeus announced, noting the PRTs will focus their efforts on Baghdad and al Anbar province in western Iraq. As security improves in Iraq commerce will return and local economies will grow, Petraeus said, noting that Iraqi leaders have drafted a new hydrocarbon law that calls for equitable distribution of the country's petroleum-derived wealth among its citizens. "Each step in this process helps reinforce the desired momentum," the general said. "And, over time, the government and its ministries will be able to gain the population's confidence and support by demonstrating the capability to deliver." Earlier this year, President Bush directed the deployment of more than 21,500 additional U.S. soldiers and Marines to Baghdad and restive areas of western Iraq to deter rising sectarian and insurgent violence. A tragic example of this violence was the Feb. 22, 2006, bombing of a holy mosque in the Iraqi city of Samarra. "It is not in our power to turn back the clock to the day before" the mosque was bombed, Petraeus acknowledged. However, he said, it's possible to work with the Iraqis to help improve security to enable them to contain the sectarian violence that's torn at the country's societal fabric over the past year. "Indeed, our operations will endeavor to provide Iraq's citizens and leaders a chance to mend that fabric," Petraeus said. "If we can do this, and I do believe that Iraqi and coalition soldiers and police will be able to improve levels of security for the Iraqi population, then the Iraqi government will have the chance it needs to resolve some of the difficult issues it faces." Meanwhile, the build up of U.S. and Iraqi security forces continues, Petraeus said, noting that the last of the 21,500 troops constituting the original "surge" directed by the president should arrive in Iraq by early June. An additional 2,200 military police announced yesterday by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates should arrive in a few months, the general said.

Three soldiers died yesterday during operations in Iraq, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified eight previous casualties. Three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers died yesterday northwest of the Iraqi capital when a roadside bomb detonated near their patrol vehicle. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of seven soldiers and one Marine who died recently in Iraq. Three soldiers died Mar. 5 in Baqubah when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. Killed were: -- Spc. Blake Harris, 22, of Pueblo, Colo. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Spc. Ryan D. Russell, 20, of Elm City, N.C. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood. -- Pvt. Barry W. Mayo, 21, of Ecru, Miss. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood. Army Staff Sgt. Darrel D. Kasson, 43, of Florence, Ariz., died Mar. 4 in Tikrit of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Bayji. He was assigned to the 259th Security Forces Company, Phoenix. Three soldiers assigned to the 630th Military Police Company, Bamberg, Germany, died Mar. 3 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: -- Sgt. Brandon A. Parr, 25, of West Valley, Utah; -- Sgt. Michael C. Peek, 23, of Chesapeake, Va.; and -- Sgt. Ashly L. Moyer, 21, of Emmaus, Pa. Marine Lance Cpl. Raul S. Bravo, 21, of Elko, Nev., died March 3 during combat operations in Anbar province. Bravo was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Darrel D. Kasson, 43, of Florence, Ariz., died Mar. 4 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle at Bayji, Iraq.He was assigned to the 259th Security Forces Company, Phoenix.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 5 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit. Killed were: Spc. Blake Harris, 22, of Pueblo, Colo.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Spc. Ryan D. Russell, 20, of Elm City, N.C.He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Pvt. Barry W. Mayo, 21, of Ecru, Miss.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Mar. 3 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 630th Military Police Company, Bamberg, Germany. Killed were: Sgt. Brandon A. Parr, 25, of West Valley, Utah. Sgt. Michael C. Peek, 23, of Chesapeake, Va. Sgt. Ashly L. Moyer, 21, of Emmaus, Pa.

CONTRACTS NAVY Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., was awarded a $71,894,590 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-96-C-2100) on Mar. 6, 2007, establishing the final price for the execution of the USS Virginia (SSN 774) Post Shakedown Availability to accomplish the maintenance, repair, alterations, testing, and other work.Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (99 percent) and Quonset Point, R.I. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton Conn., is the contracting activity. DRS Power Technology Inc, Fitchburg, Mass., was awarded a $19,665,186 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract on Mar. 5, 2007, for Integrated Power Systems research and development of a Permanent Magnet Motor System Land Based Test Site and Next Generation Design.Work will be performed in Fitchburg, Mass., and is expected to be completed by the end of Sep. 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $1,091,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with 15 proposals received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-4202) McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $16,313,127 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-05-C-0003) for the procurement of CY 07 In Service Support services for the F/A-18 A-D aircraft for the U.S. Navy and the Governments of Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Australia, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Spain, including program management, engineering, and logistics support.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (76 percent) and El Segundo, Calif. (24 percent) and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $1,355,091 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This modification combines purchases for the U. S. Navy ($12,316,554; 75.5 percent); and the Governments of Canada ($1,229,880; 7.5%); Spain ($799,508; 4.9 percent); Australia ($667,848; 4.1 percent); Finland ($569,731; 3.5 percent); Kuwait ($355,950; 2.2 percent); Switzerland ($302,571; 1.9 percent); and Maylasia ($71,085; 0.4 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity. Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $15,304,385 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-4004) for the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) FY07 Planned Incremental Availability (PIA).A PIA provides for an extensive renovation and modernization of an aircraft carrier, including alterations and repairs as well as inspection and testing to all ships systems and components ensuring safe and dependable operation of the ship.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $15,304,385, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Corp., Electronic Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded $5,704,579 for Modification PF0026 under previously awarded contract (N00030-03-C-0055) to provide one Ship Submersible Guided Missile Nuclear Multiple All-Up-Round Canister Subsystem and the associated Shipboard Installation Test Program.This contract modification of will increase the total contract value to $146,120,350.Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., and is expected to be completed by December 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Draeger Medical Inc., Telford, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $70,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment for anesthesia, ventilation and patient monitoring systems. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. There were 45 proposals solicited and 31 responded. This is a 5-year base contract with 5, one year options. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 08, 2012. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-07-D-8003). BP Corporation North America, Inc. dba Air BP, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $50,070,268 fixed price with economic price adjustment for jet fuel. Other location of performance is KIWA William Gateway Airport; Phoenix, Ariz. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. There was 1 proposal solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0041). ARMY Kalmar RT Center L.L.C., Cibolo, Texas, was awarded on Mar. 2, 2007, a $61,481,270 firm-fixed-price contract for production of rough terrain container handlers and miscellaneous hardware and services.Work will be performed in Lidhult, Sweden, 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 Jan. 29, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0160). Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Mar. 2, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,780,870 as part of a $55,703,216 firm-fixed-price contract for refurbishment of the line haul tactical vehicles in the theater provided equipment fleet.Work will be performed in Kuwait, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 15, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 1, 2006, and four bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-0152). Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Mar. 5, 2007, a $9,000,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for system technical support.Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-03-C-S023). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Mar. 2, 2007, an $8,952,765 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the addition of high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles and automatic fire extinguishing systems.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Environmental Chemical Corp.*, Burlingame, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 2, 2007, a delivery order amount of $8,253,460 as part of an $8,253,460 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a replacement groundwater treatment plant.Work will be performed at Bainbridge Island, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 4, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 27, 2006, and one bid was received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-04-D-0017). Esterline ARMTEC Defense Inc., Coachella, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 1, 2007, a $6,819,110 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for MJU-10/B Countermeasure Flares.Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 17, 2004, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-06-C-0014). Harris Radio Corp., Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on Feb. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,690,268 as part of a $32,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the M31E2 Joint Biological Point Detection System/Biological Integrated Detection System High Frequency Radio.Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 23, 2006.The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W911SR-05-D-0002). AIR FORCE BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions, Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $26,462,593 firm-fixed-price with time and material and cost contract modification.This action provides for QF-4 Full-Scale Aerial Targets (FSAT), Production Contract for Lot 13 (20 FSATs) and associated technical support.This action will exercise the third of five annual options.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete July 2009.Headquarters Special Applications Systems Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-04-C-0214/No modification number at this time). GA Tyler Associates Inc., Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a $22,500,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.The contractor shall provide support for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate Atmospheric Compensation, Theory and Analysis (ACTA) program located at Kirtland Air Force Base.The ACTA program supports the Air Force efforts at AFRL/DES in adaptive optics, imaging and related areas.All tasks shall be performed in accordance with the AFRL statement of work dated 1 Oct. 2005.At this time, $920,000 has been obligated.Solicitations began Dec. 2005 and negotiations were complete Mar. 2007.This work will be complete Mar. 2012.Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9451-07-D-0169). Battlespace Flight Services LLC., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $11,501,250 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-award fee contract.This action provides for organizational maintenance support for the Predator MQ-1 aircraft and related systems at Creech Air Force Base and deployed sites worldwide.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began May 2006 and negotiations were complete January 2007. This work will be complete Sep. 2007.Headquarters Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Langley Air Force Base, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-07-C-0006). McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $5,400,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action provides for a quantity of 5 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures Small Laser Turret Assembly Group A Kits.At this time, $2,646,000 has been obligated.This work will be complete Apr. 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00176).

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $622,560,000 firm fixed, time and material, cost-plus-fixed fee, and cost reimbursement - no fee contract.This requirement consists of nonrecurring engineering (NRE) support; replenishment spare panel parts, spare parts, bench stock, center wing component modification kits, engineering support for trial kit installs, data, travel, and Delta NRE for six mission design series (EC-130H, HC-130N, HC-130P, C-130H, AC-130U, and MC-130H) in support of the Center Wing Box Replacement Program.At this time, $81,575,604 has been obligated.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete January 2013.PA POC is John Birdsong, (478) 472-1024.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8504-07-D-0003). United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded an $116,221,789 cost-plus-fixed fee, firm-fixed-price, and cost-plus-award fee contract modification.This contract will provide F-119 engine Lot 6 for CY 2007 sustainment.At this time, $80,699,085 have been obligated.Negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2851/P00015). ITT Avionics, Clifton, N.J., is being awarded a $78,006,082 firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract.This requirement is for Foreign Military Sales of the AN/ALQ-173 (V) advanced integrated defense electronics warfareto the country of Pakistan.This electronic warfare system will be used on the F-16 aircraft being procured under separate acquisition by the F-16 program office.Associated spares, support equipment, training, engineering services, flight test support and data are also being acquired under this contract.At this time, $39,003,041 has been obligated.Solicitations began February 2007 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete January 2010.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8523-07-C-). Pioneer Adult Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a $35,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity with firm-fixed-price, and some time and material, cost reimbursement contract.This action provides for Base-wide janitorial services at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Little Mountain Text Annex, Utah, and Utah Test and Training Range, Utah.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began August 2006 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete March 2012.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8201-07-D-0005). Computer Sciences Corp., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $29,555,717 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, and cost reimbursable contract.This action provides for supplies and services necessary to sustain the current Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments (DCAPES) operational capabilities, loosely couple DCAPES from the Joint Operation Planning and Execution System while migrating from a Global Command and Control System-Air Force client services architecture to a Global Combat Support System-Air Force (GCSS-AF) Services Oriented Architecture, begin the development and migration of DCAPES capabilities to the GCSS-AF integration framework and its appropriate services, and transform DCAPES and force projection capabilities into war planning and execution system family of systems net-centric client server architecture.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters 754th Electronic Systems Group, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (FA8771-07-D-0001). Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $29,357,987 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, and no fee labor hour contract modification.This action provides for aircrew training and rehearsal support program contractor logistics support for various special operations forces training devices including database generation, engineering support, courseware development and instruction.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42630-00-C-0206/P00224). ITT Industries, Systems Division, Cape Canaveral, Fla., is being awarded a $14,102,911 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.This contract will integrate a functional new CT-4 site based in Building 1 at Pillar Point at San Mateo, Calif.; this project will replace the existing CT-4 site based in Building 10.This project will provide a maintainable command system at CT-4 while minimizing the downtime by implementing the system in Building 1.This project is a follow on to the previous vehicle uplink system and CT-2 projects.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete October 2008.Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001/P00398). EDO Corp., North Amityville, N.Y., is being awarded a $12,368,784 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for production of digital RF memory upgrade for the AN/ALQ-161A system.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began January 2007 and negotiations were complete February 2007.This work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8523-07-C-0006). Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $11,340,573 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.The purpose of this Change Order is to authorize the contractor to implement the service life extension program changes to the operational linescan system (OLS), special sensor ultraviolet limb imager (SSULI), and associate software and system test in support of Defense Meteoroligical Satellite Flight-19 and Flight-20.Several areas of the OLS, the primary sensor which detects light in both the visible and infrared spectrums, will be affected.A current technology ultraviolet detector called a cross delay line detector, will be added to the SSULI, which measures UV light in there ionosphere.At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete November 2014.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8803-05-C-0001/P00033). ITT Industries Systems Division, Cape Canaveral, Fla., is being awarded a $6,324,270 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification.This contract modification will provide functional replacement of the Antenna Control System at the Eastern Range Launch Head Telemetry Site, located near the Banana River on the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center, and upgrade to the existing TAA-24 and TAA-3C antenna pedestal electronics and radio frequency feeds.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Negotiations were complete March 2007.This work will be complete October 2008.Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001/P00397). -NAVY- Northrop Grumman Corp., Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $256,613,684 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) Increment I System Development and Demonstration and includes options for a Radar Environmental Simulator (RES); alternative generator; the G/ATOR Technical Data Package; Model Driven Architecture Models; production oftwo G/ATOR Low Rate Initial Production systems; production of 13 full-rate production G/ATOR systems; interim contractor logistics support; and performance based logistics; Other direct costs and travel; and engineering services and support.The G/ATOR program is a single material solution for the Multi-Mode Radar System and Ground Weapons Locator Radar requirements.It is structured as an evolutionary acquisition consisting of four blocks of incremental development and production, referred to as Increments I through IV.Each block builds upon the capabilities of the preceding increments in an additive fashion.Increment I supports two distinct mission areas:Short range air defense and air surveillance.Increment II will address the Marine Expeditionary Force counter fire/targeting missions.Increment III will incorporate tactical enhancements of the air mission requirements, including Mode 5/S identification friend or foe, decoy/electronic counter-counter measures capabilities, an advanced RES, a non-cooperative target recognition, sensor netting, and an integration data environment capability.Increment IV will address support of air traffic control missions.The objective (end state) system will consist of 63 G/ATOR systems, each having the capabilities of all four increments.Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Md. (75 percent) and East Syracuse, N.Y. (25 percent) and is expected to be completed March 2016 (if all options are exercised).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a result of a full and open competition solicitation available to industry via the Navy Electronic Commerce Office, with five offers received.Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-2072). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $191,362,762 firm-fixed-priced contract for the procurement of four Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) exercise missiles retrofitted from SLAMs to SLAM-ERs for the U.S. Navy.This contract also provides for the procurement of 48 SLAM-ER tactical missiles (Turkey) and 2 each SLAM-ER Guidance Sections (Turkey); SLAM-ER Warhead Sections (Turkey); SLAM-ER Sustainer Sections(Turkey); SLAM-ER Control Sections(Turkey); SLAM-ER Exercise Missiles(Turkey); SLAM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles(Turkey); Harpoon Exercise Sections (Japan); Harpoon Exercise/Warhead Containers (Japan); and Harpoon Captive Air Training Missile (CATM-84) (Ballistic Air Test Vehicle-uninstrumented) (Korea) for Foreign Military Sales.In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of 3 SLAM-ER Instrumented Recoverable Air Test Vehicles(Turkey), 59 SLAM-ER All Up Round (AUR) Missile Containers(Turkey), 40 Harpoon Tactical Block II Encapsulated AURs (Pakistan (30) and Korea (10)), 15 Harpoon Tactical Block II Air Launch AURs (Korea), 40 Harpoon Encapsulated AUR containers (Pakistan (30) and Korea (10)), 9 Harpoon Air Launch AUR Containers (Korea), and 6 Harpoon Guidance Section Containers (Japan) for Foreign Military Sales.Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo. (45.75%); various locations across the United States (9.35%); McKinney, Texas (8.29%); the United Kingdom (8.03%); Toledo, Ohio (5.44%); Tucson, Ariz. (4.18%); Huntsville, Ala. (3.59%); Melbourne, Fla. (3.31%); Fort Washington, Pa. (2.74%);Middletown, Conn. (1.91%); Galena, Kansas (1.80%); Erlanger, Ky.. (1.44%); Elkton, Md. (1.44%); Clearwater, Fla. (1.44%); and Kirkwood, Mo. (1.29%) and is expected to be completed in December 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($3,749,208; 1.96%) and the Governments of Turkey ($79,150,963; 41.36%); Pakistan ($63,666,450; 33.27%); Korea ($43,974,637); and Japan ($821,504; 0.43%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0037). Boeing Helicopter, Ridley Park, Pa., is being awarded $67,806,631 for ceiling-priced order #0211 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and work is expected to be completed by March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $52,537,397 for ceiling priced order #0211 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. DGM21 LLC, Montrose, Colo., is being awarded a $31,928,043 firm-fixed-price contract for the FY07 consolidated construction projects for U.S. Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territories.This is a design-build project is for wharf improvements and SSGN Shore Support Facilities with performance and prescriptive requirements provided by the Government.Work will be performed in Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territories, and is expected to be completed April 2009.This contract was competitively procured with 17 solicitation packages distributed and one proposal received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Construction Contracts Branch, is the contracting activity (N62742-07-C-1313). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $24,971,660 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0002) for engineering, technical, and material support for all variants of the F/A-18 and EA-18G weapons systems.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. L-3 Communications Titan Corp. Unidyne Division, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $22,888,487 modification to under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2203) to exercise options for preparation and accomplishment of the FY07 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) availabilities of landing craft air cushions (LCAC) 36, LCAC 50, and LCAC 69, at assault craft unit 4.The LCAC is the essential element within the current and future United States Navy/United States Marine Corps amphibious warfare triad that provides heavy lift capability to perform Amphibious Assaults and Operational Maneuvers from the sea.LCAC SLEP entails modifications for extending the service life of the LCAC from twenty to thirty years.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, Hurst, Texas, is being awarded $19,475,015 ceiling-priced order # 0211 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the V-22 aircraft.Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas, and is expected to be completed by March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Rogers-Quinn Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded a $18,253,000 firm-fixed-price Task Order 0005 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-03-D-7057) for design and construction of a naval amphibious facility at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.This project is a waterfront amphibious operations facility that consolidates major functions of Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE, including operations command and control, vehicle maintenance and operational storage.Work will be performed in Coronado, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Inc., Melville, N.Y., is being awarded a $17,504,751 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-4304) for the procurement of three AN/SPQ-9B radar systems with traveling wave tube amplifier transmitter upgrades and three AN/SPQ-9B combat interface kits.Work will be performed in Melville, N.Y. (85 percent); Norwalk, Conn. (14 percent); and Baltimore, Md. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity. S. B. Ballard Construction Co., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $13,421,395 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract for a two-story Joint Deployment Center/Fleet Forces Command Center in Building NH-95, Naval Support Activity, Norfolk, Va.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by October 2008.The contract was competitively procured with 83 proposals solicited and 17 offers received, and award made to multiple contractors on Sept, 30, 2005.These seven contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the existing multiple award contracts.Five proposals were received for this task order.Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division Mid-Atlantic, Public Works Department Norfolk, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-05-D-5052). Rogers-Quinn Construction, Inc., Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded $13,138,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0004 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N68711-03-D-7057) for design and construction of a regimental maintenance complex (Phase II) at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, San Diego, Calif.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2009.The basic contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 16 proposals received and award made to multiple contractors on Sept. 30, 2003.The total contract amount is not to exceed $100,000,000 (base period and four option years).The multiple contractors (five in number) may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the existing contract.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Rogers-Quinn Construction, Inc., Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded $10,760,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0002 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N68711-03-D-7057) for design, construction, and renovations of an armory and communication/electronics maintenance facility complex at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton.Work will be performed is San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 2009. The basic contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 16 proposals received and award made to multiple contractors on Sept. 30, 2003.The total contract amount is not to exceed $100,000,000.00 (base period and four option years).The multiple contractors (five in number) may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the existing contract.Three proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. CH2M Hill/VT Griffin Joint Venture (name changed from Jones/Hill Joint Venture), Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded $10,741,078 contract modification under a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract (N62467-99-D-1006) to exercise the final option to extend services for facilities/environmental maintenance services at the Pensacola Naval Regional Complex.The work to be performed includes all managerial, supervision, labor, engineering services, tools, materials, equipment and transportation necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the facilities, equipment, supplies and system.The contractor shall perform professional and all-encompassing program management responsibilities for the following functional areas: general and administrative functions, public works administration, facility maintenance services (non-family housing), facility maintenance (Navy family housing), pest control services, transportation, utility plant operations and maintenance, utility distribution operations and maintenance, environmental services, and centrally managed safety services.After exercise of this option, the total cumulative contract not to exceed amount will be $105,789,921.Work will be performed at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla. (95 percent); Naval Hospital Pensacola, Pensacola, Fla. (4 percent); and Lakeside, Pascagoula, Miss. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed September 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with 62 offers solicited, three proposals received and award made to Jones/Hill Joint Venture on March 19, 2003.The Public Works Department Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Pensacola, FL, is the contracting activity (Mod P00136). M.A. Mortenson Co., Inc., Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded $10,677,000 for Task Order #0009 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N62472-01-D-0077) for hangar/industrial facility maintenance, repair and alterations of real property in the Atlantic Division's area of responsibility.Task Order #0009 is to construct a design/build helicopter trainer facility addition, Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed October 2008.The basic contract was competitively procured and the five awardees compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the existing contract.Two proposals were received for this task order.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corporation, The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $10,120,651 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-05-C-2082) to extend intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services to provide coverage for forces deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).Work will be performed in the Area of Operations and is expected to be completed by 31 August 2007.Contract funds expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded for $7,769,500 ceiling priced order #0214 under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for procurement of unique consumables for the CV-22 Osprey.Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by March 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity General Dynamics' Advanced Information Systems, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,800,000 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5100) to exercise an option for system integrator/design agent (SI/DA) to integrate open architecture track manager (OATM) function for the Navy.The SI/DA for OATM will be expected to implement software product for installation on Navy platforms and address evolving open architecture initiatives related to track management and sensor netting.This effort is to develop and maintain architecture and requirements.This effort also modifies government furnished information to implement and maintain the Navy Single Integrated Air Picture.Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. (86 percent); Reston, Va. (3 percent); Silver Spring, Md. (6 percent); Clifton, Va. (4 percent) and Virginia Beach, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,730,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee order under previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00024-05-G-4117) to support submarine repair work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on SSN 688 Class submarines during on-going availabilities.Work will be performed in Portsmouth, N.H., and is scheduled to be completed in September 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $6,730,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. ARMY Heil Trailer International, Athens, Tenn., was awarded on March 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $48,181,812 as part of a $190,568,056 firm-fixed-price contract for M967A2s and M969A3s.Work will be performed in Athens, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 3, 2001.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-D-S002). Harper Construction Co. Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on March 28, 2007, a $43,437,800 firm-fixed-price contract for rehabilitation, renovation, and repair of individual officer and enlisted family quarters.Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by March 28, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Oct. 12, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-07-C-2000). JLG Industries Inc., McConnellsburg, Pa., was awarded on March 28, 2007, a $38,382,828 modification firm-fixed-price contract for an all terrain lifter, Army System Rough Terrain Forklift.Work will be performed in McConnellsburg, Pa., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 18, 2005.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0229). Alliant Techsystems Inc., Plymouth, Minn., was awarded on March 28, 2007, a $26,225,000 firm-fixed-price contract for manufacture and delivery of 120mm Cartridges.Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minn. (27.2 percent), Socorro, N.M. (0.4 percent), Middletown, Iowa (6.9 percent), Coachella, Calif. (4.1 percent), Radford, Va. (9.1 percent), Rocket Center, W.V. (37 percent), Lawrenceville, Va. (0.2 percent), Louisville, Ky. (8.9 percent), New Berlin, Wis. (1.0 percent), Baraboo, Wis. (0.7 percent), Lexington, Ky. (0.9 percent), Hartford, Wis. (0.6 percent), Ironwood, Mich. (0.1 percent), Toone, Tenn. (1.3 percent), Northbrook, Ill. (0.1 percent), St. Bonifacious, Minn. (0.9 percent), and Anoka, Minn. (0.6 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 26, 2007.The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-C-0083). Montgomery Watson Harza, MWH Constructors Inc., Broomfield, Colo., was awarded on March 27, 2007, a delivery order amount of $22,187,584 as part of a $345,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an arrival/departure airfield control group Phase 2.Work will be performed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 3, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were four bids solicited on Dec. 13, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-06-D-0018). Alutiiq International Solutions L.L.C.*, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on March 28, 2007, a $22,187,556 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of Army family housing.Work will be performed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by June 23, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 29, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-07-C-0008). BAE Systems Ordnance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on March 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $21,880,655 as part of a $150,434,728 firm-fixed-price contract for production and supply of CXM-7 explosives.Work will be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by June 28, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 22, 2007.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-D-0007). Alliant Ammunition and Powder Company L.L.C., Radford, Va., was awarded on March 29, 2007, a $19,488,488 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for support of operations at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant.Work will be performed in Radford, Va., and is expected to be completed by June 20, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 30, 2004.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-E-0001). Heil Trailer International, Athens, Tenn., was awarded on March 29, 2007, a delivery order amount of $16,786,392 as part of a $207,354,448 firm-fixed-price contract for MK970s.Work will be performed in Athens, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by September 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on May 3, 2001.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-D-S002). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on March 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $15,552,267 as part of a $176,157,587 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for additional contractor logistics support for deployed Stryker Vehicles.Work will be performed in Shelby, Mich. (17 percent), Auburn, Wash. (30 percent), Germany (8 percent), Iraq (14 percent), Kuwait (2 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (k29 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on March 27, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). MPRI, Alexandria, Va., was awarded on March 27, 2007, a $15,313,655 firm-fixed-price contract for instructors for the Counterinsurgency Center for Excellence.Work will be performed in Baghdad, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by June 15, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 19, 2007, and four bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GER-07-C-0007). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Leemon Oil Co., Inc., Romulus, Mich., (woman-owned small business) is being awarded a maximum $18,800,133 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for diesel fuel, gasoline and fuel oil. Other locations of performance are Va.; Tenn.; W. Va.; Md.; Ohio; District of Columbia and Ky.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, federal civilian agencies, and Department of Defense activities. Proposals were Web-solicited and 17 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is July 31, 2010. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-06-D-4001).

Questions to top Army and DoD officials before the Senate Armed Services Committee today focused on how to eliminate the bureaucracies that many say permeate service members' outpatient health care. The committee questioned top defense officials regarding reports of substandard living conditions and delays in outpatient services at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Army and defense leaders did not dispute the claims. The Army's top officer, Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, compared the system's bureaucracy to "running in hip boots in a swamp." "It sucks the energy out of you," he said. Schoomaker said the Army is acting quickly to fix the problems it can, and the service will work with DoD and other agencies on those that cross service boundaries or require legislative support. "I stand accountable. All of our energy is going into making sure the proper actions are taken," he said. Schoomaker offered up a list of steps taken by Army leadership so far that includes installing a new commander and deputy commander at the center, as well as a new battalion commander and command sergeant major, all combat veterans. A one-stop family assistance center there now allows soldiers and family members access to all of the services they need in one spot, he said. Also, officials opened a telephone hotline that allows anytime access for reporting problems. Two teams have been dispatched to review services at in- and out-patient facilities across the Army, Schoomaker said. Assistant Defense Secretary for Health Affairs Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., said his office's top priority is finding and fixing the problems, and he wants patients to speak up about the quality of care they have received. "We welcome public scrutiny, even when it's critical and painful to hear," he said. "Defensiveness and explanations are not the route to getting things done," Winkenwerder said. He divided the problems into three categories for the committee: facilities, the disability determination process, and care coordination. Winkenwerder said he believes the Army is fixing the facilities that were not up to standards. Changes to the disability determination process cross organizational boundaries and will not happen quickly, but the process should be fair, consistent and timely, and not adversarial, he said. When pressed by a committee member, Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley conceded that some soldiers have probably been shortchanged by the Army's disability evaluation system because it is set up to recognize the value of a "loss of limb" but not designed to understand the "nuances" of post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. To aid the process of care coordination, officials are hiring more case managers and other staff to lower the ratio of patients to staff. "No servicemember should ever have to work through a maze ... to figure things out," Winkenwerder said. Kiley said a complete system overhaul is required. "We really need to reinvent this entire process," he said. The individual obstacles of the system are being fixed by Kiley's office, but the way disability compensation is awarded, which is governed by regulations, needs to be revamped, he said. Kiley said he shared in responsibility for the failures in outpatient care at Walter Reed and "accepts the responsibility of rapid corrective action." "I am committed to fixing it," he said.

CONTRACTS NAVY Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded a $16,260,713 firm-fixed-priced delivery order 0004 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5006) for 19 Buffalo vehicles and 19 90-day On-board Consumables Block (OCB).The Buffalo are mine-resistant, route clearance-type vehicle that is needed in convoy operations.The OCB are consumable parts which include fuses, fan belts, filters, bulbs, etc., to be packed and carried on each vehicle to cover 90 days operation.Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed by September 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $16,260,713 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co., Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded $6,958,310 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0005 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62742-04-D-1302) for repair of Pier K-8 at the Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.The work to be performed provides for removal work, concrete rehabilitation of existing curbs, beams, slabs, piles and incidental related work.The work includes structural retrofit of the pier to install concrete bearing piles; concrete fender piles, plastic lumber chocks, blockings and accessories; floating pneumatic fenders; stainless steel ladders, steel brackets and fiberglass structural platform; permanent oil spill containment system; and other miscellaneous work.Work will be performed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by April 2008.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Applied Technologies, Inc, Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $5,868,856 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-01-C-0077) to exercise an option for technical and engineering support services for the development, procurement, integration, testing, installation and certification of shipboard communication systems; the development and integration of like systems at shore sites associated with the deployment of, or fleet support to, surface combatants; and the development, testing and integration of mobile and airborne communication systems designed to interface with the command, control, communication, computers and intelligence architecture of surface combatants.Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Md. (80 percent); California, Md. (10 percent); Bath, Maine (5 percent); and Pascagoula, Miss. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Raul S. Bravo, 21, of Elko, Nev., died March 3 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Bravo was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

VA Seeks Volunteers to Play 'Taps' at National Cemeteries

Hundreds of volunteer buglers and trumpeters are being sought to participate in Armed Forces Day observances held at veterans' cemeteries nationwide and overseas, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official said here yesterday. The event, called "Echo Taps Worldwide," will be held May 19 and is co-sponsored by the VA's National Cemetery Administration and "Bugles Across America," a volunteer group, said Michael Nacincik, the cemetery administration's chief of communications and outreach support. "Echo Taps" will take place at VA-operated national cemeteries, U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service national cemeteries, and American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries located overseas, Nacincik said. "It is an extremely important event for a number of reasons," Nacincik said. "It honors the service of veterans to our country." The initiative also encourages musicians to perform as live buglers at veterans' funeral ceremonies year round, Nacincik said. In 2006, 688,000 veterans died in the United States, he noted, with most belonging to the World War II generation. "There is overwhelming popular support to have 'Taps' played at veterans' funerals," Nacincik said. "And, obviously, with that many burials taking place, there are not enough buglers to provide a live bugler at every burial." Nevertheless, Bugles Across America has done "a very good job" of obtaining volunteers to play "Taps" at military funerals, Nacincik said. "It is important that our nation preserves the tradition of a live bugler to play final military honors," Leslie Hampton, a Navy veteran and Bugles Across America volunteer, stated in a recent VA news release. "Hopefully, 'Echo Taps' will go even further and help to identify people who know how to play 'Taps' or are willing to learn how to play 'Taps' and motivate them to want to provide the service when they're available at veterans' funerals in the future," Nacincik said. Volunteer buglers and trumpeters must register through the VA's website, which is attached to the "Echo Taps" site at www.echotaps.org, Nacincik said. The VA operates 124 veterans' cemeteries across the United States, Nacincik said. Generally, persons who've received other than dishonorable discharges after completion of military service are eligible for burial at a VA-operated national cemetery, he noted.

Ten soldiers died and five were wounded recently during operations in Iraq, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified three previous casualties. -- Six Task Force Lightning soldiers died yesterday in Salah ad Din province from wounds suffered in an explosion near their vehicles. Three other soldiers were wounded in the explosion and taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment. -- Three other Task Force Lightning soldiers died yesterday in Diyala province from wounds suffered in an explosion near their vehicles. One other soldier was wounded in the explosion and taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment. -- One 13th Sustainment Command Expeditionary soldier died March 4 south of Tikrit when an improvised explosive device detonated near the soldier's vehicle. Another soldier wounded in the explosion was evacuated to Combat Operating Base Speicher for treatment. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of two sailors and one soldier who died recently supporting U.S. operations in Iraq. -- Navy Lt. Cmdr. Morgan C. Tulang, 36, of Hilo, Hawaii, died March 2 in Kuwait from apparent natural causes. Tulang was assigned to U.S. Central Command Deployment Distribution Operations Center, Kuwait City. -- Army Spc. Christopher D. Young, 20, of Los Angeles, died March 2 in Safwan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, San Pedro, Calif. -- Navy Seaman Lucas W.A. Emch, 21, of Kent, Ohio, died March 2 in Anbar province when an improvised explosive device detonated near him. Emch was a hospital corpsman assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Christopher D. Young, 20, of Los Angeles, Calif., died March 2 in Safwan, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, California Army National Guard, San Pedro, Calif.

Traumatic brain injury, the signature wound of a conflict punctuated by daily bomb attacks on coalition forces and Iraqi civilians, is receiving increased emphasis from Defense Department leaders and the military medical community. DoD has made great strides in treating severe traumatic brain injuries -- those with obvious symptoms like open head trauma or loss of consciousness -- but the challenge lies in better identifying and treating mild brain injury, two top officials in the DoD health care community said. These mild injuries, which can be caused by repeated concussions or indirect exposure to a bomb blast, are hard to diagnose because soldiers may not recognize their own symptoms, and screening tests can't always capture the full range of possible symptoms. Treatment of traumatic brain injury is an emerging field, because the use of improvised explosive devices is greater in this conflict than it has been in any other, said Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. In late 2006, DoD implemented a thorough screening process, based on one used for professional athletes, for soldiers and Marines who suffer head injuries. The post-deployment health assessment all servicemembers must go through also includes questions about mental and psychological symptoms, Winkenwerder said. Even with these processes in place, not all servicemembers who suffer from mild traumatic brain injury are identified, he acknowledged. "Everyone's antenna are raised at this point about the need to look for the subtle cases -- those who might not have been right immediately in a blast zone, but could have been near, or that they might have experienced this kind of event two or three times," Winkenwerder said. "In those cases, they need to be looked at very carefully." Many cases of mild traumatic brain injury don't get reported because servicemembers don't recognize the symptoms or are too embarrassed to admit to problems with memory or other mental functions, said Navy Vice Adm. Donald C. Arthur, surgeon general of the Navy. Arthur said he himself suffered a traumatic brain injury a year and a half ago and was initially embarrassed to talk about the problems he was having as a result. After he underwent basic cognitive tests, he said, medical personnel thought he was fine because they didn't have a baseline of his mental functioning before his injury to compare. DoD needs to develop tests that will measure servicemembers' cognitive functions to establish a baseline for comparison when injuries occur, Arthur said. DoD also is refining its screening processes to better identify mild symptoms that are hard to spot, he said, but awareness needs to be increased to help soldiers recognize their own problems. "We will try to identify all of them that we can using objective tests," he said. "But we need to be very open to servicemembers coming to us telling us that they perceive that they have an issue and treating them as if we had diagnosed them, because they may be more sensitive in their knowledge of themselves than we could be with objective tests." Another thing that can complicate the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries is the residual effect of injuries that occurred at the same time as the brain trauma or medication that servicemembers may be taking, Arthur said. Post-traumatic stress disorder also can affect mental functioning and may be confused for traumatic brain injury, he said. "It's important for us to go back and look at what are the components of the brain injury that are left, after the medications, after the combat stress, and after the other injuries are cared for," he said. Recent increased attention on traumatic brain injury is positive, Winkenwerder said, because it teaches servicemembers, commanders and medical personnel that subtle brain trauma is something that needs to be taken seriously and treated. DoD, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, is a leader in traumatic brain injury research, spending about $14 million so far in the area, he said. DoD is looking at enhancing that research effort in hopes of learning as much as possible quickly and applying that knowledge in the field, he said. "We're never satisfied," he said. "We do not believe at any one point in time that we've reached the best. It's a continual striving, and as we learn and deal with new situations, new circumstances, ... it's our obligation to respond and to learn and to get better."

CONTRACTS

NAVY Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $23,700,000 cost-reimbursement contract on Mar. 2, 2007, to procure long lead material in support of the FY07 production of Evolved Seasparrow Missiles (ESSM) for NATO Seasparrow Consortium countries and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Raytheon Co. will procure long lead material used in FY07 ESSM production for Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Norway, Spain, United States, and the United Arab Emigrants. Work will be performed in Australia (26 percent); The Netherlands (25 percent); Spain (19 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (12 percent); Norway (6 percent); Greece (4 percent); Germany (4 percent); Canada (2 percent); Denmark (1 percent); and Turkey (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract also supports the United Arab Emigrants under the FMS program.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5431).

Two Marines anda U.S. Navy sailor died recently during operations in Iraq, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified five previous casualties. A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died March 3 from wounds suffered during operations in Anbar province. A Marine and a sailor, assigned to Multinational Force West, died March 2 from wounds suffered during combat operations in Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of four U.S. Army soldiers and one Marine who died recently supporting U.S. operations in Iraq. -- Army Staff Sgt. Paul M. Latourney, 28, of Roselle, Ill.; and Army Spc. Luis O. Rodriguez-Contrera, 22, of Allentown, Pa., died March 2 in Baghdad from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Marine Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Gould, 28, of Longmont, Colo., died March 2 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Gould was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Army Pvt. Wesley J. Williams, 23, of Philadelphia, Pa., died March 2 in Baghdad of a non-combat related injury. Williams was assigned to the 163d Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Karl O. Soto-Pinedo, 22, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 27 from wounds suffered during combat in Baghdad. Soto-Pineda was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualties The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today the death of two sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lt. Cmdr. Morgan C. Tulang, 36, of Hilo, Hawaii, died from apparent natural causes March 2, 2007, in Kuwait.Tulang was assigned to U.S. Central Command Deployment Distribution Operations Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Hospitalman Lucas W.A. Emch, 21, of Kent, Ohio, died March 2, 2007, when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated in his vicinity while conducting combat operations in Al-Anbar Province, Iraq.Emch was a hospital corpsman assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died March 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle while on combat patrol.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Paul M. Latourney, 28, of Roselle, Ill. Spc. Luis O. Rodriguez-Contrera, 22, of Allentown, Pa.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Gould, 28, of Longmont, Colo., died March 2 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Gould was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

In response to problems recently reported at the Army's top medical center, President Bush today said his office is creating a bipartisan commission to review the overall quality of health care wounded servicemembers receive. In his weekly radio address, Bush called the reported problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center "unacceptable" and said the commission will review the care wounded servicemembers receive from the time they are injured on the battlefield to when they return to civilian life as veterans. "This country has a moral obligation to provide our servicemen and women with the best possible care and treatment. They deserve it, and they will get it," he said. On Feb. 23, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates toured the center's outpatient facility Building 18, where reported maintenance and administrative problems catapulted the center into the national spotlight in a series of Washington Post articles. He said injured servicemembers should not return home to battle the bureaucracies of a broken outpatient health care system. The secretary of the Army yesterday fired the center's commander, Army Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, citing "lost trust and confidence" in his leadership abilities. The commanding general of U.S. Army Medical Command, Army Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley, will fill the spot temporarily. Bush acknowledged that most of the staff members at Walter Reed are "dedicated professionals." "Walter Reed has a long tradition of outstanding medical service," Bush said, and he pledged that his administration will ensure that the soldiers recovering there are treated with the dignity and respect they have earned. Commission members will be announced in the next few days, Bush said. Gates also formed an independent review group to investigate the reports of substandard living conditions and bogged-down administrative processes. If Bush's fiscal 2008 budget proposal is approved, Veterans Affairs health care funding has increased by 83 percent over the past six years, from about $20 billion to more than $36 billion, he said. Bush is asking Congress for more than $86 billion overall for veterans' services this year. If approved, it would be a 77 percent increase since Bush took office.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Wesley J. Williams, 23, of Philadelphia, Pa., died March 2, in Baghdad, of a non-combat related injury. Williams was assigned to the 163d Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Karl O. Soto-Pinedo, 22, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 27 in Baghdad from wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire. Soto-Pineda was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Three Multinational Corps Iraq soldiers were killed yesterday when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in central Baghdad. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of their families. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of three soldiers who were killed recently supporting the war on terror. Sgt. Richard A. Soukenka, 30, of Oceanside, Calif.; Cpl. Lorne E. Henry, Jr., 21, of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; and Spc. Jonathan D. Cadavero, 24, of Takoma Park, Md., died Feb. 27 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Reliable Replacement Warhead Design Decision Announced The Department of Defense supports today's announcement by the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration that it will proceed with the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) program. The decision is the culmination of an eighteen month study by the Nuclear Weapons Council (NWC), a group that oversees the safety, security, reliability, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. The NWC is chaired by Kenneth Krieg, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology, and logistics. The NWC members are the under secretary of energy for nuclear security and administrator of the NNSA, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the under secretary of defense for policy, and the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command. "This program will improve the safety of the stockpile through new design and manufacturing techniques, and it will enhance security with state-of-the-art technology," said Krieg. "Additionally, the RRW program will enable a more responsive nuclear infrastructure and, ultimately, a reduced stockpile size." The NWC approved a NNSA/Navy project proposal which is is largely based on a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory design. As part of the core program, several features of the Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratory design will continue to be developed and incorporated as appropriate. Expertise from both laboratories will be used to maximize the success of the program. The initial task will be to clearly define the baseline configuration and project scope, cost and schedule. "The RRW program is the right thing to do for the nation," Krieg said. "RRW is critical for sustaining long-term confidence in our nuclear deterrent."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.They were assigned to the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. Killed were: Sgt. Richard A. Soukenka, 30, of Oceanside, Calif. Cpl. Lorne E. Henry, Jr., 21, of Niagara Falls, N.Y. Spc. Jonathan D. Cadavero, 24, of Takoma Park, Md.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced this afternoon that he has accepted the resignation of Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey in light of allegations of shortfalls in care of outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. Published reports in February shed light on shortcomings in outpatient care for troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army officials announced yesterday that the hospital commander, Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, had been relieved of duty. In announcing that Harvey had resigned, Gates expressed disappointment that Army leaders were not taking the situation seriously enough. "I am disappointed that some in the Army have not adequately appreciated the seriousness of the situation pertaining to outpatient care at Walter Reed," he said in a brief statement at the Pentagon. "Some have shown too much defensiveness and have not shown enough focus on digging into and addressing the problems." He also said he is concerned that some Army leaders hadn't communicated well enough that caring for wounded troops is their top priority. "Addressing (troops' and their families') concerns about the quality of their outpatient experience is critically important," Gates said. "Our wounded soldiers and their families have sacrificed much, and they deserve the best we can offer." In contrast to his criticism of Army leaders, Gates praised the medical staff at Walter Reed for "their professionalism and dedication to providing caring treatment." "From what I have learned, the problems at Walter Reed appear to be problems of leadership," he said "The Walter Reed doctors, nurses and other staff are among the best and the most caring in the world. They deserve our continued deepest thanks and strongest support." Harvey had been secretary of the Army since Nov. 19, 2004. Gates announced that Undersecretary of the Army Pete Geren will serve as acting secretary until a new secretary is in place. Geren served as acting secretary of the Air Force from July to November 2005. Army officials announced after Gates' news conference that Maj. Gen. Eric R. Schoomaker will be the new commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. Schoomaker currently is the commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Md.

CONTRACTS ARMY The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on Feb. 28, 2007, a delivery order amount of $48,194,892 as part of a $69,836,892 firm-fixed-price contract for long lead items for procurement or remanufacture of H-47 Aircraft to the MH-47G configuration.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (98.3 percent), and Middletown, Del. (1.7 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jun. 28, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation Integration Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-G-0023). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., Sterling Height, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 28, 2007, a $42,688,990 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for support of the Stryker reset for the 3/2 Stryker Brigade at Fort Lewis.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (50 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 7, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-C-B001). Warmar International Inc., Simi Valley, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 25, 2007, a $37,650,000 firm-fixed-price contract for site assessment, inspection, repair, and refurbishment of GE Frame MS5001 Gas Turbine Units and associated auxiliaries at the old and new Mullah Power Station.Work will be performed in Kirkuk, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 23, 2006, and four bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GXY-07-C-0009). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 26, 2007, a $22,268,202 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams tank program to include tank urban survivability kits, stay back maintenance, field reset, and Australian field service representative.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jun. 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). Waterfront Marine Construction Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on Feb. 27, 2007, a $19,976,835 firm-fixed-price contract for repair of a flood protection system and infrastructure.Work will be performed at Fort Monroe, Va., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 20, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were 20 bids solicited on Dec. 22, 2006, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-07-C-0019). Shavers-Whittle Construction*, Covington, La., was awarded on Feb. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,075,332 as part of a $13,075,332 firm-fixed-price contract for Southeastern Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project bridge replacement.Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 8, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were eight bids solicited on Dec. 29, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-06-D-0092). BAE Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 28, 2007, an $8,355,000 firm-fixed-price contract for remanufacturing technical assistance, modification kits, and overhaul/spare parts for Phase 3 to upgrade Jordan's existing M113A1 Fleet to the M113A2MK1 Configuration.Work will be performed in Hopkins, Minn. (23 percent), Minneapolis, Minn. (23 percent), Emporia, Kan. (26 percent), and Turkey (28 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 25, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0112). DRS Optronics Inc., Melbourne, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 27, 2007, a $6,796,920 firm-fixed-price contract for lower target acquisitions for the improved Bradley Fighting Vehicle System.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on June 15, 2006, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0149). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., Sterling Height, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 27, 2007, a $5,331,695 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for support of the Stryker reset in Balad, Iraq.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (95 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 26, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 7, 2007.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-C-B001). DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY AT&T, large business, of Vienna Va., 22182, was awarded on Feb. 28, 2007 an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract extension modification in the amount is $11,467,922 for six months. The performance is for the period of 28 Feb. 2007 through 31 Aug. 2007.Performance will be provided globally through video services for DoD and other government organizations. The proposal was issued as other than full and open competitive action pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). The contract extension proposal was posted in FedBizOpps on 28 Dec. 2006 with no offers received.The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott AFB, Ill. is the contracting activity (DCA200-97-D-0054/P00072). AIR FORCE Composite Engineering Inc., Sacramento, Calif., is being awarded a $5,505,841 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action is a firm fixed price modification to an existing contract awarded to Composite Engineering Inc.The Air Force Budget Appropriation 3010 funds will be used to procure contractor peculiar recoverable spares and peculiar consumables for use in Air Force Subscale Aerial Target during operations at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete Mar. 2008.Headquarters 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08635-02-C-0005/P00050). * Small Business Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and an interpreter were killed today when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. The unit was conducting a route clearance patrol to free a commonly traveled route of improvised explosive devices northwest of Baghdad. Another soldier was injured in the incident. The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of one soldier and two Marines who were killed recently supporting the war on terror. Marine Sgt. Chad M. Allen, 25, of Maple Lake, Minn., died Feb. 28 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Allen was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Marine Pfc. Bufford K. Van Slyke, 22, of Bay City, Mich., died Feb. 28 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Van Slyke was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Saginaw, Mich. Army Pfc. Daniel Zizumbo, 27, of Chicago, died Feb. 27 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. Zizumbo was assigned to 1st Transportation Movement Control Agency, 21st Theater Support Command, Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Barring additional requests and funding from the government of Iraq, U.S. reconstruction work in Iraq could draw to a close within 18 months, the top U.S. military official for reconstruction said yesterday. Army Brig. Gen. Michael J. Walsh, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division, told bloggers in a conference call from Iraq that, with roughly $3.5 billion in U.S. reconstruction funds remaining, he foresees enough work to extend the U.S. effort about one and a half more years. "To date, the United States has contributed $22 billion towards Iraq's rebuilding efforts," Walsh said. That contribution from U.S. taxpayers "was really just to jumpstart the rebuilding efforts here" and pave the way for a continuation of efforts by the Iraqis. Walsh explained the initial U.S. commitment was to "wholesale work" to build capacity in power generation, the water and sewer systems and the oil industry. These projects were "supposed to be followed by donor nations' and the government of (Iraq's) funds," he said. Still, he added, U.S. engineers and reconstruction officials also have made it a priority to provide Iraqis access to basic services such as medical facilities, fire stations, schools, paved roads and clean water. With reconstruction assets spread "throughout the country," Walsh said, progress has been steady. "We've set goals, and we're tracking to meet those goals." The general described the relationships and strategy behind the reconstruction program, including his close work with U.S. State Department officials in Baghdad and the provinces to put together provincial reconstruction teams, prioritize projects and channel funding. "We're kind of blended altogether," Walsh said of his cooperation with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the State Department's Iraq Reconstruction Management Office. "As I finish up the reconstruction piece, USAID will be working alongside me, giving out micro-loans and working to get the economy jumpstarted, while the PRTs are working with the provincial governments, trying to see what new projects they would like constructed," he said. Of major infrastructure projects, Walsh pointed to significant progress in the oil, water and electric sectors, despite a constantly shifting security situation. With $3 billion to $4 billion committed to the water sector, Walsh said, 500 of a planned 800 water and sewer projects have been completed to date, with additional work ongoing. He noted that even in restive Anbar province, Army engineers have installed water treatment plants and sewer systems. Reconstruction benefits extend beyond the immediate physical plant and into the local economy, he noted. "In the water sector, we employ about 2,000 Iraqi citizens every day" in construction work and operational maintenance. A January 2007 Gulf Region Division report on Iraq reconstruction noted that more than 22,000 Iraqis are employed by the U.S. across all sectors. "It's not only the construction projects in and of (themselves)," Walsh said of the Iraqi participation, "it's giving men and women a good paying job where they can use those funds to take care of their (families)." Iraqis also are expected to see a boost from improved oil production and distribution systems. Walsh said, "We're working to help the Iraqis get to 3 million barrels a day in their oil industry," up from 500,000 barrels per day in the immediate post-war period. Production currently hovers around 2.5 million barrels per day. Even greater progress has been made in expanding and redistributing electrical power, despite frequent criticism that Iraqi needs are unmet. "Seventy-five percent of the country here in Iraq has twice as much electrical power as it did before the war," Walsh said. "The national average is 12 hours of power." Under Saddam Hussein, the bulk of Iraq's electricity was funneled into Baghdad, leaving most parts of the country with two to four hours of power per day, while residents of the capital enjoyed 18 to 22 hours. Walsh described U.S. efforts in the electrical sector as successful in boosting overall production of electricity, while allowing for more widespread distribution. He noted, "A lot of people back in the United States think, 'They have eight hours of power, you know, that's terrible.' But if you go out to al Anbar, that's double and (in) some cases triple the amount of power that they had pre-war." Responding to allegations of widespread fraud and mismanagement in the reconstruction effort, Walsh noted projects are overseen by a combination of internal reviews and oversight by the Army Audit Agency, the General Accounting Office and the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. He said the last quarterly report by SIGIR noted 90 percent of the projects they inspected met standards. Therefore, Walsh explained, "When I hear accusations like that, I just go to all of those inspector general reports and talk with them and they give me a different flavor that's out there." Discussing Gulf Region Division's next 18 months and beyond, Walsh said remaining reconstruction funds would be steered more toward local projects than to large infrastructure construction. "A lot of them have to do with essential services, working with the State Department on how to put some infrastructure-protection systems together and also funds that are going out to the provinces. "We're looking to finishing up the work in another 18 months, unless we get additional work from the Iraqi government," he said. Any such projects, he explained, would be funded through Iraqi government funds allocated through their appropriations process. Summarizing the reconstruction effort, Walsh described a learning curve among the Iraqis that has at times slowed progress, but will ultimately leave them stronger. "This is an ancient land," he said, "But it's a new country. They're still trying to figure out what it's like to be a new Iraqi."

A Marine died yesterday and an Army soldier died Feb. 27 in Iraq, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified three previous casualties. The Marine, assigned to Multinational Force West, died yesterday of wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. The soldier, assigned to Multinational Force Baghdad, died Feb. 27 of wounds suffered during combat in western Baghdad. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of a soldier and a Marine who died recently supporting U.S. operations in Iraq. -- Army Sgt. William J. Beardsley, 25, of Coon Rapids, Minn., died Feb. 26 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Beardsley was assigned to the 260th Quartermaster Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Troop Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony Aguirre, 20, of Channelview, Texas, died Feb. 26 of wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. Aguirre was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $107,269,507 cost-plus-award fee and cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification.This contract modification will extend the contractor's authorization to provide F-22 sustainment from 31 Jan. 2007 through 28 Feb. 2007 to 31 Jan. 2007 through 30 April 2007.At this time, $80,452,130 have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2009.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2850/P00041). NAVY Northwest McGrath JV LLC*, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $75,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity job order contract for all materials, equipment, and other incidental work required to perform low complexity minor construction, repair, and alterations to various facilities at installations serviced by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest.The majority of work will be performed in Wash. (94 percent), but work may also be performed in Alaska, Idaho, Mont., Northern Calif., Ore., and Wyo. (6 percent).The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of February 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured within the Small Business Administration 8(a) set aside program via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-07-D-2003). Terex Corp., Stafford, Va., is being awarded $34,194,152 for delivery order #0006 and $16,365,650 for delivery order #0007 previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-05-D-5145) for a total 77 Cranes with associate accessories, warranties and logistical support.Delivery order #0006 is for Commercial Line Items (CLINs) 0001, 0003, 0004, 0007, 0101, 0103 and 0107 and delivery order #0007 is for CLINs 0001, 0003, 0004, 0101, 0103 and 0107.The cranes will be imported into the continental United States and other countries from TEREX-Demag Gmb & Co. KG in the Federal Republic of Germany.The work is to be completed by September 2010.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.The initial indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract was competitively procured.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Alloy Surfaces Co., Aston, Pa., is being awarded $21,031,700 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #0005 under previously awarded contract (N00104-05-G-0726) for MJU-49/B Decoy Devices in support of the Airborne Expendable Countermeasures Program, PMA-272.Work will be performed in Aston, Pa., and is expected to be completed by January 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not awarded competitively.The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Kepler Research, Inc., Arlington, Virginia 22209-2447, is being awarded a $7,412,953 (maximum) indefinite delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for business operations and source selections support for the Missile Defense Agency Contracting Directorate.Work will be performed within the National Capital Region, Washington, D.C., and is expected to be complete by 31 March 2009.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-07-D-0002).FY 07 research and development funds will be used. * Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Chad M. Allen, 25, of Maple Lake, Minn., died Feb. 28 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Allen was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Pfc. Bufford K. Van Slyke, 22, of Bay City, Mich., died Feb. 28 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Van Slyke was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Saginaw, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Daniel Zizumbo, 27, of Chicago, Ill., died Feb. 27 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device.Zizumbo was assigned to 1st Transportation Movement Control Agency, 21st Theater Support Command, Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Two nonprofit groups that support service members are inviting amateur and professional photographers to look through their viewfinders with a patriotic eye for the 2007 "I Love America Day Photo Contest." The organizations -- "Flags Across the Nation" and the "Military Family Network" - both are members of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers. Through its Community Connections Partnership program, of which Flags Across the Nation is a member, the Military Family Network supports the grassroots efforts of military-friendly organizations across the country, Peabody said. Flags Across the Nation is employing this partnership to help promote its photo contest. "We're helping them promote it in (Hampton, Va.)," Peabody said. "We're having a huge ... push in combination with what we're doing with the Virginia Air and Space (Center) here throughout the month of March, which is free admission ... for all military families and veterans." The organization will be displaying Flags Across the Nation artwork, as well as promoting this year's photo contest, she added. Eileen Schwartz founded Flags Across the Nation with the goal of encouraging patriotism through the arts. She created "I Love America Day," first observed March 19, 2006, and later, the photo contest in celebration of that day, she said. "I thought it was really important that we look at the really positive things about America and appreciate our freedom and really show respect for the American flag," she said. "There's no holiday at that time, and I wanted to bring recognition to the spirit of American and support for the troops." This year marks the first photo contest, which coincides with Flags Across the Nation's second annual art contest of the same theme. So far the group has received about 100 photos for consideration. "We wanted thousands," Schwartz said. "We just really, really encourage people to send us a photo." Those who would like to enter the photo contest must submit via e-mail one unpublished photo that fits into one of five categories. The categories are: patriotism, liberty and freedom, military, Americana scenes of landscape culture, and images of the American flag. All entries must be received no later than midnight Eastern Time on March 19. Thirteen entries will be selected to be included in a photo quilt that will become part of Flags Across the Nation's traveling exhibit, Schwartz said. Of those 13, three top photos will receive prizes. "The top prize is $300 ... and every selected winner is going receive a 'Made in America' American flag," she said. "We picked 13 to honor the American flag and pay respect to the 13 original colonies and the 13 original states."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. William J. Beardsley, 25, of Coon Rapids, Minn., died Feb. 26 in Diwaniyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Beardsley was assigned to the 260th Quartermaster Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Troop Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Littleton, Colo., is being awarded a $108,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This contract is for the purchase of launch services using an Atlas V Launch Vehicle under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program for launch of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF)-1 satellite.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete February 2009.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C0004). Boeing Corp., Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $49,500,000 cost-plus-award fee contract modification.This action provides for one Delta II Launch Vehicle in the standard 7925-9.5 configuration used to launch the last Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) IIR on the National launch Forecast.The Delta II booster purchase includes, one 1st stage, one 2nd stage, and one payload attach fitting, one spin table, one 3rd stage motor, one 9.5 ft payload fairing, and 40 inch Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEMS) and all integration activities.At this time, $24,750,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity.(FA4701-93-C-0004/P00345) Harris Corp., Government Communications Systems Division, Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded a $25,680,148 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee/level of effort contract to provide for four new Counter Communication System (CCS), with dual Tactical Multi-band SATCOM Antennas (TMSA) or dual apertures capability and one additional TMSA.The contractor will additionally provide Systems Verification Testing (SVT) and Interim Contractor Support (ICS) to ensure realistic operational testing, readiness of the newly produced systems, support forward supply points, provide in house repairs, and provide configuration, and data management.Finally, the contractor will provide a training option for operator and maintainer training to address the dual aperture systems.At this time, total funds have been obligated.Solicitations began October 2006 and negotiations were complete February 2007.This work will be complete January 2010.Space Superiority Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity.(FA8819-07-C-0003) Raytheon Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kans., is being awarded a $7,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This undefinitized contract action will facilitate the continuation of engineering services and data deliverables to bridge the gap between the end of the previous JPATS production contract and the beginning of the new production contract.This action mitigates the gap in service; and interruption of these serves and deliverable would adversely impact current JPATS program operations.Interruptions in program support would result in the aircraft being "not mission capable" and therefore hinder student pilot training at both the U.S.Air Force and U.S. Navy user's main operating bases.At this time, $3,500,000 have been obligated.This work will be complete June 2008.Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151 delivery order 0001-02). NAVY Raytheon's Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $31,932,479 firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5102) for FY 2006 add-on requirements and FY 2007 option requirements for the Navy's Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) program.CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information such that the superset of this data is available to all participating CEC units.CEC also improves battle force effectiveness by improving overall situational awareness and by enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies.The FY 2006 add-on requirement is for five each:Red Media Converters, Black Media Converters, Uninterruptible Power Supplies, Cesium Standards, Battery Packs, Monitor and Keyboards, KVM Switches and Install Kits; 10 Base Computers; fourInstallation and Checkout (Replenishment) Kit Lists (INCOs); and one On-Board Repair Parts (OBRP).The FY 2007 option exercise is for eight each: Antenna Environmental Control Units (AECU), Rack Assemblies, Red Media Converters, Black Media Converters, Uninterruptible Power Supplies, Cesium Standards, Battery Packs, Monitor and Keyboards, KVM Switches and Install Kits; six CEP Input/Output Converters (CIOC); 16 Base Computers; nine Planar Array Antenna Assemblies (PAAA); one OBRP; one INCO and integration and final acceptance testing of the AN/USG-2(A) System.The work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (52 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (23 percent); Dallas, Texas (15 percent) and McKinney, Texas (10 percent) and are expected to be completed in March 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Schenectady, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,760,746 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2102) for additional naval nuclear propulsion components.Work will be performed in Schenectady, N.Y.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. No completion date or additional information is provided on contracts supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Shamrock Foods, Co., Commerce City, Colo., is being awarded a maximum $7,660,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for full line food distributor. Using services are Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were 6 proposals solicited and 6 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is April 12, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3220).

Four soldiers have died and three more were wounded in two roadside-bomb explosions in Iraq in recent days. Three soldiers were killed and one wounded yesterday when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb while they were clearing a route southwest of Baghdad. Another soldier was killed and two wounded Feb. 26 in an improvised-explosive-device attack on their humvee near Diwaniyah in south-central Iraq. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identity of a soldier who was killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Spc. Ethan J. Biggers, 22, of Beavercreek, Ohio, died Feb. 24 in Indianapolis of wounds suffered while on combat patrol in Baghdad on March 5, 2006. Biggers was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Anthony Aguirre, 20, of Channelview, Texas, died Feb. 26 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Aguirre was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Celebrities attending the 79th Academy Awards last night took time out from posing for the paparazzi and giving dozens of interviews to thank the men and women of the armed forces for their service. Reserve soldiers from the 222nd Broadcast Operations Detachment, based in Los Angeles, donned their dress uniforms to step up to the red carpet outside the Kodak Theatre to record words of encouragement from Hollywood "A-listers" to broadcast to troops deployed around the world. The unit conducted interviews as part of the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program recognizes U.S. citizen's support for the military and communicates that to servicemembers and their families at home and abroad. Army Maj. Lee Reynolds, the unit's commander, said the awards ceremony offered a great opportunity to show servicemembers that the movie industry supports them. "No matter what people think about politics, there is an overwhelming support for the troops out here," Reynolds said. "We thought this would be a huge morale booster to the troops to get that message out to them." "I've been in the military and around it most of my life," said Clint Eastwood, who was nominated for directing "Letters from Iwo Jima." "It's a pleasure to pay tribute to the military, especially our military," said Eastwood, who served three years in the Army after being drafted in 1951. Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Biel, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Helen Mirren, Queen Latifah and Tobey McGuire were just a few who stopped by to give interviews to the Army soldiers taping the pre-show festivities. "It's really not fun here," dead-panned Robert Downey Jr. as he looked into the camera. "You're better off -- trust me. It's kind of a drag, high-stress -- you wouldn't understand that, would you? "Seriously, we have much love and respect for what you're doing," Downey said. "We'll see you when you get back with the mission accomplished." "Pan's Labyrinth" star Doug Jones has firsthand appreciation for the sacrifices of the military and their families. His brother is an airborne Ranger currently serving in the Army. "I love all of you over there. Thank you for what you're doing for my safety," Jones said. "You're doing something I can't do, and I appreciate you for that. 'Hooah' to all you guys!" Music legend James Taylor turned his words of encouragement into the familiar tune of a military cadence. "Here we are at Oscar night, hope you dudes are feeling alright. Sound off -- one, two, three, four!" Award presenter former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, offered their words of encouragement as they passed by the cameras. "Thank you all so much for serving our country. We are more grateful to you than words can express," the former vice president said. "We care about you and your families. Thanks for what you're doing." Legendary movie director George Lucas encouraged troops to "keep up the good work." "I know it's tough over there, but keep going," he said. "Persistence will win out," he said. A few fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous parading down the carpet asked to have their notes of thanks recorded for the troops. "We wish you were here with us to see whoever you'd like on the red carpet," one woman said. "As far as I'm concerned, you all are my stars. We love you. Stay safe." The 222nd conducted more 45 interviews from stars and fans alike. The television entertainment program "Access Hollywood" offered up their work space and donated satellite time for the soldiers to send the footage to the Pentagon Channel for distribution to American Forces Networks worldwide. Word quickly spread along the red carpet that members of the unit were asking for celebrities to sign an album for fellow public affairs troops who are soon to be deployed. "The book we had (them) sign for the 302nd (Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) was a huge success," said broadcaster Staff Sgt. Addie Collins. "We got great pictures and a wonderful album to send our fellow soldiers as they ship off to Iraq. In fact, the stars were looking for us to see where they should sign.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Bruce Crandall was admitted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes today, one day after President Bush presented him the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam. Army Chief of Staff Peter J. Schoomaker praised Crandall, a helicopter pilot during the Battle of Ia Drang Valley on Nov. 14, 1965, who repeatedly volunteered to fly into heavy enemy fire to replenish besieged ground forces and evacuate wounded troops. Crandall, then a major commanding Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), was transporting troops into Landing Zone X-ray when the ground troops came under a massive attack from the North Vietnamese Army. He and his wingman, Capt. Ed Freeman, spent more than 14 hours in the air, flying 70 wounded men to safety and providing a lifeline for ground troops, President Bush said yesterday at the White House. During today's induction ceremony, Schoomaker called 74-year-old Crandall a "profoundly brave man" who along with other military heroes, "help to make us better by their example." "His actions also remind us that, despite advances in doctrine and technology, war is still waged in the human dimension," he said. Pausing to recognize Crandall's sacrifice in the face of near-certain death serves as a reminder of "our Army's core values and the fact that those who lead must also be willing to serve," Schoomaker said. "The words of the warrior ethos that we have today - I will always place the mission first; I will never accept defeat; I will never quit; and I will never leave a fallen comrade - were made real that day on in the Ia Drang Valley," he said. Although the battle cost the United States 305 lives, the death toll would have been significantly higher if not for Crandall's actions, Schoomaker said. Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey praised Crandall as "the latest in a very select group of exceptional soldiers" who have earned the nation's highest award for valor. This award, "reserved for the bravest of the brave," honors extraordinary personal bravery, self-sacrifice and courage, he said. "Based on Bruce's actions that have earned him this award, it is clear that it was courage, along with love of soldiers and of country, that compelled Bruce to go above and beyond the call of duty to act without regard for his own personal safety, even in the face of mortal danger," he said. "The degree of courage to be awarded the Medal of Honor is so exceptionally high that in the last 100 years, only 1,239 Medals of Honor have been awarded," he said. After receiving his Medal of Honor yesterday, Crandall joined 111 other living American Medal of Honor recipients, 61 of them for service during the Vietnam War. Five attended today's induction ceremony: retired Army Lt. Gen. Robert F. Foley, retired Army Col. Walter Marm Jr., Army Lt. Col. Gordon Roberts, former 1st Lt. Brian Thacker, and retired Marine Corps Col. Harvey Barnum Jr. "The courage and fortitude of America's soldiers in combat exemplified by these individuals is, without question, the highest level of human behavior," Harvey said. "It demonstrates the basic goodness of mankind as well as the inherent kindness and patriotism of American soldiers." Harvey said this foundation of courage and fortitude, along with concern and care for their fellow soldiers, drives soldiers during the most difficult situations imaginable. "Fellow soldiers come first," he said. Crandall's actions demonstrated the extent of that conviction, he said. "He truly answered the call to duty -- for his nation, his unit and most of all, for his fellow soldiers." In doing so, Harvey said Crandall "truly demonstrated what it means to be Army strong." After unveiling his Medal of Honor photo and citation, along with a plaque inscribed with his name along with other Vietnam Medal of Honor recipients, Crandall downplayed his "hero" status. Admitting that he had hoped to be drafted by a major league baseball team, not the Army, the former high school All-American said that if he had to do it all over again, he'd hope the Army would accept him. Crandall praised the highly motivated, highly trained soldiers he served with in Vietnam. "We were motivated by brotherhood, by a belief in what we were doing and by having the skill levels and the training" the mission demanded, he said. Crandall said he's been asked how he could return again and again to Ia Drang Valley during that fateful day in November 1965. "That wasn't a question that ever entered my mind," he said. "The question would have been, 'How could I not go in?'" Medal of Honor recipient Roberts, who still serves on active duty and is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., welcomed the opportunity to see Crandall join him and other members of the elite Medal of Honor society. "It's tremendous to see this," he said. Former Spc. 4 Henry Llewellyn, who served under Crandall's command after the battle of Ia Drang Valley, traveled from Pottstown, Pa., to see his former commander honored today. "He was an outstanding leader who led by example and with a sense of humor," he said. "Whether they're 8 or 80, everyone noticed him when they were around him. That's the kind of personality he has. He's a great American hero." Joe Galloway, a war correspondent during the Battle of Ia Drang who cowrote the story about it in "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young," called today's ceremony a long-overdue tribute to Crandall. "He's a great American," Galloway said, and part of a team that pulled together in the face of overwhelming odds. He noted that he and the others could easily have become "a footnote in history" had it not been for the tremendous unity they demonstrated. "We couldn't have made it would each other," he said. "And we're here today to see honor done to one of our number because of all that teamwork."

CONTRACTS MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY CONTRACT AWARD Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems of Moorestown, New Jersey 08057-0927, is being awarded a $979,175,217 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification to continue design, test, and deliver the AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Block 2006/2008 (Consolidated) Weapon System capability (BMD Baseline 4.0.1) requirement.Work will be performed at Moorestown, New Jersey and is expected to be complete by Dec. 2010.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.FY2007 research and development funds will be used. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-03-C-6110). AIR FORCE Mainstream GS, LLC., Loveland, Colo., is being awarded a $90,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for the Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) Program to provide contractor support in the achievement of AFSO21 initiatives at Ogden Air Logistics Center and throughout the Air Force.The associated contract line items include:CPI Master, Training and Certification, Facilitation of Events and Projects, Courseware Development, Training Course Materials, and Data.At this time, $250,000 has been obligated.Solicitations began May 2006 and negotiations were complete January 2007.This work will be complete February 2013.Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8224-07-D-0001). Integral Systems Inc., Lanham, Md., is being awarded a $14,889,097 cost-plus-award fee contract modification.This modification provides for the replan of contract number 0100 of the Rapid Attack Identification, Detection, and Reporting System (RAIDRS) contract.Contract number 0100 will provide one deployable sensor and the primary control station on 31 May 2008 with threshold capabilities.These capabilities will provide the initial interference detection and geo location for the RAIDRS program.At this time, $8,586,880 has been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-05-C-0018/P00030). ARMY Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Company L.L.C., Independence, Mo., was awarded on Feb. 26, 2007, a delivery order amount of $30,000,000 as part of a $30,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for intellectual property and capital equipment/improvement settlement.Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 30, 1998.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016). Talbert Manufacturing, Rensselaer, Ind., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2007, a delivery order amount of $26,144,890 as part of a $77,406,490 firm-fixed-price contract for M872A4 Semi-Trailers.Work will be performed in Rensselaer, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 15, 2003.The U.S. Army Tank-Autom9otive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-03-D-S067). Fabritex Inc.*, Hartwell, Ga., was awarded on Feb. 26, 2007, a $25,179,150 firm-fixed-price contract for a supply of non-corrosive 16-block wire mesh for Mat Casting Fields.Work will be performed in Memphis, Tenn. (38.55 percent), Delta Point, La. (27.61 percent), and St. Francisville, La. (33.84 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 6, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis, Tenn., is the contracting activity (W912EQ-07-C-0001). L-3 Communications, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2007, a $16,773,824 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Prophet Block III Spiral 1 Electronic Support.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 12, 2001.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-01-C-L539). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Alliance Joint Venture American Medical Depot, Opa Locka, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $30,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment for the distribution of medical and surgical consumable products. Other locations of performance are Sioux Falls, N.D.; and Earth City, Mo. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite quantity/delivery type contract exercising option year two of 2 one-year options. The contract was awarded as a set-aside.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 2, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-04-D-7600). AAR Aircraft Services, Oklahoma City, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $21,828,206 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies.There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0007). Truman Arnold Co. dba TAC AIR, Fort Smith, Ark., * is being awarded a maximum $16,405,077 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies.There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0098). Deer Horn Aviation Ltd., Co., dba Avion Flight Centre, Midland, Texas * is being awarded a maximum $9,610,542 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies.There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0022). Cutter Aviation Albuquerque dba Cutter Aviation ABQ Inc., * is being awarded a maximum $6,604,393 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0096). Sunshine Aero Industries, Inc., Crestview, Fla., * is being awarded a maximum $5,627,126 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0055). BP Corportation North America Inc., dba Air BP, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $5,285,674 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. Other location of performance is Lawton Fort Sill Regional Airport, Okla. There was 1 proposal solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0005). NAVY American Defense Systems, Inc. is being awarded a $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ordering quantity of 111 Add on Armor (AoA) Crew Protection Kits (CPK), associated manuals and spares parts kits.The initial delivery order is for CLIN's (contract line item number's) 0001, 0003 through 0008 available on the contract.Work will be performed in Hicksville, N.Y., and work is expected to be complete in February 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract is a sole source award to American Defense Systems, Inc. as they are the sole manufacturer of the AoA CPK.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-5023). Accenture National Security Services, LLC, Reston, Va.; AMSEC, LLC, Virginia Beach, Va.; Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va.; and IBM, Fairfax, Va., are each being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract to provide management support services to assist the Director, Material Readiness and Logistics (OPNAV N4) in its efforts to facilitate business transformation initiatives for the Navy enterprise.Accenture National Security Services, LLC, is receiving $11,575,626 (if options are exercised the estimated value is $57,520,527); AMSEC, LLC, is receiving $8,911,271 (if options are exercised the estimated value is $44,023,832); Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., is receiving $9,494,241 (if options are exercised the estimated value is $48,464,249); IBM, is receiving $9,305,391 (if options are exercised the estimated value is $47,000,133).Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (95 percent); and other Department of Navy CONUS locations (5 percent), and work is expected to be complete Mar. 2008.Contract funds associated with the contract guaranteed minimum amounts will expire Sep. 2007.This contract was competitively procured and solicited through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with 15 offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity (Accenture National Security Services, LLC - N00189-07-R-Z018, AMSEC, LLC - N00189-07-D-Z019, Booz Allen Hamilton - N00189-07-D-Z020, IBM - N00189-07-D-Z021). BAE Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $11,294,943 cost-plus-award-fee contract for accomplishment of the Fitting-Out Availability (FOA) for the Amphibious Transport Dock Ship New Orleans (LPD 18).The contract includes performance of specified work items inclusive of tests and post repair sea trials.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be complete by July 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $1,187,902, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and posted on Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-2200). TJC Engineering, Inc., Louisville, Ky., is being awarded a $7,490,000 firm-fixed-price task order under previously awarded contract (N62467-05-D-0182) for the design and construction of a housing and welcome center, a new pass and ID office, harden security/ID checkpoints with a gate/sentry house, and anti terrorism/force protection security improvements at the Navy Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Miss.Work will be performed in Gulfport, Miss., and is expected to be completed by March 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Multiple Award Construction Contract program with one proposal received.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Ethan J. Biggers, 22, of Beavercreek, Ohio, died Feb. 24 in Indianapolis, Ind., of wounds suffered while on combat patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 5, 2006.Biggers was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

A roadside bomb killed three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers today, and a Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed yesterday, military officials reported. The soldiers died during a clearing mission south of Baghdad, and the Marine was killed while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Another soldier was wounded in the roadside-bomb attack. Officials provided no information on the wounded soldier's condition. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of six soldiers killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Army Sgt. Jeremy D. Barnett, 27, of Mineral City, Ohio, died Feb. 24 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, of wounds suffered from a land mine detonation in Dujayl, Iraq, on Feb. 21. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager, 29, of Broomfield, Colo.; Army Pfc. Travis W. Buford, 23, of Galveston, Texas; and Army Pfc. Rowan D. Walter, 25, of Winnetka, Calif., died Feb. 23 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq, on Feb. 22. All three soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Army Spc. Louis G. Kim, 19, of West Covina, Calif., died Feb. 20 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Kim was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Sgt. Buddy J. Hughie, 25, of Poteau, Okla., died Feb. 19 in Kamdesh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Hughie was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry, Oklahoma Army National Guard, Ada, Okla.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt.Jeremy D. Barnett,27, ofMineral City, Ohio,died Feb. 24 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds sustainedfrom a landmine detonation in Ad-Dujayl, Iraq,on Feb. 21. He was assigned to the3rdBattalion,8th Cavalry Regiment,3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division,Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $45,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action provides for F-119 Engine Multi-Year Economic Order Quantity Effort, Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA).At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete January 2010.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8611-06-C-2900/P0004) ATK Missile Systems Co., Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $10,515,799 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action puts the changes described in Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 001 on contract.ECP 001 upgrades the configuration of the Common Munitions Built-in-Test Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) from a CMBRE to CMBRE plus.CMBREs initiate the Built-In-Test (BIT) of the munitions and can be used to reprogram them.CMBRE Plus is designed to interface Munitions in an Air Force backshop/flightline or Navy carrier deck environment.CMBRE Plus will support the fielding of the next generation AMRAAM and Small Diameter Bomb Munitions and allow the war fighter to maintain one configuration for maximum war fighter flexibility.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete August 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8626-06-2060/P00002) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Government Scientific Source, Reston, Va., * is being awarded a maximum $32,500,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment for a distributor for the Laboratory Integrated Delivery System. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite quantity/delivery type contract exercising option year 3. Proposals were Fed Biz Ops-solicited and 19 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 28, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-04-D-7325). AGE Refining, Inc. San Antonio, Texas * is being awarded a maximum $24,568,310 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for turbine fuel for Air Force.There were 92 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is March 31, 2012. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0464). NAVY M.C. Dean, Inc., Dulles, Va., is being awarded an $18,907,681 contract modification (P00011) under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed price contract (N65236-05-D-5157) for a second generation satellite-based internet-broadband service and VoIP network in support of deployed military personnel.Locations include Iraq and the Balkans, as well as other non-Global Information Grid (GIG) operations in the European Command, Central Command Areas of Responsibility, and other unidentified locations per tasking received by the SPAWAR Europe office. The aggregate amount of all task orders issued against this contract will not exceed $47,307,174.Work will be performed in Iraq (75 percent) and other OCONUS locations (25 percent), and work is expected to be completed by June 2007.This contract modification was awarded using other than Full and Open Competition.The applicable North American Industry Classification System Code is 517410 with a size standard of $13.5 million.The procurement was synopsized to the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website and the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website on Jan. 29, 2007.The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. ATK COI Ceramics Incorporated, DBA Engineered Ceramics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,646,140 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development efforts for high temperature development, material test and evaluation, radome conceptual design, and manufacturing and test planning of wideband radome technology for next generation hypersonic vehicles.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed in March 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement, with five offers received.The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-07-C-0007). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Northrop-Grumman Space Technology of Redondo Beach, California 90278-1001, is being awarded a $17,499,776 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to conduct a study for the Space Tracking and Surveillance System.This effort supports the Ballistic Missile Defense System.Work will be performed at Redondo Beach, California and is expected to be complete by September 2007.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0009).FY 07 research and development funds will be used. DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY Military Produce Group LLC, 1106 Ingleside Road, Norfolk, VA 23502-5609 is being awarded an indefinite delivery, requirements type contract on February 23, 2007, to provide fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V) for resale at 10 commissary store locations throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan andOhio.The estimated award amount is $16,867,506.92.Contractor will deliver FF&V to the store locations as needed.The contract is for a two year base period beginning February 23, 2007, through February 22, 2009.Two one-year option periods are available.If both option periods are exercised, the contract will be completed February 22, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.One hundred and fifty-one firms were solicited and eighteen offers were received.The contracting activity is the Defense Commissary Agency, Resale Contracting Division, Produce Support Branch, 1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800.(HDEC02-07-D-0005)

In Japan, people make origami paper cranes for the sick and injured as a prayer for their recovery. A group of 70 wounded U.S. veterans and their family members found such cranes waiting for them on their dinner tables last night, when they attended a dinner in their honor at the residence of Japanese Ambassador Ryozo Kato. In welcoming his guests, Kato said they "carry the burden of service to their country," and he thanked them for their "service to the larger ideals that our two countries represent." Japan is a close ally to the United States, and a close ally in the war on terror, Kato told the audience. "U.S.-Japanese military relations are in excellent shape," Kato said. His country's Air Self Defense Force is providing the airlift in Kuwait and Iraq, and the Maritime Self Defense Force in the Indian Ocean has provided coalition forces with oil since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Kato said. Kato had just returned from East Asia that morning, where he had met with Vice President Richard B. Cheney in Japan during his week-long tour of the pacific. "Two days ago, Vice President Cheney received a joint briefing from both the United States and Japanese commanders," he said. "I was there and I was deeply impressed." Kato said Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, requested that Kato deliver a message to the audience. "The grateful people of Japan wish each of you health and success in the years ahead, just as we wish for the nation you serve," Kato said, quoting Abe. Before dinner began, Kato ended by telling troops that although the two cultures differ, U.S. servicemembers represent Japan's "samurai spirit." "Samurais serve with valor, with honor, with loyalty, with respectful, ethical behavior," he said. "And so have you." Despite his long flight the night before, Kato was an energetic host during the event. "I have never seen an Ambassador so enthusiastic about hosting an event like this," Kimihiro Ishikane, minister head of chancery, said. In the residence hall before the meal, wounded vets mingled with top brass from the U.S. military and the Japanese Self Defense Forces and other distinguished guests, including Gordon England and Paul Wolfowitz, respectively the current and former deputy secretaries of defense. The guests then made their way into the dining room and sat around tables adorned with Japanese flower bouquets and strewn with small paper cranes. "We make a crane to show our deepest compassion," Yuichi Nakai, second secretary of press and information, said. "This evening's dinner is a metaphor for a large paper crane." Some servicemembers used wheelchairs to move around the ornately decorated residence, others walked on prosthetic legs. As guests finished their food of traditional Japanese fare, Japanese Col. Tomofusa Harada joined wounded vets in singing a hearty rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," an homage to the sport that both Japanese and Americans consider a national pastime. During Deputy Secretary England's remarks after dinner, he thanked troops for their sacrifices and presented Kato with two gifts. "The Ambassador is a great baseball fan; he has his own museum, he has a great collection of baseballs," England said. "But we have two baseballs for you that will turn into the most prized in your collection." Kato joined England at the podium and accepted two baseballs with the signatures of every wounded servicemember in attendance. "This is their way of saying thanks for everything you do, especially this event tonight," England said. "These baseballs are signed by real heroes." The Ambassador thanked England, then presented him with a baseball signed by the Japanese officials in attendance. "In reciprocating the symbol of equal partnership between Japan and the United States, I would like to give you this," Kato said, handing England one autographed ball. "Like the U.S. and Japan defense (budget's) percent of the GDP, it is two-to-one," Kato chided as the room erupted in laughter. The final speaker of the evening was Spc. Maxwell Ramsey, a U.S. soldier wounded in Iraq, who is married to a Japanese woman. "I share a great enthusiasm and deep gratitude to our Japanese hosts," Ramsey said. "I would like to first thank Ambassador Ryozo and Mrs. Kato; not only is this a foreign country inviting us to celebrate with them, but they've also invited us into their home." Ramsey said that through his wife's heritage there was an instant connection to the Japanese community here, and it has been instrumental in his recovery. He then called a toast to "American troops and Japanese troops that served in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan." "Cheers," and "Kampai" filled the bilingual room, followed by applause after Ramsey announced that he recently learned from his doctors that he is cleared to leave the hospital. Ramsey will return to duty at Ft. Campbell, Ky. on March 1, exactly one year after he was injured in Ramadi, he said. As the evening wound down, several Japanese Self Defense Forces officers begin teaching injured servicemembers how to fold origami cranes. At one table, Pfc. Marissa Stock, a double-leg amputee U.S. army soldier wounded in Iraq, followed Lt. Col. Ichiro Sato's instructions. As her fingers worked, a flat sheet of paper evolved into a bird of flight. Strock looked at it with pride.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Feb. 23 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq, on Feb. 22. All three soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager, 29, of Broomfield, Colo. Pfc. Travis W. Buford, 23, of Galveston, Texas, and Pfc. Rowan D. Walter, 25, of Winnetka, Calif.

