Calling All Machine Gun Manufacturers!
SOFWERX, in concert with USSOCOM PEO-SOF Warrior (PEO-SW), will host a Lightweight Machine Gun-Medium (LMG-M) Virtual Industry Day on 18 February, 2021 to discuss and refine ammunition specifications for the LMG-M.
Request to Attend NLT 11 February 11:59 PM ET.
Full details can be found at events.sofwerx.org/lmgm.
Atlantic Signal is proud to announce it was recently awarded a 45-million dollar contract from the United States Marine Corps for Hearing Enhancement Devices (HED).
The original solicitation by the USMC was released in April of this year to provide a hearing protection headset with dual comm capability, a hearing protection-only headset, dual comm push-to-talk and radio cable assemblies for the CORPS’ 6 pin military radios and Motorola XTS commercial portables.
Proposal submittals and test and evaluation equipment was provided near the end of May and field test and evaluations were subsequently held utilizing the equipment provided by the various competitors.
Atlantic Signal submitted their exclusive 3M/Peltor ComTac V headset along with a hearing protection-only version of the headset. The Push-to-Talk submitted by Atlantic Signal was the company’s INVICTUS SS Dual Comm PTT over-molded in the CORPS’ required coyote color. The INVICTUS SS features twin shrouded actuation switches with a blackened steel MOLLE clip designed with multi-position capabilities allowing the end-user to position the PTT switched inboard or outboard when mounted to the vest. The INVICTUS SS push-to-talk also features two capped radio interface receptacles at the bottom of the housing. This system allows the user to connect a single or dual cable radio interface mix depending upon mission requirements. Further, the ComTac V headset chosen by the USMC features a custom cabled downlead designed and built by Atlantic Signal that provides radio RX in both earcups when a single radio cable is connected to the INVICTUS SS PTT and portable radio. When a second cable is connected the two incoming radio signals are automatically split between the headset’s two ear cups – offering ease of TX identification when two radio signals are being received at the simultaneously. The ComTac V headset features a removeable rubber sleeve from the over-the-head steel frame that captures the cables connecting the speakers and ambient environmental microphones in each ear cup. The company was also required to provide replaceable gel cups pads for the headsets along with an accessory rail connector (ARC) for helmet mounting each comms headset.
“We are proud to have been chosen by the USMC for the HED Program. We followed the HED proposal requirements adding some additional end-user features not necessarily requested and felt confident that our product mix would stand up against any competitor we faced. We were notified in mid-August that we had been chosen to provide the equipment requested in the USMC HED proposal only to have a disgruntled competitor file a protest with the USMC Program Office and SBA. The protest forced our company to assemble legal representation to address the litany of baseless claims made by the protestor which pushed the award out another 30 days. The protesting company’s claims were found to be undeserving and a decision was rendered in favor of Atlantic Signal. Unfortunately, the protestor appealed the decision again, further delaying our company’s ability to begin production planning and delivery of the initial 10 million dollars in equipment requested. Subsequently the protestor’s appeal was again found to be without merit and nearly a quarter year after the initial award was made to our company, we were finally able to begin production. The protestor’s actions accomplished nothing more than delaying delivery of critical equipment to our warfighters”, stated Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.
Atlantic Signal is based in Topeka, KS and specializes in the design, development and manufacture of ancillary devices for use with both Law Enforcement and Military radios worldwide. Along with the aforementioned USMC HED award, Atlantic Signal has also been awarded multi-year contracts with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s nationwide Special Operations Units (SOU), Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) and Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), New York Police Department Emergency Services Units (ESU), United States Coast Guard Maritime Security & Support Teams (MSST), United States Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRT), Security Forces Assistance Brigade 3 (SFAB), United States Border Patrol and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) among many others.
Racal Acoustics, the UK-based global designer and manufacturer of audio communications and protection systems has today announced a new contract to supply the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), with their RA4000 Magna digital headset system. The 7-year framework contract is worth up to USD $4.7 million and includes a full support package comprising of training, consumables and spares, plus an option to supply follow-on orders, as required.
The Racal Acoustics RA4000 Magna digital Active Noise Reduction (ANR) headset systems supplied under this contract include: the headset; a soft helmet liner; a ballistic helmet with integrated side-rails and NVG mount; and a downlead to connect the system to the in-vehicle intercom. Selected specifically to meet the needs of Leopard 1, Leopard 2 and CV90 heavy armoured vehicle crews, the RA4000 protects the crew from in-vehicle noise whilst enabling effective communication and situational awareness. The system also allows the user to dismount from the vehicle yet retain Active Noise Reduction (ANR) protection – powered by an integrated battery. As well as connecting the crew to the intercom, the system can be connected to remote communications devices, such as Personal Role Radio or other man-pack radios to allow the user to communicate with dismounted troops outside of the armoured vehicle crew environment. Already established as market leaders in military headset technology for high noise environments, this order further underlines Racal Acoustics as the global provider of choice for users wanting the very best protection whilst retaining optimum communication and situational awareness.
