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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.

Tags: PM-SSES
Posted in Comms, Contracts, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM To Conduct Market Research and Industry Day For Next Generation Communications Accessories

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.

Posted in Clothing, Contracts, International | 7 Comments »

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.

Tags: 3M, Ceradyne
Posted in Contracts, Helmets, PEO-Soldier | 5 Comments »

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence Awards AeroVironment Contract for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Upgrades Valued at $10.3 Million

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016

Includes upgrade of existing AeroVironment Raven B systems to digital data link and adoption of AeroVironment’s family of small UAS, including Puma AE and Wasp AE systems

Second contract from Dutch military for AeroVironment small UAS

MONROVIA, Calif., Oct. 31, 2016 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for both military and commercial applications, today announced the receipt of a contract from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence on October 14 for small UAS, upgrades and support services totaling $10,321,375. Delivery is anticipated within six months.

The contract encompasses AeroVironment’s entire family of fixed wing small UAS and includes Digital Data Link (DDL) upgrades to the Dutch forces’ existing fleet of Raven® B systems, battle-proven Puma™ AE, Wasp® AE Micro Air Vehicle (MAV), and Ground Control Systems (GCS), as well as comprehensive support services.

The Netherlands procured AeroVironment Raven systems for the first time in 2008. AeroVironment has provided support services to the Netherlands since 2008.

“The Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) evaluated our extensive operational experience with the AeroVironment Raven system against competing systems available both domestically and internationally,” the DMO stated. “After careful deliberation and consideration of total value, DMO decided not only to upgrade our existing analog Raven systems with AeroVironment’s digital data link, but also to procure the complete AeroVironment family of fixed wing small UAS. This builds on our initial investment and equips our forces with the most capable and reliable small UAS in the world.”

“There is no greater statement of confidence in our company and our products than when customers place follow-on orders with us,” said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. “We are proud to provide the brave members of the Dutch armed forces with small UAS uniquely capable of helping them proceed with certainty, even in the most uncertain conditions.”

About AeroVironment Small UAS

RQ-11B Raven®, RQ-12 Wasp®, RQ-20A and B Puma™ and Shrike VTOL™ comprise AeroVironment’s Family of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Operating with a common ground control system (GCS), this Family of Systems provides increased capability to the warfighter that can give ground commanders the option of selecting the appropriate aircraft based on the type of mission to be performed. This increased capability has the potential to provide significant force protection and force multiplication benefits to small tactical units and security personnel. AeroVironment provides logistics services worldwide to ensure a consistently high level of operational readiness and provides mission services for customers requiring only the information its small UAS produce. AeroVironment has delivered tens of thousands of new and replacement small unmanned air vehicles to customers within the United States and to more than 30 international governments.

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides customers with more actionable intelligence so they can proceed with certainty. Based in California, AeroVironment is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, tactical missile systems and electric vehicle charging and test systems, and serves militaries, government agencies, businesses and consumers. For more information visit www.avinc.com.

Tags: AeroVironment
Posted in Contracts, International, ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on The Netherlands Ministry of Defence Awards AeroVironment Contract for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Upgrades Valued at $10.3 Million

AFSOC Selects Christini Technologies All Wheel Drive Motorcycles

Friday, October 14th, 2016

Christini Technologies Inc. (CTI) announces the awarding of a contract from the U.S. Air Force for the delivery of 54 CHRISTINI All Wheel Drive 450E Military Edition motorcycles. The award was the result of an open bidding process. Christini had previously delivered All Wheel Drive motorcycles to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Border Patrol, UK military, UAE, Jordan, and other NATO forces.

Steve Christini, CEO of CTI commented: “After rigorous testing and evaluation of our All Wheel Drive motorcycles by many different military units, Christini Technologies has emerged as the manufacturer providing the technology and capabilities required by the US Special Forces. This significant Air Force order validates the safety and performance benefits our AWD motorcycle technology provides to riders of all skill levels. The USAF had other options in conventional rear wheel drive machines, however, our AWD motorcycle better fit their needs for a safer and more capable motorcycle under the toughest of conditions. We are pleased to be able to offer a technology that will help accomplish the USAF missions and look forward to continuing to grow our sales and presence as a preferred provider for the US military.”

Christini AWD is partnering with Tactical Mobility Training (TMT) of Fayetteville, NC for the off road motorcycle training as well as maintenance training for the USAF. Over the past ten years, Tactical Mobility Training (TMT) has trained SOF forces of the military for troops deploying to Afghanistan, Africa, and the Middle East using a wide range of mobility equipment. To properly train our military, TMT sought to identify a platform that could traverse the same paths as horses and personnel; motorcycles were an obvious choice. After significant testing, and more than 200 troops riding the Christini AWD machines, TMT partnered with CTI to field a military grade motorcycle that was safer and more capable. The result is a specialized training program that takes personnel through flat, sandy, urban, and mountainous terrain to prove that motorcycles are a game-changer on the battlefield.

Individuals interested in purchasing a CHRISTINI AWD Motorcycle should contact the company at 215-351-9895 or visit the CHRISTINI AWD website at www.christini.com.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | 16 Comments »

USSOCOM To Host Family of Tactical Headborne Systems Industry Day

Friday, October 14th, 2016

It’s full steam ahead for USSOCOM regarding development of a new helmet(s). On the heels of the final delivery of items developed under the Advancement Of Headborne Systems Technologies BAA effort, they will hold an industry Day for their planned Family of Tactical Headborne Systems.

