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Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

Polaris Wins Canadian Special Forces Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle Contract

Wednesday, December 21st, 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (December 20, 2016) — Public Works and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has awarded its Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle (ULCV) contract to Polaris, following an open and competitive bid process. The $15.5 USD million contract includes DAGOR vehicles, maintenance and operator training, spare parts, and the option for additional vehicles (at an additional cost) to meet the requirements of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM).

Ultralight ground mobility is at the forefront of many military’s needs – especially the Canadian Special Forces, which can deploy on extremely short notice for counter-terrorism operations and other time-sensitive Special Operation Forces (SOF) missions. The DAGOR ultra-light combat vehicle is just as deployable and was designed to be modular and light-weight to support a variety of expeditionary missions.

The ULCV contract is structured to provide CANSOFCOM with a custom vehicle to meet Canada’s unique SOF requirement. The flexible DAGOR platform will undergo engineering and mission configurations to incorporate new features and capabilities, including redesigned payload configuration, weapons mounts, electrical system improvements, and integrated communication systems. The final vehicle configuration, testing, and production of the ULCV will be a collaborative effort with CANSOFCOM.

“We are extremely pleased to have won the contract following the competitive process to provide our DAGOR vehicles to CANSOFCOM as this major international program award builds on our strong current domestic base,” said John Olson, PhD, vice president and general manager of Polaris Government and Defense. “We are proud to partner with the Canadian government and industry to deliver this ground mobility capability and the lifecycle support to smartly sustain it. Our program management, engineering, operations, and logistics teams are looking forward to working closely with our Canadian customer.

Olson added, “We greatly appreciated PSPC’s professionalism and found the ULCV procurement to be rigorous, thorough and well-executed as they delivered clear requirements, were extremely responsive to industry questions, and crisply executed the entire effort.”

With seating for up to nine, DAGOR comprises the optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility. DAGOR gives an advantage back to dismounted warfighters, allowing formations to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue. And its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47 and C-130.

Polaris Government and Defense vehicles deliver a coveted combination of deployability, versatility and off-road mobility, forged from more than 60 years of off-road vehicle experience that is simply unmatched. Vehicles include the rugged Sportsman MV 850, the modular and nimble MRZR, and the DAGOR, which expands upon the range, payload and off-road mobility of any previous tactical off-road vehicle. The enhanced tactical mobility provided by Polaris Government and Defense gives an advantage back to dismounted troops, allowing formations to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue. Polaris FSR support is scalable worldwide and includes military vehicle training, service and maintenance. It also can be supplemented internationally through the Polaris network of distributors. And because Polaris vehicles are in service throughout the world, there is a high degree of interoperability and commonality among U.S. and allied forces.

www.polaris.com

Wolverine Worldwide Applauds Passage Of Defense Bill Directing Armed Services To Procure US Made Athletic Footwear

Friday, December 9th, 2016

Yesterday marked final passage by the Senate of the 2017 NDAA which includes the language that will have military issue athletic footwear made in the United States. This is a HUGE win for the Berry Amendment, the warfighter, and the domestic industrial base. My congratulations to everyone who made this happen.

Saucony Now Producing Footwear in Michigan
Defense Department to Provide American-made Athletic Footwear to Troops

Rockford, Michigan, December 8, 2016 — Wolverine Worldwide (NYSE: WWW) today hailed the passage of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the defense bill that sets the policy and spending levels for the fiscal year. Included in the final version of the NDAA is language directing the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to comply with the Berry Amendment and provide 100% American-made athletic footwear to recruits upon their initial entry to basic training. The Department of Defense has been providing a cash allowance to new service members for foreign-made athletic footwear. U.S. Marine recruits have been required to spend their own funds on these items.

Wolverine Worldwide is the parent company of Saucony, a manufacturer of high performance running shoes as well as of Bates footwear, the largest and most capable provider of combat boots, dress uniform and other footwear to the military. This legislation will positively impact footwear manufacturing in Michigan as well as the industrial base throughout the United States.

Members of the Michigan, Massachusetts, South Dakota and New Hampshire Congressional delegations, notably Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), Senator John Thune (R-SD), Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI), Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD), Representative Niki Tsongas (D-MA) and Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) have strongly supported this provision. Their hard work and leadership during NDAA consideration has ensured that recruits will have access to high-quality, American-made athletic footwear for military training and will help expand manufacturing for footwear and related components throughout the United States.

“I thank those members of Congress who have worked to sustain domestic manufacturing and ensure our warfighters train in American-made footwear,” said Blake Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide’s chairman, chief executive officer and president. “Congressional support for American-made products for the Department of Defense clearly demonstrates an understanding of the importance of maintaining a critical industrial capability within our country and ensures that soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines will be provided with a choice of technically advanced, durable, American-made athletic shoes for use in basic training.”