NORTHCOM Hosts Hurricane-Preparation Conference

Representatives from military and civilian agencies that would provide federal hurricane-relief efforts attended the second annual Hurricane Preparation Conference hosted by U.S. Northern Command at its headquarters yesterday. Participants discussed improving communication and collaboration should the need for federal assistance arise during the 2007 hurricane season. "It's all about, 'What did we learn the last time and how can we do it better this time?'" said Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul J. Sullivan, chief of staff of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and NORTHCOM. "That's really why we meet on an annual basis in February. If we uncovered something difficult right now, we still have time to react before the heart of the hurricane season." Conference attendees included officials from the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., and the adjutants general or their representatives from nine hurricane-prone states on the Gulf and southeastern coasts of the United States. Also attending were leaders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army North, 1st Air Force, NORTHCOM and other officials who could be involved in disaster response. Successful hurricane-relief efforts are built on a partnership among organizations, "and we need all of these partners," said Glenn Cannon, director of FEMA's response division. "We've all learned that we can't respond to these things and everyone do their own thing," he said. "There has to be a unified response. What these workshops do is give us the chance to not only integrate plans but ... to integrate people." Every day at FEMA, Cannon said, operations center personnel talk with their counterparts in the operations centers at DHS, the Coast Guard and NORTHCOM. "That's critical that we share information and we know what's going on, so that we're all on the same page," he said. "The American people are benefited by having a coordinated, unified response to their situation. We have so much that we can use to help people, to save lives and reduce suffering. But if we don't do it in a coordinated way, we won't (accomplish) that mission in the best way possible." NORTHCOM assets are normally not the first to be called upon for hurricane-relief operations; by law, the command must wait to respond until directed by the president or secretary of defense. Typically, the first uniformed people on the ground at the scene are National Guard soldiers and airmen. The hurricane-preparation conference allows National Guard leaders to get to know NORTHCOM officials and build closer relationships with them, said Alabama adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen. C. Mark Bowen. "With the relationship we've built here, I will feel more comfortable going to Northern Command and saying, 'Look, we need a little help in Alabama,'" Bowen said. "We've worked out a mutual aid-type agreement where we work together, and that's going to work very well for us." The governor of Louisiana has instructed the state's National Guard leaders to do as much coordination as possible with their federal partners who can help the state's citizens during times of need, said Louisiana adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau. "The opportunity to have coordination discussion and collaboration is absolutely essential to our preparations for whatever we need to respond to within the state, whether it's tornadoes or a man-made disaster or hurricanes or whatever," he said. The quiet hurricane season of 2006 was an anomaly, said Air Force Lt. Col. David Lawyer, NORTHCOM's senior meteorology and oceanographic officer. "Don't let your guard down because of what happened in 2006," he warned conference participants. "That was abnormal that we didn't have any hurricanes hit the United States at all." For the 2007 hurricane season beginning June 1 and ending Nov. 30, experts predict 14 named storms, seven of which are expected to be hurricanes. (Army Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen is assigned to the combined Public Affirs Office of NORAD and NORTHCOM.)

Four U.S. soldiers were killed and three wounded during operations in Iraq yesterday. Three of the soldiers were killed while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. One soldier was killed and three wounded when they were attacked near Diwaniyah. The names of the deceased and wounded are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of 12 servicemembers who died recently in Iraq. --Army Staff Sgt. David R. Berry, 37, of Wichita, Kan., died Feb. 22 in Qasim when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device. Berry was assigned to 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard, Dodge City, Kansas. --Marine Sgt. Clinton W. Ahlquist, 23, of Creede, Colo., died Feb. 20 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. --Army Sgt. Richard L. Ford, 40, of East Hartford, Conn., died Feb. 20 in Baghdad of wounds suffered during combat operations. Ford was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. --Army Sgt. Shawn M. Dunkin, 25, of Columbia, S.C., died Feb. 19 of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. --Army Pfc. Matthew C. Bowe, 19, of Coraopolis, Pa., died Feb. 19 of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum. --Army Pfc. Adare W. Cleveland, 19, of Anchorage, Ala., died Feb. 19 of wounds suffered when the vehicle he was in was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum. --Army Pvt. Kelly D. Youngblood, 19, of Mesa, Ariz., died Feb. 18 in Ramadi of wounds suffered during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. --Marine Pfc. Brett A. Witteveen, 20, of Shelby, Mich., died Feb. 19 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Rapids, Mich. --Marine Lance Cpl. Blake H. Howey, 20, of Glendora, Calif., died Feb. 18 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. --Marine Lance Cpl. Brian A. Escalante, 25, of Dodge City, Kan., died Feb. 17 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms. --Army Spc. Christopher K. Boone, 34, of Augusta, Ga., died Feb. 17 in Balad of a non-combat related injury. Boone was assigned to the 121st Infantry (Long Range Surveillance), Georgia Army National Guard, Fort Gillem, Ga. --Marine Capt. Todd M. Siebert, 34, of Baden, Pa., died Feb. 16 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Defense Department also released the identities of two other servicemembers who died recently supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. --Army Pfc. Jason D. Johns, 19, of Frankton, Ind., died Feb. 21 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of a non-combat related injury. His death is under investigation. Johns was assigned to the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. --Marine Cpl. Timothy D. Lewis, 20, of Lawrenceburg, Ky., died Feb. 15 as a result of non-hostile action in Jolo, Republic of the Philippines. His death is under investigation. Lewis was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Buddy J. Hughie, 25, of Poteau, Okla., died Feb. 19 in Kamdesh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.Hughie was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry, Oaklahoma Army National Guard, Ada, Okla.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE United Technologies Corporation, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Group, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $49,625,682 cost plus fixed fee, firm fixed price and cost plus award fee contract.This action provides for F119-PW-119 Engine Lot 6, CY 07 sustainment undefinitized contract action.At this time, $24,763,215 have been obligated.This work will be complete June 2007.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2851). United Technologies Corporation, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Group, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $7,283,096 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for the second stage Vane-Compressor Stator for the F100-PW-100/200 Engine Function; controls and directs the air between the second and third stages of the nlet fan and provides support for the air sealing rings, with a quantity of 22,281. At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-G-0009-0300). VBR Joint Venture, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $5,470,155 cost plus award fee contract.This action provides for the Turkey base maintenance contract.The main purpose of this action is to incorporate actual costs associated with contingency and regular unused administrative leave payments; to incorporate Turkish National (TN) quality of life payments; to incorporate social and unemployment insurance ceiling increase; to incorporate severance ceiling increases to incorporate contract labor wage increase; to incorporate the additional of TN workers bus transportation and a fuel adjustment; and to incorporate FAR Clause 52.228-4.At this time, zero funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2007.Headquarters 39th Air Base Wing, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, is the contracting activity (F61521-03-C-5400-P00065). NAVY General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) - Canada Corp., London, Ontario, Canada; Oshkosh Truck Corporation (OTC), Oshkosh, Wis.; and Protected Vehicles, Inc. (PVI), North Charleston, S.C., are each being awarded firm-fixed-price delivery orders under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts (General Dynamics Land Systems - M67854-07-D-5028; Oshkosh Truck Corporation - M67854-07-D-5026; and Protected Vehicles, Inc. - M67854-07-D-5027) for Mine Resistant and Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.General Dynamics Land Systems is receiving an $11,014,290 delivery order for 10 Category I and 10 Category II MRAP vehicles; Oshkosh Truck Corporation is receiving a $30,619,900 delivery order for 100 Category I MRAP vehicles; and Protected Vehicles, Inc. is receiving $37,444,440 delivery order for 60 Category II MRAP vehicles.These Limited Rate Initial Production (LRIP) orders are being issued to accelerate the production of lower risk proposed vehicle material solutions in advance of testing and production orders.Vehicles procured under these delivery orders will be deployed to and supported in Iraq and Afghanistan.These are advance orders and, in addition to the other previously issued orders, they represent less than 10 percent of the expected total of all orders to be issued under the MRAP contracts.Logistics support will continue up to two years after fielding for test and any production vehicles.Work will be performed with OTC manufacturing their vehicles in Oshkosh, Wis.; PVI manufacturing their vehicles in North Charleston, S.C.; and GDLS manufacturing their vehicles in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed in June 2007.Contract funds will not expire during the current fiscal year.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Presidential Airways, Inc. of Moyock, NC, is being awarded a $14,415,048 fixed price task order against an existing requirements contract for continued commercial short take-off and landing airlift service.The service will be performed in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, and will be completed by 30 September 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Command Acquisition, Scott AFB IL 62225, Contract Number (FA4428-04-D-0036). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Meridian Airport Authority dba Meridian Aviation, Meridian, Miss., is being awarded a maximum $10,265,658 fixed price with economic price adjustment for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. There were 129 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0033). Wellco Enterprises, Waynesville, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $7,325,023 firm fixed price contract for safety, flight deck boots.Using services are Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.Proposals were solicited using Bidders List and 8 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of completion is June 22, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C107D0039).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Louis G. Kim, 19, of West Covina, Calif., died Feb. 20 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Kim was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. David R. Berry, 37, of Wichita, Kan., died Feb. 22 in Qasim, Iraq, when the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device.Berry was assigned to 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard, Dodge City, Kansas.

Long hours of stressful work faced by deployed troops, combined with little privacy and not much free time, can end up taking a mental and emotional toll. Fortunately, soldiers serving in every Brigade Combat Team in the Army will now have a greater opportunity to visit a behavioral health clinic and speak to a trained specialist. Behavioral health used to be a division-level function, but the Army's adoption of a modular brigade combat team structure changed that, explained Spc. Alex Townsend, a behavioral health specialist assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's Company C, 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team. "Since the modularity has taken place, they want people at the brigade to focus on (behavioral health)," Townsend said. Paratroopers of the 4th BCT are now facing the stresses caused by deployment as they begin a tour in Afghanistan in support of of Operation Enduring Freedom. "You are living and working with the same people for months, and there is literally no place to escape for a moment," said Capt. Maria A. Kimble, a behavioral health officer assigned to Company C, 782nd Brigade Support Battalion. In order to help the troops, the behavioral health clinic offers a litany of services, from smoking cessation to command consultation, but the main service it offers is individual and group counseling to soldiers. These services give soldiers an opportunity to just speak their mind to someone, Kimble said. "Basically, it's talk therapy," Kimble said. "Someone has something on their mind, whether it is something that developed from operational issues or home-front issues such as worrying about their children, girlfriend or boyfriends back home, or finance problems. We assist with anything that they want help coping with or resolving." Kimble said her past experiences and the knowledge she has gained working with veterans are helping her during this deployment. "I have experience working with World War II veterans and Vietnam veterans who have been appropriately diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and have been dealing with it for years," Kimble said. "If you speak to them now, they will say they felt they were weak if they had to talk to someone. Now, they say if there's one thing (I) can convey to today's soldiers it's that it does make a difference to just talk to someone and get it out." The critical event debriefing is another service the behavioral health clinic will offer. A CED is a group-counseling service conducted after a potentially traumatic incident that could affect the soldiers involved. "I strongly believe in the critical event debriefing," Kimble said. "These are done whenever there are extreme tragic incidents soldiers are involved in. ... They are very hard for the soldiers to handle on their own." These efforts are designed to keep paratroopers in the fight and have them perform their duties at 100 percent, Kimble added. By coordinating with the ministry teams and unit leaders, they are trying to maximize the effectiveness of their care. "If a command is having a particular problem, we will develop group sessions specifically for that problem," Kimble said. Kimble has seen first-hand the success these programs can have, having been deployed to Iraq in a similar capacity. There, Kimble treated more than 800 soldiers and conducted 30 CEDs. "I had one soldier, he didn't think he would have made it that far through the deployment if wasn't for being able to come in and just talk things out," Kimble noted. Clinic members not only will be available at their office on the base, but also will travel throughout Regional Command East in Afghanistan and search out soldiers in need of help. "Per the new regulations, part of our mission is prevention," Kimble said, "Which you can't really do sitting in an office." While the behavioral health personnel are actively providing help for the soldiers of Task Force Fury here, they also are combating the stigma attached to their profession at times, Townsend said. "Don't be scared or worry that it will be detrimental to you or your career to come here, because if you're at a low, we are here to help bring you up," Townsend said. "And we are here to help you maintain that." Townsend explained that the old idea of not talking about the stress of deployment or the violence of combat is not in place any more. "It was mainly due to not realizing how beneficial behavioral health can be to the solider or paratrooper in the Army," he said. The success of their operations is evident in the response behavioural health personnel receive from the soldiers they treat, Townsend said. "People tell us all the time, 'Thank you,'" Townsend said. "They come back in just because they wanted to say thanks."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Richard L. Ford, 40, of East Hartford, Conn., died Feb. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered during combat operations.Ford was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Jason D. Johns, 19, of Frankton, Ind., died Feb. 21 in Bagram, Afghanistan, of a non-combat related injury. His death is under investigation. Johns was assigned to the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $70,400,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for production of 60 Multi-spectral Targeting Systems-As (MTS-As) for MQ-1 Predator and 5 Multi-spectral Targeting Systems-Bs (MTS-Bs) for MQ-9 Reaper. At this time, $8,651,775 have been obligated. Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were complete February 2007. This work will be complete August 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041-0002). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a $57,653,113 cost-plus-incentive fee contract modification. This procurement provides for 102 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Security Modernization Program (ISMP) Launch Facility secondary door or Fast B-Pug Element. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete February 2009. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001/No modification number at this time). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $5,000,000 fixed-price incentive - firm target contract. This action provides for Long Lead Parts/Advance Procurement for the following Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 7 items for Vought and Heroux: a) two (2) RQ-4 Block 30-ASIP enable air vehicles each containing an Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS) b) three, (3) RQ-4 Block 40 air vehicles each containing a Multi-Platform- Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor, c) one (1) Mission Control Element (MCE), d) one (1) Launch Recovery Element (LRE), e) two (2) Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suites (EISS), f) Support Segment-Support equipment and initial spares. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete May 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-C-3002). NAVY AAI Corporation, Hunt Valley, Md., is being awarded a $24,931,772 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost plus fixed-fee contract for engineering services and support, design and development, production, maintenance and repair efforts, repair and spare parts in support of Battle Forces Tactical Trainer, Shipboard System Trainer System. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley Md., and is expected to be completed by February 2012. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8965). ARMY Textron Marine & Land Systems, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Feb. 14, 2007, a $28,434,303 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Phase II of the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort for the Armored Security Vehicle Program. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 9, 2005. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0470). Esterline Armtec Defense Inc., Coachella, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2007, a $24,158,793 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M206 and MJU7A/B IR Countermeasure Flares. Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 8, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 17, 2004, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-04-C-0096). Kilgore Flares Company L.L.C., Toone, Tenn., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2007, an $18,899,083 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M206 and MJU7A/B IR Countermeasure Flares. Work will be performed in Toone, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 17, 2004, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-04-C-0097). Stronghold Engineering Inc., Riverside, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 14, 2007, an $11,865,452 firm-fixed-price contract for Phase II Prado Dam, Corona National Housing Dike and Corona Sewage Treatment Plant Dike. Work will be performed in Corona, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 4, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0009). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Hess Corporation, Woodbridge, N.J. is being awarded a maximum $5,224,042 locational marginal price contract for electricity for Navy. Other locations of performance include Naval Air Station Brunswick and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Maine. There were 36 proposals solicited and 5 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-G-8030).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of one soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Christopher K. Boone, 34, died Feb. 17 in Balad, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury.Boone was assigned to the 121st Infantry (Long Range Surveillance), Georgia Army National Guard, Fort Gillem, Ga. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Feb. 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the vehicle they were in was struck by an improvised explosive device.They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Killed were: Sgt. Shawn M. Dunkin, 25, of Columbia, S.C. Pfc. Matthew C. Bowe, 19, of Coraopolis, Pa. Pfc. Adare W. Cleveland, 19, of Anchorage, Alaska

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Cpl. Timothy D. Lewis, 20, of Lawrenceburg, Ky., died Feb. 15 as a result of non-hostile action in Jolo, Republic of the Philippines. His death is under investigation.Lewis was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

DoD Id's Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Kelly D. Youngblood, 19, of Mesa, Ariz., died Feb. 18 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered during combat operations.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Todd M. Siebert, 34, of Baden, Pa., died Feb. 16 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Lance Cpl. Brian A. Escalante, 25, of Dodge City, Kan., died Feb. 17 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Lance Cpl. Blake H. Howey, 20, of Glendora, Calif., died Feb. 18 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Pfc. Brett A. Witteveen, 20, of Shelby, Mich., died Feb. 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Rapids, Mich. Sgt. Clinton W. Ahlquist, 23, of Creede, Colo., died Feb. 20 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Truman Arnold Companies DBA Tac Air, Amarillo, Texas * is being awarded a maximum $16,304,474 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal civilian agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0077). AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $10,000,000 time and material contract modification.This is a contract modification to the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) contract to increase ceiling and funding for FY05 Material Improvement Projects (MIPs) for the USAF.The MIP program was established on P00037 based on estimated performance requirements for non-recurring engineering and retrofit.The estimated annual program does not identify specific MIPs to be performed, just general requirements.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete September 2011.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00174). * Small Business

A soldier and a Marine assigned to Multinational Force West were killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province, military officials reported. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of six soldiers who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Sgt. Pedro J. Colon, 25, of Cicero, Ill., and Spc. Montrel S. McArn, 21, of Raeford, N.C., died Feb. 19 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when their unit came under attack by enemy forces using multiple weapons. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed from Fort Hood, Texas. -- Sgt. Matthew S. Apuan, 27, of Las Cruces, N.M., died Feb. 18 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy fighters using small-arms fire while on combat patrol. Apuan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed from Fort Hood, Texas. -- Pfc. Chad E. Marsh, 20, of Wichita, Kan., died Feb. 18 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a grenade detonated near him during combat operations. Marsh was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, deployed from Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Sgt. 1st Class William C. Spillers, 39, of Terry, Miss., died Feb. 17 in Baghdad from a non-combat related injury. Spillers was assigned to the 230th Finance Detachment, deployed from Jackson, Miss. -- Pfc. Justin T. Paton, 24, of Alanson, Mich., died Feb. 17 in Taramia, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Paton was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed from Fort Hood, Texas.

The Defense Department has identified seven soldiers who died Feb. 18 in southeastern Afghanistan when the Chinook helicopter they were in crashed. Killed were: -- Chief Warrant Officer Hershel D. McCants Jr., 33, of Arizona; -- Chief Warrant Officer John A. Quinlan, 36, of New Jersey; -- Sgt. Adam A. Wilkinson, 23, of Fort Carson, Colo.; -- Spc. Travis R. Vaughn, 26, of Reinbeck, Iowa; -- Spc. Brandon D. Gordon, 21, of Naples, Fla.; -- Pfc. Ryan C. Garbs, 20, of Edwardsville, Ill,; and -- Pfc. Kristofer D. S. Thomas, 18, of Roseville, Calif. McCants, Quinlan, Wilkinson, Vaughn and Gordon were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. Garbs and Thomas were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga. The Chinook was transporting 22 people, including aircrew, at the time of the crash, DoD reported Feb. 18. Eight servicemembers were killed. Officials had previously identified Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., as being among the casualties. Duffman was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. The crash is under investigation.

More than 300 business leaders will visit a southern California military base tomorrow to observe Marine Corps training as part of their support of the military. The business leaders belong to the Entrepreneurs' Organization, a 20-year-old global group that has more than 6,000 members across 120 chapters in 40 countries. They plan to hire U.S. military veterans through the "Hire A Hero" program, which assists former active-duty, National Guard, and reserve members and their families in finding careers after military service, according to a Hire A Hero official. "The unemployment rate among young veterans, many of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is twice the national average," Hire A Hero Executive Director Dan Caulfield, said. "With the current environment of the global war on terror, it is essential that we connect with our community's employment base to provide a stable financial environment for those who have served our country." One of the best ways to support returning veterans is to help them find good jobs after they've completed their military service, Caulfield said. The EO group has contributed almost $50,000 to the Hire A Hero program. Members of EO Chapters of San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles will participate in the day-long Camp Pendleton event, which will provide members first-hand experiences in a day in the life of a U.S. Marine. The day concludes with Marine Maj. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., commanding general of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Division, presenting a keynote address. San Diego EO member Shaun Alger Marines said his organization looks forward to offering civilian job opportunities to transitioning servicemembers through the Hire A Hero program. (From a Hire A Hero news release.) Editor's Note: Military families can also avail themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights home front groups across the nation that are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their families. A listing of these groups and information about their efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of seven soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.They died Feb. 18 in southeastern Afghanistan when the Chinook helicopter they were in crashed.The incident is under investigation. Killed were: Chief Warrant Officer Hershel D. McCants Jr., 33, of Ariz.McCants was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. Chief Warrant Officer John A. Quinlan, 36, of New Jersey.Quinlan was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. Sgt. Adam A. Wilkinson, 23, of Fort Carson, Colo.Wilkinson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. Spc. Travis R. Vaughn, 26, of Reinbeck, Iowa.Vaughn was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. Spc. Brandon D. Gordon, 21, of Naples, Fla.Gordon was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. Pfc. Ryan C. Garbs, 20, of Edwardsville, Ill.Garbs was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga. Pfc. Kristofer D. S. Thomas, 18, of Roseville, Calif.Thomas was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 19 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their unit came under attack by enemy forces using multiple weapons.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Sgt. Pedro J. Colon, 25, of Cicero, Ill. Spc. Montrel S. Mcarn, 21, of Raeford, N.C.

ARMY AeroVironment Corp.,*, Monrovia, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 14, 2007, a $46,797,769 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for procurement of RQ-11 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Known as Raven), and associated initial spare packages.Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 11, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 7, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338). Caterpillar Defense and Federal Products, Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Feb. 14, 2007, a delivery order amount of $22,513,330 as part of a $143,205,477 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the purchase of a service life extension program of construction equipment.Work will be performed in Peoria, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 15, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 7, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-D-T030). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Md., was awarded on Feb. 1, 2007, a $10,763,036 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for vehicular intercom systems.Work will be performed in Linthicum, Md., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 25, 2007.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-L010). Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2007, a delivery order amount of $7,850,961 as part of a $66,598,305 firm-fixed-price contract for remanufactured Cummins Series V903 Diesel Engines and Technical, Engineering, and other related services.Work will be performed in Seymour, Ind. (92 percent), and Columbus, Ind. (8 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 24, 2004.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-04-D-0145). AeroVironment Corp.*, Monrovia, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 14, 2007, a $6,661,985 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for procurement of RQ-11 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Known as Raven), and associated Initial spare packages to meet emergent Marine Corps needs.Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 11, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 7, 2007.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338). Test & Experimentation Services Co., Fort Hood, Texas, was awarded on Feb. 9, 2007, a $6,157,782 modification to a cost-reimbursement with award-fee contract for technical support services of warfighting systems.Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 8, 2006.The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, Fort Hood, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9115U-07-C-0001). MPRI Inc., Alexandria, Va., was awarded on Feb. 9, 2007, a $5,238,117 firm-fixed-price contract for recruiting services.Work will be performed in Radcliff, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 13, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 31, 2007.The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Fort Knox, Ky., is the contracting activity (W9124D-07-C-0014). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Feb. 15, 2007, a $5,474,298 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Koch and Sons Seatbelts.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). NAVY Remotec, Inc., Clinton, Tenn., is being awarded a $45,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract robotic systems, accessories, spare parts, depot level repair support, and operator and technician training.These items are being procured for use in pre-deployment training and contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.Work will be performed in Clinton, Tenn., and is expected to be completed in February 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0013). Vericor Power Systems, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., is being awarded a $29,626,920 firm-fixed-price delivery order to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-D-4107) for the manufacture, testing and delivery of 24 ETF40B marine gas turbine engines for the Landing Craft-Air Cushion Service Life Extension Program fiscal year 2007 requirements.Work will be performed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and is expected to be completed by November 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Electronics Systems, Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $6,305,269 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0008).This delivery order provides nonrecurring efforts for the development of a Forward Enhanced Integrated Antenna Detector (EIAD) and an Aft Enhanced Antenna Detector (EAD) in support of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Finnish Air Force F/A-18 programs, including the delivery of two engineering development models for the RAAF.In addition, this order provides for 20 EIADs and EADs for the RAAF.Work will be performed in Lansdale, Pa., (91.2 percent); and Goleta, Calif. (.8 percent); and is expected to be completed in August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract combines purchases for the RAAF ($5,305,269; 84 percent) and the Finnish Air Force, ($1,000,000; 16 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Y. Hata & Co., Ltd., Honolulu, Hawaii, * is being awarded a maximum $44,000,000 fixed price contract for full line food distribution services for Navy. There were 13 proposals solicited and 1 responded. This is an indefinite quantity contract exercising the second option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 22, 2009. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3050). Y. Hata & Co., Ltd., Honolulu, Hawaii, * is being awarded a maximum $33,600,000 fixed price contract for full line food distribution services. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal civilian agencies Job Corps Center and U.S. Coast Guard. Proposals were Web-solicited and 2 responded. This is an indefinite quantity contract exercising the first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 22, 2009. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3132).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Matthew S. Apuan, 27, of Las Cruces, N.M., died Feb. 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire while on combat patrol.Apuan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Justin T. Paton, 24, of Alanson, Mich., died Feb. 17 in Taramia, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Paton was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Chad E. Marsh, 20, of Wichita, Kan., died Feb. 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a grenade detonated near him during combat operations.Marsh was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

The Defense Department is working to address patient-care problems recently identified at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the department's flagship medical facility, a DoD spokesman said today. Wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed still receive the best medical care available, but they do face some administrative and personnel problems that need to be fixed, Bryan Whitman told reporters. "Taking care of our wounded servicemembers is about taking care of the entire person, and taking care of the entire person is making sure that their administrative needs are taken care of, that when they're outpatients that their housing needs are taken care of, and there are some shortcomings there," Whitman said. A recent Washington Post series of articles detailed housing problems, a lack of assistance and bureaucratic frustrations for Walter Reed outpatients, who live in buildings on post or in nearby houses, apartments and hotels while continuing treatment or awaiting decisions about their duty status. The Army has known about these issues for some time and has been working on them, Whitman said, but DoD leaders have just been made aware of them. Top leaders, including Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, are discussing the issues and how best to address them, he said. "The department takes these issues very seriously; they're being looked into," Whitman said. "Our servicemembers that are wounded deserve the kind of holistic care that goes beyond just the medical treatment that they receive in our facilities, which is unquestionably outstanding." Whitman added that Winkenwerder is looking into whether similar problems may exist in other DoD medical facilities. No formal review has been announced, however.

Five U.S. soldiers and two Marines died in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past two days, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identities of seven troops killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- A soldier was killed yesterday during combat operations near Naray in Afghanistan's Kunar province. -- Three soldiers were killed and two were wounded yesterday when an improvised explosive device hit a Multinational Division Baghdad security patrol southwest of Baghdad. -- A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed yesterday and another was killed Feb. 18 while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died Feb. 18 due to a non-battle-related cause. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the identities of five soldiers, a Marine and an airman killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Air Force Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., died Feb. 18 when the coalition CH-47 helicopter he was riding in crashed in eastern Afghanistan. Duffman was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Allen Mosteiro, 42, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Feb. 14 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemies using small-arms fire Feb. 13 in Taji, Iraq. Mosteiro was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. John D. Rode, 24, of Pineville, N.C.; Sgt. Carl L. Seigart, 32, of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; and Spc. Ronnie G. Madore Jr., 34, of San Diego, died Feb. 14 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris, 19, of Crimora, Va., died Feb. 14 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Morris was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. -- Army Pfc. Branden C. Cummings, 20, of Titusville, Fla., died Feb. 14 in Baqubah when an improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle. Cummings was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class William C. Spillers, 39, of Terry, Miss., died Feb. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related injury.Spillers was assigned to the 230th Finance Detachment, Jackson, Miss. The incident is under investigation.

America Supports You: Warrior Foundation Aids Wounded Troops

With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan underway, the San Diego-area community was looking for ways to help wounded servicemembers returning to the area. So in 2004, community members started the Warrior Foundation, an organization that reaches out to wounded troops and their families. The Warrior Foundation, a subset of the San Diego Council, Navy League of the United States, began as an effort to get touch-activated electric razors to those with shoulder, arm, and hand injuries to make shaving easier, Jim Bedinger, the foundation's treasurer, said. San Diego radio talk-show personality Rick Roberts of KFMB caught wind of the effort and thought it was a good way to get his listeners involved. "The community responded in terms of over $50,000 in one hour," Bedinger said. Since then, the foundation's mission has grown and it now holds fundraising events and collects donated items for wounded troops, among other things. The Warrior Foundation is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers. The foundation has also worked to bring wounded troops and their families together for the holidays. "In 2005 ... we got the idea that we could send all the 38-45 wounded (servicemembers) ... home if we could get $30,000-$40,000 donated," Bedinger said. Again, Rick Roberts, whose radio station maintains the Warrior Foundation Web site, turned to his listeners. "We had over $70,000 (donated)," Bedinger said. "That's to send a (servicemember) home so on Christmas morning he can wake up in his own bed, in his own home, surrounded by his family and friends." This year, the San Diego community donated about $190,000 to send wounded servicemembers who were able to travel home for Christmas, he said. Through donations, the foundation provides needed personal and entertainment items for wounded servicemembers in the San Diego and Camp Pendleton areas, Bedinger said. "It sounds so silly," he said. "But a bar of soap, a washcloth and a really nice terry cloth towel (make a huge difference.)"

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an Airman who died Feb. 18 when the coalition CH-47 helicopter he was riding in crashed in eastern Afghanistan. Tech. Sgt. Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. An investigation will be conducted to verify the cause of the crash.

Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed and 17 wounded after insurgent forces executed a coordinated attack on a coalition force combat outpost north of Baghdad today. Insurgents initiated the attack on the outpost with a car bomb detonation, officials said. The attack site has been secured and wounded soldiers have been evacuated. The incident is under investigation. A soldier assigned to Multinational Force West was killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

About 500 Pennsylvania National Guard members were called up to assist thousands of motorists stranded for almost a day on icy highways, a Pennsylvania state official said today. An immense winter storm that paralyzed the Midwest and eastern United States over the past several days caused nearly 24 hours of gridlock involving hundreds of motorists on a 50-mile stretch of Interstate 78 between Allentown, Pa., and Harrisburg, the state capital, Kevin Cramsey, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said today. The road closings "really began Wednesday afternoon and pretty much continued all day yesterday," Cramsey said, noting the storm quickly deposited layers of slick ice on I-78 and other state roads, catching local commuters, passers-through and truckers by surprise. The storm's magnitude caused Gov. Edward Rendell to declare a statewide disaster emergency. Snow, sleet and freezing rain brought by the storm also made portions of Interstates 81 and 80 impassable, Cramsey said during a phone interview from Pennsylvania National Guard headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap. Ultimately, thousands of motorists were stranded on icy Pennsylvanian roads, Cramsey said. "It just created this logjam," he said. "Some tractor-trailers couldn't get moving, and it caused some chain-reaction accidents." The Guardsmen provided water, baby formula and other food to motorists and truckers stranded on I-78 and along other ice-covered roadways, Cramsey said. The Guardsmen also helped direct traffic. By the time the crisis had eased late yesterday, some 500 Pennsylvania National Guard members, including air crews, had been activated to assist motorists, Cramsey said. A few stranded motorists with health issues were evacuated by state police helicopters, he said. As of this morning, the traffic congestion is gone and state road crews are busily salting and clearing icy highways, Cramsey said. "It was a big situation," he said.

One Marine and two soldiers were killed in Iraq Feb. 16 and yesterday, military officials reported. One soldier died in a grenade explosion in Baghdad yesterday. The soldier's unit was conducting a combat patrol when a grenade was thrown at his vehicle by an insurgent, killing the soldier. Insurgent small-arms fire killed another soldier on patrol north of Baghdad yesterday. The soldier's unit was conducting a combat security patrol on foot when it came under fire. A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed Feb. 16 while conducting operations in Anbar province. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Feb. 14 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Sgt. John D. Rode, 24, of Pineville, N.C. Sgt. Carl L. Seigart, 32, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Spc. Ronnie G. Madore Jr., 34, of San Diego.

Soldier Missing in Action from the Korean War is Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is U.S. Army Cpl. Jimmie L. Dorser of Springfield, Mo.He will be buried tomorrow in Lake Forest, Calif. Representatives from the Army met with Dorser's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. Dorser was a member of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division (organized into the 31st Regimental Combat Team).The RCT was engaged against the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces along the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea from Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 1950.The unit was forced to retreat to the south and many men were reported missing in action under the intense enemy fire. In 2002, a joint U.S. and Democratic People's Republic of North Korea team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, excavated a mass grave on the eastern side of the Chosin Reservoir. The remains of five individuals were recovered. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in Dorser's identification.The additional remains cannot be attributed to specific individuals at this time and will undergo further analysis.

The Pentagon Channel launches a redesign of its Web site Feb. 19, improving its line of products that distribute the channel's military news and information to men and women in uniform. "The Pentagon Channel's focus for 2007 is to leverage the interactivity of Web 2.0 to more efficiently and effectively provide the highest quality military news and information to the men and women in uniform, wherever they are, whenever they want," said Brian Natwick, general manager of the Pentagon Channel. In addition to its current features of video on demand, live video streaming and podcasting, the redesigned site, www.pentagonchannel.mil, adds two new, highly interactive features. The first includes I-frame technology that allows users to save and send Pentagon Channel video clips so that they can be shared beyond the site. The second is the addition of an upload tool that enables users to upload videos and thus, be even more a part of the Pentagon Channel, Natwick said. Pentagonchannel.mil also will work on both IBM-style personal computers and Apple's Mac computers, using Flash 7.0 technology to push out video content. "Harnessing this new technology augments our ability to communicate relevant, timely and credible military news and information to the men and women of the U.S. military," Natwick said. The Pentagonchannel.mil Web site and the broadcast channel both officially launched May 14, 2004. Since the site's inception, upgrades have included streaming Pentagon Channel programming live around the clock and adding video-on-demand, and audio and video podcast capability. The Pentagon Channel, the Department of Defense's cable television channel, broadcasts military news and information for and about the 2.6 million members of the U.S. armed forces -- active duty, National Guard and reserve. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Pentagon Channel helps ensure that U.S. forces remain the best informed in the world, Natwick said. Today, the Pentagon Channel is available on base to more than a million servicemembers who live and work on 333 military bases, camps and installations in the United States. The channel also is available to the 700,000 servicemembers and their families serving overseas in 177 countries via the American Forces Radio and Television Service. In addition, the Pentagon Channel reaches more than 12 million households through commercial distribution on satellite and cable systems nationwide.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY United Technologies, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $169,785,585 firm fixed price contract for engine lines.Using services are Navy and Air Force.There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. This is an indefinite quantity corporate contract exercising the third option period.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Feb. 15, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM400-01-D-9405). Exxon Mobil Fuels Marketing Co., Houston, Texas, is being awarded a minimum $26,863,903 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for gasoline. Other locations of performance are various locations in Japan. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were 4 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-06-D-1256). NAVY Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $22,590,852 cost-plus-fixed-fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N68335-04-G-0006) for 20 Lot III Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS) to support the V-22 Program.This order includes, program management, logistics, design, development, fabrication, inspection, production, and fielding of the OTPS to be designated for use on the Consolidated Automated Support System and the Reconfigurable Transportable CASS.Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (70 percent) and Hurst, Texas (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Incorporation, Reston, Va., is being awarded an $8,858,632cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for deployment, operation, and maintenance services in support of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Law Enforcement Information Exchange System.This contract includes an basic ordering period and four, one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $47,304,529. Work will be performed in Reston, Va. (20 percent) and various CONUS locations (80 percent), and work is to be completed by Oct. 2007.Contract funds will not have expired at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with four offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division is the contracting activity (N00189-07-D-Z016). McDonnell Douglas Corporation., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,540,321 firm-fixed-price contract for time critical parts in support of the EA-18G Low Rate Initial Production I Airborne Electronic Attack kits.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in Apr. 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0035).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Branden C. Cummings, 20, of Titusville, Fla., died Feb. 14 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle during combat operations.Cummings was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Air Force leaders officially released a "request for proposals" yesterday for a replacement tanker aircraft. The RFP is the official invitation to manufacturers to begin making offers to build a replacement for the Air Force's aging fleet of "Eisenhower-era" KC-135 Stratotankers, said Sue Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition. Tanker aircraft operate as "flying gas stations," refueling other aircraft in the air. "This is a major milestone in fair, open and transparent dialogue that we have been involved in since the request for information was sent out in April of 2006," Payton said. "We are confident it will allow us to fulfill the Air Force's No. 1 acquisition priority." Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley set replacing the KC-135 as the service's top acquisition priority late in 2006. Other priorities include a new combat rescue helicopter, space-based early warning and communications satellites, the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, and the next-generation long-range strike bomber. Payton said she expects to have a tanker contract in place before the end of the year and that competition for the contract will be fair for all involved. "The RFP has laid the groundwork for a fair and open competition that will ensure a thorough evaluation of any proposal we receive," she said. "We remain committed to a full and open competition. The KC-X is our No. 1 acquisition priority for the Air Force, and we will continue to conduct this competition in a very deliberate and open manner." Payton said she expects the Air Force could see the first operational fleet of new tankers by 2013.

He has proudly called himself an American soldier for more than a year, and now he can finally call himself a citizen of the country he serves. Army Spc. Sherif Z. Shalaby, a translator aide with the 15th Sustainment Brigade, was one of the more than 85 servicemembers to gain their U.S. citizenship during a Feb. 11 naturalization neremony here. Shalaby said words can't describe the wealth of pride and excitement he felt as he raised his hand to take the oath of allegiance. "It was really a great moment," the Egyptian native said. "I thought, 'You can't get back a moment like this.'" Army Brig. Gen. Michael J. Terry, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), addressed the new American citizens. "This is a defining moment in your life," he said. "America is now more than your home. America is your country." Terry said that as citizens, the servicemembers now have certain responsibilities they should take very seriously. Some of those include voting, performing jury duty and exercising their right to practice their religion. The U.S. Constitution provides those rights, and is the reason America is different from any other country, Terry said. "Becoming an American has nothing to do with birth or ancestry," he said to the servicemembers. "That is because America is an idea, not a race." Terry commended the servicemembers on their citizenship as well as their military service. Shalaby was personally congratulated by his noncommissioned officer in charge, who escorted him from Camp Taji to Anaconda for the ceremony. "When I was naturalized, it was an appreciation of what I have been doing in the Army," Shalaby said. His new citizenship will open many doors outside the military, Shalaby noted, but he said it has made him consider staying in the military long after his contract is up. "I cannot deny that what happened this morning gave me a good motivation to stay in the Army and make it a career," he said. Army regulations requires soldiers to be U.S. citizens to remain in the military past the eight-year point of their service.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. First Class Allen Mosteiro, 42, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Feb. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat operations Feb. 13 in Taji, Iraq.Mosteiro was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Daniel T. Morris, 19, of Crimora, Va., died Feb. 14 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Morris was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

DoD Classifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the classification of five Marines that died Feb. 7 in a helicopter crash to killed in action.The crash was determined to be a result of enemy action in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Capt. Jennifer J. Harris, 1st Lt. Jared M. Landaker, Sgt. Travis D. Pfister, and Sgt. James R. Tijerina were assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Cpl. Thomas E. Saba was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. Media with questions about Harris, Landaker, Pfister, and Tijerina can contact the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6000. Media with questions about Saba can contact the Okinawa Public Affairs Office at 011-81-611-745-0790.

Five U.S. servicemembers were killed in action in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified two servicemembers who died earlier while deployed in support of the war on terror. Four Task Force Lightning soldiers were killed yesterday when enemy fighters attacked their unit in Iraq's Diyala province Feb. 14. Three of them died of injuries suffered from explosions near their vehicles, and the fourth soldier died later at a coalition medical facility of wounds suffered in the attack. Two other soldiers were wounded and taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment, officials said. No report was available on their condition. A Marine assigned to Multinational Force West was killed yesterday while conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. Officials provided no further details. The servicemembers' names are being withheld until next of kin are notified. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified a soldier and a sailor who died earlier this week while deployed: -- Army Pfc. Nickolas A. Tanton, 24, of San Antonio, died Feb. 13 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries. He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Laquita Pate James, 23, of Orange Park, Fla., died Feb. 12 of apparent natural causes while deployed aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship the USS Bataan. The cause of death is under investigation. James was a master-at-arms supporting operations off the Horn of Africa aboard the USS Bataan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Nickolas A. Tanton, 24, of San Antonio, died Feb. 13 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries.He was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS ARMY AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on Feb. 9, 2007, a $61,262,609 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for performance based logistics for the SHADOW Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System.Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 26, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0256). BAE Systems Land & Armaments, York, Pa., was awarded on Feb. 8, 2007, a delivery order amount of $15,998,984 as part of a $15,998,984 firm-fixed-price contract for the remanufacture of M2A3 Vehicles to return to 0 Mile Condition.Work will be performed in York, Pa. (60 percent), Fayette, Pa. (8 percent), Santa Clara, Calif. (28 percent), and Aiken, S.C. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 10, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005). Medico Industries*, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., was awarded on Feb. 13, 2007, a $14,783,742 firm-fixed-price contract for manufacture, inspection, and delivery of 60 and 81mm Forged Projectile Bodies.Work will be performed in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on Sept. 12, 2006, and one bid was received.The Joint Munitions and Lethality Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-C-0065). GovPlace*, Irvine, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 13, 2007, a $12,537,274 firm-fixed-price contract for computer equipment for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior.Work will be performed in Irvine, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 5, 2007, and 13 bids were received.The Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (W91GY0-07-F-0022). General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 9, 2007, an $11,679,000 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for acquisition of four Extended Range Multi-Purpose Block 0, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, associated support equipment, and initial spares.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (65 percent), Adelanto, Calif. (5 percent), Palmdale, Calif. (5 percent), and Salt Lake City, Utah (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 18, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 21, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0208). AIR FORCE Science Applications International Corporation, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $32,000,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.The overall objective of this effort is to demonstrate a persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability for the warfighter.An additional program objective is to mature the demonstrated capability from a Laboratory prototype to an Acquisition-ready system, although no acquisition/production systems will be procured under this acquisition.The program requirements may include but are not limited to studies, requirements definition and analysis, design, fabrication, engineering , demonstration, to include development of drawings specifications and other engineering data prototypes, integration, testing (lab and or flight) on specific platforms , to include resources (aircraft and personnel) to conduct the test, operation of prototypes, repair of any laboratory or test equipment that is used in testing of the prototypes, initial logistics support, and reparation and delivery of specific data requirements.In addition, the scope of this technical effort requires aviation services for suitable mission aircraft; including modification, mission equipment installation, operations, maintenance, ground, and flight test, CONUS and OCONUS test and evaluation.The mission equipment will be hardened, refined, and packaged to support high operation rates.At this time, $19,795 have been obligated. This work will be complete February 2009.Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-D-1104). Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $7,203,840 requirements contract modification.This action is for Contractor Engineering Technical Services (CETS) in support of the C-5 and C-130 aircraft requirements.At this time, no funds have been obligated.Solicitations began February 2006 and negotiations were complete December 2006.This work will be complete December 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8604-07-D-7952/No contract mod # at this time) Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $5,000,000 fixed-price-incentive, firm-target contract.This action provides for Long Lead Parts/Advance Procurement for the following Low Rate Initial Production Lot 7 items:a) two (2) RQ-4 Block 30-ASIP enabled air vehicles each containing an Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite b) three, (3) RQ-4 Block 40 air vehicles each containing a Multi Platform-Radar Technology Insertion Program Sensor, c) one, (1) Mission Control Element, d) one (1) Launch Recovery Element (LRE), e) two (2) Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suites, f) Support Segment-support equipment and initial spares.At this time, total funds have been obligated.This work will be complete May 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-C-3002). NAVY Earl Industries, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $15,306,790 firm-fixed-price contract to perform work associated with the decommissioning availability for the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) to complete the inactivation repair work which includes deactivation of various installed machinery such as pumps, catapult system, elevator, ships service diesel generators, and the boat and aircraft crane; and draining of fluids from installed systems such as cooling water, Aqueous Film Forming Foam firefighting agent, lube oil and fuel oil.Work will be performed aboard the ship at Naval Station Mayport and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured with ten proposals solicited and three offers received via Federal Business Opportunities website.The Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N40027-07-C-0020).

U.S. officials in Iraq today confirmed that a Marine CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter that crashed killing seven servicemembers Feb. 7 was shot down with anti-aircraft munitions. Officials from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) made the determination, according to a news release from Multinational Corps Iraq. "Initial evidence indicated that the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter went down as a result of mechanical failure. After further investigation using all available means, the cause of the incident has been confirmed to be hostile fire," said Marine Maj. Jeff Pool, a Multinational Force West spokesman. The actual attack was not witnessed by the pilots of the AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter providing escort for the CH-46 troop-transport helicopter. The pilots did observe the fire, descent and subsequent crash. The initial signs resembled fires that have occurred aboard CH-46s experiencing mechanical difficulties in the past, officials said. "Because of the sensitive operational nature of the recent events, speculation as to capabilities of the enemy's weapons, or our tactics to counter them, will not be discussed to guard the safety of our servicemembers," the news release stated. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these fallen servicemembers," Pool said. "All available resources are dedicated to eliminating the threat to our aircraft so that we can continue to ... support our ground forces." After the remains of the deceased were removed and the appropriate equipment salvaged, the crash site was "sterilized" with explosives to ensure the enemy could gain nothing from the debris, officials said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Robert B. Thrasher, 23, of Folsom, Calif., died Feb. 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat patrol.Thrasher was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Petty Officer 2nd Class Laquita Pate James, 23, of Orange Park, Fla., died Feb. 12 of apparent natural causes while deployed aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship the USS Bataan.The cause of death is under investigation. James was a Navy master-at-arms supporting operations off the Horn of Africa aboard the USS Bataan.

CONTRACTS ARMY Hellfire Systems L.L.C., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 7, 2007, a $196,710,306 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for various Hellfire Missiles in containers. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 1, 2005. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-05-C-0221). General Dynamics C4 Systems, Taunton, Mass., was awarded on Feb. 8, 2007, a $44,102,000 increment as part of a $269,143,489 cost-plus-award-fee contract for a within scope change to the Warfighter Information Network - Tactical System Development and Demonstration. Work will be performed in Taunton, Mass. (50 percent), and Gaithersburg, Md. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 5, 2007. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-02-C-F404). Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Feb. 8, 2007, a delivery order amount of $24,242,952 as part of a $316,985,747 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for PATRIOT PAC2 Forebodies to Guidance Enhanced Missile Plus Frequency Generator Upgrade for the Kuwaiti Ministry. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 1999. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH01-00-D-0004). Tyonek Fabrication Corp.*, Madison, Ala., was awarded on Feb. 7, 2007, a delivery order amount of $8,986,044 as part of an $8,986,044 firm-fixed-price contract for Functional Fit Form Replacement of the UH-60 Blackhawk Relay Panels. Work will be performed in Madison, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 13, 2004. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-D-0061). NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $49,766,400 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for sustaining engineering and maintenance support for all H-60 aircraft, including legacy aircraft. This contract will include engineering, program management, test, logistics, training, repair, studies and aircraft technical and maintenance support. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0003). Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $43,265,729 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for Consolidated Planning Yard, engineering and technical support for nuclear submarines. The contract modification provides support for submarine research, development, test, and evaluation. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (90 percent); Newport, R.I. (5 percent); Quonset, R.I. (3 percent); Bangor, Wash. (1 percent); and Kings Bay, Ga. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. EG&G Technical Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a $9,910,319 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing to support the Information Assurance & Engineering Division with technical support services for command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I) weapons shipping handling, and launching (CW), sonar, and combat control technologies in support of all classes of submarines. This one-year contract includes four, one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative, potential value of the contract to $51,561,045. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (30 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (20 percent); Groton, Conn. (20 percent); Gaithersburg, Md. (10 percent); San Diego, Calif. (10 percent); Portsmouth, N.H. (5 percent); Kings Bay, Ga. (5 percent); Bremerton, Wash. (5 percent); and Guam (5 percent), and is expected to be completed February 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via publication in the Federal Business Opportunity web site (Solicitation No. N66001-06-R-0017) and posting on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central web site, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-07-D-0041). AIR FORCE J & J Maintenance Inc., Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $10,666,798 firm-fixed-price with cost reimbursable contract modification to provide for Non-personal services to operation and management services at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) to include Base Civil Engineering, Athletic Facilities Support, 34th Training Wing Cadet Housing Support, Dean of Faculty Facility Support and Training Devises Support. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete August 2007. 10th Mission Support Group, United States Air Force Academy, Colo., is the contracting activity (F05611-01-C-0001/P00113). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Chevron Product Company, Cumming, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $5,252,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment for lubricating oil and industrial oil for Defense Energy Support Center. Other locations of performance are Portland, Ore. and Charleston, S.C. There were 161 proposals solicited and 4 responded. This is 12-month (plus 30-day carryover) indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0752). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Dennis L. Sellen Jr., 20, of Newhall, Calif., died Feb. 11 in Umm Qasr, Iraq, of non-combat related injuries. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment, Fresno, Calif. The incident is under investigation.

A U.S. Army soldier was killed Feb. 11 in Iraq, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified 13 previous casualties. The soldier, assigned to Multinational Force West, died from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. The servicemember's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the name of 11 U.S. soldiers and two Marines who died recently supporting U.S. operations in Iraqi and Afghanistan. -- Army Capt. Donnie R. Belser Jr., 28, of Anniston, Ala., died Feb. 10 of wounds suffered during combat in Baqubah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and attached to the 1st Cavalry Division. Belser was a member of the 1st Infantry Division's 's 524th Transition Team, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Staff Sgt. Alan W. Shaw, 31, of Little Rock, Ark.; Army Staff Sgt. Eric Ross, 26, of Kenduskeag, Maine; and Army Spc. Leeroy A. Camacho, 28, of Saipan, Mariana Islands, died Feb. 9 in Baqubah of wounds suffered from an explosion during breaching operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Russell A. Kurtz, 22, of Bethel Park, Pa., died Feb. 11 of wounds suffered during combat in Fallujah, Iraq. Kurtz was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Sgt. Robert B. Thrasher, 23, of Folsom, Calif., died Feb. 11 of wounds suffered during combat in Baghdad. Thrasher was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Long N. Nguyen, 27, of Portland, Ore., died Feb. 10 in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, of a non-combat related wound. Nguyen was assigned to the 141st Brigade Support Battalion, Portland, Ore. -- Army Sgt. James J. Regan, 26, of Manhasset, N.Y., died Feb. 9 of wounds suffered during combat in northern Iraq. Regan was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga. -- Army Sgt. James J. Holtom, 22, of Rexburg, Idaho; Army Spc. Ross A. Clevenger, 21, of Givens Hot Springs, Idaho; and Army Pvt. Raymond M. Werner, 21, of Boise, Idaho, died Feb. 8 in Karmah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit while on combat patrol. The soldiers were assigned to the 321st Engineer Battalion, Boise, Idaho. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew P. Pathenos, 21, of Ballwin, Mo., died Feb. 9 of wounds suffered during combat in Iraq's Anbar province. Pathenos was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Bridgeton, Mo. -- Marine Pfc. Tarryl B. Hill, 19, of Shelby Township, Mich., died Feb. 7 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Hill was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Mount Clemens, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Clarence T. Spencer, 24, of San Diego, died Feb. 4 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire in Baqubah, Iraq. Spencer was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Brian A. Browning, 20, of Astoria, Ore., died Feb. 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire while conducting security operations. Browning was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Tarryl B. Hill, 19, of Shelby Township, Mich., died Feb. 7 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Hill was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Mount Clemens, Mich.

The Armed Services Blood Program Web site has been redesigned, offering updated content as well as a new look, officials said. The new Web site, www.militaryblood.dod.mil, features information on how to join a "Life Force" team of donors, volunteers and supporters. Topics include blood facts, donor eligibility criteria, donor center locations, and more. Other information offered involves the ASBP "Specialist in Blood Banking" program, its curriculum and how to apply. Convenient links direct users to online blood donation appointment scheduling via the "Click to Save Lives" blood drop button on the ASBP home page. Other information links access blood donor eligibility criteria and donation locations. The new Web site "is very much improved. I think it was very professionally done. I was very impressed," Margaret Tippy, U.S. Army Medical Command's media relations officer, said. Located at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, U.S. MEDCOM is the executive agent for the military's blood donation program. It's a little-known fact that about 20 percent of servicemembers donate blood, compared to less than 5 percent of the civilian populace, Navy Cmdr. Michael C. Libby, director of the U.S. military's blood program, said during a Pentagon Channel interview in December. Libby said the program collected twice as much blood in 2006 than it did in 2001. That's possible, he said, because of the great generosity of the program's donors. National Volunteer Blood Donor Month is held annually in January. That is the traditional time when the ASBP salutes its donors for their generosity, Libby said. "It is because of them that the program is very successful and we can support our warfighters," he said. The ASBP collects blood only from servicemembers, government civilians, retirees and their family members. The U.S. military needs blood every day for critically injured troops, cancer patients, premature infants and other uses, Libby said. The program manages 18 stateside blood donor centers and four overseas centers. Donors normally give about a pint of blood at a sitting. Most people who are eligible to donate provide blood to the program, Libby said. Only a small percentage may be restricted from doing so because of travel to certain countries or the taking certain medications. Specific information on these restrictions may be found on the program's Web site. Blood is always needed, Libby said, noting blood products normally must be replenished about 42 days after being collected. Frozen blood can be stored for years.

CONTRACTS NAVY Raytheon Systems Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $305,700,000 cost-type modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) for DDG 1000 Mission System Equipment (MSE) and engineering support services. The MSE is being developed as part of the DDG 1000 Ship Systems Detailed Design and Integration effort. The MSE includes the following: Total Ship's Computing Environment Infrastructure; Acoustic Sensor Suite Element - including the Bow Array Sensor Suite; Dual Band Radar; Electro-Optic/Infrared Sensor; Ship Control System; Identification of Friend or Foe; Common Array Power and Cooling Systems; Electronic Module Enclosures; and Mark 57 Vertical Launcher System. Work will be performed in Tewksbury, Mass. (47 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (28 percent); and Moorestown, N.J. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Company, Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $50,806,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacture, qualification and delivery of 19 Full Rate Production Lot V MH-60R AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) systems and related program support. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (60 percent) and Brest, France (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0013). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $15,793,630 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0027) to exercise an option for 10 Harpoon Tactical Block II Grade B All-Up-Round (AUR) missiles and 10 MK631Canister AUR Containers for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo. (50.46 percent); McKinney, Texas (15.14 percent); Toledo, Ohio (5.93 percent); United Kingdom (5.28 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (3.86 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (3.79 percent); Galena, Kan. (2.33 percent); Elkton, Md. (2.19 percent); Kirwood, Mo.(2.00 percent); Middletown, Conn. (1.83 percent), and other various locations throughout the United States (7.19 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems (LMIS), Bethesda, Md., is being awarded a $7,857,327 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6272) to exercise an option for systems engineering and integration in support of Combat System Warfare Federated Tactical Systems (SWFTS). SWFTS is comprised of all submarine combat system subsystems, mainly Consultation, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence. This effort provides for the overall architecture integration of the subsystems to achieve a single Total Combat System for Naval Battlegroup interconnectivity. The effort includes system engineering, integration and test, logistics and support for all subsystems. Engineering services are included for design, testing and fabrication of combat system level changes and include support to tactical and non-tactical shipboard services for all host platforms, and subsystem facilities. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. (49%); Middletown, R.I. (12 percent); Groton, Conn. (10 percent); Newport, R.I. (10 percent); Woodbridge, Va. (7 percent); Greensboro, N.C. (5 percent), Riverdale, Md. (5 percent), North Waterford, Conn. (1 percent); Mystic, Conn. (1 percent) and is expected to be completed December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $5,249,622, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Progeny Systems Corporation, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $5,519,558 cost-plus- incentive-fee/award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-6219) to exercise an option for 47,950 hours of engineering and technical services, material, travel and subsistence, in support of the AN/WLY 1 Active Intercept and Ranging system. The AN/WLY-1 is a stand-alone subsystem within the Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off The Shelf Insertion (ARCI) sonar system. It is unique to Virginia Class submarines. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. (90 percent); Middletown, R.I. (5 percent); and Salt Lake City, Utah (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $576,354 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting facility. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Philips Medical Systems North America, Bothell, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $60,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract to maintain coverage of critical medical imaging systems, sub-systems, and components. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal civilian agencies, and Veteran's Administration. There were 119 proposals solicited and 28 responded. This is an indefinite delivery type contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is November 11, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0200-02-D-8321). Milwaukee, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $31,000,000 firm fixed price contract to maintain coverage of critical medical imaging systems, sub-systems, and components. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. There were 119 proposals solicited and 28 responded. This is an indefinite quantity type contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is November 11, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-02-D-8325). Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Malvern, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $30,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract to maintain coverage of critical medical imaging systems, sub-systems, and components. Other locations of performance are Erlanger, Germany, Netherlands, and Japan. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. There were 16 proposals solicited and 6 responded. This is an indefinite quantity type contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is November 11, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-02-D-8314). Great Southwest Aviation, Roswell, N.M., * is being awarded a maximum $6,162,155 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0071). Mercury Air Centers Inc., dba Mercury Air Center, Tulsa, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $5,607,682 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0071). Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., Duluth, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $5,000,000 firm fixed price contract for x-ray imaging systems, sub-systems and components. Other location of performance is Corona, Calif. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Federal civilian agencies, and Veteran's Administration. There was 1 proposal solicited and 1 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is November 11, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-02-D-8022). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Long N. Nguyen, 27, of Portland, Ore., died Feb. 10 in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, of a non-combat related wound.Nguyen was assigned to the 141st Brigade Support Battalion, Portland, Ore. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. James J. Regan, 26, of Manhasset, N.Y., died Feb. 9 in northern Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on combat patrol.Regan was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 9 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an explosion during breaching operations.The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Alan W. Shaw, 31, of Little Rock, Ark. Staff Sgt. Eric Ross, 26, of Kenduskeag, Maine. Spc. Leeroy A. Camacho, 28, of Saipan, Mariana Islands

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 8 in Karmah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit while on combat patrol.The soldiers were assigned to the 321st Engineer Battalion, Boise, Idaho. Killed were: Sgt. James J. Holtom, 22, of Rexburg, Idaho. Spc. Ross A. Clevenger, 21, of Givens Hot Springs, Idaho. Pvt. Raymond M. Werner, 21, of Boise, Idaho.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Matthew P. Pathenos, 21, of Ballwin, Mo., died Feb. 7 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Pathenos was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Bridgeton, Mo.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Jennifer J. Harris, 28, of Swampscott, Mass. 1st Lt. Jared M. Landaker, 25, of Big Bear City, Calif. Sgt. Travis D. Pfister, 27, of Richland, Wash. Cpl. Thomas E. Saba, 30, of Toms River, N.J. Sgt. James R. Tijerina, 26, of Beasley, Texas All five Marines died Feb. 7 when the helicopter they were flying in crashed while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Harris, Landaker, Pfister, and Tijerina were assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Saba was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Vietnam Hero to be Awarded Medal of Honor

More than 40 years after demonstrating the heroism immortalized in the bestselling book and movie, "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young," retired Army Lt. Col. Bruce P. Crandall will receive the Medal of Honor, the White House announced yesterday. Crandall will receive the nation's highest military award for actions during the Battle of Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam in November 1965. The battle, at Landing Zone X-Ray near the Ia Drang River, was the first major ground battle of the war. During the incident, Crandall, then a major and commander of Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), dodged intense enemy fire as he repeatedly flew to a landing zone to rescue and resupply besieged 1st Cavalry Division ground troops. The narrative for Crandall's Medal of Honor credits him with displaying leadership by example and fearless courage as he "voluntarily flew his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire on flight after flight, delivering desperately needed ammunition, water and medical supplies into one of the most hotly contested landing zones of the war." Crandall led a flight of 16 helicopters in support of the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, which was out of water, running dangerously low on ammunition and engaging about two regiments of North Vietnamese army infantry "determined to overrun and annihilate them," the narrative reads. When the enemy fire got so intense that the infantry commander closed the landing zone, Crandall volunteered for the mission. He and his wingman, Maj. Ed Freeman, are credited with saving more than 70 wounded soldiers by transporting them to safety. Freeman received the Medal of Honor for his efforts in July 2001. Several books about the battle recognize Crandall and Freeman's contributions. Among the most well-known is the bestselling "We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young," coauthored by Lt. Gen. Harold Moore, commanding officer of infantry units in X-Ray, and Joseph Galloway, a combat reporter who was in the landing zone during the battle. A major motion picture based on the book featured actor Greg Kinnear as Crandall. Later during his Vietnam tour, Crandall demonstrated another act of heroism. While under enemy fire, using a flashlight to guide his UH-1 Huey helicopter, he dropped through dense jungle to rescue 12 wounded soldiers. For that action, he was awarded the first AVCO-Aviation/Space Writers Association Helicopter Heroism Award. This award is sponsored by the Aviation/Space Writers Association and AVCC Corporation, and is awarded to an individual for heroism efforts involving the use of helicopter.. During a second tour in Vietnam, in 1968, Crandall was downed during another rescue attempt and spent five months in the hospital. He resumed his military career, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1977. Crandall was inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame at Fort Rucker, Ala., in 2004. He also was the seventh Army inductee into the "Gathering of Eagles," a U.S. Air Force organization that honors contributors to aviation. Bush will present Crandall the Medal of Honor during a Feb. 26 White House ceremony. After receiving the Medal of Honor, Crandall will join 111 other living recipients of the award, 60 of them awarded for actions in Vietnam, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration, is awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force." Since it was first awarded during the Civil War, the medal has been awarded 3,461 times. The Medal of Honor was last presented to the family of 22-year-old Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, who died using his body to shield fellow Marines in Iraq from a hand grenade April 15, 2004. President Bush awarded Dunham's Medal of Honor posthumously during a Jan. 11 ceremony at the White House.

