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Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

Extensive Follow-Up Procurement of IdZ-ES: Rheinmetall Receives Largest Framework Contract to Date for the Digitisation of Bundeswehr Infantry Forces – Soldier-Systems Worth Over €3bn

Friday, February 7th, 2025

Extensive follow-up procurement of IdZ-ES: Rheinmetall receives largest framework contract to date for the digitisation of Bundeswehr infantry forces – soldier-systems worth over €3bn

The Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has signed a framework contract with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH for the follow-on procurement of soldier-systems ‘Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System’ (IdZ-ES). The framework contract, with a maximum gross volume of €3.1bn, will run until the end of 2030. Overall, the Bundeswehr can thus initiate the proportional regeneration as well as the manufacturing and delivery of up to 368 IdZ-ES platoon systems and various options for the procurement of additional components and services. A platoon is a military sub-unit. 

The contract involves, firstly, upgrading the 68 IdZ-ES platoon systems currently in use within the Bundeswehr to a digital standard and, secondly, the firm order of a further 24 platoon systems including extensive peripherals. The firm order, worth around €417m gross, will be booked in the first quarter of 2025. 

Signed on 6 February 2025, the contract is the largest ever for both Rheinmetall and the BAAINBw for the procurement of soldier-systems. These play an increasingly important role as a networked element of combat operations on the digital battlefield of the future. 

A platoon system mainly comprises 34 individual soldier-systems and a platoon equipment of peripheral components, consisting of advanced IT-equipment, optics, optronics, as well as military clothing, protection and carrying equipment. As the general contractor, Rheinmetall is responsible for the system and is coordinating the performance of more than 30 subcontractors.

With the framework contract, the Bundeswehr is procuring a modernised design of the IdZ-ES, based on the IdZ-ES VJTF 2023 soldier-system of the Mechanised Infantry system that is already in use. The new ‘VJTF 2023 obsolescence-adjusted’ design status eliminates all technically obsolete components and implements communication and data exchange capabilities with the Boxer armoured transport vehicle and Puma infantry fighting vehicle platforms, as well as preparing it for the airborne platform. The revised basic hardware of the soldier-systems is also designed to connect to the ‘Digitisation of Land-Based Operations’ (D-LBO) information and communication network.

Nevada Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Division Selects KGM Suppressors R556A2 for Patrol Rifles

Friday, February 7th, 2025

For Immediate Release – February 6, 2025 – KGM Suppressors is proud to announce that the Nevada Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Division has selected the KGM R556A2 suppressor for deployment across its law enforcement divisions. This selection underscores KGM’s commitment to providing superior sound suppression, recoil mitigation, and operational efficiency to law enforcement professionals. The R556A2 was chosen after extensive evaluation and are currently being fielded across the state.

 

“We are honored to support the Nevada Highway Patrol by equipping their rifles with our suppressors,” said Bill Bracken, Director of Government Business Development at KGM Technologies. “The R556A2 provides a great mix of performance enhancements through sound, flash, and recoil reduction, with minimal impact to the host rifle. The use of suppressors on duty rifles is being recognized as a safety and performance enhancing tool to ensure officers can accomplish their mission safely and effectively.”

KGM Suppressors is a leading provider of advanced firearm suppressors for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications. Based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, KGM Suppressors is committed to delivering superior performance, durability, and reliability in every product. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, KGM Suppressors continues to lead the way in the evolution of firearm suppressor technology. For more information, visit www.kgm-tech.com.

Multi-Billion-Euro Contract: Rheinmetall Successful with TaWAN LBO for the Bundeswehr – Digitalisation of the Armed Forces Is Picking Up Speed

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract in another important large-scale project for the Bundeswehr in the field of digitalisation. As the prime contractor, Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH will be responsible for setting up an integrated communication network, the so-called ‘Tactical Wide Area Network for Land Based Operations’ (TaWAN LBO). The volume of the awarded framework-contract for a deployable, platform-based communication/directional radio management system is worth several billion Euro.

The framework-contract for the procurement of TaWAN LBO has a term of 10 years and was signed by representatives of the Federal Office for the Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) and Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH.