Since 1941, the Berry Amendment has required the Department of Defense to purchase American-made and sourced clothing, textiles, foods, and other essential military items for our men and women in uniform. The purpose of the Berry Amendment is to ensure that the United States is able to maintain viable domestic industries to support the needs of the Armed Services.

Wolverine Worldwide recently expanded its manufacturing plant located in Big Rapids, Michigan and employs more than 600 people who proudly build a broad spectrum of footwear for the Department of Defense. Products manufactured in Big Rapids include combat boots for the service branches, mountain combat boots for Special Operations Forces, and military dress shoes. Wolverine is adding an advanced manufacturing line for Berry-compliant Saucony running shoes in preparation for the pursuit of government awards. The company is looking forward to expanding upon this American-made athletic footwear capability to serve the Department of Defense as well as commercial markets.

Saucony is a leading global performance running brand founded in Pennsylvania in 1898. The brand is known for its best-in-class design, innovation and performance technology. Saucony has recently expanded its technical research laboratory in Waltham, Massachusetts where the company performs material testing as well as biomechanical, physiological, and sensory analysis of runners.

For additional information, please visit, www.wolverineworldwide.com.

Seattle Police SWAT and King County (WA) Sheriff’s Office SWAT Adopt the B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. MAWL Laser Aiming System

Thursday, November 24th, 2016

November 21st, 2016 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Advanced Photonics, which specializes in laser systems for national defense, law enforcement, and aerospace is proud to announce that their Modular Advanced Weapon Laser (MAWL™) has been adopted as the new standard by both the Seattle Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), as well as the King County (WA) Sheriff’s Office Special Operations team.

These two teams provide tactical response services for over 2 million citizens in the greater Seattle area. Both SPD SWAT and KCSO SWAT explored multiple laser aiming systems before choosing the MAWL™ for their weapon pointing and illumination requirements in June 2016. The MAWL™ enables their SWAT officers to safely and effectively conduct high-risk tasks in complex low-light environments.

Officer Kirk Waldorf, Seattle Police SWAT Team R&D Lead said, “When my team decided to improve our night vision capabilities, we evaluated four of the best aiming devices available. The MAWL™ was without equal, and no other device offered the capabilities and functions of the B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. system. In the end, we decided not to compromise on quality or performance and chose the MAWL™ for the entire team.” Deputy Tony Mullinax, KCSO Special Operations said, “The MAWL™ has dramatically increased our ability to safely operate at night, allowing us to make better decisions about if and when to use force.”

As the first US law enforcement departments to adopt the MAWL™ using the FDA law enforcement variance for this system, the teams were trained on the advantages of the MAWL™ system by Presscheck Consulting and Tap-Rack Tactical, both of which provide specialized training in operating under night vision in tactical situations.

Matt Meyers, President of B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. said, “We’re excited that the first teams to adopt the MAWL™ are local law enforcement organizations that B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. has had relationships with since our founding in 1974. Both Seattle PD and King County Sheriff’s Office SWAT are highly regarded professionals who display proficiency in tactical operations, and we are honored that they chose us to meet their equipment needs.”

For more information on the MAWL™ and other B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. products, please visit the company’s website at www.bemeyers.com, and the MAWL™ website at www.bemeyers-mawl.us, or contact sales@bemeyers.com.

Armor Express Awarded Prestigious $93.8 Million ID/IQ Contract with the Department of Homeland Security

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016

Thousands of officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, TSA, Federal Protective Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and FEMA to benefit from the most advanced body armor solutions

CENTRAL LAKE, Mich., Nov. 17, 2016/PRNewswire/ — Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. (“Armor Express”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor solutions, is proud to announce that the Company has been awarded a seven-year, $93.8 million Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under the terms of the contract (Solicitation #: HSBP1016R0004), Armor Express will provide its cutting-edge Razor™ Level IIIA ballistic system, along with four carriers specifically designed to support DHS requirements. Over 90,000 officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Protective Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stand to benefit from this latest DHS award.

“This is a major win for Armor Express and we are truly honored to serve one of the finest and most comprehensive federal departments in the world,” stated Matt Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Armor Express. “We have collaborated with a number of federal agencies over the years, providing a range of concealable and tactical armor solutions to officers who require high-performance and flexible coverage to do their jobs effectively and in the safest way. This latest award is another testament to the quality of our products and the DHS’ trust in our industry-proven solutions.”