A U.S. servicemember was killed today in Afghanistan and four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq over the past two days, military officials reported. The Defense Department also identified a previous casualty. The U.S. servicemember killed today in Afghanistan's Balkh province died of a gunshot wound. The incident is under investigation by military authorities. CA U.S. soldier was shot during the incident and later died as coalition forces from Task Force Lightning were conducting combat operations in Iraq's Diyala province yesterday. Three soldiers were killed and four were wounded in an explosion Feb. 9. Coalition forces from Task Force Lightning were searching for a weapons cache and clearing a building in Diyala province when the explosion occurred. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the name of a Marine who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Marine Sgt. Maj. Joseph J. Ellis, 40, of Ashland, Ohio, died Feb. 7 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Ellis was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

DoD News Briefing with Lt. Gen. Lute and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Kimmitt from the Pentagon GEN. LUTE:Good afternoon.Let me start with just a couple of opening comments on the real theme of today's session, which is progress in what we call the center of gravity in Iraq, which is Baghdad City proper.And then we'll open ourselves up to questions. First of all, operations to secure Baghdad are today under way, but we're really only in the very early phases of that operation. The aim, of course, is to break the cycle of sectarian violence and thereby provide time and space to the Iraqi political structure to give them an opportunity to assume more fully complete political,economic and military lead in their own country.The Iraqis, of course, for the operation are in the lead, and we're in support. The plan, as you probably know, calls for setting up a combined Iraqi army and Iraqi police command structure under a single commander.Today Lieutenant General Abboud is that single commander. He's in command of what they call the Baghdad Command.And he has two division commanders subordinate to him, one -- (to staff) -- if we can have the Baghdad map, please -- one in command of brigades east of the Tigris and the other in command of Iraqi brigades west of the Tigris. There are seven Baghdad districts shown up here on the map, and there are now Iraqi brigades assigned to seven of those nine. Eventually all nine will be covered by Iraqi brigades.And in those seven districts that have Iraqi brigades, there are seven U.S. battalions currently partnered with those Iraqi brigades. Within these districts, we're beginning to see another indicator of progress with the security plan, and that is the opening of the first JSS.Those are joint security stations.These are relatively small 24/7 operations centers which will be jointly manned by Iraqi army, Iraqi national police -- sort of the paramilitary organizations -- Iraqi local police and their U.S. support chain. Ten of these stations are now open today, and eventually there will be about three times that number.And these will be the centerpieces of 24/7 presence in the districts. We're also beginning to see the stand-up and rehearsals of Iraqi and U.S. reserve units at multiple levels of command -- so at the battalion and brigade level.This, of course, is very important, that we have reserve set before we enter into full-fledged clearing operations. Now, I guess probably the best summary, in short, is to say that early progress has been made.We're beginning to see good, solid evidence across all the lines of commitment made by the Iraqi government, but it's very soon in the -- it's very early in the operation.We're just in the opening days. By way of incoming or inbound troop reinforcements, I can report that the first of three Iraqi brigades due to join their brothers in Baghdad is now operating in the city. The second Iraqi brigade is enroute, and the third is programmed to deploy later this month. On the U.S. side, of course we have five brigades headed that way.The first, the 2nd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne, is operating in Baghdad today, and the second of the five brigades is enroute to Kuwait and then later to Baghdad.Brigades, as we say, numbers 18, 19 and 20, if you follow the math, are all still here in the states doing preparatory training. So in summary, so far so good.But we're in the very early days of what will be a very deliberate campaign that will unfold only over several months, and we should not expect quick, easy or dramatic results. And with that, Mark and I are ready to take your questions. Q Sir, not specifically about the Baghdad operation, but an al Qaeda-linked group has posted a web video in recent hours that they purport is the shooting down of a U.S. military helicopter on Wednesday.Can you bring us up to date on that scene -- what you know about that downing and the recent spate of all -- GEN. LUTE:Sure.Let me put that event into a somewhat broader context.Over the course of the last -- about three weeks, we've had six episodes of attacks -- casualty-producing attacks on helicopters. Four of those were against U.S. military helicopters and two against contractor helicopters for a total of six.Of those six, so far investigations suggest or reveal that two of the six were directly attributable to enemy fire while our helicopters were in close contact with the enemy.So these were sort of what we call troop in contact scenarios, so the helicopters were in close contact. Another two of the six are believed to have been downed by enemy fire while those helicopters were not in contact with the enemy, and the remaining two for other than enemy contact purposes.So one, we think, may have been pilot error, a wire strike, and the other is now indicated to be a mechanical failure.So it was a variety of causes for this pattern of six. As for the videos, you know, this enemy is very astute in the use of the media.He has in the past a pattern of posting things on the websites and claiming responsibility for attacks that did or did not occur and in some cases other attacks which occurred but were clearly not attributable to him specific but he claimed responsibility nonetheless.So I'd be very cautious about drawing conclusions from things that are posted on the Internet. Q Just to follow up there, General, are you saying that the helicopter which crashed on Wednesday -- is that the one you're attributing to mechanical failure? GEN. LUTE:The early indications on this last -- so that the sixth in this pattern -- is mechanical failure. Q Can I follow up on that a little bit more?So four of six are attributable to enemy fire, right?And I mean, can you just take that a little further?Has there been an uptick in attacks, you know, on the ground against coalition helicopters? I mean, what's the -- do you have any explanation for the -- is there an increase in enemy activity directed at helicopters I guess is what -- GEN. LUTE:It's really too soon to tell. And because of -- for several reasons.First of all, we're still looking into all these episodes.And second of all, if the pattern does prove out, as I suggested, sort of two, two and two, by way of cause and effect, those very small number of incidents in total wouldn't reflect an overall change in pattern.So it's a bit too soon to tell. Q Can I ask a planning question?General Lute says that there's early progress.But the secretary, twice now in the planning world has said in the last week that he thinks it's prudent to plan for alternatives to the Baghdad security plan if it doesn't work out. He says it's only planning. What are you planning as an alternative to the Baghdad security plan, and what indicators are there that would make you go down the route of saying the Baghdad security plan isn't working?And I say this because the secretary himself has brought it up. GEN. LUTE:Do you want to start with that, Mark? MR. KIMMITT:Yeah.Quite frankly, we do planning for all sorts of contingencies.It's just part of our responsibilities for whenever we have a plan, we've got to look at alternative outcomes, alternative scenarios.We, of course, are not going to talk about what those plans involve.We don't want to telegraph our moves ahead of time to either those who -- primarily those who would not wish us well.But it would be irresponsible for us not to be planning, not looking at all the potential outcomes of this. What's most important, though, is that most of our effort right now is being devoted to making this plan work.We're sending in additional troops, we're sending in additional civilian assets, we're sending in additional resources.Our primary effort is to make what is being called the Baghdad security plan a successful one. Is there a chance that it will not work?That is why planners continue to plan.No commander in this history of warfare has ever said, "This one's going to work 100 percent, so don't worry about an alternative." GEN. LUTE:If I can just follow up on that.The last thing a military commander wants is to be surprised, and his best insurance against being surprised is to constantly plan.So as soon as a plan is printed, signed and issued, planners go back to work beginning towork on what we call branches and sequels, and these are essentially "what if" plans in the event of unexpected failure or unexpected success.So we plan on both sides of the equation. Q But just to clarify, has Secretary Gates asked the department to plan for an alternative to the Baghdad security plan? GEN. LUTE:We -- Barbara, we don't go into ongoing planning outside of the sort of framework that Mark and I just described. Q May I ask a question on the Baghdad security plan itself? I think you've indicated before that you were going to look very closely at the Iraqi commitments, how timely they were and how well-staffed the units that they were bringing into Baghdad were.What's your impression so far for the brigade that's arrived?How well staffed? Is it very close to its capacity? GEN. LUTE:Well, you've probably seen the same open press, open-source reporting that I have that the brigade arrived at 60 percent strength, the lead brigade.We've checked with the commanders on the ground, and so far they're satisfied with the strength level at which the brigades are arriving.But you know, again to go back to my opening statement, we're in the very early days of this.So even our brigades don't arrive all at one time and then suddenly we can drop the flag and count heads.So it's a bit too soon to, I think,use that one report as some sort of indicator. Let me broaden the question of Iraqi commitments, though, and just cite a few things.First of all, they said they were going to create a unified command.They have.They said they were going to commit more troops to Baghdad.They have.They said they were going to have a no-holds-barred rules of engagement, set of rules of engagement, meaning that no geographic or political -- geographic location orpolitical entity would be immune from law and order in Baghdad. You know, and just two days ago we saw where, in a very prominent event, where an Iraqi Shi'a deputy minister of health was detained by Iraqi security forces because of evidence that he was linked to the Jaish al-Mahdi militia.Now, I'd offer that three or four months ago the event that took place just yesterday would have been unthinkable. And it really demonstrates this new commitment by the Maliki government that the rules of the game have changed.So time and again, over and over, they've met their commitments. MR. KIMMITT:And it's not just meeting the commitments on the military side.The prime minister has been very clear with the Council of Representatives as to his plans.The Council ofRepresentatives has given unanimous approval for this plan.In his discussions with his commanders, Prime Minister Maliki has said, "I'm very much behind this plan."And so it's not simply providing military but not providing rhetorical support.His government is behind this plan.They understand it is their plan.They understand that we are there to help support. I would want to make one comment about the Iraqi units.The plan was built fully understanding that the difference between Iraqi battalions and American battalions is, because of the nature of the pay system so on and so forth, there was never an expectation that these units would come in 100 percent.Thus far, the units that are coming in are coming in at adequate level for them to perform the Baghdad security plan.The number of what they'd come with was fully anticipated by the planners, and it's still within the range that they believe is going to prove successful in the Baghdad security plan. GEN. LUTE:The real key there is that this lead Iraqi brigade that we're talking about, this 4th Brigade of the 1st Iraqi Army Division, it's already assumed battlespace inside Baghdad proper.So it owns one of those nine districts today.It would not have been placed in that position of responsibility and authority had it not been at adequate strength. Q (Off mike) -- you mentioned you've got seven U.S. battalions partnered with the seven Iraqi brigades at this point.I mean, you've already got a fairly good U.S. contingent partnered up there and without even the surge forces already in yet. Are you going to be rotating those battalions out as time goes along and as the U.S. troops come in?I mean, how is that going to work?Or what -- I guess what I'm really driving at is, just give me a better sense of what the surge forces will be doing as they flow into the country over the next few months. GEN. LUTE:Well, some of the surge forces -- for example, the first one, the lead brigade, 2nd Brigade, 82nd, is assuming responsibility for portions of Baghdad in partnership with Iraqi security forces, and some of that brigades -- that U.S. brigade's battalions are among those that I mentioned in terms of having already established partnership relationships with Iraqi security force brigades. Other brigades as they flow in will assume partnership responsibilities above the Iraqi brigade level so, for example, with Iraqi division structures, and others will be responsible for supporting roles on the periphery of Baghdad proper.So there's a variety of things that the brigades are headed to Baghdad to do. Q Can I quickly follow-up?Can I ask about -- GEN. LUTE:You've been very patient, so you're on deck.Please. Q Let's go back to the helicopter issue just very briefly. Is it still the belief that those four were downed by small arms fire and not missiles?Is that the general belief? GEN. LUTE:We don't have any definitive evidence that there were missile attacks involved in the surface-to-air fire that we think brought down the four helicopters mentioned. Q All right, then, just on the other Baghdad issue.Can you explain how you've addressed the unity of command issue that General Keane, Senators McCain, Levin and others have warned about? GEN. LUTE:Well, this has been explained repeatedly in testimony and publicly.But just to review the bidding, there is a clean Iraqi security force chain of command, which for the first time, by the way, integrates Ministry of Interior forces with Ministry of Defense forces.So this is both an Iraqi army and Iraqi police chain of command, and it's pure.There are no Americans inserted in that Iraqi chain. A counterpart to that is a pure American chain of command that runs from General Casey today, but tomorrow General Petraeus down through the battalion commanders and so forth.The two chains work in parallel and coordinate their operations at multiple levels starting all the way down at the joint security station level that I mentioned earlier today and all the way up to the point where General Casey and soon General Petraeus will be working side by side with General Abboud coordinating their plans. This is not the first time -- this is not by any stretch of the imagination the first time that we, the American military, have operated in this structure of parallel chains.We did it in the Balkans; we've done it repeatedly. MR. KIMMITT:And we're doing it in Afghanistan right now.But one thing is certain in all these command arrangements -- there will be an unbroken link from the private on the ground all the way to the president of the United States.We'd never forfeit the chain of command.We will be operational control or tactical control, but at no time in any of these parallel arrangements will we forfeit the responsibility of that unbroken chain of command from the president down to the soldier on the ground. Q I don't think that's the concern.The concern is that a joint unit going out there, the Iraqis will not want to go and take that building, and the Americans will say we have to take that building.That's the concern. GEN. LUTE:And that's the value -- that underlines the value, first of all, of the American embedded advisors in the Iraqi structures; so that as they formulate their plans and the supporting arrangements to those plans, which will rely on Americans, that those are done shoulder to shoulder, side by side from the outset.So you're not launching on operations here which are planned separately, and they only come together on the ground.From the inception, they're planned in a combined or a joint way. Now that mitigates this concern that you're going to be out there and have sort of two separate ideas of what the plan is supposed to do. Sir. Q Thank you very much.You mentioned that indications are that the Marine helicopter that went down suffered mechanical malfunctions.Can you elaborate on what kind of mechanical problems might have downed this? GEN. LUTE:No, I really can't, except to say that there are some eyewitness accounts that caused professional aviation officers to believe that it was more likely -- most likely a mechanical malfunction given this particular type of aircraft, its flight pattern and the immediate aftermath of the early indicators.So the response of the aircraft that leads the people on the ground to believe early in the investigation that it was mechanical. Q But can you elaborate what are these early indicators? GEN. LUTE:You know, I don't want to get into that for two reasons.First of all, because there are families involved, and I don't want to be premature in any judgments which are going to be very important obviously to the families involved.And second of all, the investigation continues. Q And lastly, what is the other, of the six crashes, that was not caused by enemy fire? GEN. LUTE:Well, one of the two contract helicopters is believed to have gone down other than by military fire. Q Is it the Blackwater you're talking about or -- GEN. LUTE:It was a contractor, right. Q Can I go back to the Baghdad Security Plan?Both of you seem to be expressing an awful lot of optimism about it in these early days.For both of you, what are the indicators that you look at right now from day one that worry you?What worries you about the Baghdad Security Plan?What are you watching the most to see if it does work out? And as a follow-up, I'd like to ask, on a different matter, if either of you could explain why this latest out of NATO and Seville an additional three and a half maneuver battalions for Afghanistan. GEN. LUTE:You want to start with Baghdad, Mark? MR. KIMMITT:Yeah, I'll start with Baghdad. First of all, wouldn't characterize what we're saying up here as optimism as much as it is realism.The fact is there have been commitments that were being made by the Iraqis towards the Baghdad Security Plan.Thus far, they have met those commitments, which give us a realistic view that at this point in time, we are provisioned and resourced sufficiently with both physical resources and support from the Maliki government to move forward with the plan. If you take a look at some of the other activities that have gone on while this plan is being prepared and executed -- because at the end of the day, what this is about reducing the violence so that we can build confidence within the Iraqi society so they can move forward to address those yet resolved issues that are causing the violence: reconciliation, de-Ba'athification, amnesty, hydrocarbon legislation, budget.Look what happened.Twenty-four hours ago, they came to a resolution on the budget.The budget is moving forward.Hopefully, the next step is going to be the work on the hydrocarbon legislation, the Kirkuk referendum.These are the issues that, since they are as yet unresolved, is leading to some of this violence.But the factthat there was a commitment made on the part of the government to reducing the violence is buying the political space, providing the political space for the parties to come together to address the root causes of some of that violence.It's really all about building time and space, providing time and space to build political momentum. Q General Lute, Afghanistan? GEN. LUTE:Afghanistan is a much different picture than Iraq. You'll appreciate that just recently, based on a request from the commander in NATO, the U.S. extended for 120 days a brigade which had already been there for about 12 months.So we've recognized NATO's request, based on a reading of intelligence reports, that suggest that once again the Taliban is likely to increase its attack pace in the spring months. There's been for several years now a pattern of increased activity. This spring in particular we have intelligence that indicates we need to be ready.In fact, we want to be more than ready.We want to take the offensive and get in front of any intended Taliban operations. Now, aside from -- beyond the three battalions that we extended just recently, General Craddock, U.S. Army, but here hatted as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, has requested other allies match the U.S. three battalions with another three battalions. And it's all for the same reasons, the reading of the same intelligence, and pointed towards getting in font of any intended Taliban operations this spring. Q I'm very sorry, but you said particular intelligence about this spring.Do you have something to suggest -- GEN. LUTE:I mean particular compared to past seasons. Q Exactly.So are you suggesting that you expect something different this spring than the regular spring offensive? GEN. LUTE:In the last six to 12 months, there's been a pattern of upswings in violence in Afghanistan.So for example, if you look at the seasonal patterns from '06 and compare them to -- or from late '05 and early '06, last winter, to this winter, attacks were about double what they were, even adjusted for the winter suppression of violence. So we expect that rise in attack, that spiking of attack, to continue through the winter period and into the spring.So that's particularly what I'm pointing to. Q And if you don't get three and a half nonequivalent -- three and half non-U.S. maneuver battalions, does the United States military then have to offer up battalions, because it's a requirement now put on the table? GEN. LUTE:Well, you'll appreciate that troop strength alone is not the only card that commanders on the field have to play.They can change the way they operate.They can change their concept.They can change the way some of the troops already committed are based.Theycan add enabling support that is other than ground combat troops, that make the troops that are already deployed more capable, and so forth. So there's any number of adjustments that the commanders on the ground can make. Q Let me just try it this way. GEN. LUTE:So there's no absolute do-or-die failure with regard to three additional battalions. MR. KIMMITT:Yeah, let me make two -- Q But let me just ask, then, please -- MR. KIMMITT:Please. Q -- what should Americans take away from this?Are more U.S. troops going to Afghanistan? GEN. LUTE: Well -- MR. KIMMITT:Right now the request has been made to the 26 nations within NATO.And in fact these additional three units that General Craddock has asked for are those units to fill out the extant requirement in what is called the Combined Joint Statement of Requirements. These are for, I believe, a maneuver battalion operating out in Nimroz in the far west, in Daykundi.So this is filling out a long-standing request that the NATO commanders on the ground have seen as necessary not simply for the near-term requirements but also for the long-term requirements to maintain stability inside the country. But I think it's also important to understand that this is not suggesting that there's going to be a huge military offensive that somehow is going to put either the NATO troops or the U.S. troops at extreme peril.This is not a overly significant threat.The threat is to the people.The threat is to the success that we have made thus far in Afghanistan. We are operating in Afghanistan in an environment of consent.We are able to build roads, bridges, schools because by and large the vast majority of people inside of Afghanistan recognize and welcome the presence of the coalition and the NATO forces.That's the target of the Taliban, to convince the people of Afghanistan that they need to side with the Taliban rather than side with the Karzai government who we're supporting. So that's the real danger in the spring offensive, that somehow the Taliban is able to get a leg up on the population.They certainly will not get a leg up on the NATO troops or the coalition troops, because they are trying to make the people of Afghanistan choose between the Taliban and the legitimate government of Hamid -- President Karzai, which is why it will be so important that this offensive this spring is our offensive and not the Taliban offensive. Q Are more troops headed to Afghanistan? GEN. LUTE:If I can just follow up.This is not fundamentally about a military victory in Regional Command South, Kandahar Province, Helmand Province or Afghanistan at large.It is fundamentally a question of governance and giving the Karzai government enough capacity to reach outside of the capital city proper, Kabul, and out into the provinces and demonstrate the kind of commitment and capacity to the Afghan people that Mark just described.So the marginal change in troops, shouldn't expect that that's going to be decisive. As more particular to your question, Barbara, we don't anticipate right now -- there's no further requests on the books for additional U.S. troops.So I think you can read that the three battalions in the form of this extended brigade that I've already mentioned is the U.S. contribution to this NATO effort. Q Can I ask again about the Baghdad security plan?One of the potential problems that's been raised is the idea that the militias and the insurgents might simply try to wait out -- wait until the U.S. increase has diminished again and then resurface.How do you avoid that problem? MR. KIMMITT: Well, first of all, part of it is that we are bringing the troops -- the Iraqi troops inside of Baghdad.There's no plan for them to leave anytime soon.And should the insurgents decide to wait them out, when they finally emerge what they're going to find are more capable Iraqi security forces operating in the streets of Baghdad, who have built more and more a relationship with the people on the streets of Baghdad who can give them intelligence. So there is as much of a danger if the insurgents try to wait out this program than if they actually -- in fact, there's probably as much reason for them, rather than waiting, to preemptively start fighting simply to get a leg up and to demonstrate that this plan might not be working when, in fact, it is. GEN. LUTE:If their going to ground leads eventually to their deciding to enter into a political solution, then that's a "W". That's a win for us.And of course, they've got a vote.I mean, they're at a crossroads. They can decide to fight or they can decide to settle politically. Q They can decide to wait and then fight again. GEN. LUTE:And they can decide to wait and join the political process, you're right.So the solution inside Baghdad has got to have durability, and the durability comes by way of the Iraqi part of the equation. STAFF:One or two more is all. Q Are you both satisfied now that, as Secretary Gates has essentially said, that there is the sort of will and mechanism in place to come right behind the troops and do, you know, holding and building in a prompt way?You know, something that, you know, I guess everybody agrees hasn't always been done in the past.I mean, is that -- are you satisfied that that is ready to go? MR. KIMMITT:Part of the major discussions that were held on the Iraqi strategy review during the November/December time period is that very consideration.It's not simply enough to bring troops in -- Iraqi troops, U.S. troops -- to quell the violence unless there can be some holding and building.That will be essential to the ultimate victory in this operation. We are satisfied at this point that our colleagues at State, our colleagues at USAID and Treasury are making a firm commitment to be part of this process as well.There are going to be additional provincial reconstruction yeams.We're hoping to see more additional ministry advisers because it really has to be more than simply a kinetic solution to the problems inside of Baghdad and inside the country.It has to be kinetic and it has to be non-kinetic.It has to be clear and hold and build.And we're satisfied that our colleagues are working every day with as much energy to solving this problem as we are. GEN. LUTE:Frankly, I think one of the underappreciated dimensions of this new approach is the tactical integration of the military effort with the other-than-military effort on the U.S. side. So the extra PRTs, these interagency teams that Mark mentioned, are to conceptually be embedded with -- operate alongside -- our brigade combat teams. This is new.This is a new concept.They've always sort of resided in parallel structures, with the PRTs reporting through the embassy to State and then our military chain here.And now what we're going to have is tactical integration of the military and the non- military arms.That's a very important innovation; that certainly, for me, is very promising. Q Can I ask at what point the protection concerns you have of co-located Americans, with many bases, along -- in Baghdad's most treacherous neighborhoods -- alongside Iraqi national police, who by your own reckoning are terrorists in uniform, many of them are just so militia -- many of them are beholden -- GEN. LUTE:Right, well, the "terrorists in uniform" quote is not mine, okay?But -- Q No, it's not yours.But they are, by the Pentagon's own documentation, so-called militia. GEN. LUTE:Well, one of the concerns we have for force protection of the small, embedded adviser teams -- I think those are the ones that you're talking about -- which are typically 10- to 12-man teams embedded 24/7 with their Iraqi host units, so an Iraqi army battalion or a police battalion would have 10-man team. General Casey, about two months ago, recognized that it was time to invest more in this effort.And he is in the process now of increasing those 10-man teams, the strength of those 10-man teams, to about 30 to 35 Americans.And one of the fundamental reasons he made this call to up the ante with these adviser teams is so that they can provide, more thoroughly, their own force protection.So 35 people as advisers afford themselves enough internal, U.S.-based force protection, and that was one of the reasons that he designed that concept. MR. KIMMITT:But it's also important to look back at the history thus far.We have been working embedded training teams in Afghanistan, transition teams inside of Iraq, with our troops working with these units, for a couple of years now.And I think the record right now would demonstrate that by and large, the force protection question has not been an issue up to this point.And this should make sure that it's even less of an issue in the future. STAFF:Let's make Jeff's the last question: Q General, the defense department has not budgeted for the increase in U.S. troops beyond this fiscal year.Can you secure Baghdad without that funding? MR. KIMMITT:Well, first of all, I don't know that that's entirely correct, that we have -- as I was sitting down with the staffers from the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee today, we had that very discussion about our future funding requirements.And there is clearly a portion of the FY '08 budget that includes the global war on terrorism, the cost of this war.So I'm very comfortable that what we have in both the FY '07 main, the bridge supplemental, and this supplemental, and what we are looking at next year for the Defense budget in FY '08, that we've covered those costs.So I think we clearly have understood that this war is going to continue on, that these costs are going to be required, and that the United States Congress and the taxpayers of America are going to provide us the resources we need not only to be successful in Baghdad security plan, but in the continued program in the war thus far. Q So if I understand you correctly, DOD is planning on funding the increase beyond the fiscal year.Is that correct? MR. KIMMITT: I am comfortable that the increase in the budget which we have submitted this week to Congress, which talks a roughly $594 billion program for '07 and roughly a $623 billion program for FY'08 -- at this point in time, our best judgment is it's going to cover the cost that we anticipate over the next year. Thank you very much.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Maj. Joseph J. Ellis, 40, of Ashland, Ohio, died Feb. 7 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Ellis was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $113,700,000 cost-plus-fixed fee and firm-fixed-price contract modification. This is a contract modification to the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) contract to incorporate the CY07 Global Reach Improvement Program (GRIP) Follow-On Retrofit Projects. The CY07 GRIP Non-Block, Block 14-16 and Block 17 Follow-On Retrofit Projects incorporated retrofit efforts for the following projects: Block 14-16: 1) Mobility 2000 (M2K) Airline Operational Capability and Printer, 2) Secure Enroute Communications Package-Improved (SECOMP-1), 3) Communication Open Systems Architecture (COSA), 4) Weather Radar Replacement, 5) Stabilizer Struts System Redesign, Block 17: 1) Formation Flight System (FFS), 2) Required Navigational Performance-Improved (RNP-I) and High Frequency Data Link (HFDL), 3) Combat Lighting, Non-Block: 1) 400lb Troop Seats 2) Defensive System (AAR 47) (Group A Kits/Install only), 3) Extended Range/On-Board Inert Gas Generating System (ER/OBIGGS) II 4) OBIGGS II. At this time, $56,850,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete July 2009. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00126). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $11,066,106 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This undefinitized contract action will support the Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) procurement and Lot 7 long lead funding. At this time, $36,066,106 have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2011. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2899/P00014). Civil Air Patrol Inc., Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is being awarded a $9,502,000 cooperative agreement contract. This modification will increase funding for FY 2007 Civil Air Patrol operation and maintenance and counter-drug activities, drug demand reduction and Air Force Liaison office space support as authorized by and 10 U.S.C. 9442(b), 10 U.S.C 9444(a) and (b) and FY2007 DoD Appropriations Act Section 8022. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete September 2007. 42d Air Base Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (F41689-00-2-0001/A00125). ARMY SRCTec Inc., North Syracuse, N.Y., was awarded on Feb. 6, 2007, a delivery order amount of $63,984,879 as part of an $831,565,062 firm-fixed-price contract for the CREW-2 Duke Production Systems to procure Band-A Amplifier/Band-B Extension Plus Filters and Antennas. Work will be performed in North Syracuse, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 24, 2007. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-05-D-S205). NAVY Kollsman Company, Merrimack, N.H., is being awarded a $33,777,350 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-C-6001) for the production of an additional 400 U.S. Marine Corps Laser Target Designators. Work will be performed in Merrimack, N.H. (70 percent), Rehovot, Israel (30 percent) and is expected to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., Bloomington, Minn., is being awarded a $6,802,722 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-06-G-0003). This order provides for the procurement of 150 F/A-18 VPM-25A processor module cards for the Government of Spain under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minn., and is expected to be completed in August 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Raytheon Company, Woburn, Mass., is being awarded a $20,000,000 contract not to exceed $212,200,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification for the manufacture, delivery, and integration support of the radar component of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. Work will be performed at Woburn, Mass. and is expected to be completed by May 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. FY07 research and development funds of $20,000,000 will be used. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, DC is the contracting activity (HQ0006-03-C-0047).

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii, Feb. 9, 2007 - A Marine wounded in Iraq traveled the final leg of his journey back to his unit in style yesterday. Lance Cpl. Steven Eastburn, a member of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, at Kaneohe Bay, arrived back in Hawaii on an executive jet, after being offered a ride from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., by Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Eastburn was undergoing treatment at Travis for wounds he suffered in Haqlaniyah, Iraq, on Jan. 31. Pace visited servicemembers at David Grant Medical Center at Travis while his C-40B aircraft was being refueled. Eastburn was at the hospital, and Pace asked the 20-year-old Marine if he would like a ride back to Hawaii. "Of course I said, 'Sure,'" the Marine said. "This is a big government plane," the chairman said. "We can always make room for one more." Eastburn was wounded while pulling guard as his squad was setting up an observation post. A sniper shot him through the right arm just above the elbow. "There was a second shot, but he missed," the lance corporal said. "My squad leader came out to get me." His squad gave him immediate attention then got him to a medevac point. He was flown to Balad Air Base, Iraq; and then Landstuhl, Germany; before going on to Andrews Air Force Base, Md.; and finally to Travis. At Andrews, Eastburn received a new treatment called a peripheral nerve block. The treatment uses a machine to place a small bit of local anesthetic into the affected area. "It gives the wound a chance to heal without the side effects of morphine or other drugs," said Air Force Dr. (Lt. Col.) Bill Whelan, a flight surgeon traveling with the chairman. "Many people get nauseous due to the side effects of morphine. But with this, Steven is able to eat and gain strength. He's doing well." Eastburn will be assigned to Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, closer to his unit's home base. As the jet pulled up to the distinguished visitor area at Hickam, a number of people were there to meet and greet the chairman and his wife, Lynne. Eastburn's parents were also there. The chairman came up the aisle of the plane and told the young lance corporal to "lead everybody off the plane." "Thanks for the ride, Sir," the lance corporal told Pace. "I won't forget it."

Three U.S. Army soldiers were killed in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified a previous casualty. The soldiers, assigned to Multinational Force West, died from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of two Marines and two sailors who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Marine Sgt. Joshua J. Frazier, 24, of Spotsylvania, Va., died Feb. 6 during combat in Anbar province. Frazier was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Marine Cpl. Jennifer M. Parcell, 20, of Bel Air, Md., died Feb. 7 during combat in Anbar province. Parcell was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. -- Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gilbert Minjares Jr., 31, of El Paso, Texas, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Manuel A. Ruiz, 21, of Federalsburg, Md., died Feb. 7 in a helicopter crash in Anbar province. Minjares was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, N.C., and Ruiz was assigned to 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two sailors who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer 1st Class Gilbert Minjares Jr., 31, of El Paso, Texas, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Manuel A. Ruiz, 21, of Federalsburg, Md., died Feb. 7 in a helicopter crash in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Minjares was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, N.C., and Ruiz was assigned to 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

A U.S. veteran who lost both legs in 2004 when a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq will begin a new career because his indomitable spirit moved a total stranger to give back to those who have served their country. Army Staff Sgt. Robbie Doughty and Michael Ilitch, the founder of Little Caesars Pizza, one of nation's largest pizza chains, proudly stood side by side for the grand opening of the veteran's new pizza store in Paducah, Ky., yesterday. Doughty, 31, was honorably discharged from the Army in July 2004 and began a long road to recovery facing an uncertain future with his young family. As he endured months of rehabilitation, he never gave up hope, never lost his courageous spirit and learned to walk again, he said. Ilitch who, along with Little Caesars Pizza, owns Major League Baseball's world champion Detroit Tigers and the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings, read about Doughty in a Nov. 23, 2004, USA Today article. Ilitch was so moved by Doughty's courage and determination that he called the Kentucky veteran to thank him for serving the country. After many conversations, Ilitch offered Doughty an opportunity to open his own Little Caesars Pizza franchise in his hometown of Paducah. "Doughty stood strong for our country. I was so impressed by his courage, commitment and upbeat attitude in the face of adversity, that I wanted to do something," Ilitch said. "Offering him a new career path in his hometown seemed like a good transition. Doughty's 'can-do' attitude will make him a strong Little Caesars franchisee." Doughty accepted Ilitch's offer and followed his suggestion to find a business partner. His choice was fellow veteran Lloyd Allard, who served with Doughty in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, in a dangerous area in Iraq. "After a career in the military, I was open to a new venture," Doughty said. "Our military background and familiarity with systems, processes and a teamwork management style make the Little Caesars franchise a good fit. "Opening a business and becoming an entrepreneur will definitely be an exciting new chapter in my life for my family and me," he said. "From day one, Doughty was ready for his next challenge," Allard said. "With our leadership skills and Little Caesars' training and ongoing support system, we look forward to becoming strong franchisees and sharing our experience with other veterans." Their story also prompted Ilitch to launch a new, innovative franchise program to provide qualified, honorably discharged veterans with a business opportunity when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change. The program provides a benefit of $10,000 for qualified veterans and up to $68,000 in benefits for service-disabled veterans. "Doughty and Allard inspired me with a vision: to develop a program to create career opportunities for military veterans," Ilitch said. "I believe that it's important for Little Caesars and corporate America to thank the men and women who have served in the armed forces and this program offers an exceptional opportunity for veterans who are seeking new career options."

Marissa Strock and Jake Kessler sat in adjacent wheelchairs while prosthetic specialists attached carbon-fiber feet to their titanium legs. Strock, a 21-year-old Army private first class, and Kessler, a 36-year-old Army staff sergeant, are double-leg-amputee Iraq war veterans who forged a friendship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here during painful rehabilitation sessions. Strock accompanied Kessler and his wife, Vanessa, to Sport Rock Indoor Climbing Center here Feb. 2. Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project brought six wounded veterans here for an afternoon of indoor rock climbing. Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project are partners in the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program highlights activities, grassroots groups, corporations and private citizens are doing to support the men and women in uniform. "A week ago in physical therapy, I heard them say, 'rock climbing' and I said, "Oooh Oooh, pick me! Pick me! I wanna go!" Strock said. A prostheticist untied Strock's pink shoelaces and removed her sneakers, revealing two rubber feet, which he unscrewed and replaced with a pair of carbon-fiber counterparts covered by rock-climbing shoes. Strock had climbed several times before, but this was her first attempt since losing her legs. On Nov. 24, 2005, Thanksgiving Day, Strock was patrolling a southern Baghdad area known as the "Triangle of Death" when her armored vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device. "Two insurgents were apparently in the brush, and they had buried an IED in the middle of the road weeks before," Strock said. "There was no way to see it and no way to know it was there. When we drove over it, they blew it. "My team leader died instantly, I'm told. He got thrown through the door and out into some brush that was too tall for them to find him in," Strock said. "It took about two hours to find him." The vehicle's driver also died in the explosion; the .50-caliber gunner and Strock survived. Strock's left femur was broken in multiple places and her right tibia, ankle and heel were severely damaged in the blast. Cranial swelling left her comatose. When she regained consciousness about a month later, Strock consented to below-knee amputation surgery. Life with two metal legs began. Six months later in Iraq, Kessler's vehicle was patrolling a Ramallah street when an improvised explosive device detonated under his gunner's hatch. Kessler suffered two pelvic fractures, five fractures in his back and multiple broken ribs from the blast. "Every move was painful for him," Kessler's wife, Vanessa, recalled. "It also shattered my legs pretty bad," Kessler said, pointing to his titanium replacements. After the explosion, doctors amputated Kessler's right leg below the knee and his left leg above the knee. A prosthetic knee joint and two titanium legs now stand in their places. But Kessler and Strock refuse to let their situations keep them down. "Climbing is one of the passions I've wanted to get back to," Kessler said. "Being able to get back here and climb is the first step of many." In the summer of 2000, Kessler had 45 days free while he prepared to re-station in Alaska. He and his future wife spent nearly every one of those days rock climbing. "It cemented our friendship and created the beginnings of our relationship," Vanessa said. "Rock climbing takes perseverance and strength and patience," she said. "It is kind of like puzzle solving." That summer, Vanessa and Jake discovered their lives were meant to fit together. This would be the first time the two climbed together since Kessler's double amputation. Sitting next to Kessler in a wheelchair here, Strock's brunette hair sat in a bun above her grey, hooded sweatshirt. Her blue basketball shorts hung around the suction device that connects her real knees to her prosthetic legs. "My goal for the day is to make it up the wall," Strock said. "Once, at least. I'm either going to end up leaving here really angry with myself or really happy." Strock touched the new foot fixtures to confirm their stability, then she stepped onto the climbing gym's blue, matted floor and walked with a stuttered gait, like a woman on stilts, toward a 15-foot rock. As she reached the wall, Strock showed her painted fingernails to Timmy O'Neill, an internationally renowned speed-climber on hand to assist the vets with their climbs. "What am I going to do about these?" she asked. "Don't worry," O'Neill joked. "Those won't be there by the end of the day." "On belay," O'Neill said to Strock, indicating he was ready to assist. Strock's playful smile vanished as she replied, "Climbing." Surveying the wall briefly, she wrapped her fingers around two jutting rocks, or holds, then hoisted a titanium leg off the blue mat. "Get the meat of your foot on there," O'Neill said as Strock fought her way upward. "Yeah! Nice! Commit to it. I've got you." Strock climbed within one step of the rock's apex when the suction device keeping her knee and prosthetic leg together loosened. As she lifted her knee toward the next-highest hold, the titanium leg detached and fell to the matted floor in a crash. "Watch out for falling limbs!" she chided. Strock's laughter masked her disappointment at failing to reach the top. "Nice job," O'Neill told Strock once she had returned to the bottom. "You've set your next project." On an adjacent wall, Kessler, halfway up a 15-foot rock, struggled toward the top when his progress suddenly halted. "He's using so much more of the bicep," Jeremy Hardin, Sport Rock Center's "route setting" director, explained. "Climbing is supposed to be all about your legs. "(Kessler) can't bend at the knee," Hardin said, "So he is going to have to learn to adapt." Kessler rappelled to the rock base and lay flat on the blue mats. Beads of sweat dripped from his shaved head down the sides of his face; he breathed heavily. He was clearly exhausted. "I can't get a good grip with these feet," Kessler told Zach Harvey, Walter Reed's chief prostheticist, who volunteered at the event. Harvey led Kessler and Strock back to their wheelchairs, where he modified their prostheses. "It kind of sucks when you get up there and one of your limbs falls off," Strock said as Harvey adjusted the suction device between her knee and leg. "I didn't even know it fell until I heard it hit the ground and saw it laying there." Harvey secured Strock's prostheses. For Kessler, the prostheticist tried something revolutionary; he turned Kessler's feet around 180 degrees. On her next climb, Strock reached the rock's apex and slapped her hand defiantly on its top. "It's definitely a cool feeling to know that I'm still able to do some of the stuff that I had fun with before," Strock said after descending. A fellow vet told Strock she was the first female double-amputee vet to reach the top of the wall "Oh that was nothing," she replied. "I can do that in my sleep." "This was exactly what Marissa needed to boost her confidence," Vanessa Kessler said about Strock. "Climbing, in general, empowers you as a human being. Climbing now, for them, empowers them on a completely different level," Vanessa said. "It shows them that they can do whatever they want. "When they woke up and their legs were gone, every single thing that they ever knew was gone," she continued. "And all of these things, all the rehab and the climbing and the fishing and the skiing help them take steps to get a visualization of who they're going to be now." Vanessa looked on as her husband, climbing with the heels of his prosthetic legs, scraped his way up the 50-foot wall. She fell silent for a moment. "I knew from the beginning that something amazing would come out of this. I didn't know how; I still don't know what that looks like," she said. "But every time that we do one of these events, it helps me get a little bit more clarity on what that means." As Kessler fought to nearly halfway up the rock, Vanessa brushed a tear from her eye. "Some say that things like this happen only to people that can handle them. Jake is one of those people," she said. "He just has this light about him that you can see," she explained. "I don't really know where it comes from; it's just part of him." If Vanessa had been told before Kessler's accident that he would be here climbing a rock with the heels of prosthetic feet, "It wouldn't have surprised me at all," she said. "My husband is one of the strongest, most persevering human beings I've ever met. If somebody said he would be climbing Everest in 10 years, it wouldn't surprise me in the least." Kessler, visibly exhausted, climbed just above the halfway point when he asked to be lowered down. "It's amazing knowing that you can get out and still do the same things you did before," Kessler said after his climb. "It helps a lot that there are positive people around me, encouraging me whether I make it to the top or halfway up. "There's no such thing as a bad climb," he said. Vanessa pushed Kessler's wheelchair to him and offered a seat to the worn-out soldier. "Every step in this is just another piece of what our lives are going to look like now," Vanessa said. "And every new thing that he accomplishes reinforces the fact that we're going to be OK. "It's the old spark," she said. "This is beautiful to watch."

America Supports You: Blind War Veteran Enjoys View from the Top

At the Sport Rock Indoor Climbing Center here, a sign warns that climbing can cause serious injury. If Army Capt. Scott Smiley could see the cautionary sign, he would probably disregard it. "I know I've done more dangerous things than this," Smiley said Feb. 2 from the base of the 50-feet-tall rock he prepared to climb. In April 2005, Smiley's 25th Infantry Division platoon was patrolling Mosul, Iraq, for suicide car bombs when the soldiers saw a suspicious vehicle on the road. "He was facing west, and I was headed north when I saw him. I stopped in my Stryker vehicle and yelled at him to get out of his car to interrogate him," Smiley recalled. "You don't know if they're bad or good," he said. "The shocks could have been out in the back of his car." But Smiley's initial suspicion was correct. The driver was a suicide bomber. "He raised his hands," Smiley said, "and then he blew up." The blast sent shrapnel into Smiley's eyes and brain, leaving him permanently blind. Smiley, who's assigned to the office of the Army's deputy chief of staff for operations, now wears prosthetic blue eyes. He is one of six wounded Iraq war veterans that Disabled Sports USA and Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports brought here to transcend their disabilities and climb toward recovery. Disabled Sports USA and Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project are partners in the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program highlights activities, grassroots groups, corporations and private citizens are doing to support the men and women in uniform. "With other climbers, they can look ahead and predict where their body needs to be to reach the next hold," Jeremy Hardin, director of route setting, said. "But he takes it step by step. Where we break it down into to two or three steps, he's got to break it into 10." Smiley stands on the padded floor while his climbing guide, Ocean Eiler, describes the craggy wall in front of them. "I try to give him the best reference points I can, but a lot of it is a very tactile event," Eiler said. "I'm really just throwing him on the rock." Eiler feeds the safety rope through Smiley's harness and ties two figure-8 knots. Smiley pours a small mound of chalk into his palm, and a white cloud erupts when he claps his hands together. Smiley holds on to Eiler's elbow, and the two men walk slowly toward the bumpy surface. Rocks jutting out from the wall - called holds - are color-coded so climbers can mentally map their route. When asked what he's picturing in his mind, Smiley jokes, "A big rock with no place to hold on." "Belay," Eiler says, indicating to Smiley that he's ready for the soldier to beginning climbing. "Climbing," he replies. Smiley slides his chalky palm across wall until he finds a hold and wraps his fingers around it. He hoists himself off the floor mat. "You've got something over to your right by about two feet," Eiler says. "Up, up, up, up." Smiley's foot rubs blindly against the wall to his right. The hold lies just out of his climbing shoe's reach. "Actually, that's not going to help you much," Eiler says after Smiley makes several unsuccessful leg sweeps. "Go straight up. There you go. Come over to this other wall. Come a little bit more with your left. ... So close. Come out toward me; come toward the voice." Smiley follows Eiler's instructions until he has ascended higher than the range of Eiler's audio map. As Smiley zigzags steadily toward the top, a small group gathers at the rock base. Eiler's instructions are drowned out by cheering, and he joins the crowd, shouting encouraging words toward the apex, "Get that foot on it, come on. Come on. Good job on that inside edge. Commit to it. Big left foot." Smiley reaches the top of the wall, and the crowd erupts. Voices from below guide his hand toward a cowbell hanging within reach, and the mallet slaps against the cast-metal bell as clanging from the rock top mixes with the echo of applause and cheers from below. Back on the ground, Smiley said the climb embodied positive effects of emotional and physical recovery. "That's something big with rehabilitation," he said, "getting back to normal and getting your body to do things that you were able to do before, and sometimes doing it even better."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Ronnie L. Sanders, 26, of Thibodaux, La., died Feb. 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Florida National Guard Ready to Assist After Tornado Strike

More than 8,000 Florida National Guard members are ready to assist local authorities after a tornado touched down in the central part of the state early this morning, a Florida National Guard spokesman said today. A Florida Air National Guard helicopter is flying Gov. Charlie Crist over the damage area, which includes DeLand, Fla., about 30 to 50 miles northeast of Orlando, Florida National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Ron Tittle said. Tittle said Florida National Guard headquarters in St. Augustine has been communicating all day with the state's emergency operations center in Tallahassee. The Guard is now awaiting possible requests for first aid, water, food, debris removal and other emergency services, he said. "We had a conference call this morning with our major (state emergency response) units statewide, giving us a heads-up to stay turned and be aware in case tasks pop up for the Florida National Guard," Tittle said. County and other local authorities typically request emergency response assistance from the state after natural disasters, Tittle said. The tornado appears to have been part of "a major cell" of turbulent weather accompanied by severe thunderstorms that struck DeLand and other areas early today, Tittle said, noting some reports cited several tornados and strikes in Florida. The Florida Air National Guard is conducting aerial reconnaissance over areas touched by the storm, Tittle said. "There seems to be extensive damage in some of the key areas," Tittle said, including a retirement community located near DeLand.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Jan. 30 at Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Killed were: Sgt. Corey J. Aultz, 31, of Port Orchard, Wash. Sgt. Milton A. Gist Jr., 27, of St Louis.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Eric R. Sieger, 18, of Layton, Utah, died Feb. 1 at Buritz, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled over.Sieger was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 2 in Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries sustained when they came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. Killed were: Spc. Alan E. McPeek, 20, of Tucson, Ariz.He was assigned to the 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany. Pvt. Matthew T. Zeimer, 18, of Glendive, Mont.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Two soldiers were killed while operating in Iraq and another died while on rest and recuperation leave, military officials reported. The Defense Department also identified six previous casualties. Two soldiers assigned to Multinational Force West died Feb. 2 from wounds suffered while operating in Anbar province. The soldiers' names are being withheld until their families are notified. In addition, a soldier supporting the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) died Jan. 30 from non-combat- related causes while on a two-week rest-and-recuperation leave. The incident is under investigation, officials said. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of six servicemembers killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom: -- Marine Gunnery Sgt. Terry J. Elliott, 34, of Middleton, Tenn., died Feb. 1 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Elliot was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. -- Navy Seaman Matthew G. Conte, 22, of Mogadore, Ohio, died Feb. 1 while his unit was conducting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. Conte was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was serving as a hospital corpsman in Iraq under the command of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). -- Army Sgt. Maj. Michael C. Mettille, 44, of West St. Paul, Minn., died Feb. 1 at Camp Adder, Iraq, from a non-combat-related injury. Mettille was assigned to the 134th Brigade Support Battalion, Brooklyn Park, Minn. The incident is under investigation. -- Army Cpl. Stephen D. Shannon, 21, of Guttenberg, Iowa, died Jan. 31, in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was hit by a rocket during combat operations Jan. 30 in Ramadi, Iraq. Shannon was assigned to the 397th Engineer Battalion, Wausau, Wis. -- Army Sgt. William M. Sigua, 21, of Los Altos Hills, Calif., died Jan. 31 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small-arms fire. Sigua was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Marine Sgt. Alejandro Carrillo, 22, of Los Angeles, died Jan. 30 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Carrillo was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Forth Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $748,386,783 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This effort will begin work under the Engineering Change Proposal 2687, which will delete two aircraft modification kits due to attrition and incorporates multiple customers requested configuration changes in to the baseline program, which supports the F-16 aircraft.This contract will also support foreign military sales to Turkey.At this time, $692,486,713 have been obligated. This work will be complete February 2016.PA POC is ASC/PA, (937) 785-1256.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8615-05-C-6002/P00009) Kearney and Co., Alexandria, Va., and Capital City Technologies Inc., O'Fallon, Ill., is being awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.This action provides for business, engineering, and technical assistance services, Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS).At this time, no funds have been obligated.This work will be complete February 2012.Headquarters Air Force District of Washington, Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., is the contracting activity.(FA7014-07-A-0006 and FA7014-07-A-0007) United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $18,841,870 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action provides for two Lot 6 replacement test aircraft, F119-PW-100 engines for the F-22 aircraft.At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2008.Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(F33657-05-C-2851/P00014) MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY The Missile Defense Agency is awarding Computer Science Corp., of Arlington, Va., a $151,451,731(estimated) cost-plus-fixed-fee (level of effort) contract for scientific, engineering, and technical assistance support as part of the National Team.Work will be performed at Arlington, Va. and Missile Defense facilities and is expected to be complete by January 2012.The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (HQ0006-07-C-0002). NAVY General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Bloomington, Minn., is being awarded a $56,220,973 ceiling priced contract for the full rate production of 223 Type 3 Advanced Mission Computers (AMCs) for integration into the F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircraft.This contract provides for the procurement of 84 AMCs for forward fit, 114 for retrofit, and 25 spares.Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minn. and is expected to be completed in July 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $222,435 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0030). Raytheon Co., Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $9,587,820 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-6207) to exercise an option for an additional 72,306 hours of engineering services in support of the AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System.Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., and is expected to be completed by December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $7,600,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0001).This order provides for T-45 production line transition efforts for orderly shut down of the T-45 production line.Specific efforts will include technical assessment of parts and tooling to identify areas to reduce post-production parts manufacturing costs.Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (59 percent) and Manchester, England (41 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ARMY Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $19,350,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Patriot "Pure-Fleet" Tactical Assets test equipment.Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 20, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151). Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $10,516,414 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Patriot (PAC-2) Missile Support Center.Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 9, 2004.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-05-C-0033). Hawkins Construction Co., Omaha, Neb., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $6,429,654 firm-fixed-price contract for the Antelope Creek Flood Protection Project.Work will be performed in Lincoln, Neb., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 4, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0001). Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $5,798,489 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for PATRIOT PAC-3 Missile Support Services, Field Surveillance Program.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 31, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0135). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a maximum $7,124,594 firm fixed price contract for battle dress uniform coats and trousers for Iraqi Security Forces.Other locations of performance are Last Marias, Cabo Rojo, Adjuntas, Lajas, South Lajas, Sabana Grande, and Ciales, Puerto Rico.There were 10 proposals solicited and 4 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Aug. 4, 2007.Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-07-C-0045).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 2 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their Apache helicopter was forced to land during combat operations.Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Chief Warrant Officer Keith Yoakum, 41, of Hemet, Calif. Chief Warrant Officer Jason G. Defrenn, 34, of Barnwell, S.C. The incident is under investigation.

A U.S. Marine was killed in Iraq yesterday, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified five previous casualties. The Marine, assigned to Multinational Force West, died from wounds suffered while operating in Anbar province. The Marine's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of five servicemembers who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom: -- Army Spc. Eric R. Sieger, 18, of Layton, Utah, died Feb. 1 in Buritz, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his Bradley fighting vehicle rolled over. Sieger was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Pfcs. David C. Armstrong, 21, of Zanesville, Ohio, and Kenneth T. Butler, 21, of East Liverpool, Ohio, died Feb. 1 in Baghdad in a vehicle accident. They were assigned to the 57th Military Police Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Pacific, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Sgts. Corey J. Aultz, 31, of Port Orchard, Wash., and Milton A. Gist Jr., 27, of St Louis, died Jan. 30 in Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Capt. Kevin C. Landeck, 26, of Illinois.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Staff Sgt. Terrence D. Dunn, 38, of Houston.He was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Feb. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: Capt. Kevin C. Landeck, 26, of Illinois.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Staff Sgt. Terrence D. Dunn, 38, of Houston.He was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

CONTRACTS

NAVY Pegasus Global, Inc, Reston, Va., is being awarded a $36,886,850 firm-fixed-price commercial contract for 1,001 (ea) Revolving Frequency signal jamming systems for use in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to combat Improvised Explosive Devices.Work will be performed in Reston, Va., and is expected to be completed by Jun 2007.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity. General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,719,091 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Integrated Power Systems Research and Development (IPS).IPS provides total ship electric power including electric propulsion, power conversion and distribution, combat system support and mission load interfaces to the electric power system.Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by the Dec 2011.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with 14 proposals received.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-4012). AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $20,566,172 firm-fixed-price contract modification.This action provides for Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) additional 784 Lot 11 Guided Vehicle kits.The JDAM weapon system provides the Air Force and the Navy with an improved aerial delivery capability for existing 500, 1,000, and 2,000-pound bombs.The JDAM is a kit with Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System capability.At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete Mar 2009.Headquarters Air-To-Ground Munitions Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-07-C-0002/P00001). ARMY Cummins Inc., Columbus, Ind., was awarded on Feb. 2, 2007, a delivery order amount of $13,687,405 as part of a $57,929,155 firm-fixed-price contract for remanufactured Cummins Series V903 Diesel Engines, and for technical, engineering and other related services.Work will be performed in Columbus, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 24, 2004.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-04-D-0145). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 2, 2007, a delivery order amount of $8,413,156 as part of a $5,098,151,455 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for manhours to retrofit the Stryker Vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (60 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of

bids solicited via the World Wide Web on April 6, 2000, and 17 bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-00-D-M051). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Andalusia-Opp Airport Authority, Andalusia, Ala., (local government entity) is being awarded a maximum $5,627,126 fixed price with economic price adjustment for jet fuel.Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies.There were 2 proposals solicited and 1 responded.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is Mar 31, 2011.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0051).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Randy J. Matheny, 20, of McCook, Neb., died Feb. 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.He was assigned to the 1074th Transportation Company, Sidney, Neb.

CONTRACTS ARMY DynCorp International L.L.C., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $95,561,247 modification to a cost-reimbursable and firm-fixed-price contract for life cycle contractor support and maintenance for the entire fleet of C-12, RC-12, and UC-35 Army Fixed Wing Aircraft.Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on March 8, 2000, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH23-00-C-0226). O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co., Fairfield, Ohio, was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, an $82,261,752 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Objective Frag #5 Kits for the Up-Armor High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 1999.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH01-00-D-0004). The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $80,930,896 as part of an $80,930,896 firm-fixed-price contract for spare parts for the CH-47 Chinook Helicopter.Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 2005.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH23-02-D-0307). General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on Jan. 30, 2007, a delivery order amount of $77,665,732 as part of a $77,665,732 firm-fixed-price contract for production of 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and caliber .50 small arms ammunition.Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 23, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Jan. 18, 2005, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Field Support Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-G-0002). International Management Services Inc.*, Rumford, Maine, was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $39,512,990 as part of a $39,512,990 cost-plus-award-fee contract for interpreter and translation services.Work will be performed in Afghanistan, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 28, 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on June 29, 2006, and five bids were received.The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W4-07-D-0005). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $22,933,646 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Frag No. 5 Retrofit Kit Used on the M1151A1 Vehicle with Armor Kit B1.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Tyonek Fabrication Corp.*, Madison, Ala., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $21,464,132 as part of a $21,464,132 firm-fixed-price contract for fit form functional replacements for the UH-60 Blackhawk.Work will be performed in Madison, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 4, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-D-0061). Centex Lee L.L.C.*, Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $21,000,000 increment as part of a $32,635,707 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction phase of the Pentagon Memorial Project.Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were ten bids solicited on May 10, 2003, and ten bids were received.The Department of Defense/Washington Headquarters Service, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA947-03-C-0009). Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $19,350,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Patriot "Pure-Fleet" Tactical Assets Test Equipment.Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 20, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151). Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $10,516,414 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Patriot (PAC-2) Missile Support Center.Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 9, 2004.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-05-C-0033). Hawkins Construction Co., Omaha, Neb., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $6,429,654 firm-fixed-price contract for the Antelope Creek Flood Protection Project.Work will be performed in Lincoln, Neb., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Dec. 4, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-07-C-0001). Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $5,798,489 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for PATRIOT PAC-3 Missile support services, Field Surveillance Program.Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 31, 2006.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0135). NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $29,799,741 cost-plus-incentive-fee, award-fee modification to under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) exercise an option for procurement of two Virginia Class Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Insertion (ARCI) sonar system upgrades, and 4,129 hours of engineering services for ARCI improvements.ARCI processes acoustic signals from submarine hull arrays, towed arrays, and sphere arrays.Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. (42 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (27 percent); Oldsmar, Fla. (18 percent); Chantilly, Va. (4 percent); Syracuse N. Y. (3 percent); Chelmsford, Mass. (2 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (2 percent), and Houston, Texas (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2010.Contract funds in the amount of $7,608,518, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. L-3 Communications Titan Corp., Norfolk, Va. and Perot Systems Government Services, Inc., Fairfax, Va., are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing provision contract to provide submarine mechanical/electronics system engineering, analytical, logistics and technical support to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC). L-3 Communications base amount is $15,632,725 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $82,155,930.Perot Systems Government Services base amount is $15,446,846 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $81,447,896.Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (60 percent); Portsmouth, N.H. (5 percent); Kings Bay, Ga. (5 percent); Groton, Conn. (10 percent); Bremerton, Wash. (5 percent); San Diego, Calif. (5 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (5 percent); and Guam (5 percent), and is expected to be complete January 2008.Contract funds associated with the contract guaranteed minimum amounts will expire in September 2007.This contract was competitively procured and solicited through Navy Electronic Commerce Online (NECO) and Federal Business Opportunities Website, with two offers received.The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (L-3 Communications Titan Corporation: N00189-07-D-0029/Perot Systems Government Services Inc.:N00189-07-D-0030). Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $13,351,338 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00019-03-C-0003) for the upgrade of 494 AIM-9M Guidance Control Sections for the Government of Egypt under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (84 percent); Rocket Center, W.V. (13 percent); and Andover, Mass. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Advanced Acoustics Concepts, Inc, Hauppauge, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,116,109 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5486) to exercise options for six Scaled Improved Performance (SIPS) Sonar Kits (AN/SQQ-89(V)15, TEMPALT to SHIPALT)), one SIPS kit (AN/SQQ-89(V)15, SHIPALT) and 40,954 hours of engineering services support for Anti-Submarine Warfare improvements across multiple surface ship platforms and programs.Work will be performed in Hauppauge N.Y. (60 percent), Lemont Furnace, Pa. (40 percent) and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines support of the U. S. Navy (95 percent) and the Government of Japan (5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $20,090,735 firm-fixed-price with time and materials contract modification.This action provides for sustaining engineering services will be procured as firm fixed price for recurring and non-recurring tasks that can be definitively priced.Time and Material (T&M) tasks will be used as necessary in accordance with FAR subpart 16.601 (b).Non-recurring tasks are performed in response to specific engineering assignments issued via the contract.Each engineering assignment will provide a specific statement, a not-to-exceed dollar limit and required completion date.All engineering assignments will be reviewed and approved by the 49th Missile Sustainment Group (MSUG) Chief of Engineering and by the Procurement Contracting officer.Sustaining engineering includes systems engineering, mission effectiveness analyses, field problem investigation, software support and simulations, maintaining an electronic data repository, Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing, collection and evaluation of flight and field reliability data and support of Air Combat Command (ACC) Force Development Evaluation flight tests and anomaly resolution of the ACM, AGM-129A.At this time, $7,558,910 have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity(F34601-02-C-0090/P00125). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Sterlingwear of Boston, Boston, Mass.* is being awarded a maximum $15,940,848 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for man's and woman's overcoats for Navy.Proposals were web-solicited and 5 responded.This is an indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year 2.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is February 2, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-04-D-0348). *Small business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Maj. Michael C. Mettille, 44, of West St. Paul, Minn., died Feb. 1 at Camp Adder, Iraq, from a non-combat related injury.Mettille was assigned to the 134th Brigade Support Battalion, Brooklyn Park, Minn. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. William M. Sigua, 21, of Los Altos Hills, Calif., died Jan. 31 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat operations.Sigua was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Stephen D. Shannon, 21, of Guttenberg, Iowa, died Jan. 31, in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was hit by a rocket during combat operations Jan. 30 in Ramadi, Iraq. Shannon was assigned to the 397th Engineer Battalion, Wausau, Wis.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hospitalman Matthew G. Conte, 22, of Mogadore, Ohio, died Feb. 1 while his unit was conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Conte was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii serving as a hospital corpsman in Iraq under the command of I Marine Expeditionary Force (forward).

Two U.S. soldiers were killed this morning when their Multinational Division Baghdad helicopter crashed while conducting operations northwest of the Iraqi capital, military officials reported. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Officials said the soldiers' bodies have been recovered and the site has been secured. An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the crash, and operations continue in the area, officials said.

The Defense Department's Military OneSource family support program is once again offering free, online tax preparation and filing for servicemembers and their families, officials said. The service began Jan. 15. It's available to active duty servicemembers, National Guardsmen and reservists and their families. This is the second year of the program. Last year, more than 327,000 tax claims were filed using a similar program, said Jane Burke, principal director in the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy. Burke added that servicemembers can put their tax refunds to good use as a deposit in a savings or retirement account or to pay off debts. "How to use the refund may be the first financial decision of the year" for servicemembers in improving their financial readiness, Burke noted. DoD is launching a campaign called "Military Saves" to encourage servicemembers to save money and eliminate or reduce their personal debt. Filers who use Military OneSource's online system can expect to receive their refund within 10 days, Burke said. And Military OneSource tax consultants, she said, are trained to answer questions on preparing and filing taxes and provide other financial management information. Additionally, through the Military OneSource Web site at www.militaryonesource.com, servicemembers and their families can get guidance and answers to questions, Burke said. The Military OneSource service augments the long-standing voluntary income tax assistance program offered through legal centers at most military installations, Burke said. Volunteers at the centers provide free tax preparation and filing services, she said. The service available through Military OneSource's Web site "is a new option where people can do their taxes online for free," said Army Maj. John Johnson, executive director, Armed Forces Tax Council. Tax-filing assistance also is available through the Internal Revenue Service's electronic filing program. Military OneSource's online tax preparation and filing was very popular with servicemembers and their families last year, Burke said. "It is just one more way we can help improve the quality of life for our troops and their families," she said.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Joshua J. Frazier, 24, of Spotsylvania, Va., died Feb. 6 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Frazier was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jennifer M. Parcell, 20, of Bel Air, Md., died Feb. 7 while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Parcell was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

All seven crewmembers and passengers were killed when a Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter went down in Iraq's Anbar province this morning, a senior U.S. military officer based in Baghdad confirmed today. Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, told reporters the helicopter went down about 20 miles northwest of Baghdad. The helicopter and its crew were conducting routine operations, military officials said. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Caldwell would not comment on the possible causes of the incident. "The investigation is going on as we speak," he said. A quick reaction force team had arrived at the crash site, he added.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Van Parys, 20, of New Tripoli, Pa., died Feb. 5 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

A U.S. Marine and a soldier were killed in Iraq yesterday

, military officials reported today. The Defense Department also identified seven previous casualties. The Marine, assigned to Multinational Force West, died from wounds suffered while operating in Anbar province. The soldier, assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad, died during an enemy attack on a security post southwest of Baghdad. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the names of seven servicemembers who died recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom: -- Army Sgt. Randy J. Matheny, 20, of McCook, Neb., died Feb. 4 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1074th Transportation Company, Sidney, Neb. -- Army Staff Sgt. Ronnie L. Sanders, 26, of Thibodaux, La., died Feb. 3 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army Chief Warrant Officer Keith Yoakum, 41, of Hemet, Calif., and Army Chief Warrant Officer Jason G. Defrenn, 34, of Barnwell, S.C., died Feb. 2 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their Apache helicopter was forced to land during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The incident is under investigation. -- Army Capt. Kevin C. Landeck, 26, of Illinois, and Army Staff Sgt. Terrence D. Dunn, 38, of Houston, died Feb. 2 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Landeck was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Dunn was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Marine Cpl. Richard O. Quill III, 22, of Roswell, Ga., died Feb. 1 from a non-hostile cause in Iraq's Anbar province. Quill was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS ARMY McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a $136,900,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of war replacement AH-64D Apache Longbow aircraft. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by April 10, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 31, 2007. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0274). General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Jan. 30, 2007, a $20,748,347 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support for IGNAT Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operations. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (75 percent), Adelanto, Calif. (5 percent), Palmdale, Calif. (5 percent), and Salt Lake City, Utah (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 12, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH01-03-C-0124). Dick Anderson Construction Inc., Great Falls, Mont., was awarded on Feb. 1, 2007, a delivery order amount of $20,000,000 as part of a $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction, repair, alteration, and demolition of various facilities. Work will be performed in Great Falls, Mont. (75 percent), and Fort Harrison, Mont. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 50 bids solicited on June 5, 2006, and seven bids were received. The National Guard Bureau, Helena, Mont., is the contracting activity (W9124V-07-D-0004). CP of Bozeman Inc.*, McAllister, Mt., was awarded on Feb. 1, 2007, a delivery order amount of $20,000,000 as part of a $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction, repair, alteration, and demolition of various facilities. Work will be performed in Great Falls, Mt. (75 percent), and Fort Harrison, Mt. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 50 bids solicited on June 5, 2006, and seven bids were received. The National Guard Bureau, Helena, Mt., is the contracting activity (W9124V-07-D-0006). DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, an $18,393,224 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M1200 Armored KNIGHT Vehicles and associated stock list spares. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 14, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0523). Allen Wright Enterprises Inc./Hamp's Construction L.L.C. (Joint Venture)*, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Jan. 31, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,839,665 as part of a $31,350,305 firm-fixed-price contract for an urban flood control project, and bridge replacement. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by May 24, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Sept. 25, 2006, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-06-D-0093). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Tullahoma Industries, LLC, Tullahoma, Tenn., * is being awarded a maximum $30,394,680 firm fixed price contract for coats and trousers, for the Army Combat Uniform. Other locations of performance are Brilliant, Gruetli-Laager, Ala., and Omega-Smithville, Tenn. Proposals were Web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 7, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0427). Wellstone Apparel, LLC, Greenville, S.C. * is being awarded a maximum $28,148,880 firm fixed price contract for coats and trousers, for the Army Combat Uniform. Other locations of performance are Flotala, Ala., Columbia and Tylertown, Miss. Proposals were Web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 7, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0420). Fox Apparel, Asheboro, N.C. * is being awarded a maximum $22,743,000 firm fixed price contract for coats and trousers for the Army Combat Uniform. Other location of performance is Boiling Springs, Tenn. Proposals were Web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 7, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0421). Bethel Industries, Inc., Jersey City, N.J. (disadvantaged woman-owned small business) is being awarded a maximum $16,074,000 firm fixed price contract for coats for the Army Combat Uniform. Other locations of performance are West New York and Union City, N.J. Proposals were Web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two with a base and 4 one-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 7, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0418). Bremen Bowdon, Bowdon, Ga., (woman-owned small business) is being awarded a maximum $15,960,000 firm fixed price contract for coats for the Army Combat Uniform. Proposals were Web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two with a base and 4 one-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 7, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0419). Sidran, Inc., Farmers Branch, Texas * is being awarded a maximum $7,704,120 firm fixed price contract for coats and trousers for the Army Combat Uniform. Other location of performance is Brownwood, Texas. Proposals were Web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is February 7, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0422). AIR FORCE Boeing Co., Seattle Wash., is being awarded a $23,533,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This delivery order provides funding for CY07 Communication Equipment Subscription Services for the C-32A and C-40B aircraft. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-0013/No modification number at this time). NAVY Force 3, Incorporated*, Crofton, Md., is being awarded a $7,964,532 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for local area and wide area network infrastructure material and network routers and switches to support the Local Area Network Upgrade Project in CONUS and OCONUS TRICARE Regions for the Military Health System (MHS) Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) at Army, Navy, and Air Force sites. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $15,929,064. Work will be performed in Crofton, Md., and is expected to be completed by February 2008. If all options are exercised, work could continue until February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website and eight offers were received via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-5100).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gunnery Sgt. Terry J. Elliott, 34, of Middleton, Tenn., died Feb. 1 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Elliott was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY The VION Corporation, Washington, D.C., was awarded on Jan. 30, 2007 an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity firm-fixed price performance contract. The maxium ceiling amount of $700,000,000 and the minimum guarantee of $1,000,000 is being obligated with the award of the Enterprise Storage Services (ESS) contract. The goal of the ESS project is to obtain a reliable, responsive, and cost effective information storage infrastructure family of "on-demand" enterprise services for the specified operating environment at DISA and/or DISA approved processing locations. The period of performance is for a five year base period with three one-year option periods. Performance will be at any of the current seventeen Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) computing service data centers including Hawaii and an OCONUS location of Patch Barracks, Vaihingen, Germany, or future DISA approved locations. The solicitation was issued as a full and open competitive action. There were three proposals received. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, (DITCO) Scott AFB, IL is the contracting activity (HC1013-07-D-2009). ARMY Raytheon Co., Bedford, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 30, 2007, a $144,040,148 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for FY07 PATRIOT engineering services. Work will be performed in Burlington, Mass. (3.95 percent) Huntsville, Ala. (8.09 percent), Andover, Mass. (9.82 percent), Tewksbury, Mass. (76.44 percent), El Paso, Texas (1.67 percent), and Norfolk, Va. (0.03 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 9, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 26, 2003. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0020). Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 25, 2007, a delivery order amount of $59,581,043 as part of a $257,404,074 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for continuous technology refreshment of PATRIOT PAC2 Forebodies to Guidance Enhanced Missile Plus Frequency Generator upgrade. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 1999. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH01-00-D-0004). General Electric Aircraft Engine, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on Jan. 29, 2007, an $18,204,911 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for an overhaul and repair effort for the entire T700 family of engines. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 25, 2005. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0038). DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Jan. 25, 2007, a $9,999,948 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and logistics systems technical support for the M707/M1200 Knight Vehicle Systems. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 5, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0538). NAVY General Electric Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded $31,358,368 for ceiling priced order (GB32) under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (FA8104-05-G-0003) for repair of various quantities of repairable components of the T64 engine on the H53 aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass. (84 percent) and Cherry Point, N.C. (16 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Raleigh, N.C., is being awarded a $11,600,000 firm-fixed-priced contract for design and construction of an enlisted dining facility at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Work will be performed at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C., and work is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command E-Solicitations website with three Phase I and two Phase II proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-1914). The Boeing Company, Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded an estimated $11,019,440 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the SSN Launch and Recovery (L&R) Demonstration. Services to be performed include submarine qualified personnel to operate and maintain the system, system transportation to and from designated SSN installation and offload site, all system hardware and software changes, and necessary engineering services in support of the at-sea demonstration. Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif. (82 percent); Santa Barbara, Calif. (9 percent); and Westerly, R.I. (9%), and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $1.7 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6302). Raytheon Co., Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $10,358,398 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-06-C-0084) to exercise an option for integrated logistics support for the F/A-18 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and is expected to be completed in January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Systems Engineering Group, Inc., Columbia, Md., is being awarded a $7,543,255 cost-plus- award-fee contract for threat engineering services in support of missile design and development, test and evaluation, sensor development and analysis, and systems engineering. This contract includes four one-year option periods, which if exercised, bring the estimated value of the contract to $40,876,336. Work will be performed in Columbia, Md., and is expected to be completed by January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity (N00244-07-C-0007). General Dynamics Land Systems, General Dynamics Amphibious Systems (GDAMS), Woodbridge, Va., is being awarded a $6,442,658 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (M67854-01-C-0001) for Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program. Work will be performed in Woodbridge, Va. (94 percent) and Hill Air Force Base, Utah (6 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Del-Jen Inc., Rolling Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $25,831,882 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This action provides for all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform all civil engineer service, tasks, and functions for Hanscom Air Force Base, Cape Cod Air Station, Fourth Cliff Family Recreation Center, Sudbury Geophysics Research Annex, Ipswich Antenna Test Facility, Sagamore Hill Air Weather Services Facility, Dow Pines Recreation Center, Searsport Defense Fuel Station and other property owned by the USAF. At this time, $5,468,134 have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2008. Headquarters 66th Mission Support Group, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19650-02-D-0010/P00033). Accenture LLP, Reston Va., is being awarded a $9,842,799 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This action provides for Financial Information Resources Systems (FIRST) which includes Commercial off-the-shelf integration/configuration activities; including, management, design, development, implementation, deployment and sustainment of the FIRST program as it migrates to the Global Combat Support System, Air Force. The contactor shall deliver the FIRST Budget Formulation application. This action also includes sustainment of Automated Budget Analysis Systems Centralized User System; sustainment and migration of the Enterprise Data View, Commanders Resource Integration Systems to the Global Support System, Air Force data services; and sustainment of the Military and Civilian Personnel J-Books application. At this time, $9,162,680 have been obligated. Solicitations began December 2006 and negotiations were complete January 2007. This work will be complete June 2008. Headquarters 554th Electronic Systems Wing, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8770-01-C-0020/P00100). Boeing Co., Wichita, Kans., is being awarded a $7,925,303 time and materials, over and above and travel contract modification. This action is for the procurement of sustaining engineering services to support the B-52H Stratofortress Aircraft Fleet. The engineering service will be provided on two new engineering assignment's (07-B52-004 and 07-B52-006). The modification also provides funding for the contractor's over and above CLIN and the Travel CLIN. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2008. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34601-99-C-0006/P00235). Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a $7,500,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract provides for research and development services in support of the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) mission. The Air Force can issue delivery orders totaling up to the maximum amount indicated above, although actual requirements may necessitate less than the amount above. At this time, $448,000 have been obligated. Solicitations began June 2006 and negotiations were complete January 2007. This work will be complete January 2012. 44th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2521-07-D-8002). ATK Tactical Systems Co., LLC, Rocket Center W. Va., is being awarded a $7,398,614 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action provides for the DSU-33C/B proximity sensor is nose mounted Radio Frequency Proximity sensor used on M117 and MK-80 series general-purpose bombs and the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). The DSU-33/B/B provides a sensor fire pulse to a fuze, which in turn initiates bomb detonation at a height-of-burst (HOB) normally 20 feet. The HOB enhances the performance of the weapon system for the above targets. The sensors are qualified for use on the following aircraft ad each variant in their series: Marine AV-8, Navy/Marine F/A-18, and Air Force A-10, F-15, F-16, F-22, B-52, B-1 and B-2 including foreign military sales versions. This action will exercise option 1 for procurement of 7,335 DSU-33D/B proximity sensors and cables for the Air Force and 42 sensors and cables for foreign military sales. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Solicitations and negotiations were complete in January 2007. This work will be complete July 2008. Headquarters Air-to-Ground Munitions Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-06-C-0009/P00008). Lockheed Martin Corp., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a $5,894,802 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. The contractor is to provide continued development of TBMCS Spiral 1.1.4 and TBONE and integration under Lockheed Martin administration. Additionally, continue to provide engineering support to and participation in the TBMCS 1.1.4 Interface Control Working Group (ICWG). As needed, update TBMCS 1.1.4 interface documentation required to maintain configuration management of all external system interfaces, and deliver these document's to the government as required. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete April 2007. Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-95-C-0143/P00485). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Safety Kleen Systems, Inc., Plano, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $17,666,690 firm fixed price contract for lubricating engine oil. This is a DIBBS-solicited, sole source competition and 3 responded. Other locations of performance are Hammond Lubricants, Hammond, Ind.; and Lubrizol Canaca, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. This is an indefinite quantity type contract with a 1-year base period and two 1-year option periods. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 29, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM4A6-07-D-2594). Enspire Energy, Norfolk, Va.*, is being awarded a maximum $5,522,040 firm fixed price contract for direct supply natural gas. Using services are Army and Navy. There were 6 proposals solicited and 5 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-G-7546).

African-Americans have a long tradition of honorable and distinguished service in America's armed forces, going back 231 years to the nation's birth -- and even before. For example, Crispus Attucks was among a group of outraged colonists protesting English rule who died from British soldiers' bullets during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. Two other people also were immediately killed, and two others died of their wounds as a result of the encounter. Attucks' name is the only one Americans commonly remember as among the victims of the shooting. A monument honoring him was placed on Boston Common in 1888. Five years after the Boston Massacre, Peter Salem was among many African-Americans who fought with other American colonists against the British over possession of Breed's Hill outside Boston. Commonly and mistakenly known as the "Battle of Bunker Hill," the engagement was fought on June 17, 1775. It was one of the first military engagements of the Revolution. Salem survived that battle and mortally wounded the British commander who led the fourth and last charge that secured the hill. Salem was commended for his enterprise and courage at Breed's Hill and during subsequent engagements. On a citation signed by 14 senior officers, he was described as "a brave and gallant soldier" who "behaved like an experienced officer." It's estimated that 5,000 African-Americans fought on the patriot side during the American Revolutionary War that spanned from 1775 to 1783. About 180,000 African-Americans wore Union blue and earned praise for their military skill during the American Civil War, fought 1861-1865. Early in the war, U.S. government skepticism over African-Americans' fighting abilities had kept them mostly off the battlefield. That would change later in the war, when emerging manpower shortages coerced the Union to enlist thousands of African-American troops for front-line duty. Union soldiers of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Regiment achieved military respect on July 17, 1863, by routing a Confederate force after two hours of hard fighting at Honey Springs, in present-day Oklahoma. "I never saw such fighting as was done by the Negro regiment," Union Commander Gen. James G. Blunt wrote after the Honey Springs battle. "The question that Negroes will fight is settled. Besides, they make better soldiers in every respect than any troops I have ever had under my command." African-American troops fighting for the Union distinguished themselves again at the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, Va., which was fought on Sept. 29, 1864. After being pinned down by Confederate artillery fire for 30 minutes, the African-American division of the U.S. 18th Corps charged the enemy's earthworks and rushed up the surrounding slopes. The division suffered massive casualties during the hour-long engagement. Of the 25 African-Americans who received the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, 14 were so honored as the result of their service at Chaffin's Farm. America expanded westward after the Civil War ended, and soldiers were needed to protect settlers and the railroads from Indian attacks. Although Lt. Col. George A. Custer's 7th Cavalry Regiment is known for its fights against the plains Indians, the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry Regiments also gained fame for their exploits against the Indians, both on the plains and in the southwest. Established in 1866, the 9th and 10th regiments were made up of African-American enlisted soldiers who were usually commanded by white commissioned officers. The Indians respected the African-American cavalrymen and called them "Buffalo Soldiers" for their fighting prowess. Army Lt. Henry O. Flipper graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on June 14, 1877, the first African-American to do so and the U.S. military's first African-American commissioned officer. Flipper was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, where he earned praise for his selfless, capable service. Yet later, Flipper was accused of embezzling government funds. He was tried and judged not guilty of embezzlement, but was dismissed from the service for misconduct in December 1881. After an inquiry, the Department of the Army cleared Flipper of all charges on Dec. 13, 1976, and he was honorably discharged. During the course of the Indian Wars fought from 1866 to the early 1890s, 13 enlisted men and six officers from the 9th and 10th regiments and two African-American infantry units earned the Medal of Honor. During the Spanish-American War, African-American soldiers with the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments fought alongside Lt. Col. Teddy Roosevelt and his volunteer unit of "Rough Riders," and defeated Spanish troops at the Battles of Kettle Hill and San Juan Heights, Cuba, on July 1, 1898. Five African-American soldiers earned Medals of Honor for their heroism during the Spanish-American War. Many African-American households proudly acquired prints featuring resolute, African-American troops charging up San Juan Hill with Roosevelt and his volunteers. African-American troops again served with distinction during World War I, fought between 1914 and 1918. Although U.S. military units remained segregated by race, African-Americans eagerly volunteered for military service following America's entry into the conflict in April 1917. By the war's end in November 1918, more than 350,000 African-Americans had served with the American Expeditionary Force on the western front in Europe. Soldiers with the U.S. 369th Infantry Regiment were known as the "Harlem Hellfighters" and served on the front lines for six months, longer than any other African-American regiment in the war. They fought and won alongside the French against the Germans during the pitched battles at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood. The 369th's documented exploits on the western front earned it world respect; 171 of its officers and men received the Legion of Merit. And members of the unit were the first Americans to be awarded the French Croix de Guerre for valor. African-American soldier Cpl. Freddie Stowers also heroically served with the U.S. 371st Infantry Regiment in France during World War I. Despite two wounds, Stowers continued to lead his men during an attack on German trenches on Sept. 28, 1918. The enemy positions were ultimately taken by the Americans. Stowers died from his wounds. He was recommended to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions, but the nomination paperwork was allegedly misplaced. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush presented the Medal of Honor to Stowers' relatives in recognition of the corporal's exploits in France 73 years before. Stowers became the only African-American who served during World War I to be awarded the nation's highest military honor. America was again engaged in a global war after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. African-American serviceman Navy Ship's Cook 3rd Class Dorie Miller distinguished himself during the Pearl Harbor attack and won the Navy Cross. Miller voluntarily manned an anti-aircraft gun and shot down four Japanese planes, despite his lack of gunnery training. During World War II, more than 1 million African-Americans answered the nation's call, despite the continuance of segregated units and discrimination. Civil rights leaders of that time saw military service as a way for African-Americans to achieve long-denied rights and respect. African-Americans served with distinction in units such as the 761st Tank Battalion, the 555th Infantry Parachute Battalion, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, and the 332nd Fighter Group. The 3rd Army's march across Europe under Gen. George S. Patton after D-Day was facilitated by African-American quartermaster troops who drove supply trucks for the "Red Ball Express." Benjamin O. Davis Sr. became the first African-American general officer in the regular Army and the U.S. armed forces when he was promoted to brigadier general on Aug. 1, 1941. Davis was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his work as inspector of African-American troop units during the war. In 1954, Davis's son, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., would become the first African-American general in the U.S. Air Force. Yet, at first, there were no African-American Medal of Honor recipients from World War II. After an Army study, that oversight was rectified on Jan. 13, 1997, when President Bill Clinton presented Medals of Honor to families of seven World War II-era African-American servicemen. One, Army 1st Lt. Vernon Baker, was the only recipient still living and present to receive his award. The other six soldiers received their medals posthumously. Near the end of World War II, an Army survey conducted in May and June of 1945 asked white officers and noncommissioned officers about the performance of about 2,500 African-American troops who had volunteered for combat duty in the European theater of operations. More than 80 percent of leaders interviewed said that African-American soldiers had performed very well in combat. And, 69 percent of officers and 83 percent of the NCOs queried said they saw no reason why African-American infantrymen should not perform as well as white soldiers if both had had the same training and experience. A majority of officers in the survey also approved of integrating African-American platoons within white company units. However, many senior military leaders at that time remained reluctant to move toward total integration. Other surveys conducted by the U.S. government after the war cited the unfairness and inefficiency of having segregated military units. President Harry S. Truman's Committee on Civil Rights' landmark report, titled, "To Secure These Rights," condemned racial segregation wherever it existed and specifically criticized the practice of segregation in the U.S. armed forces. The report, issued on Oct. 29, 1947, recommended legislation and administrative action "to end immediately all discrimination and segregation based on race, color, creed or national origin" in all branches of the U.S. military. Truman decided to end segregation in the armed forces and the civil service by administrative action through an executive order, rather than by legislation. On July 26, 1948, he signed Executive Order 9981. It states: "It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin." The order also established a presidential committee on equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed services. The Korean War erupted in June 1950 and somewhat slowed the implementation of Truman's order. However, more than 600,000 African-Americans served in the armed forces during the war. Two African-American Army sergeants, Cornelius H. Charlton and William Thompson, earned the Medal of Honor during the conflict, which ended in 1953. "Project Clear" conducted by Johns Hopkins University and released in 1954, studied the effects of segregation and integration in the Army both in the United States and in Korea. The report concluded that racially segregated units negatively affected Army efficiency, while integration enhanced military readiness. By the end of 1954, the last all-African-American unit had been disbanded, while African-American enlistment in the military grew. In June 1961, the Defense Department issued a directive designed to eliminate off-post discrimination. By 1963, commanders were made responsible to ensure that their troops were treated fairly by off-post landlords. During the Vietnam War (1962-75) African-Americans continued to join the armed forces in large numbers. Many volunteered to join the prestigious and high-risk airborne and air mobile helicopter combat units. Future Air Force Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Jr., a graduate of the African-American pilot training program conducted at then-Tuskegee College, later Tuskegee University, Ala., during World War II, flew 78 combat missions into North Vietnam. James later became the first four-star African-American general in the U.S. armed forces. There were 20 African-American Medal of Honor recipients during the Vietnam War. African-American enlistment into the U.S. military jumped with the advent of the all-volunteer force in 1973. African-Americans made up about 17 percent of the military's enlisted force when the draft ended in 1973. By the early 1980s, African-Americans made up nearly 24 percent of the enlisted force. And when the United States and its allies pushed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in 1991, the most-senior officer in the U.S. military was an African-American, Army Gen. Colin L. Powell, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell later served as Secretary of State in President George W. Bush's administration. And today, African-Americans continue to answer duty's call as members of the U.S. armed forces during the war against global terrorism. During a recent Army commemoration of the work and birthday of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., guest speaker Andrew J. Young Jr. remarked that the U.S. military fulfills King's dream of equality and social justice for all by its practice of promoting people based on individual merit, rather than by ethnic makeup. Servicemembers "appreciate the diversity of this nation, and you fight to defend the freedoms and opportunities of all of our citizens," Young said at the observance. "And that is what makes the military a leader in our society."

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Adam Q. Emul, 19, of Vancouver, Wash., died Jan. 29 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Emul was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

One U.S. Army soldier assigned to Multinational Force West died today from wounds suffered during combat in Iraq's Anbar province, officials reported. The deceased soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department released the identities of three soldiers killed Jan. 27 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during convoy operations in Taji, Iraq. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: -- Army Cpl. Timothy A. Swanson, 21, of San Antonio, Texas. -- Army Pfc. Jon B. St. John II, 25, of Neenah, Wis. -- Army Pfc. David T. Toomalatai, 19, of Long Beach, Calif.