At the same time, an initial order worth €1.88bn gross was placed under the framework-contract to equip a division of the Bundeswehr. Delivery of this communications network will take place between the end of 2026 and the end of 2029.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are thankful for the great trust that the Bundeswehr is placing in us regarding its ambitious digitalization efforts. Now that the Bundeswehr will be receiving TaWAN LBO and D-LBO from a single source, the conditions for a synchronized coordination concerning the introduction of both systems are given. It is our ambition to provide the Bundeswehr with a seamless and reliable communication network within the given timeframe – one which can be considered a flagship of digitalisation in Germany”.

The core function of TaWAN LBO is to provide an open transport network for Federated Mission Networking (FMN) based on Protected Core Network (PCN) to connect the forward tactical D-LBO networks to the rear-echelon core network CIR. Following the contracts awarded at the end of 2024 as part of the Bundeswehr’s Digitalised Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) programme, TaWAN LBO will be a further milestone for the end-to-end command capabilities of the armed forces. In connection with D-LBO, the TaWAN LBO network is to ensure connectivity deep into the rear area at high data rates.

As part of the TaWAN LBO project, Rheinmetall is also supplying protected 8×8 HX trucks from Rheinmetall MAN, which serve as carrier vehicles for the large directional radio systems and are equipped with mobile high extendable antenna masts.

One of the vehicles will hold the mast system, another will carry the 20-foot functional container with workstations, servers and other equipment. Rheinmetall MAN will be delivering a total of 102 vehicles.

Other vehicle platforms are used in conjunction with smaller mobile extendable antenna masts (small directional radio system). A software-based directional radio management system is part of the overall solution which will ensure the functionality of the directional radio system, and can be used to plan and execute operations.

MRIGlobal Awarded GSA OASIS+ Contract Provides Government Customers with Vetted Contractor Access

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

Kansas City, Mo.: (Feb. 5, 2025) – MRIGlobal is pleased to announce its award of the General Services Administration (GSA) One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus (OASIS+) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under the Research & Development domain. With more than 80 years of experience supporting the United States government, MRIGlobal is well-positioned to continue delivering integrated and multi-disciplinary solutions in defense, health surveillance, and health diagnostics.

“For more than eight decades, our scientific researchers and engineers have created breakthroughs to meet the needs of our customers and contribute to national security. Our expertise in global health surveillance, disease diagnostics, chemical and biological threat detection, and emerging infectious disease response has served as a critical asset to the United States government,” said Dr. Ian. M. Colrain, President & CEO, MRIGlobal. “This GSA OASIS+ contract award ensures that we will continue providing innovative solutions to these and other important challenges, and we are now able to do so more efficiently and effectively than ever.”

Administered by the GSA, OASIS+ is a government-wide, multi-award, IDIQ contract vehicle that supports federal agencies’ procurement requirements for services-based solutions. This contract is available for use by all Federal agencies. The contract provides Federal agencies with vetted, highly qualified contractors; a flexible, expandable domain-based structure; a 10-year order period; no contract dollar ceiling and no cap on awards, and price evaluation at the contract level. Requirements can be included that are performed in CONUS and/or OCONUS locations, for complex commercial or non-commercial services, and for any contract type.

“Having been vetted by the GSA as a highly qualified contractor means that we’ve demonstrated our capabilities and experience in serving our government customers,” said Michelle Rodrigues, Vice President, Government Business Development. “Receiving this OASIS+ award contract is recognition of the quality of scientific and engineering research our teams have performed for those customers, and the positive impact our solutions have had on society.”

Administered by the General Services Administration (GSA), OASIS+ is a government-wide, multiple award, IDIQ contract vehicle that allows government customers to acquire a range of non-IT services from government vendors. For easy access to MRIGlobal’s OASIS+ contract vehicle, including awarded CLINS, visit www.mriglobal.org/contract-vehicles.

