The Triple Aught Design packs in MultiCam haven’t even been released yet and already there is a solicitation for them.
The 306th RQS is looking for:
0001 – 45 EA: FAST Pack EDC (T00170) Multicam or equal
0002 – 45 EA: BC8 (T00041) pouch or equal
0003 – 45 EA: BC4 (T00040) pouch or equal
0004 – 45 EA: PRP (500061) pouch or equal
0005 – 45 EA: OP1 (T00059) pouch or equal
0006 – 45 EA: RDDP2 (T00062) pouch or equal
0007 – 45 EA: MOLLE Panel (T00055) Coyote Khaki or equal
Airborne Systems, a subsidiary of HDT Global (“HDTâ€), has been awarded a $27 million firm fixed-price IDIQ contract by the US Army’s Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) for the production and delivery of an estimated 3,600 Military Free Fall Advanced Ram Air Parachute Systems (MFF ARAPS) utilizing Airborne System’s Intruder parachute system. The contract includes an 18-month base ordering period and a 42-month optional ordering period.
ARAPS consists of the Intruder 360 main parachute, the Intruder 360 reserve parachute, and the Raider 2 harness/container. The system is also available from Airborne Systems with a smaller Intruder main and reserve canopy of 300 ft². This move will affect all US forces currently using the MC-4. In addition to replacing the MC-4, SOCOM funding will also replace all unit funded free fall parachutes currently in service.
On an interesting note, for the US military at least, all major military personnel parachute systems currently in use have been designed by Airborne Systems, including the T-11, MC-6, Hi-Glide, MC-4, MC-5 and now the Intruder. Airborne Systems is also responsible for the FireFly and DragonFly precision guided aerial delivery systems which are part of the Joint Precision Air Drop System (JPADS) program.
In a press release earlier today, Brad Pedersen, President, Airborne Systems had this to say, “We are honored the U.S. Army has selected Airborne Systems to support our warfighters with the best parachute technology available.†He went on, “Our solution is the best value for soldiers, offering increased safety and cutting edge technology. The Intruder system has been exclusively designed for the military jumper and is not an adaptation. Its versatility allows day or night and high or low altitude capabilities in a range of challenging environments to fully meet mission requirements.â€
“Airborne Systems has made major historical contributions to military ram-air parachute systems development,†added JC Berland, Chief Technology Officer, Airborne Systems, in the same press release. “These include the invention of the ram-air reserve parachute and the first military ram air parachute system, the MT-1. Airborne Systems also designed and produced the MC-4 and MC-5 parachute systems, the most popular military parachute systems in the world. The T-11 is also an excellent example of our technology lead in the parachute world.â€
The end of the fiscal year is literally weeks away and federal government organizations are scrambling to obligate funds before the 30th of September. ADS has announced their end of year schedule.
Sept 19th-23rd / 0800-1830
Sept 24th-25th / 0900-1200
Sept 26th / 0800-1900
Sept 27th / 0800-2000
Sept 28th / 0800-2100
Sept 29th / 0800-2200
Sept 30th / 0800-0200*
* Eastern Standard Time
Purchasing the gear you need couldn’t be easier. In addition to the SPECOPS Tailored Logistic Support (TLS) program, ADS is also part of the Fire & Emergency Services TLS program in addition to holding numerous GSA schedules. What’s more, you may be ordering gear from ADS and not even know it if you are using the the Standard Stock System. ADS supplies a multitude of items with NSNs. You can also order from ADS through DOD Emall or work through their strategic partners.
For the latest info about end of year activities, visit www.adsinc.com/eoy.
Tags: ADS Inc
Posted in ADS, Contracts | Comments Off on ADS Poised to Support Your End of Year Needs
Boston-based Ops-Core, Inc was awarded a contract last week to supply the Norwegian Army with their Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) helmet. The FAST helmet will replace the current PASGT style aramid helmet manufactured by Cato Ringstad AS.
While specific numbers have not yet been released, the Norwegian Army will purchase enough helmets to not only outfit their active forces, but some of the National Guard as well. The current strength of the Norwegian Army sits at around 22,000. However, a post on a Norwegian military forum in July by someone close to the program forecasted the delivery of 1000 helmets for operational use before the end of the year.
In order to supply these helmets, Ops-Core won a year-long competitive program named “Project 4004” with several down select mile-stones which included troop trials, ballistic and other safety testing. Norwegian Special Forces have already been using the Ops-Core helmet for over a year in training as well as operational roles so Ops-Core’s selection, while arduous, was not surprising.