The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region is stepping up its air patrols in the Miami-Dade area to increase security during Super Bowl XLI activities. Spectators will see the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, fly over Dolphin Stadium Feb. 4 during pregame events and other Air Force fighter jets in the local area during the game. The patrols are a smart, efficient way to protect American lives and resources in the region, said Maj. Gen. Henry C. Morrow, the commander of both 1st Air Force and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. "NORAD protects a variety of national assets across the nation on any given day," Morrow said. "In this instance we are increasing our sorties in the Miami-Dade area as part of our continuing resolve to protect our homeland and citizens during these major events." In preparation for Super Bowl XLI, NORAD fighters will make low approaches at several local airports Feb. 2, including Boca Raton, Pompano Beach Airpark, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Opa Locka, and Kendall-Tamiami Executive. Air patrols are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety while demonstrating NORAD's rapid response capability. NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The flights will have minimal impact on aircraft in the area and are not in response to any specific threat. "We want citizens to know that we remain dedicated to protecting their freedoms as we project our determination to preserve peace and our way of life," Morrow said.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a $294,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) (AGM-158A) two year requirements contract for production Lots six and seven. This contract allows for purchase of USG requirements and potential foreign military countries as may be identified during the life of this contract. At this time, no funds have been obligated. Solicitations began April 2006 and negotiations were complete January 2007. This work will be complete March 2008. Headquarters 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-07-D-0017). Textron Systems Corp., Wilmington, Mass., is being awarded a $92,938,707 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action provides for 291 Sensor Fuzed Weapons (SFW) Full Rate Production, Lot 12 option exercise. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete March 2009. Headquarters Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8677-07-C-0001/no contract modification number at this time). Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $33,662,536 firm-fixed-price with time & material and cost reimbursement contract modification. This contract modification will exercise period 2 options to purchase the following items: program and management data for 1-year, technical and engineering data for 1-year, engineering drawing for 1-year, logistics support data for 1-year, technical manual contract requirements data for 1-year, initial C-130J aircraft peculiar spares for 9-aircraft, reliability and maintainability program for 1-year, field service representative support for 1-year, ground maintenance station admin support for 1-year. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456). United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $30,599,340 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract modification. This action provides for FY 2007 option exercise and funding action for the procurement of 4, F-119-PW-100 spare engines for the C-17 aircraft. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-C-0006/P00025). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $9,700,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This action will support Non-Traditional Intelligence Surveillance, Reconnaissance (NT-ISR) capability and concepts on tactical platforms, such as 5th generation aircraft and the need to transmit NT-ISR products in a timely manner. The proposed Radar Common Data Link (R-CDL) program will accomplish this via development, laboratory test and demonstration, followed by flight test and demonstration. Upon successful completion of laboratory and demonstration, followed by flight and demonstration, it is anticipated that the developed capability will participate in a government sponsored Joint exercise such as the Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment (JEFX). In addition, LM-Aero will evaluate R-CDL system specification that will be developed by Raytheon. This evaluation will ensure that the specification will be usable by any contractor that the Government tasks to build operational systems. In addition to the R-CDL specification evaluation effort, LM-Aero will also provide Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Concept of Employment (CONEMP), and system of system studies that specifically focus on the intricacies of a 5th generation fighter aircraft, to include stealthiness and integrated avionics systems design. At this time, $900,000 have been obligated. Solicitations began June 2006 and negotiations were complete January 2007. This work will be complete January 2012. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA81650-07-D-4506). Tybrin Corp., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $5,986,962 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This action is to extend the period of performance for contract F04611-00-C-0001, Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SE/TA) services in support of aerospace research, development, test and evaluation programs, training, and related support activities for the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. At this time, $900,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete April 2007. Headquarters Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04611-00-C-0001/P00143). NAVY Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $101,089,119 firm-fixed-price contract for the third full rate production (FRP-3) of 376 AGM-154C Unitary Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW-C), special tooling and special test equipment (ST/STE), technical and financial data, an inert unit for ordnance testing, containers for the missiles, performance characterization test, and cost reduction initiatives. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0093). Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $51,129,000 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-06-C-0098) for long lead efforts and materials associated with the production and delivery of the Fiscal Year 2008 Full Rate Production of 27 Lot VI MH-60R Mission Avionics Systems. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $19,086,469 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for engineering technical services and supplies in support of the F/A-18E/F Follow-on Test and Evaluation. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in October 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems, Reston, Va. is being awarded a $13,000,000 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award fee contract (N00039-05-C-0013) for integration of software application code, testing, training for Global Command and Control System-Maritime (GCCS-M) Increment 4.1 to achieve Milestone C and obtain Full Rate Production, and reworking the current version of the Government off the shelf GCCS-M 4.1 software. Additionally the maintenance and life-cycle support for GCCS-M Increment 4.X shall include the Common Operational Environment requirements until transition to a new contractor. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $34,000,000.00. The basic contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (98 percent) and the government of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates (2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (50 percent); West Conshohocken, Pa., (40 percent); Reston, Va., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by 30 Sep 2007. If all options are exercised, work could continue until 30 Sep 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $3.2M will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured because it is a sole source acquisition. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. ViaSat*, Carlsbad, Calif, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price delivery order for $12,051,739 for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVTs) for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requirements. The MIDS-LVT provides secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army platforms. This contract is for the government of Taiwan (100 percent) under the FMS Program. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, Calif., (30 percent), in various other sites worldwide (70 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This delivery order was competitively procured with three offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce web site. The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-00-D-2101). Carleton Technologies, Inc., Tampa, Fla., is being awarded a $9,995,125 cost-plus-fixed-fee/firm-fixed price contract for support services required to refurbish, test, assemble, and deliver 258 (ea) upgraded MK 16 Mod 1, and provide technical support for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Next Generation Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Work will be performed in Tampa, Fla., and is expected to be completed by January 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-07-C-0010). BAE Systems Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $9,831,046 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and technical products and services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems. The estimated level of effort for the base year is 122,000 man-hours. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md. (80 percent), San Diego, Calif. (10 percent), and various shipboard locations (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $291,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through an electronic request for proposals; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-07-C-0019). Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an $8,918,573 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) for technical support for the development of a Block II configuration AIM-9X missile. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($2,575,000; 29 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($6,343,573; 71 percent). Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. and is expected to be completed in September 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a maximum $71,917,620 firm fixed price contract for coats and trousers for the Army Combat Uniform. Proposals were web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 31, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0408). American Apparel, Selma, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $60,059,400 firm fixed price contract for coats for the Army Combat Uniform. Proposals were web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 31, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0406). DJ Manufacturing Corp., Caguas, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a maximum $59,392,880 firm fixed price contract for coats and trousers for the Army Combat Uniform. Proposals were web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 31, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0407). Woolrich, Inc., Woolrich, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $22,729,200 firm fixed price contract for trousers for the Army Combat Uniform. Other locations of performance are Atlanta, Ga.; Beaumont and Seagoville, Texas; and Greenville, Ill. Proposals were web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 31, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0410). Woodward Governor Company, Rockton, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $18,514,265 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for various spare aircraft parts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Contract is a sole source competition with one proposal solicited and 1 responded. This is a requirements type contract exercising option period 2 of a two-year base with 4 two-year option periods. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 30, 2009. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SP0400-03-D-9402). Golden Manufacturing Co. Inc. Golden, Miss., is being awarded a maximum $11,192,364 firm fixed price contract for coats for the Army Combat Uniform. Proposals were web-solicited and 36 responded. This is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year two. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 31, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM100-05-D-0409). DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY The following six (6) companies were awarded on Jan. 26, 2007 an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity multiple-awards contracts: Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.; CACI, Inc; Federal, Electronic Data Systems Corporation; Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, Inc; Science Applications International Corporation, and Systems Research and Applications Corporation. The maximum not-to-exceed value for the ENCORE II contract over a 5-year period, plus 5 one-year option periods is $12,225,000,000. The Government's guaranteed minimum amount is $10,000.00 for each contractor. Contracts include provisions for Firm, Fixed Price, Time and Materials or Labor Hour and Cost Reimbursement (CPFF, CPAF, etc). The period of performance is March 12, 2007 through March 11, 2017. Performance will be at various locations within the Continental United States (CONUS) which includes the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii and Outside CONUS (OCONUS). The solicitation was issued as a full and open competitive action. There were 16 proposals received. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization DITCO), Scott AFB, IL is the contracting activity (HC1013-07-D-2016, HC1013-07-D-2018, HC1013-07-D-2019, HC1013-07-D-2020, HC1013-07-D-2021, HC1013-07-D-2022).

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Jan 27 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during convoy operations.They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Cpl. Timothy A. Swanson, 21, of San Antonio, Texas. Pfc. Jon B. St. John II, 25, of Neenah, Wis. Pfc. David T. Toomalatai, 19, of Long Beach, Calif.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2007 - Three soldiers and a Marine were killed in Iraq in recent days, military officials reported today, and the Defense Department has identified three earlier casualties. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier was killed today while conducting combat operations in Salah ad Din province. A second soldier was wounded and was transported to a coalition medical treatment facility. -- Two soldiers and a Marine assigned to Multinational Force West died yesterday from wounds suffered due to enemy action while operating in Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified three soldiers who died earlier in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom: -- Army Capt. Mark T. Resh, 28, of Pittsburgh, and Army Chief Warrant Officer Cornell C. Chao, 36, of California, died Jan. 28 when their helicopter crashed during combat operations in Najaf, Iraq. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Mickel D. Garrigus, 24, of Elma, Wash., died Jan. 27 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle during a combat patrol. Garrigus was assigned to the 543rd Military Police Company, 91st Police Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

America Supports You: National Leaders Thank Wounded Warriors

How does a nation thank someone whose legs were destroyed by an insurgent's homemade bomb? How do Americans pay tribute to someone whose face melted in the fires of war? In marking the opening of a new state-of-the-art rehabilitation center and two new Fisher Houses here yesterday, Cabinet secretaries, military leaders, senators, business leaders, and celebrities did their best to express their gratitude to some of the nation's sons and daughters who bear the scars of combat. The VIPs acknowledged both the servicemembers' and their family members' sacrifice. "All those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and all those recovering from their wounds remind us of the price of freedom," Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said. "It is a price that is periodically required to be paid in blood, and suffering and courage." England was one of about 3,000 people gathered here to mark the opening of the Center for the Intrepid, the Army's national rehabilitation center, and two Fisher Houses, where families of the severely wounded stay to be near their loved ones. The $50 million center was built from private funds donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. "What you see before you is a monument built by contributions by 600,000 Americans," said Arnold Fisher, chairman of the fund. "This is a monument to not only the men and women and their families who will come here, but a monument to the generosity of our citizens and their love for those who serve." Both the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Fisher House Foundation are members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program works to highlight ways in which Americans support U.S. troops The guests, including actress Michelle Pfeiffer, talk show celebrity Rosie O'Donnell, singer-songwriter John Mellencamp and producer David E. Kelley, paid tribute to more than 300 severely wounded men and women. While some troops sat in a row of wheelchairs in front of the stage, others slowly walked beneath crossed swords to silently parade before the applauding audience. Mellencamp performed two of his hit songs, "Pink Houses" and "Our Country" during the event. The entertainer said he came here because the rehabilitation center is a worthwhile project. "It shows the spirit of what people can do on their own when they want to and when they need to," he told American Forces Press Service. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the military's highest-ranking officer, said he objects to the idea that these members of the all-volunteer force "lost" their limbs. "You gave an arm; you gave a leg; you gave your sight as gifts to your nation that we might live in freedom," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff emphatically told the wounded warriors. Pace said families members have sacrificed in ways that most people can only imagine. They, too, often need rehabilitation, and that's why the Center for the Intrepid and the Fisher Houses are so important. "Those of you who are family members of the fallen and of the wounded have served this country as well as anyone who has ever worn the uniform, and we thank you for that," the chairman said. "You pray for us when we're gone, and ... when we're wounded, you're there to put us back together again." Pace's senior enlisted advisor, Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, later echoed his boss's sentiments. "Families are the most important thing to us soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and 'Coasties,'" Gainey said in an interview. "If we have a system that will take care of our families, then we can deal with it, and that's a fact. If we take care of the families, we take care of the troops." Pace also paid tribute to the military's caregivers. "From the instant any of us is wounded on the battlefield until the time we arrive here," he said, the medical professionals provide "the loving care and compassion that these wounded warriors so deserve." One of those caregivers, retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Kathy Rasmussen, assistant administrator for the Center for the Intrepid, led the chairman on a brief tour of the $50 million facility. The 24-year veteran from Charles City, Iowa, recently retired from active duty but stayed on as a civilian employee here. "What better way to continue to serve my country," she told American Forces Press Service. "I absolutely love working with the patients." Army Master Sgt. Daniel Robles, 17-year-Army veteran from Tucson, Ariz., who's now a patient at the Center for the Intrepid, was severely injured about four months after deploying to Iraq. He said hopes to find work at Fort Sam Houston. "There's a lot of good people here who want to support me in that," he said in an interview. "I think it's going to work out." During the ceremony, Arizona Sen. John McCain acknowledged the debt the nation owes its combat veterans and their families. "We have incurred a debt to you, and no matter how sincerely and generously we honor our obligations to you, we can never repay in full," McCain said. "What you have done for us we can never do for you. But we're mindful of that distinction and humbled by it. "Our appreciation for your service demands that we all do what we can ... to help keep this nation a place, an idea worthy of the hardships, dangers and sacrifices you have borne so valiantly for us." New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said the country has been well served by those who fight for our freedoms. "We are blessed to have so many who have given so much," she said. "But in return, we are obligated to ensure in every way we can that they and their families are given the support that they have so richly earned and deserved." The rehab center will be a place of healing and support, for the wounded warriors who face a challenging road ahead, Clinton said. "May this center and the staff that serve so nobly here help all who pass through its doors to heal in body and soul, to look forward to a future that is still filled with potential, to live long and productive lives at home and to continue in whatever way you choose to serve this nation that admires, respects and loves you," she said.

DACOWITS Committee Members Chosen Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has announced the selection of the fiscal 2007 appointees to the Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). DACOWITS is comprised of civilian members from throughout the United States, selected on the basis of their experience in the military, as a member of a military family, or with women's or family-related workforce issues. The committee provides an invaluable service to the department as an independent body of "citizen" advisors on matters concerning women and families in the military and the Coast Guard. The incoming members are: Kerry Lassus of Ft Belvoir, Va. Judith Page O'Flaherty of Norfolk, Va. Retired Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Roberta Santiago of Castro Valley, Calif. Members selected to serve a fourth year are: Sen. J.P. Duniphan, of Rapid City, S.D. Retired Air Force Reserve Col. Vance Shaw of McLean, Va. Dr. Mary Nelson of Boulder, Colo., has been extended as the Chairperson until May of 2008.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Food Services Inc., Mount Vernon, Wash., (small business in HUBZone) is being awarded a maximum 33,000,000 firm fixed price contract for prime vendor full line food distribution for Okinawa, Japan. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were 15 proposals solicited and 2 responded. This is an indefinite quantity contract exercising option year 3. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 31, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3076). NAVY Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded an estimated $30,593,296 cost plus award fee contract for engineering and technical services in support of STANDARD Missile Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5361). Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $18,337,129 for ceiling priced order (0204) under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. The Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded an $18,000,000 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-03-C-3017) to exercise an option for engineering and logistics services in support of the MV-22 Total Life Cycle Logistics Support effort. Services to be provided include planning and management; supportability analysis; training; support equipment; facilities management; computer resources; supportability test and evaluation; packaging, handling, storage and transportation of supplies; post-DD250 engineering and technical support; site/unit activation; on-site representative support; logistics life cycle cost; age exploration; configuration management; technical publications; and Naval Air Training and Operational Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) support. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (45 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (45 percent); and New River, N.C. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $11,663,971 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0086) to exercise an option for systems engineering and program management support for the UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft for Calendar Year 2007. Work will be performed in Hurst, Texas (80 percent) and Amarillo, Texas (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Boeing Helicopter, Ridley Park, Pa., is being awarded an $8,023,624 ceiling priced order (0206) under previously awarded contract (N00383-03-G-001B) for spare components for the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., and is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin, Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $5,596,537 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5453) to exercise options for technical engineering services in support of MK 41 Vertical Launching System Integration for the Governments of Spain (60 percent); Australia (37 percent); Germany (2 percent); and Korea (1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (80 percent) and Ventura, Calif. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems Inc., Reston, Va., is being awarded a $9,799,613 cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price and time and material contract modification. This action provides for the Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) Support System (JSS), an automated tool set that interfaces with existing tactical systems providing the means to dynamically plan and manage all aspects of a Multi-TADIL Architecture (MTA). The JSS enables thee JICO, tasked with the management of the Joint and Coalition tactical data links, pipes through which it flows. There are three major components to the JSS: the Common Core Capability (COC), Full Expeditionary Capability (FEC), and Local/Remote JICO Data Repository (JDR). This particular action exercises thirteen options and provides incremental funding for five contract line items. To date, $22,027,881 have been obligated. This work will be complete September 2009. Headquarters 653d Electronic Systems Wing, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8725-04-C-0007/P00035). Micro-electronics Research Development Corp., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a $6,108,306 small business innovative research Phase II, and cost-plus-fixed fee contract. This effort is a follow-on to a Small Business Innovative Research Phase I purchase order. This action will provide for the purchase of research and development that will fully develop and realize a cost-effective, practically oriented means to design and deliver radiation hardened digital electronic components capable of reliable operation in Missile Defense Agency and other Department of Defense space and interceptor environments. Solicitations began November 2004 and negotiations were complete December 2006. This work will be complete April 2009. At this time, $2,100,000 have been obligated. Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-06-C-0200).

A U.S. Marine was killed in western Iraq yesterday, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified five earlier casualties. The Marine was assigned to Multinational Force West and died from wounds suffered due to enemy action during operations in Anbar province. The servicemember's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department released the identities of four soldiers and one Marine who died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Spc. Carla J. Stewart, 37, of Sun Valley, Calif., died Jan. 28 in Tallil, Iraq, of injuries suffered when her convoy vehicle rolled over. Stewart was assigned to the 250th Transportation Company, El Monte, Calif. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony C. Melia, 20, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., died Jan. 27 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Army Maj. Alan R. Johnson, 44, of Yakima, Wash., died Jan. 26 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee at Muqdadiyah, Iraq, earlier that day. He was assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Tonawanda, N.Y. -- Army Sgt. Alexander H. Fuller, 21, of Centerville, Mass., and Army Pfc. Michael C. Balsley, 23, of Hayward, Calif., died Jan 25 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Mickel D. Garrigus, 24, of Elma, Wash., died Jan. 27 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat patrol.Garrigus was assigned to the 543rd Military Police Company, 91st Police Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Jan 28 in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their helicopter crashed during combat operations.They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Capt. Mark T. Resh, 28, of Pittsburgh. Chief Warrant Officer Cornell C. Chao, 36, of California. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Carla J. Stewart, 37, of Sun Valley, Calif., died Jan. 28 in Tallil, Iraq, of injuries suffered when her convoy vehicle rolled over. Stewart was assigned to the 250th Transportation Company, El Monte, Calif. The incident is under investigation.

America Supports You: $50 Million Rehabilitation Center Opens on Fort Sam Houston

Thanks to the generosity of 600,000 Americans, wounded warriors now have a $50 million state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation facility. The Center for the Intrepid, designed for servicemembers wounded in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, opened here today along with two new Fisher Houses during a ceremony that included speeches from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace and Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England. R. James Nicholson, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs also spoke at the ceremony. "There are those who speak about (wounded warriors) today -- 'He lost an arm. He lost a leg. She lost her sight.' I object," Pace told the the injured troops in attendance. "You gave an arm, you gave a leg, you gave your sight as gifts to your nation that we might live in freedom." The $50 million center was built entirely from private funds through the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides assistance to the nation's military heroes injured in the performance of duty and their families. "This is a red letter day for this country and for the 600,000 Americans who have contributed a dollar, some more than a million dollars, to make sure our young men and women who have given so much to this country are aware the American people care about them," said Arnold Fisher, chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. "They are our national treasure." Both the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Fisher House Foundation, which makes the Fisher Houses possible, are members of the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The program works to highlight ways in which Americans support U.S. troops, veterans and their families. Dozens of wounded warriors joined more than 3,000 guests at the grand opening. The guest list included Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain, country group Big & Rich, Rosie O'Donnell, Michelle Pfeiffer, producer David E. Kelley and top military leaders from all branches of service. Rock music star John Mellencamp performed during the ceremony. Although the audience was packed with the top military leaders and Hollywood celebrities, the wounded warriors received the longest round of applause, along with a standing ovation. "It's amazing, truly amazing. It really shows the American people care," said wounded warrior Staff Sgt. Daniel Barnes, a bilateral amputee. The four-story, 60,000-square-foot center was designed for wounded warriors like Barnes. Equipped with the latest rehabilitation technology, it is a potential athlete's dream. The facility includes an indoor running track, firing range, pool, two-story climbing wall, prosthetic center and a computer assisted rehabilitation environment known as CAREN. The environment comprises a dome with a 4-meter platform and screen, simulating everything from a city sidewalk to a day on the lake so patients can improve their gait and balancing skills. The unit is one of nine in the world, and it is the only one in the United States. "What you see before you is a monument built by contributions by 600,000 Americans," Fisher said. "This is a monument to not only the men and women and their families who will come here, but a monument to the generosity of our citizens and their love for those who serve." The center will initially cater to amputees and burn patients injured in the global war on terrorism, but is hoped to expand to encompass retirees, family members and veterans. "This is my son's (Ken Fisher) and my commitment, and our mission," Fisher said. "We'll continue this as long as it's necessary. Our only wish is that a place like this someday, it will become a garage." The two new Fisher Houses bring the on-post total to four. Fisher Houses serve as a home away from home for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. The 21-room homes are built in the newer Fisher House style, with a sprawling 16,800 square feet, as opposed to 5,000-plus square feet. Families will be able to live in comfort and style as they care for their loved ones at BAMC in homes that more closely resemble a Malibu mansion than temporary military housing. Each home has a kitchen even Martha Stewart would love, a formal dining room, several sitting rooms and elegant bedrooms equipped with DVD/VCR systems and flat screen TVs. "What a privilege it is to render assistance to military families," said Ken Fisher, chairman of the Fisher House Foundation. Pace echoed the sentiment. "Thank you to the families -- families of the fallen, families of the wounded; you sacrifice in ways that people who have not walked in your shoes can only imagine. When we are wounded, you are there to help put us back together. Those of you who are family members of fallen and of wounded have served this country as well as anyone who has ever worn the uniform."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Alan R. Johnson, 44, of Yakima, Wash., died Jan. 26 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee at Muqdadiyah, Iraq, the same day. He was assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Tonawanda, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Anthony C. Melia, 20, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., died Jan. 27 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS NAVY Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $268,099,114 cost-plus-award-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2304) to exercise an option to complete the detail design of the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer. The mission of the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class is to provide affordable and credible independent forward presence/deterrence and to operate as an integral part of the Naval, Joint, or Combined Maritime Forces. DDG 1000 will provide advanced land attack capability in support of the ground campaign and contribute Naval, Joint, or Combined battle-space dominance in littoral operations. The total value of the detail design effort is $307,511,633. $39,412,519 was awarded for advanced zone detail design as part of the basic contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Bath Iron Works Inc., Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $257,473,700 cost-plus-award-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) to exercise an option to complete DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer detail design. The mission of DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyers is to provide affordable and credible independent forward presence/deterrence and to operate as an integral part of the Naval, Joint, or Combined Maritime Forces. DDG 1000 will provide advanced land attack capability in support of the ground campaign and contribute Naval, Joint, or Combined battle-space dominance in littoral operations. The total value of the detail design effort is $337,367,205. $79,893,505 for advanced zone detail design was awarded as part of the basic contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $68,820,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity time and material contract for sustaining engineering and maintenance support for legacy MH-60 aircraft. Services to be provided include program management, engineering, test, logistics, training, repair, studies and aircraft technical and maintenance support for the MH-60R and the MH-60S aircrafts. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn. and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $300,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0005). L-3 Communications, Link Simulation and Training, Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $43,700,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for logistics support for the Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, and NASA for DC-9/C-9 aircraft. Support will include aircraft depot repairs and aircraft engine depot repairs, consumables and line replaceable unit supply support. Work will be performed in Everette, Wash. (35 percent); San Diego, Calif. (28 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (25 percent); Oceana, Va. (2 percent); Atlanta, Ga. (2 percent); Willow Grove, Pa. (2 percent); Whidbey Island, Wash. (2 percent); Cherry Point, N.C. (2 percent) and Belleville, Ill. (2 percent) and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $43,700,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured by electronic solicitation with four offers received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0100). BAE Systems, Applied Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded an $18,792,574 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide approximately 298,000 hours of engineering and technical services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Special Communications Requirements Division's Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) communications-electronics program, including incidental materials. Work will be performed in California, Md. (80 percent), and St. Inigoes, Md. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-07-C-0013). Shock Tube Systems, Inc., Moosup, Conn., is being awarded an estimated $15,056,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MK154 Mod 0 Non-electric Delay Detonators. The MK154 Mod 0 Nonelectric Delay Detonator is a dual initiating/detonating device commonly used by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Forces to initiate various demolition materials. Work will be performed in Sterling, Conn., and is expected to be completed by January 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with six proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (N00164-07-D-4259) The Haskell Company, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $14,603,300 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0004 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity design-build multiple award construction contract for design and construction of a new engineering operations center and renovations to Building 135 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by August 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69272-03-D-0030). Blinderman/FGM, LLC, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $13,975,365 firm-fixed-rice contract for repairs and renovations to Building 1 at Naval Station Great Lakes. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction for repairs and renovations at Building 1, which is located in a National Register Historic District. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively negotiated via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-07-C-0007). The Walsh Group dba Archer Western Contractors, Chicago, Ill., is being awarded $13,250,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0006 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for renovation of administrative buildings for use by the Military Sealift Command at Naval Station Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for repairs to Buildings SP-47, SP-48 and SP-64. The work includes the gutting of three buildings and the replacement of all doors and windows. It also provides for the repair and replacement of roofs, exterior brick, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and steam connections. New construction includes upgrading the parking area, installing lighting, and moving load-bearing interior walls. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N62470-01-D-1138). Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern Inc. (HSMM)/Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK), Walter Reed Joint Venture, Roanoke, VA., was awarded Jan. 26, 2007, a $7,959,430 firm-fixed-price contract for architectural/engineering services including preparation of design/build request for proposal documents for medical facilities and parking structures for the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. authorized under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission initiatives. In accordance with the initiative to realign and consolidate facilities in the National Capital Region and to meet the medical and security needs of the 21st century, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission has recommended the realignment of all tertiary medical services currently located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The premier joint operational medical facility, to be named the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with six proposals received. Three of the offerors were slated, and interviews were entered into with them. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-06-C-0026). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY SAFT America, Inc., Valdese, N.C., is being awarded a maximum 30,977,475 firm fixed price contract for batteries. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Proposals were Gateway-solicited and 2 responded. This is an indefinite quantity contract with a 2-year base period and 3 one-year option periods. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 28, 2009. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM4L-07-D-3010). DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE Lockheed Martin Government Services, Inc., Seabrook, Md. was awarded a sixth year option of $25,683,840 as part of contract MDA220-01-D-0002 for management of the Retired and Annuitant pay service formerly managed by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), which was the subject of an A-76 action. Note that an administrative change to the contract number was made in the past year from MDA220-01-C-0002 to the present MDA220-01-D-0002 in order to eliminate system processing issues that exist with long-term contracts that are not input with a "D" contract number. Lockheed purchased ACS (ACS Government Solutions Group, Inc. - the original awardee) in 2004 and the purchase was formalized in the Spring of 2004. The estimated aggregate face value of this contract at time of award was $346,432,288. Primary work is performed at DFAS Cleveland, Ohio and secondary work which includes document scanning and primarily imaging is performed at London, Kentucky. Under this option work will be performed between Feb. 1, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2008. Funding includes eight months of fiscal 2007 dollars and four months of fiscal 2008 dollars. The DFAS Contract Services Directorate, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (MDA220-01-D-0002). ARMY PCL Construction Services Inc., Denver, Colo., was awarded on Jan. 25, 2007, a $7,568,590 increment as part of a $40,157,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of the Division Headquarters-Command and Control Facility. Work will be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed on Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were three bids solicited on June 2, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the reporting contract office (W9128F-06-C

America Supports You: Sinese Supports Disabled Veterans' Memorial

Actor and military advocate Gary Sinise earned praise for his portrayal of a disabled Vietnam veteran in the 1994 movie, "Forrest Gump." Sinise now is helping to build a memorial for America's 3 million living disabled military veterans.

The spokesman for the Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation, Sinise, 51, said it's important to recognize disabled veterans' military service and personal sacrifices, especially when America and its armed forces are engaged in a global war on terrorism.

"Having known so many Vietnam veterans and remembering all too well how they were received when they returned from war, I wanted to do my part to make sure that never happens again," Sinise said, noting that returning Vietnam veterans were treated poorly.

Today's U.S. servicemembers, unlike the conscription force employed during Vietnam, "serve freely," Sinise said.

"They should be shown appreciation and respect -- always," the Academy-Award nominated actor said. "Their sacrifices are many and they need our support."

Over the past three years Sinise has participated in more than 20 tours with the United Service Organizations to visit overseas-deployed U.S. troops and visited with wounded servicemembers. Sometimes, he took along his "Lt. Dan Band," named after Lt. Dan Taylor, the character he played in "Forrest Gump."

"Each time I visit our wounded I'm struck by their humility, their courage, determination, their acceptance, and their dedication to our country and their fellow warriors," Sinise said.

Supporting U.S. servicemembers "is truly one of the most rewarding things that I've ever done," Sinise said. "I know that they don't have to do this work, and I'm grateful that we have people like them who want to volunteer to defend this great nation in military service." Letting America's servicemen and women know that their service to the nation is appreciated and won't be forgotten can make a great deal of difference, Sinise said. And, supporting America's disabled military veterans, he added, also is the right and proper thing to do. "And, as these (disabled) veterans face a life for which no one can prepare, so must their families and friends," Sinise said. The $65 million memorial will honor America's disabled military veterans from all the nation's wars, Sinise said. It will be built adjacent to the National Mall here, within full view of the U.S. Capitol. Sinise noted his appreciation of and paid tribute to the families of disabled veterans. "Their heroic devotion is a source of strength for those striving to heal," Sinise said. "Freedom is so precious. And those who protect it and sacrifice for it deserve our highest praise and thanks." The award-winning actor also is an advocate of the "America Supports You" program, a Defense Department initiative that recognizes citizen and corporate support for U.S. military members and communicates that support to servicemembers at home and deployed overseas in the global war on terrorism. Sinise and "The Lt. Dan Band" will perform a benefit concert tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Washington Auto Show at the Convention Center here. Proceeds will go to the Fisher House organization, which provides accommodations for military families when visiting with seriously ill loved ones.

Picture of Gary Sinise from appearance at Cort Booth at NAMM

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Jan 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Killed were: Sgt. Alexander H. Fuller, 21, of Centerville, Mass. Pfc. Michael C. Balsley, 23, of Hayward, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Nathan P. Fairlie, 21, of Candor, N.Y., died of injuries suffered in Baqubah on Jan. 26 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. Fairlie was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Darrell W. Shipp, 25, of San Antonio, Texas, died Jan. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Department of Defense and Turkey Sign Joint Strike Fighter Agreement Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and the Turkish Minister of National Defense Vecdi Gonul signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to begin future cooperation in the production, sustainment, and follow-on development (PSFD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The JSF PSFD MOU has now been signed by the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and now Turkey, and will be signed in the near future by the other JSF partner nations -- Italy, Denmark, and Norway.This new MOU will expand cooperation among the nine JSF partner nations beyond the ongoing JSF system development and demonstration (SDD) phase, providing a framework for future JSF program efforts in production and beyond.Turkey joined the JSF SDD MOU in July 2002. This agreement will have a significant positive impact across the entire spectrum of the U.S.-Turkish defense relationship, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance commitments in the years ahead.JSF will provide air dominance, enhance interoperability, promote defense transformation and modernization, enhance affordability and strengthen the U.S.-Turkish industrial base.It is anticipated that remaining JSF partner nations will sign the JSF PSFD MOU before the end of February. Joint Strike Fighter, as the largest ever DoD acquisition program, continues to set new standards in development of manufacturing technologies, acquisition and business practices, technology transfer, and export licensing.The initial JSF test aircraft conducted a successful first flight on Dec. 15, 2006.The program provides opportunities for partner industries through the best value model - selecting manufacturers and maintainers based on a combination of quality, price, and timeliness. Once the JSF PSFD MOU signing process is completed, the partners will cooperatively develop, produce, test, train and operate a Lightning II JSF Air System that will enhance the interoperability, survivability, and affordability of our future forces.Continued Turkish participation reinforces the longstanding and close relationship between the U.S. and Turkish Air Forces, providing a solid foundation for future air operations with other allied and friendly nations in a joint and coalition environment.

Coalition forces followed established "aircraft down" procedures when reacting to the crash of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Jan. 20 in Diyala province in which 12 U.S. servicemembers died, military officials in Baghdad reported today. In a statement issued by Multinational Corps Iraq, officials said that contrary to some media reporting, at no time did the lead aircraft leave the downed Black Hawk before additional security arrived at the site. The military statement said two coalition aircraft were flying on a routine mission when one of the aircraft crashed in a rural area northeast of Baghdad. Reports indicate a distress call from the trail aircraft. About 20 seconds later, the lead aircraft crew saw the trail aircraft go down. The lead aircraft immediately circled back to provide security and assistance to the crew and passengers, the statement said. After determining the area was clear, the lead helicopter landed and quickly surveyed the scene for any survivors of the downed aircraft. The crew observed that the aircraft was on fire and determined there were no survivors, officials said. They remained on the ground and secured the site until additional security arrived. An aerial coalition quick-reaction force arrived on the scene to provide additional security about three minutes after the Black Hawk was reported down. This air support arrived quickly, officials explained, because the crews were already conducting patrols in the area. The lead aircraft involved in the initial incident stayed on the scene for an additional seven minutes before leaving the secured site to fly to Forward Operating Base Balad. The lead aircraft crew, made up of soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation Regiment, "performed heroically in protecting and safeguarding their comrades" in the downed Black Hawk under extremely adverse conditions, the Multinational Corps Iraq statement said. The incident remains under investigation.

Two U.S. soldiers were killed today when a Multinational Division Baghdad helicopter crashed north of Najaf, Iraq, military officials reported. Officials said the helicopter was involved in operations to assist Iraqi security forces who had been attacked. A news release announcing the crash did not report the type of helicopter and did not say whether it went down as a result of enemy action. Officials said operations continue in the area, the soldiers' bodies have been recovered, and that the incident is under investigation. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Two U.S. soldiers and one Marine were killed in Iraq yesterday, two soldiers were killed Jan. 26, and two soldiers were killed Jan. 25, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified six earlier casualties. -- An 89th Military Police Brigade soldier died yesterday when an improvised explosive device detonated next to his vehicle in northern Iraq. -- A Marine assigned to 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit died yesterday as the result of wounds suffered due to enemy action while operating in Anbar province. -- A soldier was killed by an IED during a patrol north of Baghdad Jan. 27. -- A Multinational Corps Iraq soldier was killed and three others were wounded by an IED during a patrol in Diyala province, Jan. 26. -- A U.S. soldier with Task Force Lightning, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, was killed Jan. 26 when an IED detonated near his vehicle during operations in Diyala province. -- Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed and two others were wounded Jan. 25 when an IED detonated near their patrol in eastern Baghdad. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department released the identities of two soldiers, a Marine and three sailors who died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Pfc. Nathan P. Fairlie, 21, of Candor, N.Y., died of injuries suffered in Baqubah on Jan. 26 when an IED detonated near his Bradley fighting vehicle during combat operations. Fairlie was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Pfc. Darrell W. Shipp, 25, of San Antonio, died Jan. 25 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Marine Cpl. Mark D. Kidd, 26, of Milford, Mich., died Jan. 25 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Kidd was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Mount Clemens, Mich. -- Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jane E. Lanham, 43, of Owensboro, Ky., died of natural causes Sept. 19 in Bahrain. Lanham was assigned to Naval Branch Health Clinic, Bahrain. -- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Roger A. Napper, 20, of Greensburg, Pa., died of injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident Oct. 7 in Bahrain. Napper was assigned to Mobile Security Squadron 3, Detachment Bahrain. -- Navy Seaman Sandra S. Grant, 23, of Linwood, N.C., died of natural causes Dec. 31 while serving in the Arabian Sea. Grant was assigned to the USS Eisenhower. While not the result of hostile action, the sailors' casualties are being announced to ensure consistency in reporting deaths that occurred in a hostile-fire zone, officials said.

CONTRACTS MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Sparta, Inc., of Lake Forest, Calif., is being awarded a $154,659,489 cost-plus-fixed-fee (level of effort) contract for scientific, engineering and technical assistance support as part of the National Team in the areas of ballistic missile defense and related technology. Work will be performed at Chantilly, Va., and Missile Defense facilities and is expected to be complete by January 2012. Contract funds of $27,655 will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This is a sole source contract award. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, DC is the contracting activity (HQ0006-07-C-0001). NAVY Warrenville, Ill., are being awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The Government can order up to 4,100 MRAP vehicles composed of 1,500 Category I and 2,600 Category II. Each awardee will receive an initial delivery order for two test vehicles per Category to include associated vehicle support. The total value of the initial delivery orders for 36 test vehicles is $34,574,582. The Government may place additional delivery orders for production vehicles. Vehicles procured under these contracts will be deployed to and supported in Iraq and Afghanistan. Initial test vehicles will be delivered no later than 60 days after contract award. Logistics support will continue up to two years after fielding for test and any production vehicles. Work will be performed respectively in York, Pa.; Oshkosh, Wis.; North Charleston, S.C.; York, Pa.; Ladson, S.C.; Sealy, Texas; New Orleans, La.; New Haven, Mich.; Westpoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed January 2008 (2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were awarded based on full and open competition from solicitation M67854-07-R-5000. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. (Contract Numbers: BAE Systems- M67854-07-D-5025; Oshkosh Truck Corporation- M67854-07-D-5026; Protected Vehicles, Inc.- M67854-07-D-5027; General Dynamics Land Systems- M67854-07-D-5028; Force Protection Industries- M67854-07-D-5031; Armor Holdings- M67854-07-D-5030; Textron Marine & Land- M67854-07-D-5033; General Purpose Vehicles LLC- M67854-07-D-5029; International Military and Government LLC- M67854-07-D-5032). GSC Construction, Inc.*, Augusta, Ga., is being awarded a $6,068,666 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the munitions facilities at Shaw Air Force Base. The work to be performed provides for the construction of the munitions administration/mobility storage building, four-bay maintenance facility, and storage igloo. The work for each new building includes communication and fire protection systems, all supporting utilities, and site work consisting of parking aprons, access drives, and landscaping. The contract contains one option at $689,279, which may be exercised within 90 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $6,757,945. Work will be performed in Sumter, S.C., and is expected to be completed by June 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-1776). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Mark D. Kidd, 26, of Milford, Mich., died Jan. 25 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Kidd was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Mount Clemens, Mich.

Thanks to the efforts of Silver Star Families of America, Indiana and New Mexico have proclaimed May 1 as "Silver Star Day" to honor the nation's wounded servicemembers. Silver Star Families of America is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers. "What we really want to do is have a nationwide event that day," Janie Orman, the group's vice president, said. She added that the proclamation had been sent to every state. The group, which would like to establish May 1 as a national day of observance honoring America's wounded servicemembers, drafted a proclamation in November for Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' consideration. His office responded a few weeks later, informing Silver Star Families of America that the governor had signed the proclamation. New Mexico followed suit, and Wyoming recently contacted the group regarding the initiative, Orman said. "We need someone in (each) state to represent us," she said, adding the American Legion has expressed interest in supporting the group in this effort. "A resolution we wrote has passed the local (American Legion chapter). It has to then pass the district, then the state, then national," she said. "But they're in big support of Silver Star Day also, so that's a great help." Orman also said that individuals wanting to help represent Silver Star Day in a their state should contact her or Steve Newton, Silver Star Families of America's president and co-founder. "Their main goal would be to get the word out about the Silver stars and what we do: ... honor and assist our wounded and their families in any way we can," Orman said. "We do that by presenting the Silver Star banners and care packages." The group also acts as an advocate for the wounded and works to educate the public about dilemmas wounded troops and veterans face, according to it's the group's Web site. The Silver Star Banner, which the group is working to make a government-recognized service banner like those of the American Gold Star Mothers, will play a big part in observing Silver Star Day on May 1, Orman said. Silver Star Families of America members are hoping to present their banners to veterans and wounded servicemembers in each state. They also hope to work with schools to help students understand why the day is important. "I guess what we try to instill in them is that their freedom (to) go to school ... depends on our troops standing up for freedom," Orman said. The day of recognition is open to participation by other groups wishing to honor America's wounded troops, as well. The Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that attends military funerals to shield families from protestors, has indicated it would like to hold a rally to commemorate the day, Orman said. "We're just really getting a great response about Silver Star Day," Orman said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Keith A. Callahan, 31, of McClure, Pa., died Jan. 24 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting a combat patrol south of Baghdad, Iraq. Callahan was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Hector Leija, 27, of Houston, Texas, died Jan. 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered during combat operations. Leija was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Michelin North America, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a minimum $852,034,389 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for supply, storage, and distribution for all tires. Other locations of performance are Akron and North Canton, Ohio; Fairfield, N.J.; Des Moines, Iowa; Toronto, Ontario; Indiana, Pa.; and New Haven, Conn. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were 23 proposals solicited and 3 responded. This is a base year only contract. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 24, 2012. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7L10-07-D-7002). NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, St. Paul, Minn., is being awarded $186,500,000 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0012) for the fabrication, integration and testing of seven P-3 aircraft missions systems for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This modification includes a fully capable Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar ISAR/SAR, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), acoustic system, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system, communication system and Inter-Communication System (ICS). In addition, this modification includes the installation of P-3 mission systems into the aircraft. Work will be performed in Greensville, S.C. (90 percent) and Eagan, Minn. (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $25,000,000 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00024-96-C-2100) for execution of the USS Texas (SSN 775) Post Shakedown Availability. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed in February 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $5,999,555 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price delivery order issued under basic ordering agreement N00019-00-G-0148. This modification provides for support for the Phase II C/D fleet retrofit effort to upgrade a variety of systems for 24 F/A-18C and 6 F/A-18D aircraft for the Government of Switzerland under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in March 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ARMY Chamberlain Manufacturing Corp., Scranton, Pa., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2007, an $11,619,948 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M795 Projectile metal parts. Work will be performed in Scranton, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 17 bids solicited on Jan. 31, 2003, and one bid was received. The Joint Munitions and Lethality Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAE30-03-C-1114). BBN Technologies*, Cambridge, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2007, a $9,540,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of acoustic shot detection and decoy systems. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Mass., and is expected to be completed by May 20, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were three bids solicited on Jan. 11, 2007, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, White Sand Missile Range, N.M., is the contracting activity (W9124Q-07-C-0532). Kalyn Siebert Inc., Gatesville, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 23, 2007, an $8,821,884 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M870A3 Semi-Trailers. Work will be performed in Gatesville, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 8, 2004. The U.S. Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0258). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Nicholas P. Brown, 24, of Huber Heights, Ohio, died Jan. 22 in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Brown was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jamie D. Wilson, 34, of San Diego, Calif., died Jan. 22 in Fallujah, Iraq, from wounds suffered while conducting security operations in Karmah, Iraq. Wilson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Brandon L. Stout, 23, of Grand Rapids, Mich., died Jan. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an explosively formed projectile detonated near his vehicle. Stout was assigned to the 46th Military Police Company, Michigan Army National Guard, Kingsford, Mich

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush, 24, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, died Jan. 23 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Kashkoush was assigned to 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Emphasizing that failure in Iraq would be grievous and far-reaching, President Bush said tonight that American leaders must work together to set the conditions for success in the long war against terrorism. "The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others," Bush said in his annual State of the Union Address. "That is why it is important to work together so our nation can see this great effort through." Bush proposed the establishment of a special advisory council on the war on terror, made up of members of Congress from both political parties. "We will share ideas for how to position America to meet every challenge that confronts us," he said. "And we will show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory." The war in Iraq is part of a broader ideological struggle against extremism, Bush said. Failure in Iraq would embolden terrorists and potentially give them a safe haven from which to attack the U.S. and other countries, he said. "So we advance our own security interests by helping moderates, reformers and brave voices for democracy," he said. "The great question of our day is whether America will help men and women in the Middle East to build free societies and share in the rights of all humanity. And I say, for the sake of our own security, ... we must." One of the first steps America's leaders can take toward success in the long war against terrorism is to increase the size of the military, Bush said. He asked Congress to authorize an increase in the size of the active-duty Army and Marine Corps by 92,000 over the next five years. In addition, Bush proposed the creation of a volunteer civilian reserve corps, which would ease the burden on military forces serving overseas. This corps would function much like a military reserve force, Bush said, and would employ civilians with critical skills who can serve on missions abroad. "It would give people across America who do not wear the uniform a chance to serve in the defining struggle of our time," Bush said. Bush said he worked in close consultation with military commanders in developing the new strategy for the war in Iraq. The leaders chose the proposed strategy, which includes sending more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq, increased responsibility for the Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces, and more diplomatic and economic initiatives, because it was the best way forward, Bush said. "For all of us in this room, there is no higher responsibility than to protect the people of this country from danger. ... To win the war on terror, we must take the fight to the enemy," he said. "From the start, America and our allies have protected our people by staying on the offense." The new Iraq strategy demands more commitment from the Iraqi government, but recognizes that the goal of a democratic Iraq cannot be reached until the sectarian violence in Baghdad is quelled, Bush said. Iraqi forces aren't ready to handle security on their own, he said, so the majority of U.S. forces will go to Baghdad, where they will clear and secure neighborhoods and serve as advisors to Iraqi units. Bush emphasized that the U.S. commitment in Iraq is not open-ended. The Iraqi government must follow through on its promises to deploy more troops to Baghdad, lift restrictions on coalition forces, make visible progress in reconciliation, and take responsibility for security operations, he said. "The people of Iraq want to live in peace, and now is the time for their government to act," Bush said. If American forces step back before Baghdad is secure, extremists would overrun the Iraqi government, and the ensuing violence would affect the entire region, Bush said. Out of chaos in Iraq would emerge a stronger enemy with new safe havens, recruits and resources, he said. "Nothing is more important at this moment in our history than for America to succeed in the Middle East, to succeed in Iraq, and to spare the American people from this danger," he said.

A soldier was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near a Multinational Division Baghdad patrol northwest of Baghdad today, officials reported. Three other soldiers were injured in the blast. The deceased soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department released the identities of 11 soldiers and four Marines killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Wiggins, 26, of Cleveland, Ohio, died Jan. 23 in Balad, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury. He was assigned to the 79th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. -- Marine Sgt. Gary S. Johnston, 21, of Windthorst, Texas, died Jan. 23 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Johnston was assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Matus, 19, of Chetek, Wis., died Jan. 21 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Matus was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Marine Cpl. Darrel J. Morris, 21, of Spokane, Wash., died Jan. 21 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Morris was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Emilian D. Sanchez, 20, of Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., died Jan. 21 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Army Sgt. Jonathan P. C. Kingman, 21, of Nankin, Ohio, died Jan. 20 near Baji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 41st Engineer Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore.; Army Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.; Army Spc. Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, of Vista, Calif.; and Army Spc. Toby R. Olsen, 28, of Manchester, N.H., died Jan 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near their Humvee. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb.; Army Spc. Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La.; Army Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Cortland, N.Y.; and Army Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala., died Jan 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds suffered when their patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Pfc. Ryan J. Hill, 20, of Keizer, Ore., died Jan. 20 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his Humvee. Hill was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jonathan P. C. Kingman, 21, of Nankin, Ohio, died January 20 near Baji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 41st Engineer Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Michael J. Wiggins, 26, of Cleveland, Ohio, died January 23 in Balad, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury. He was assigned to the 79th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The incident is under investigation.

Dod Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Matus, 19, of Chetek, Wis. Sgt. Gary S. Johnston, 21, of Windthorst, Texas Matus died Jan. 21 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Matus was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Johnston died Jan. 23 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Johnston was assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force Okinawa, Japan.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Emilian D. Sanchez, 20, of Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., died Jan. 21 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

CONTRACTS ARMY AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Jan. 19, 2007, an $8,529,906 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the addition of M1035A1 and M1151A1 vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 18, 2007, a $5,929,286 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the upgrade of M818E2 fuzes to M818E3A configuration for Japan. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 7, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 17, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0114). Cottrell Contracting Corp.*, Chesapeake, Va., was awarded on Jan. 19, 2007, a $5,344,000 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging of the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway and Morehead City Harbor and Beaufort Harbor. Work will be performed in Morehead City, N.C., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 15 bids solicited on Nov. 8, 2006, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0017). NAVY Lockheed Martin Corporation, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $5,184,182 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6243) to exercise an option for engineering services and material, travel and subsistence, in support of the Submarine Combat Control Systems Structurally Integrated Enclosure CC 3-Bay program. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $319,942, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting facility. * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of 12 soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 20, when the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter they were in crashed. Killed were: Col. Brian D. Allgood, 46, of Oklahoma, who was assigned to the 30th Medical Brigade, European Regional Medical Command, Heidelberg, Germany. Staff Sgt. Darryl D. Booker, 37, of Midlothian, Va., who was assigned to the 29th Infantry Division, Virginia Army National Guard, Sandston, Va. Sgt. 1st Class John G. Brown, 43, of Little Rock, Ark., who was assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment (Air Assault), 77th Aviation Brigade, Camp Robinson, Ark. Lt. Col. David C. Canegata, 50, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, who was assigned to the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands. Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn L. Gabbard, 46, of Polk City, Iowa, who was assigned to Joint Forces Headquarters, Iowa Army National Guard, Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa. Command Sgt. Maj. Roger W. Haller, 49, of Davidsonville, Md., who was assigned to the 70th Regiment, Regional Training Institute - Maryland, Maryland Army National Guard, Reisterstown, Md. Col. Paul M. Kelly, 45, of Stafford, Va., who was assigned to the Joint Force Headquarters of the Virginia Army National Guard in Blackstone, Va. Staff Sgt. Floyd E. Lake, 43, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, who was assigned to the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands. Cpl. Victor M. Langarica, 29, of Decatur, Ga., who was assigned to the 86th Signal Battalion, Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Capt. Sean E. Lyerly, 31, of Pflugerville, Texas., who was assigned to the Texas Army National Guard's 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, Austin, Texas. Maj. Michael V. Taylor, 40, of North Little Rock, Ark., who was assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment (Air Assault), 77th Aviation Brigade, Camp Robinson, Ark. 1st Sgt. William T. Warren, 48, of North Little Rock, Ark., who was assigned to the Arkansas Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment (Air Assault), 77th Aviation Brigade, Camp Robinson, Ark. The incident is under investigation.

Two U.S. Marines were killed yesterday during operations in western Iraq, and defense officials have released the name of a soldier who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. A Marine assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and another Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died from wounds suffered due to enemy action in Iraq's Anbar province, officials said. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identity of a soldier who died recently in the war on terror. Army Capt. Brian S. Freeman, 31, of Temecula, Calif., died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his meeting area came under attack by mortar and small-arms fire. Freeman was assigned to the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, Whitehall, Ohio.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Jan 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when their patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations.The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb. Spc. Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La. Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Cortland, N.Y. Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Jan 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee.The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore. Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla. Spc. Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, of Vista, Calif. Spc. Toby R. Olsen, 28, of Manchester, N.H.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Ryan J. Hill, 20, of Keizer, Ore., died January 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee. Hill was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany

America Supports You: 'Eagle' Flies to Military Family's Aid

Injured in Iraq, Katie Kriesel's husband is facing a long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here. But her employer, Eagle Global Logistics, is making sure she'll get to stay by his side. On Dec. 3, Katie, of Cottage Grove, Minn., got the call deployed servicemembers' spouses dread. Her husband, Minnesota Army National Guardsman Sgt. John Kriesel, had been seriously injured by a roadside bomb south of Fallujah the day before. "He lost both of his legs -- one above the knee and one below," Katie said. "He had a shattered pelvis and sacrum (a bone at the base of the spine) that they've had to fuse to his lower back, and then he had both bones in his left forearm broken in several places, (a) fractured right wrist and then some internal injuries to his abdomen." He arrived at Walter Reed on Dec. 8, and though he's only a third of the way through 12 weeks of mandatory bed rest after back surgery, Katie said he's doing very well. Thanks to her employer, Katie is doing well, too. When she received that fateful call, she turned to her friend, Nancy Matthews, for moral support. Matthews also happens to be Katie's supervisor and knew Katie would need more than moral support. "I went over to her house that afternoon and just started doing stuff and playing with the kids until we could get some more news," Matthews said. Soon, John's condition stabilized and he was moved from Iraq to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. With two challenges confronting Katie - she had no passport and needed a flight to Germany - Matthews sprung into action. "I started pulling stuff off the Web on applications for passports, and then put in motion some of my colleagues in Chicago," Matthews said. Eagle Global Logistics is in the cargo business. "As soon as I got in on Monday morning, I started talking to the (vice presidents) at Northwest Airlines that I know that work with cargo ... asking them if there was any way that they could get Katie and her mother over to Germany as quickly as possible." Soon, a Chicago colleague was walking Katie's application through the regional passport office. She was able to pick it up at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport a couple of hours before her 9:30 p.m. flight departed Dec. 4. The flight, compliments of Matthews' efforts and airline industry connections, found Katie and her mother flying first class. "My employer actually got me Northwest vouchers to go to Germany, and all I had to pay was the tax on them," Katie said. She was to return to the states with her husband via military medical transport, but was bumped at the last minute when additional wounded servicemembers making the flight back required that more medical personnel be aboard. Distressed that she wouldn't be arriving at Walter Reed with her husband, Katie again turned to her boss for moral support. Again, she got much more than that. Matthews arranged return transportation with Northwest for Katie, her mother and a military escort who had traveled to Germany with them. The support didn't stop with coordinating travel, though. Matthews knew this wasn't going to be a short-lived ordeal, so she turned to her 150 employees. "We're all a family here, even though we aren't related, and they knew John was over there," she said. "We told them that Katie was going over there and that we were going to try and do everything we could to help." In the first four hours, $2,200 was collected, Matthew said. Perhaps more valuable than the funds, which Katie said grew to tens of thousands of dollars, is time to spend with her husband while he recuperates. John had been home for two weeks of leave in October, and Katie used two of her three weeks of vacation at the same time. "They set up a way for people all over the company, worldwide, to be able to donate vacation time to me," Katie said. "I have seven months of paid vacation time that people have donated, and it just keeps coming in." So does the support from Eagle Global Logistics offices worldwide. They have given both financial support and paid vacation time, and the Chicago office took care of Christmas for the Kriesels' boys, Brody, 4, and Elijah, 5, so the family could celebrate the holiday in John's room. "They're in it for the long haul, and that's just so amazing to me," Katie said. "The support just continues and doesn't lessen. If anything, it grows, and that, to me, is just completely overwhelming." Indeed, the support does continue to grow. Matthews said the company is planning a fundraiser for the Kriesel family in late spring. The hope is John will be able to take convalescent leave and attend so he can thank everyone for their support. Though John is very positive, he does have bad days, his wife said. To help both John and Katie battle the occasional blues, the company has created a distraction. "We are desperately trying to get enough money that we can build them a new house that can accommodate John's injuries," she said. "When John has had his really bad days and he's cried about having to sell their house, ... (we say), 'OK John, I'm sending you a plan book. I want you to pick out your perfect house.'" Though Eagle Global Logistics has never had another employee encounter such catastrophic circumstances, Katie and John's situation was a wake-up call, Matthews said. The company now has created a corporate fund to assist other employees who encounter a similar situation. "If a corporation, for instance, wants to donate tax-free funds, they can donate it through this account that Eagle is creating," she said. "They can designate it just for John and Katie, and then if someone else has a tragedy of this magnitude ... other people can apply for aid." While the level of support coming from Eagle Global Logistics and its employees seems phenomenal, Matthews said she isn't a bit surprised. "We all just told John we would take care of Katie while he was gone - Katie and the kids - and we did," she said. Katie, overwhelmed by the outpouring, said the value of the support is much greater than its monetary value. "I will never look for another job, ever in my whole life. I mean that very honestly," she said. "I will be with that company forever, because how would you ever replace that? "You can't put a dollar value on that," she said. Individual donations to benefit the couple should be made out to the John and/or Katie Kriesel Benefit Fund, and mailed to EGS, Attn: Nancy Matthews, 3169 Dodd Road, Eagan, MN 55121.

CONTRACTS ARMY BAE Systems Land & Armaments, York, Pa., was awarded on Jan. 19, 2007, a delivery order amount of $234,230,202 as part of a $234,230,202 cost-reimbursable contract for long lead materials to support the reset of FY08 Bradley Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa. (83 percent), San Jose, Calif. (8 percent), Aiken, S.C. (5 percent), and Fayette, Pa. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 20, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005). R.C. Construction Company Inc.*, Greenwood, Miss., was awarded on Jan. 22, 2007, a $17,590,500 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of an elementary school. Work will be performed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and is expected to be completed on July 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were 425 bids solicited on June 14, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the reporting contract office (W912HN-07-C-0016). Knight's Armament Co.*, Titusville, Fla., was awarded on Jan. 22, 2007, a delivery order amount of $16,633,698 as part of a $16,633,698 firm-fixed-price contract for spares for the M203A2 Quick Release Bracket and the M4/M5 Adapter Rail Systems for the support of the M16 Series Rifle and M4 Carbine. Work will be performed in Titusville, Fla., and is expected to be completed on Jan. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 18, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the reporting contract office (W52H09-05-D-0073). Michelin North America Inc., Greeneville, S.C., was awarded on Jan. 19, 2007, a $10,660,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for tires for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in Woodburn, Ind., and is expected to be completed on Oct. 31, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 21, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-06-C-0645). Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 22, 2007, a $6,996,997 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle Trucks and Trailers. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed on Nov. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contact office (DAAE07-03-C-S023). ITT Industries Inc., Roanoke, Va., was awarded on Jan. 22, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,384,000 as part of a $6,384,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the helmet mount assembly and components for the PVS-7A Night Vision Device. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 10, 2006. The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the reporting contact office (W91CRB-07-D-0001). VT Griffin Services Inc., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded on Jan. 18, 2007, a $6,030,000 modification to a cost-plus-award-fee contract for commercial activities. Work will be performed at Fort McCoy, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 5, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on June 29, 2001, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Fort McCoy, Wis., is the contracting activity (DAKF61-02-C-0016). NAVY Undersea Sensor Systems Inc., Columbia City, Ind., is being awarded an $18,983,110 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of AN/SSQ-53F sonobuoys and associated data. AN/SSQ-53F sonobuoys are dropped from various airborne platforms and utilized for search and detection of submerged submarines. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $30,314,857. Work will be performed in Columbia City, Ind., and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-6785). Sparton Electronics, DeLeon Springs, Fla., is being awarded a $13,780,600 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of AN/SSQ-53F sonobuoys and associated data. AN/SSQ-53F sonobuoys are dropped from various airborne platforms and utilized for search and detection of submerged submarines. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $19,621,004. Work will be performed in DeLeon Springs, Fla., and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-6793). Raytheon Co., Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $6,768,628 firm-fixed-price contract for research support in developing concept and architectural solutions for precision approach and landing system technologies. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif., and is expected to be completed in October 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement; four firms were solicited and five offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0020). Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $5,691,879 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-05-C-0012) to provide program sustaining and integrated logistics services in support of the MH-60R Airborne Low Frequency Sonar systems. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (60 percent) and Brest, France (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY The Wornick Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $16,233,198 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for various Polymeric Traypack Ration Items for Unitized Group Ration Heat and Serve Program for Army. There were 7 proposals solicited and 2 responded. This is a base year only contract. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-07-D-Z192). Ameriqual Group, LLC, Evansville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $15,296,203 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for various Polymeric Traypack Ration Items for Unitized Group Ration Heat and Serve Program for Army. There were 7 proposals solicited and 2 responded. This is a base year contract with 4 one-year options. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-07-D-Z193). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Sparta, Inc., of Lake Forest, California 92630-8873, is being awarded a $14,999,730 cost-plus-fixed-fee (level of effort) contract modification for algorithm development and decision architecture for Project Hercules to counter evolving missile threats. Work will be performed at Lake Forest, California and is expected to be complete by December 2008. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, DC is the contracting activity (HQ0006-03-C-0049). * Small Business

America Supports You: Pizza Party Provided to Taji Troops

The generosity of an infantryman's parents, working in coordination with a major pizza restaurant's corporate office, a unit family readiness group, and a major shipping company, led to a feast for some soldiers here Jan. 18. Troopers from Company B, the "Bandogs," 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, dined on Little Caesars pizza shipped to them all the way from Detroit following a coordinated effort involving the Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program teaming with L.S.S. Consulting, a global security consulting firm at which both parents of a Co. B soldier are executives, and DHL shipping, which worked with the unit's family readiness group at Fort Hood, Texas, to get the pizzas into the hands -- and stomachs -- of the soldiers. More than 100 pizza kits, enough to make about 500 pizzas, were flown to Iraq and then shipped by DHL -- with the Army's help via a military convoy -- and arrived here Jan 9. The kits were encased in a 42-cubic-foot refrigerated shipping container to keep them fresh for cooking later. The whole pizza event came about when Walled Lake, Mich. native Pfc. James Timmons' parents, Ned and Mary Timmons of L.S.S. Consulting, decided to send their son and his fellow soldiers a taste of home. Ned and Mary teamed with the other companies and also paid the cost for shipping the crate. "My parents first contacted me, so I knew (the pizzas) were coming," Timmons said. "There were a lot of people actually working to get these out here, and it lets us know that there are folks out there who are grateful for what we're doing out here." He said he was amazed when he first saw the huge shipping crate at Camp Taji. "When I saw it, the only thing I could think was 'We're definitely going to be eating some pizza!'" Timmons said with a laugh. The company's first sergeant explained the importance of the event to his soldiers. "This means a lot, and even though the guys can buy pizzas here, this is more heartfelt as it's chow from home," 1st Sgt. Damon Perez said. "This really motivates the soldiers to see that people in the states really do care and support us." The pizzas were cooked in a mobile field kitchen, which was brought to Bandog's motor pool for the occasion. The company enlisted the help of food service specialists from their battalion's Company E, who opened each kit and placed the sauce and the toppings on each pizza prior to cooking. It took about 20 minutes to cook each pizza. "Doing this was no problem," said Staff Sgt. Brent Boodoo, senior food service operations sergeant for Co. E and a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. "We'll do anything to raise the morale of the soldiers." Soldiers from Bandog Company spend most of their time in Iraq pulling security, going on patrols, doing humanitarian missions and assisting local Iraqi government officials with projects and other issues. The unit also searches for weapons caches and looks for improvised explosive devices, while at the same time assisting Iraqi police and Iraqi army troops based at the Mushahidah police station. More times than not, the soldiers find themselves working long hours, sometimes seven days a week, so the pizza break was well-earned, Capt. Adrian Spevak, Co. B commander, said. "This (break) is well-deserved, as a lot of times they're pushed pretty Hard. ... They're out there when it's raining, when it's cold, and they'll be out there when it gets extremely hot. But they never complain about it," Spevak said. "They do a lot of events on a daily basis within the local (community) to make the lives of the Iraqis better. They're proud of what they do." The soldiers said they were grateful to everyone involved in making the pizza break possible and that they enjoyed getting the "slice of home." "This really tastes like home, and pizza always brings a smile to my face," said Spc. Abran Gonzalez, an infantryman with Co. B. "I never would have dreamed that I would be eating Little Caesars pizza in Iraq." Sgt. Robert Yesia, Co. B commander's gunner, said he could not find words to express his feelings so he decided to make one up for this occasion. "This is much better than anything else I've had in a while. It's fantastical," he said with a laugh.

Two soldiers and a Marine have been killed in Iraq in recent days, and defense officials have released the names of four servicemembers who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- A soldier assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died yesterday from wounds suffered during combat in Iraq's Anbar province. -- An 89th Military Police Brigade soldier died yesterday of wounds suffered after an improvised explosive device exploded next to his vehicle north of Baghdad. -- A Marine assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force died Jan. 21 from wounds suffered during combat south of Baghdad. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of three servicemembers who died recently in the war on terror. -- U.S Army Pfc. Allen B. Jaynes, 21, of Henderson, Texas, died Jan. 20 in Iraq of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Marine Cpl. Jacob H. Neal, 23, of San Marcos, Texas, died Jan. 19 and Marine Lance Cpl. Luis J. Castillo, 20, of Lawton, Mich., died Jan. 20 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. They were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Brian S. Freeman, 31, of Temecula, Calif., died Jan. 20 in Karbala, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his meeting area came under attack by mortar and smalls arms fire.Freeman was assigned to the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion, Whitehall, Ohio.

CONTRACTS NAVY Hydraulics International Inc.*, Chatsworth, Calif., is being awarded a $13,363,627 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N68335-04-D-0015) for 106 electric hydraulic power supply units and 205 diesel hydraulic power supply units. These hydraulic power supplies provide system, sub-system, or component fault isolation, trouble shooting, and functional testing for aircraft maintenance on land or aboard ship. Work will be performed in Chatsworth, Calif., and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity. Undersea Sensor Systems Inc., Columbia City, Ind., is being awarded a $10,399,774 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of AN/SSQ-62E sonobuoys and associated data. AN/SSQ-62E sonobuoys are dropped from various airborne platforms and utilized for search and detection of submerged submarines. Work will be performed in Columbia City, Ind., and is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-C-6786). ARMY Colt Defense L.L.C.*, Hartford, Conn., was awarded on Jan. 17, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,603,769 as part of a $24,252,468 firm-fixed-price contract for Unique Spare Parts for the M4 and M4A1 Carbine. Work will be performed in Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 5, 2004. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-D-0191). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier, who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Allen B. Jaynes, 21, of Henderson, Texas, died Jan. 20 in Iraq of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jacob H. Neal, 23, of San Marcos, Texas, died Jan. 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Neal was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Grand Rapids, Mich. Lance Cpl. Luis J. Castillo, 20, of Lawton, Mich., died Jan. 20 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Castillo was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Mich.

The Military Channel is asking servicemembers across the armed forces to submit videotaped stories about their service in the global war on terrorism for broadcast on television, company officials said. "We want to give a voice to the troops to allow them to tell their stories," Jill Bondurant, Military Channel publicist, said during an interview with American Forces Press Service today. The Military Channel plans to use servicemember-submitted video for broadcast during nightly one-hour blocks of programming starting in early February, Bondurant said. The dates and times haven't been specified yet, she said. Video can be in digital or taped format, Bondurant said, and can be submitted via the following methods: -- Online: www.mywardiary.com; -- E-mail: mywardiary@discovery.com; or -- Mail: Military Videos, care of Discovery Productions, 8045 Kennett Street, Silver Spring, Md. 20910. All submitted video will be screened for appropriate content, Bondurant noted. The initiative seeks to illustrate some personal stories of military service during wartime, Military Channel spokesman and former soldier Pat Lafferty told the Pentagon Channel in a recent interview. Most evening news programming on the military these days shies away from the personal and focuses on "big picture" events, he said. "There's only so much that the 'normal media' can get out as far as the stories (and) what's going on," Lafferty said. "And, oftentimes, that really isn't the story about individual servicemembers and what they're doing on a day-to-day basis." A component of Discovery Communications, the Silver Spring, Md.-based Military Channel was the first television media outlet to partner with America Supports You, a Department of Defense program connecting public and corporate support for the troops to servicemembers and their families.

Two Marines and two soldiers have been killed in Iraq in recent days, and defense officials have released the names of four servicemembers who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, was killed today when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Ninewa province. Four other soldiers wounded in the attack were transported to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. -- Two Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit were killed in separate incidents yesterday during combat in Anbar province. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier died when an improvised explosive device detonated near a security patrol northeast of Baghdad on Jan. 20. Three other soldiers were wounded in the blast. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of three soldiers and one sailor who died recently in the war on terror. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Russell P. Borea, 38, of El Paso, Texas, died in Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 19 when an IED detonated near his Humvee. Borea was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. -- Army Spc. William J. Rechenmacher, 24, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Jan. 18 in Baghdad when an IED detonated near his Humvee. Rechenmacher was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer A. Valdivia, 27, of Cambridge, Ill., was discovered deceased on Jan. 16 in Bahrain. Valdivia was assigned to the naval security force for Naval Support Activity Bahrain. Valdivia's death was a non-combat related incident and is under investigation. -- Army Spc. Jason J. Corbett, 23, of Casper, Wyo., died Jan. 15 of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire in Karmah, Iraq. Corbett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer A. Valdivia, 27, of Cambridge, Ill., was discovered deceased on Jan. 16, 2007, in Bahrain. Valdivia was assigned to the naval security force for Naval Support Activity, Bahrain. Valdivia's death was a non-combat related incident in Bahrain, which is located within the designated hostile fire zone. Valdivia's death is under investigation.

Eight U.S. soldiers and two Marines died in Iraq during the past four days, U.S. military officials reported, and defense officials have released the names of a sailor and two soldiers who died in Iraq. - Four soldiers and one Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died yesterday from wounds suffered due to enemy action while operating in Al Anbar province. - An improvised explosive device killed a Multinational division Baghdad soldier yesterday while he was on patrol in a northern section of Baghdad. - A Task Force Lightning soldier died yesterday when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in northern Iraq. - A Task Force Lightning soldier assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division died yesterday as a result of injuries suffered from an improved explosive device during combat operations in Ninewah province. - A Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died Jan.19 from wounds suffered due to enemy action while operating in Al Anbar province. - A Multinational Division-Baghdad soldier died Jan. 18 when a roadside bomb detonated on a patrol in a northwest section of Baghdad. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, Defense Department officials released the names of a U.S. Navy sailor and four U.S. soldiers killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died in a non-combat related incident Jan. 17, 2007, on Camp Bucca, Iraq, where he was assigned to the Navy Provisional Detention Battalion. Alomar's death was not the result of hostile action, but occurred in a hostile fire zone, and is under investigation. - Army Spc. Collin R. Schockmel, 19, of Richwood, Texas, died Jan. 16 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using grenades during security and observation operations. Schockmel was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, deployed from Fort Carson, Colo. - Army Sgt. Gregroy A. Wright, 28, of Boston, died Jan. 13 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Wright was assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, deployed from Fort Riley, Kan.

Five U.S. soldiers were killed and three wounded yesterday while repelling an attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center (PJCC) in Karbala, Iraq, military officials reported today. The PJCC is used by local Iraqi officials, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces to meet and address the security needs of the population, said Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, deputy commander Multinational Division-Baghdad. "A meeting was taking place at the time of the attack to ensure the security of Shiite pilgrims participating in the Ashura commemoration," Brooks said. Ashura is a Muslim day of remembrance observed differently by Muslim Shiite and Shia sects. Because of the differences, there is often violence during Ashura, which will be observed this year on Jan. 28. An illegally armed militia group attacked the PJCC with grenades, small arms and indirect fires while coalition forces, Iraqi officials and security forces met to discuss future security needs, according to officials. Following the attack, he coordination center was secured by coalition and Iraqi forces. "The attack on the Karbala PJCC was aimed at coalition and Iraqi security forces working together toward a better future for the citizens of Karbala," said Lt. Col Scott R. Bleichwehl, a Multinational Division-Baghdad spokesman. The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin. Five U.S. soldiers were killed and three wounded yesterday while repelling an attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center (PJCC) in Karbala, Iraq, military officials reported today. The PJCC is used by local Iraqi officials, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces to meet and address the security needs of the population, said Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, deputy commander Multinational Division-Baghdad. "A meeting was taking place at the time of the attack to ensure the security of Shiite pilgrims participating in the Ashura commemoration," Brooks said. Ashura is a Muslim day of remembrance observed differently by Muslim Shiite and Shia sects. Because of the differences, there is often violence during Ashura, which will be observed this year on Jan. 28. An illegally armed militia group attacked the PJCC with grenades, small arms and indirect fires while coalition forces, Iraqi officials and security forces met to discuss future security needs, according to officials. Following the attack, he coordination center was secured by coalition and Iraqi forces. "The attack on the Karbala PJCC was aimed at coalition and Iraqi security forces working together toward a better future for the citizens of Karbala," said Lt. Col Scott R. Bleichwehl, a Multinational Division-Baghdad spokesman. The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin. The PJCC is used by local Iraqi officials, Iraqi security forces and coalition forces to meet and address the security needs of the population, said Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, deputy commander Multinational Division-Baghdad. "A meeting was taking place at the time of the attack to ensure the security of Shiite pilgrims participating in the Ashura commemoration," Brooks said. Ashura is a Muslim day of remembrance observed differently by Muslim Shiite and Shia sects. Because of the differences, there is often violence during Ashura, which will be observed this year on Jan. 28. An illegally armed militia group attacked the PJCC with grenades, small arms and indirect fires while coalition forces, Iraqi officials and security forces met to discuss future security needs, according to officials. Following the attack, he coordination center was secured by coalition and Iraqi forces. "The attack on the Karbala PJCC was aimed at coalition and Iraqi security forces working together toward a better future for the citizens of Karbala," said Lt. Col Scott R. Bleichwehl, a Multinational Division-Baghdad spokesman. The deceased soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. William J. Rechenmacher, 24, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Jan. 18 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Spc. Rechenmacher was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Jason J. Corbett, 23, of Casper, Wyo., died Jan. 15 of injuries sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations in Karmah, Iraq. Spc. Corbett was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. William J. Rechenmacher, 24, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Jan. 18 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Spc. Rechenmacher was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Russell P. Borea, 38, of El Paso, Texas, died of injuries suffered in Mosul on Jan. 19 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. Borea was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph D. Alomar, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died in a non-combat related incident Jan. 17, 2007, at Camp Bucca, Iraq, where he was assigned to the Navy Provisional Detention Battalion. Alomar's death was not the result of hostile action, but occurred in a hostile fire zone. Alomar's death is under investigation.

Seeking ground-truth, Robert M. Gates made his second trip of his less than month-long tour as defense secretary to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Gates met with soldiers and kings, sailors and emirs, airmen and sheikhs and Marines and presidents during the six-day visit to seven countries. He specifically sought out opportunities to speak with allies and coalition partners on the visit. He returned to Washington very early this morning. The trip started Jan. 14 with a stop in London to meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Defense Minister Des Browne. Officials traveling with Gates said the secretary wanted to personally get the feelings and thoughts of America's closest allies in the war on terror. The next day, Gates traveled to NATO headquarters in Brussels for meetings with Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and the Supreme Allied Commander U.S. Army Gen. Bantz Craddock. NATO commands the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and has personnel helping train the Iraqi Army. There are more than 30,000 soldiers from 37 NATO and partner countries serving in ISAF. Gates called the NATO mission in Afghanistan a model of the organization's potential in the new era. "Success in Afghanistan is our top priority," he said. "The alliance that never fired a shot in the Cold War is leading six missions on three continents and on the Mediterranean." The secretary and his party moved from Brussels to Afghanistan aboard an Air Force C-17. Outfitted with a traveling office in a modified Airstream trailer called the "Silver Bullet," the secretary conducted business as if he were in his office in the Pentagon. In Kabul, the secretary met up with Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and embarked on a challenging set of meetings and visits. He met with ISAF commander British Army Gen. David Richards, Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, the commander of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan and the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann. In the afternoon, Gates and Pace flew to Forward Operating Base Tillman on the border with Pakistan to meet with American and Afghan soldiers who are on the front line of the war on terror. Taliban extremists are infiltrating from Pakistan in an attempt to drive the government from power. Gates met with the soldiers of A Company 2nd Battation 87th Infantry, and received a briefing from the commander on the way Afghan and U.S. troops work together. On his return to Kabul, Gates and Pace met with Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardek and then President Hamid Karzai. Gates said the progress in Afghanistan is impressive and he wants to build on those successes. Gates also was impressed with preparations to ensure that the expected Taliban spring offensive in Afghanistan is blunted. "I think it's very important that we not let the success here in Afghanistan slip away from us, and that we keep the initiative," Gates said. "There is no reason for us to sit back and let the Taliban regroup and threaten the progress that has been made here." Gates also said commanders in Afghanistan have asked for more troops for the coming battle. "Clearly, if the people who are leading the struggle out here believe there is a need for some additional help to sustain the success we've had, I'm going to be very sympathetic to that kind of request," he said. The next day the secretary and chairman traveled to Bagram Air Base, east of the capital where he met with U.S. officials at the base. The secretary was supposed to go to visit troops in Kandahar, but a sandstorm in the area closed the airport and he had to cancel that portion of the trip. At Bagram, Pace left the party to travel to Colombia for meetings with leaders there. The secretary flew to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he met with King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan. He briefed the men on conditions in Afghanistan and Iraq and spoke with them about the situation with Iran. The Saudis tend to see the situation in Iraq through the lens of the new challenges Iran poses to the region, officials traveling with the secretary said. The secretary was a bit more plain-spoken on Jan. 18 when he told reporters traveling with him that the Iranians have overplayed their hand. "I told them that I felt the Iranians were being very aggressive," he said. "I believe (the Iranians) feel they have the United States at a disadvantage because of the situation in Iraq. To be precise, I told them both that I thought the Iranians were overplaying their hands. One of the consequences of that, is they have raised real concerns about their intentions in the region and beyond." Following the meetings, Gates traveled to Bahrain. In Bahrain, he met with the king and defense minister and then with Navy Vice Adm. Patrick Walsh, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. In the afternoon, he went to Qatar where he met with Emir and Defense Minister Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The next day he flew to Basra, Iraq where he met with Army Gen. George Casey, the commander of Multinational Forces Iraq, and British Army Maj. Gen. Jonathan Shaw, the commander of Multinational Division Southeast. He moved on to Tallil Air Base northwest of Basra and met with coalition and Iraqi commanders. He went from Tallil to Bahrain and back to Washington. It was a grueling trip for the new secretary. Together with his trip to Iraq last month it was an effort to gather the latest information from commanders at all levels and the feelings of allies. "To the extent that this is a fact-finding trip, I've found at least one fact: I'm too old to do seven countries in five-and-a-half days," Gates said in Tallil. But, he said later, he will continue to visit hot spots around the world to better understand the situation of the men and women serving in those areas.

