Contracts | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

Army Launches Technology Competition For Small Business Entrepreneurs

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018

WHAT: The U.S. Army is getting out of its comfort zone and wants to see the best technology out there from small businesses/start-ups. Recently, the U.S. Army launched its first ever Expeditionary Technology Search, or xTechSearch, with prizes ranging from $1,000 to $200,000. Prizes increase during each successive round with a potential for up to 25 finalists being invited to participate in a major national event in Washington, D.C. where they can directly engage with Department of Army officials, industry partners and academia.

The U.S. Army is using xTechSearch as a catalyst for the Army to engage with the non-defense traditional business sector, driving American innovation for Army challenges and modernization efforts and spurring economic growth. Aimed at attracting game-changing innovation, xTechSearch will make additional access for small business entrepreneurs to pitch novel technology solutions directly to Army leadership.

Dr. Bruce Jette, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), launched the nation-wide competition to revolutionize the way the Army attracts and encourages innovation.

“Our Army of the future must be ready to deploy, fight and win decisively against any adversary, anytime and anywhere, in a joint, multi-domain, high-intensity conflict, while simultaneously deterring others and maintaining its ability to conduct irregular warfare,” he said.

The Army recently identified its six modernization priority lines of efforts as Long-Range Precision Fires, Next Generation Combat Vehicle, Future Vertical Lift, The Army Network, Air and Missile Defense and Increasing Soldier Lethality.

xTechSearch will host its competitive outreach events across the country to engage with American innovators and spur the development of leap-ahead technologies for the Army of the Future. The Army will provide cash prizes for the companies to demonstrate proof of concept for their technology in an Army-relevant challenge area.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: The Army is looking for proposals aligned to its modernization priorities: www.challenge.gov/challenge/army-expeditionary-technology-search-xtechsearch. Interested small business participants submit a white paper and xTechSearch registration before July 11, 2018 via email to usarmy.pentagon.hqda-asa-alt.mbx.xtechsearch@mail.mil. The white paper should be no more than 1,000 words describing the novel technology concept, innovative application concept and integration with the Army’s modernization priorities.

NEXT STEP: If you make it through the first round, you will be invited to pitch in person to some of the Army’s top scientists, engineers, program managers and Soldiers at one of the following locations of your choice U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Adelphi, Maryland or one of its regional locations in Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; and Playa Vista, California.

MORE INFORMATION:

Phase I

•June 15, 2018. Publish Request for Information with target technology areas and outreach events.

•July 11, 2018. Deadline for proposal submissions.

Phase II

•July 23, 2018. Adelphi Regional Semifinalists notified and invited to Tech Pitches.

•Week of July 30. Adelphi xTechSearch panel. Venue: ARL Open Campus, Adelphi, Maryland.

•July 30, 2018. Austin Regional Semifinalists notified and invited to Tech Pitches.

•Week of August 6-10. Austin xTechSearch panel. Venue: ARL South Campus, Austin, Texas.

•August 6, 2018. Chicago Regional Semifinalists notified and invited to Tech Pitches.

•Week of August 13-17. Chicago xTechSearch panel. Venue: ARL Central Campus, Chicago, Illinois.

•August 13, 2018. Boston Regional Semifinalists notified and invited to Tech Pitches.

•Week of August 20-24. Boston xTechSearch panel. Venue: ARL Northeast Campus, Boston, Massachusetts.

•August 20, 2018. Playa Vista Regional Semifinalists notified and invited to Tech Pitches.

•Week of August 27-31. Playa Vista xTechSearch panel. Venue: ARL West Campus, Playa Vista, California.

Phase III

•September 17, 2018. Phase III finalists notified and invited to AUSA annual meeting.

•October 8-10, 2018. Phase III AUSA Innovators’ Corner, Washington, D.C.

Phase IV

•April 2019. Capstone demonstration with senior Army leadership.

QUESTIONS: More information on xTechSearch is available at https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/army-expeditionary-technology-search-xtechsearch/. Visit the “Discussions” section for commonly asked questions and answers, or send email inquiries directly to: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-asa-alt.mbx.xtechsearch@mail.mil

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS: Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Posted in Contracts | Comments Off on Army Launches Technology Competition For Small Business Entrepreneurs

Ballard Subsidiary Protonex Receives Further $1M Power Manager Order for US Army

Tuesday, June 26th, 2018

VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA and SOUTHBOROUGH, MA, USA – Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) today announced that the Company’s subsidiary, Protonex, has received a further $1 million order for the supply of SPM-622 Squad Power Manager Kits to support U.S. Army brigades that are being deployed overseas.