In a press release from Ops-Core, member of Norwegian Defense Logistic Organization (NDLO) program manager Per Morten Brunborg is quoted as saying, “The FAST helmet gave our program flexibility to adapt to a variety of service positions and mission profiles that were difficult to accomplish with only one helmet in the past.†He went on to add, “This helmet saves the overall program money by allowing us to field it service wide in several configurations, instead of having to field several different kinds of helmets like we used to. It’s also very beneficial that we can provide our soldiers better ballistic performance at a much lighter weight than our previous helmet. The Ops-Core FAST High Cut version provides the Norwegian Army the right balance between comfort and integration of attachments, which stress the soldiers neck less than the previous solutions and enhances the durability of the soldier.†As you can see, not only did the Norwegian Army find the FAST helmet’s modularity made possible by the Visual Augmentation System (VAS) shroud and Accessory Rail Connector (ARC) rails particularly desirable, but also its lightweight protection as well.
The FAST helmet boasts a ballistic shell developed during a multi-year collaboration effort between Ops-Core, Ceradyne and DSM Dyneema. Ceradyne, the sub-contractor who molds the shell, has a special seamless processing technique using Dyneema’s ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material that yields outstanding ballistic protection at lower weights. Much of the systems technology used in this helmet has also been in the works over the last ten years with significant inputs from the US Army’s PEO Soldier, the Army Research Lab, and Natick Soldier Systems Center. The FAST helmet actually has more in common with the new Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) for the US Army and Marine Corps than the baseline MICH.
Deliveries of the FAST helmet to Norway are scheduled to commence in 4th Quarter of 2011 and continue through 3rd Quarter of 2012. In what is most likely a Norwegian version of an IDIQ contract, it is valid for 10 years and is good for future Norwegian procurement and purchasing activities. On a final note, Ops-Core is well represented throughout Europe by Norwegian company NFM but the helmets will reportedly be manufactured in the US.
For more information, please visit the Ops-Core website at www.ops-core.com.
Brandon Webb is a colleague of mine who writes for Military.com’s Kit Up!. He also does some consulting, independent writing and is an all around entrepreneurial kind of a guy. He’s just published a critique of the Federal acquisition system on his blog. Check it out.
We told you it was coming, and here it is. USASOC has released a combined sources sought announcement and industry day announcement for the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) 1.1 requirement. To refresh your memory a little, check out the PEO SOF Warrior Briefing on Ground Mobility Systems. Basically, it’s a replacement for the current HMMWV-based GMV which finds its roots in the Desert Vehicle Mobility System (DMVS) developed by modifying HMMWVs and trailers by 5th Group’s B500 at Fort Bliss in the mid-1980s.
Offerors have been working on their vehicles for some time, with many saying that the long-time contender, the Flyer, remaining a favorite. We have already written about several vehicles and there are many more out there vying for a spot. Specifically, they are looking for:
“a Modified-Government off-the shelf (M-GOTS) vehicle with Special Operations Forces (SOF) peculiar modifications. This vehicle will be a highly mobile, CH-47 transportable platform with associated manuals, life cycle spare parts, mechanical/operator training, and a Government furnished C4ISR suite.”
Notice what is missing in that requirement; V22 compatibility.
Furthermore, the public notice explains USASOC’s proposed acquisition strategy and invites industry comment.
“a two phase approach wherein Phase I would include written proposal and certified test data provided at contractor’s expense, with an award of up to two contracts for further Test and Evaluation (T&E). Phase II would include Government purchases of approximately two prototypes for Engineering/Developmental Testing (DT)/Operational Testing (OT) from each vendor, with down select to single vendor and exercise of the production option.”
In order to gain access to specific info on the sources sought and industry day, potential offerors will be required to be registered with Central Contractor Registration (CCR) under NAICS code 336992. The sources sought closes at Sep 13, 2011 11:59 pm Eastern.
Canada-based Revision Military has just captured a sole-source, multi-service contract to supply the German military with over 256,000 sets of a modified version of the Sawfly Military Eyewear System through 2013. The competition included a rigorous bid process and extensive in-service user trials including in-theater use in Afghanistan.
According to a press release from Revision Military:
“To have been selected as the standard issue brand following one of most rigorous bidding processes we’ve seen to date, is a testament to the people, processes and technologies that we employ to advance the science and performance of this vital piece of soldier equipment. We are proud to be the German military’s protective eyewear supplier of choice,†said Alex Hooper, Vice President, International Sales.
Revision developed a new lens shape and two specialty lens tints for this contract. One is for a specific-wavelength laser and the second for high altitude mountain operations. The 256,000 kits are available in three sizes – small, medium and large, will include clear, solar and vermillion lenses. Additional quantities of laser protective lenses and Prescription (Rx) Carriers are also included in the contract award.
PEO Soldier has finally dispensed with the awkward “Flame Resistant Improved Army Combat Uniform Trouser” and finally called it what it is, an Army Combat Pant (ACP). What’s even better is that they are taking the next step from the pre-solicitation released in late June and have a released a full solicitation for a Commercial Army Combat Pant. This methodology leaves the details open to the vendor and gives general guidelines on the construction of the pants to the vendor. Proposals are due by 25 August 2011 at 3:00 PM EST so if you have a product to offer you’d better get your submission together.
This is a photo of a prototype.
It is going to make a great companion for the Army Combat Shirt and this is a big win for the Soldier.
Make the jump to read all of the details
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