Twelve U.S. soldiers were killed when the Blackhawk helicopter in which they were riding crashed northeast of Baghdad Saturday afternoon, Multinational Force Iraq officials reported today. Initial reports erroneously claimed that 13 individuals were killed, officials said. Emergency coalition forces responded and secured the scene following the crash. The deceased include four crewmembers. The other eight soldiers aboard were passengers in the aircraft. Multinational Corps Iraq officials reported there were no survivors. The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending notification of family members.

Rebuilding Iraq is like playing "three-dimensional chess in a dark room," but multinational forces will continue to move forward there, the senior British military representative in Iraq said today. British army Lt. Gen. Graeme Lamb, deputy commander of Multinational Force Iraq, first went to Iraq in 1991. He's currently serving his fourth term there and has developed an understanding of the country's complexity, he told reporters in the Pentagon via satellite connection from Iraq. "It's hard pounding; this is as complex as I've ever seen anything I've done," he said. "But 'hard pounding' is what Wellington said at Waterloo before he went on to win as part of a coalition," Lamb said, referring to the Battle of Waterloo, in which Napoleon was defeated by a multinational coalition. Infusing his briefing with historical references, Lamb, a self-described Scotsman with a sense of humor, said he sees steady increases of progress, hope and opportunity in Iraq upon each return. "Don't forget (the Iraqi government) has only been in power for some 240 days. It took (Americans) 11 years to write your constitution; we're still trying to write ours," Lamb quipped. "I still believe we can do this, ... and that's just the way I see it," he said. "I don't do optimism; I don't do pessimism; I just do realism." He said Iraqis are showing unprecedented commitment to reconstructing their country. "We are judged by our actions in this world," Lamb said, "and I do see (Iraqis) taking the right actions. "I see the Sunni community looking towards coming back into the political process," he said. "I see this government, this prime minister, dealing with the militias." Lamb said additional U.S. troops sent as part of President Bush's new strategy will aid reconstruction efforts. "The president has committed forces," Lamb said. "As a ground commander, you can't ask for more. I see American soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and civilians, none of them shrinking from their duty." But, Lamb emphasized he sees "things still being difficult, very difficult." When asked if the roughly 6,200 British troops in Basra had been defeated by militias, Lamb said he shies away from "d-words" like "decisive" and "defeated" when discussing operations. "(The British army's 10th) Division is out there on Operation Sinbad right now, independent, operating and making a difference in the town," Lamb said. "I don't think we're defeated in any sense." Militias are making some inroads in Basra, he said, but he added that such difficulties are not insurmountable. He also discussed the progress of Iraqi security forces. Lamb told reporters he recently met with a battalion commander in Ramadi who reported "huge progress" in the town. "In Ramadi four months ago, I don't think there were any policemen in the town," he said. "There are 791 now. They were shot at from a building, (then) 200 policemen were drawn together, surrounded the building, cleared it," he said. "That's just an example of some progress." Operations ahead this year will represent an active and aggressive transition, Lamb said. "We mentor, we monitor, we train with ... Iraqi forces to ensure that they're capable," he said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Collin R. Schockmel, 19, of Richwood, Texas, died Jan. 16 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using grenades during security and observation operations. Schockmel was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Gregroy A. Wright, 28, of Boston, died Jan. 13 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.Wright was assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

A U.S. sailor and six soldiers died in Iraq over the past week, U.S. military officials reported, and defense officials have released the names of six soldiers killed earlier in Iraq. -- A Navy sailor from 16th Military Police Brigade, Camp Bucca, Iraq, died yesterday in a non-combat-related incident. -- An improvised explosive device killed four Task Force Lightning soldiers from 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, on Jan. 15 in Ninewa province. -- A soldier from 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died today and another assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died Jan. 15 during combat in Anbar province. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the names of six soldiers previously killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Four U.S. Army soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, died Jan. 15 in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. Killed were: -- Second Lt. Mark J. Daily, 23, of Irvine, Calif.; -- Sgt. Ian C. Anderson, 22, of Prairie Village, Kan.; -- Sgt. John E. Cooper, 29, of Ewing, Ky.; and -- Spc. Matthew T. Grimm, 21, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Army Sgt. Paul T. Sanchez, 32, of Irving, Texas, died Jan. 14 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Sanchez was assigned to the 543rd Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. Army Spc. James D. Riekena, 22, of Redmond, Wash., died Jan. 14 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Riekena was assigned to the 145th Brigade Support Battalion, Post Falls, Idaho.

CONTRACTS ARMY BAE Systems Land and Armaments, York, Pa., was awarded on Jan. 16, 2007, a delivery order amount of $129,740,064 as part of a $177,720,712 firm-fixed-price contract for rese of M2A2 and M3A2 Operation Desert Storm Bradley Vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa. (83 percent), Aiken, S.C. (5 percent), San Jose, Calif. (8 percent), and Fayette, Pa. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 17, 2006. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Jan. 11, 2007, a $25,048,860 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of M1151 Automatic Fire Extinguishing System retrofit kits. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Advanced System Development Inc.*, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Jan. 11, 2007, a delivery order amount of $6,302,800 as part of a $7,558,800 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the construction of the Missile Defense Agency Von Braun Complex Phase II. Work will be performed at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 23, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on July 8, 2005, and nine bids were received. The Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-06-D-0001). McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Corp., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Jan. 16, 2007, a delivery order amount of $5,600,000 as part of an $18,758,404 firm-fixed-price and time and material contract for post production system support, engineering services, quality deficiency reports, main rotor mast improvement study, and time and material effort for the Apache Aircraft. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 29, 2006. The Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-G-0005). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Shamrock Foods, Commerce City, Colo., is being awarded a maximum $31,523,368 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract prime vendor full line food distribution for Cheyenne, Wyo., and Denver, Colo. Zones. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Federal Correction Center. There were 26 proposals solicited and five responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 18, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-07-D-3219). Sopakco, Inc., Mullins, S.C., * is being awarded a maximum $22,690,110 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE). Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite-quantity contract. There were three proposals solicited and three responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-06-D-Z104). AmeriQual Group, LLC, Evansville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $18,623,855 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE). Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite-quantity contract. There were three proposals solicited and three responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-06-D-Z103). Truman Arnold Companies, Alcoa, Tenn., * is being awarded a maximum $8,136,484 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. There was one proposal solicited and one responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0068). Truman Arnold Companies, Chattanooga, Tenn., * is being awarded a maximum $6,433,631 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. There was one proposal solicited and one responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is March 31, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0069). NAVY Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $28,595,049 cost-plus-incentive-fee/award modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) for production of seven Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off-the-Shelf Insertion (ARCI) sonar system upgrades, associated pre-cable kits, spares, and production support. ARCI processes acoustic signals from submarine hull arrays, towed arrays, and sphere arrays. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va. (42 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (27 percent); Oldsmar, Fla. (18 percent); Chantilly, Va. (4 percent); Syracuse, N. Y. (3 percent); Chelmsford, Mass. (2 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (2 percent); and Houston, Texas (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting facility. The Applied Research Laboratories at the University of Texas, Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $20,338,409 indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-01-D-6600) for a 3 month extension to provide continued research, development, and test & evaluation capabilities for major mission product areas such as mines, fire control, undersea countermeasures, coastal/special warfare support, acoustic reconnaissance and search, special sensors, navigation, and communications. Work will be performed in Austin, Texas, and is expected to be completed by March 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Sytex, Inc.,* Doylestown, Pa., is being awarded a $20,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N65236-03-D-5854) for Communication Technical Support Services (CTSS) to support operations and maintenance for base local area network, commercial satellite communication, technical control facility and circuit actions, telephone, land mobile radio and both inside and outside cable plant engineering for the Air Force at various locations in Iraq, Afghanistan and six other nations in Southeast Asia, encompassing the majority of operating time under Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Work will be performed for in Southwest Asia, and in the Central Command area of responsibility, and is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification is a sole source effort. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity. ATK Federal Cartridge Co., Anoka, Minn., is being awarded a maximum $8,533,200 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract for minimum 373 box/max. 19,500 box, A191/300 Winchester Magnum Ammunition. A191 ammunition will be used by U.S. forces engaged in combat, and by the Navy in match team competition. Work will be performed in Anoka, Minn., and is expected to be completed by December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with two offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-4893). BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair, San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a $5,469,532 firm-fixed-price contract for a regular overhaul of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). The ship's primary mission is to provide underway replenishment of fuel to Navy ships at sea. Work performed during this availability will include drydocking the ship, overhauling its main engine and recoating the ballast and oily waste tanks to ensure their preservation. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $7,350,448. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2007. Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two offers received. The Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a subordinate command of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-07-C-1014). Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $5,230,389 firm-fixed-price contract for a transfer availability of Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52). The ship transferred to Military Sealift Command on Jan. 12, 2007. The ship ordinarily operates in the Pacific, salvaging stranded vessels, performing rescue and assistance operations, recovering submerged objects and supporting manned diving operations. Work performed during this availability will include modification of the ship's living quarters. These modifications will accommodate the civil service mariners who have replaced the active duty Navy crew. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $7,777,853. Work will be performed in Seattle, Wash, and is expected to be completed April 2007. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two offers received. The Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a subordinate command of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-07-C-4002). AIR FORCE Accenture LLP, Reston, Va., is being awarded an $11,019,553 cost plus award fee contract modification. This action provides for Financial Information Resources Systems (FIRST) which includes commercial off-the-shelf integration/configuration activities; including, management, design, development, implementation, deployment and sustainment of the FIRST program as it migrates to the Global Combat Support System, Air Force. The contractor shall deliver the FIRST budget formulation application. This action also includes sustainment of Automated Budget Analysis Systems Centralized User System; sustainment and migration of the Enterprise Data View, Commanders Resource Integration Systems to the Global Support System, Air Force data services; and sustainment of the Military and Civilian Personnel J-Books application. At this time, $10,366,205 have been obligated. Headquarters 554th Electronic Systems Wing, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity. (FA8770-01-C-0020-P00100) Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $6,425,267 cost plus award fee contract modification. This action is a supplemental agreement to procure critical spares for the space vehicles and box level test equipment. The spares are stored for immediate consumption when a need arises to prevent production and schedule delays due to long lead procurement time of the items or from obsolescence parts. Various parts and quantities are procured to support timely space vehicles launch. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Global Positioning Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity. (F04701-96-C-0025, P00439) * Small Business

In an effort to bolster Iraq's economy and employ thousands of Iraqis, the United States is working to restart operations at several factories around the country. A team from the Defense Department's Office of Business Transformation has been visiting Iraq since May to evaluate the situations at the country's roughly 200 former state-owned factories and determine what is needed to restart operations. So far, the team has visited and done detailed assessments of almost 40 factories, and has a list of 10 priority facilities it will focus on, Paul Brinkley, deputy undersecretary of defense for business transformation, told reporters in Iraq today. "Our intent is to get these factories started, re-employ the Iraqi people, creating viable enterprises that have customers (and) that make goods or deliver services that can then be engaged by private-sector investors," Brinkley said. The 10 priority factories are geographically distributed throughout Iraq and represent a variety of industries, Brinkley said. They were chosen because they will employ the most people quickly and will require less investment up front to get started, he said. The overall U.S. investment for these Iraqi factories will be relatively low, about $10 million for all 10 factories, Brinkley said. The United States is partnering with the Iraqi government, which will make the bulk of the initial investments, he explained. This is important symbolically, because it shows action and commitment by the Iraqi government, he noted. "The core effort right now is to restore employment to as many of the Iraqi people as we can, to encourage stability, and to return to normalcy areas that have waited for economic stimulus and prosperity to take hold," he said. The 200 factories once employed more than 300,000 people, who now don't work but receive stipend checks from the government for about 30 or 40 percent of their former pay, Brinkley said. When the initial 10 factories are restored completely, they will employ about 11,000 people -- a welcome boost to a country where 48 percent of the population works less than 15 hours a week. Brinkley emphasized that the reopening of these factories won't happen instantaneously, but he said the first 10 should be nearing their full employment capacity in the next two or three months. One factory is already up and running, supplying products to the U.S. Defense Department, Brinkley said. Using Iraqi companies for DoD contracts is an easy way the U.S. can stimulate Iraq's economy and drive down its own costs, as well, he said. "Our first and foremost priority is the security and the well-being of our armed forces, but as long as we have assurances -- and our assessments do that -- then we will buy directly from Iraqis, and that will stimulate demand," he said. One of the biggest challenges in restarting these factories is transitioning them to a privatized financial system, Brinkley said. The Iraq ministries used to pool all the annual profit, which was then distributed among the factories. Now each factory will need a privatization strategy that will give it financial autonomy, based on its needs and situation, he said. The United States also is working to encourage private-sector investment in Iraq's factories, Brinkley said. In the last two weeks, the DoD team took a large group of international business executives to Iraq to talk about how interest in investment can be stimulated, he said. In cases where the factories have been damaged by military operations, the United States will invest to fix the problems, he added. Brinkley stressed that economic restoration in Iraq involves a lot more than restarting factories. U.S. funds have gone to restoring sewer, water and power services, reconstruction projects, and many other activities to stimulate the economy, he pointed out. As these factories are reopened, they will stimulate further economic growth, he added. "Every factory is not an independent entity," he said. "Not only do the workers employed spend money in the local community and stimulate economic activity, but the goods it (sells) and (acquires) stimulate economic activity."

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Aerojet-General Corp., Sacramento, Calif. is being awarded a $109,773,816 cost plus fixed fee/cost plus incentive fee completion contract. This action for the Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstration (HBTD) program supports the Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) program in the Boost and Orbit Transfer mission area. The Hydrocarbon (HC) Boost engine and the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) goals combined create the HC Boost goals. At this time, $50,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete October 2015. Headquarters Air Force Flight Test Center (AFMC), Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9300-07-C-0001). NAVY eVenture Technologies*, LCC, Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $62,770,148 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-award fee, performance-based contract to provide systems engineering and technical assistance support services to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, New Orleans, La. (SPAWARSYSCEN NOLA). The support services include providing information technology management, systems development and engineering, and operations support services in support of programs and projects managed or supported by SPAWARSYSCEN NOLA. These programs include, but are not limited to, legacy Navy personnel and pay systems. This contract includes anticipated base and out year options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $329,778,936. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La. (78 percent); Arlington, Va. (9 percent); Pensacola, Fla. (3 percent); San Diego, Calif. (3 percent); Norfolk, Va. (3 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (3 percent) and Millington, Tenn. (1 percent), and is expected be completed by September 2007. If all options are exercised, work will continue until September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the year. This contract was a competitive 100 percent small business set-aside procurement with unlimited proposals solicited via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and five offers received via the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N69250-07-D-0300). CDM Constructors, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif., is being awarded $23,640,581 for the second allotment of funding on Delivery Order 0007 under a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity design-build-operate-maintain contract for water conveyance/reclamation at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. The work to be performed provides for the installation of a conveyance/reclamation pipeline to connect four sewage treatment plants to the new Southern Region Tertiary Treatment Plant to ensure overall Camp Pendleton water and wastewater compliance for ultimate privatization. Work includes all site demolition and site work. Supporting facilities include power, controls, and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68711-04-D-5110).

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Metal USA i-Solutions, Ft. Washington, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $60,400,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, titanium, nickel alloys, and other industrial metals. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite delivery/quantity, five year contract with a 2-year base and three 1-year options exercising option year 2. There were 63 proposals solicited and 3 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is June 16, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-06-D-BP16). Metal USA i-Solutions, Ft. Washington, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $45,100,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, titanium, nickel alloys, and other industrial metals. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. This is an indefinite delivery/quantity, five year contract with a 2-year base and three 1-year options exercising option year 1. There were 63 proposals solicited and 3 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is July 6, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-06-D-BP17). AIR FORCE BAE Systems Information and Electronics, Nashua, N.H. is being awarded a $37,252,179 firm fixed price; cost plus fixed fee; cost reimbursement no fee; time and material contract. This action is for the purchase of 41 receiving sets. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Robins Air Logistics Center (AFMC), Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0001-0192). Lear Siegler Services Incorporated, Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded an $8,684,800 firm fixed price contract. This action provides for award of the base year, for Contractor Logistics Support for the C-26B Aircraft for the Army National Guard and the RC-26B Aircraft for the Air National Guard, consisting of maintenance, repair and support functions. At this time, $399,353 have been obligated. This work will be complete September 2007. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (AFMC), Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-07-C-0004). NAVY Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Western Region, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $28,659,473 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0080) to exercise an option for 32 shipsets of Center Barrel Replacement Plus (CBR+) hardware for the U.S. Navy (23) and the Royal Australian Air Force (9) in support of the Service Life Extension Program for the F/A-18A/B/C/D aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (83 percent); Amityville, N.Y. (12.11 percent); and Ravenswood, W.Va. (4.89 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($19,973,529; 70%) and the Government of Australia ($8,685,944; 30%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River Md., is the contracting activity. Rockwell Collins, Inc. Government Systems Division, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded $24,033,428 for a five year repair requirements contract for repair of line items of navigation and communication equipment that are part of various systems used on the E-2C, EA-6B, F/A-18, P-3, H-1, H-46, H-45D and other aircraft. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and work is to be completed by January 2012. Contract funds will not have expired at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-07-D-010G).

Navy Names New Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced today the selection of USS Gerald R. Ford as the name of the first aircraft carrier in what will be the Gerald R. Ford class of carriers. This selection honors the 38th President of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. "President Gerald R. Ford provided the United States great leadership at a time of constitutional crisis," said Winter. "I am honored to have the opportunity to name the first ship in the new class of aircraft carriers after this great sailor, this great leader, this great man." Born in Omaha, Neb., in 1913, he grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich. He starred on the University of Michigan football team where he was a center and team most valuable player in 1934.After graduation he attended Yale Law School, where he served as assistant football coach while earning his law degree. During World War II he attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, and served on the light carrier, the USS Monterey.After the war he returned to Grand Rapids, where he began the practice of law, and entered political life. Ford was the first Vice President chosen under the terms of the Twenty-fifth Amendment and, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, succeeded the first President ever to resign; serving as the 37th Vice President (1973-1974) and the 38th President of the United States (1974-1977).Prior to becoming Vice President, he served for more than eight years as the Republican Minority Leader of the House of Representatives as a representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district. The USS Gerald R. Ford will be the premier forward asset for crisis response and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation.The carrier and the carrier strike group will provide forward presence, rapid response, endurance on station, and multi-mission capability. The USS Gerald R. Ford and subsequent Ford class carriers will provide improved war fighting capability, quality of life improvements for sailors and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Paul T. Sanchez, 32, of Irving, Texas, died Jan. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Sanchez was assigned to the 543rd Military Police Company, 91st Military Police Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. James D. Riekena, 22, of Redmond, Wash., died Jan. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Riekena was assigned to the 145th Brigade Support Battalion, Post Falls, Idaho.

CONTRACTS ARMY ATK Launch Systems Inc., Corinne, Utah, was awarded on Jan. 11, 2007, a delivery order amount of $54,995,499 as part of a $159,699,713 firm-fixed-price contract for M212 infrared countermeasure flares. Work will be performed in Corinne, Utah, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 8, 2005. The U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-04-D-1003). B&K Construction Company Inc.*, Mandeville, La., was awarded on Jan. 12, 2007, a $31,350,305 firm-fixed-price contract for Gardere Canal Improvements. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Sept. 22, 2006, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-07-C-0031). RQ Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., was awarded on Jan. 11, 2007, a $15,782,111 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Army Global Information Center/Network Operations facility. Work will be performed at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by July 5, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on June 26, 2005, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-07-C-0008). Raytheon Systems Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded on Jan. 12, 2007, an $11,733,099 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support for the Tube Launcher Optically Guided Weapon Improved Target Acquisition System. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 18, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0088). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Jan. 11, 2007, a $7,997,463 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for price changes. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Jan. 11, 2007, a $9,167,370 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging of Wilmington Harbor. Work will be performed in Wilmington, N.C., and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 14 bids solicited on Nov. 8, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-C-0014). NAVY Nineteenth HFC Leasing Corporation, Prospect Heights, Ill., is being awarded $48,585,495 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00033-82-C-1028) to exercise an option to purchase Maritime Prepositioning Ship 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo. The ship has been under long-term charter to Military Sealift Command since 1985 and is one of 16 Maritime Prepositioning Ships that strategically place U.S. Marine Corps cargo at sea around the world, making the cargo readily available to warfighters who are flown into a theater of operations. The ship will remain crewed by about 30 civilian mariners employed by American Overseas Marine Corporation of Quincy, Mass. The ship will transfer to U.S. government ownership on Jan. 16, 2007, and will continue to operate worldwide. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Littleton, Colo. is being awarded a $20,000,000 cost plus award fee contract modification. This action will establish supply chain management and technological improvement tasks to minimize the risk of launch failure by, establishing continuing relationship with common suppliers and addressing new capabilities to support the upcoming government launches from Launches Complex 41 (LC-41), Cape Canaveral AFS Florida (CCAFS) and Space Launch Complex 3E (SLC-3E), Vandenberg AFB, California. These projects include lithium ion battery development for flight safety and development of a replacement resin for solid rocket boosters. At this time, $10,000,000 has been obligated. This work will be complete September 2007. Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing (AFSPC), Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002/P00016). Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, Mo., is being awarded a $7,500,000 cost plus fixed fee indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. This action provides for research and development services in support of the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) mission. At this time, $599,388 has been obligated. Solicitations began June 2006 and negotiations were complete January 2007. This work will be complete September 2011. Headquarters 45th Space Wing Contracting Office, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2521-07-D-8001). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Canadian Commercial Corp., Ottawa, Canada, is being awarded a maximum $5,258,437 firm fixed price contract for various spare parts consisting of plate deflectors, shipping oil covers, shipping mount covers, adapter assemblies and item in support of aircraft engines. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is a sole source competition solicited using Gateway with 1 response. This is a requirements type contract with a base period of 2 years with four 2 year option periods. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 30, 2009. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SP0400-05-D-9405). * Small Business

Robust Support for Military Families On-Going Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Michael L. Dominguez stated at a meeting Thursday with military and community support organizations, "As additional forces deploy in support of the new strategies in Iraq, programs and policies at home will immediately respond to the needs of families.These families will need grassroots support as many are National Guard and Reserve and are distributed across many states rather than on or near military installations." Dominguez made these comments as twenty-two of America's most prestigious military and community support organizations were here to discuss how to help military families impacted by the President's new strategy for the war in Iraq. "We all know the important role military families play in national security,"Dominguez told key leaders. "You (the support organizations) deliver services so essential and capture information about what needs to be done, I asked you to attend today to hear your ideas." The Department of Defense has a strong bond with all of these grassroots organizations nationwide.A separate section of the Military OneSource Web-site now includes a page where community and military support organizations can post sponsored events to help connect families in their communities. "Military families also serve.They have a patriotic and noble spirit," Dominguez said, "but their sacrifices are greater than ever with change in deployments.We appreciate your steadfast support." Key activities under way in the Department of Defense to support military units impacted by the policy change will address families' needs, Dominguez said.Initial efforts will specifically target the needs of the units in the Minnesota National Guard, the first heavily impacted state. A team of military family assistance counselors, requested by Minnesota's adjutant general, will provide on-going support to families in the months to come, Dominguez said.They will help coordinate local resources, identify needed services, conduct face-to-face counseling, teach classes and help families and children develop coping strategies. These programs are based on recent experiences with similar changes in rotations.Other family issues will address financial stability and emotional challenges.Particular attention will be paid to respite child-care and children's emotional well-being. Similar plans to support servicemembers and families of other affected units are under way by each of the military services; they are aggressively engaged.The Defense Department's robust Military OneSourcecentral location for assistance is available 24-hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.The Web site http://www.militaryonesource.com and toll-free telephone number at (800) 342-9647 provide immediate access to a consultant for help with problem solving - no issue is too small. "If ever there was a time to show that we care for our troops, it's now," one attendee said. Organizations present at the meeting were:Air Force Association, American Red Cross, American Legion, Armed Services YMCA, Army Emergency Relief, Association of the United States Army, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Military Officers Association of America, National Association for Uniformed Services, National Enlisted Reserve Association, National Guard Association of America, National Military Family Association, Navy League of the United States, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Non-Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America, Reserve Officers Association, United Services Organization, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The University of Miami Hurricanes have reached out to share a little bit of home with the men and women of the Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion, "The Sand Pirates," currently serving at Camp Bucca, Iraq. The connection between the Navy unit and the university is through the Battalion's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Kathryn A. Donovan, who once worked for University of Miami President Donna Shalala. Shalala sent almost 100 shirts and baseball caps to the battalion just in time for this year's college football bowl games. "This very generous way of thanking the soldiers, sailors and airmen who are away from their families at the holidays and provided a huge morale boost. Plus, there are just a lot of Hurricane fans in the desert," said Donovan. Among the recipients of a green-and-orange "U" cap was Army Spc. Estuardo Morales, of Tampa, Fla., who said he was overwhelmed to receive an official Miami Hurricanes cap. "The hat reminds me of home, because everybody in my family loves the Hurricanes," he said. "I leave my new hat on top of my 'battle rattle' in the office to show my school pride because I work with all Gamecocks fans, and they don't have any hats." Morales is attached to the 251st Rear Area Operations Center, a National Guard unit from South Carolina. "Battle rattle" is a slang term soldiers use to refer to their body armor and helmet. Airman Morris Bell created a motivational sign with the slogan, "Taking a Time Out for The U, Camp Bucca, Iraq." "I'm from Houston, so I don't know much about Miami, but I'll cheer for anyone that sends free hats and shirts," he said. "I know that Devon Hester went to Miami and he's worth cheering for." A third "Canes" fan, Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Sharrard, hails from Hawaii, but his grandmother lived in Miami and he has been a Hurricane and Dolphins fan since childhood. "This really improved the battalion's morale and is truly appreciated," he said. "The fact that the hats and T-shirts arrived during the holidays makes them even more special." Seaman Abel Rivera added, "This helps us feel supported from people back home and lifts our spirit in this environment. It keeps us motivated to keep going." "Thanks for your thoughts and prayers," said Petty Officer 1st Class Isiah Dumas. "Maybe we'll see 'the U' in a BCS Bowl Game next year." said The University of Miami effort is just one of countless others being put forth by the American public, grassroots organizations and corporations to show support for U.S. servicemembers. The Defense Department's "America Supports You" program highlights many of those efforts. More information is available on the America Supports You Web site.

Future of Military Healthcare Meets January 16

The Task Force on the Future of the Military Healthcare is conducting its first public meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, in the Board Room at the Crystal City Marriott, 1999 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va.Officials expected to address the task force include Dr. David Chu, under secretary of Defense for personnel and readiness, and Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. The fourteen member congressionally-directed task force is assigned to assess and recommend new methods for sustaining the military health care services provided to members of the Armed Forces, retirees, and their families to ensure the availability and affordability of military medicine over the long term.By mid December 2007, the Task Force will issue a report to the Secretary of Defense and Congress containing their findings and recommendations. The task force has a slate of objectives for consideration, including wellness and disease management initiatives, tracking beneficiary health risks, education programs, accurate cost accounting, universal enrollment, system command and control, procurement adequacy, military and civilian personnel mix, Medicare-eligible beneficiary needs, efficient and cost effective contracts, and the beneficiary-government cost sharing structure.

Three U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq over the past two days, U.S. military officials reported. A roadside bomb killed a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier in Baghdad yesterday while the soldier's unit was conducting a route clearance patrol mission. Four other soldiers were wounded by the blast. In a separate incident yesterday, an 89th Military Police Brigade soldier died of wounds sustained after a makeshift bomb exploded next to his vehicle north of Baghdad, officials said. On Jan.13, a Task Force Lightning soldier assigned to the 105th Engineer Group died of wounds as a result of an explosion while conducting operations in northern Iraq. Another soldier wounded in the incident was transported to a coalition forces' medical treatment facility. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the name of a soldier previously killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Cpl. Stephen J. Raderstorf, 21, of Peoria, Ariz., died Jan. 7 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained during combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The incident is under investigation, officials said.

Soldier Hits Big Kick to Win $10K

Football fans across America got a sneak preview of the nation's newest class of college stars at the seventh annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio's Alamodome on Jan. 6. But the brightest star of the game was Army Pvt. Josh Lucas, who took home $10,000 when he put a football through the uprights during an in-game promotion by USAA. Lucas and his roommate, Pfc. William Herron, both assigned to Company C, 264th Medical Brigade, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, were selected to compete against one another and be the first to kick a 30-yard field goal. Lucas booted the ball between the uprights on his second try and took home the $10,000 prize. However, Herron didn't go home empty handed; he walked off the field $3,000 richer, courtesy of USAA. ASAA is a corporate member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights ways Americans support U.S. servicemembers and their families. "That was a pretty exciting deal," Lucas said. "It seemed like I got called out of the stands just out of the blue, and the next thing I know I'm kicking a field goal and winning $10,000." "USAA's mission is to support the men and women who defend our nation, and their families," said Mike Luby, president of USAA Federal Savings Bank. "As Americans, we can never truly repay the debt we owe our troops and their families. However, holding this contest and giving away these tickets is a small token of our appreciation for their service and sacrifice." In addition to the field goal contest, USAA provided Fort Sam Houston leaders 1,000 tickets to the game for soldiers and their families. They also provided lunch for the more than 3,000 soldiers attending the game. (Information provided by a USAA news release.)

Navy Issues Stop Work Order for Littoral Combat Ship 3 Announced The Navy has issued a stop work order today to Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime Systems & Sensors unit, Moorestown, N.J., for the construction of the third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). This stop work order will take effect immediately and is for a period of 90 days. The stop work order was issued because of significant cost increases currently being experienced with the construction of LCS-1 and LCS-3, under construction by Lockheed Martin. "I determined that at this point in time it was critical to stop work on LCS-3 to assess the LCS program and ensure we understand the program's cost and management processes before we move forward. It is essential that we complete LCS 1 and get it to sea so we can evaluate this new ship design" said Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter. The Navy is working closely with the contractor to identify the root cause of the costs growth. The Navy is reviewing the overall acquisition strategy for the LCS program and is working closely with the contractors to keep this program on track. The contract for LCS-3 was awarded June 26, 2006, for $197.6 million, and the ship is being constructed at Bollinger Shipyard, Lockport, La. "The Littoral Combat Ship program remains of critical importance to our Navy. With its great speed and interchangeable warfighting modules, the ship will provide unprecedented flexibility, allowing us to combat almost any specific threat -- from enemy mines to submarines to even pirates. It will help us defend our nation not just in the deep blue, but up close in the coastal regions of the world where our enemies like to hide and where so many of our friends and partners strive to prosper," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen. The Navy is committed to the LCS class ship as it remains the cornerstone of the future fleet by providing critical capability.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Stephen J. Raderstorf, 21, of Peoria, Ariz., died Jan. 7 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds sustained during combat operations.He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corporation, Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a $255,000,000 firm fixed price contract modification. This action provides for an F-22 multiyear economic order quantity procurement. To date all funds have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2011. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2899/No Modification number at this time). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Clearfield, Utah is being awarded a $30,641,929 cost plus incentive fee contract modification. This action exercises option 2 for Minuteman III Safety Enhanced Reentry Vehicle full rate production (120 each). To date all funds have been obligated. This work will be complete April 2010. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center (AFMC), Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001/No modification number at this time). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Octagon Process, Inc. Edgewater, NJ,* is being awarded a maximum $12,812,333 fixed price with economic price adjustment requirements-type contract with a base period of one year and two, one year options for deicing-defrosting and anti-icing fluids. Using services are Navy and Air Force. Other locations of performance are New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Tennessee, Michigan, Colorado, Louisiana, Utah, Washington, and Alaska. Proposals were Gateway solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 7, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va. (SPM4A6-07-D-2549). NAVY Smiths Aerospace Mechanical Systems - Santa Ana, Inc., Santa Ana, Calif., is being awarded an $11,573,304 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-00-C-0433) for the procurement of 180 each 480-gallon external fuel tanks for F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in Santa Ana, Calif., and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $11,573,304 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. * Small Business

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three airmen who were killed Jan. 7 by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while performing duties in the Baghdad area supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.The airmen were assigned to the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Killed were: Tech. Sgt. Timothy R. Weiner, 35, of Tamarac, Fla. Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki, 23, of New Castle, Del. Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr., 24, Galesburg, Ill.

Two U.S. soldiers were killed yesterday while serving in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has released the identity of a soldier who died Jan. 4. One Task Force Lightning soldier based out of Fort Hood, Texas, died from wounds received during combat operations conducted in Salah Ad Din province. A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed by small-arms fire north of Baghdad. The unit was repairing a crater in a road caused by an improvised explosive device when it was attacked. The road is a heavily-traveled main north-south highway leading in and out of Baghdad. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Defense Department also has identified a soldier killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen, 28, of Wasilla, Alaska, died Jan. 4 in Baghdad of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire. Allen was assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Raytheon Aircraft Company, Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $70,000,909 firm-fixed-price contract. This action will provide the production of parts with a 21-month lead-time for aircraft items and an 18-month lead-time for aircrew training devices. This action mitigates the schedule and cost risk to the T-6 aircraft production line by purchasing critical-paths with exceptionally long lead-times prior to the award of the production contract. At this time, $35,000,455 have been obligated. This work will be complete June 2008. Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-07-D-6151 Delivery order 0001-01). ITT Industries, Cape Canaveral, Fla., is being awarded a $5,938,643 cost-plus award fee; cost-reimbursable; firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action will provide for the acquisition, labor, management and support functions to acquire two HPA-305 ECM transmitters. These transmitters will support radar system upgrade with Radar Open System Architecture (ROSA). At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center Logistics Group (AFSPC) Contracting Office, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001/P00379). ITT Industries, Cape Canaveral, Fla., is being awarded a $5,795,443 cost-plus award fee; cost-reimbursable; firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action will provide spares and interim supply support for the Space Lift Range System Contract (SLRSC). It addresses the continued supply sustainment for previously fielded spares following the tenets of interim supply support. The project also provides additional initial spares procurement, initial spares fielding, and interim supply support sustainment in support of Prime Mission Equipment (PME) projected to be fielded by the Space Lift Range System Contract. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center Logistics Group (AFSPC) Contracting Office, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0001/P00381). McConnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $5,466,455 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action is for the reimbursement of proposal preparation costs associated with solicitation FA8614-05-R-2005: C-17 follow-on buy effort. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center (AFMC), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-C-2001/P00052). DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Albuquerque, NM is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, using Time and Material (T&M) Task Orders, for Systems Engineering and Technical Assessment (SETA) support services. This award is made on behalf of the National Assessment Group (NAG). The contract has a one-year base period with four one-year option periods. The estimated cost for the entire 5-year period is $47,429,000. This contract will facilitate Systems Engineering and Technical Assessment efforts related to planning, execution, reporting of NAG assessments, institutional support, and incidental tasks as described with specificity in individual Task Orders. The requirement was solicited on a full and open competition basis pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304. The solicitation was posted on FedBizOpps and two offers were received. The contractor is a U.S. large business. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization-National Capital Region is the contracting activity (HC1047-07-D-0002). NAVY Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $9,676,759 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-96-C-2100) to incorporate ship alterations to USS Texas (SSN 775) during post-shakedown availability. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by February 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, USN, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.

Georgia-Pacific, the maker of Angel Soft toilet paper, has recognized two teens as "Angels in Action" for their support of the nation's servicemembers. Timothy Calvert, 15, co-founder of Operation Iraqi Friendship, and Robbie Bergquist, 14, co-founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers, are among 13 teens recognized for "exemplary acts of community service" in the Angel Soft Angels in Action award program. The winners and finalists were chosen from a pool of nearly 20,000 nominees ages 8-18. Cell Phones for Soldiers is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans are supporting the nation's servicemembers. "We created the Angel Soft Angels in Action Awards Program because we are dedicated to educating and inspiring families to help children develop a lifelong commitment to community service," Nikkia Starks, Angel Soft's marketing communications manager, said of the program now in its seventh year. "Both young men created innovative programs that put others ahead of themselves." Each of the young men, nominated by beneficiaries of their programs, receives a cash award and a year's supply of Angel Soft toilet paper. Both agreed the money will help their organizations fulfill their stated missions. As a grand-prize winner, Calvert, who said he was shocked at his selection for the award, will join the second grand-prize winner and the Program of the Year winner on a trip to Walt Disney World. He also will receive $10,000, which he said will help cover postage to send tote bags of school supplies to Iraq. "Most of what we need for the school-supply totes is donated, but the shipping is not," Calvert said. "The shipping is pretty expensive, about $7 per tote bag, so it will help get a lot more bags sent over for the Iraqi kids." The bags, which servicemembers distribute to Iraqi schoolchildren, contain school supplies including composition books, drawing tablets, construction paper, scissors, glue, pens, pencils, markers and crayons. A memo book with the word "Friend" on the front cover always is included, as is a toy. "Some of the village classrooms had 50 students sharing just a few pencils and composition books," Calvert said. "No one in our country could even really imagine a life where you couldn't even have your own pencil. "One of the really cool things our program has done (is to teach) American kids to have a little more respect and appreciation for what they have," he added. But as important as making sure Iraqi children have what they need to learn, Calvert, through Operation Iraqi Friendship, is helping U.S. servicemembers make positive connections with the Iraqi people. "When the Iraqi people see our soldiers come with things to help better their life, it helps to build a better relationship," he said. Calvert said his family is often teased about the "warehouse decor" of their home. But when you take into account that his sister Bailey Reese, 10, also runs her own troop-support organization, Hero Hugs, from home, there's no escaping the boxes of goodies waiting to be sent overseas. Bailey was an Angels in Action grand-prize winner in the previous year's program and has several other honors to her credit. The story is much the same for Bergquist, an Angels in Action finalist, who with his sister, Brittany, began sending prepaid calling cards to servicemembers overseas in 2004. To date, they have sent 1.5 million minutes of talk time to troops serving throughout the world. They are humble about the accolades they have received, including the organization's current nomination for a Volvo for Life award, which carries a grand prize of $50,000. "I was surprised (to learn I was selected) because I know there are lots of kids doing amazing things to help others," Bergquist said. "To be recognized for helping the troops makes me feel very proud. The troops are the real 'Angels in Action.'" He said his $1,000 prize money will provide another 30,000 minutes of talk time to help keeps troops in touch with their loved ones. But the recognition the award will bring his organization may be just as valuable. "It lets the public know about Cell Phones for Soldiers and gives them information about how they can help the troops, ... so we can continue to send prepaid phone cards and help military families with their phone bills," he said. Through their actions, both young men and all of the winners made a statement the Angel Soft company thought very important. "A primary message these kids convey, ... in my opinion, is that kids are out there making a difference and impacting the community, both here and overseas, in a variety of ways, which is truly commendable," Starks said. "Year after year, we are always amazed to hear about outstanding children whose thoughtfulness and giving spirit touches so many lives." More information on the Angels in Action Award Program and all of this year's winners and finalists is available on the Angels in Action Web site.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $20,000,000 firm fixed price contract modification. This contract action with McDonnell Douglas Corp., other transaction agreements for pre/post mission engineering and critical components under the Assured Access to Space program. McDonnell Douglas will perform supply chain management and technological improvement tasks to minimize the risk of launch failure for the Delta IV Rocket on the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program (EELV) under the Launch and Range System Wing. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2007. Headquarters Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-98-9-0005-0079). NAVY Lake Moultrie Construction, Inc.*, Bamberg, S.C.; Mitchell Brothers, Inc.*, Beaufort, S.C.; Hightower Construction Co., Inc.*, Charleston, S.C.; HITT Contracting, Inc.*, North Charleston, S.C. 6; and Small Business Group, Inc.*, Greenwood, S.C., are each being awarded a maximum amount of $12,000,000, guaranteed minimum of $25,000 (base period), firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for general building alterations, renovations, repairs, demolition and minor construction for activities in the Resident Office in Charge of Construction Beaufort and Naval Hospital area of responsibility. The total potential amount for all contracts is not to exceed $60,000,000. Lake Moultrie Construction, Inc. is being awarded the first task order in the amount of $1,812,000 for complete renovation of Building 585, MAG-31 Headquarters at Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by February 2008. The remaining four contractors are being awarded the minimum guarantee of $25,000. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected base year completion date of December 2007 (December 2011 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with eight proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-D-1768/1773/1772/1771/1774). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., is being awarded a not to exceed $9,900,000 firm-fixed-price letter contract for long lead material items to support assembly and testing of the AEGIS MK 82 Mod 0 Guided Missile Directors and MK 200 Mod 0 Director Controllers in support of Australian Foreign Military Sales case AT-P-LCQ for the amount of $3,712,500 (75 percent) and Spanish Foreign Military Sales case SP-P-LGB for the amount of $1,237,500 (25 percent). The actual AEGIS equipment being assembled and tested will be installed at a later date aboard the Australian Air Warfare Destroyer and the Spanish F100 Frigate Class F105. Work will be performed in Burlington, Vt., and is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5103). Guam Shipyard, Santa Rita, Guam, is being awarded an $8,024,048 firm-fixed-price contract for the regular overhaul of USNS San Jose (T-AFS 7). San Jose is a Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ship owned and operated by Military Sealift Command. This contract contains options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative total of the entire contract to $9,509. Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by March 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source procurement. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, Ship Support Unit San Diego is the contracting activity (N40443-07-C-0003). Qualis Corp.*, Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $8,000,000 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, time and materials contract to provide technical, management, and logistics services in support of the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps Robotics Systems Joint Project Office. Services to be provided include management and technical support and service for management of robotic systems and related life cycle logistics and acquisition. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. (80 percent); and various Army and Marine Corps repair facilities located in Iraq and Afghanistan (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $8,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside, with six offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-06-D-0020). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. James M. Wosika Jr., 24, of St. Paul, Minn., died Jan. 9 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. Wosika was assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, Crookston, Minn.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Eric T. Caldwell, 22, of Salisbury, Md., died Jan 7 in Iraq of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Raymond N. Mitchell, III, 21, of West Memphis, Ark., died Jan 6 in Baghdad, Iraq of wounds sustained during route security operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Ming Sun, 20, of Cathedral City, Calif., died Jan. 9 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat patrol operations. Sun was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

At least 4,000 National Guard citizen-soldiers may spend an extra four months in Iraq as part of the president's troop increase announced yesterday. The Minnesota Army National Guard's 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, will have its Iraq tour extended up to 125 days, the Defense Department announced today. The announcement affects about 3,000 Minnesota Guard members. The extension until August also affects more than 1,000 Guard members from Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, Nebraska and other states who are deployed with the 1st Brigade. In all, about 4,000 Guard members are affected, Army Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, public affairs officer for the Minnesota National Guard, said. "The 1st Brigade, which consists of the Minnesota National Guard and a number of other National Guard units, were selected because of their agility and their ability to get the job done right," Olson said. "Our citizen-soldiers are perfectly magnificent." The 1st Brigade represents a fraction of the more than 25,000 National Guard members in Iraq, National Guard Bureau officials said. The Pentagon announcement of the 1st Brigade's extension came one day after President George W. Bush announced in an address to the nation that he had committed more than 20,000 additional American troops to Iraq, most of them to Baghdad. "We acknowledge that it is a sacrifice for our families and places a great deal of burden on them," Olson said. The Minnesota National Guard is reaching out aggressively to support affected families, he said. Those efforts include military family life consultants working with struggling families and a full-time mental health coordinator who Olson said is energizing mental health providers across the state to support deployed Guard members' families. Army Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told The Hill, the newspaper of Congress, today that Guard members would be ready to serve if called upon to support the president's new strategy. "If the nation needs us, we will do it," Blum said. The National Guard has responded to every call for forces since Sept. 11, 2001, with more than 200,000 citizen-soldiers and -airmen already mobilized for operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. "The Guard and reserve have been wonderful in the way that they've performed their assignments," Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the White House today. "The increase in military forces will be phased in," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. "It will not unfold overnight. There will be no 'D-Day.' It won't look like the Gulf War." The 1st Brigade was sent to Iraq in March in Minnesota's largest deployment since World War II. The brigade's theater-immersion training began in the fall of 2005, and the unit was scheduled to serve in Iraq for one year. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept.11, 2001, the National Guard has been engaged in operations around the world, serving on the ground in Bosnia, Kosovo, the Sinai, the Horn of Africa, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, among other places. Simultaneously, the National Guard has continued its homeland mission, fighting fires, responding to winter storm rescue and other missions to support the nation's governors. In early 2005, more than half the combat power in Iraq came from the National Guard. The same year, more than 50,000 Guard members from all 54 states and territories made history with their response to Hurricane Katrina.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Michael L. Mundell, 47, of Brandenburg, Ky., died Jan. 5 in Fallujah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.Mundell was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 108th Division (Institutional Training), Spartanburg, S.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Ryan R. Berg, 19, of Sabine Pass, Texas, died Jan. 9 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire.Berg was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS ARMY Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Dec. 14, 2006, a $144,293,000 increment to a $1,428,796,312 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for acquisition of the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System, System Development and Demonstration Program. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass. (47 percent), El Segundo, Calif. (28 percent), Long Beach, Calif. (6 percent), Columbia, Md. (5 percent), Elizabeth City, N.C. (5 percent), Huntsville, Ala. (3 percent), Laurel, Md. (2 percent), Dallas, Texas (1.4 percent), Austin, Texas (1 percent), Alexandria, Va. (1 percent), and Greenlawn, N.Y. (0.9 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 27, 2005. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DASG60-98-C-0001). Thomas Computer Solutions L.L.C.*, Long Beach, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a delivery order amount of $73,908,080 as part of a $703,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee contract for procurement of interpreter and translation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan and any related mission location, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 7, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 29, 2006, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W4-07-D-0004). Global Language Systems L.L.C., Springfield, Va., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a delivery order amount of $49,023,215 as part of a $4,645,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee contract for procurement of interpreter and translation services. Work will be performed in Iraq and any related mission location, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 8, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 29, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W4-07-D-0001). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a $40,487,524 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for battle damage repair of Stryker vehicles in Qatar. Work will be performed in London Ontario, Canada (66 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich. (34 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 28, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-C-B001). Alliant Techsystems Inc., Plymouth, Minn., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a $39,584,452 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M865 target practice cone stabilized discarding sabot-tracer 120mm cartridges. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Nov. 20, 2003, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-04-C-0031). General Dynamics, St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a $39,543,858 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M865 target practice cone stabilized discarding sabot-tracer 120mm cartridges. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Nov. 20, 2003, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-04-C-0030). GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a $33,622,009 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for battle damage repair of Stryker vehicles at the Anniston Army Depot. Work will be performed in London Ontario, Canada (95 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 28, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-C-B001). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Jan. 9, 2007, a $17,201,184 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional M1152A1 vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001). DRS Test & Energy Management, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a delivery order amount of $13,969,686 as part of a $13,969,686 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for direct support electrical systems test sets components. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 14, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 5, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-06-G-0001). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Jan. 10, 2007, a $12,585,000 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for systems technical support for the Abrams Tank program. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046). Calnet Inc.*, Reston, Va., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a delivery order amount of $9,183,488 as part of a $66,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee contract for procurement of interpreter and translation services. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and any related mission location, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 8, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on July 21, 2006, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W4-07-D-0002). Kiewit Pacific Co., Concord, Calif., was awarded on Jan. 8, 2007, a $5,561,047 firm-fixed-price contract for Construction of a four-lane vehicular bridge. Work will be performed in Folsom, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Sept. 20, 2006, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-07-C-0004). US Ordnance*, Reno, Nev., was awarded on Jan. 9, 2007, a $5,195,100 firm-fixed-price contract for M60E4 machine guns with spare long barrels and basic accessories. Work will be performed in Reno, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 5, 2007. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-C-0056). NAVY Creative Times, Inc.*, Ogden, Utah; Peter Vander Werff Construction, Inc.*, El Cajon, Calif.; Halbert Construction, Inc.*, I.E. Pacific, Inc.*, San Diego, Calif.; and Macro-Z-Technology Company*, Santa Ana, Calif., are being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for new construction and renovation of general building construction within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The total contract amount is not to exceed $100,000,000 (base period and four option years) with a guaranteed minimum of $25,000. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, California (82 percent); Arizona (16 percent); and New Mexico (2 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed five years, with an expected base year completion date of January 2008 (January 2012 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a set-aside for HUBZone and/or Service-Disabled Veteran Owned small business concerns via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 19 proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-2012/2013/2014/2015/2016). Caterpillar Incorporated Defense and Federal Products, Peoria, Ill., is being awarded a $23,730,362 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for FFG 7 Class ship's service diesel engines, training, spare parts and related technical and logistics data. The ship's service diesel engines will replace existing engines on FFG 7 Class ships and provide increased performance over existing engines. Work will be performed in East Lafayette, Ind., and is expected to be completed by January 2012. 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 Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa. is the contracting activity (N65540-07-D-0001). Blackbird Technologies, Inc., Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $13,183,493 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity time and material performance-based contract for training on tagging, tracking and locating devices. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $27,991,807. Work will be performed in Iraq, (25 percent); Afghanistan, (15 percent); Florida, (15 percent); Virginia (15 percent); North Carolina (12 percent); Germany (9 percent); California (2 percent); Georgia (2 percent); Kentucky (2 percent); Colorado (1 percent); Texas (1 percent), and Washington (1 percent) and is expected to be completed by October 2007 (October 2009 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured because it is a sole source acquisition. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-07-D-5612). Oceaneering International, Incorporated, Marine Services Division (OII-MSD), Chesapeake, Va., is being awarded a $10,879,044 firm-fixed-price contract to furnish materials, tools, equipment and required support to perform manufacture and installation of Special Operation Forces walking flats and canisters on SSGN Class hulls. Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel and equipment to support multiple simultaneous manufacture and installation of units. Work will be performed in Chesapeake, Va., and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with two proposals received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-07-C-0005). Raytheon Technical Services, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $9,815,837 ceiling-priced delivery order (#7197) under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-04-G-011F) for repair of F/A-18 aircraft APG 73 radar system components. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and work is expected to be completed by September 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. Force Protection Industries Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded an estimated $9,379,370 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 15 Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicles (JERRV) with associated manuals, deployment kits, and training. Vehicles will be deployed to and supported in Iraq. Work will be preformed in Iraq, and work is expected to be completed April 2008. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source award based on an urgent and compelling need for the government. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-5015). Raytheon Technical Services, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $5,977,004 ceiling-priced delivery order (#7180) under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-04-G-011F) for repair of F/A-18 aircraft APG 65 radar system components. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and work is expected to be completed by September 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE VBR Joint Venture, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded an $11,839,380 cost plus award fee contract modification. This is a modification to the Turkey Base maintenance contract. The purpose of this modification is to fund the second quarter of the 3rd option period for FY2007. To date all funds have been obligated. Work is scheduled to be complete September 2007. The 39th Air Base Wing (USAFE), Contracting Office, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey is the contracting activity (F61521-03-C-5400-P00064/no modification number given). * Small Business

Two U.S. Army soldiers and one Marine were killed yesterday while serving in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has released the identity of a soldier who died Jan. 6. -- One U.S. Army soldier from Task Force Lightning assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, died yesterday from injuries suffered during combat in Diyala province. -- A second U.S. Army soldier assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died yesterday from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. -- One Marine assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group died yesterday from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Defense Department also has identified a soldier killed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Cpl. Jeremiah J. Johnson, 23, of Vancouver, Wash., died Jan. 6 of wounds suffered when his vehicle rolled over in Baghdad. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jeremiah J. Johnson, 23, of Vancouver, Wash., died Jan. 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle rolled over Dec. 26 in Baghdad. Johnson was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS NAVY Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Space and Strategic Missiles, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded $654,946,264 for Modification PZ0001 under previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00030-06-C-0100) to provide for TRIDENTII(D5) missile production and deployed system support for TRIDENT II (D5) and TRIDENT I (C4). Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Irvine, Torrance and Santa Ana, Calif. (33.42 percent); St. Mary's, Ga. (15.76 percent); Brigham City, Utah (15.76 percent); Cape Canaveral, Fla (11.89 percent); Silverdale and Nepoulsbo, Wash. (10.5 percent); Gainsville, Va. (2.34 percent); Kingsport, Tenn. (1.65 percent); and miscellaneous sites throughout the U.S. (9.3 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September2010. Contract funds in the amount of $247,625,563 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity. ARMY McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2006, a $469,835,948 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Extended Block II remanufacture program for the Apache Longbow Advanced Attack Helicopter. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 15, 2005. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0093). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Jan. 8, 2007, a $17,201,184 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for additional M1152A1 vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Charles D. Allen, 28, of Wasilla, Alaska, died Jan. 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.He was assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Three airmen and two soldiers were killed while serving in Iraq in recent days, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified a soldier killed New Year's Day.

Three airmen assigned to the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Division were killed today by a car bomb while performing duties in the Baghdad area. One airman was injured in the explosion. Insurgent small-arms fire targeting a Multinational Division Baghdad patrol killed one soldier in a southwestern section of Baghdad yesterday. The unit was providing security on a well-traveled route in the area when it came under attack. Numerous roadside bombs and a weapons cache have been found in the area since Jan. 1. On Jan. 5, a soldier assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group died from wounds suffered while operating in Anbar province. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of the families. The Defense Department also has identified a soldier killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Sgt. Thomas E. Vandling Jr., 26, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died Jan. 1 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when a car bomb detonated near his vehicle while on combat patrol. Vandling was assigned to the 303rd Psychological Operations Company, Oakdale, Pa., a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY SupplyCore, Inc., Rockford, IL,* is being awarded a maximum $356,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery contract for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) Supplies Prime Vendor for the CENTCOM region. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Kuwait City, Kuwait. Proposals were web solicited with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 02, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0500-05-D-BP04). AIR FORCE Data Link Solutions, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded on 29 December 2006, a $36,659,297 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides replenishment spare parts applicable to the Fighter Data Link for the Royal Saudi Air Force. Fighter Data Link is a communications, navigation, and identification system intended to exchange surveillance and command and control (C2) information among various C2 platforms and weapons platforms to enhance varied missions of each of the services. It provides multiple access, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data, secure voice communication, navigation and identification information to a variety of platforms. At this time, $34,888,682 have been obligated. This work will be complete October 2010. Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8539-07-C-0003). Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $29,054,669 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to provide funding for the design and installation of Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) on three C-40B aircraft. At this time total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-D-0013/No modification number at this time). Lockheed Martin Corp., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a $5,588,679 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification. This modification provides for a continuation of TBMCS training to support fielding of TBMCS software applications (Spiral 1.1.3 and 1.1.4). Additionally, this action provides support of the Virtual University Training, third party training and exercise support. At this time, $4,962,634 have been obligated. This work will be complete September 2007. Headquarters Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-95-C-0143/P00483). NAVY Shaw Environmental, Inc., Norfolk, Va., is being awarded $25,000,000 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N62470-02-D-3260) to exercise Option 4 for environmental remediation action services at sites ranked on the Superfund National Priority List (NPL), Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), underground storage tanks (UST) and other sites that might require remedial action. The current total estimated contract amount after exercise of this option will be $125,000,000. Work will be performed at Department of Navy and Marine Corps installations and other Government agencies under the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic area of responsibility includingbut not limited to, the states of Virginia. (19 percent); North Carolina (19 percent); West Virginia (19 percent); Maryland (19 percent); Washington D.C. (19 percent) and other locations, as required by the Government which may also include remote sites (5 percent). Work is expected to be completed January 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. Rolls Royce Engine Services - Oakland, Inc., Oakland, Calif., is being awarded a $15,123,501 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for T-56-A-427 Series IV engine repairs in support of the E-2 aircraft. This action provides for the repair of up to 18 power sections, 8 reduction gearbox assemblies, 15 torque meters and 1 turbine. Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (75 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (15 percent); Dallas, Texas (5 percent); and Greer, S.C. (5 percent) and is expected to be completed in June 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0007). Lockheed Martin Integrated Defense Systems, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,582,714 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity long term contract for repair/overhaul of 14 various weapon replaceable assemblies used on the common cockpit of the MH-60R/S helicopters. This contract includes options, which if exercised, brings the total estimated value of the contract to $68,315,972. Work will be performed in Middletown, Conn. (1 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (5 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (26 percent); Owego, N.Y. (54 percent); Farmingdale, N.Y. (13 percent); and Phoenix, Ariz. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-07-D-004F). Raytheon Company, Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $7,595,494 firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5435) for MK 48 Guided Missile Vertical Launching System (GMVLS), Mod 4, ORDALT Kits for the Government of Japan (96.2 percent); the Netherlands (1.7 percent), Canada (1.6 percent); Greece (.5 percent) and under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The MK 48 GMVLS is designed to bring added self-defense firepower and hemispheric coverage to ships of worldwide navies. It is an unmanned system capable of launching vertical launch RIM-7 missiles with from its vertically mounted MK 20 canisters. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., and is expected to be completed by November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Thomas E. Vandling Jr., 26, of Pittsburgh, Pa., died Jan. 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on combat patrol. Vandling was assigned to the 303rd Psychological Operations Company, Oakdale, Pa., a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Air Force leaders are looking at ways to conserve fuel without interfering with mission readiness and ongoing military operations around the world in support of the war on terror. Leaders from all the major Air Force commands met here recently to explore how to reduce fuel consumption through simulation, aircraft training, logistics efficiencies, scheduling, acquisition and technology developments and flying operation, said Col. Anne Dunlap, Air Force Conduct Air, Space and Cyber Operations core team leader at the Pentagon. As the Department of Defense's greatest fuel consumer, the Air Force must examine every aspect of fuel consumption while maintaining its core competencies and power-projection capabilities, she said. " The group used Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st century techniques during the event, looking at the Air Force vision for fuels efficiency, goals for air operations and barriers to success to build a game plan for how to best conserve fuel efficiently and effectively. Dunlap said AFSO 21, which standardizes work practices to eliminate waste, works best when used continually to improve processes. "Certainly, Air Force fuel conservation awareness must filter down to the lowest organizational level," Dunlap said, "and become part of every airman's daily activities." All airmen are encouraged to submit their ideas for conserving fuel by email to afa35.casco@pentagon.af.mil, she said.. "The team's vision states it best:aircraft are extremely expensive to operate," Dunlap said. "Fuel is a vital national resource and the Air Force is committed to save every ounce without degrading overall effectiveness or readiness."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. David E. Dietrich, 21, of Marysville, Pa., died Dec. 29 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire while on combat patrol.Dietrich was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

The Department of Defense announced the identities of six soldiers killed in recent days in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Spc. Luis G. Ayala, 21, of South Gate, Calif., died Dec. 28 in Taji, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. Ayala was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Pvt. David E. Dietrich, 21, of Marysville, Pa., died Dec. 29 in Ar Ramadi, of wounds suffered when his unit came into contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire while on a combat patrol. Dietrich was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany. -- Sgt. John M. Sullivan, 22, of Hixon, Tenn., died Dec. 30 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his vehicle while on a combat patrol. Sullivan was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Pfc. Alan R. Blohm, 21, of Kenai, Alaska, died Dec. 31 in Baghdad, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his unit while on a combat patrol. Blohm was assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller, 20, of Ottumwa, Iowa, and Spc. Richard A. Smith, 20, of Grand Prairie, Texas, died Jan. 31 in Baqubah, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated while they were conducting a combat patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS NAVY Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $42,834,512 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2100) for consolidated planning yard, engineering and technical support for nuclear submarines. The modification will provide support for the material aspects of submarine design/configuration change programs and submarine research, development, test, and evaluation. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (74 percent); Quonset, R.I. (17 percent);Newport, R.I. (6 percent); Bangor, Wash. (1 percent); and Kings Bay, Ga. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Biscayne Contractors, Inc.*, Forestville, Md., being awarded $5,689,429 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 6 under a previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0172) for renovation and air traffic control tower addition to Building 2105 at Marine Corps Base Quantico. The work to be performed provides for demolition of windows, ceilings, mechanical and electrical systems and other related demolition; removal of material containing lead, asbestos, mercury containing fluorescent lamp and fluorescent lamp ballasts containing polychlorinated biphenyls. The work also includes construction of a new rated masonry stair tower, air traffic control tower, exterior windows, interior modifications and wall construction including ceiling, wall and floor finishes and related general construction work. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity. Correction: The contract announcement to Optical Systems Technology, Inc., for $6,963,873 (M67854-07-D-1058) awarded on December 26, 2006, should have read that the contract was competitively procured via publication on the Navy Electronic Commerce website, with four offers received. ARMY Allen Wright Enterprises Inc. / Hamp's Construction L.L.C. (Joint Venture)*, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Dec. 29, 2006, a delivery order amount of $8,853,925 as part of an $8,853,925 firm-fixed-price contract for the Southeastern Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project. Work will be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by July 1, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Nov. 12, 2006, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the reporting contract office (W912P8-06-D-0093). College of American Pathologists, Northfield, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 29, 2006, a $5,704,319 firm-fixed-price contract for laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 6, 2006. The Center for Health Care Contracting, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the reporting contract office (W81K04-07-C-0002). * Small Business

U.S. involvement in the Dec. 29 execution of Saddam Hussein amounted to providing helicopter transport at the request of the Iraqi government, a U.S. military spokesman said in Baghdad today. Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV emphasized to reporters that all aspects of the execution were a sovereign Iraqi matter. Caldwell explained that while the U.S. military had maintained physical control over Saddam during his incarceration, the Iraqi government had legal custody of the deposed dictator throughout that time. Whenever transport was required - to bring Saddam to his courtroom appearances, for example - the U.S. military provided the transport at the request of the Iraqi government. When the Iraqi government asked that Saddam be transported to his execution site, the general said, normal transport procedures were followed. "I guess the most important thing to know is that we continued operating just as we always have, dealing with the logistics, specifically both the security and the transportation of Saddam; that is, the routine matter that we've been doing ever since we took physical control of him," Caldwell said. After U.S. military police delivered Saddam to a holding room near the execution site at a Baghdad prison and appropriate legal paperwork was signed, American authorities "had absolutely nothing to do with any of the (execution) procedures or any of the control mechanisms or anything from that point forward," Caldwell said. News reports say Saddam was taunted by some observers just before he was hanged and that others present may have taken cell-phone-video images of the execution. Some of that purported video has circulated on the Internet and portions of it have been broadcast by media outlets. The Iraqi government has called for an investigation of the matter, Caldwell said. News reports today say an Iraqi official has been arrested for allegedly taking images of the execution with a cell phone camera. "We had absolutely nothing to do whatsoever with the facility where the execution took place," Caldwell emphasized. "We were not involved in any search of any people, we had nobody present, we did not dictate any requirements that had to be followed. ... The multinational force had absolutely no direct involvement with that whatsoever." After the execution, Caldwell said, the Iraqi government requested U.S. helicopter support to fly some Iraqis from Baghdad to Tikrit. The Iraqis loaded Saddam's body into a helicopter, he said, and the former dictator's remains and they were transported north. Caldwell acknowledged that coalition officials would not have made all the same decisions regarding the execution, but pointed out that those decisions were the Iraqi government's to make. "This is a sovereign nation; they made the decisions they made," he said. "But we, as a coalition force, would have done it differently." Saddam was tried and found guilty of crimes against humanity by an Iraqi court. An appeals court upheld the former dictator's conviction and death sentence for his complicity in the murder of 148 people living in the Iraqi city of Dujail in 1982.

CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Michelin Aircraft Tire Company, LLC, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a minimum $368,403,100 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for tires. Using services are Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Locations of performance are Moorestown, N.J., Hebron, Conn., Akron, Ohio, Nashville, Tenn., and Lawrence, N.Y. There were 23 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 28, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7L10-07-D-7001). Wolverine World Wide, Inc., Rockford, Mich. is being awarded a maximum $5,132,213 firm fixed price for men's dress leather shoes. Using services are Navy and Air Force. Locations of performance are Jonesboro, Ark., Big Rapids and Cedar Springs, Mich. Proposals were solicited using Bidder's List and 4 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 05, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-05-D-0353). AIR FORCE Raytheon Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kans., is being awarded a $132,300,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for 5 King Air 350 Extended Range (ER) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, (ISR), aircraft and 1 King Air 350 Light Transport Aircraft (LTA). At this time $66,000,000 has been obligated. This work will be complete April 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-07-C-4010). Lockheed Martin Corp., Litchfield Park, Ariz., is being awarded a $28,227,101 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement with time and materials contract. This is a follow support for the Peace Krypton system consisting of component repairs, core engineering and depot support services, and spares. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Solicitations began November 2006 and negotiations were complete December 2006. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-07-C-4011). Wyle Laboratories, Inc., San Bernardino, Calif., is being awarded a $6,900,000 cost plus fixed fee contract modification. The primary technical objective of this contract is to establish and develop an operational 50K Thrust Liquid Propellant Rocket Test Facility for the use of commercial and government entities in the Research and Development testing of propulsion system and components. To date $2,760,000 has been obligated. This work will be complete July 2007. Headquarters Air Force Flight Test Center (AFMC), Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9300-07-C-0002). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Clearfield, Ohio, is being awarded a $14,141,180 firm fixed price & cost plus incentive fee contract modification. This contract provides for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) to exercise FY07 option 1 of the contractor logistics support (CLS) spares contract to provide lifetime spares to support the sustainment of the MMP system through 2010. This is the extremely high frequency (EHF) component redesign and testing of spares affected by obsolescence issue in support of CLS. To date, all funds have been obligated. Work will be complete March 2009. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center (AFMC), Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001/modification # has not been assigned). ARMY AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2006, a $60,112,860 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Addition of M1165A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-01-C-S001). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2006, a $41,724,598 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Addition of M1152A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Okland Construction Company Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded on Dec. 22, 2006, a $40,269,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Predator Beddown. Work will be performed at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 11, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 3, 2006, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the reporting contract office (W912PL-07-C-0007). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Md., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2006, a $36,731,213 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for vehicular intercom systems. Work will be performed in Linthicum, Md., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 6, 2006. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the reporting contract office (W15P7T-06-C-L010). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2006, a delivery order amount of $29,976,413 as part of a $144,486,905 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control/Counter-Rocket Artillery Mortar Systems Integration contract. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 20, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W31P4Q-06-D-0029). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2006, a $10,236,349 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Addition of M1151A1 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-01-C-S001). King Fisher Marine Service L.P., Port Lavaca, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 28, 2006, a $9,145,510 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging, levee repair, cellular concrete mattresses, and repair of drop-outlet structures. Work will be performed in Matagorda, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were 21 bids solicited on Oct. 31, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Galveston, Texas, is the reporting contract office (W912HY-07-C-0007). General Industries*, Charleroi, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2006, a $7,962,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Army Reserve Center. Work will be performed in Erie, Pa., and is expected to be completed by June 25, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Oct. 23, 2006, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the reporting contract office (W912QR-07-C-0001). Al Signal Research Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2006, a delivery order amount of $5,228,652 as part of a $5,228,652 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for weapon system testing. Work will be performed in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 9, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were 52 bids solicited on Sept. 12, 2005, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W31P4Q-06-D-0032). NAVY General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $38,010,302 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-03-C-0361) for sustaining engineering, integrated logistics support, and depot material management for Fiscal Year 2007 for the F414-GE-400 engine. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Walbridge Aldinger Company, Detroit, Mich., is being awarded a $36,178,029 modification (P00003) under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price design/build construction contract (N69272-06-C-0001) to exercise option 1 for design and construction of H-60R helicopter hangar at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $72,727,715. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman PRB Systems, Hollywood, Md., is being awarded a $29,568,647 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, for production of up to 135 (ea) electronic surveillance enhancement, (ESE) units. The contract includes requirements for spares, repairs, upgrades and modifications for the ESE, along with associated requirements for travel, program meetings and data. The ESE is an integral component of the AN/SLQ -32 system that is used as an anti-ship missile defense system. The AN/SLQ-32 provides operational capability for early warning of threat weapon system emitters and emitters associated with targeting platforms, threat information to own ship hard-kill weapons, automatic dispensing of chaff decoys, and electronic attack to alter specific and generic anti-ship Cruise Missile trajectories, which protect ships and sailors from hostile anti-ship missiles. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., and is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $743,650, will expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-8W05). Raytheon Company, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $24,918,621 firm-fixed modification to previously awarded contract (N00024 05 C 5341) to procure Full Service Support (FSS) requirements in support of the STANDARD Missile-1 (SM-1) Program of U.S. Allied Nations. This SM-1 FSS FY07 option exercise consists of MK56 Dual Thrust Rocket Motor (DTRM) Regrain Production and SM-1 Block 6B Missile assembly, testing and delivery for the Governments of Spain (89.5 percent) and Egypt (10.5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (49 percent), Sacramento, Calif. (47 percent) and Camden, Ark. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Complex Solutions, Inc., Lailua, Hawaii, is being awarded a $9,997,788 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery contract for technical and educational support services to the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Civil Military Relations (CCMR) education and training program. Work will be performed in overseas locations (62 percent); Army active, Reserve and Guard posts in the United States (24 percent); Monterey, Calif. (8 percent); and Kailua, Hawaii (6 percent); and work is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $499,889 will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract has potential Foreign Military Sale Program concerns. This contract was not competitively procured. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif. is the contracting activity (N00244-07-D-0010). Knights Armament Company, Titusville Fla., is being awarded a potential $9,900,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Mk11 Sniper Rifle System (SRS) and supporting spare parts (i.e. magazines, trigger assemblies, gas rings, etc.). The MK11 System plays a key role in support of mission requirements in the Global War On Terror. The Mk11 SRS is a 7.62mm weapon system used in support of the United States Marine Corp and the United States Special Operations Command. The Mk11 SRS will be supplied with a 20 inch barrel, rail adapter system, two stage match grade trigger (4.5lbs), custom bore guide, cartridge case deflector, rail covers, suppressor, 20 round magazines (10/EA), 600 meter backup sight, folding front sight, bipod, scope, carrying case and operator's manual. Work will be performed in Titusville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-4880). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Aron C. Blum, 22, of Tucson, Ariz., died Dec. 28 at Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Calif., of a non-hostile cause after being evacuated from Al Anbar province, Iraq, on Dec. 8. Blum was assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

The active-duty Army and Marine Corps will grow by 92,000 personnel over the next five years, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said during a White House news conference today. "The President announced last night that he would strengthen our military for the long war against terrorism by authorizing an increase in the overall strength of the Army and Marine Corps," Gates said. "I am recommending to him a total increase in the two services of 92,000 soldiers and Marines over the next five years." The breakout is 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 Marines. The increase will make permanent the 30,000 temporary increase in Army end-strength and 5,000 increase in the Marine Corps. Then the services will increase in annual increments of 7,000 for the Army and 5,000 for the Marine Corps. The Army has a current end-strength of 512,400, with the Marines at 180,000. Under Gates' proposal, the Army's end-strength will grow to 547,000 and the Marines to 202,000. "We should recognize that while it may take some time for these new troops to become available for deployment, it is important that our men and women in uniform know that additional manpower and resources are on the way," Gates said. The increase will give soldiers and Marines more "dwell time" at home, officials said. Currently, units are on close to a one-to-one deployment to dwell time schedule. The increase in end-strength will reduce the stress on deployable active duty personnel. Army and Marine officials said the services cannot grow forces overnight. Currently, the active duty Army recruits 80,000 young Americans each year with the Marines bringing in 39,000. Recruiting officials said that right now, only three of 10 young men and women in the 19-14 year old cohort meet the standards to enlist in the military. Those young men and women have a lot of demands for their services, an Army official said, and incentives for enlisting and for service may need to be "plussed-up" to encourage these people to enlist. The services also may need to put more recruiters on the street. Training the individuals in the proper military occupational specialties is also a potential choke-point. Both the Army and Marine Corps training establishments have some growth potential, and can probably expand to handle the influx, officials in both services said.

DoD Announces Force Adjustments As a result of the President's Iraq strategy review, the Department of Defense announced today an increase of 20,000 U.S. military forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specific decisions made by the Secretary of Defense include: The 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, based at Fort Bragg, N.C., and currently assigned as the call forward force in Kuwait, will move into Iraq and assume a security mission there. The 1st Brigade, 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard, will be extended in its current mission for up to 125 days and will redeploy not later than August 2007. The 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based at Ft. Riley, Kan., will deploy in February 2007 as previously announced. Three other Army combat brigades will deploy as follows: · The 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Ft. Benning, Ga., will deploy in March 2007. · The 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Ft. Lewis, Wash., will deploy in April 2007. · The 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Ft. Stewart, Ga., will deploy in May 2007. The Marine Corps will extend two reinforced infantry battalions for approximately 60 days. Additionally, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) will remain in Iraq for approximately 45 additional days. Other combat-support and combat-service-support units may also be deployed as necessary once new requirements are assessed. The additional forces will help Iraqis clear and secure neighborhoods while protecting the local population. These actions will build the capacity available to commanders to 20 brigade or regimental combat teams to assist in achieving stability and security and accelerate Iraqi Security Force development. Finally, the USS Stennis Carrier Strike Group and the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Regiment will deploy to the region to bolster security. These deployments reflect the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the Iraqi people. In consultation with the Iraqi government, commanders will continue to assess the situation and make recommendations about the appropriate force levels that best support the Iraqi government. The department recognizes the continued sacrifices of these units and their family members.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. John M. Sullivan, 22, of Hixon, Tenn., died Dec. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on combat patrol. Sullivan was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 31 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while they were conducting a combat patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller, 20, of Ottumwa, Iowa. Spc. Richard A. Smith, 20, of Grand Prairie, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Alan R. Blohm, 21, of Kenai, Alaska, died Dec. 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. Blohm was assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Luis G. Ayala, 21, of South Gate, Calif., died Dec. 28 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on combat patrol. Ayala was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

With the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford movinghere tomorrow, members of the 126th Army Band of the Michigan Army National Guard are honing their skills for the historic event. The 126th Army Band is tasked to provide the instrumental music for three ceremonies. For each ceremony, the Ford family has chosen what numbers they would like to have played, and when. The song lists for the events are composed of expected melodies, common at any presidential funeral, along with family favorites meant to remember and honor Ford. First Sgt. James Zwarensteyn, a member of the 126th for his entire 37-year military career, has played at many events for the former president.. "We played for Ford's 90th birthday, the dedication and rededication of Ford's museum and library," he said. "This is bigger, though. We are all acutely aware of how important these ceremonies are going to be." The 126th Army Band is made up of of 35 musicians, a director and Zwarensteyn, who serves as the drum major. "Being a part us this ceremony is a real honor for all of us," he said. "For it to be on a worldwide stage, and for someone so important to this state, (it)is just a tremendous honor for us to be involved." When not working with the National Guard, Zwarensteyn is a band teacher in his local school district.