René Ulbjerg Toft, Deputy Technical Director, Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization, Land Materiel Systems Division said: “when tendering for a framework agreement on new CVC helmets for the Danish Army, DALO was focused on choosing a tactical solution that could provide as much attenuation as possible, without compromising clear intercom and radio communication. Through thorough user tests we conclude, that the RA4000 system was the only solution, that could satisfy our comprehensive requirements and operate efficiently on the heavily armoured platforms. DALO is eager to put the RA4000 system in service, to ensure the safety of the soldiers and to benefit from the flexibility that the software defined solution provides”.
Alexandre Huart, Vice President – Sales and Marketing at Racal Acoustics said: “we’re all very proud of winning this order and we’re looking forward to delivering a first-class product and support service to the DALO”. He added: “the RA4000 system delivers exactly what was specified by the customer. Our future-proofed design allows the Racal Acoustics engineers to upgrade the integrated software to take account of our ongoing innovation activity – constantly striving to maintain our ‘best in class’ position and reputation”.
www.racalacoustics.com
Itasca, IL, January 8, 2021 – On January 5, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) awarded Darley Defense a contract on the 5th iteration of the Special Operational Equipment (SOE) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program. The award, made to Darley and five other contractors, is valued at $33 Billion over a 10-year period. The award has a two-year base contract with four two-year option periods. It is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract that enables Federal customers to order commercial-off-the-shelf items within the scope of Special Operational Equipment. Darley supplied roughly $500 million in equipment to federal customers in FY2020 under the predecessor SOE TLS contract.
The scope of work under the SOE TLS program includes the total logistics support for the special operational equipment requirements of DLA customers to include military installations, federal agencies, and other authorized DLA customers located worldwide.
“This contract is really our license to sell to the DOD,” said Darley CEO, Paul C. Darley. “We are proud to be able to serve our defense and other federal customers for another 10 years under this milestone contract. Our team is strong, and we are well suited to assist our military customers in meeting their capabilities for their ever-evolving mission sets.”
Delivery marks beginning of final review period for force modernization program
GARLAND, TX (January 7, 2021) – Texas-based ammunition manufacturer, True Velocity, finalized delivery of more than 625,000 rounds of the company’s proprietary composite-cased 6.8mm ammunition to the U.S. Army for consideration in the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program (NGSW). This milestone marks a significant point in the review process to become the U.S. Army’s next choice in small arms Ammunition, which is anticipated to effectively replace the standard 5.56x45mm round carried by many soldiers.
The U.S. Army initially shortlisted True Velocity’s composite-cased ammunition in August 2019 as a finalist for the NGSW program and the first shipment of 6.8mm True Velocity ammunition was delivered to the Army in August 2020. Following this most recent delivery, the Army will test the ammunition in a variety of settings throughout 2021 before issuing a final decision on contracts related to NGSW participation.
“It has been a long, exciting road to get to this point,” said Chris Tedford, president of True Velocity. “We have consistently been able to demonstrate the effectiveness and superior performance of True Velocity’s designs and manufacturing processes time and time again, proving that we represent the obvious choice for the future of military small arms ammunition. Due to the dedication of our team, we are living up to our ethos of making ammunition perfect for our warfighters.”
True Velocity’s proprietary 6.8mm composite-cased ammunition presented to the U.S. Army boasts significant advantages over brass ammunition including a 30 percent weight reduction, improved accuracy, optimized muzzle velocity and increased ballistic efficiency. True Velocity’s manufacturing processes and infrastructure are also being reviewed by the U.S. Army, as the company’s technology and designs could drastically increase efficiency through automation and a substantial reduction in manufacturing footprint. A True Velocity production cell that occupies just 2,640 square feet can produce as many as 27 million rounds per year.
“We look forward to continuing the review process alongside the U.S. Army and exceeding their expectations in every way possible,” said Kevin Boscamp, CEO of True Velocity. “True Velocity rounds will not only give warfighters a significant advantage in the field, but we believe our products and processes will save institutions such as the Department of Defense millions of dollars in logistics costs. We are eagerly anticipating their decision.”
For more information, visit tvammo.com.
(4 JAN 2021 Topeka, KS) Atlantic Signal recently received orders totaling in excess of 2 million dollars for the company’s Below H20 headset, various maritime push-to-talks assemblies and radio interface cables.
Atlantic Signal developed the Below H20 headset several years ago to meet the requirements established by USSOCOM for maritime communications and a Program of Record. Ultimately, the company was awarded a multi-year contract for the headset and accessories for Naval Special Warfare and MARSOC with deliveries beginning in 2018.