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will conduct a briefing to Industry in support of the FTHS program. This Industry Day will occur on Tuesday, 15 November 2016, from 0800 to approximately 1700 at the Natick Soldier Systems Center (NSSC), 15 General Greene Avenue, Natick, MA 01760.

Revision Military delivered their BAA prototypes first and unveiled the system during AUSA. Gentex previewed their system to us during Modern Day Marine. Both have some great features. 3M Ceradyne is said to also have participated in the project but no one in the booth at AUSA knew anything about their effort.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 339999, with a Small Business size standard of 500 employees. Businesses with the following NAICS codes may also participate in the Industry Day: 339999, 314999, 326199, 315280, 39920, and 541712.

Interested parties must register. Visit www.fbo.gov for details.

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, PM-SOF, SOF | 1 Comment »

MCL Wins Further Hearing Protection Order From UK MOD

Tuesday, September 27th, 2016

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL), a Cohort plc company working with INVISIO Communications A/S, has received a further order for its S10 Tactical Hearing Protection Systems from the UK Ministry of Defence.

The order, valued at more than £2 million, will provide hearing protection for RAF, Royal Navy and Reservist personnel and follows this month’s completion of the initial order supplying more than 19,000 systems to the British Army. MCL and INVISIO completed the programme five months ahead of schedule, with the contract including a full support package for the next four years, training, documentation, spares and project management.

Under the latest order, MCL and INVISIO will also provide a full support package for the next three years, with the option to extend for a further three years.

MCL Managing Director Darren Allery commented: “The THPS DCCU contract is a great success and we are delighted to receive this follow on order. Our size, agility and partnership with INVISIO and the MOD has enabled us to achieve the in service date ahead of schedule and complete deliveries to the Army well within the schedule.”

Commenting on the INVISIO S10, Major General Richard Talbot Rice, Director Land Equipment, said: “The INVISIO S10 hearing protection system will deliver a key capability for the Armed Forces, providing first rate situational awareness and better prevents hearing damage to personnel on operations whilst offering more comfort.”

The S10 Tactical Hearing Protection Systems for the Dismounted Close Combat User (THPS DCCU) are a significant step forward in the technology designed to protect the user’s hearing in training and combat situations.

It is an in-ear hearing protection and communication system for use on a single radio and consists of an in-ear hearing protection headset with control unit housing the electronics for situational awareness and impulse noise protection. It is made up of two components the X5 Bone Conduction Hearing Protection Headset and the inline control unit.

(The MCL/INVISIO S10 Tactical Hearing Protection System)

The system uses advanced digital signal processing, miniaturised audio components and ergonomic headset design to provide the most natural hearing possible. Instead of traditional sound wave technology, the patented INVISIO Bone Conduction Technology uses a small and comfortable in-ear microphone that picks up vibrations from the user’s jawbone. The vibrations are converted into sound, delivering crystal clear communication under extreme conditions, even when whispering.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on MCL Wins Further Hearing Protection Order From UK MOD

SureFire Scout Lights Now Authorized for USAF Use

Thursday, September 15th, 2016

We just found out from Quantico Tactical that the SureFire Scout Light is now authorized for use with USAF weapons. For years, the only authorized weapon light for rifles and carbines was the Insight M3X. These SureFire Scout Light Kits are authorized for use on ALL M4/M4A1s throughout the Air Force, not just Security Forces and are a unit purchase. I’m told told pricing is very competitive for the SureFire light and a unit can get the aluminum light and remote switch for less than the incumbent light. This is big news for Airmen, regardless of command. I know EOY is right around the corner, but this is something worth looking at.

The most recent USAF Small Arms and Light Weapons (SA/LW) Accessories List (Dated 15 April 2016) authorizes the below two configurations of the battle-proven Surefire Scout Light for use on all M4/M4A1s throughout the entire US Air Force.

M600 KIT 01 Consists of a Surefire M600V Scout Light coupled with a DS-SR07D-IT tailcap/remote switch. This combination gives you 350 Lumens of Visible Light and 120mW of IR illumination in a 7.2 ounce rugged hardcoat anodized package. The tailcap/tapeswitch controls both your Scout Light and PEQ-15. Additional feature include momentary or constant on via the rail-grabber waterproof switch, clock on/off on the tailcap and a system disable feature. Mounts directly to a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail and uses two CR123A batteries.

M600 KIT 02 consists of a Surefire M600U coupled with a UE07 tape switch. For those whose mission requires only visible light, this combination gives you 600 lumens of visible, focused light, a 7” remote tape switch and Surefire’s rugged durability. Mounts directly to a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail and uses two CR123A batteries.

Both configurations are available on Quantico Tactical’s GSA schedule, or for those who wish to use MILSTRIP/MIPRs via Quantico’s Defense Logstics Agency TLS Contract for Special Operational Equipment.

Quantico is running an introductory special GSA price of $399.25 for KIT 01 (Visible and IR) and $250.26 for KIT 01 (Visible).

For more information, download the flyer or e-mail GovtOps@QuanticoTactical.com

www.quanticotactical.com/USAF

Tags: Quantico Tactical, Surefire
Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Contracts, Lights | 21 Comments »