A U.S. soldier was killed yesterday southwest of Baghdad when an improved explosive device detonated near his patrol, and the Defense Department announced the identities of two soldiers killed during a Dec. 29 IED attack in Baghdad. An IED detonated yesterday near a combined Multinational Division Baghdad patrol as it was moving through a village south of Baghdad. Officials said the troops were talking to residents about the sectarian violence in the area when a roadside bomb exploded near one of their vehicles. The blast killed one soldier and wounded three others, including an interpreter, officials said. The name of the soldier killed is being withheld until the family is notified. In other news, DoD released the names today of two soldiers killed Dec. 29 when an IED detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Killed were: -- Sgt. Lawrence J. Carter, 25, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, deployed from Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Pfc. William R. Newgard, 20, of Arlington Heights, Ill. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, deployed from Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Killed were: Sgt. Lawrence J. Carter, 25, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Pfc. William R. Newgard, 20, of Arlington Heights, Ill. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Edward W. Shaffer, 23, of Mont Alto, Pa., died Dec. 27 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, of injuries sustained on Nov. 13 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated nearby. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

Three U.S. soldiers died in Iraq on Dec. 29, and military officials have identified 10 earlier casualties. -- An American soldier assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, was killed as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations in western Iraq's Anbar province on Dec. 29. -- Improvised explosive devices killed one U.S. soldier on patrol in a southwestern section of Baghdad on Dec. 29. -- On the same day another roadside bomb claimed the life of another soldier whose unit was patrolling northwestern Baghdad. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department released the names of five soldiers and five Marines killed while conducting operations in Iraq: -- Marine Cpl. Christopher E. Esckelson, 22, of Vassar, Mich.; Lance Cpl. Nicholas A. Miller, 20, of Silverwood, Mich.; and Lance Cpl. William D. Spencer, 20, of Paris, Tenn., died Dec. 28 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Esckelson and Miller were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Saginaw, Mich. Spencer was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Nashville, Tenn. -- Marine Lance Cpl. William C. Koprince Jr., 24, of Lenoir City, Tenn., died Dec. 27 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Koprince was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick, 20, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Dec. 27 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated. McCormick was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Marine Cpl. Joshua M. Schmitz, 21, of Spencer, Wis., died Dec. 26 while conducting combat operations in Anbar Province. Schmitz was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Spc. Joseph A. Strong, 21, of Lebanon, Ind., and Army Spc. Douglas L. Tinsley, 21, of Chester, S.C., died of injuries suffered when the vehicle they were in was involved in a rollover accident on Dec. 26 in Baghdad. They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Army Capt. Hayes Clayton, 29, of Georgia, died Dec. 25 in Balad when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting combat operations. Clayton was assigned to the 842nd Military Training and Transition team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Dexter E. Wheelous, 37, of Winder, Ga., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Wheelous was assigned to the 842nd Military Training and Transition team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 27 in Baghdad of wounds received from an improvised explosive device that detonated near them while on dismounted patrol. Both soldiers were assigned to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, Fort Drum, N.Y. Killed were: Sgt. Christopher P. Messer, 28, of Petersburg, Fla. Pfc. Nathaniel A. Given, 21, of Dickinson, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Dustin R. Donica, 22, of Spring, Texas, died Dec. 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds received from small arms fire while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

More than 500 servicemembers are on the ground in California supporting the funeral activities for former president Gerald R. Ford today. Ford's remains will be received with military ceremony at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif., this afternoon. After the arrival ceremony and a private family prayer service and visitation, the remains will lie in repose with a military Guard of Honor at the church until tomorrow morning. At that time they will be flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., for the Washington, D.C., portion of the state funeral. The support troops for the California funeral activities include more than 400 Marines from nearby Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., and surrounding bases, along with augmentees from the other military services, said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Cox, public affairs officer for Twentynine Palms. "In spite of the hard work -- and everyone's working as hard as you would expect -- we're all really proud and really happy to offer this salute to a great man and a great president," Cox said. The troops are handling every support aspect for the ceremony, including public affairs, food service, transportation, medical care and logistics, he said. Two Marine Corps bands are playing at the ceremony, and an artillery salute battery from the 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, will provide the salute when Ford's body leaves California tomorrow, Cox said. The ceremonial units actually involved in the funeral are from the Military District of Washington, and the rest of the Marines on the ground are supporting them, he said. About 100 members of a joint service honor guard from throughout the National Capital arrived Dec. 27 in Palm Desert, Calif., where Ford will lie in repose today and tomorrow morning. A military honor guard will accompany Ford's remains as they are flown to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., tomorrow. There, a joint service honor cordon and color guard will meet them for a 5:30 p.m. arrival ceremony. Ford's remains will be taken in a motorcade through Washington, D.C., en route to the U.S. Capitol. The motorcade will pause in front of the World War II Memorial, a tribute to Ford's service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Ford will lie in state in the chambers of the House and Senate until Jan. 2, when his remains will be taken to the Washington National Cathedral for a state funeral. Following the state funeral, Ford's body will be flown to Grand Rapids, Mich., for burial on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in the former president's hometown. There, he will lie in repose before being moved at 1 p.m. Jan. 3 for a private funeral service at Grace Episcopal Church. Following the ceremony, the casket will be returned to the presidential museum for burial. The nation will observe a day of mourning Jan. 2. Most federal offices will be closed.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Christopher E. Esckelson, 22, of Vassar, Mich. Lance Cpl. Nicholas A. Miller, 20, of Silverwood, Mich. Lance Cpl. William D. Spencer, 20, of Paris, Tenn. All three died on December 28 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Esckelson and Miller were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Mich. Spencer was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Nashville, Tenn.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Clinton T. McCormick, 20, of Jacksonville, Fla., died Dec. 27 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. McCormick was assigned to the 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

CONTRACTS ARMY AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2006, a $108,626,676 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the addition of multipurpose wheeled vehicles.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-01-C-S001). Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp., Germantown, Md., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2006, a $20,127,810 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for the continued operation of the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below Blue Force Tracking Network Operations Center.Work will be performed in Germantown, Md., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 29, 2006.The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the reporting contract office (W15P7T-07-C-J408). Holston Defense Corp., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2006, a $9,000,000 modification to a cost contract for post-retirement benefits.Work will be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2026. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 15, 1991.The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the reporting contract office (DAAA09-92-Z-0008). Bean Stuyvesant L.L.C., New Orleans, La., was awarded on Dec. 19, 2006, a $5,250,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a sediment mining project.Work will be performed in Plaquemines Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 6, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 17, 2006, and six bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the reporting contract office (W912P8-07-C-0022). AIR FORCE General Atomics, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $42,666,206 cost plus fixed fee term contract.This contract includes all program management, urgent repairs and services, logistics support, configuration management, technical manual and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor engineering technical specialists (formerly field support representatives), contractor inventory control point (formerly depot supply support) and spares management, depot repair, flight operations support, reliability/maintenance enhancements, CAMS/REMIS/CEMS data collection/entry and numbered Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) for the Predator MQ-1 and MQ-9 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program. At this time $38,099,885 has been obligated.This work will be complete December 2007. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8620-05-G-3028 Delivery Order 0015) Data Link Solutions Limited Liability Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $39,051,114 firm fixed price contract. This action replenishment spare parts applicable to the Fighter Data Link. Fighter Data Link is a communications, navigation, and identification system intended to exchange surveillance and command and control (C2) information among various C2 platforms and weapons platforms to enhance varied missions of each of the services. It provides multiple access, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data, and secure voice communication, navigation and identification information to a variety of platforms.At this time $39,051,114 has been obligated.This work will be complete October 2010.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (FA8539-07-C-0003) Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions, Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a $32,500,699 cost plus award fee contract modification. This action definitizes the undefinitized contract action awarded 29 September 2006 via P00095 for continued critical operations, maintenance, and support for the Combatant Commander's Integrated Command and Control Systems (CCIC2S) program under the Integrated Space Command and Control (ISC2). The ISC2 will modernize the command and control (C2) system of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) into and integrated, interoperable, state of the art capability to support the National Command Authority and the Canadian Chief of Defense Staff for the defense of North America. The C2 system provides warning of ballistic missile, aircraft, space and information attacks against North America. The modernization will significantly enhance USSTRATCOM's ability to command space forces, provide global warning of ballistic missile attacks, and improve space support to theater warfighters and coalition partners. Using modern software, ISC2 will integrate worldwide communications networks, computer systems, and software to provide an integrate view of worldwide events that will ensure complete and timely situational awareness that can support political and military command decisions worldwide.To date$3,466,129 has been obligated.Electronic Systems Center (ESC), Detachment 5 (AFMC), Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity.(F19628-00C-0019/P00099) United Technologies Corporation, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Group, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $27,203,400 firm fixed price contract modification. This action provides for F119-PW-100 Engine Lot 7, long lead undefinitized contract actions.To date $13,601,000 has been obligated.Work will be complete September 2007. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.(FA8611-06-C-2900) Raytheon Company, McKinney, Tex., is being awarded $11,535,700 cost plus fixed fee contract. This action provides for Contractor Logistics Support for the Predator A and B Multi-spectral Targeting Systems including program management, repairs and services, depot configuration management, technical manual system source data and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor field service representatives support, contractor inventory control point and spares management, depot-level repair, design and engineering reliability/maintenance enhancement, Core Automated Maintenance System/Reliability and Maintainability Information System/Maintenance Management Information System data collection/entry, and obsolescence management.Work will be complete in December 2007.To date, $8,651,775 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8620-06-G-4041/0003) Integral Systems, Inc., Lanham, Md., is being awarded an $8,759,383 cost plus award fee and firm fixed price contract modification. This modification exercises an option for CLIN 1001 for sustainment calendar year 2007 in support of the Command and Control System-Consolidated (CCS-C) program. This support includes program management, hardware and software maintenance and updates, core and satellite vehicle-specific software and database maintenance, and operations support for the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) Block, at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Work will be complete December 2007. To date $3,954,545 has been obligated.Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center (AFSPC), Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity.(F04701-01-C-0012/P00111). Boeing Company, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $5,714,128 cost plus award fee contract. This action provides 1 lot repair of miscellaneous components, 1 lot award fee and 1 lot data for the AC-130U Gunship and Avionics System Support. To date $5,714,122 has been obligated.Work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (F33657-98-D-0002-8032) Lockheed Martin Corp., Goodyear, Az., is being awarded a $28,227,101 firm fixed price (FAR contract) with cost reimbursement and time and materials CLINs. This is support for the Peace Krypton system consisting of component repairs, core engineering and depot support services, and spares. All funds have been obligated.Work will be complete December 2009. Headquarters Air Force Material Command, 659 AESS/PK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity.(FA8620-07-C-4011) Lockheed Martin Corporation, Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $7,841,530 cost plus award fee contract modification. This modification is for the use of an existing commercial payload processing facility to test, integrates, and fuel the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite in preparation for launch. This modification replaces the use of a government facility with an existing commercial facility that meets program requirements for floor space sufficient to support simultaneous mechanical and electrical launch processing operation.To date, $1,003,797 has been obligated. Work will be complete May 2010.Headquarters Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity. (F04701-02-C-0002/P00214) Boeing Company, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $5,688,014 cost plus award fee contract. This action provides for 1 Lot Engineering and Logistics Support, 1 Lot Logistics Support, 1 Lot Technical order Maintenance, 1 Lot Interim Contractor Support, 1 Lot Contractor Logistics Support, 1 Lot Management Support, 1 Lot Capacity Allocation Support, 1 Lot Software Support, 1 Lot Over and Above, 1 Lot Contractor Acquired Property, 1 Lot Travel and Per Diem, 1 Lot Subcontractor CTA Support, 1 Lot Contractor-Inventory Control Point, 1 Lot Transportation Accounting Code and 1 Lot Award Fee and 1 Lot for Engineering, Logistics and Sustainment Support for the AC-130U Gunship.All funds have been obligated.Work will be complete December 2007.Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (F33657-98-D-0002-8010) NAVY Rogers-Quinn (RQ) Construction, Inc., Bonsall, Calif., is being awarded $19,843,000 for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0008 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N68711-02-D-8062) for design and construction of the Special Operations Force Seal Team Operations Support Facility at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.Work will be performed in Coronado, Calif., and is expected to be completed by January 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. Bowhead Manufacturing Inc, Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $12,509,720 firm-fixed-price delivery order contract M67854-05-D-5013) for 286 Fuel and Water 600 GPM (gallons per minute) pumps.A maximum of 316 pumps can be ordered off of the contract.Work will be performed in Port Author, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by December 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year.This contract is a sole source 8(a) award to Bowhead Manufacturing Inc as they are the manufacturer of the 600 GPM pumps.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. AMSEC LLC, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $10,200,000 firm-fixed-price contract for program management, material procurement, and installation of shipboard equipment for the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).This effort supports work performed under the previous contract for Phase I:Planning and developing processes, procedures, preliminary Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), and timelines for the accomplishment of re-outfitting of Vinson.This effort is supports Phase II: Program Management to include material/equipment procurement produced in Phase I and final installation on board Vinson.Work will be performed in Newport News, Va. and is expected to be completed by May 2009.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Newport News, Va. is the contracting activity (N62793-07-C-A022). Raytheon Technical Services Co., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 28. 2006, a $9,840,000 estimated value cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously awarded basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for services in the area of V-22 mission planning system (VMPS), interactive situational awareness system (VISAS), desktop test environment (DTE), facilities and simulation.This delivery order includes providing mission planning, briefing, and debriefing support to the V-22 crew members and to generate electronic data loads for use by the V-22 onboard mission computer, digital map system (DMS), navigation, electronic warfare suite, and communication system.Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $104,500 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Coakley & Williams Construction Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded $9,206,000 for firm-fixed-price modification to Task Order 0003 under a previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0034) for construction of the Swain Annex Addition and the surface parking lot at Hochmuth Hall, Marine Corps Base Quantico.The current total amount of this task order is $12,543,000.Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity. Sippican/Granite State Manufacturing Submarine Antenna Joint Venture, Marion, Mass., is being awarded a $7,990,007 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6102) to exercise an option for production of the MK 30 Mod 2 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Target System (ATS) along with associated proofing support material and replenishment spares.The MK 30 Mod 2 ATS provides training services for submarine, surface ship and aircraft crews to employ their sensors and weapon systems in realistic and operationally representative situations.It will replace the existing MK 30 Mod 1 system, and will feature significant improvements in reliability, maintainability, availability and affordability.This procurement satisfies the FY 07 undersea weapons requirement for production of three Target Undersea Vehicles and associated support services.Work will be performed in Marion, Mass. (57.7 percent); and Manchester, N.H. (42.3 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

About 165 members of the Colorado National Guard have been activated since yesterday in the wake of the state's second blizzard in 10 days, the state adjutant general said today.

This latest storm dumped up to 28 inches of snow in some parts of the state, and Guard troops are ready to perform many of the same missions they did when the first blizzard. So far, they only had one mission -- to re-supply two Red Cross shelters this morning, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Mason C. Whitney. "There's a lot of ice, a lot of snow pack, so it's still dangerous out here, but we haven't seen the requirement for the National Guard to be called out in the numbers we had last week," Whitney said. During the first storm, which hit Dec. 20, Army National Guardsmen rescued stranded motorists, cleared roadways for emergency vehicles and delivered American Red Cross supplies to emergency shelters. The Guard has been preparing for the past two days for this second storm, and about 70 vehicles are ready to respond if they are needed for relief operations, Whitney said. The storm last week kept the Guard much busier, because it hit quickly in the middle of the work week, and in the middle of rush hour, stranding many motorists. This week's blizzard is slower-moving and has less wind, which has made it easier for snow plows to clear the roads, Whitney said. Whitney said the Guard today is going to reduce the number of activated soldiers to 105, but will be ready to provide additional troops if the storm worsens over the weekend, Whitney said. The storm is expected to last through tomorrow and into the morning of Dec. 31. "Right now, we're just kind of standing by," he said. "We're kind of in an insurance policy this time."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Hayes Clayton, 29, of Georgia, died Dec. 25 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting combat operations.Clayton was assigned to the 842nd Military Training and Transition team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Joshua M. Schmitz, 21, of Spencer, Wis. Lance Cpl. William C. Koprince Jr., 24, of Lenoir City, Tenn. Schmitz died December 26 and Koprince on December 27 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died of injuries suffered when the vehicle they were in was involved in a rollover incident on Dec. 26 in Baghdad, Iraq.They were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Spc. Joseph A. Strong, 21, of Lebanon, Ind. Spc. Douglas L. Tinsley, 21, of Chester, S.C. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Michael J. Crutchfield, 21, of Stockton, Calif., died Dec. 23 in Balad, Iraq, of a non-combat related injury.Crutchfield was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Dexter E. Wheelous, 37, of Winder, Ga., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.Wheelous was assigned to the 842nd Military Training and Transition team, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

CONTRACTS NAVY Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $1,274,545,405 modification to previously awarded multi-year contract (N00024-03-C-2101) for Fiscal Year 2007 Virginia Class Submarine (SSN 782) and Advance Procurement (AP) funding for the FY08 submarine (SSN 783). Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (30 percent), Quonset Point, R.I. (15 percent) and Newport News, Va. (15 percent), with other efforts performed at various sites throughout the United States (40 percent). Work is expected to be completed by April 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (N00024-03-C-2101) (Mod P00011). General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $50,689,453 firm-fixed-price delivery order under the multiple award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00024-04-D-4408) for preparation and accomplishment of the FY07 Docking Selective Restricted Availability of the USS Albany (SSN 753). Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by May 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $36,729,367, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. GSC Construction, Inc.*, Augusta, Ga., is being awarded a $41,590,506 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Consolidated Medical Clinic at Naval Weapons Station, Goose Creek. Work will be performed in Goose Creek, S.C., and is expected to be completed by January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-1770). Raytheon Technical Services Co., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $17,898,231 estimated value cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously awarded basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) to provide V-22 Avionics Systems and Software Engineering (AS2E) Services including performing acquisition engineering oversight, conducting avionics Hardware/Software Integration (HIS) and Formal Qualification Testing (FQT). In addition, this delivery order provides for aviontics systems engineering, analysis of production avionics deficiencies, implementation of fixes for production deficiencies, software updates, and fleet software release to support production and sustainment of the MV-22 and CV-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $1,040,500 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $5,888,920 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00019-03-C-0003) for the conversion of 310 AIM-9M missiles to AIM-9M-8/9s and for the procurement of 10 Captive Air Training Missiles and 20 guidance control sections for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (84 percent); Rocket Center, W.V. (13 percent); and Andover, Mass. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $248,344,713 firm-fixed-price and cost plus incentive fee contract modification. This contract action funds the FY07 second quarter option for the C-17 sustainment-labor/engines contract logistics support and material. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00139). Lockheed Martin Corp., Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $7,841-530 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification. This is for the use of commercial payload processing facility to test, integrate, and fuel the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite in preparation for launch. This modification replaces the use of a government facility with a commercial facility that meets program requirements for floor space sufficient to support simultaneous mechanical and electrical launch processing operations. At this time, $1,014,821 have been obligated. Headquarters Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0002/P00214). Smiths Aerospace LLC., Electronic Systems, Grand Rapids, Mich., is being awarded a $5,674,055 firm-fixed-price with cost-reimbursable line items for parts, travel and transportation contract modification. This requirement is for the depot repair, engineering analysis, and technical support required to maintain the operational integrity and logistics supportability of the Self Contained navigation System (SCNS) through the accomplishment of Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) program supporting approximately 600 C-130 aircraft deployed worldwide. This action is for one year. At this time total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2007. Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8504-05-C-0002/P00007). McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $5,000,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-incentive fee contract modification. This action funds the FY07 second quarter option for the C-17 sustainment-labor/engine contract logistic support and material. At this time, $2,500,000 has been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00139).

Former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld remembered Ford as a patriot who led the United States through difficult days and helped restore confidence in its government. "President Ford was a man of great decency and towering integrity," Rumsfeld said in a written statement released today. Ford died last night in Rancho Mirage, Calif., at age 93. Rumsfeld served in Ford's Cabinet, as chief of staff from 1974 to 1975, then as the youngest U.S. defense secretary from 1975 to 1977. Rumsfeld called Ford a patriot who left a budding law career to join the Navy in World War II, then demonstrated a deep pride in the country and respect for its government while serving in the U.S. Congress. Rumsfeld's long association with the former president dates back to the 1960s, when both served in the U.S. House of Representatives. While serving as U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1974, Rumsfeld was called back to Washington to serve as chairman of Ford's presidential transition team. "Our nation has a way of finding leaders that are needed in tough times," Rumsfeld said. Rumsfeld called Ford "just the president our country needed back in 1974." He remembered the former president as a serious, effective legislator who never sought the presidency but was ready to serve as vice president, then president, when the country needed him. "He became president in a time of widespread distrust of government and those who governed," Rumsfeld said. "As president, his personal character helped restore the reservoir of trust in the government and its leaders that is needed for our system to function effectively." Ford did so, Rumsfeld said, "by being who he was and always doing what he believed was in the best interest of our country and the American people."

One U.S. servicemember died in Iraq today, three others died there yesterday, and military officials have identified two earlier casualties.

In Baghdad today, a U.S. Army soldier died when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle, and two soldiers died in a separate roadside bomb explosion yesterday. Elsewhere in Iraq yesterday, a Marine died from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department released the names of two servicemembers killed while conducting operations in Iraq: -- Army Sgt. Jae S. Moon, 21, of Levittown, Pa., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad from wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle while patrolling Baghdad. Moon was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Army Spc. Elias Elias, 27, of Glendora, Calif., died Dec. 23 in Baghdad from wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. Elias was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

CONTRACTS ARMY Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $404,377,758 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract for the Total InteGrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) Program. Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala. (13 percent), Greer, S.C. (19 percent), Phoenix, Ariz. (66 percent), and Rocky Mount, N.C. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 4, 2005. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-06-C-0173). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 20, 2006, a $376,900,928 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the PATRIOT PAC-3 FY07 production effort. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (53.6 percent), Lufkin, Texas (2.6 percent), Camden, Ark. (4.4 percent), Huntsville, Ala. (28 percent), Chelmsford, Mass. (4.5 percent), Clearwater, Fla. (1 percent), and Atlanta, Ga. (5.9 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 24, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W31P4Q-06-C-0180). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $166,364,478 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System full rate production launchers. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (23 percent), and East Camden, Ark. (77 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 5, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W31P4Q-06-C-0001). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $78,021,043 firm-fixed-price contract for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System full-rate production. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (20.8 percent), East Camden, Ark. (76.8 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (2.4 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 9, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W31P4Q-07-C-0001). BAE Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2006, a $55,462,500 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Bradley family of vehicles, Paladin vehicles, and Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 6, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contact office (W56HZV-07-C-0096). Thales Communications Inc.*, Clarksburg, Md., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $43,624,968 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Enhanced Multi Band Inter/Intra Team Radio Handheld Radios Urban Version, accessories and warranties to existing radios. Work will be performed in Clarksburg, Md., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Nov. 29, 2006, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the reporting contract office (W91CRB-05-F-0077). Raytheon Southeast Asia Systems Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, an $18,093,858 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for technical assistance for the Kuwaiti PATRIOT missile system. Work will be performed in Kuwait, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W31P4Q-06-C-0232). Watkinson L.L.C.*, Houston, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $13,251,442 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a heavy aircraft parking apron and open cargo storage yard. Work will be performed in Al Asad, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 17, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were 125 bids solicited on Oct. 19, 2006, and 12 bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the reporting contract office (W912ER-07-C-0003). Advanced Systems Development Inc.*, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $12,690,803 firm-fixed-price contract for information technology services for the Washington Headquarters Services. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on March 8, 2006, and five bids were received. The Washington Headquarters Services, Washington, D.C., is the reporting contact office (HQ0034-07-C-1007). Oldenburg Group Inc., Iron Mountain, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $10,927,154 firm-fixed-price contract for a Roll-On/Roll-Off discharge facility and a modular warping tug. Work will be performed in Rhinelander, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 14, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 14, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-07-C-0190). CAS Inc.*, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a delivery order amount of $9,500,000 as part of a $44,500,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for scientific, professional, and other technical services. Work will be performed in Hampton Roads, Va. (75 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 28, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on May 23, 2003, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the reporting contract office (DAAH10-03-D-0002). Talley Defense Systems*, Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2006, an $8,614,183 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Bunker Defete Munitions. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by February 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Sept. 19, 2006, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the reporting contract office (DAAE30-00-C-1103). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $204,845,298 cost-plus-award fee and cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification. This contract modification will authorize the contractor to provide F-22 Performance Based Agile Logistics Support (PALS), from 1 January 2007 through 28 February 2007. At this time $153,633,973 have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2009. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8611-05-C-2850/P00042) United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $12,077,431 cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification. This action provides for F119-PW-100 Engines Support to Combined Test Force (CTF) Infrastructure at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. At this time $4,212,226 have been obligated. This work will be complete July 2007. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (F33657-05-C-2851/P00012) Boeing Co., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,269,042 firm-fixed-price contract modification. The Boeing Co., shall provide the following T-38C Aircrew Training Device (ATD) activities for the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) of Moody Air Force Base, Ga., production of 1 new T-38C Weapon Trainer (WST) for delivery to Vance Air Force Base, Okla., conversion of 3 existing Moody T-38C Operational Flight Trainers (OFT) to the current WST configuration, teardown, secure packing, unpacking, re-build and functional system checkout of all Moody T-38C ATDs and additional spares to support new WST and conversion WSTs. At this time total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete March 2009. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8617-04-C-6153/P00051) McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $5,000,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-incentive fee, cost-plus-fixed fee and time and materials contract modification. This action will provide funds for the Contractor Intermediate Level Logistics Support (CILLS) for the Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF). At this time, $2,500,000 have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8614-04-C-2004/P00139) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY International Oil Trading Co., (IOTC USA), Boca Raton, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $140,684,763 fixed price with economic price adjustment for aviation turbine fuel and diesel fuel. Using services are Navy and Air Force. This is a requirements type contract. This is a sole source competition with one solicited and one responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 30, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-05-D-0457). Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C., * is being awarded a maximum $6,277,120 firm fixed price contract for cloth, poly/wool, serge, shade for Air Force. Proposals were solicited using Procurement Gateway and 2 responded. Contract is exercising option year one. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 21, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-05-D-0516). Polkton Manufacturing Co., Marshville, N.C., * is being awarded a maximum $5,206,248 firm fixed price contract for men's Navy trousers for Navy. Proposals were web-solicited and 2 responded. This is an indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year 2. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 27, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-04-D-0457). NAVY Raytheon Missile Systems Co., dba Raytheon Systems Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $45,000,000 ceiling-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide depot services in support of the full recertification of up to 200 All-Up-Round (AUR) Tomahawk Missiles for the U.S. Navy ($42,765,630; 95 percent) and the United Kingdom ($2,234,370; 5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (80 percent) and Camden, Ark. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $25,714,397 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-D-0001). Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $27,230,231 modification P00009 to a previously awarded contract (N00019-06-C-0310) for spares for the Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared Radar (ATFLIR) System used on the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. CBZG Design Builders, LLC, (Clark, Blinderman, M+W Zander, and Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer) Chicago, Ill., is being awarded $21,947,120 for firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N40083-06-C-4017) to exercise Contract Line Item 0002 for the FY2007 infrastructure portion of the Camp Porter Barracks and Infrastructure project at the Recruit Training Command, Naval Station Great Lakes. The current total contract amount after exercise of this line item will be $120,588,514. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity. Harry Pepper and Associates, Inc.*, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $12,954,496 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0005 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for design and construction of a Joint Aquatic Combat Diver Training Facility at Naval Support Activity Panama City. Work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N62467-03-D-0188). Raytheon Technical Services Co., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $10,737,874 order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) the procurement of 41 LAU-114 and 54 LAU-116 launchers for F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,474,392 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0113) to exercise an option for program management, engineering and integrated logistics support to provide production support services for the MH-60R Program. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in June 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., is being awarded a $9,439,358 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-05-C-0110) to exercises an option for the procurement of 34 M61A2 20 mm Automatic Gun Systems for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in Burlington, Vt., and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Pentagon Channel Documentary Focuses on Storied 'Old Guard'

They are the very public face of ultimate military discipline. They wow stadiums packed with football fans with complex rifle drills. They honor fallen comrades with solemn processions. They guard the Tomb of the Unknowns around the clock at Arlington National Cemetery. and on Dec. 15, they gave outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld a full-honors farewell ceremony on the Pentagon parade field. Despite their high-profile mission, many people, even those who serve in the military, have little idea what goes into becoming a member of this elite unit. That's why the Pentagon Channel is devoting its latest half-hour "Recon" documentary to the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment -- the Army's "Old Guard." The show will debut Dec. 29 at noon Eastern Time and will be repeated throughout January. It will also be available via podcast, vodcast and video on demand. "We're a very unique organization," said Col. Robert Pricone, the 3rd Guard's commanding officer. "We've got a very diverse mission set, and we operate in the very sensitive environment of the National Capital Region." The unit is one of the Army's most challenging assignments to secure. "I tried three times to get in," said Pentagon Channel News anchor Staff Sgt. Jake Newman, who once served with the Old Guard as one of the unit's few broadcasters. Applicants must meet rigorous requirements. Men must be at least 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and women must be at least 5 feet, 8 inches. High scores on both general technical and physical training tests are also mandated. Once candidates are chosen for an Old Guard assignment, they must undergo a month of intensive regimental training. "I've heard about it my whole life," said Spc. John Ball, a watchman on the Old Guard's Presidential Salute Battery. "It's a prestigious unit, and I just wanted to be part of the best." The Pentagon Channel takes viewers inside the Old Guard's headquarters at Fort Myer, Va., adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery, where the Regiment's Caisson Unit ceremoniously transports caskets of fallen servicemembers to their final resting place. "It's just so much an honor, being the person to present that flag to that family," said Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Robertson. "Knowing that that soldier that you are laying to rest has served this country well and gave so much for this nation, and to be part of that is so much an honor." The documentary exposes viewers to little-known facts about the Old Guard, such as that it is the only Army unit allowed to march with fixed bayonets. This Recon program also explores the regiment's specialty platoons, who perform painstakingly meticulous missions and wear unconventional uniforms such as those originally designed by Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War era. Pentagon Channel crews also were invited to tape sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknowns after cemetery visiting hours, when rules for keeping watch are much different from those in place when tourists are there during the day. Viewers will learn fascinating details about the stunningly precise rules Old Guard soldiers must follow as they perform their various duties. The Pentagon Channel had the rare opportunity to videotape Old Guard service members as they practiced maneuvers under the extraordinarily demanding eyes of drill masters. "Typically, we lose more than half the soldiers coming through the training cycle," said Sgt. 1st Class Brent Thompson. "Every once in a while, you have soldiers that have the ability to pick it up pretty quickly and pick up on what we do, and some just will never get it." Pvt. Christopher Boovier, who is training to join the Old Guard, hopes he's among that first group of soldiers. "I mean all the guys are cool, but if you can't cut it, you can't cut it," he said. "I'm hoping that I get on. ... Stuff happens sometimes, but I'm pretty confident."

Three U.S. servicemembers died in Iraq today, military officials reported, and the Defense Department has identified 12 earlier casualties. A U.S. Marine died from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province, a soldier died today from injuries suffered when his Humvee rolled over south of Baghdad yesterday, and another soldier died from non-combat related injuries. The servicemembers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department released the names of 12 servicemembers killed while conducting operations in Iraq: -- Army Sgt. Jason C. Denfrund, 24, of Cattaraugus, N.Y., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol. Denfrund was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Pfc. Eric R. Wilkus, 20, of Hamilton, N.J., died Dec. 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of a non-combat related injury suffered in Baghdad. Wilkus was assigned to the 57th Military Police Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Pvt. Evan A. Bixler, 21, of Racine, Wis., died Dec. 24 in Hit of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire during security operations. Bixler was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Baumholder, Germany. -- Army Sgt. Curtis L. Norris, 28, of Dansville, Mich., died Dec. 23 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Norris was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Spc. Chad J. Vollmer, 24, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Army Pfc. Wilson A. Algrim, 21, of Howell, Mich.; and Army Pvt. Bobby Mejia II, Saginaw, Mich., died Dec. 23 in Salman Pak of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, Big Rapids, Mich. -- Army Spc. John Barta, 25, of Corpus Christi, Texas, died Dec. 23 in Buhritz of wounds suffered from indirect enemy fire during combat operations. Barta was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Spc. Joshua D. Sheppard, 22, of Quinton, Okla., died Dec. 22 in Baghdad of wounds suffered from enemy small-arms fire. Sheppard was assigned to the 642nd Engineer Support Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Fernando S. Tamayo, 19, of Fontana, Calif., died Dec. 21 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Tamayo was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Army Staff Sgt. Jacob G. McMillan, 25, of Lafayette, La., died Dec. 20 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, followed by an enemy small-arms attack. McMillan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Myles C. Sebastien, 21, of Opelousas, La., died Dec. 20 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Sebastien was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jae S. Moon, 21, of Levittown, Pa., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol Dec. 14 in Baghdad.Moon was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Elias Elias, 27, of Glendora, Calif., died Dec. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol.Elias was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Stephen L. Morris, 21, of Lake Jackson, Texas, died Dec. 24 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Morris was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Myles C. Sebastien, 21, of Opelousas, La., died Dec. 20 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Sebastien was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Dec. 23 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, Big Rapids, Mich. Killed were: Spc. Chad J. Vollmer, 24, of Grand Rapids, Mich. Pfc. Wilson A. Algrim, 21, of Howell, Mich. Pvt. Bobby Mejia II, Saginaw, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Joshua D. Sheppard, 22, of Quinton, Okla., died Dec. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire. Sheppard was assigned to the 642nd Engineer Support Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5461. Sgt. Curtis L. Norris, 28, of Dansville, Mich., died Dec. 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Norris was assigned to the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5461. Spc. John Barta, 25, of Corpus Christi, Texas, died Dec. 23 in Buhritz, Iraq, of wounds suffered from indirect enemy fire during combat operations. Barta was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993. Pvt. Evan A. Bixler, 21, of Racine, Wis., died Dec. 24 in Hit, Iraq, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire during security operations. Bixler was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Baumholder, Germany. For more information about this soldier the media can contact the 1st Armored Division public affairs office at 011-49-611-705-4859. Pfc. Eric R. Wilkus, 20, of Hamilton, N.J., died Dec. 25 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of a non-combat related injury Dec. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq. Wilkus was assigned to the 57th Military Police Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, Schofield Barracks,

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jacob G. McMillan, 25, of Lafayette, La., died Dec. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle and was followed by enemy small arms fire.McMillan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

CONTRACTS ARMY GM GDLS Defense Group L.L.C. (Joint Venture), Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a delivery order amount of $145,038,000 as part of a $145,038,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support for the Stryker family of vehicles.Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (15 percent), Fort Lewis, Wash. (28 percent), Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. (3 percent), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (2 percent), Fort Wainwright, Alaska (5 percent), Germany (6 percent), Fort Worth, Texas (1 percent), Iraq (12 percent), Kuwait (1 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada (27 percent), and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 22, 2006.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-07-D-M112). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2006, a $115,944,188 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the addition of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles.Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-01-C-S001). M.R. Pittman Group L.L.C.*, Harahan, La., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2006, a $52,560,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Vertical Axial Flow Pump Systems for the 17th Street and London Avenue Canals.Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Nov. 5, 2006, and three bids were received.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the reporting contract office (W912P8-07-C-0025). Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 22, 2006, a $19,156,681 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for the family of Medium Tactical Vehicle Trucks.Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received.The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-03-C-S023). McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2006, a $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Tail Rotor Fork Assemblies for the AH-64 Aircraft.Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by April 5, 2010.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year.This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 15, 2005.The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contact office (W58RGZ-07-C-0066). NAVY L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, LP, Greenville, Texas, is being awarded a $109,380,112 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N00019-05-D-0008) to exercise an option for the P-3C Sustainment, Modification and Installation Program (SMIP).Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas (50 percent); Waco, Texas (25 percent); and Birmingham, Ala. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Group, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded $25,872,897 for priced order (0001) under a previously awarded Base Ordering Agreement (N00383-07-G-003M) for the repair of 11 line items used on the J-52 engine, powering the EA-6B aircraft.Additionally, Pratt & Whitney will provide manufacturing, engineering, and technical support to the Naval Aviation Depot Jacksonville with a goal of improving monthly output.Work will be performed at the Naval Aviation Depot, Jacksonville, Fla.., and is expected to be completed by July 2008.Contract funds will not expire by the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured.Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Applied Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $20,910,405 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-04-C-0069) to exercise an option for engineering and technical services and supplies for Communication-Electronic (C-E) Platform systems and subsystems in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Special Communications Requirements Division.The estimated level of effort for this option is 292,460 man-hours.Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Md. (54 percent); Chesapeake, Va. (35 percent); San Diego, Calif. (4 percent); Fayetteville, N.C. (2 percent); Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. (2 percent); Tampa, Fla. (1 percent); Pierre, S.D. (1 percent); and Panzer Kaserne, Germany (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity. Honeywell International Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Albuquerque, N. M., is being awarded $10,693,357 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0018) to exercise an option for the Lot 5 full rate production of 119 Advanced Multi-Purpose Color Display (AMPCD) units for F/A-18C/D and AV-8B aircraft, including spares.Work will be performed in Albuquerque, N.M., and is expected to be completed in April 2009.Contract funds in the amount of $2,834,928 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corporation, Maritime Systems & Syracuse, Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded an $8,736,127 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract and option 2-4, for development of the Low Profile Mast sensor system.The Low Profile Mast program seeks to develop an electro-optic periscope with a smaller visual cross section for use in tactical situations.Work will be performed Syracuse, N.Y (50 percent); Northampton, Mass. (40 percent); Newington, Va. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2008.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet with two proposals received.The Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity (N66604-07-C-0420). Seyer Industries, Inc., St. Peters, Mo., is being awarded an $8,529,837 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 70 Blade Fold Rack Sets and 70 Blade Fold Pin Kits in support of the AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft.Work will be performed in St. Peters, Mo., and is expected to be completed in December 2012.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was not competitively procured.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-C-0110). CACI Inc. - Federal, Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $7,296,658 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00421-05-C-0011) to exercise an option for program services supporting the Chief of Naval Air Forces and the Naval Air Systems Command Naval Aviation Readiness Integrated Improvement Program in meeting the objectives of the Naval Aviation Enterprise, including enterprise cost management.Work will be performed at various U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy facilities within the United States, and is expected to be completed in March 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $7,296,658 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Optical Systems Technology, Inc., Freeport, Pa., is being awarded a $6,963,873 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for production and delivery of the Scout Sniper Mid-Range Night Sight.The contract provides for a minimum quantity of one and a maximum of 4,700 units. This contract contains options, which if exercised, would bring the estimated maximum value of the contract to $39,907,051.Work will be performed in Freeport, Pa., and is expected to be completed by December 2007 (December 2011 with options).Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Navy Electronic Commerce On-line website, with three offers received.The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-1058). Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a $6,713,613 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-01-C-0086) to provide additional engineering and technical services in support of the Naval Test Wings Atlantic and Pacific Squadrons, including operations, scheduling, engineering, and aircrew support.The estimated level of effort for this modification is 80,158 man-hours.Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in September 2007.Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $5,108,439 cost-plus-fixed-fee/cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-94-C-6205) for engineering and technical services for the Multi-Purpose Processor (MPP) in support of the Acoustic Rapid, Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Insertion (ARCI) Program.This involves a purchase for the country of Japan (20 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif. (52 percent) and Fairfax, Va. (48 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2007.Contract funds in the amount of $103,124, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE College of American Pathologists, Winnetka, IL is being awarded a $9,679,836 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. This action provides for Laboratory Accreditation and Proficiency Testing Services. At this time $837,300 has been obligated.This work will be complete December 2016.Air Force District Washington, Acquisition Division, is the contracting activity. (FA7014-07-D-0002) Thales-Raytheon Systems, Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $16,280,878 cost plus award fee contract modification.This action will provide the Spiral 3A Linux porting effort, The Human Machine Interface (HMI), Tactical Display Framework (TDF) Shared Services, and Data Link enhancements to the Linux baseline. The Battle Control System Spiral 3 will be integrated and installed in both the Battle Control System Fixed and the Battle Control System Mobile equipment configurations.At this time $10,534,867 has been obligated.Solicitations began in March 2006 and negotiations were complete in December 2006.This work will be complete August 2008.Headquarters Electronic Systems Center (ESC), Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity. (FA8722-05-C-C-0003). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Refinery Associates of Texas, New Braunfels, Texas, * is being awarded a maximum $183,636,545 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for aviation turbine fuel for Defense Energy Support Center.Proposals were Web-solicited and 15 responded.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is January 31, 2008.Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0462). Polkton Manufacturing Company, Marshville, N.C., * is being awarded a maximum $5,206,248 firm fixed price contract for men's Navy trousers for Navy.Proposals were Web-solicited and 2 responded.This is an indefinite delivery type contract exercising option year 2.Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.Date of performance completion is December 27, 2007.Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-04-D-0457). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jason C. Denfrund, 24, of Cattaraugus, N.Y., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol. Denfrund was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Fernando S. Tamayo, 19, of Fontana, Calif., died December 21 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Tamayo was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hospitalman Kyle A. Nolen, 21, of Ennis, Texas, died Dec. 21 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, as a result of enemy action.Nolen was assigned to H Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Regimental Combat Team 7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, 29 Palms, Calif

Using his weekly radio address to highlight the sacrifices servicemembers and their families make, President Bush today urged Americans to visit the Defense Department's "America Supports You" Web site for ideas on how to support them. The America Supports You program spotlights and facilitates support for the nation's servicemembers and their families. Bush cited Jim Wareing -- founder of an America Supports You member organization called New England Caring for Our Military -- as an example of how Americans are supporting servicemembers. "This year, Jim helped organize a gift drive by thousands of students from Massachusetts and New Hampshire," the president said. "Students from kindergarten to high school collected more than 20,000 gifts for our troops abroad." Urging listeners to visit the America Supports You site at www.americasupportsyou.mil, the president lauded the example set by Wareing. "Citizens like Jim Wareing represent the true strength of our country, and they make America proud," Bush said. "I urge every American to find some way to thank our military this Christmas season. If you see a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or a member of the Coast Guard, take a moment to stop and say, 'Thanks for your service.'" Christmas reminds Americans of their duty to others, and that sense of duty is fulfilled by the men and women who wear the nation's uniform, Bush said. "America is blessed to have fine citizens who volunteer to defend us in distant lands," he said. "For many of them, this Christmas will be spent far from home, and on Christmas our nation honors their sacrifice and thanks them for all they do to defend our freedom." Bush also pointed out the sacrifices of the nation's military families, and thanked them for their support. "Staying behind when a family member goes to war is a heavy burden, and it is particularly hard during the holidays," he said. "To all our military families listening today, Laura and I thank you." While thousands of military families spend the holiday apart, Bush noted this season ushers in a time of change for the nation. With a review of Iraq war strategy under way, a new secretary of defense in office, and changes in Congress, Bush said those serving on the front lines can be assured of continued support. "I want our troops to know that while the coming year will bring change, one thing will not change, and that is our nation's support for you and the vital work you do to achieve victory in Iraq," the president said. Millions of Americans are proving their support of deployed troops, wounded warriors, and the children of those serving abroad, Bush noted. "Patriotic groups and charities all across America are sending gifts and care packages to our servicemen and women, visiting our troops recovering at military hospitals, reaching out to children whose moms and dads are serving abroad, and going to airports to welcome our troops home and to let them know they are appreciated by a grateful nation," he said.

Three roadside bombs killed five U.S. soldiers and injured two others in Iraq yesterday, and the Defense Department has identified two earlier casualties. The names of the soldiers killed yesterday are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. -- A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier conducting a combat re-supply mission died in a roadside bomb explosion southwest of Baghdad. -- Three 89th Military Police Brigade soldiers were killed and one other was wounded when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in eastern Baghdad. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, died as a result ofan explosion while conducting operations in Iraq's Diyala province. A second soldier from this unit was wounded and was transported to a coalition forces medical treatment facility. In other news, the Defense Department released the names of two Marines killed Dec. 21 while conducting operations in Iraq's Anbar province. Lance Cpls. Ryan J. Burgess, 21, of Sanford, Mich., and Ryan L. Mayhan, 25, of Hawthorne, Calif., were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Members of the U.S. military will be honored during the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl to be held Dec. 23 in Fort Worth, Texas. The University of Tulsa and the University of Utah will square off for the fourth annual Armed Forces Bowl that will be aired at 7 p.m. CST on ESPN television and ESPN Radio to over 200 stations in 44 states. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, a Fort Worth native, will flip the coin at the start of the game and administer the oath of enlistment to recruits from each branch of service. At half-time, England will receive the Great American Patriot Award for his leadership in serving the United States in the Homeland Security, Navy and Defense departments. Also at Half America Supports You corporate team member, Connect and Join, also will be presenting "The World's Largest, Now Greatest Scrapbook" to members of the military during half-time festivities. The company joined America Supports You in May 2006. The Defense Department program highlights ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers. Fans attending the bowl at Texas Christian University's Amon G. Carter Stadium can participate in many pre-game festivities, collectively dubbed the Armed Forces Adventure, 3-7 p.m. Jet and helicopter flyovers, skydiving demonstrations, static displays and military bands will be on site to give college football fans a taste of the diversity of U.S. military operations. Each quarter of the game will highlight a different branch of service with live remotes appearing on the stadium's video board from troops stationed overseas. Active-duty military are eligible for free tickets, and veterans are eligible for half-price tickets by calling the Bell Helicopter Ticket Office at (817) 810-0012

CONTRACTS ARMY The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 19, 2006, a delivery order amount of $650,289,000 as part of a $650,289,000 firm-fixed-price contract for CH-47F remanufacture. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 28, 2005. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W58RGZ-04-G-0023). The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 19, 2006, a $406,400,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the CH-47F new build helicopters. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 28, 2005. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W58RGZ-04-C-0012). General Electric Aircraft Engine, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on Dec. 18, 2006, a $189,177,859 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for overhaul and repair effort for the entire T700 family of engines. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 25, 2005. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contact office (W58RGZ-06-C-0038). General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2006, a $63,168,556 increment as part of a $215,373,106 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for system development and demonstration for the Extended Range / Multi-Purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (43 percent), Adelanto, Calif. (14 percent), Palmdale, Calif. (8 percent), Salt Lake City, Utah (18 percent), Hunt Valley, Md. (14 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were 120 bids solicited on Sept. 1, 2004, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W58RGZ-05-C-0069). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2006, a $62,624,889 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams Tank program. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 8, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-07-C-0046). The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2006, a $36,750,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for acquisition of performance based logistics for Apache (AH-64) D Unique Components. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 28, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W58RGZ-04-C-0203). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Charlotte, N.C., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a $32,138,255 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Joint Biological Point Detection Systems and related fielding support packages, system testing, and user training. Work will be performed in Columbus, Ohio (60 percent), and Charlotte, N.C. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 14, 2004. The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the reporting contact office (W911SR-04-C-0017). The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2006, a $26,427,722 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for overhaul, repair, and recapitalization of AH-64 CH-47 weapons systems. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 27, 2004. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (W58RGZ-04-C-0203). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 19, 2006, a $26,348,636 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the automatic fire extinguisher system for the M1151A1 and M1151B1 vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-01-C-S001). BAE Systems Land and Armaments Inc., York, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2006, a delivery order amount of $18,438,104 as part of an $18,438,104 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Bradley Improvised Explosive Devices Armor Kits and additional spare kits and installation services. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 8, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-05-G-0005). Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 13, 2006, a $16,025,741 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for the family of medium tactical trucks. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-03-C-S023). H Koch and Sons Co., Anaheim, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 19, 2006, a $15,782,000 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for restraint kits for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 4, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 24, 2005. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-06-C-0052). General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2006, a $13,807,439 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for contractor logistics support in support of IGNAT Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (65 percent), Adelanto, Calif. (5 percent), Palmdale, Calif. (5 percent), and Salt Lake City, Utah (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 1, 2006. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contract office (DAAH01-03-C-0124). DMJM/3DI, Arlington, Va., was awarded on Dec. 20, 2006, a delivery order amount of $10,116,197 as part of a $99,138,342 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for project and technical construction management services. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were four bids solicited on Aug. 1, 2000, and four bids were received. The Department of Defense/Washington Headquarters Services/Acquisition and Procurement Office, Arlington, Va., is the reporting contract office (MDA947-01-D-0001). DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Dec. 14, 2006, a delivery order amount of $8,402,603 as part of a $44,062,862 firm-fixed-price contract for High Mobility Ammunition Trailers. Work will be performed in West Plains, Mo., is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 6, 2005. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-05-D-0332). Fordice Construction Co.*, Vicksburg, Miss., was awarded on Dec. 19, 2006, a $6,673,400 firm-fixed-price contract for casting squares of articulated concrete mattresses. Work will be performed in St. Francisville, La., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were nine bids solicited on Nov. 9, 2006, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the reporting contract office (W912P8-07-C-0019). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $635,086,713 firm-price-incentive contract modification. This effort will provide for 216 modification kits for 76 Block 50, 103 Block 40, 37 Block 30, F-16C and F-16D aircraft for the Turkish Air Force (TuAF). At this time, total funds have been obligated. Solicitations began May 2005 and negotiations were complete November 2006. This work will be complete February 2016. POC is ASC/PA, (937) 255-2725. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-05-C-6002/PZ00002). Boeing Satellite Systems Inc., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $50,699,088 fixed-price-incentive contract modification. This contract action will exercise of a priced option for the Advance Procurement of Long Lead Parts for the manufacture of MILSATCOM Wideband Gapfiller Satellite (WGS) Space Vehicle 5. The Long Lead Parts include high reliability items and major components of spacecraft subsystems. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete June 2008. Headquarters Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-06-C-0001/P0007). Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $16,719,534 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This is a modification to the C-5 Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program (RERP). This undefinitized contract action will correct four of the 14 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) waivers, incorporate functionally from the AMP Block Cycle Change (BCC) Cycle Change 2006 software build, and address specific high priority issues. At this time, $8,040,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete June 2007. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-02-C-2000/P00119). Honeywell International, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $14,994,978 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action will exercise and option to purchase two hundred and twenty-six (226) Embedded Global Position System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI) Production Install Units and two hundred and thirty-three (233) EGI contractor Depot Repair (CDR) through the Tri-Service EGI office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete November 2008. Headquarters 77 Aeronautics Systems Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2065/P00018). Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $8,422,027 cost-plus-incentive fee contract modification. This action provides for modifying the current Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) System development and demonstration for risk reduction activities to include: conducting additional qualification testing and subsystems life test, and supporting additional flight test planning and post test analysis. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2007. Headquarters 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08635-03-C-0002/P0004. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company of Sunnyvale, California, is being awarded a $619,179,334 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-award-fee contract for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense fire unit fielding, support equipment and initial spares. Work will be performed at Sunnyvale, California, and is expected to be completed February 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole source contract award. The contracting activity is the Missile Defense Agency, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Project Office, Huntsville, AL (HQ0147-07-C-0196). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY EDO Corp., Bohemia, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $248,000,000 firm fixed price contract for antennas. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Contract has a one-year base with 4 option periods. There were 3 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 21, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7MX-07-D-7006). Atlantic Microwave, Bolton, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $248,000,000 firm fixed price contract for antennas. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Contract has a one-year base with 4 option periods. There were 3 proposals solicited and 2 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 21, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7MX-07-D-7007). UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Boeing Sikorsky Aircraft Support (BSAS) is being awarded a $52,344,004.88 firm fixed price and cost contract for rotary wing aircraft Life Cycle Contractor Support (LCCS) in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command, Technology Applications Contracting Office, Fort Eustis, Virginia. The work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded through other than full and open competition. The contract number is H92241-07-C-0001. NAVY Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc., Schenectady, N.Y., is being awarded a $35,848,784 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2100) to exercise options for additional Naval nuclear propulsion components. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa. (93 percent) and Schenectady, N.Y. (7 percent). No work completion date or additional information is provided on Naval nuclear propulsion program contracts. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Kollmorgen Corporation, Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $17,642,709 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6241) to exercise an option for production of nine Integrated Submarine Imaging Systems (ISIS). The ISIS will provide mission critical, all weather, visual, and electronic search, digital image management, indication, warning, and platform architecture interface capabilities for SSN 688, SSN 21, and SSGN Class submarines. Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass. (70 percent); Waterford Conn. (15 percent); Manassas, Va. (12 percent), Brattaboro, Vt. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Harris Corporation dba Harris RF Communication, Rochester, N.Y., is being awarded a $15,708,823 firm-fixed-price contract for fully integrated tactical standard communication systems and components for the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command Forces, Little Creek currently operating in Southwest Asia. The radio systems and components to be delivered provide for fully integrated standard communication systems in support of the Forces currently operating in Southwest Asia. The required communications systems, for which there is an ongoing need, are mission critical equipment for the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command Forces and essential to operate throughout Southwest Asia with reasonable safety. Delivery will be made at Port Hueneme, Calif. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., and is expected to be completed August 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured by using other than full and open competition with statutory authority by Title 10 U.S.C. § 2304(c)(1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 6.302-1, only one responsible source. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-F-4009). L-3 Communications Corporation, Ocean Systems Division, Sylmar, Calif., is being awarded an $11,391,620 fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6237) to exercise options to order the module salvage and refurbishment kits in support of the TB-23/BQ Thinline Towed Array system. Work will be performed in Sylmar, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. SNC Technologies Inc., Le Gardeur, Qc, Canada, is being awarded a ceiling value $7,475,523 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for force-on-force training, using their standard service weapons. These weapons may only be modified internally and the modifications shall be minimal, to allow the most realistic training means possible by allowing the users to fire their own service weapon. Therefore, the U.S. Marine Corps developed a requirement for Special Effects Small Arms Marking System (SESAMS) replacement bolts, to be used with theM16A4, M4A1 Rifle and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon to fire SESAMS rounds. These bolts will be used to support tactical force-on-force engagement training using the Marine Corps existing service weapons. Work will be performed in Le Gardeur, Canada, and is expected to be completed December 2009. Contract funds will expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This effort a full and open competition procurement, with one offer received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-8002). General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,785,715 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-6206) for engineering and technical services for the Tactical Control Subsystem of the CCS MK2 Combat Control System. The Tactical Control System is part of the effort to facilitate the rapid integration of advanced science and technology products to submarine combat systems. Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif., (52 percent), Fairfax, Va. (48 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, is the contracting activity. Kellogg Brown & Root Services, Arlington, Va., is being awarded $6,723,957 for modification 01 to task order 0010 under a previously awarded cost reimbursement, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity emergency construction capabilities contract (N62470-04-D-4017) for construction of the Obock Waterfront Facilities at Naval Base Obock. The improvements will include a new pier and boat ramp. Award of this modification brings the total task order amount to $7,702,132. Work will be performed in Obock, Djibouti, and is expected to be completed by August 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., acting through Digital System Resources, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,674,661 firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6244) for production of three Photonics Mast Workstations (PMW) for installation on Virginia Class Submarines. The contract will include engineering services in support of development, field maintenance and modification of the Photonics Mast Workstations, which will be integrated into the Photonics Mast System, a non-hull-penetrating, submarine, electronic imaging system to replace conventional periscopes. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. (90 percent), Pittsfield, Mass. (6 percent) and Mystic, Conn. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $6,336,200 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-6207) for production of the Royal Australian Navy, Integrated Test and Training Facility, Technology Insertion 06 and material parts. This modification procures Technical Insertion 06 Replacement Combat System hardware for the Royal Australian Navy. Hardware is being supplied to outfit Australia's Integrated Test and Training Facility, four Australian submarines and spares. Work will be performed in Chantilly, Va. (29 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (22 percent); Los Angeles, Calif. (21 percent); Manchester, N.H. (11 percent); Eagan, Minn. (7 percent); San Jose, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of this fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $6,182,760 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-incentive fee contract (N00024-03-C-6219) to exercise an option for the procurement of nine Active Intercept & Ranging (AI&R) Systems, nine AI&R Maintenance Assistance Modules (MAMs), and seven Archival Media Centers (AMCs) for U.S. Submarines. The Active Intercept signal processing system processes those platform sensors currently used by the AN/WLY-1 program. Progeny provides a technology insertion path that can be used to fully exploit detection, localization, and contact tracking potential of the submarine sonar suite. Work will be performed in Charleroi, Pa. (80 percent), and Manassas, Va. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract option funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Cherry Hill, N.J., is being awarded a $5,790,894 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-6205) to exercise options for intermediate maintenance, field engineering support and technical services for the TB-16 Series Towed Arrays. Work will be performed in Cherry Hill, N.J., and is expected to be completed by September 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $199,932 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. * Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Burgess, 21, of Sanford, Mich. Lance Cpl. Ryan L. Mayhan, 25, of Hawthorne, Calif. Burgess and Mayhan died Dec. 21 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Scott D. Dykman, 27, of Helena, Mont., died Dec. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Robert J. Volker, 21, of Big Spring, Texas, died Dec. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas

Elmo and the characters of Sesame Street are going to give Americans at large a chance to see what military families go through when their loved ones deploy to war zones. Sesame Street will air "When Parents Are Deployed" on most Public Broadcasting System stations Dec. 27. Armed Forces Network stations will air the special in January. "The special focuses on giving people an understanding of the sacrifices servicemembers' families make in a deployment," said Barbara Goodno, a senior program analyst with the Pentagon's Office of Family Policy. Elmo, the fuzzy red puppet who is perpetually three years old, is the star of the program. Viewers see the deployment through his eyes. "When Parents Are Deployed" may have puppets, but it is a program parents and older siblings can watch, too, said Leslye Arsht, deputy undersecretary for family programs. "Elmo is someone with whom people of all ages can relate." Arsht said the producers listened to family and expert feedback to ensure the program meets families' needs. The special is an outgrowth of a DVD entitled "Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families Cope with Military Deployment." Sesame Street released that DVD in July, and it is available in both English and Spanish versions. In that program, Elmo's military father is ordered overseas. Wal-Mart and other sponsors provided the funding to distribute the DVD and an accompanying booklet to schools, childcare centers and military family support centers. The DVD set and television program capture the many emotions associated with deployments -- the fears and worries before departure, the loneliness and concern while a loved one is away and the anxiety often associated with reunion, Arsht said. The Defense Department has made tremendous strides in providing resources for military families, Arsht said. "DoD has many support systems to support good physical, emotional, spiritual, educational and social health," she said. On installations, these services center around family support centers. These centers provide a network for families and offer information and education programs to assist with tasks of daily living, Arsht said. DoD conducted research that shows the key elements to coping with deployment stresses are communication, outreach, information resources and access to unit leadership, Arsht said. One of the most popular resources available for families is Military OneSource. Troops and families can get help or information by visiting the Military OneSource Web site or calling, toll free, 1-800-342-9647. Military OneSource provides counseling or information to servicemembers and families at no charge, and it runs the gamut from child care to personal finances to emotional support during deployments. It also provides relocation advice or helps set up resources for special circumstances. It is open 24-7. Access to this type of support is particularly important for family members of deployed reserve component personnel, Arsht said. Another important resource is Military Homefront. This official DoD Web site offers reliable quality of life information tailored for three specific groups: servicemembers and families, leaders and service providers.

Soldiers Missing in Action from Vietnam War are Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Maj. Frederick J. Ransbottom, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Staff Sgt. William E. Skivington Jr.; of Las Vegas, Nev.; both U.S. Army. Ransbottom will be buried in Edmond, Okla. on Jan. 13, and Skivington will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23. Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. On May 12, 1968, North Vietnamese forces overran the Kham Duc Special Forces camp and its surrounding observation posts in Quang Nam-Da Nang Province (formerly Quang Tin Province), South Vietnam. Ransbottom and Skivington were two of the 17 U.S. servicemen unaccounted-for after the survivors evacuated the camp. Search and recovery efforts at the site in 1970 succeeded in recovering remains of five of the 17 men. A sixth man was returned alive during Operation Homecoming in 1973 after having been captured and held prisoner of war by the North Vietnamese. Between 1993 and 2006, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted eight investigations and four excavations in the vicinity of the camp site. The team interviewed former North Vietnamese officers and soldiers who participated in the battle. Some recalled seeing the bodies of U.S. servicemen near one of the observation posts, and U.S. eyewitness accounts placed Ransbottom and Skivington near the post. During an excavation conducted in 1998, two U.S. servicemen who survived the battle accompanied JPAC to help locate the observation posts, but found no evidence of human remains. Later excavations conducted in the area yielded human remains, identification media and personal effects for Ransbottom, Skivington and several other soldiers. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

Three Marines, a soldier and a sailor were killed in Iraq, Multinational Forces Iraq officials announced today. Three Marines and one sailor assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7 died Thursday from wounds sustained due to enemy action while operating in Al Anbar Province, and a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed west of the Iraqi capital Dec. 22. Another soldier in the same patrol was wounded. Iraqi forces backed up by coalition advisers took the fight to the enemy in many areas of the country. Soldiers of the 4th Iraqi Army Division captured a suspected leader of an insurgent cell and detained two other suspects during operations Dec. 21 in Taji. The cell leader is allegedly responsible for coordinating small arms, car bombing and improvised explosive device attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces convoys in the Taji and Tarmiyah areas. Iraqi special operations forces detained four suspects during operations Dec. 21 in the Rashid area of Baghdad. The four men were part of an al Qaeda in Iraq cell and were responsible for the deaths of Iraqi civilians and security forces in the area. The cell uses improvised explosive devices and coordinated small arms attacks to help facilitate violence in southern Baghdad and threaten the local populace. Soldiers of the 5th Iraqi Army Division captured two suspected leaders of an al Qaeda in Iraq cell and detained a suspect during operations Dec. 21 east of Baqubah. The cell leaders are allegedly responsible for multiple bombing and small arms attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces in the area. They are suspected of being involved in an IED attack on the Mandali courthouse. The cell leaders are also implicated in an assassination attempt against a senior Iraqi police officer. Iraqi police discovered and dismantled a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device Dec. 21 in Mahmudiyah. The Iraqi police reacted to the car bomb after local residents reported a suspicious vehicle near the market. The police responded, disarming the bomb and dismantling the components to render the bomb safe. The car bomb was composed of ten 57 mm anti-aircraft artillery rounds wired into the doors and trunk. An Iraqi teenager died from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device attack in Haqlaniyah, Dec. 20. The IED exploded underneath the tractor the teenager was driving. Paratroopers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, found a large amount of bomb-making material while patrolling near Muhammad Al Ali Dec. 21. The cache consisted of 50 pounds of nitro-cellulose material and two copper plates. The material was secured and taken to an explosive ordnance detachment.

Santa arrived early for sailors deployed here, as Senior Navy Central Command enlisted officials delivered gifts from 26 U.S. corporate sponsors. More than 75 volunteers assembled the 8,000 gift boxes for sailors stationed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, including Afghanistan. "We're here to visit as many sailors as possible," said Navy Command Master Chief James Russell, command master chief of the U.S.S Dwight D. Eisenhower, as he handed out gifts last week. "We're just trying to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer." Sailors at the Navy Morale Welfare Recreation center here were surprised by the dozens of boxes. Before handing out the presents, the Navy NCOs took turns expressing their gratitude for the sailors' service, and the group joined together to sing the Christmas carols. The gift boxes included candy, soda, a phone card and greeting cards praising them for their hard work and effort. "It was a surprise," said Navy Seaman Recruit Brandon Thompson, a culinary specialist with the VAQ-142 Squadron. "A lot of sponsors chipped in. It's a nice box, and it got the morale up." "These sailors that are over here have been asked to go a step above their usual level of responsibility," Russell said. "These gifts are well-deserved and well-received."

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $931,300,000 firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract modification. This action provides for F-16 C/D new Aircraft for the Peace Xenia IV (Greece) program for the F-16 Block 52 aircraft. The procurement of 20 operational single place F-16C Block 52 aircraft and 10 operational two place F-16D Block 52 aircraft will be accomplished under firm-fixed price portion of the contract. The basic undefinitized contract action was awarded for the long lead requirements only. This modification increases the undefinitized contract action to include all requirements for the production program. At this time, $485,309,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete March 2010. POC is ASC/PA, (937) 255-2725. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-06-C-6003/P00008). Lockheed Martin Corp., Forth Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $379,561,200 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action provides for the remaining Lot 8 Advanced Buy Requirements and for Lot 9 Advanced Procurement for Titanium in support of the F-22A Lot 9 aircraft. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2011. POC is ASC/PA, (937) 255-2725. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-06-C-2899/P00009). Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA), Tullahoma, Tenn., is being awarded a $63,569,386 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This action provides for operation, maintenance, information management, and support of the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) for FY07. This increase results from changes to the workload in the test facilities and increased maintenance, investment, and mission support requirements. At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete September 2007. Headquarters Arnold Engineering Development Center, Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., is the contracting activity (F40600-03-C-0001/P00104). United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $49,996,252 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification. This action provides for Lot 6 F119-PW-100 Engines (46) for the F-22 and associated Field Support and Training (FS & T) for calendar year 2006. At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-05-C-2851/PZ0008). Computer Sciences Parsons LLC., Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is being awarded a $12,831,176 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for civil engineering services; the contractor will provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform base civil engineer tasks and function at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete September 2007. 72d Contracting Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (F34650-99-C-0082). Lockheed Martin Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $6,780,220 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This modification is an undefinitized contract action for the purchase of sixty-nine Star VII Mission Computers to support the Block 6.0 Installations. At this time, $5,085,165 have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456/P00010). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $5,197,563 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for Litening Pods for a 12-month period. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-2020). NAVY Creative Times, Inc.*, Ogden, Utah; I.E. Pacific, Inc.*, Emeryville, Calif.; J.I. Garcia Construction, Inc.*, Fresno Calif.; MACRO-Z Technology Company*, Santa Ana, Calif.; and Pacific West Builders*, Vacaville Calif., are being awarded a not to exceed $100,000,000 (base period and four option years) firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract with a guaranteed minimum of $25,000. This contract is for new construction and renovation of general building construction within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work will be performed within the 236 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), primarily by design-build or secondarily by design-bid-build of general building construction. Types of projects may include, but are not limited to, commercial type buildings, institutional buildings, and industrial buildings. Work will be performed at various federal sites within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, Northern California (80 percent); Nevada (10 percent); Colorado (5 percent); and Utah (5 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed five years, with an expected completion date of December 2007 (December 2011 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was issued as a combined small business set-aside for HUBZone and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned small business concerns via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with twelve (12) proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-D-2007/2008/2009/2010/2011). Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $35,320,791 cost-plus-award-fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-04-G-0007) for non-recurring development and integration efforts in support of Increment 1 of the V-22 Block C Upgrade. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (78 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (22 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $12,703,332 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $30,509,201 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-04-G-0007) to provide flight test management, flight test engineering, design engineering and related efforts in support of the MV-22 Follow-on Flight Test and Evaluation Program. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $18,538,500 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0007) for AV-8B Harrier post production support services, including engineering analysis, testing, suitability evaluations, effectiveness evaluations, configuration management support, and resolving reliability, availability, and/or supportability problems. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity. Integrity Applications, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $9,886,567 cost-plus-fixed-fee level of effort indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for engineering and technical services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake's Weapons Engagement Office. Services provided will facilitate the development and evaluation of command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system prototypes and their transition to programs for fielding. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (55 percent), Chantilly, Va. (25 percent); Ridgecrest, Calif. (15 percent); and Stuggart, Germany (5 percent); and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-07-D-0001). General Dynamics' Advanced Information Systems (formerly DSR Solutions division), Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $9,300,000 cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5100) to exercise an option for System Integrator/Design Agent (SI/DA) services to integrate an Open Architecture Track Manager (OATM) function for the Navy. The SI/DA for OATM will implement an OATM software product for installation on Navy platforms and address evolving Open Architecture initiatives related to track management and sensor netting. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., (43 percent); Reston, Va. (41 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (16 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. TEAM Construction, LLC*, (a joint venture), Jacksonville, N.C., is being awarded a $7,050,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for the construction of 14 firing positions on a raised 10 position firing line and 180 Stationary Infantry Targets (SIT), and incidental related work, which includes, but is not limited to, the construction of a control tower, ammunition breakdown building, covered bleacher enclosure, vehicular holding areas, weapons calibration area, and target emplacements. The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, engineering, materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and transportation to perform all of the services described in the plans and specifications. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by July 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-07-C-1913). Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $6,431,471 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for AN/SSN-2(V)5 Navigation Command and Control (NAVC2) production systems and engineering services. The NAVC2 system is a major upgrade to the combat and navigation system for Mine Countermeasures (MCM-1) Class ships. NAVC2 is an Open Architecture system providing the framework to support future major combat system upgrades to MCM-1 Class ships and Electronic Chart and Information Display System - Navy capability. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6349). Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $5,473,152 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) to exercise an option for AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Protection Radio Systems for the U.S. Air Force B-1 aircraft. This modification consists of 64 RT-1851(C) receiver-transmitters and 64 High Power Amplifiers. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $5,025,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0005) to exercise an option for engineering and logistic services in support of the P-3C Fatigue Life Management Program. Work will be performed in Marietta, Ga., and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

The Defense Department announced the identities today of two soldiers and a Marine killed in Iraq Dec. 18 and 19 while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Staff Sgt. Brian L. Mintzlaff, 34, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Dec. 18 in Taji from injuries suffered when his Bradley fighting vehicle rolled over. Mintzlaff was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Spc. Andrew P. Daul, 21, of Brighton, Mich., died Dec. 19 in Hit of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Abrams tank during combat operations. Daul was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany. -- Marine Cpl. Joshua D. Pickard, 20, of Merced, Calif., died Dec. 19 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Pickard was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

America Supports You: WWE's 'Mouth of the South' Meets G.I. Joe

While stage crews prepared for a wrestling match at the Verizon Center here yesterday, promoter Jimmy "The Mouth of the South" Hart replaced his signature Ray-Ban sunglasses with reading glasses to dial his son's phone number at Fort Dix, N.J. Hart told his son he was among the World Wrestling Entertainment stars about to meet and greet U.S. servicemembers at a pre-event reception. Hart's son, Army Reserve Spc. Jimmy Hart, Jr., 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, will soon deploy to Iraq for his second tour. WWE invited 30 wounded servicemembers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to the reception and to the Monday Night Raw event. WWE is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which highlights the public's support for the nation's troops and their families. WWE has visited troops in Iraq four consecutive years, and this month they delivered the 2.6 millionth letter from Shauna Fleming's "A Million Thanks" effort to deliver a letter to each servicemember in Iraq. On Christmas day, WWE will air a Tribute to the Troops filmed Dec. 8 in Baghdad. Hart, who visited Kuwait in August, said being invited to entertain U.S. troops ranks at the top of his list of career milestones along with performing at Madison Square Garden and being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. "It was thrilling," Hart said. "It felt like I was in the service myself. It was sweaty, my bouffant hair style was porcupining up and collapsing on one side. But I kept all the memorabilia, all the (military) coins. It was just awesome." Hart called pro wrestling, with its outrageous costumes, feigned emotions and trash-talking personas, "the longest-running soap opera." The on-stage performance may be just an act, but off stage, the wrestlers' appreciation for the troops' performance is very real. "I jump around in tights for a living; I'm not changing the world." pro wrestler Edge said about his recent meeting with U.S. servicemembers in Iraq. "But at least we changed servicemembers' mood for the day." "I think a lot of time people take for granted the luxuries we have here" Edge said, "and that's what they're fighting for." WWE Diva Victoria said her father served in the Air Force during her childhood. "It's really a good feeling to give back to the military because they do so much for us," she said. "Every time I step on a military base it's like I'm at home." Bringing servicemembers and their families together with the pro wrestling entertainers they look up to is a great way to boost troop morale, said Maryland National Guard Pfc. Christopher Long. "As you can see, I'm a hardcore wrestling fan," said Long, donning a custom-made wrestling jersey and a replica gold-plated pro wrestling belt over his shoulder. "I appreciate that they gave us the opportunity to see (the wrestlers) today." For many veterans, the chance to meet the entertainers they've followed for years was an important break from reality. "It's a relief of stress," said Army Spc. Martin Jackson, 1st Armored Division, who has watched wrestling since age seven. "It feels good to let us know that people care about the job we've done."

Thousands of students from the Merrimack Valley Region of Massachusetts and New Hampshire donated more than 22,000 gifts for deployed troops this holiday season. The students took part in the largest drive yet organized by New England Caring for Our Military, an America Supports You member organization. ASY is a Defense Department program that focuses on connecting support groups throughout the nation with the men and women of the armed forces at home and abroad. The gift drive, dubbed "It Takes a Valley," kicked off in November and ended Dec. 9. Some 6,000 students in grades kindergarten through high school participated, collecting items to send to the troops from a list provided by New England Caring for our Military. "They put their lives on hold for us, to preserve our freedom," Organization founder James SereigWareing said of the troops being supported through the effort. "It's the least we can do for them." The organization started holiday care packages to the troops in 2004. The 22,000 items collected by the community were combined to make more than 10,000 individual gift sets, sent in cases to units, as well as entire platoons. The care packages, sent to troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Korea, Japan and Africa, also included 7,000 handmade holiday greeting cards and posters. Sereigo-Wareing said packaging the items turned out to be a community effort. Students, senior citizens and people with mental and physical disabilities pitched in to pack the 2.2 tons of gifts that were shipped over a six-day period. "Taking all segments of the population to work on a project is very powerful," he said. Sereigo-Wareing said he works with local school systems to collect items and letters for care packages, to help send a message. "I try to teach students respect for the military because they will be our future leaders," he said. "Imagine how many lives we impact when students get involved." The reward, he said, will be knowing that troops have something special to open for the holidays. "I want them to feel like they are home," he said. He ensured that "fun" items such as puzzles, cards, books and board games made it into the packages in addition to telephone cards, socks and T-shirts. "It's probably always hard for troops to be far away from home, but especially hard on the holidays," he said. "I use this as an opportunity to try to pay them back for my freedom." Sereigo-Wareing said he believes the handmade greetings from the students will go a long way to boost morale and reinforce to the men and women serving in the military that U.S. citizens support them and honor their dedication and service.

Santa Claus and some of his friends visited a National Guard armory in this Georgia town today to bring early holiday cheer to more than 200 military families. The occasion was "Operation Christmas," a campaign sponsored by the Defense Department's America Supports You program, the Wal-Mart retail store chain and Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to military families while servicemembers are deployed. America Supports You showcases the efforts of American individuals, non-profit groups and corporations in supporting military men and women. The Hinesville event was the last in a series of six held across the country to honor military families. Children and parents had their pictures taken with Santa. They also enjoyed holiday music and cookies, as well as games and presents of toys like stuffed bunnies, radios and games. U.S. Army Cpl. Joseph Glover, his wife, Rachel, and their children Alexis, 4, Caeden, 3, and 3-month-old baby Camereon collected a bevy of goodies while navigating through the "Operation Christmas" tent set up on the armory's grounds. Rachel Glover said her husband, a 3rd Infantry Division soldier stationed on nearby Fort Stewart, was serving in Iraq last Christmas. She praised America Supports You, Operation Homefront and Wal-Mart for providing Operation Christmas for servicemembers and their families. "I think this is wonderful. It really warms my heart that you're supported 100 percent, with our troops being overseas," she said. Caitlyn Bass, a 13-year-old Army family member, wore a big smile after visiting Santa and receiving a new radio. "This is good," she said, "because you get to get gifts from Wal-Mart." Rosalind Brewer, Wal-Mart's vice president for operations in Georgia, said Operation Christmas is a good way to honor servicemembers and their families. Brewer said her company is honored to co-partner the program with America Supports You and Operation Homefront. "We hope all of you have the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Year's from the bottom of our hearts," Brewer told the gathered military families. Thousands of Wal-Mart employees are in the military and serving overseas, Nick Agarwal, the corporation's vice president of communications, said. "We wanted to put a program together that shows we care," Agarwal said. Retired National Basketball Association player Dominique Wilkins was also at the event, showing that he cares, too. Wilkins chatted with military families and provided autographed photos. The former Atlanta Hawks' player and nine-time all-star said he felt good about being part of Operation Christmas. "We owe it to servicemembers and their families to show that we care and understand what they're going through," Wilkins said. "They stand on the front lines to make sure that we're okay." Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, greeted servicemembers and their families at the Hinesville event. "What's happening today is exactly the goal of America Supports You," Barber said. "It is a matter of helping corporate America partner with grassroots groups for one reason, and that's to be able to actually help the military members and their families." Events like Operation Christmas constitute "a perfect scenario for the America Supports You program, because that's what it is about," Barber said. Operation Homefront depends on corporate sponsors like Wal-Mart to put on such events like Operation Christmas, said Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront's executive vice president of operations. Amid all the festivities at the armory, ABC's television show, "Good Morning America," interviewed Army wife Kimberly Fontenot, whose husband, Sgt. Dirk Fontenot, is serving in Iraq. The show set up a live feed so Kimberly could see and talk with her husband during the broadcast. "I'm excited. I got to see my husband, and that's what it was all about for me, getting to see him," said Fontenot, who's expecting to give birth to a baby girl in less than five months. "I really appreciate what they did for us today," she said. "This is nice." Good Morning America host Mike Barz interviewed the Fontenots. Barz said his father was an Army and Vietnam War veteran who'd been stationed at Fort Stewart in the early 1970s. "I'm an Army brat, so I kind of understand a little bit about what these families are going through," he said. Mary Perdue, wife of Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, made a special appearance. She praised servicemembers and their families for their contributions to the nation and wished them all a happy holiday season. "Georgia has always been a patriotic state, and support for our military is strong," Georgia's first lady said. "Sonny and I will always do everything in our power to lift up the military, to support it, to take care of our troops and our families."

Succeeding in Iraq is the Defense Department's top priority, newly sworn-in Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, said here today. "I'm confident we can do so," Gates said in a news briefing at Al Faw Palace, headquarters of Multinational Corps Iraq. The secretary said he came on this surprise Iraq visit "to hear sort of first-hand candid, honest assessments from our commanders on how to proceed forward in Iraq, particularly since they'll be the ones to implement whatever decisions are made." Gates noted that he's been to Iraq before and has spoken to many of the commanders he met with here today, most recently as a member of the Iraq Study Group. Members of the bi-partisan group visited here earlier this year and released their report to the president and Congress on Dec. 6. One option for dealing with violence in Iraq is to "surge" additional U.S servicemembers into the area. Gates said the idea has merit, but he'll make no recommendations to the president until he's spoken to the Iraqis and senior U.S. military members. The secretary said U.S. commanders have been "very candid" in discussions today and that he's looking forward to discussions with Iraqi leaders, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Gates stressed the importance of talking to Iraqi leaders. "We need to remember that there is an Iraqi government and ... that government needs to be a partner in this, or we need to be a partner with the Iraqi government with them out in front," he said. Neither of the top two American military commanders in the region -- Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force Iraq, and Army Gen. John Abizaid, chief of U.S. Central Command -- endorsed the idea of sending more military forces to Iraq. But they also did not reject the idea. Casey noted that he has asked for -- and received -- additional troops several times when he felt they were needed for specific missions, such as to provide security during elections or to participate in major offensives. "I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea, but what I want to see happen is when (or) if we do bring more American troops here, they help us progress to our strategic objectives," Casey said. Abizaid said all options are on the table. "We're looking at every possible thing that might influence the situation to make Baghdad, in particular, more secure," he said. Gates stressed that he will make no decisions on how to proceed in Iraq, but he will provide recommendations to President Bush. "There is only one vote that matters, and that's the president of the United States," Gates said. "What I'm here to do is talk to all these folks, talk to the Iraqis and see what advice I can give to the president that would help him make the decision."