“The U.S. Army’s focus on providing power management solutions for deployed forces shows how ‘power’ has become just as important as water, food and ammunition in the modern operating environment” said Ray Summers, Protonex Director of Military Sales. He continued, “Having an SPM-622 Squad Power Manager Kit is like having a multi-tool for power in your rucksack. With such a system, troops can easily scavenge power from any DC source to keep their batteries and devices constantly operational – no matter where they are.”

The PTX SPM-622 Squad Power Manager intelligently manages energy between batteries and electronic equipment. It works as an intelligent power harvester and scavenger, an automatic voltage converter, a universal power hub, and it’s safe and easy-to-use. It is also robust and waterproof to support missions in harsh environments with extreme temperatures and no infrastructure.

The Squad Power Manager has proven itself as a mission-essential tactical tool because it reduces a units’ battery burden, while increasing up-time and operational effectiveness. The SPM-622 supports a wide range electronic systems, including solutions for; Medical / Prolonged Field Care; Explosive Ordinance Demolition; Unmanned Air and Ground Systems; HF / UHF Radios and SATCOM Terminals; Recon, Surveillance and Targeting; Smartphones, Tablets and Computers; and more…

The PTX SPM-622 Squad Power Manager system is manufactured Protonex’s facility in Southborough, Massachusetts. The PTX series of Power Management Systems are in operation with United States, NATO, and Other Partner Nations forces around the world.

For further information about PTX Power Management Solutions from Protonex, go to www.PTXnomad.com. If you’re attending Warrior East on the 11th and 12th of July, visit the PTX crew at Booth # 103.

Tags: Ballard, Protonex
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Power | 1 Comment »

P320 X-Carry to Become the Standard Service Pistol for the Danish Ministry of Defense

Monday, June 25th, 2018

We just got this announcement from SIG. It’s a pretty big deal for them and Denmark isn’t the only recent adoption of the P320 X-Carry.

Newington, N.H. (June 25, 2018) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the Danish Ministry of Defense (MoD) has selected the SIG SAUER P320 X-Carry to replace their standard service pistol covering the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The Danish MoD is the ministry within the Danish government charged with ensuring peace and security, both nationally and internationally, and is comprised of the Danish armed forces, the Danish Defense Intelligence Service, and the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

The procurement process for the Danish MoD’s new standard service pistol lasted four weeks in which the Glock 17 Gen 5, Beretta APX, Canik TP 9 SF, and the SIG P320 X-Carry, were tested under all possible conditions and varying circumstances that the pistol would be used. Testing for accuracy, night shooting, and field testing were conducted by the Army, Navy, Air Force, and SOCOM. Additional drop, penetration, and precision testing were conducted by various selected experts for each of the contenders.

“By far SIG SAUER’s P320 X-Carry outperformed the competition throughout our rigorous and stringent testing process,” Tom Elvius-Brisson, Chief of Weaponry Branch, Danish Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization. “The P320 X-Carry pistol is the modern firearm we were looking for to support our soldiers. The P320 X-Carry has a larger magazine capacity, comes reflex red-dot ready for sighting, and has the ability to incorporate a suppressor – all extremely important features to our soldiers for their sidearm today and are all features which were missing on the current pistol in service in the Danish Defense.”

The P320 X-Carry is a modular, striker-fired pistol with a serialized trigger group available in varying grip sizes and adaptable to multiple calibers. The standard service P320 X-Carry pistol that will be issued by the Danish MoD comes with an enhanced X-carry polymer grip, flat trigger, extended beaver tail, extended removable magwell, and a deep trigger guard undercut. The pistol will come standard with XRAY 3 Night-Sights with the option to easily interchange reflex red-dot sights. The intuitive 3-point takedown requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety, disconnect safety, and optional manual safety.

The SIG SAUER P320 X-Carry will replace all pistols currently in service across the Danish Ministry of Defense.