Created in response to the September 11 attacks, the Department of Homeland Security’s primary responsibility is safeguarding the nation from the many threats it faces. As the third largest Cabinet department, after the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the DHS requires the dedication of more than 240,000 officers in roles that range from anti-terrorism to aviation and border security, immigration and customs, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management.

The DHS was looking to outfit its federal officers with customized concealable and tactical carriers, integrated with NIJ 0101.06 certified, Level IIIA ballistics to create the most advanced, comfortable and flexible system to meet agency requirements. Armor Express was selected as one of three body armor suppliers to fulfill the needs of the DHS-specified carrier design. Based on extensive and stringent criteria, the Company was chosen for its ballistic performance, design and engineering specifications, overall reliability, and past performance.

The Razor™ Ballistic System has been tested to the most strenuous requirements, including the NIJ 0101.06 certification, FBI Protocol, DEA Frag Standards, as well as numerous critical special threats. It is designed around revolutionary fiber technology including FMT Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from DSM Dyneema® and TWARON Microfilament® Aramid from Teijin. The carrier, which is available in both male and female versions, provides the ultimate in concealability and flexibility, offering a lightweight ballistic package for officers and agents who require incredible protection under the most extreme environments.

Thousands of federal law enforcement officers across the country rely on Armor Express’ solutions, many of them from the largest and most prestigious agencies in the world. Federal departments Armor Express has served include the U.S. Marshals, U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, among others.

Mr. Davis continued, “We are extremely proud to serve the courageous officers and first responders at the Department of Homeland Security, and at large. Our entire team remains committed to advancing protective solutions, whether soft or hard armor, as the products we make, save lives. Our technology partners, including DSM and Teijin have been instrumental in advancing ballistic science and we commend them for their continued commitment to officer safety. As we move forward, we see significant opportunities to continue to drive innovation and further expand our offerings and reach. Providing end-users with peace-of-mind and bringing them home safe to their families remains our #1 priority.”

www.armorexpress.com

Mission Ready’s Protect The Force Develops the US Marines Next Generation Ballistic Base Layer

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

VANCOUVER, B.C. – November 22, 2016 – Mission Ready Services Inc. (“Mission Ready” or the “Company”) (TSX-V : MRS) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Marines Next Generation Body Armor development project (the “Project”) for the United States Marine Corps (“USMC”). Following a contract award by the Marine Corps Systems Command (“MARSYSCOM”), the Project was completed on schedule and under budget.

Managed by Francisco Martinez, Chief Technical Officer of Protect The Force (“PTF”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, the two year Project was funded through the Department of the Navy (“DoN”) Office of Naval Research (“ONR”) Rapid Innovation Fund (“RIF”), the revolutionary combat shirt, the Ballistic Base Layer (“BBL”), is now being readied for field deployment in keeping with the RIF objective to accelerate fielding of innovative technologies into military systems.

Mr. Martinez states, “The Marines Next Generation Body Armor is a Marine-unique development that integrates a number of life saving features. The BBL is a First-of-a-Kind protective combat shirt, specifically tailored to the Marine Corps equipment requirements, that addresses deficiencies identified by injuries recorded through Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. PTF is honored to have been selected by ONR and MARCORSYSCOM to develop the Ballistic Base Layer.”

The BBL is a revolutionary armored shirt worn under the Marines Body Armor Vest that integrates modular deltoid, yoke and collar protection into an athletic flame resistant combat shirt. Newly developed breathable fragment protective knits were integrated into the sleeves and lower torso for additional protection against fragments resulting from Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonations.

The Marines Product Manager Clothing Infantry Equipment (“PdM ICE”) was the recipient of 100+ prototypes of the BBL and 6 additional prototypes with integrated micro climate cooling tubes.

Mr. Martinez further states, “The PM-ICE technical staff and all the contracting groups supporting the effort were a delight to work with and we are honored to have received their input and support. We look forward to working with the Marines PdM ICE as the requirements for the BBL are finalized and the item is fielded. Additionally, we wish to thank all of our employees, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers for their support in successfully developing the Marines Next Generation Ballistic Base Layer and look forward to continue working with them.”

www.missionready.ca

USSOCOM To Conduct Market Research and Industry Day For Next Generation Communications Accessories

Friday, November 11th, 2016

Program Manager Special Operations Forces – Survival, Support, and Equipment Systems (PM-SOF SSES) is comducting q Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) and an Industry Day (ID) to discuss compatibility between the Next Generation Hand Held (NGHH) Radio and the manufacture of Communications Accessories (Headsets, Cables, and Push-To-Talk (PTT) Devices).

1st Special Forces Command in conjunction with PM-SOF SSES and Harris Corporation, manufacturers of the NGHH, are investigating the ability of industry to meet compatibility and performance requirements of COMACC that would operate with the NGHH Radio. COMACC is the interface between SOF tactical radio systems and the operator for voice communications. The focal point of this event is the compatibility with legacy COMACC, future COMACC and new generation SOF radios.