CONTRACTS UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rolling Meadows, Ill., 60008, is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with a potential maximum value of $120,000,000 and a maximum ordering period of seven years for depot repair services for the Directional Infrared Countermeasure systems in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command. The initial delivery order will be awarded for $23,109,622. The work will be performed at Hurlburt Field, Florida from Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2007. The contract number is H92222-07-D-0007. NAVY Marine Hydraulics International, Norfolk, Va.; Alliance Technical Services, Norfolk, Va.; Davis Boat Works, Newport News, Va.; and Lyon Shipyard, Norfolk, Va., are each being awarded a maximum $47,600,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract to furnish management, material support services, labor, supplies, and equipment to provide marine boatyard and industrial support, including specific modifications, upgrades, service life extension and repairs to non-commissioned boats, craft, lighterage and service craft, with associated systems that can be transported via roadway by trailer or on its bottom via waterway. Work will be performed in Hampton Roads, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $511,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with eight offers received. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, USN, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity. (Marine Hydraulics International: N40025-07-D-7010; Alliance Technical Services: N40025-07-D-7011; Davis Boat Works: N40025-07-D-7012; and Lyon Shipyard: N40025-07-D-7013). General Electric Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a $40,000,000 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract to provide research and development services in support of the Naval Air Systems Command, Propulsion and Power Department's Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE) Program. The goals of the VAATE Program are to develop, demonstrate, and transition advanced multi-use, turbine engine technologies that provide a revolutionary improvement in affordability to a broad range of legacy, pipeline, and future military propulsion and power needs. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $736,500 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a Broad Agency Announcement; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-07-D-0001). Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $37,451,994 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0001) to exercise an option for logistics and technical engineering support and spares for the U.S. Marine Corps' KC-130J aircraft and other Government C-130J aircraft. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C. (85 percent); Miramar, Calif. (10 percent); and Okinawa, Japan (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Marine Hydraulics International, Norfolk, Va.; Alliance Technical Services, Norfolk, Va.; Beach Marine Services, Virginia Beach, Va.; Davis Boat Works, Newport News, Va.; and LPI Technical Services, Chesapeake, Va., are each being awarded a maximum $19,800,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract, to furnish management, material support services, labor, supplies, and equipment to provide marine boatyard and industrial support, including specific modifications, upgrades, service life extension and repairs to non-commissioned boats, craft, lighterage and service craft, with associated systems that can be transported via roadway. Work will be performed in Hampton Roads, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $205,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with twelve offers received. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, USN, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity. (Marine Hydraulics International: N40025-07-D-7005; Alliance Technical Services: N40025-07-D-7006; Beach Marine Services: N40025-07-D-7007; Davis Boat Works: N40025-07-D-7008; and LPI Technical Services: N40025-07-D-7009). Basic Contracting Services, Inc.*, Artesia, N.M., is being awarded a not to exceed $7,014,849 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for security guard services to be performed at Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Defense Distribution Depot Jacksonville, and Cecil Commerce Center Jacksonville. The work to be performed provides for both armed and unarmed guards, roving patrols, entry control point services, perimeter patrol, dispatching services, alarm and detection systems monitoring, and video surveillance equipment monitoring. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with eight offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-D-1256). BAE Systems Spectral Solutions, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $6,785,000 order against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-03-D-0025) for the design completion and build of the next generation of demonstration turret in support of the Electro-Optic Passive Anti-Submarine Warfare (EPAS) Demonstration Project. EPAS is an integrated non-acoustic sensor suite that will further the concept that use of combined passive spectral imaging techniques is required for effective search, localization and prosecution of submarines and other targets of interest. Work will be performed in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed in March 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $285,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,700,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) to provide follow-on persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) services in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in June 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $6,700,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $20,088,674 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, fixed-price incentive, cost-plus-award fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed fee and cost contract (no fee) contract modification. This contract modification exercises two options for calendar year 2007 entitled, On Orbit Operations Support and Satellite Storage for the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIR program. At this time, $18,281,458 have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2007. Headquarters Global Positioning Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-89-C-0073/P00372). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Andrew P. Daul, 21, of Brighton, Mich., died Dec. 19 in Hit, Iraq, of injuries suffered then an improvised explosive device detonated near his Abrams tank during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Brian L. Mintzlaff, 34, of Fort Worth, Texas, died Dec. 18 in Taji, Iraq, from injuries suffered when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled over.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Joshua D. Pickard, 20, of Merced, Calif., died Dec. 19 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems, Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a $53,081,043 fixed-price-incentive-firm and cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This contract action will exercise option 1 to continue upgrade of the Environmental Control System for the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System. This includes production, deployment, and interim contractor support for launch facilities, missile alert facilities, and missile alert facilities at the Missile Wings. The replacement system provides filtered, temperature and humidity control, circulating air to the electronic equipment as well as the missile combat crews located in the Launch Control Centers. At this time, $51,525,337 have been obligated. This work will be complete October 2008. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001/no modification number has been assigned at this time). NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., St. Paul, Minn., is being awarded a $6,842,847 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0082) for non-recurring engineering services to integrate and test the Phase II Link-16/Integrated Tactical Picture (ITP) Capability into a P-3 Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) Improvement Program (AIP) aircraft. Work will be performed in Eagan, Minn., and is expected to be completed in April 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries suffered when their HMMWV struck an improvised explosive device while on mounted patrol Dec. 16 in Taji, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were: Staff Sgt. David R. Staats, 30, of Pueblo, Colo, died Dec. 16 in Taji, Iraq. Spc. Matthew J. Stanley, 22, of Wolfeboro Falls, N.H., died Dec. 16 in Taji, Iraq. Pfc. Seth M. Stanton, 19, of Colorado Springs, Colo., died Dec. 17 in Balad, Iraq.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Henry K. Kahalewai, 43, of Hilo, Hawaii, died Dec. 15 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of wounds suffered Nov. 21 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Stryker vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash. Pfc. Joe L. Baines, 19, of Newark, N.J., died Dec. 16 at Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Matthew W. Clark, 22, of St. Louis, Mo. Lance Cpl. Luke C. Yepsen, 20, of Kingwood, Texas. Both Marines died December 14 due to injuries suffered from enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Clark was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Yepsen was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif

Soldiers Missing In Action From Vietnam War are Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of three U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Capt. Herbert C. Crosby, of Donalsonville, Ga.; Sgt. 1st Class Wayne C. Allen, of Tewksbury, Mass.; and Sgt. 1st Class Francis G. Graziosi, of Rochester, N.Y.; all U.S. Army.Burial dates and locations are being set by their families. Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. On Jan. 10, 1970, these men were returning to their base at Chu Lai, South Vietnam aboard a UH-1C Huey helicopter. Due to bad weather, their helicopter went down over Quang Nam Province.A search was initiated for the crew, but no sign of the helicopter or crew was spotted. In 1989, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) gave to U.S. specialists 25 boxes containing the remains of the U.S. servicemen related to this incident.Later that year, additional remains and Crosby's identification tag were obtained from a Vietnamese refugee. Between 1993 and 1999, joint U.S./S.R.V. teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted three investigations in Ho Chi Minh City and two investigations in Quang Nam-Da Nang Province (formerly Quang Nam Province).A Vietnamese informant in Ho Chi Minh City told the team he knew where the remains of as many as nine American servicemen were buried.He agreed to lead the team to the burial site.In 1994, the team excavated the site and recovered a metal box and several bags containing human remains, including those of these three soldiers. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Nicklas J. Palmer, 19, of Leadville, Colo. Capt. Kevin M. Kryst, 27, of West Bend, Wis. Palmer died Dec. 16 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Kryst died Dec. 18 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Light-Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force Camp Pendleton, Calif.

'Big Red One' Takes on Iraq Military Advisor Training Mission

An entire Army combat division has been given the mission of training U.S. military advisors for duty within Iraqi army and police units, a senior U.S. military officer in Baghdad said yesterday. The U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kan., is now responsible for training U.S. advisors for service in Iraq, Army Brig. Gen. Dana Pittard, commander of the Iraq Advisory Group, told reporters at a news conference in the Iraqi capital city. The change represents "a huge investment," Pittard said, noting two brigade combat teams based at Riley also are committed to training advisors. Pittard said he works in tandem with Army Brig. Gen. Terry Wolff, commander of the Coalition Military Assistance and Training Team. Pittard and Wolff, who also attended the press briefing, have oversight over military advisors that support the Iraqi army, the national police, as well as the Department of Border Enforcement. "We really cover two different areas, but have very, very similar goals, and that is to support the Iraqi security forces," Pittard said. Wolff said his organization's some-460 advisors principally help train the Iraqi army and navy and also assist these forces in building their logistical capabilities. A portion of Wolff's advisors are assigned at some 21 Iraqi military and police training centers and schools, he said. A total of about 5,000 U.S. advisors are now assigned to training or mentoring duties with Iraqi army or police units, Pittard said. "We're excited about where the transition teams have come from and where the transition teams are going," he said. A good news story is that some Iraqi security units have already reached high readiness levels, Pittard said. Consequently, embedded U.S. trainers in those units are being reassigned to other duties, he said. Ongoing training of Iraqi security forces is "conditions-based" and keyed on improving the readiness and professionalism of those forces, Pittard said. A year ago, there were just two trained Iraqi army divisions and a couple of brigades. Today, there are 10 Iraqi army divisions and about 36 brigades, he said. "They don't have to be coaxed to fight," Pittard said. "They will fight. And the (U.S. military training) transition teams are part of that."

"Learn" and "adapt" are the key messages of the new Army and Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual, which just hit the streets. The Counterinsurgency Field Manual, FM 3-24 and Marine Corps Warfighting Publication 3-33.5, is a unique joint effort between the Army and Marines to put in place doctrine to help operators as they face the challenges of asymmetric warfare. The manual codifies an important lesson of insurgencies: it takes more than the military to win. "There are more than just lethal operations involved in a counterinsurgency campaign," said Conrad Crane, director of the U.S. Army Military History Institute, in Carlisle, Pa., and one of the leaders of the effort. He said the team working on the manual decided early on to emphasize the interagency aspect of counterinsurgency fights. "The military is only one piece of the puzzle," Crane said. "To be successful in a counterinsurgency, you have to get contributions from a lot of different agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and host-nation organizations. There are so many people involved to make counterinsurgency successful." All of these organizations bring important weapons to the campaign, "and you've got to bring unity of effort if you can to make it effective," he said. Lt. Col. Lance McDaniel, a branch head at the Marine Corps Combat Development Center at Quantico, Va., said the manual is aimed at battalion-level officers and NCOs, but felt that all who read it could gain some insight into the difficulties of a counterinsurgency war. "We see this being part of the pre-deployment training units undergo," McDaniel said. "Once on the ground they can adapt the ideas from the manual to their particular location and enemy." The Army and Marine Corps have shared field manuals in the past, but this is the first on which the two services worked closely to write, both Crane and McDaniel said. "This was a real team effort of Army and Marine writers," Crane said. "What I tell people is we had about 20 primary writers on the manual and about 600,000 editors." Crane said many soldiers and Marines commented on the manual and provided input to the final product. "We received more than 1,000 comments from people actually doing the mission," he said. But it didn't stop with military feedback. State Department employees, CIA officials, academic experts and representatives of the international human rights community contributed insights to the manual, McDaniel said. "I hope the publication will make it easier for other agencies and organizations to work with us," he said. Chapter 4, a discussion on Campaign Design, is a unique aspect of the manual. "The Marines brought that to the manual," Crane said. Before beginning a campaign, planners must identify the problem that needs solving, then be ready to change the plan as conditions change on the ground, Crane said. "In counterinsurgency, that is so important because it is a complex situation," he said. A counterinsurgency campaign is much more complex than a traditional military-on-military conflict. The make-up of the community, the needs of the various groups, the history of the area, traditional allies in the region, and many other things contribute to understanding how to design a counterinsurgency campaign. "It takes a lot more analysis before you jump into it, because if you do the wrong thing, it could have major implications," Crane said. "You have to be sure you are applying the right solution to the right problem." Crane said the idea of campaign design will probably permeate other Army field manuals. The new counterinsurgency manual uses examples from fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, but also uses examples from the Napoleonic War, the U.S. experience in Vietnam, and counterinsurgency efforts in the Philippines, Malaya (now Malaysia) and South America. Crane and McDaniel agree that insurgencies are the wars of the future. The idea of a nation taking on the United States army to army or navy to navy is remote, given the U.S. conventional expertise. "Enemies will make us fight these kinds of wars until we get them right," Crane said. "Then they'll switch." The manual is informed by Afghanistan and Iraq, but also informed by history, Crane said. "We tried to glean what was useful from the historical record, but also with the realization that there are a lot of things that are new out there, Crane said. "Trying to grapple with the nature of contemporary insurgency was one of the toughest parts of writing it." The manual is not limited to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. "If we've created a manual that is just good for Iraq and Afghanistan, we've failed," he said. "This thing has got to be focused on the future and the next time we do this." The manual is going to be useful in Iraq and Afghanistan, but much of what the manual covers is already being done in those theaters. "The manual is future-focused," Crane said. "The manual gives you the tools to do your analysis and the guidelines to apply it with the understanding that every situation is going to be unique." It also will be rewritten, as needed, the men said. Both men said the manual is receiving a good reception. "This is not a doctrine that is being jammed down peoples' throats," Crane said." This is a doctrine that they are demanding."

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $2,000,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This is an undefinitized contract action for the acquisition of ten (10) Block 18 configured C-17 aircraft. The ten aircraft are a follow-on acquisition to the original 180 C-17 aircraft. At this time, $980,000,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete October 2009. PA POC is Mr Chris McGee, (937) 255-2350. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-06-D-2006-0002). Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $48,999,183 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to provide for Government a new capability for global persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) through delivery of surface moving target indication, synthetic aperture radar imaging, and high resolution terrain information products to the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community (IC) users. This contract has established candidate architectures) for an objective system that will satisfy the capabilities described in the Space Radar (SR) Initial Capabilities Document and also satisfy the Concept of Operations. This contract has defined a process, which, through trade studies, modeling and simulation, risk reduction, and technology demonstrations, explore a broad trade space of potential Space Radar (SR) solution sets. This modification maintains existing scope, extends the period of performance through April 2009 and reactivates the Contact Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs). At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete April 2009. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8820-04-C-0002/P00022). Lockheed Martin Corp., Littleton, Colo., is being awarded a $48,668,873 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to provide for Government a new capability for global persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) through delivery of surface moving target indication, synthetic aperture radar imaging, and high resolution terrain information products to the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community (IC) users. This contract has established candidate architectures) for an objective system that will satisfy the capabilities described in the Space Radar (SR) Initial Capabilities Document and also satisfy the Concept of Operations. This contract has defined a process, which, through trade studies, modeling and simulation, risk reduction, and technology demonstrations, explore a broad trade space of potential Space Radar (SR) solution sets. This modification maintains existing scope, extends the period of performance through April 2009 and reactivates the Contact Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs). At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete April 2009. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8820-04-C-0001/P00021). NAVY Chesapeake Science Corporation, Millersville, Md., is being awarded a $15,306,136 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for the continued development of the TB-33/BQ Fiber Optic Thin-Line Sensor System which will satisfy a requirement to procure two production representative units, training, and test equipment for training curriculum requirements, test equipment, and 3D mock-up devices. The TB-33 array is currently being developed to provide the same capability as the existing Thin-line TB-29A array with significantly improved reliability. Work will be performed in Greensboro, N.C. (48 percent), Stonington, Conn. (27 percent), and Millersville, Md. (25 percent) and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6207). Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,806,987 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) for Fiscal Year 2007 technical support of Lot 7 AIM-9X missiles for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $7,189,734 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($5,525,175; 56 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($4,281,812; 44 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Phaneuf, 38, of Eastford, Conn., died Dec. 15 in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Brigade, Hartford, Conn.

USA Basketball teamed up with the Defense Department's America Supports You program Dec. 15 to support wounded service members. The America Supports You program highlights support for U.S. military members and their families. "Hoops for Troops" brought 14 wounded veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here to dine at the Verizon Center's Acela Club with former National Basketball Association players and sit in skybox suites to watch the Washington Wizards beat the Miami Heat 106-92. Basketball players are performers, but U.S. servicemembers are the real heroes, Gilbert Arenas, the Wizards point guard who scored 27 points in Washington's victory, told American Forces Press Service. "They're out there fighting; we're out there entertaining," Arenas said. "So when (troops) show up to games, we show our support." The visitors' locker room was quiet after Miami's loss, and Heat center Shaquille O'Neal shied away from reporters' basketball questions. But O'Neal, whose father served in the U.S. Army during Shaquille's childhood, told American Forces Press Service of his gratitude for U.S. servicemembers. "I think it's good for people to want to protect the country," O'Neal said. "Yesterday I met three or four amputees who said they want to go back. Those are the guys I want protecting our country." Army Capt. Keith Bracey worked as a Wizards team assistant until he was deployed in 2002. During active duty in Iraq, Bracey was injured when his Humvee was ambushed in Baghdad in 2003. When he returned to the U.S., the Wizards welcomed him home. "People here heard that I had gotten hurt," Bracey said, "so I started working with some of the team doctors and physical therapists to try to get better. ... Mentally, it's a big part of (the recovery); it's like a big family here." Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was on hand to thank troops and NBA participants. "It is spectacular what they do for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and for our wounded troops in particular," Giambastiani said, referring to USA Basketball and the NBA. "You go to any base anywhere in the world you see the troops following these professional sports. Basketball has been very supportive of this, and we just can't thank them enough." Army Capt. D.J. Skelton, a platoon leader in the 25th Infantry Division in Fallujah, Iraq, lost his left eye and suffered other injuries in a rocket-propelled-grenade attack. He was one of the wounded veterans in attendance at the game. "Both the military and the teams that represent the United States share that patriotism," Skelton said. "They're representing this country, but they're doing it from two different mechanisms. "When basketball players, who almost live in a world among themselves, ... come down and put themselves on the same level as soldiers, ... it just solidifies the fact that this country really does appreciate what soldiers do," Skelton said. But the partnership between USA Basketball and America Supports You extends far beyond U.S. boundaries, Kim Bohuney, vice president of NBA Basketball Operations International, said. "Any time an NBA or WNBA player goes abroad, we always ask them, 'Would you mind stopping by to see our men and women (in uniform)?'" Bohuney said. NBA and WNBA players who have visited military hospitals and bases around the world have always loved the experience, she said. Seven-foot-7-inch former NBA player Gheorghe Muresan has visited with U.S. troops serving in his home country, Romania, and frequently attends Wizards games with Walter Reed patients. "We do the best we can to help them forget their pain and be happy and enjoy themselves," Muresan said. "They give part of their lives to save us, ... so we give as much as we can to them."

Three soldiers died yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identity of five service members killed recently supporting the war on terror. The soldiers, assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad, died when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle north of Baghdad. The soldiers' identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, the Defense Department has released the identities of five soldiers killed earlier in Iraq. -- Army Pfc. Paul Balint Jr., 22, of Willow Park, Texas, died Dec. 15 in Ramadi of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small-arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany. -- Army Staff Sgt. Theodore A. Spatol, 59, of Thermopolis, Wyo., died of a non-combat-related illness in Thermopolis on Dec. 14. He had been medically evacuated from Iraq. Spatol was assigned to the 1041st Engineer Company, Rock Springs, Wyo. -- Army Spc. Nicholas P. Steinbacher, 22, of La Crescenta, Calif., died of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Baghdad on Dec. 10. Steinbacher was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Pfc. Albert M. Nelson, 31, of Philadelphia, and Pfc. Roger A. Suarez-Gonzalez, 21 of Miami died Dec. 4 in Ramadi of injuries suffered from small-arms fire while conducting security and observation operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Theodore A. Spatol, 59, of Thermopolis, Wyo., died of a non-combat related illness in Thermopolis on Dec. 14. Spatol was assigned to the 1041st Engineer Company, Rock Springs, Wyo

The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team was officially redesignated the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team during a 'reflagging' ceremony here yesterday. During the ceremony, the brigade commander who led the unit for 16 months in Iraq and six battalion commanders handed their commands to their successors. Army Lt. Gen. John Brown III, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, acknowledged during the ceremony at the Carlson Community Center how difficult it must have been for the "Arctic Wolves" to see their unit flag cased and to remove the 172nd unit patch from their shoulders. "I know how much you wanted to case the colors of the units you just brought back from combat," he told the outgoing brigade commander, Col. Michael Shields, and his troops. "But I will compliment you that you did it with dignity and with class and with perfection. "You know and your commanders know that this is part of a bigger effort to improve the United States Army ... and the United States Army in Alaska, and I congratulate you." The reflagging represents major changes taking place within the Army structure and its capabilities, Brown said. "It is part of an Armywide transformation -- a transformation from a division-based Army of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm, to a brigade-based Army for the future." Although the soldiers who served in the 172nd Stryker BCT assumed a new unit name and affiliation, new unit colors and a new 25th Infantry Division patch, Brown assured them their former unit won't be forgotten. "As we complete the reflaggings across the Army, and especially here today, we will honor and remember," he said. He noted that troops who served with the 172nd in combat will always retain the privilege of wearing the unit's patch on their right shoulders. In addition to a new unit identity, the 1-25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team soldiers also got new unit leaders during yesterday's ceremony. Shields passed command of the battalion to Col. Burdett "Burt" Thompson, who previously served at the Pentagon with the Joint Staff's Strategic Plans and Policy Division. Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Cervantes became the brigade's new command sergeant major, replacing Command Sgt. Maj. William Ulibarri. Six new brigade commanders and command sergeants major also assumed their new positions within the 1-25th's command team. Maj. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., commander of U.S. Army Alaska, praised the unit and the leadership its commanders and command sergeants major demonstrated in Iraq. "Men, you have proven your mettle," he said. "I am grateful that our Army has leaders like you." Jacoby said he's confident the new team will continue these successes and carry on the former 172nd Stryker BCT's proud heritage. These new leaders bring experience and talents of their own to the brigade as it goes about resetting the force so it is combat-ready, he said. "I know you will meet the challenge," he said. "You will provide the outstanding leadership these soldiers deserve." Shields praised his unit's performance during its 450-plus-day tour, one of the longest combat deployments of any Army unit. He pointed to the brigade's partnerships with Iraqi rmy, Iraqi police, and local and regional leaders, all while hunting insurgents around the clock. "There was no place we wouldn't go, mounted or dismounted," Shields said, citing the brigade's "truly magnificent performance." Shields encouraged the brigade's soldiers to always remember their service with the 172nd Stryker BCT. "As we case the colors of one great brigade, we will continue ... to carry on its legacy," he said. The brigade, with a history dating back to World War I, had a long iteration of affiliations before being designated the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team on Oct. 16, 2003. Equipped with the state-of-the-art, eight-wheeled, 19-ton Stryker combat vehicles, the 172nd deployed to Iraq in August 2005 to serve what would become the longest combat deployment for Alaska soldiers since the Vietnam War. In Iraq, the "Arctic Wolves" earned distinction as they took on what Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey called "the toughest challenge of any unit in Iraq," including a four-month extension during which they were sent to Baghdad to help quell growing sectarian violence. Harvey presented the brigade its Iraq campaign streamer during its redeployment ceremony here Dec. 12. That streamer joined others the brigade's predecessors earned as the 86th Division's 172nd Infantry Brigade during World War I, and as 3rd Platoon, 86th Reconnaissance Troop, during World War II.

A new commissary being built in southern California heralds the future for the Defense Commissary Agency, the organization's top official said today. San Diego's new 118,000-square-foot commissary is slated to open sometime in April, Patrick B. Nixon, DeCA's director and chief executive officer, said from his Fort Lee, Va., headquarters in a telephone interview with American Forces Press Service. Nixon, 60, who served in Vietnam almost 40 years ago as a Marine supply sergeant, became DeCA's chief in late June. The new San Diego commissary, he said, will be the largest and most modern facility within the agency's 263-store, worldwide system. "We call it our store of the future, because it is going to have some concepts in it that we are going to unveil for the first time," Nixon said. Many of the new commissary's features, such as self-service and express checking lanes, a bright interior, and colorful customer-information signs are the result of findings from commissary Agency-commissioned grocery industry trend studies, Nixon said. Major food retailers also perceive that shoppers want grocery stores to offer both convenience and choice, he said. Therefore, the new San Diego store will have two main entrances, one for customers who want to pick up just a few food items, and another entrance for those who want to stock up on groceries. "You're going to have to be able to address two entirely different shopping dynamics: the convenience shopper and then the pantry-loading shopper," Nixon said. "Somehow, you're going to have to be able to attract both of them." The new San Diego commissary also will have a health and wellness center that provides nutritional information for its customers' health needs. And, great effort and care is being taken to ensure that San Diego commissary customers -- and other commissary patrons -- will be able to choose from only the best and freshest meats, produce and seafood available. "We're going to have the best-possible products at the best prices you'll find anyplace in the world," Nixon said. Features found in the new San Diego store will eventually filter across the commissary system, Nixon said, noting DeCA is focused on providing quality products, service and a unique shopping experience for its customers. The Defense Commissary Agency was established in 1990 through the merger of previously separate commissary systems managed by each service branch. Nixon, who has worked at the agency since it was created, noted that his organization has changed much in the past 16 years. Recent government audits have provided DeCA a clean bill of financial health, Nixon said, noting his 18,000-employee global organization is one of the few within the Defense Department to achieve this. "We're a model citizen when it comes to fiscal responsibility in the Defense Department, and we want to continue to demonstrate that," Nixon said. Operational improvements and new technologies implemented across the commissary system over the past few years have helped it become more efficient and an even better steward of taxpayer dollars, he said. And, servicemembers and their families continue to receive great value by shopping at military commissaries, Nixon said. Commissary shoppers realize about 32 percent in annual savings, he said, which works out to about $3,000 a year for a family of four. The commissary benefit "is alive, well and strong," Nixon said, noting it carries a lot of weight among military families during re-enlistment decision time. "We've got the best customer in the world," Nixon said, "and for what we ask our military to do, there's nothing we can't do for them."

The Defense Department bid farewell to the 21st secretary of defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld, in a full honors parade at the Pentagon today. President Bush; Vice President Richard B. Cheney; Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and many other DoD leaders joined employees and servicemembers to honor Rumsfeld, who has led the department for six years. "Because of Don Rumsfeld's determination and leadership, America has the best equipped, the best trained, and the most experienced armed forces in the history of the world," Bush said during the ceremony. "This man knows how to lead, and he did, and the country is better off for it." Bush praised Rumsfeld for preparing the military for the threats of the 21st century and for his determined leadership after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. When the Pentagon was hit, Rumsfeld's first instinct was to run toward danger and help the wounded, and afterwards he launched one of the most innovative campaigns in history going after al Qaeda in Afghanistan, Bush said. Rumsfeld then led Operation Iraqi Freedom, driving Saddam Hussein from power in 21 days and helping the Iraqi government form a free democracy in the heart of the Middle East. In every decision Rumsfeld made, his first thought was for the men and women in the military, Bush said. "Don Rumsfeld's selfless leadership earned him the admiration of our soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines, and we saw how they feel about him this week when he paid a farewell visit to our troops in Iraq," he said. "Don Rumsfeld's strong leadership has earned him my admiration and deep respect. We stood together in hours of decision that would affect the course of our history." While praising Rumsfeld, Cheney recalled his first encounter with him in 1969, when Rumsfeld hired Cheney out of graduate school. Cheney noted that Rumsfeld was the toughest boss he ever had, but one who never demanded more from his employees than from himself. Rumsfeld has brought this attitude with him throughout his career, Cheney said, and is the very ideal of a public servant. "Even to the casual observer, this man emanates loyalty, integrity, and above all, love for this country and a devotion to its cause," Cheney said. "The record of the years 2001 to 2006 only confirms the good qualities and the gift for leadership that Don Rumsfeld has shown all his life." Pace also lauded Rumsfeld's work ethic, saying that he brought a sense of urgency to DoD that quickly inspired everyone. As secretary of defense, Rumsfeld showed commitment, courage, loyalty to his superiors and subordinates, integrity and compassion, Pace said. Rumsfeld's love for the men and women in uniform can be seen on his face when he meets with troops, visits wounded troops in the hospital, or attends a memorial service, Pace said. "He loves the men and women of this department, and he loves this country, and he has served it exceptionally well," he said. "And all of us who have served under his leadership owe him a debt of gratitude." Pace also thanked Joyce Rumsfeld for supporting her husband over the years, and for her volunteer work and dedication to military families. "Anybody who has ever been in the same room with Joyce Rumsfeld knows her warmth, her compassion," he said. For her service, Pace awarded her with the Distinguished Public Servant Award. In his farewell speech, Rumsfeld reflected on his years of service with gratitude. "As I end my time here, some ask what will I remember," Rumsfeld said. "Well, I will remember all those courageous folks that I have met deployed in the field, those in the military hospitals that we've visited, and I will remember the fallen, and I will particularly remember their families, from whom I have drawn inspiration. And I will remember how fortunate I have been to know you, to work with you, to have been inspired by your courage, and by your love of country." Rumsfeld said that as he leaves office, he feels urgency for the challenges facing America, but also optimism that the country will succeed. The war on terror will be a long struggle, but Americans have a grit that has carried them through numerous past conflicts, and will help them succeed against the extremist ideology threatening their way of life, he said. "It is with confidence that I say that America's enemies should not confuse the American people's distaste of war, which is real and which is understandable, with a reluctance to defend our way of life," he said. "Enemy after enemy in our history have made that mistake to their regret." The U.S. is facing a time of great consequence, in which leaders must make the right decisions to ensure a future of freedom and prosperity for the next generations, Rumsfeld said. He reminded those in uniform that America's message is one of hope for people across the globe. "America is not what's wrong with this world," he said. "Ours is a message that was heard and fought for in places like Berlin, Prague, Riga, Tokyo, Seoul, San Salvador, Vilnius, and Warsaw, and that message is even now being whispered in the coffee houses and the streets of Damascus and Tehran and Pyongyang. The great sweep of human history is for freedom, and America is on freedom's side." Rumsfeld, who leaves office Dec. 18, received service awards from the Army, Navy and Air Force at the ceremony today. After concluding his farewell speech, Rumsfeld was drawn back to the podium by a sustained standing ovation from his employees and friends. His message was simple: "Thank you so very much; it means a great deal to me. God bless you all."

A B-52 Stratofortress took off from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., today on a flight-test mission using a blend of synthetic fuel and "JP-8" in all eight engines. This is the first time a "Buff" has flown using a "synfuel-blend" as the only fuel on board, Air Force officials said. In September, the Air Force successfully flew a B-52 with two-engines using the synfuel-blend. "The B-52 test flights at Edwards Air Force Base are the initial steps in the Air Force process to test and certify a synthetic blend of fuel for its aviation fleet," Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said. "We are confident that the success of this flight will bring us one step closer to allowing a domestic source of synthetic fuel to accomplish the Air Force mission in the future." The first B-52 flight using "Fischer-Tropsch" fuel occurred Sept. 19 at Edwards. Today's flight further demonstrates the Air Force's commitment to using alternate fuels and is the next step in the testing and certification process before the fuel can go into widespread use, officials said. The Air Force has reinvigorated its energy strategy, which is underpinned by supply-side availability and demand-side conservation, Air Force Assistant Secretary Bill Anderson said. "The Air Force is moving forward in its commitment to certify alternative sources of fuel for both its aircraft and ground vehicles fleet," Anderson said. Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, Air Force Flight Test commander, is flying the aircraft to assess how well the aircraft performs using the synthetic blend of fuel. The next test phase for the B-52 will be cold weather testing to determine how well the synfuel-blend performs in extreme weather conditions

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 4 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered from small arms fire while conducting security and observation operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Killed were: Pfc. Albert M. Nelson, 31, of Philadelphia. Pfc. Roger A. Suarez-Gonzalez, 21 of Miami. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Nicholas P. Steinbacher, 22, of La Crescenta, Calif., died of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 10. Steinbacher was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS NAVY Raytheon Co., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $156,306,500 cost-plus-fix-fee modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0310) for the procurement of 50 Full Rate Production Lot 5 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pods for the F/A-18C/D and F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (76 percent) and El Segundo, Calif. (24 percent) and is expected to be completed in November 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Standard Aero, Inc., San Antonio, Texas, is being awarded a $94,415,850 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0016) to exercise an option for T56 Series III engine module repairs to include facilities, labor, spare parts, consumable material, and test equipment to return the modules to ready-for-issue condition. This option includes repairs for up to 10 propulsion systems, 240 power sections, 205 reduction gear assemblies, 205 torque meters, 30 quick engine change kits, 5 compressor assemblies and 5 turbine unit change assemblies. Work will be performed at San Antonio, Texas (80 percent); and Winnipeg, Canada, (20 percent) and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DZSP 21 LLC, Philadelphia, Pa., is being awarded $59,920,516 to exercise option two under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee, awards option contract (N62742-05-C-3501) for Base Operations Support (BOS) services in the Territory of Guam for the Commander, Naval Forces Marianas. The work to be performed provides for, but is not limited to, general management and administration services; command and staff (public affairs office); public safety (safety and contingency); port operations; ordnance; galley; facilities management; sustainment, restoration/modernization; facilities services; utilities (potable water, wastewater, electrical, and steam); base support vehicles and equipment; and environmental. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $132,505,943. Work will be performed at various installations in the U.S. Territory of Guam, work is expected to be completed December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $56,979,031 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-03-C-0067) to exercise an option for interim logistic services in support of the CV-22 Developmental Test and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation. This modification includes repair of repairables, spares replenishment and maintenance support for the CV-22 aircraft and the support equipment. Work will be performed at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. (45 percent); Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (45 percent); and Edwards Air Force Base, Kern, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Harmonia Inc.,* Blacksburg, Va., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $25,000,000 Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program contract for Topic N03-017 entitled "Automated Generation of Usability Prototypes and Tactical Software." The contractor will provide services and materials for engineering tasks, including research and development, prototype and testing of the User Interface Markup Language-based LiquidUI tool suite. Work will be performed in Blacksburg, Va., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N03-017 with 15 offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0002). McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $23,245,422 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) for the procurement of Ancillary Mission Equipment (AME) to support the F/A-18 E/F and E/A-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz. (89 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Tetra Tech EC, Inc., Poulsbo, Wash., is being awarded $14,990,147 for Task Order 0069 under an indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery, cost-plus-award-fee environmental remedial action contract for base-wide radiological support for Hunters Point Shipyard. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-01-D-2000). The Boeing Company, Saint Louis, Mo., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price, time and materials contract with a not-to-exceed value of $8,942,224 to manufacture, test and deliver 104 Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) Operational Test Program Sets (OTPS) for the U. S. Navy (101) and the Government of Kuwait (3). The contract also includes the manufacturing of 150 carts for the U. S. Navy OTPSs and perform Fleet introductions, supply technical data, and provide engineering, technical, and logistics support services. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($8,730,925; 98 percent) and the Government of Kuwait ($211,299; 2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Saint Louis, Mo. (45 percent); Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (25 percent); Orlando, Fla. (25 percent) and Madrid, Spain (5 percent) and is expected to be completed in May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0019). Data Link Solutions (DLS), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $5,055,809 firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded contract (N00039-00-D-2100) for Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVTs). The MIDS-LVT provides secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for Navy, Air Force and Army platforms. This delivery order combines purchases for the governments of Finland (79 percent) and Belgium (21 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program. Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J. (50 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (50 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This requirement was a directed sole source to DLS by the governments of Finland and Belgium under the FMS Program. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Dayton Power and Light Energy Resources, Dayton, Ohio, is being awarded a $77,021,838 firm-fixed-price contract. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, requires electricity and transmission to accommodate an estimated annual volume of 415,000,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh). The Dayton Power and Light Energy Resources will be responsible for providing and coordinating all electrical generation and transmission to the designated point of delivery for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The resulting contract will be a tariff rate per kilowatt. At this time, no funds have been obligated. Solicitations began August 2006 and negotiations were complete December 2006. Headquarters 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8601-07-C-0013). Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $14,642,982 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, fixed-price incentive, cost-plus-award fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost contract (no fee) contract modification. This contract modification exercises an option for calendar year 2007 entitled, Launch Operations Support for the Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIR Program. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete January 2007. Headquarters Global Positioning Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-89-C-0073/P00370). DynCorp International LLC., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $14,000,000 cost-plus-award and incentive fee with cost reimbursable contract modification to support the necessary operations to perform Forward Operation Location-Base Operating Support (FOL)-BOS services in support of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) aerial counter drug surveillance mission at Reina Beatrix IAP Aruba, HATO IAP Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, and Eloy Alfaro IAP Manta, Ecuador. United States surveillance aircraft supporting USSOUTHCOM, Department of Defense, US State Department, and multi-counter drug agencies currently operate from the FOLs to assure continued counter drug surveillance in the Caribbean and Central and South American theaters. The Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Combat Command (ACC) commander, and Twelfth Air Force (12 AF) commander determined that FOL support functions shall be contracted to the maximum extent possible. DynCorp International will perform approximately 90% of the total effort, and will be dispersed accordingly to the following three OCONUS location: Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, Manta, Ecuador, and Reina Beatrix IAP Aruba. At this time, $10,000,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete June 2007. Air Combat Command Contracting Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Va., is the contracting activity (F44650-02-C-0002/P00090). McDonnell Douglas Corp., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $12,995,459 firm-fixed-price contract modification. The Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) is procuring various test assets in support of aircraft/weapon integration of threshold and follow-on aircraft. This test hardware will support SDB integration of F-16 Block 30, F-16 Block 40/50, F-22A, and maintain interoperability on the F-15E. Additionally, these assets support testing of the universal armament interface for the SDB II program. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete August 2008. Headquarters 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-06-C-0210/P00005). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Aero Company, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $12,487,500 firm fixed price contract for combat arms ear plug. Other location of performance is San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is an indefinite quantity type contract with a one-year base period and a one-year option period. There were 12 proposals solicited and 4 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 14, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0200-07-D-4103). ARMY RQ Construction Inc., Bonsall, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 13, 2006, an $11,838,998 firm-fixed-price contract for a Military Operations Urban Terrain Facility. Work will be performed at Fort Irwin, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 13, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Dec. 22, 2005, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the reporting contract office (W912PL-07-C-0003). Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 13, 2006, a delivery order amount of $10,916,939 as part of a $10,916,939 firm-fixed-price contract for Heavy Loader Type II Forklifts and Sweeper Attachments. Work will be performed in Montgomery, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 27, 2005, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-05-D-L424). The OAK Group Inc.*, Camden, N.J., was awarded on Dec. 12, 2006, a $10,656,820 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a Combined Arms Collective Training Facility. Work will be performed at Fort Dix, N.J., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 1, 2008, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the reporting contact office (W912QR-07-C-0002). Miramar Construction Inc.*, Pomona, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 13, 2006, a $6,391,000 firm-fixed-price contract for upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment plant and construction of additional evaporation ponds. Work will be performed at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 12, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on May 15, 2006, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the reporting contract office (W912PL-07-C-0006).

Two Marines died yesterday, and one soldier died Dec. 12 in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identity of 11 servicemembers killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- One Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 and one Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7 died yesterday from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. -- A Task Force Lightning soldier assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, died Dec. 12 from wounds suffered during combat in Ninewa province. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has released the identities 11 U.S. servicemembers killed earlier in Iraq: -- Army Maj. Gloria D. Davis, 47, of St. Louis, died Dec. 12 in Baghdad from a non-combat related incident. She was assigned to the Defense Security Assistance Agency, Washington, D.C. -- Army Sgt. Brent W. Dunkleberger, 29, of New Bloomfield, Pa., died of injuries suffered when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle during a convoy security mission in Mosul on Dec. 12. Dunkleberger was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. -- Marine Master Sgt. Brian P. McAnulty, 39, of Vicksburg, Miss., died Dec. 11 when the CH-53 helicopter he was riding in crashed just after takeoff in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Marine Cpl. Matthew V. Dillon, 25, of Aiken, S.C.; Lance Cpl. Budd M. Cote, 21, of Marana, Ariz.; and Lance Cpl. Clinton J. Miller, 23, of Greenfield, Iowa, died Dec. 11 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. They were assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. -- Army Staff Sgt. Thomas W. Clemons, 37, of Leitchfield, Ky., died Dec. 10 in Diwaniyah from a non-combat health-related incident. Clemons was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Armor, Leitchfield, Ky. -- Army Sgt. Brennan C. Gibson, 26, of Tualatin, Ore.; Spc. Philip C. Ford, 21, of Freeport, Texas; and Spc. Shawn M. Murphy, 24, of Fort Bragg, N.C., died Dec. 10 in Baghdad of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. They were all assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Marine 1st Lt. Nathan M. Krissoff, 25, of Reno, Nev., died Dec. 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Krissoff was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

DoD Announces Soldier's Captured Status The Department of Defense announced today a change in the status of a soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from duty status whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN) to missing-captured. Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie, 41, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was declared missing-captured on Dec. 11. On Oct. 23, Altaie was categorized as DUSTWUN when he allegedly was kidnapped while on his way to visit family in Baghdad, Iraq. The soldier is assigned to the Provincial Reconstruction Team Baghdad. Efforts continue to obtain the successful and safe return of Altaie.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Gloria D. Davis, 47, of St. Louis, Mo., died Dec. 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, from a non-combat related incident. She was assigned to the Defense Security Assistance Agency, Washington, D.C. The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, is being awarded a $164,033,000 (maximum) cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for scientific and engineering research and development support in the areas of ballistic missile defense and related technology, intelligence, and battle management command, control, and communication. The work will be performed in Laurel, Maryland and is expected to be complete by December 2011. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year for this sole source effort. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, DC is the contracting activity (HQ0006-07-D-0001). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $161,033,000 firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract. The procurement of foreign military sales F-16 A/B Mid-Life updated for the Peace (Pakistan) program for the F-16 Block 15 aircraft. The procurement of 24 modernization kits F-16A Block 15 aircraft and 10 modernization kits F-16A Block 15 aircraft will be accomplished under the firm-fixed price portion of the contract. This effort supports foreign military sales to Pakistan. At this time, $89,955,000 have been obligated. This work will be complete by November 2010. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6032). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $45,541,459 firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide for F-22 Program Support/Annual Sustaining (PSAS) Period J, January 2007 through December 2007. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2007. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-97-C-0031/P00082). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Ssangyong USA, Inc., Fort Lee, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $86,341,479 fixed price with economic price adjustment for JP8 jet fuel and F76 diesel fuel. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. There were 18 proposals solicited and 15 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is January 30, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-D-0459). Sterling Foods, Ltd., San Antonio, Texas is being awarded a maximum $35,867,350 firm fixed price contract for bakery items for use in the Meals Ready to Eat. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is an indefinite quantity type contract exercising option year one. There were 32 proposals solicited and 4 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 19, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-06-D-Z118). IntraLase Corp., Irvine, Calif., * is being awarded a maximum $22,500,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment for laser eye surgery, service support and maintenance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal civilian agencies. There were 455 proposals solicited and 33 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 14, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2D1-07-D-8400). Caravan Trading Company, Union City, Calif., * is being awarded a maximum $6,388,200 firm fixed price contract for pound cakes for use in the Meals Ready to Eat. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is an indefinite quantity type contract exercising option year one. There were 32 proposals solicited and 4 responded. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 19, 2007. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM3S1-06-D-Z116). NAVY Raytheon Corp., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $65,522,957 firm-fixed-price long term requirements Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract for repair of the P3C Anti-surface Warfare Improvement Aircraft (AIP) APS-137 radar system units. This contract includes a base period of five years, plus one three-year option period and one two-year option period, which if exercised, brings the total estimated value of the contract to $120,731,023. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and work is expected to be completed by December 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-07-D-003H). Northrop Grumman Corp, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $16,242,493 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-award-fee contract (N00019-00-C-0277) for 2 RQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Vehicle (VTUAV) including Concept of Operations support. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. and is expected to be completed in October 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $16,242,493 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. The Krempp Lumber Company, Jasper, Ind., is being awarded a $5,078,500 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a High Performance Service Magazine at the Naval Support Activity, Crane. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a modular explosive storage magazine consisting of five chambers utilizing a site adapted standard earth covered explosive storage magazine design. The facility will have a loading dock with asphalt paved road access. Supporting facilities include electric service, security fencing, access road, lightning protection, intrusion detection, information system, and site improvements. Demolition of building 600 is included in the project. Work will be performed in Crane, Ind., and is expected to be completed by May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with 11 proposals solicited and four offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Detachment Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N40083-07-C-2008). L-3 Communications, Randtron Antenna Systems, Menlo Park, Calif., is being awarded a not to exceed $6,062,244 ceiling priced order (7001) under previously awarded contract (N00383-06-G-072B) for repair of E-2C TRAC-A Rotodome antenna assemblies. Work will be performed in Menlo Park, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity. ARMY Snap-On Industrial, Crystal Lake, Ill., was awarded on Dec. 12, 2006, a delivery order amount of $11,120,921 as part of an $11,120,921 firm-fixed-price contract for shop equipment and contact maintenance light tool loads. Work will be performed in Crystal Lake, Ill., and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 13, 2002. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the reporting contract office (DAAE20-03-D-0087). Heil Trailer International, Athens, Tenn., was awarded on Dec. 11, 2006, a delivery order amount of $10,141,361 as part of a $138,651,027 firm-fixed-price contract for the conversion of M969A3 5,000 gallon Semi-Trailer Fuel Tankers to MK970 Aviation Refueling Tankers. Work will be performed in Athens, Tenn., and is expected to be completed on Nov. 28, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 3, 2001. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-02-D-S002). BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2006, an $8,000,000 increment as part of a $10,438,698 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Novel Satellite Communications Phase 3A. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H. (55 percent), Fairfax, Va. (22 percent), Arlington, Va. (15 percent), Germantown, Md. (4 percent), San Jose, Calif. (1 percent), Redondo Beach, Calif. (1 percent), West Lafayette, Ind. (1 percent), and Los Angeles, Calif. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed on March 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Nov. 16, 2005, and two bids were received. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the reporting contact office (HR0011-07-C-0002). Textron Marine & Land Systems Division, New Orleans, La., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2006, a $7,052,697 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for Phase I of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort for the Armored Security Vehicle Program. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed on June 30, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 9, 2005. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-05-C-0470). El Concorde L.L.C., Akron, Ohio, was awarded on Dec. 11, 2006, a $5,062,596 firm-fixed-price contract for airfield lighting components, construction and engineering design for a new airfield lighting system. Work will be performed at Muafaq Salti Air Base, Jordon, and is expected to be completed on Jan. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were seven bids solicited on June 1, 2006, and six bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the reporting contact office (W912ER-07-C-0022). Systems Research and Applications Corp., Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2006, a $5,000,000 increment as part of a $9,837,556 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the development of the Tactical Ground Reporting Network as part of the Advance Soldier Sensor Information System and Technology Program. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., and is expected to be completed on Dec. 7, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 24, 2002, and five bids were received. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the reporting contact office (W15P7T-07-C-P603). * Small Business

Christmas came a few weeks early this year for military families throughout San Antonio. Nearly 300 servicemembers and their families, many dressed in their holiday best, flocked to the Texas National Guard Armory early yesterday for "Operation Christmas," a campaign aimed at brightening the holidays for military families. The San Antonio event was the fifth in a series of six celebrations that have taken place in military communities throughout the nation, thanks to a joint effort between America Supports You partner Operation Homefront and Wal-Mart. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that highlights and facilitates public support for U.S. servicemembers and their families. "Operation Christmas is a way to say thank you to military members for their service and thank you to the family members who are sacrificing," said Amy Palmer of Operation Homefront. The early morning festivities, held in a colorfully decked-out tent, included holiday arts and crafts, a visit with Santa Claus, food, music, and satellite and Web links with deployed loved ones. San Antonio Spurs basketball legend George "Iceman" Gervin was on hand to sign basketballs and autograph pictures for new and old fans alike. "We realize many military families here are sacrificing, as well as the military overseas," said the Basketball Hall of Famer. "We wanted to show how much we appreciate them and will do whatever we can to support them." No one walked away empty-handed. Each child received a sizeable toy from Santa, and parents and older siblings were treated to Wal-Mart gift cards so they could buy toys of their own. While Santa will most likely garner the glory, the credit for the early Christmas gifts was due to Wal-Mart, which donated $500,000 to Operation Homefront for the Operation Christmas events. "This is wonderful," said Wendy Hansen, who traveled about 130 miles from Fort Hood, Texas, with her 8-year-old son, Dawson, to attend the event. Her husband deployed to Iraq in October. "It means a lot to me, makes me realize that people care." Along with military families, about 45 wounded warriors recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center here took part in the festivities. While too old for Santa's lap, the servicemembers still scored an early Christmas present. "This is a great thing to do for military families," said wounded warrior Army Staff Sgt. David Barnette, who was waiting in line to greet Santa with his wife, Ruby, and 5-year-old daughter, Jordan. "Doing something like this is a blessing," Ruby said. "It's wonderful that people care so much for soldiers," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Colvin. "To be out there giving our lives, and have something like this to come back to, it's heartwarming." A few of the recovering soldiers appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" program, which sent a crew to broadcast live from the Operation Christmas site. The morning show has covered two of the events, and plans to cover the final one in Savannah, Ga., next week. "You can never show enough support of troops," said Morgan Zalkin, GMA producer. "We wanted to let them know that we weren't just thinking of the troops in the field, but also their families back home." "I don't know how you can't support the troops," said GMA correspondent Mike Barz, an Army "brat" whose grandfather fought in three wars. "Regardless of how you feel about the war, you should support the servicemembers." Brooke Army Medical Center Commander Brig. Gen. James Gilman thanked everyone for their efforts in support of military members and their family and emphasized the importance of America's continued support. "Organizations like Operation Homefront and Operation Comfort and businesses that help do this type of an event are indicators that Americans understand how hard it is to be a warrior or the family of one," he said. "Our wounded warriors work really hard. I'm not sure people understand how hard it is to get up, endure pain and fatigue, and stay motivated. "Support like this keeps them going, keeps them carrying on." Chris Hansen, a wounded warrior injured a year ago by two roadside bombs in Iraq, said the support was much appreciated, particularly as he transitions to civilian life. "I didn't expect this; it's a surprise," said the father of five children, all under age 8. "I wasn't able to afford much for my kids this year, so this means a lot."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Brent W. Dunkleberger, 29, of New Bloomfield, Pa., died of injuries suffered when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle during a convoy security mission in Mosul, Iraq, Dec. 12.Dunkleberger was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Addx, Alexandria, Va., Sumaria Systems Inc., Arlington, Va., and The Analysis Group LLC., Falls Church, Va., is being awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide business, engineering, and technical assistance services, (advisory and assistance services). At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by December 2007. Headquarters Air Force District of Washington, Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., is the contracting activity (FA7014-07-A-0002, Sumaria System Inc., FA7014-07-A-0003, Addx and FA7014-07-A-0004, The Analysis Group, LLC.). Pendleton Group Inc., Seneca S.C., is being awarded a $9,928,096 labor hour and cost-reimbursable contract. This contract action provides for continuous process improvement (CPI) lean and transformation support services for Robins Air Force Base, Ga. These services will include providing expert advice and assistance service for WR-ALC; designing and managing activities to successfully address culture change issues resulting from adoption of new work methods and work center structures; and other related activities to assist in the planning, managing, integrating, and administering transformation, CPI/Lean and culture change initiatives. At this time, $645,200 have been obligated. This work will be complete December 2010. Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8501-07-D-0008). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $9,600,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action provides for foreign military peculiar support equipment for the Greek F16 new aircraft program. This effort supports foreign military sales to Greece. At this time, $4,790,400 have been obligated. This work will be complete by February 2009. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-06-C-6003/P00005). NAVY Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems & Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $91,178,273 modification to previously awarded contact (N00024-98-C-5197) to exercise options for the performance of Aegis Combat System baseline upgrades. Services include providing the material, equipment, supplies and technical engineering required to define, design, develop, integrate, test and deliver Aegis baseline computer programs for Aegis Combat System Upgrades, which may be further clarified by written technical instructions. The contractor shall provide system engineering support to evaluate all problems for their effect on the AEGIS Weapon System, propose solutions to each problem, and identify changes required to all specifications. The work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ and is expected to be completed by September 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $10,497,209 cost-plus-incentive/award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6205) to exercise an option for Multi-Purpose Processors (MPP) and Total Ship Monitoring System (TSMS) kits in support of the Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Insertion (A-RCI) program production. The contractor will produce seven MPP systems, nine TSMS systems, and associated spares in support of modernization of nuclear submarines. MPP processes acoustic signals from submarine towed arrays, hull arrays, sphere arrays, and TSMS. A-RCI integrates and improves towed array, hull array, sphere array, and other ship sensor processing on SSN 688, SSN 688I, SSN 21, SSN 774, SSGN, and SSBN 726 Class submarines. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc. Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $6,300,624 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering support and systems software/firmware support for Improved Console and Display (ICAD) related upgrades to the AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System. The ICAD is a critical component that will facilitate the AN/SLQ 32 mission as the anti-ship missile system, which is part of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP). The AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System is a shipboard missile defense system that provides operational capability for early warning of threat weapon system emitters and emitters associated with targeting platforms, threat information to own ship hard-kill weapons, automatic dispensing of chaff decoys, and Electronic Attack to alter specific and generic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile trajectories, which protect ships and sailors from hostile anti-ship missiles. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. and work is expected to be completed by December 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $296,353 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-07-D-P801).

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Master Sgt. Brian P. McAnulty, 39, of Vicksburg, Miss., died Dec. 11 when the CH-53 helicopter he was riding in crashed just after takeoff in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The Arctic Wolves bid an emotional farewell to 36 of their own yesterday as they gathered here to dedicate the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Memorial Wall. Leaders from the unit joined about 25 family members of the fallen in the atrium of the high-tech Battle Command Training Center here to remember 26 Stryker Brigade troops and 10 soldiers from units attached the brigade during its deployment. Another 150 brigade soldiers just back from a 16-month deployment to Iraq watched the ceremony in an overflow room on a large-screen TV. Col. Michael Shields, the brigade commander, acknowledged the "incredible price" his troops paid in Iraq. "These men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice in places like Mosul, Tal Afar, Rawa and Baghdad," he said. "They died serving their nation, their unit and, I think more accurately, their fellow soldiers," he said. Those who died were among the small percentage of Americans who have served and fought the war on terror, he said. "While most Americans don't understand the great evil that exists, that threatens our very existence and the security of our children's future, these soldiers did," he said. "They were all volunteers." Rather than focusing on how these soldiers died, Shields urged those at the ceremony to use it as an opportunity to celebrate how they lived. "This group of warriors consisted of hunters, fishermen, outdoorsmen, mountain climbers, snowboarders, skiers, musicians, cowboys, philosophers, athletes, pilots and so much more," he said. "These soldiers were someone's best friend, leader, son, brother, fiance, husband and dad," he said. "Several of them left children that will never know their father." Chaplain (Maj.) Robert Nay opened the ceremony with an invocation expressing thanks for "these brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice" and asking for comfort for their families, friends and comrades. Then Shields and Command Sgt. Maj. William Ulibarri, the brigade command sergeant major, unveiled the memorial, with 36 framed photos of the fallen. In front of the wall stood a memorial stand, with a pair of combat boots, Kevlar helmet, goggles and an M4A1 rifle with bayonet. Thirty-six dog tags with the names of the fallen hung from the rifle. Nay explained the symbolism of the memorial and how it helps tell the story of those it honors. "The memorial stand with the boots, weapon and helmet stand (is) alone, empty (to) remind us of the ultimate sacrifice," he said. The headgear represents the soldier's ability to think, react, learn and lead. The rifle symbolizes the battle soldier's face, and the cover on the bayonet, the peace they want. The boots are meant "to carry us wherever our country leads us," Nay said. The dog tags represent the personal aspect of the losses and the soldiers "who are loved and deeply missed ... and will never be forgotten," he said. "The faces you see before you represent the human nature of war," Nay said. "These men and women remind us that freedom is not free and that it is their shed blood that allows our nation and, more specifically, our families, to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which is the American dream." Troops attending yesterday's ceremony called it a fitting tribute to their fallen comrades and a lasting reminder of the sacrifices they made. Among those at the ceremony was Sgt. Robert Sult, from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, who lost four fellow soldiers in Iraq, including his roommate and best friend, Spc. Raymond Henry. "I think of Henry every day. He meant so much to me. He was the best friend I ever had," Sult said. "We learned a lot from each other, and I know he can touch other people, too. On this memorial wall, he can still show people what it's like to serve his country and just do the right thing." Sgt. 1st Class Cole Shepherd, who served in the brigade's rear detachment during the deployment, called putting together the memorial wall an act of healing for everyone involved and a way to serve those who didn't return home. Shepherd and three other soldiers took extra pains to make sure it was perfect, including making the frames for the photos at the post craft shop when the ones they bought simply didn't measure up. "This represents what our lives are about in the Army and the ultimate sacrifice we make for the freedoms our friends and families enjoy every day," he said. Sgt. David Ferguson, from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, called the losses the unit took, particularly after the Army extended the unit's deployment by four months, devastating to the unit. "We were so close to coming back, so it hit us all really hard," he said. But like many of his fellow Arctic Wolves, Ferguson said losing their buddies made them more committed to their mission. "It's really hard on you for awhile; it's kind of hard to get used to not seeing them anymore," he said. "But once you do start going back out (on missions), you remember that for the rest of the time, you're there for them, to fight for their honor." After the ceremony, family members approached the wall, taking pictures and gathering with soldiers and commanders who knew their loved ones. Jesse Alcozer, father of Pfc. Christopher Alcozer, wore a "Vietnam Veteran" hat as he approached his son's photo and placed his hand on the corner of the wooden plaque. The 36 dog tags clinked as relatives rifled through them, looking for the name of their soldier. Families heard funny stories or memorable moments of their soldiers from those who had served with them in Iraq. "As you pay tribute in your own way today, leave this hall with your head high, proud of these soldiers' service to their country," Shields told the families and his 172nd Stryker BCT soldiers in closing. "That is what these warriors would want you to do." He recalled the saying that soldiers never truly die until they are forgotten. "Arctic Wolves, you will never be forgotten," he said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.They died Dec. 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV.They were all assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Sgt. Brennan C. Gibson, 26, of Tualatin, Ore. Spc. Philip C. Ford, 21, of Freeport, Texas. Pfc. Shawn M. Murphy, 24, of Fort Bragg, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Budd M. Cote, 21, of Marana, Ariz. Cpl. Matthew V. Dillon, 25, of Aiken, S.C. Lance Cpl. Clinton J. Miller, 23, of Greenfield, Iowa All three Marines died Dec. 11 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

America Supports You: Artists Paint Portraits for Families of Fallen Soldiers

Kaziah Hancock, an artist and patriot in Manti, Utah, has put her professional life on hold as a result of channel-surfing on the radio. Now, she devotes most of her time to honoring American soldiers who have died in Middle East combat zones. "I came across a talk show, and they were talking about the accomplishments and the life of James W. Kelly, of Salt Lake (City, Utah). It hit me. ... I became a basket case," she explained in a phone interview with the Fort Knox newspaper. "He was a serviceman who had been killed in Iraq." At that moment, Hancock decided she wanted to paint a memorial portrait of each U.S. servicemember killed in the line of duty. "At the time, we had only been in Iraq for a short while, and we had lost 80 people," she said. "We were still expecting a short war." Hancock called a friend who owns an art gallery that regularly features her work and who had several "connections." "I told her I wanted to do a portrait for the families of the soldiers killed, and my friend said, 'Those from Utah?' I thought for about 15 seconds," she recalled. "And I said, 'No.' Is the one from Texas any less important to me? Or the one from New York? I told her I wanted to do them all. I wanted to paint the portraits for free, and ship ... all of them." Hancock's portraits normally range in price from $3,000 to $5,000. After the American Legion did a story about her special project for its magazine, 18 more requests came in. Hancock, whose career as an artist is on hold because she has devoted all her time to this one mission, said she had $5,000 in the bank, and found herself kneeling in prayer and asking God for help. "Then, I just kept going," she said. "After (painting) 33 of them, I got the idea to form a non-profit (organization) and people could express their patriotism, donate to this cause, and even get a tax deduction. It's mostly the average person who has contributed to the memory of our service people." The organization she founded is called Project Compassion, Hancock said. Other artists contributing to the memorial effort include Ann Marie Oborn, JoAnn Musser, Lane Bradey and Clancy DaVries, all of whom volunteer their time and talent and work only for the cost of their materials. Although she is always looking for artists who want to help, Hancock screens applicants to make sure that they will fit in as "one of the family." DeVries is a veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the Navy. "I read about Kaziah in an issue of the American Legion magazine," he recalled. "I called her and told her I would like to try some portraits. She said she had six artists who wanted to participate and she had not heard from anyone. I told her she would hear from me." "(Painting the portraits) is rewarding because of the people," he said. "I familiarize myself with the soldier, go on the Web, read letters and other correspondence, so I know (the soldier) fairly well. The hardest part is letting go and sending the portrait off." When a family accepts the organization's offer, they are asked to send a large selection of photographs and correspondence from the soldier so the artists can familiarize themselves with the soldier. DeVries is working on his 95th portrait. The Detimples, of Morrisville, Pa., are among the hundreds of families that have received portraits. Their son, Army Pfc. Nathaniel Detimple, was an infantryman with the 28th Infantry Division, of the Pennsylvania National Guard. He was one of three soldiers killed Aug. 9, 2005, when the Humvee in which they were riding ran over an improvised explosive device. "About six months later, February or so, we got a letter from Ms. Hancock explaining the portrait and what to do if we wanted one," said Kim Detimple, Nathaniel's mother. "Our Nat was 19. He joined the National Guard while he was still in high school. Staten (Nat's younger brother) did the same thing and joined in his junior year of high school. We just came back from Fort Knox where Staten just graduated from school. He is in the cavalry." Kim said, and Glen, Nat's father, agreed, that Hancock's portrait, "caught him. She captured him -- his smile and his facial expressions." "The most important thing (in the portrait) is that she captured my son," Kim continued. "She is a humble person, and that is what struck me. She remembers all of the families, not just our Nat, but all our sons." Hancock said she thinks of these paintings as hugs. When she dies, she said, there will be pieces of her heart spread out all across the globe. "That says Kaziah cared about these soldiers," she said. "I think about all I have lost (and how I felt), and I think of those mothers who have lost their sons and daughters," she said. "We have sent the best blood we have in our name. If art is good, it should do some good."

Soldiers and families can now communicate by video e-mail through the Army Knowledge Online intranet portal. On the first day, more than 3,500 video e-mails were transmitted. "Thank you, that's all I can say," Pvt. Brenden Teetsell of the 44th Signal Battalion e-mailed on Dec. 6. "Thank you for allowing me to see my family. Your technology helps boost not only my morale, but thousands of soldiers a day." AKO video messaging allows all deployed active-duty, National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers to create video messages on a computer with a Web cam. The message is then stored on a server and sent to the recipient via a link. Upon opening an e-mail, the user clicks on the link to get streaming video and sound. The video-streaming software allows a soldier to hear and view video e-mail even in limited bandwidth environments, but the link can be accessed any time from anywhere. Instructions are on a link on their AKO home page. Soldiers must follow the same Defense Department security measures used for standard e-mail and are not allowed to use Web cams in secure areas. Families with an AKO account can send video e-mails from home with a personal computer and a Web cam. They can also use Web cams in many of the yellow-ribbon rooms on military bases. Military bases in deployed locations typically have Web cams available at cyber cafes, officials said. "Families no longer need to coordinate times to ensure everyone is available to see each other," said Gary L. Winkler, director for governance, acquisition and knowledge in the Army Chief Information Office, who initiated the project. "This will help geographically separated families stay closer during deployment, and we also expect other benefits from this capability as users become more familiar and comfortable with it," he said. In the future, Army video e-mail applications could also be used for distance learning and training, recruiting and telemedicine, officials said.

Iraq, Dec. 12, 2006 - Army Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis packed only 136 pounds into his 6-foot frame, but few have ever matched his inner strength. McGinnis sacrificed himself in an act of supreme bravery on Dec. 4, belying his status as the youngest soldier in Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. The 19-year-old amateur mechanic from Knox, Pa., who enjoyed poker and loud music, likely saved the lives of four soldiers riding with him on a mission in Baghdad. McGinnis was manning the gunner's hatch when an insurgent tossed a grenade from above. It flew past McGinnis and down through the hatch before lodging near the radio. His platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Thomas of Longview, Texas, recalled what happened next. "Pfc. McGinnis yelled 'Grenade! ... It's in the truck,'" Thomas said. "I looked out of the corner of my eye as I was crouching down and I saw him pin it down." McGinnis did so even though he could have escaped. "He had time to jump out of the truck," Thomas said. "He chose not to." Thomas remembered McGinnis talking about how he would respond in such a situation. McGinnis said then he didn't know how he would act, but when the time came, he delivered. "He gave his life to save his crew and his platoon sergeant," Thomas said. "He's a hero. He's a professional. He was just an awesome guy." Three of the soldiers with McGinnis who were wounded that day have returned to duty, while a fourth is recovering in Germany. For saving the lives of his friends and giving up his own in the process, McGinnis earned the Silver Star. His unit comrades paid their final respects in a somber ceremony here Dec. 11. McGinnis was born June 14, 1987, and joined the Army right after graduating from high school in 2005. He had been in the Army 18 months and made his mark even before his heroic deed. "He was a good kid," said C Company's senior enlisted soldier, 1st Sgt. Kenneth J. Hendrix. "He had just gotten approved for a waiver to be promoted to specialist." He also appeared on the Nov. 30 cover of Stars & Stripes, manning his turret. Besides his military accomplishments, McGinnis leaves his friends and family with memories of a fun-loving, loyal man. Pfc. Brennan Beck, a 1-26 infantryman from Lodi, Calif., said McGinnis made others feel better. "He would go into a room and when he left, everyone was laughing," Beck said. "He did impersonations of others in the company. He was quick-witted, just hilarious. He loved making people laugh. He was a comedian through and through." While having a witty side, McGinnis took his job seriously. "He was not a garrison soldier. He hated it back in garrison," Beck said. "He loved it here in Iraq. He loved being a gunner. It was a thrill; he loved everything about it. He was one our best soldiers. He did a great job." Beck has memories of talking all night with McGinnis about where they wanted their lives to go, and said McGinnis always remembered his friends. "When I had my appendix removed, he was the only one who visited me in the hospital," Beck said. "That meant a lot." Another 1-26 infantryman, Pfc. Michael Blair of Klamath Falls, Ore., recalled that McGinnis helped him when he arrived at Ledward Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany. "When I first came to the unit, ... he was there and took me in and showed me around," Blair said. "He was real easy to talk to. You could tell him anything. He was a funny guy. He was always making somebody laugh." McGinnis' final heroic act came as no surprise to Blair. "He was that kind of person," Blair said. "He would rather take it himself than have his buddies go down." The brigade's senior noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. William Johnson, also had high praise for McGinnis. "Any time when you get a soldier to do something like that - to give his life to protect his fellow soldiers - that's what heroes are made of," Johnson said. It also demonstrates, Johnson continued, that the 'MySpace Generation' has what it takes to carry on the Army's proud traditions. "Some think soldiers who come in today are all about themselves," Johnson said. "I see it differently." The Silver Star Medal has been approved for McGinnis's actions Dec. 4, and will be awarded posthumously.

Five U.S. servicemembers died yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identity of one servicemember killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Three Marines assigned to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing died yesterday from wounds suffered during combat in Anbar province. -- One Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7 died yesterday from non-hostile causes while operating in Anbar province. -- One soldier died of apparent natural causes yesterday near Diwaniyah. The soldier lost consciousness and was transported to a troop clinic, where medical personnel were unable to revive him. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the identities of a Marine killed recently in Iraq. Marine Lance Cpl. Cody G. Watson, 21, of Oxford, Ala., died Dec. 6 from a non-hostile incident in Anbar province. Watson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Nathan M. Krissoff, 25, of Reno, Nev., died Dec. 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Krissoff was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Thomas W. Clemons, 37, of Leitchfield, Ky., died Dec. 10 in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, from a non-combat health-related incident. Clemons was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 123rd Armor, Leitchfield, Ky.

CONTRACTSNAVY BE&K Government Group, Inc., Birmingham, Ala., is being awarded a $41,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction an operational expeditionary logistics facility and a consolidated public works facility at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport. Also included in the project is the design and construction of a new entrance gate and inspection station, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electrical, fire protection, utility work, and demolition. The contract contains two options totaling $289,460, which may be exercised within 365 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $41,789,460. Work will be performed in Gulfport, Miss., and is expected to be completed by February 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0063). Signal Systems Corp.*, Severna Park, Md., is being awarded a not to exceed $25,000,000 Phase III, Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program contract for Topic N03-014 entitled "Air Antisubmarine Warfare Environmental Characterization using Existing Tactical Sensors", and Topic N04-007 entitled "Continuous Active Sonar." The contractor will provide services and materials to deliver real time single channel signal processing of the Air Deployable Active Receiver. Services to be provided include exploratory study of application, further research and development, analysis for system integration, customizing prototype to specific platform needs, test and evaluation, production buys, support and training as necessary. Work will be performed in Severna Park, Md., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N03-014 with five offers received, and Topic N04-007 with nine offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J. is the contracting activity (N68335-07-D-0010). Whitesell-Green, Inc.*, Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded a $22,579,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a consolidated aircraft maintenance facility at Keesler Air Force Base. The work to be performed provides for all labor, material, transportation, equipment, and supervision for the design and construction work necessary to provide a consolidated aircraft maintenance facility that supports the C 130 mission. The facility will include maintenance squadron, propulsion, aircraft ground equipment, maintenance supply, aircraft part storage, mobility areas, and readiness spares storage. The project also includes parking for 200 personnel and demolition of Hanger 5. Work will be performed in Biloxi, Miss., and is expected to be completed by December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a two-phase design build via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with 11 offers received in Phase I, and five selected to proceed to Phase II. Three proposals were received in Phase II. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, North Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N69450-07-C-0757). ITT Industries, Gilfillan Division, Van Nuys, Calif., is being awarded a $10,554,931 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-06-C-5204 to exercise an option for the Radar Obsolescence Availability Recovery (ROAR) Program for the AN/SPS-48E Radar System. The AN/SPS-48 (series) radar system is the principal three dimensional air surveillance sensor on all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious ships. The contract will provide for continuing engineering and technical services to design, integrate, and test the AN/SPS-48G(V) radar system upgrade. Work will be performed in Van Nuys, Calif., and is expected to be completed in January 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. BAE Systems, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $6,727,716 firm-fixed-priced contract for a 60-calendar day regular overhaul and drydock of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). Grumman provides underway replenishment of fuel to U.S. Navy combat ships at sea, enabling them to remain deployed for extended periods of time. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $7,982,478. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 2007. Contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting activity (N40442-07-C-1003). AIR FORCE L3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $15,163,795 fixed-price with award term contract modification. This contract action provides for aircrew training for E-3 AWACS aircrews. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42630-00-C-0024/P00087).

A new system coming in 2008 to the Army and Air Force will integrate pay and personnel and make life easier for servicemembers everywhere, the general in charge of the system's deployment said. The Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System, or DIMHRS, integrates the two services' pay and personnel systems into one Web-based system, Army Maj. Gen. Carlos "Butch" Pair, the defense business systems acquisition executive in the Business Transformation Agency, said in an interview. "DIMHRS is an enterprise solution, really a revolution in how the military is approaching pay and personnel," Pair said. "It's really more than an acronym; it's a solution for the future." The unique advantage of DIMHRS is that it will be Web-based, accessible from anywhere with a Common Access Card, and will be a one-stop shop for servicemembers with pay and personnel issues, Pair said. Servicemembers will be able to view their entire record, and even make certain changes themselves. "We know that many of our young soldiers today and airmen certainly understand how to self-service on the Web," he said. Army and Air Force commands also will have access to the system to resolve any issues the troops can't handle themselves, Pair said. This will be especially helpful in today's joint environment, where troops from different services fight alongside each other and often aren't near personnel or finance support, he said. "It's conceivable today that if you're an airman in an Army task force, you might have to get in a Humvee and travel 30 or 40 kilometers to find a personnel service unit to support you," he said. "Under DIMHRS, that won't happen." The Army will launch DIMHRS in March 2008, followed by the Air Force later that summer, Pair said. The Navy and Marine Corps have not yet decided whether to use DIMHRS, but whatever system they select will have to be compatible with DIMHRS, creating a seamless partnership across the military, he said. When DIMHRS is launched, it will include a requirement that servicemembers can go to any military installation and get their pay or personnel issues resolved, Pair said. "It's about providing and serving our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines with the very best possible service that they can get," he said. The Army and Air Force will start teaching DIMHRS at their personnel and finance schools in 2007, Pair said. When the system is launched in 2008, the active, Guard and reserve components of the Army and Air Force will all be included at the same time, he said. The concept for DIMHRS was first developed about 10 years ago, when pay and personnel problems arose in the first Gulf War, Pair said. The system has been developed over the years to solve problems such as a lag in pay when reservists or Guardsmen are activated or pay inaccuracies for active-duty troops, he said. This new system is long overdue, because the individual systems the services have are outdated and don't work well together, Pair said. The Army alone has more than 70 different systems, he said, which haven't been refreshed in a long time. "Here we are in the year 2006 and about to be 2007, and it's just time to realize some savings that new types of software and solutions out there can provide," he said. "It's to solve problems; it's to provide better service and more accuracy to the servicemembers."

CONTRACTS NAVY General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $230,769,343 modification to previously awarded contract (M67854-02-C-2052) to exercise the options for 49 Regimental Unit Operations Center (UOC) capability sets, and 116 Battalion UOC capability sets. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. Sauer, Inc., dba Sauer Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $14,473,735 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price design/build construction contract (N69272-05-C-0004) to exercise Option 1 for design and repairs to Hangar 1000 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The intent of this project is to repair or replace major building systems, install additional utility capacity, abate hazardous materials, install fire protection systems, repair hangar doors, paint exterior, construct new interior spaces, remodel toilet facilities, upgrade interior doors and hardware, replace clerestory windows, upgrade existing and provide new casework, and renew architectural finishes in the hangars, shops and offices. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $26,434,115. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by April 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Raytheon Company, Precision Attack and Surveillance Systems, McKinney, Texas is being awarded a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract with a potential maximum value of $164,185,377.00 for system design and development (including an option for six low rate initial production units) of the Silent Knight Radar (SKR) in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command. The work will be performed in McKinney, Texas from Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 30, 2013. The contract number is H92222-07-C-0041. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $70,426,000 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This contract provides for Orbital Operating Support (OOS) for satellite operations and sustainment of the Milstar and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III programs. The contract action exercises an existing option on the contract for the fourth year of performance of the five year contract. The period of performance for this effort is December 2006 through November 2007. At this time $30,369,000 have been obligated. Headquarters Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-04-C-0012/P00046). Honeywell International Inc., Defense and Space Electronic Systems, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $9,800,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract action is for repair of 96 each PIGA Float assemblies used in the guidance system to support the Minuteman Weapon System. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete May 2007. Headquarters 526th ICBM Systems Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8204-07-C-0007). Professional Contract Services Inc., Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $5,826,534 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for all labor, vehicles, fuel, personnel, equipment, tools, materials and supervision necessary to perform vehicle operations, maintenance and analysis, manage the GSA Lease Fleet as defined in this Statement of Work (SOW) and tenant support agreements, except those identified as government furnished property and services. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by September 2007. Headquarters 72d Contracting Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8101-06-C-0006). ARMY Phelps/Kiewit (Joint Venture), Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2006, a $23,127,979 increment as part of a $285,989,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a multi-story regional security operations center. Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Wis., and is expected to be completed by June 29, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were eight bids solicited on Feb. 14, 2006, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the reporting contract office (W912HN-07-C-0006). Donjon Marine Company Inc., Hillside, N.J., was awarded on Dec. 7, 2006, an $18,887,500 increment as part of a $62,496,500 firm-fixed-price contract for navigation improvements. Work will be performed in New York, N.Y., and is expected to be completed on Aug. 24, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were 19 bids solicited on July 14, 2006, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Engineer District, New York, N.Y., is the reporting contract office (W912DS-07-C-0003). BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., York, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 8, 2006, a $16,261,244 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for spare parts as part of a vehicle refurbishment program for the Government of Egypt. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed on Dec. 31, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 14, 2002. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the reporting contract office (DAAE20-02-C-0134). Mississippi Limestone Corp.*, Friars Point, Miss., was awarded on Dec. 5, 2006, a $7,028,552 firm-fixed-price contract for flood control, channel improvements, casting fields, and articulated concrete mattresses. Work will be performed in Delta, La., and is expected to be completed on Dec. 1, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Oct. 20, 2006, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Miss., is the reporting contact office (W912EE-07-C-0003). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Hawthorne Services, Inc., Charleston, S.C., * is being awarded a maximum $7,115,440 firm fixed price contract to perform operation, maintenance, product quality surveillance, inventory control and accounting, security, safety, and plant protection of the Defense Fuel Support Point Port, Tampa, Fla. for Defense Energy Support Center. Proposals were solicited online and 7 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 3, 2012. Contracting activity is the Defense Energy Supply Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-07-C-5702). * Small Business

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Cody G. Watson, 21, of Oxford, Ala., died Dec. 6 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Watson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. This incident is under investigation.