“At SIG SAUER we are committed to manufacturing and providing firearms for the global military and defense community that surpass expectations in quality, performance, and safety. We are very proud that the P320 continues to be the top choice by military and law enforcement from around the world as their standard issue pistol.” added Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER, Inc. “It’s an honor to earn the confidence of the Danish Ministry of Defense, to support their mission, and to strengthen our partnership through this selection of the SIG SAUER P320 X-Carry.”

Denmark is the first European NATO country to officially select a SIG SAUER P320 series pistol as the officially issued standard service firearm. The MOD contract will be serviced by our partner in Denmark, CT Solutions ApS.

www.sigsauer.com

Tags: Sig Sauer
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | 13 Comments »

L3 and Optics 1 Awarded Opportunity to Provide Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder to US Army

Friday, June 22nd, 2018

The Department of Defense recently announced that L3 Technologies and Optics 1 are the two vendors who will compete for each one the of Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finders (STORM) for the US Army.

L3 Technologies Inc., Londonderry, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0007); and Optics 1 Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire (W91CRB-18-D-0008), will compete for each order of the $236,019,734 firm-fixed-price contract for the Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted Micro-Laser Range Finder. Bids were solicited via the Internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 20, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

The program has been around for many years. This 2013 video from PEO Soldier goes over the basic attributes of STORM. Hoever, new systems procured from this contract will offer improved performance.

Seen here is the STORM PI by L3 Insight Technologies.

It offers integrated infrared (IR) illumination and aiming lasers (IR and variable), and a Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC). When operated in conjunction with a GPS, may be used to display target location as geo-spatial coordinates (grid or slant). When weapon-mounted, the visible aim laser enables the STORM to be co-aligned with existing optics, and the IR illuminator and IR aim laser facilitate target acquisition and aiming in low ambient light conditions.

The Optics 1 offering is said to be a larger version of their Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-Mounted Rangefinder (I-CUGR), seen above, with improved capabilities.

Tags: L3, Optics 1
Posted in Contracts, Optics, Sensors | 6 Comments »

Texas Department of Public Safety Selects SIG SAUER P320

Friday, June 22nd, 2018

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 20, 2018) – Today, SIG SAUER, Inc., announced the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) has integrated the SIG SAUER P320 as its official service firearm throughout its divisions.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is the statewide agency responsible for law enforcement and vehicle registration headquartered in Austin, Texas. The TXDPS is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country and is comprised of thirteen divisions including the Texas Highway Patrol, and the Texas Rangers.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the Texas Department of Public Safety and honored that they have chosen the SIG SAUER P320 as their official service firearm,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The modularity and ability to customize the P320 pistol, combined with the ultimate in reliability and accuracy, made it the right choice for the diverse needs, across all divisions, for the Texas Department of Safety.”

The P320 is a modular, striker-fired pistol available in full-size, carry, compact, and subcompact sizing. The serialized trigger group makes the P320 adaptable to multiple caliber, size, and grip options. The P320 is available in 9mm, .357SIG, 40S&W, and .45ACP, with a choice of contrast, or SIGLITE Night Sights. The intuitive 3-point takedown requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety, disconnect safety, and optional manual safety.

The Texas Department of Public Safety will acquire 4,000 SIG SAUER P320 pistols for official service use throughout the TXDPS Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations Divisions (CID), Aircraft Division, Executive Protection Bureau, Intelligence and Counterterrorism, Texas Rangers, SWAT, and Special Operations Group.

“To earn the confidence of such a highly revered law enforcement agency is truly a privilege for all of us within the SIG SAUER organization. We value and appreciate the opportunity to assist the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety in carrying out its mission – to protect and serve the citizens of Texas,” concluded Jankiewicz.

www.sigsauer.com

Tags: Sig Sauer
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

US Army Announces Intent To Award 3 Additional Sole Source Contracts For Sub Compact Weapons

Saturday, June 16th, 2018

Last month, Project Manager – Soldier Weapons (PM-SW) queried industry about commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) Sub Compact Weapons (SCW) In 9mm. The SCW is a highly concealable sub compact weapon system capable of engaging threat personnel with a high volume of lethal and accurate fires at close range with minimal collateral damage. An SCW includes but is not limited to functional weapon, magazines, cleaning kits, suppressors, specialized tool kit (if required), spare parts, slings, carrying cases, manuals.