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of communications equipment, communications accessories, or integrators are invited to submit a capability statement describing their experience in these fields to the POCs identified in this announcement. PM-SOF SSES representatives, Harris Corporation NGHH program managers and radio communications technical experts, and military force modernization equipment subject matter experts will be in attendance to discuss COMACC and NGHH capabilities and requirements.

The Indsustry Day will be held 29 November 2016; 0900 – 1500 EST at the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown in Rochester, NY.

To learn more with detailed instruction on how to participate, visit www.fbo.gov.

Nordic Combat Uniform System

Friday, November 4th, 2016

The Nordic Combat Uniform system (NCU) is a cooperation among Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden with the goal of procuring a combat uniform system with accessories.  It is intended as an all service (army, navy, air force, home guard and special forces) combat uniform system for male and female soldiers. It is an inner to outer combat uniform system (from head to toe), which is functional in worldwide operations.


The concept is to come up with a multi-layer combat uniform system which is functional in arctic, tropical and arid environments.  While a common Nordic camouflage pattern has been looked at, it is not a component of NCU at this time.  Consequently, any NCU components will be procured by the various countries in their national patterns.  

NCU should provide:
– Improved combat endurance for the Soldier
– Improved protection from environmental and other indirect threats
– Improved modularity and flexibility
– Reduced overall weight and volume over legacy systems

NCU will replace:
– Light and heavy field uniform in Woodland/MultiCam patterns
– Light arod and tropical uniforms
– Shell garments in Woodland/MultiCam and Arid patterns
– Insulation jacket/trousers
– Under Armor (Combat) Shirt in Woodland and Arid patterns
– Winter Camouflage uniform (overwhites)
– Base and Mid layer clothing

NCU will also determine whether hand and footwear should be rolled into the program.

Although the initial concept goes back to 2011, the program is currently underway with selection of candidiate items coming soon along with Developmental and Operational Testing. The program hopes to begin fielding by 2019.

To keep tabs on the program, visit www.nordefco.org/ncu.

3M Subsidiary Wins Contracts for Two US Army Soldier Protection Programs

Friday, November 4th, 2016

This is major news. The Integrated Head Protection System component of PEO Soldier’s next generation Personal Protective Equipment program called Soldier Protection System, has been in source selection quite awhile. Gentex and Revision also competed for this program. Congratulations to 3M Ceradyne!

Company will deliver next-generation lightweight helmets and body armor inserts for the Soldier Protection System

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nov. 1, 2016 – The U.S. Army has selected Ceradyne, Inc., a 3M company, as the awardee for two low-rate initial production (LRIP) contracts for next-generation helmet systems and hard body armor inserts as part of the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) and Vital Torso Protection (VTP) – Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) components of the Soldier Protection System (SPS).

The Army designed the IHPS to give soldiers a lighter-weight ballistic helmet system that also provides passive hearing protection and increased blunt-impact performance. This helmet system includes numerous accessories, including a mandible, visor, night vision goggle attachment device, rails and modular ballistic applique. The contract awarded to Ceradyne is valued at over $7 million for the delivery of more than 5,300 IHPS helmet systems. Production is expected to start in 2017.

The VTP will equip soldiers with lighter-weight body armor inserts. The $36 million contract is for the production of more than 30,000 ESAPI, with production also expected to start in 2017. This VTP award is an addition to a previous $34 million award, for a total of $70 million on the VTP LRIP contract.

“We are honored to be the awardee of these prestigious contracts,” said Cheryl Ingstad, business manager, Advanced Ceramics Platform – Defense, 3M. “The SPS program represents the highest level of lightweight technology to date. Our focus from the onset has been to meet the Army’s stringent specifications for the SPS, and that will continue as we move into initial production. As a leading science company, 3M has deep expertise in advanced lightweight materials, which, combined with our proven production history, differentiates our defense offerings.”

The SPS will replace the Army’s current personal protective equipment (PPE) system. It is designed to defeat current threats while providing an overall weight reduction for soldiers compared to existing PPE. Both the IHPS and VTP began as research and development programs with multiple contenders.

Ceradyne has delivered more than 120,000 enhanced combat helmets (ECH) to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps since 2014. The ECH offers the highest protection level of any helmet in the U.S. Armed Forces inventory, even protecting against certain small arms threats. Ceradyne has also delivered more than 2 million hard body armor inserts to the U.S. Armed Forces to date.

For more information about soldier protection solutions provided by 3M, visit www.3M.com/Defense.