Roadside-bomb explosions in Iraq killed four U.S. soldiers yesterday, and the Defense Department has identified 11 other servicemembers who died in Iraq in recent days. Three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers died and two others were wounded yesterday when a roadside bomb detonated near their night combat patrol. Earlier yesterday, a roadside bomb killed a Multinational Division Baghdad soldier and wounded another west of the Iraqi capital. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified 11 U.S. servicemembers killed earlier in Iraq: -- Army Staff Sgt. Kristofer R. Ciraso, 26, of Bangor, Maine, died of injuries suffered Dec. 7 when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad. Ciraso was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Staff Sgt. Henry W. Linck, 23, of Manhattan, Kan., and Army Spc. Micah S. Gifford, 27, of Redding, Calif., died Dec. 7 when a roadside bomb detonated near their unit while on patrol during combat operations in Baghdad. Both soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. -- Marine Corps Maj. Megan M. McClung, 34, of Coupeville, Wash., died Dec. 6 while supporting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. McClung was assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Army Capt. Travis L. Patriquin, 32, of Texas, and Army Spc. Vincent J. Pomante III, 22, of Westerville, Ohio, died Dec. 6 in Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near their Humvee during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany. -- Army Sgt. Jesse J.J. Castro, 22, of Chalan Pago, Guam; Army Cpl. Jason I. Huffman, 23, of Conover, N.C.; Army Spc. Joshua B. Madden, 21, of Sibley, La.; Army Spc. Yari Mokri, 26, of Pflugerville, Texas; and Army Pfc. Travis C. Krege, 24, of Cheektowaga, N.Y., died Dec. 6 in Hawijah, Iraq, of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle while on patrol. Castro, Huffman, Madden and Krege were all assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Mokri was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

An early withdrawal of U.S. and British forces from Iraq before the Iraqis can stand on their own could produce serious consequences for the region, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on ABC's "This Week" television news show today. Therefore, "I think we've got to plan to succeed," Blair told "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos. "And, I think that if we start saying to the people that we're fighting in Iraq that we're ready to get out, irrespective of the success of the mission, I think that would be very serious." There are now about 130,000 U.S. troops in Iraq. About 7,000 British troops are stationed in southern Iraq. Blair told Stephanopoulos that sending more troops to Iraq now doesn't make much sense, noting the Iraqi security forces aren't yet ready to assume full responsibility. "The problem is this. If, when you surge the American forces, the Iraqi capability isn't there to come in behind it, then your respite is only temporary," Blair said. "I think you've got to build the Iraqi capability," the prime minister said, "I think this is the key thing." Blair acknowledged the stakes in Iraq are high, noting there's no question in his mind about the necessity of defeating extremism there and across the region. "My point is not that there's any doubt about either the strength of our cause or, in a sense, the worth of our mission," Blair said. "What we've got to do is get the right strategy to achieve it." During his national radio address yesterday, President Bush said he and Blair discussed the sectarian violence in Iraq and the Iraq Study Group report during breakfast Dec. 7. Bush also said he and Blair agree the sectarian violence seen in Iraq is the result of a deliberate strategy employed by extremists, including al Qaeda, who are bent on destroying the new Iraqi government before it can get onto its feet. "People are deliberately creating a situation of destabilization in Iraq," Blair told Stephanopoulos today. Failure in Iraq is no option, the prime minister said. "Well, I think, to be absolutely blunt about it, we have to make sure that this works," Blair said. "And, I don't think, at the moment, this is a time to start hypothesizing if it doesn't work. "It's got to be made to work because the consequences, as they rightly say, of strategic failure are immense," he said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Kristofer R. Ciraso, 26, of Bangor, Maine, died of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 7. Ciraso was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Robert M. Gates will take over as defense secretary Dec. 18, and the department will wish current Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld farewell at a Pentagon ceremony Dec. 15, a Defense Department spokesman announced today. Gates and Rumsfeld have met a couple of times to handle transition issues and will meet again in the coming week, spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters this morning. Whitman also spoke about the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. He said DoD officials are looking closely at the group's report. "We take very seriously the recommendations that they have made (and) the thoughtfulness behind this effort," Whitman said. "We certainly want to give it the kind of review and analysis it deserves." He said the coalition effort to embed trainers with Iraqi units is working well. "Clearly, we have found that embedding trainers in Iraqi units is something that has a tremendous amount of value in terms of helping them develop," he said. "It is one of those areas where, for some time now, we have been reinforcing success by adding to the number of people embedded in those units." Some 5,000 U.S. trainers are assigned to 400 transition teams in Iraq. These teams work down to battalion level. Local U.S. commanders augment these teams with troops from their units, Pentagon officials said. In addition, squads of Iraqis work inside U.S. platoons in some units.

Two Defense Department civilians, James N. Templeman and Donald C. Cobert, have not let severe disabilities keep them from success. Templeman, 51, was born without arms. Today, he holds a doctorate degree in computer science. He's developing a virtual reality system at the Naval Research Laboratory here, that'll be used to train Marines to operate in urban warfare environments. He decided to study computer science during the mid-1970s. The Washington, D.C., native credited his success in life to his parents, hard work and keeping focused. "I had a very supportive family," Templeman said, noting his parents gave him the confidence and inspiration to compete and succeed in the world. "They 'mainstreamed' me. I went to public school," he said. He described how he uses his feet for purposes other than just standing and walking. "I write with my feet and 'mouse' with my feet" at the computer, Templeman said. Living in a world designed for people with arms caused Templeman to apply his unique perspective across everyday life, he said, which carries over into his work. "I'm constantly looking at things and thinking, 'How can I use it?'" he said. "I think that relates, a bit, to my own research right now." Templeman was recently recognized for his accomplishments as one of 14 outstanding DoD civilian employees with disabilities. He said people who want to succeed in life should focus on their individual strengths. "That's where you need to put your effort and just make the most of what you have," he said. Cobert also bested adversity, having been stricken with polio as a child. The disease paralyzed Cobert's legs and weakened his hands. Today Cobert walks with the use of braces and is a payroll administrator at the Missile Defense Agency at the Navy Annex in Arlington, Va. He recalled how Catholic school teachers helped to give him confidence to learn how to write. "I was unable to write or actually hold a pen until I was almost 6," Cobert said. "Luckily, I was taught by nuns who had the patience to work me through that 'hump.'" Cobert later learned to play the guitar. "That's one thing that helped me to develop dexterity in my hands," he said. He was also a successful wrestler in high school and at college. "I pushed myself, because I wanted to compete," Cobert said, noting he developed his competitive instincts while growing up among four brothers and three sisters. "When you're in a big family like that, even at dinner you're fighting over the last roll, so you had to kind of develop some strength and speed," he said. Cobert experienced a successful 22-year career as a business manager at physicians' offices and hospitals in northern Virginia before coming to work for DoD. Disability "is exactly what you make of it," Cobert said, noting the key to success in life is developing, pursuing and achieving goals. "They have to be realistic goals, but you can never have an ending goal," he said. "Once you're getting close to something that you want to accomplish, you better have two or three goals ahead of that, or you're going to hit that one spot and stop."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. James Kristofer R. Ciraso, 26, of Bangor, Maine, died of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 7. Ciraso was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Two Marines assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 were killed Dec. 8 and yesterday in Iraq, military officials reported. Both died from wounds suffered due to enemy action while operating in Anbar province. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of eight soldiers and one Marine who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. -- Army Capt. Travis L. Patriquin, 32, of Texas, and Army Spc. Vincent J. Pomante III, 22, of Westerville, Ohio, died Dec. 6 in Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany. -- Army Sgt. Jesse J.J. Castro, 22, of Chalan Pago, Guam; Army Cpl. Jason I. Huffman, 23, of Conover, N.C.; Army Spc. Joshua B. Madden, 21, of Sibley, La.; and Army Pfc. Travis C. Krege, 24, of Cheektowaga, N.Y., died Dec. 6 in Hawijah, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle while on patrol. They were all assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Army Spc. Yari Mokri, 26, of Pflugerville, Texas, died Dec. 6 in Hawijah, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. Mokri was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. -- Marine Cpl. Dustin J. Libby, 22, of Presque Isle, Maine, died Dec. 6 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Libby was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. -- Army Spc. Nicholas R. Gibbs, 25, of Stokesdale, N.C., died Dec. 6 in Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when he came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire while conducting observation and security operations. Gibbs was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit while on patrol during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 7. Both soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Henry W. Linck, 23, of Manhattan, Kan. Spc. Micah S. Gifford, 27, of Redding, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 6 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany. Killed were: Capt. Travis L. Patriquin, 32, of Texas. Spc. Vincent J. Pomante III, 22, of Westerville, Ohio.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 6 in Hawijah, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle while on patrol. Killed were: Sgt. Jesse J.J. Castro, 22, of Chalan Pago, American Samoa. Cpl. Jason I. Huffman, 23, of Conover, N.C. Spc. Joshua B. Madden, 21, of Sibley, La. Spc. Yari Mokri, 26, of Pflugerville, Texas. Pfc. Travis C. Krege, 24, of Cheektowaga, N.Y. Castro, Huffman, Madden and Krege were all assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Mokri was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Dustin J. Libby, 22, of Presque Isle, Maine, died Dec. 6 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Libby was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Improvised explosive devices killed three U.S. servicemembers yesterday in Baghdad, and the Defense Department released the identities of six servicemembers killed recently supporting the war on terror. One soldier died from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near a Multinational Division Baghdad patrol vehicle. In a separate incident, two other Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb detonated near their patrol. The names of the deceased are being withheld until their families are notified. Meanwhile, DoD released the identities of five soldiers and one Marine killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Brent E. Beeler, 22, of Jackson, Mich., died yesterday while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Beeler was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Mich. -- Army Spc. Jordan W. Hess, 26, of Marysville, Wash., died Dec. 5 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his combat patrol. Hess was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Army Spc. Marco L. Miller, 36, of Longwood, Fla., died Dec. 5 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany of injuries suffered from enemy indirect fire while conducting an escort mission. Miller was assigned to the 3rd Battalion Support Company, 20th Special Forces Group, Camp Blanding, Fla. -- Army Sgt. Jay R. Gauthreaux, 26, of Thibodaux, La., died Dec. 4 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. Gauthreaux was assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Cpl. Billy B. Farris, 20, of Bapchule, Ariz., died Dec. 3 in Taji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while conducting escort operations. Farris was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. -- Army Staff Sgt. Robert L. Love Jr., 28, of Meridian, Miss., died Dec. 1 in Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Love was assigned to the 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Nicholas R. Gibbs, 25, of Stokesdale, N.C., died Dec. 6 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when he came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire while conducting observation and security operations. Gibbs was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $256,200,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This modification is an undefinitized contraction action (UCA) to purchase four C-130J/KC-130J aircraft, as authorized and funded by the FY06 Global War on Terror (GWOT) supplemental authorization. This action will purchase three aircraft in the C-130J configuration and one aircraft in the KC-130J configuration. This UCA will obligate $128,100,000, which equates to 50% of the UCA not-to-exceed of $256,200,000. This work will be complete by April 2010. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-06-C-6456/P00008). Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Clearfield, Utah, is being awarded a $94,316,274 fixed-price incentive and award fee contract modification. The action provides for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Minuteman III Guidance Replacement Program (GRP) Full Rate Production (FRP) Option 6, thirty two (32) NS-50 missile guidance sets. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001/No mod number at this time). McDonnell Douglas Corp., St Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $80,147,776 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This contract exercises the Lot 3 option for Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), Increment 1 (fixed stationary target) full rate production for munitions, carriages, and associated trainers and technical support. The SDB increment 1 weapon system consists of a 250-pound class munition, and Air Force common 4-place miniature munitions carriage systems, and technical and logistical support. The weapon system, designed to be compatible with fighters, bombers and several unmanned aerial vehicles, is capable of significant standoff ranges against fixed and stationary targets. Under Lot 3 the following quantities will be purchased: 1561-SDB Munitions, 300-Carriage, 361-single weapons containers, miscellaneous support equipment, load trainers/carriages, and flight termination system/telemetry. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Solicitations began November 2005 and negotiations were complete November 2006. This work will be complete by September 2008. Headquarters 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-07-C-0004/ no mod number at this time). Boeing Co., Wichita, Kans., is being awarded a $7,217,000 firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide for Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 659-011-3 for the B-52 Alternate Mission Equipment (AME) replacement. The ECP replace AGM-142 equipment with a new system. The AME doubles the size of the current display, provides a color monitor compared to the current black and white, and will enable the B-52 to utilize laser guided weapons in a way that is not available today. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by December 2008. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA34601-94-C-0005/P00078). Boeing Co., Air Force Space Systems, Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $6,599,571 cost-plus-award fee contract modification to provide sustainment actions under the NAVSTAR global positioning system Block IIF contract. These actions support a) radomes, b) router equipment, and c) monitor station antenna replacements/upgrades. The Block IIF contract is providing the next generation of advanced GPS satellites with enhanced navigation support for both military and civilian users. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by December 2008. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity. (F04701-96-C-0025/P00425) NAVY Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $208,060,756 cost-plus-incentive-fee/ award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-2310) to exercise an option for construction of one Flight 0 Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The LCS will be a networked, agile, and high-speed surface combatant with versatile warfighting capabilities optimized for littoral missions. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala. (55 percent); Pittsfield, Mass. (24 percent); and Bath, Maine (21 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $67,659,959 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 222 Lot 7 Production AIM-9X Tactical Missiles for the U.S. Navy (126) and U.S. Air Force (96). In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of 153 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) for the U.S. Navy (48), U.S. Air Force (87), and Switzerland (18) and 105 containers for the U.S. Navy (49), U.S. Air Force (51) and Switzerland (5). Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (93 percent) and Andover, Mass. (7 percent) and is expected to be completed in April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($32,573,982; 48 percent), U.S. Navy ($31,712,226; 47 percent); and Switzerland ($3,373,751; 5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-07-C-0008). BearingPoint, Inc., Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $22,254,368 cost-plus-award-fee/firm-fixed-price/cost only modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6322) to exercise the FY07 options for systems integration services in support of Release 1.0 of the Navy Converged Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System. The Navy ERP Program was established to transform and standardize Navy business processes for key acquisition, financial, and logistics operations. This modification provides for funded labor and associated travel. Work will be performed in Annapolis, Md., and is expected to be completed by September 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $4,494,300, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $21,837,632 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-03-C-0055) to exercise an option for manufacturing, testing and deliverying 17 Reconfigurable Transportable Consolidated Automated Support Systems (RTCASS) for the U.S. Navy, (16) and the U.S. Air Force (1). Work will be performed in North Reading, Mass. (60%) and St. Louis, Mo. (40%), and is expected to be completed in August 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Communication, Navigation, Identification and Reconnaissance Div., Greenlawn, N.Y., is being awarded a $19,952,718 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0027) for the procurement of 350 AN/APX-118(V) transponders for the U.S. Army (186) and U.S. Navy (164); 182 C-12664/APX-RCU remote control units for the U.S. Army (53) and U.S. Navy (129); 50 MT-722/APX-MT mounts for the U.S. Army (14) and U.S. Navy (36); 142 AN/APX-123 transponders for the U.S. Army (50) and U.S. Navy (92); 98 AN/APX-123 warranties for the U.S. Army(50) and U.S. Navy (48); 54 Mode 5 kits, with integration to upgrade APX-118s to 123s for the U.S. Navy; 2 Mode 5 kit warranties for the U.S. Army; and 2 RCU Mode 5 upgrades for the U.S. Army. Work will be performed in Greenlawn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($11,544,982; 58 percent) and the U.S. Army ($8,407,736; 42 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Saab Training, LLC, Orlando, Florida is being awarded a ceiling $5,065,200 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure Small Arms Transmitters (SAT) for the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES 2000) tactical engagement system, used in Military Operation in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training. The current fielded MILES 2000 SATs are class 3A Eye Safe, which entails precautions to avoid possible eye damage from overexposure to radiated laser energy. These current SATs may not be fired at others within 10 meters, which is not conducive for MOUT training. The Marine Corps identified a need for a SAT that could be used with the current fielded MILES 2000 system that provides an eye safe exposure that Marines can use in conducting force-on-force training within the confines of a MOUT facility. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed December 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through full and open competition, with 4 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-8001). ARMY Oshkosh Truck Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 5, 2006, a delivery order amount of $115,121,847 as part of an $115,121,847 firm-fixed-price contract for the rebuild of the M1070 heavy equipment transporter trucks, M1074 and M1075 palletized load system trucks, fuel tank assemblies, and M1076 palletized load system trailers. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed on Oct. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Sept. 23, 2004. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-04-D-0322). AM General L.L.C., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Dec. 1, 2006, a $27,370,396 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the addition of automatic fire suppression to the high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles. Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed on Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-01-C-S001). L3 Communications Aerospace L.L.C., Madison, Miss., was awarded on Nov. 27, 2006, an $18,251,704 time and material contract for logistics support in the areas of aircraft workers and aircraft printers. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is expected to be completed on Nov. 30, 2007. There were four bids solicited on Oct. 30, 2006, and one bid was received. The Corpus Christi Army Depot, Corpus Christi, Texas, is the reporting contract office (W912NW-07-F-0025). General Dynamic Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Nov. 30, 2006, a delivery order amount of $11,319,142 as part of a $59,626,381 firm-fixed-price contract for the Tank Urban Survivability Kit Counter Improvised Explosive Device enhancements for the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams Tank. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (69 percent), and Lima, Ohio (31 percent), and is expected to be completed on April 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 19, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contact office (W56HZV-06-G-0006). Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunition Company L.L.C., Independence, Mo., was awarded on Nov. 29, 2006, a delivery order amount of $8,801,612 as part of a $16,494,823 firm-fixed-price contract for the small caliber ammunition items. Work will be performed in Independence, Mo., and is expected to be completed on Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 31, 2006. The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the reporting contact office (DAAA09-99-D-0016). International Truck and Engine Corp., Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded on Dec. 6, 2006, a delivery order amount of $5,732,310 as part of a $5,732,310 firm-fixed-price contract for the water trucks. Work will be performed in Knoxville, Tenn., and is expected to be completed on May 7, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 14, 2005. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contact office (W56HZV-05-D-0144). Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, Baltimore, Md., was awarded on Dec. 1, 2006, a $5,515,820 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the steam for the Harford Waste-to-Energy Facility. Work will be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., and is expected to be completed on March 17, 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 19, 1984. The U.S. Army Contracting Agency, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the reporting contact office (DAAD05-85-C-9060). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Medtronic Emergency Response Systems, Redmond, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $52,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment for all services. There were 455 proposals solicited and 33 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is December 7, 2011. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-07-D8261).

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today told members of the Defense Department that he will leave his office proud to have served with them and of what they have accomplished and inspired by their dedication, patriotism and sacrifice. Rumsfeld, speaking to hundreds of military, civilian and contract employees at the Pentagon during his 42nd town hall session, reflected on his past six years in the top Pentagon post and the satisfaction he's found leading the department. "Every day, in one way or another, I have seen the strength of the men and women in uniform and the dedication of the many thousands who serve here -- military and civilian -- who do their jobs, knowing that theirs is the essential business of protecting a nation (and) a people," he said. "You do so knowing that you contribute directly to the safety of millions of people: people you will never meet, whose names you will never know. "I leave this office proud to have served with you," he said, "(and) proud of what this great institution has achieved," during what he called one of the most challenging periods in DoD's 59-year history. "If there is one thing I wish could be more widely known, it is the miracles that the men and women of this department perform every day," Rumsfeld said. He rattled off examples of DoD's accomplishments during his time as secretary, including: Supporting military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan while putting pressure on terrorists around the globe; Delivering aid to millions of people affected by devastating natural disasters: the tsunami in the Indian Ocean, the earthquake in Pakistan, and Hurricane Katrina along the U.S. Gulf Coast; Training counterterrorism forces in the Philippines and Horn of Africa; Putting in place an initial missile defense system to protect Americans from rogue states; Establishing the new Northern Command to better protect the homeland; Standing guard over some of the world's most dangerous terrorists, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, while suffering what he called "grossly uninformed and irresponsible charges in the media and from almost every quarter;" Overseeing the largest domestic base realignment and closure in DoD's history; Implementing the most sweeping changes in the U.S. global force posture since World War II while transforming from a Cold War posture to one suited to the 21st century; Putting in place a new National Security Personnel System for civilian employees that adds flexibility in hiring and assignments and links pay to performance; Bolstering special operations forces to meet new demands of the global struggle against violent extremists; and Transitioning the Army from a division-based force to a more agile and more capable combat brigade force. "Each of you here in this room and listening to (this broadcast on) The Pentagon Channel has played a part in one or more of these accomplishments (and) endeavors," Rumsfeld said. "You can look at all you have done here in this past period with great pride." Rumsfeld reflected on some of his personal high and low points during his second term as secretary of defense. He remembered attending the inauguration of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the first democratically elected leader in his country's 5,000-year history. Amid the historic significance of the event, Rumsfeld said he was particularly moved to watch young Afghan girls sing at the ceremony and hear reports of children flying kites in celebration. He noted that both acts were forbidden under the Taliban repressive rule. Rumsfeld acknowledged the Iraqis who "through it all, believe their future is bright," and who "are working to forget something they have never had before: a free (and) representative country." He recalled the emotions he experienced meeting with families of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Alaska after DoD extended their loved ones' deployment in Iraq beyond their initial one-year tour and the green woven bracelet he received from a military wife that he wore until the unit returned. Rumsfeld paid tribute to the "great American heroes" who have become a part of history during his tenure as defense secretary. He specifically noted Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, and Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, whose family will accept his Medal of Honor during ceremonies in January. While remembering the highlights of his Pentagon days, Rumsfeld also reflected on some of the most difficult times as well. He noted how angry he felt hearing "irresponsible comments by some who tried to sully the image of the courageous and dedicated men and women in uniform who keep America safe." He recalled how stunned he felt when he learned of abuse at the Abu Ghraib detention facility in Iraq. But even amid that painful time, Rumsfeld said, he was impressed by the determination so many people demonstrated as he tried to find out how the incident could have happened and how to "make it right." He told the audience to take comfort in knowing that "your Department of Defense eventually demonstrated to the world how our democracy deals openly and decisively with such egregious wrongdoing." Rumsfeld told the audience that they, like he, will carry their own different memories with them when they leave the Defense Department. Some of those memories will be of hard, behind-the-scenes work that goes unnoticed by many, he said. But he urged DoD employees to always remember the important role they have played in their country's future. "But let there be no doubt," Rumsfeld said. "Each of you and the future generations of Americans, as well as the future generations of Iraqis and Afghans, will be able to look back on these past six years as a time of enormous challenge, of historic consequence and of solid accomplishment."

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Brent E. Beeler, 22, of Jackson, Mich., died Dec. 7 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Beeler was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Lansing, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Billy B. Farris, 20, of Bapchule, Ariz., died Dec. 3 in Taji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while conducting escort operations. Farris was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. Sgt. Jay R. Gauthreaux, 26, of Thibodaux, La., died Dec. 4 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in Baqubah, Iraq, when in improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol. Gauthreaux was assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Jordan W. Hess, 26, of Marysville, Wash., died Dec. 5 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of injuries suffered on Nov. 11 in Ta'Meem, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his combat patrol. Hess was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Fighting in Ramadi killed a coaltion servicemember and 14 insurgents yesterday, and Iraqi and coalition forces captured other insurgents in three raids around Iraq this week. One coalition servicemember died when insurgents in Ramadi attacked Iraqi soldiers and coalition forces yesterday with a heavy volume of small-arms fire from numerous insurgent positions, including the Haqq Mosque. Troops returned fire with a combination of small-arms fire, machine-gun fire and main tank-gun rounds, military officials said. When the enemy's attack continued, coalition forces used tank guns and precision-guided ordnance to destroy buildings used as insurgent fighting positions. Iraqi soldiers and coalition forces did not use precision-guided ordnance or fire their main tank guns at the mosque, military officials said. Fourteen insurgents were killed in the fighting. No further details were available on the coalition servicemember killed. Three coalition members were wounded during the operations; there were no reports of civilian casualties. Coalition forces must defend themselves when insurgents create situations such as occurred yesterday, Marine Lt. Col. Bryan Salas, a spokesman for the coalition, said. "While we are mindful to limit damage," Salas said, "we must respond with necessary and proportional force to protect our forces and Iraq from the insurgents." Elsewhere in Iraq yesterday, Iraqi police forces with coalition advisors conducted a raid in Abdan, near Tal Afar. They captured an insurgent associated with al Qaeda in Iraq and detained seven suspects during the operation. Military officials said they believe the captured insurgent has supplied weapons and money to al Qaeda in Iraq and provided enemy fighters a safe house for carrying out attacks against Iraqi security forces in the Tal Afar area. In another raid yesterday in Bayji, Iraqi soldiers with coalition advisors captured an insurgent sniper believed to be responsible for direct and indirect attacks targeting coalition forces, including improvised-explosive-device and car-bomb attacks in the area, military officials said. The insurgent sniper is associated with other insurgent cells within Iraq. Iraqi forces also detained an additional suspect during the raid. A day earlier, special Iraqi army forces with coalition advisors captured six suspected insurgents during a raid in Yusufiyah, south of Baghdad. Military officials believe the insurgents are responsible for kidnappings, murders and improvised-explosive-device attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces, military officials said. Iraqi forces detained nine additional suspects during the raid. In the three raids this week, no Iraqi or coalition forces or Iraqi civilians were killed and only minimal damage was done to the objectives, military officials said.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., King of Prussia, Pa., is being awarded a $23,165,484 fixed-price-incentive fee contract modification. This contract modification is for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and to provide Interim Contractor Logistics Support (ICLS) for hardware in support of the Safety Enhanced Re-entry Vehicle (SERV) Support Equipment (SE) that provides the capability to replace the MK21 Re-entry Vehicle (RV), from the Peacekeeper weapon system, into the Minuteman III weapon system. To support this replacement program, ICLS hardware will provide the needed coverage on hardware problems that may take place out at the missile bases. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by April 2009. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8204-05-C-0005/P00005). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, AZ, is being awarded a $20,593,236 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification for the development and procurement of additional tooling and test equipment in support of the continued development and delivery of Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA missiles to meet U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requirements in support of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. The work will be performed in Tucson, AZ and is expected to be complete by November 2007. The funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year for this sole source effort. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC is the contracting activity (N00024-03-C-6111). NAVY Detyens Shipyards Inc., North Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $6,449,729 firm-fixed-price contract for a 90-calendar-day Post Shipyard Availability of Military Sealift Command's dry cargo ammunition ship USNS Lewis & Clark (T-AKE 1). The ship's primary mission is to operate as part of a carrier strike group, providing fuel, ammunition and dry and refrigerated stores to support U.S. Navy ships at sea. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $8,394,329. Work will be performed in North Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed within 90 calendar days from the commencement of the contract in February 2007. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting authority (N40442-07-C-3000).

Twelve U.S. servicemembers were killed yesterday and today in Iraq, military officials reported, and the Defense Department released the identities of 12 servicemembers killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- One soldier assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died today from wounds suffered due to enemy action in Anbar province yesterday. -- Five Task Force Lightning soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, were killed yesterday as a result of an explosion near their vehicle while conducting combat operations in Kirkuk province. -- Three soldiers assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, one Marine assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, and one Marine assigned to 15th Marine Expeditionary Force died yesterday from wounds suffered due to enemy action in Anbar province. -- One Marine assigned to Task Force Military Police, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, died yesterday from non-hostile causes while operating in Anbar province. The names of the deceased are being withheld until their families are notified. Meanwhile, DoD released the identities of seven soldiers, three Marines, one airman and one sailor killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Army Sgt. Yevgeniy Ryndych, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died Dec. 6 in Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol. Ryndych was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. -- Army Pfc. Nicholas D. Turcotte, 23, of Maple Grove, Minn., died Dec. 4 in Nasiriyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry, West St. Paul, Minn. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols, 20, of Shepherdsville, Ky., died Dec. 4 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis, 19, of Knox, Pa., died Dec. 4 of injuries suffered when a grenade was thrown into his vehicle in Baghdad. McGinnis was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. -- Navy Seaman Christopher A. Anderson, 24, of Longmont, Colo., died Dec. 4 as a result of enemy action in Anbar province, Iraq. Anderson was a Navy corpsman assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force,Atlantic, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Marine Maj. Joseph T. McCloud, 39, of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., and Marine Cpl. Joshua C. Sticklen, 24, of Virginia Beach, Va., died Dec. 3 when the CH-46 helicopter they were in crashed in Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The cause of the crash is under investigation. -- Army Capt. Shawn L. English, 35, of Westerville, Ohio, died Dec. 3 in Baghdad of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations. He was assigned to the 577th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. -- Air Force Capt. Kermit O. Evans, 31, of Hollandale, Miss., died when the U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter he was riding in made an emergency water landing in western Anbar province Dec. 3. He was assigned to the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and was deployed with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq. -- Army Spc. Kenneth W. Haines, 25, of Fulton, N.Y., died Dec. 3 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol in Abu Hishma, Iraq. Haines was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Pvt. Troy D. Cooper, 21, of Amarillo, Texas, died Dec. 3 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Balad, Iraq. Cooper was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Army Sgt. Keith E. Fiscus, 26, of Townsend, Del., died Dec. 2 in Baghdad of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

There has to be peace between Israel and the Palestinians as part of a greater solution in the Middle East, President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair said during a White House news conference this morning. Blair will soon travel to the region to work on bringing Israel and the Palestinian state forward, he said. Democracy in the Middle East is a threat to insurgents and terrorists in the region, Bush said. "One of the reasons why there hasn't been instant success is because radicals and extremists are trying to stop the advance of a Palestinian state," he said. "Why? Because democracy is a defeat for them." The U.S. and British goal is to strengthen the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and strengthen the Palestinian Authority's security forces. "Now the fundamental question is, can we help the moderates prevail?" Bush said. "And make no mistake about it, radicals and extremists will kill in order to stop the progress, and ... that's what's difficult. But it should be a signal to those of us who have got the comfort of liberty to understand the consequences of this ideological struggle we're fighting. One of the consequences is the denial of a Palestinian state, which is ironic, isn't it? I think it is, and it's sad." Before the parties can reach a peaceful resolution, Blair said, those holding Israeli Cpl. Gilad Shalit must release him. Palestinian militants abducted Shalit through an underground tunnel into Israel on June 25. Two Israeli soldiers were killed and four others wounded in the attack. His captors have since confirmed he is alive. Shalit's safe return would allow Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to release many Palestinian prisoners, Blair said. "We are prepared to take the peace process forward and get into a process of negotiation, but we need a government on both sides that is committed to the basic principles of that negotiation." The current Hamas government will not form a national unity government on the Palestinian side. Hamas does not recognize Israel's right to exist, Blair said. "That's the difficulty," he said. "It's not a kind of technical point. It's absolutely at the heart of it." If all sides take this very basic position, Blair said, "you could move this forward quickly." "I don't think there's any doubt at all that if you could get an empowered Palestinian government able to negotiate, Israel has made it clear it is prepared to negotiate," he said. "I'm not saying there aren't very tricky issues -- there are -- things like Jerusalem, the right of return, which are very difficult. But actually, it's not beyond our wit to put it together. We could put it together. But you need to get these initial steps taken."

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Robert L. Love Jr., 28, of Meridian, Miss., died Dec. 1 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Love was assigned to the 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Giessen, Germany. Spc. Marco L. Miller, 36, of Longwood, Fla., died Dec. 5 at Landstuhl Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of injuries suffered Dec. 3 in Taji, Iraq, from enemy indirect fire while conducting an escort mission. Miller was assigned to the 3rd Battalion Support Company, 20th Special Forces Group, Camp Blanding, Fla.

ABOARD USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, Dec. 7, 2006 - Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower have received eight natural Christmas trees from "Trees for Troops." Trees for Troops started in Columbus, Ohio, when Federal Express joined forces with the Ohio Christmas Tree Association's "Operation Evergreen" to donate more than 200 Christmas trees to deployed servicemembers. "I received an e-mail from 5th Fleet's chaplain that said there were 20 trees donated from Trees for Troops," Cmdr. John Maurice, Ike's command chaplain, said. "I then contacted the supply officer and Sara Dowell, the 'fun boss,' so we could decide on the amount of trees we would like to request." Maurice then coordinated the delivery. The Christmas trees were set up on the mess decks and decorated by ship crewmembers to bring a sense of home to Ike. "Having the trees and being able to decorate them reminds us all of home and being around the people we love," Maurice said. While decorating the Christmas trees, sailors shared holiday spirit with shipmates. "I helped decorate one of the trees, and I think the spirit of the holidays brings out the best of us," Seaman Abel Jimenez said. "No matter how far away from family we are, our love is still the same." Celebrating holidays is important to deployed sailors because it brings back memories of holidays spent with their families. "It is important to celebrate the holidays on the ship because the crew needs to break up monotony," Dowell said. "It's a good break from the regular day-to-day work schedule." Christmas is traditionally one of the most cherished holidays of the year, and while out to sea, some sailors dedicated their time to help lift others' spirits. "Christmas is the time of the year where we can lift our spirits, where most people can hum and sing different carols and songs," Maurice said. "It's also the time of the year to reminisce on the happy times, eat different foods, have parties and give gifts." The trees bring back the memories for many sailors on the Ike. "Natural trees have a nice cedar scent," Dowell said. "It gives a sense of being at home for the holidays, and the trees alone make the mess decks look festive. "Sailors aboard Ike had fun, especially the ones who helped decorate. It's nice to see people caring about us by sending the trees to the ship." Maurice said he plans to thank Trees for Troops for their support and generosity during the holiday season. "We will send a letter to Trees for Troops to show who benefited and extend our gratitude," he said. "Somebody somewhere sacrificed their time and income for our morale, which is certainly along the lines of the Christmas holidays, the time for giving and sharing." Ike departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., on Oct. 3, with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations. Ike and embarked Carrier Air Wing 7 have been flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan since Nov. 6.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Kenneth W. Haines, 25, of Fulton, N.Y., died Dec. 3 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while on patrol in Abu Hishma, Iraq. Haines was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Holiday shoppers turning to the Internet to avoid the mall crowds have an easy way to support servicemembers and their families this year thanks to a partnership between Sears Holdings Corporation and "USA Cares." USA Cares is a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation's military. Sears Holdings is the parent company of Sears and Kmart department stores. "Sears has a longstanding commitment with the military, and we feel privileged to assist the troops and their families through this initiative," Brenda Storch, a Sears Holdings spokeswoman, said. "We wanted to partner with a respected organization that would help us to ensure that military families are remembered this holiday season." Sears officials found what they were looking for in USA Cares, which provides assistance to members of the armed forces and their families who have unmet needs because of death, injury, physical or mental impairment, or financial hardship. Through the partnership, Sears customers can visit a special Web site, www.readysetholiday.com, established for the holiday season. "It seemed as though it would be a good way to involve our customers in helping military families through the holidays," Storch said. The Web site provides a wish list of items that can be purchased and shipped directly to USA Cares, Roger Stradley, one of the group's founders and director of operations, said. Once all of the purchases are received at USA Cares' Radcliff, Ky., office, they'll be sorted and sent to areas where they'll do the most good. For instance, a lot of the cold-weather clothing will go to Alaska. The gifts range in price from about $9 to a couple hundred dollars and include clothes and household items. Gift cards also may be purchased in lieu of a gift. "USA Cares does not get any cash," Stradley said. "We're just coordinating and helping facilitate (for) hopefully thousands of Americans that want to just say thanks to a guy or a gal who's wearing the uniform or their family." Sears Holdings kicked the program off with a donation of $10,000 in gift cards when the program started Nov 26. Since then, USA Cares has received a couple of boxes a day. "It's kind of like Christmas," Stradley said. "We pop it open to see what came." It doesn't matter to the folks at USA Cares whether a donor chooses a gift or a gift card to show their support of the military community. "I want whatever that person's heart is moved to send," he said. "Obviously gift cards make it a little easier, especially if your heart is that you want to help a (Guardsman) or reservist who might not be near a major installation." The site will remain active through Christmas day. USA Cares staff and volunteers will tackle distributing the items after the first of the year, Stradley said.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Yevgeniy Ryndych, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died Dec. 6 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol. Ryndych was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Navy to Christen USNS Alan Shepard The Navy will christen the USNS Alan Shepard, the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006, during an 8 a.m. PST launching at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), San Diego, Calif. The ship honors the first American in space, Rear Adm. Alan B. Shepard Jr.Like the legendary explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, for whom the first ship of the class was named, Shepard bravely volunteered to explore the unknown and became the first American in space. Thus began one of the most challenging endeavors in human history: the manned exploration of space. Shepard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in 1944. He served aboard destroyers in the Pacific during World War II and later entered flight training, receiving his designation as a naval aviator in 1947. Shepard served several tours in fleet squadrons and was selected to attend the Navy Test Pilot School in 1950. He logged more than 8,000 hours of flying time. In 1959, Shepard was one of seven men chosen by NASA for the Mercury manned space flight program. Two years later, he became the first American to journey into space in the Freedom 7 spacecraft launched by a Redstone rocket on a suborbital flight. He reached an altitude of 116 miles. In 1963, he was designated chief of the Astronaut Office with responsibility for monitoring the coordination, scheduling and control of all activities involving NASA astronauts. Shepard made his second space flight as spacecraft commander on Apollo 14 in 1971. He was accompanied on the third U.S. lunar landing mission by Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot, and Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot. Shepard logged 216 hours and 57 minutes in space, of which 9 hours and 17 minutes were spent in lunar surface extravehicular activity. He resumed his duties as chief of the Astronaut Office in June 1971 and served in this capacity until he retired from NASA and the Navy on Aug. 1, 1974. After his Navy and NASA careers, he entered private business in Houston and served as the president of the Mercury Seven Foundation, a non-profit organization now known as the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation that provides college science scholarships for deserving students. Shepard died July 21, 1998, at the age of 74. John H. Sununu, former governor of New Hampshire, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Laura Churchley will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her father. The launching ceremony will be highlighted in the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "Alan Shepard." The USNS Alan Shepard is the third ship in the Navy's new 11-ship T-AKE 1 Class. T-AKE is a combat logistics force vessel intended to replace the current capability of the T-AE 26 Kilauea-Class ammunition ships, T-AFS 1 Mars-Class combat stores ships and, when operating with T-AO 187 Henry J. Kaiser-Class oiler ships, the AOE 1 Sacramento-Class fast combat support ships.To conduct vertical replenishment, the ship will support two military logistics helicopters. Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S., NATO and allied ships, the USNS Alan Shepard will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Ships such as Alan Shepard provide logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships. The ship will transfer cargo (ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material) to ships and other naval warfare forces at sea. The USNS Alan Shepard is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 106 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet, and displaces approximately 42,000 tons. Powered by a single-shaft diesel-electric propulsion system, the ship can reach a speed of 20 knots.As part of the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the ship will be designated USNS. The term stands for United States Naval Ship. Unlike their United States Ship (USS) counterparts, USNS vessels are manned primarily by civil service and civilian mariners working for the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C.

Sixty-five years ago tomorrow, the United States endured an attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that for the next 60 years -- until Sept. 11, 2001 -- stood as the most devastating enemy attack on U.S. soil. Like the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor has been called a defining moment in U.S. history. It caught the country by surprise, rallied its people against their attackers and thrust the nation into a long, difficult war against tyranny. On the 65th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, they present more parallels, and possibly lessons, for today's global war on terror. Within hours of the surprise attack in the early-morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941, more than 2,400 Americans were dead. Five of the eight battleships at the U.S. Fleet's Pearl Harbor base were sunk or sinking, and the other battleships, as well as ships and Hawaii-based combat planes, were heavily damaged. By crippling the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Japan hoped to eliminate it as a threat to the Japanese Empire's expansion south. The Sept. 11 attacks, in contrast, were more symbolic than tactical. The World Trade Center in New York -- which al Qaeda had previously attacked in 1993 -- stood as a symbol of the U.S. free-market economy. The Pentagon represented the U.S. military's command center, but not its operational arm. The other intended target -- either the White House or the U.S. Capitol, many people speculate, if the passengers hadn't commandeered their hijacked plane over Shanksville, Pa. -- represented the epicenter of the democratic U.S. government. When the smoke cleared, the death toll from Sept. 11 topped even the devastation of Dec. 7, 1941, with almost 3,000 people, mostly civilians, dead. Both the Pearl Harbor and Sept. 11 attacks had another similar consequence: pushing the United States into war. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Dec. 7, 1941, "a day which will live in infamy" and signed the Declaration of War against Japan the following day. Adm. Mike Mullen, chief of naval operations, described what the United States was up against when it entered World War II during a late October visit to Oklahoma City. "Things were tough," Mullen said. "Our fleet had taken a devastating blow. Japanese troops occupied Korea, China and would soon take over the Malaysian peninsula, Singapore and the Philippines." Nazi Germany, which already controlled a vast empire, declared war on the United States four days after the Pearl Harbor attack, Mullen noted. Despite different challenges in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, Mullen said, they ultimately boiled down to a common denominator. "There were clearly two competing visions of the world: one of freedom, the other of tyranny," he said. "And tyranny appeared to have the upper hand." Mullen urged his Oklahoma City audience to "fast forward to today" and the global war on terror. "If the attack on the destroyer Cole, the treachery of 9-11, if events across the globe from London to Lebanon, Baghdad to Bali, from Pyongyang to Tehran, have taught us anything," he said, "it is that the struggle we currently face is also about two competing visions of the future and our vision of hope and prosperity and a secure future for our children (and) all children." In his National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2006 proclamation, Bush noted similar challenges facing the United States today. "In the 21st century, freedom is again under attack, and young Americans have stepped forward to serve in a global war on terror that will secure our liberty and determine the destiny of millions around the world," he said. "Like generations before, we will answer history's call with confidence, confront threats to our way of life, and build a more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren." Bush recalled the resolve Roosevelt demonstrated as the United States went to war. "We are going to win the war and we are going to win the peace that follows," Bush said, quoting Roosevelt. Speaking in October at the dedication of the USS George H.W. Bush in Newport News, Va., the president praised the dedication World War II veterans demonstrated to ensure that victory. He called U.S. troops fighting today's war on terror "a new generation of Americans every bit as brave and selfless as those who have come before them" and said they, too, will see the fight through to victory. "Freedom is again under attack, and young Americans are volunteering to answer the call," he said. "Once again, with perseverance, and courage, and confidence in the power of freedom, a new generation of Americans will leave a more hopeful and peaceful world for generations to come."

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Keith E. Fiscus, 26, of Townsend, Del., died Dec. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Nicholas D. Turcotte, 23, of Maple Grove, Minn., died Dec. 4 in An Nasiriyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry, West St. Paul, Minn. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Joseph T. McCloud, 39, of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich. Cpl. Joshua C. Sticklen, 24, of Virginia Beach, Va. Both Marines died Dec. 3 when the CH-46 helicopter they were in crashed in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Shawn L. English, 35, of Westerville, Ohio, died Dec. 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations.He was assigned to the 577th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols, 20, of Shepherdsville, Ky., died Dec. 4 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $22,924,880 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This contract action will exercise an option for 1 year sustainment for MILSATCOM logistics to include: mission control segment (MCS) hardware maintenance, MCS software and database maintenance, systems engineering integration and test, and MCS technical manual services. At this time, $9,588,048 has been obligated. This work will be complete by December 2007. Space Logistics Group, Space and Missile Systems Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA8823-06-C-0002/P00008). Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $7,794,987 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides manufacture of replenishment of 13 spare right-hand engine cowls and seven left-hand engine cowls for the E-3 aircraft. The engine cowls are constructed of aluminum and titanium. The function is to gain access to the engine components and provide a smooth airflow around the engine. The first deliveries will be Feb. 28, 2007 and will continue at one per month thereafter. At this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by February 2009. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8103-05-G-0002-0069). NAVY BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Inc., Communication, Navigation, Identification and Reconnaissance Div., Greenlawn, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,084,122 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0104). This modification exercises an option for the procurement of 57 AN/UPX-37/41© Digital Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator units for the Navy (55) and Coast Guard (2). Work will be performed in Greenlawn, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in November 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hospitalman Christopher A. Anderson, 24, of Longmont, Colo., died Dec. 4 as a result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.Anderson was a Navy Corpsman assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Just in time for the holiday season, Marvel Comics' "The New Avengers" and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service have teamed up to bring troops stationed around the world another free, military-exclusive comic book. Marvel Comics, a division of Marvel Enterprises, Inc., is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation's servicemembers. "The New Avengers: Letters Home" is scheduled to arrive in U.S. exchanges around Dec. 20 and overseas, including the 53 BX/PX facilities throughout operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, shortly thereafter. It's the fourth installment of the military-only comic book series. "Due to their limited availability, collectors have historically shown great interest in these special AAFES/Marvel Comics editions," Army Col. Max Baker, AAFES chief of staff, said. "If the past is any indicator, 'The New Avenger: Letters Home' issue should go quickly." Available exclusively at AAFES stores, the newest issue once again features Marvel's superhero Captain America, who, because his regular supporting cast is away for the holidays, is joined by Silver Surfer, Ghost Rider and special guest, The Punisher. When Hydra takes over a military communications satellite, the superheroes spring into action to ensure troops' e-mail messages to loved ones make their way home. Because of the highly collectible nature and the anticipated demand for the 36-page comic, AAFES officials advise that "The New Avengers: Letters Home" is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

DoD Disability Awards Announced David S. Chu, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, hosted the 26th DoD Disability Awards Ceremony and 19th DoD Disability Forum today, Dec. 5 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bethesda, Maryland.On behalf of the secretary of defense, Chu presented awards to 14 outstanding DoD employees with disabilities and three DoD components with outstanding affirmative-action programs for people with disabilities. The outstanding DoD employees with disabilities are: Chester Bogart III, Department of the Army James Nelson Templeman, Department of the Navy Paul Robert Gabriel, Department of the Air Force Christine Murphy, Office of the Secretary of Defense Jerome Anthony Knight, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Derek Alan Lee, Defense Commissary Agency Kenneth R. Austin, Defense Contract Audit Agency Judy C. Spain, Defense Contract Management Agency Vicki D. Morgan, Defense Finance and Accounting Service Deirdre J. Carter, Defense Logistics Agency Lisa Marie Waugh, Defense Threat Reduction Agency Gregory Paul Springer, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Carlene J. Miles, National Guard Bureau Leslie Eden Bell, National Security Agency Organizations honored were: Department of the Army Defense Logistics Agency Defense Security Service The Defense Logistics Agency has created a Web site about the 2006 DoD Disability Awards Ceremony and Forum to include information about the 2006 National Disability Employment Awareness Month.The Web site can be accessed at: http://www.dla.mil/do/NDEAM/2006/DACindex-2006.html .

DoD Announces Change in Status of an Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier previously listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Dustin M. Adkins, 22, of Finger, Tenn., was pronounced dead Dec. 4 of injuries suffered after the Chinook helicopter he was in made an emergency landing near Haditha, Iraq, Dec. 3.He was assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Ky. The incident remains under investigation.

CONTRACTS AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $144,069,000 firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract. The procurement of foreign military sales F-16 C/D new aircraft for the (Pakistan) program for the F-16 Block 52 aircraft. The procurement of 12 operational single place F-16C Block 52 aircraft and 6 operational two place F-16D Block 52 aircraft will be accomplished under the firm-fixed price portion of the contract. This effort supports foreign military sales to Pakistan. At this time, $78,431,000 has been obligated. This work will be complete by November 2010. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6031). General Electric Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a $61,244,159 firm-fixed-price and fixed-quantity contract modification. This action provides for a newly redesigned high pressure compressor and high pressure turbine assemblies, and a newly redesigned again engine upgrade components to support the service life extension plan and aging engine upgrade initiatives applicable to the F100-GE-100/ 129 engines; F-16 aircraft. This requirement responds to the need for 20 more years of operability from the F-16 fleet. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by December 2008. Headquarters Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-C-0053/P00009). Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a $12,787,169 cost-plus-fixed fee contract. The Long View Program will apply inverse synthetic aperture ladar imaging techniques to produce high resolution images of high earth orbit and geosynchronous earth orbit space object imaging and classification and enable substantially enhanced space situational awareness. At this time, $6,393,585 has been obligated. Solicitations began November 2005 and negotiations were complete November 2006. This work will be complete by September 2008. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-07-C-7701). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $8,983,533 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This effort will provide for the upgrade of the F-22 engineering, manufacturing, and development landing gear trainer to an aircraft 4041 configuration to be consistent with other training devices delivered to Sheppard Air Force Base. At this time, total funds have been obligated. Solicitations began August 2005 and negotiations were complete September 2006. This work will be complete by October 2008. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-04-C-2851/P00060). NAVY BAE Systems Applied Technologies Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $71,785,404 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide systems integration support for TRIDENT II (D5) Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) Program and the SSGN Attack Weapon System Program. This contract contains options, which if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $77,909,640. Work will be performed in Rockville, Md. (89 percent); Kings Bay, Ga. (7 percent); Mechanicsburg, Pa. (3 percent); and Bangor, Wash. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed September 2009 (September 2010 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $55,937,634 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded based on a sole source acquisition. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-07-C-0009). L3 Communications, Link Simulation and Training, Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $51,124,635 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee contract (N61339-00-C-0002) to exercise an option for Lots 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT). AVCATT is a group of fully interactive, networked, reconfigurable aviation manned simulators. The system will permit Army aviation units to conduct collective task training on a real-time, computerized battlefield in a combined arms scenario. Work will be performed in Arlington, Texas, and is expected to be completed in July 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Corporation Electronic Systems-Marine Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $40,361,161 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide ongoing support for the TRIDENT II (D5) deployed SSBNs and SSGNs, extended refueling overhaul shipyard support, gas generator production, TRIDENT II (D5) missile tube closure production restart planning, United States and United Kingdom launcher trainer support, underwater launcher technology sustainment, VSG-E mount advance procurement and U.S. and U.K. strategic systems programs alterations and non-cConformance report projects. This contract contains options which, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value of this contract to $139,208,052. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif. (94 percent); Norfolk, Va. (2 percent); Bangor, Wash. (2 percent); and Kings Bay, Ga. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed May 2009 (May 2010 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $33,219,390 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded based on a sole source acquisition. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-07-C-0006). The Boeing Company, Anaheim, Calif., will be awarded a $25,190,398 cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee contract The contract provides the following efforts for the TRIDENT II (D5) navigation subsystem: (1) engineering support services, logistics support, and problem investigations for United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK)-owned electrostatically supported gyro navigator (ESGN) navigation inertial equipment; (2) modification, refurbishment, and repair of US and UK ESGN instruments and components; (3) TRIDENT II (D5) shipyard overhaul field engineering; (4) US Fleet documentation, surveillance program, and training; and (5) development of TRIDENT II (D5) TR-C5 software. Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif., and the expected completion date is September 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $19,498,836 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded based on a sole source acquisition. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contract activity (N00030-07-C-0002). Shaw Environmental Inc., Irving, Texas; Veco Federal Inc., Greenwood Village, Colo.; and Weston Solutions Inc., West Chester, Pa., are being awarded a $16,000,000 modification which provides for exercise of the third option period under cost plus award fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contracts for fuel systems engineering services. The work to be performed provides for a variety of inspections, installation, maintenance, repair, modification, and upgrades of ocean, inter-terminal and intra-terminal petroleum, oil, and lubricants pipelines and related facilities throughout the world. This modification increases the value of the basic contract making the current value $64,000,000. Work will be performed at various locations worldwide, and is expected to be completed December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Specialty Center Contracts Core, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity (N47408-04-D-8503/8504/8505). Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $7,398,134 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0001) for the procurement of the non-recurring engineering necessary for the build, installation and testing of the main transmission gearbox test stand in support of the H-1 upgrades aircraft. Work will be performed in Arlington, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY CAPPS Shoe Company, Lynchburg, Va., is being awarded a maximum $5,257,367 firm fixed price contract for men's dress poromeric shoes. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Other location of performance is Gretna, Va. Proposals were solicited using bidders list and 4 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 16, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C107D0023). Wolverine World Wide, Inc., Rockford, Mich., is being awarded a maximum $5,153,541 firm fixed price contract for men's dress poromeric shoes. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. Other locations of performance are Jonesboro, Ark., Big Rapids and Cedar Springs, Mich. Proposals were solicited using bidders list and 4 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 16, 2008. Contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C107D0022).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pvt. Troy D. Cooper, 21, of Amarillo, Texas, died Dec. 3 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Balad, Iraq. Cooper was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Three soldiers died in Iraq yesterday, and Defense officials have identified four earlier casualties. A 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) soldier was killed in an accident when his M-1117 armored security vehicle rolled over north of Logistics Support Area Adder. Another soldier died in northeastern Baghdad when insurgents attacked a patrol. Five other soldiers were injured in the attack. A Task Force Lightning soldier assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, died as a result of an explosion near his vehicle while conducting operations in Diyala province. A second soldier from this unit was wounded. The deceased and injured soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. In other news, DoD officials have released the names of four servicemembers killed in Iraq. -- Army Spcs. Bryan T. McDonough, 22, of Maplewood, Minn., and Corey J. Rystad, 20, of Red Lake Falls, Minn., died Dec. 2 in Fallujah of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee during security operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, Crookston, Minn. -- Marine Lance Cpl. Jesse D. Tillery, 19, of Vesper, Wis., died Dec. 2 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Anbar province. Tillery was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Army Staff Sgt. John L. Hartman Jr., 39, of Tampa, Fla., died Nov. 30 in Baghdad of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Officials also identified a soldier missing in Iraq. Army Spc. Dustin M. Adkins, 22, of Finger, Tenn., has been unaccounted for since Dec. 3 in Haditha, Iraq, when the Chinook helicopter he was in made an emergency landing. He is assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Ky. Adkins is officially listed as "duty status: whereabouts unknown," a temporary designation used until more information is available. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the incident is under investigation.

Gates Vows to Focus on Iraq, Troop Welfare if Confirmed

Defense secretary nominee Robert M. Gates told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing today that if he's confirmed to the top Pentagon post, his highest calling will be to ensure success in Iraq and look out for the men and women in uniform. Gates told committee members during his opening statement that he's "under no illusion why I am sitting before you today: the war in Iraq." He said he recognizes the importance of improving the situation there. During a questioning period, Gates said he doesn't believe the coalition is currently winning in Iraq. But, he added, he also agrees with Marine Gen. Peter Pace's assessment, offered Nov. 29 during a Pentagon news conference, that the coalition is not losing, either. The period ahead is critical in tipping that scale, Gates said. "Developments in Iraq over the next year or two will, I believe, shape the entire Middle East and greatly influence global geopolitics for many years to come," he said. "Our course over the next year or two will determine whether the American and Iraqi people and the next president of the United States will face a slowly but steadily improving situation in Iraq and in the region or will face the very real risk of a possible reality of a regional conflagration." Achieving victory will require cooperation and close coordination by the many players involved. "We need to work together to develop a strategy that does not leave Iraq in chaos, and that protects our long-term interests in and hopes for the region," he said. Gates said he's open to alternative strategies and tactics for operations in Iraq, including those expected soon from the Iraq Study Group, which he was involved with until President Bush nominated him as defense secretary Nov. 8. He told the committee he also will consult with military leaders and combatant commanders in the field and "will give most serious consideration to the views of those who lead our men and women in uniform." Gates said he also will consult with leaders in the executive branch and Congress and share that input with the president and National Security Council. "Of course, it is the president who will decide what, if any, changes are made in our approach," he said. He told committee members the "most humbling" part of his job, if confirmed as defense secretary, will be making decisions that will have life-and-death consequences. "Our country is at war, and if confirmed, I will be charged with leading the men and women who are fighting it," he said. Gates offered high praise to the U.S. armed forces and said they proudly carry on the tradition of their predecessors, who have fought the country's wars for the past 230 years. "The patriots who have volunteered to serve in our armed services today have no equal in the world," he said. "I offer this committee my solemn commitment to keep the welfare of our forces uppermost in my mind." Gates, a former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, told committee members he did not seek a return to government or the job of defense secretary. "I am here because I love my country and because the president of the United States believes I can help in a difficult time," he said. "I hope you will reach a similar conclusion."

DoD Announces Army Soldier as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown The Department of Defense today announced the identity of a soldier currently listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Dustin M. Adkins, 22, of Finger, Tenn., has been unaccounted for since Dec. 3 in Haditha, Iraq, when the Chinook helicopter he was in made an emergency landing. He is assigned to the Group Support Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Ky. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Capt. Kermit O. Evans, 31, of Hollandale, Miss. died when the U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 helicopter he was riding in made an emergency water landing in western Al Anbar Province, Dec. 3. He was assigned to the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. and was deployed with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. John L. Hartman Jr., 39, of Tampa, Fla., died Nov. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 2 in Fallujah, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during security operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, Crookston, Minn. Killed were: Spc. Bryan T. McDonough, 22, of Maplewood, Minn. Spc. Corey J. Rystad, 20, of Red Lake Falls, Minn.

ARMY Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 30, 2006, a $344,147,266 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for the family of medium tactical vehicle trucks and trailers. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed on Nov. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-03-C-S023). Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P., Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 30, 2006, a $305,392,679 modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for the family of medium tactical vehicle trucks and trailers. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed on Nov. 15, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (DAAE07-03-C-S023). General Dynamics Land Systems Division, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Nov. 30, 2006, a delivery order amount of $304,985,362 as part of a $351,060,408 cost contract for reset of Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package (SEP)v1 to M1A2 SEPv2 tanks and long lead material for the additional reset of M1A2 SEPv1 and M1A2 SEPv2 tanks. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio (75 percent), Tallahassee, Fla. (10 percent), Anniston, Ala. (9 percent), Scranton, Pa. (3 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed on Sept. 30, 2009. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 20, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the reporting contract office (W56HZV-06-G-0006). AVI BioPharma*, Corvallis, Ore., was awarded on Nov. 30, 2006, a $28,034,018 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a new Antiviral (AntiSense) platform targeting hemorrhagic fever viruses. Work will be performed in Corvallis, Ore. (61.10 percent), Frederick, Md. (13.63 percent), Sperryville, Va. (1.11 percent), La Jolla, Calif. (2.04 percent), and Subcontractors to be determined (22.11 percent), and is expected to be completed on Nov. 29, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Oct. 31, 2005, and 130 bids were received. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the reporting contact office (HDTRA1-07-C-0010). Mason & Hanger Corp., Newport, Ind., was awarded on Nov. 30, 2006, a delivery order amount of $8,037,407 as part of a $25,964,411 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the care, maintenance, security, surveillance, and safety of the Newport Chemical Depot. Work will be performed in Newport, Ind., and is expected to be completed on Nov. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the world wide web on Oct. 5, 2006, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the reporting contact office (W911SR-05-D-0008). General Dynamics, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Nov. 30, 2006, a $5,052,048 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the Tactical Airspace Integration System shelters and spares. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed on March 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 16, 2005. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the reporting contact office (W31P4Q-06-C-0274). AIR FORCE General Dynamics C4 Systems, Gilbert, Ariz., ($23,361,357), and Northrop Grumman Space Technology, Redondo Beach, Calif., ($24,799,735) are being awarded a firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed fee contracts. The purpose of the Alternative Infrared Satellite System Program research and development announcement effort is to perform system definition, allocated technical requirements document requirements to the various subsystems, and assess whether the requirements allocation is supportable with components available by Key Decision Point B in May 2008. The Alternative Infrared Satellite System is a potential alternative to the Space-Based Infrared System. At this time, $13,828,983 (General Dynamics), and $6,000,000 (Northrop Grumman) have been obligated. This work will be complete by May 2008. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-07-C-0001 and FA8814-07-C-0002). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $6,599,502 fixed-price-incentive-firm contract modification. This action provides for engineering changes to prepare one Global Hawk Air Vehicle to receive Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) capabilities. Additionally, provides preliminary modifications to a second Air Vehicle in preparation for MP-RTIP insertion. The procurement also includes an option for aircraft ballast. At this time, $3,299,751 have been obligated. Solicitations began October 2005 and negotiations were complete November 2006. This work will be complete by February 2009. Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-C-4692/P00009). NAVY TUG Technologies Corp.*, Marietta, Ga., is being awarded a $14,378,234 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68335-04-C-0111) to exercise an option for the procurement of 400 Mid-Range Tow Tractors for use in moving aircraft and equipment up to 80,000 pounds. Work will be performed in Marietta, Ga., and is expected to be completed in May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity. AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., is being awarded a $9,935,796 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68335-04-C-0280) to exercise an option for 26 Advanced Boresight Equipment (ABE) in support of the AH-1Z, AH-1W and MH-60R aircraft. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed in May 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity. Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $8,100,000 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00019-94-G-0015) for the anticipated repair of AE1107C engines in FY 2007 that may become damaged, and are excluded from normal "Power-By -The Hour" maintenance service. Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif., and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds in the amount of $8,100,000 will expire the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. The Boeing Company, Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a $5,662,609 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to provide TRIDENT II (D5) Electrically Support Gyro Navigator (ESGN) Drift Test Station evaluation and upgrade. Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded based on a sole source acquisition. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-07-C-0030). Sierra Nevada Corp.*, Sparks, Nev., is being awarded a $5,647,980 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00421-05-D-0010) to exercise an option for the procurement of up to 60 AN/APN-245 radio beacon sets for the F-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Sparks, Nev., and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity. The Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Patuxent River, Md., is being awarded a $5,495,891 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-03-C-3017) to provide additional administrative and logistics services in support of the MV-22 Total Life Cycle Logistics Support effort. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (50 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Jesse D. Tillery, 19, of Vesper, Wis., died Dec. 2 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.Tillery was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Coalition forces have recovered the bodies of all three missing servicemembers lost during an emergency water landing by a helicopter yesterday. A U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 helicopter from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing made an emergency water landing near the shore of Lake Qadisiyah in western Anbar province. Sixteen personnel were on board, including the crew. Thirteen of the individuals on board were accounted for yesterday, including the body of one Marine who was recovered from the water after the emergency landing. The rescue effort included all available surveillance and rescue capabilities to include air, amphibious and joint pararescue teams, U.S. officials said. "We have recovered all of our comrades," Marine Lt. Col Bryan Salas said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased." Initial reports confirm the helicopter experienced mechanical difficulties and executed an emergency landing. The incident was not a result of enemy action. The names of the service members who died are being held pending notification of next of kin.

Eight U.S. service members have died in fighting in Iraq since Dec. 1, military officials reported. Two soldiers assigned to the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) were killed yesterday by an improvised explosive device while conducting a security patrol in Anbar province. Another soldier, assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Armored Division, died Dec. 1 from wounds suffered due to enemy action in the province. Two soldiers assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and a Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 died yesterday from wounds suffered due to enemy action while operating in Anbar province. A soldier died yesterday from injuries suffered when the convoy he was traveling in struck a roadside bomb near Taji, Iraq, and a soldier was killed today while conducting combat operations in Baghdad. The servicemembers' are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The Air Force today changed the status of Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, the pilot of a U.S. Air Force F-16C that crashed Nov. 27, from "duty status whereabouts unknown" to "killed in action." Officials made a positive DNA identification of remains found at the crash site. Gilbert was flying in direct support of coalition ground combat operations when his plane crashed. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Gilbert was assigned to 309th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. and was deployed to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Meanwhile the Defense Department has identified two soldiers who were killed in Iraq in recent days: -- Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Mulhair, 35, of Omaha, Neb., died Nov. 30 in Taji of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle during reconnaissance operations. Mulhair was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. -- Cpl. Jonerik Loney, 21, of Hartselle, Ala., died Nov. 28 in Hit, Iraq, of injuries suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Loney was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Troy L. Gilbert, 34, of Litchfield Park, Ariz., died Nov. 27 when his F-16C fighter crashed 20 miles northwest of Baghdad, Iraq. Maj. Gilbert was assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and was previously carried as "Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown," awaiting positive DNA identification of remains from the crash site.

DOD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Mulhair, 35, of Omaha, Neb., died Nov. 30 in Taji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during reconnaissance operations.Mulhair was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Soldiers Missing in Action from the Korean War Are Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of eight U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. They are Master Sgt. Alfred H. Alonzo Sr., of Tampa, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Robert C. Bucheit, of Hamilton, Ohio; Sgt. Francis E. Lindsay, of Esther, Mo.; Cpl. Joseph Gregori, of West Pittston, Pa.; Cpl. Darrell W. Scarbrough, of Fayetteville, W.Va.; Cpl. Homer L. Sisk Jr., of Ducor, Calif.; Cpl. Charles E. Sizemore, of Rushville, Ind.; and Cpl. William E. Wood, of Moorhead, Minn.; all U.S. Army.Gregori was buried in August; Bucheit was buried in September; Scarbrough, Sisk and Sizemore were buried in October; Alonzo was buried in November; and Lindsay and Wood's burial dates are being set by their families. Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army. The soldiers were assigned to the U.S. 8th Cavalry Regiment and attached units (1st Cavalry Division), when their unit came under attack by Chinese forces near Unsan, North Korea on the night of Nov. 1-2, 1950.During the battle, these eight and nearly 400 others from the 8th Cavalry Regiment were declared missing or killed in action. In 2000, a joint U.S. and Democratic People's Republic of Korea team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), interviewed a farmer living in the vicinity of Unsan who told the team that while doing land reclamation work, he uncovered remains he believed were those of U.S. soldiers. The team excavated the burial site and uncovered the remains of at least 10 different individuals.They also recovered other items and identification tags belonging to these eight men. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of the remains.Some of the remains could not be identified and will be held for further research and analysis.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Jonerik Loney, 21, of Hartselle, Ala., died Nov. 28 in Hit, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.Loney was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Theodore M. West, 23, of Richmond, Ky., died Nov. 29 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations.West was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers were killed during combat operations in Baghdad yesterday, and one Multinational Division Baghdad soldier was killed in Baghdad Nov. 29, military officials reported. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department released the identities of six soldiers killed recently supporting the war on terror. -- Army Spc. Chris Kleinwachter, 29, of Wahpeton, N.D., died yesterday in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his vehicle rolled over during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, Grand Forks, N.D. -- Army Staff Sgt. Michael A. Shank, 31, of Bonham, Texas, and Army Spc. Jeffrey G. Roberson, 22, of Phelan, Calif., died Nov. 28 in Logar, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 230th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Kaiserslautern, Germany. -- Army Spc. Christopher E. Mason, 32, of Mobile, Ala., died Nov. 28 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small-arms fire while on patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Army 1st Lt. Benjamin D. Keating, 27, of Shapleigh, Maine, died Nov. 26 in Kamdesh, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his vehicle turned over. Keating was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y. -- Army Sgt. Jeannette T. Dunn, 44, of Bronx, N.Y., died Nov. 26 in Taji, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat-related injury. She was assigned to the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTRACTS NAVY ITT Industries Avionics Div., Clifton, N. J., is being awarded a $76,084,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0054) to exercise an option for the Fiscal Year 2007 Full Rate Production Lot IV (FRP IV) of 46 AN/ALQ-214(V)2 On-Board Jammers, a component of the F/A-18 E/F Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasure (IDECM). Work will be performed in Clifton, N.J. (45 percent); at various locations for all other vendors throughout the United States (36.1 percent); San Diego, Calif. (7.5 percent); East Syracuse, N.Y. (7.2 percent); and Rancho Cordova, Calif. (4.2 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney, Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $10,000,000 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-02-C-3003) for preliminary design, program planning and program management in support of the F-135 propulsion system gearbox redesign effort. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in January 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $7,000,000 firm-fixed-price order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0024) for services in support of the execution and implementation of an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to incorporate additional and enhanced functionality into the ARC-210 radio to be used Fleet wide. Services to be provided for the Fiscal Year 2007 effort include program management, engineering, development and data deliverables. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in September 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Northrop-Grumman Space Technology, One Space Park, Redondo Beach, CA 90278-1001, is being awarded a Cost-Plus-Award-Fee contract modification for the upgrade of the existing Space Tracking and Surveillance System ground and space vehicle software and ground hardware including the effort needed to test prototype algorithms. This effort supports the Ballistic Missile Defense System. The total not-to-exceed value of the contract modification is $29,000,000. The work will be performed in Redondo Beach, CA and is expected to be complete by September 2011. None of the funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0009). Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation of Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a cost-plus-award-fee indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract modification. This contract modification is for Kodiak Launch Complex spaceport facilities and services in support of Missile Defense Agency target launches. This modification will increase the contract ceiling by $17,800,200 for a total estimated value of $87,420,596. The period of performance is award through August 2008. The contractor will continue work in Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0006-03-D-0043).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Spc. Chris Kleinwachter, 29, of Wahpeton, N.D., died Nov. 30 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his vehicle rolled over during combat operations.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, Grand Forks, N.D. The incident is under investigation.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Nov. 28 in Logar, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 230th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Killed were: Staff Sgt. Michael A. Shank, 31 of Bonham, Texas. Spc. Jeffrey G. Roberson, 22, of Phelan, Calif.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jeannette T. Dunn, 44, of Bronx, N.Y., died Nov. 26 in Taji, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related injury. She was assigned to the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. The incident is under investigation.

CONTRACTS NAVY Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $754,011,210 modification (cost type) to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-2118) for continuation of CVN 21 design effort; long lead time material and non-nuclear advance construction; and system development, engineering services, and feasibility studies for the Future Aircraft Carrier Program. Also will provide all CVN 21 services and material in preparation for ship construction planned to commence in FY08, including the necessary research studies; engineering; design; related development efforts including required Engineering Development Models and prototypes for engineered components; advanced planning; advanced procurement for detailed design and procurement/fabrication of long lead material; advanced construction, system specifications; design weight estimate; logistics data; lists of government-furnished equipment; production planning; further definition of initiatives to reduce CVN 21 total ownership costs; and other data to support an integrated product data environment for CVN 21. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va. (90 percent) and Groton, Conn. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Harris Corp., Government Communications Systems Div., Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded an $82,023,582 cost-plus-award-fee/cost-plus-incentive fee modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0130) to provide testing of the MH-60R Common Data Link (CDL) Hawklink systems, including integrated logistics support and analysis, sustaining engineering, training, non-recurring and recurring engineering changes, and technical, administrative, and financial data. In addition, this modification provides for an option for the procurement of three AN/ARQ-58 and three AN/SRQ-4(Ku) systems. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla. (50 percent) and Wayne, N.J. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $11,973,462 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. L3/Interstate Electronics Corporation, Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a $27,190,543 cost-plus-fixed-fee, level of effort contract to provide specialized technical engineering services to operate, maintain and repair the TRIDENT II (D5) test instrumentation subsystems, spares, and related support equipment in support of the U.S. TRIDENT II (D-5) weapon systems. This effort shall include the operation and maintenance of the Launch Area Support Ship (LASS) Flight Test Support System, the M250 test missile radio frequency set, and M240R Data Recording System (DRS). The contractor will monitor and provide recommendations/updates to the formal training materials, documentation, and hardware/software utilized in the Strategic Weapons System (SWS) training program. Work will be performed in Anaheim, Calif., and the expected completion date is May 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-07-C-0010). Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $25,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0002) to exercise an option for logistics support, technical engineering support services, and spare engines and associated parts for the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J AE2100D3 turboprop engine and R391 propeller. Work will be performed in Cherry Point, N.C., and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas is being awarded a $13,914,472 modification against a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee contract (N00019-06-C-0308) to provide maintenance and support services for the Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Program under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Kuwait (90 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $11,221,500 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0015) to exercise an option for unique F/A-18 in-service support for the Governments of Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Australia, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Spain, including program management, engineering, and logistics support. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. and is expected to be completed in December 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Governments of Switzerland ($2,805,375; 25 percent); Finland ($2,244,300; 20 percent); Canada ($1,683,225; 15 percent); Australia ($1,122,150; 10 percent); Kuwait ($1,122,150; 10 percent); Malaysia ($1,122,150; 10 percent); and Spain ($1,122,150; 10 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity. McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $10,154,633 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0007) to exercise an option for AV-8B Harrier post production support services, including engineering analysis, testing, suitability evaluations, effectiveness evaluations, configuration management support, and resolving reliability, availability, and/or supportability problems. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity. Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,567,102 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-05-C-0026) to exercise an option for technical, engineering, and program services in support of the Tomahawk-All-Up-Round Missile Program for the U.S. Navy ($8,565,102; 95 percent) and the United Kingdom ($1,002,000; 5 percent). Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (85 percent); Lexington Park, Md., (10 percent); and other locations within the United States (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., is being awarded $9,390,500 for firm-fixed price Task Order 0002 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for the design and construction of a new Joint Ground Support Equipment and Maintenance Building at Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. The work to be performed provides for an addition to building 1055, a new facility, a canopy over an existing parking area and demolition of two existing buildings. This project is under the Navy design-build "Early Start" demonstration program. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 2007 (design) and August 2008 (construction and demolition). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N62467-05-D-0095). Ki, LLC*, Colorado Springs, Colo., , is being awarded an estimated $8,750,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to provide Sea Enterprise C4ISR support services for installation, material acquisition, system/equipment modification, test and checkout, systems training and documentation preparation. This contract includes four one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $46,454,938. The work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., (85 percent) and San Diego, Calif., (15 percent) and is expected to be completed by November 2007 (November 2011 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was a competitively procured set-aside for small business. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-Commerce website, with three offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity for this action (N65236-07-D-8842). Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Cherry Hill, N.J., is being awarded $5,534,155 to exercise options under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00039-06-C-0017) to provide FY07 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) operation, maintenance and technician services in support of the SURTASS/Low Frequency Active Program. The services include technician crew members to operate and maintain SURTASS equipment aboard T-AGOS, Cory Chouest and J-AOS class ships, including low frequency active and passive systems; Field Support Team (FST) members to provide SURTASS engineering and logistic support and FST members to maintain shore SURTASS sites. This contract includes additional options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $23,774,623. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (92.4 percent) and the government of Japan (7.6 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. (59 percent); Pearl City, Hawaii (40 percent); and Whidbey Island, Wash. (1 percent) and is expected to be completed by November 2007 (November 2010 with options). Contract funds in the amount of $5,001,626 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website, with unlimited proposals solicited and two offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Sverdrup Technology Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., is being awarded a $67,909,915 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, cost-plus-award-fee with cost reimbursement contract. The Technical and Engineering Acquisition Support Program provides a wide range of diverse engineering, technical and acquisition management support required in the acquisition, development, production, and support of various equipment and weapon systems within the Air Armament Center and other organization at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by September 2007. Headquarters Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-07-C-0006). Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $60,734,000 cost-plus-award-fee contract modification. This contract provides for Orbital Operating Support (OOS) for Satellite Operations and Sustainment of the Milstar and Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III programs. The contract action exercises an existing option on the contract for the fourth year of performance of the five year contract. The period of performance for this effort is 1 December 2006 through 30 November 2007. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by November 2007. Headquarters Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-04-C-0012/P00046). Flight Safety Services Corp., Centennial, Colo., is being awarded a $18,082,656 firm-fixed-price contract modification. This action provide for C-5 Aircrew Training Systems Contract-Fund option eight for students throughout and fixed operations, maintenance and support, 1 October 2006 through 30 September 2007. At this time, total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by September 2007. Headquarters Ogden Air Logistics Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42630-99-C-0170/P00163).

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Christopher E. Mason, 32, of Mobile, Ala., died Nov. 28 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire while on patrol.He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne

Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

POL-E-CHARKI, Afghanistan, Nov. 29, 2006 - A 600-man battalion from the Afghan National Army's 201st Corps has been selected as the country's first unit to undergo commando training. The battalion, led by Afghan National Army Lt. Col. Muhammad Farid Ahmadi, was selected over others because of its high morale and unparalleled esprit de corps, U.S. officials said. An important part of developing commando capability is training noncommissioned officers who can go back and train others. Each of the five corps in the Afghan army will eventually have a commando unit assigned, and the 201st Corps soldiers train those units, officials said. The unit's soldiers were evaluated on marksmanship, a timed three-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and a rucksack foot march in full battle gear. When the dust cleared, 100 soldiers were selected to receive specialized training. "I think this is a good recognition, ... that they have recognized me and my battalion," Ahmadi said. "I am very proud." His soldiers are equally proud and happy to be a part of the battalion. "He's a very good commander; he's professional," Capt. Sayed Naser said. "Since he's been assigned here, there have been positive changes, from physical training to education to professionalism. There is a great positive change. In all the battalion, from privates to NCOs to officers, they are happy with him and his leadership." The soldiers selected are scheduled to receive specialized training in Jordan for six months, and expectations are high. "With this new training, good equipment, and designation as commando battalion, we will play a greater role in the future and the stability and security of the region," Ahmadi said. "When there is security there will be reconstruction," he said. "This will lead to good diplomatic relations with the international community as a sound and healthy member. Reconstruction, economy, education, road building, all these things depend on security, and this battalion will play its role in that."

DOD (DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NEWS)

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