Last week, they announced the intent to award firm fixed price sole source contracts to 10 companies. The weapons purchased will be evaluated to help inform current industry capabilities. What is learned will be used to create an SCW Capability Production Document for the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, so that a solicitation may be crafted.

Currently, Personal Security Detail (PSD) made up primarily of Military Police, utilize pistols and M4 carbines. However, there is an operational need for additional concealability and lethality. Failure to provide the selected SCW for assessment and evaluation will leave PSD military personnel with a capability gap which can result in increased war fighter casualties and jeopardize the success of the U.S. mission.

On 15 June, PM Soldier Weapons stated it also intends to solicit and award sole source contracts to the following:

Award Number: W15QKN-18-P-0048
Awardee: Heckler and Koch Defense Inc for HK UMP9 Sub Compact Weapon
Amount: $10,850.00

Award Number: W15QKN-18-P-0049
Awardee: Angstadt Arms Corporation for Angstadt UDP-9 Sub Compact Weapon
Amount: $15,950.00

Award Number: W15QKN-18-P-0050
Awardee: Noveske Corporation for Noveske Sub Compact Weapon
Amount: $17,200.00

Posted in Contracts, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 18 Comments »

Persistent Systems, LLC to Provide Network Technology for Endeavor Robotics’ $10M Order from USMC

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018

Wave Relay® MANET developer will support Endeavor’s award by providing radio network for FirstLook® Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)New York, N.Y. – June 12, 2018 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), developer of the Wave Relay® mobile ad hoc network (MANET), announced that they will supply radio network technology and systems for Endeavor Robotics’ recently announced order from the U.S. Marine Corps. Under the $10 million award, Endeavor will provide the Marines with its FirstLook UGV, a five-pound, ruggedized surveillance robot supported by the Wave Relay® MANET.

Persistent will provide the secure, long-range IP connectivity between Endeavor’s UGV and its uPoint® Multi-Robot Control System, supporting command and control, video, and the transmission of other critical sensor data. The FirstLook robot is often used to clear buildings and see into deep tunnels, crawl spaces, and other complex environments where the Wave Relay® MANET uses 3×3 MIMO technology to route data around those obstacles for increased throughput and maximized network performance.

“We appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with Endeavor Robotics and support the Marine Corps by providing a reliable network connection to their UGV platforms, allowing Marines to assess and neutralize dangerous situations from a safe distance,” said Herb Rubens, CEO of Persistent Systems. Persistent has previously supported the U.S. Marine Corps with communications and situational awareness exercises using the MPU5 radio and Wave Relay® MANET.

“Superior radio communications are key to FirstLook’s mission success,” said Sean Bielat, Endeavor Robotics CEO. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Persistent as we work together to build dependable robotic systems for the Marines.”

Tags: Endeavor Robotics, Persistent Systems
Posted in Comms, Contracts, Robotics | Comments Off on Persistent Systems, LLC to Provide Network Technology for Endeavor Robotics’ $10M Order from USMC

Tampa Police Department Replaces Official Duty Pistol with SIG SAUER P320

Tuesday, June 12th, 2018

Newington, N.H. (June 11, 2018) – SIG SAUER, Inc., is pleased to announce the Tampa Police Department will replace their official duty pistol from the Smith & Wesson M&P, to the SIG SAUER P320. The Tampa Police Department has over 1,000 sworn officers, covering three districts that encompass the entire municipality of Tampa, Florida.

“SIG SAUER is honored to earn the trust of the men and women of the Tampa Police Department through their selection of the P320 pistol as their official duty pistol,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice president, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The modularity of the P320, with its ability to select grip size, combined with the proven reliability, accuracy, and safety of the firearm made it the right choice for this diverse group of officers.”

The Tampa Police Department will acquire 1,375, P320 pistols to replace their current Smith & Wesson M&P’s as the approved official duty pistol.

“We here at SIG SAUER are very proud to gain the confidence of the Tampa PD and assist them in safely carrying out their department’s mission – to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life through a cooperative partnership with all citizens,” concluded Jankiewicz.

www.sigsauer.com

Tags: Sig Sauer
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, LE, Press Release | 30 Comments »