During the Below H20 headset’s development, the company began development of three all-new push-to-talk assemblies: * a single comm known as the Below H20 Single Comm Push-to-Talk, * a dual comm known as the Below H20 Dual and * a multi-comm Push-to-Talk known as the Anaconda. The company debuted an all-new Maritime multi-comm Push-to-Talk during the fourth quarter of 2020 known as the SHIELD. The SHIELD PTT was developed initially, specifically, for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s nationwide Special Operations Units and Hostage Rescue Team. The PTT will be universally available to clients in early 2021.
USSOCOM’s maritime requirement changed several years ago for ancillary communication devices from a 2 hour / 20-meter exposure to 10 hours / 10 meters in both salt and freshwater.
Atlantic Signal began working with the 3M/Peltor ComTac headset to modify the ground/swimming headset traditionally offered by 3M (1 meter / 30 minutes). Modifications included multiple custom headset downleads, sealing of the earcups, development and manufacture of an ambidextrous boom microphone designed to withstand the harsh conditions associated with maritime operations / exposure and silicone replacement ear shell seals among other modifications.
While the initial orders from USSOCOM were specific to an interface to another company’s push-to-talk, the demand for alternative PTTs from non-program clients was overwhelming.
“We were receiving sometimes weekly calls requesting alternative push-to-talks to the model the program office had chosen for one specific client at the time of the contract award which was Naval Special Warfare, stated Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal. “We recognized at that point that the demand for a new maritime headset for the U.S. Military must include alternative push-to-talks. We reached out immediately to our select group of military and Federal law enforcement clients who assist us with the development of nearly every single product we eventually bring to market. The requirements were across the board and we therefore decided to design and manufacture multiple maritime push to talks simultaneously. From meetings, to design, 3D model and functioning prototypes, re-works and eventual production – the total time was less than 90 days before products were completed and an initial purchase was made. This scenario is indicative of how we operate. There is a demand, we hold meetings with the client and assess marketability. Traditionally a decision is made internally within one week whether or not to move forward. Once a project is accepted, CAD drawings are created and sent to the client. After discussions with the client, non-functioning 3D models are generated and shipped out. Further meetings are held with the client and modifications made to the 3D model. Following ergonomic acceptance, functioning prototypes are created and shipped for user fielding. Once accepted, first articles are produced, a bill of materials is generated, production time studies are completed and eventually a new product is born and introduced to the marketplace. I’ve literally seen concepts brought to the table by clients and a finished product ready for the market within 30 days. It is commonplace for us to be in the development, prototype and production phases of multiple products simultaneously. We have become highly adept at meeting customer expectations in a timeframe rarely achieved by others”, stated Hedrick.
The Below H20 headset, PTTs and cables have proven to be highly sought after solutions for both the U.S. and foreign militaries as it has been over two decades since a new circum-aural maritime headset had been available. The company offers simple maritime PTT solutions all the way to PTTs that will interface up to four nets, various ICS platforms and smartphones all in EMI shielded designs with added cross banding capabilities. The company has developed and manufactures maritime radio cable assemblies for old school PRC 148 and 152 radios to modern day multi-band portables including manufacturers such as Trellisware, Silvus, Thales and Harris RF.
The Below H20 headset, maritime PTT solutions and various accessories including custom cables can be viewed on the company’s website at www.atlanticsignal.com.
Avon Protection is pleased to announce they have received an order from The Netherlands for FM50 masks and FM61EU filters under the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract.
The Netherlands joins other NATO Nations and Partners, Norway, Belgium and Finland, in purchasing the FM50 to protect their militaries. Developed in conjunction with the United States Department of Defense to counter the multiple CBRN threats met in modern war fighting, anti-terrorist and peace-keeping operations, the FM50 is the most operationally proven and widely deployed battlefield respirator in the world.
Commenting, James Wilcox, President, Military at Avon Protection, said:
“We are proud The Netherlands continues to choose Avon Protection to provide the best CBRN protective equipment for their troops. We look forward to continuing our relationship with this strategically important customer to deliver and support this world leading military capability.”
Harrisonburg, Virginia, January 6, 2021 – TSSi is proud to announce that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has awarded TSSi a contract for the 5th Generation of the Special Operational Equipment (SOE) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program. This $33 Billion, 10-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract enables customers to order commercial, off-the-shelf part numbered items within the scope of Special Operational Equipment.
DLA created the TLS program to infuse supply chain management best practices into the procurement process of commercial goods and services to the U.S. Government. These best practices incorporate the latest innovations in information technology, supply chain management theory, and real-world experience to provide improved customer support. We are excited to extend our eleven-year partnership with DLA and continue working closely with our Government partners to serve both DLA and TSSi’s ultimate customer: the Warfighter.
More details about this contract can be found on TSSi’s website, www.tssi-ops.com.