Streamlight ProTac HL-X Selected by FBI as Tactical Flashlight

Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

Tactical Express, LLC Partners with Streamlight to Provide Light Under Multi-Year Contract

EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 4, 2025 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, announced that its distribution partner, Tactical Express, LLC, a provider of gear for federal law enforcement agencies, has been selected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to supply the Streamlight ProTac® HL-X tactical light to its agents as part of a five-year contract. Delivering up to 1,000 lumens, the light features multi-fuel capability with USB rechargeable or disposable battery options.

Under the terms of the five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) (Award #15F06724A0001329, SKU 95313), the tactical light was chosen as the new agent-issued tactical handheld light for students of the Firearms Training Unit, Training Division of the FBI Academy and is also available for purchase across all other FBI divisions. Tactical Express began deliveries of the light to the FBI in November.

“Streamlight and Tactical Express are very pleased to have been selected for this contract and partnership with the the FBI,” said Matthew J. Baker, Director of Streamlight’s Military/Federal/Government sales division. “Having already shipped thousands of these high-performance lights to U.S. military police and security forces through commercial buys and using National Stock Number 6230-01626-6796 awards, we’re proud to now also provide the ProTac HL-X to new FBI agents and other personnel using this BPA.”

The ProTac HL-X flashlight, built for durability and a sure grip, is available as a complete rechargeable system that can use either a proprietary Streamlight®SL-B26® protected Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery or two easily sourced CR123A disposable batteries. This multi-fuel capability offers convenient and cost-effective charging options, making it ideal for agent use in remote locations and for long-term operations such as crime scene processing or low-light training.

Offering three modes, the ProTac HL-X uses a high-power LED to deliver 1,000 lumens, 27,100 candela, a 330-meter beam distance and a run time of 1 hour and 30 minutes on high when using the SL-B26 battery; with CR123 batteries, the run time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. On low, the ProTac HL-X provides an extended 23 hours of run time, 65 lumens and 1,600 candela over an 80-meter beam distance; with CR123 batteries, the run time is 20 hours. The light’s high-intensity strobe runs for 3.25 continuous hours with the SL-B26 rechargeable battery, and 2.50 hours with lithium batteries.

The light’s tactical tail switch permits easy, one-handed operation with firearms in room clearing, building search and target identification at a distance situations. Measuring just 5.43 inches in length, it is easily concealed under a uniform or other attire.  

The light is fabricated from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish, and comes packaged with a removable pocket clip and holster.

www.streamlight.com

G-Form and High-Speed Gear Deliver 26,469 SF Wrap Pads to the US Army

Monday, February 3rd, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI, February 03, 2025 – G-Form®, the leader in innovative technology protection, in collaboration with High-Speed Gear® (HSG), proudly announces the successful delivery of 26,469 pairs of SF Wrap Shoulder and Belt Pads to the U.S. Army.

G-Form, renowned for designing and manufacturing protective gear that integrates SmartFlex™ proprietary technology with Department of Defense (DoD)-specific Berry-compliant advanced materials, delivers unmatched mobility, lethality, and protection to enhance warfighter survivability.

“It’s time to revolutionize how luxury in protection is defined,” said David Jackson, Director of Military Programs at G-Form.

High-Speed Gear, a leader in high-quality tactical gear solutions, played a critical role in the success of the SF Wrap Pads, leveraging its expertise in tactical load carriage.

“The collaboration between HSG and G-Form represents a commitment to delivering products that enhance the comfort, endurance, and effectiveness of our warfighters,” said Allison Mitchum, VP of Sales & Marketing at High-Speed Gear. “This innovation ensures that service members can maintain peak performance with reduced fatigue, allowing them to focus on their mission.”

Product Development & Benefits

The SF Wrap Pads were developed following insights from the 2022 Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE), where prototypes received overwhelmingly positive feedback from soldiers. The pads:

• Enhance comfort by reducing energy transfer from plate carriers or rucks to the user

• Feature a 1/4” thin profile, preventing interference with cheek welds during weapon deployment

• Offer cable management with two strapping locations

• Dissipate heat and reduce unnecessary friction

• Provide versatile applications, from over-the-shoulder straps to battle belts, with or without Velcro inner belts

The SF Wrap Pads officially launched with High-Speed Gear in February 2024 and are available for purchase at www.highspeedgear.com.

Product Description

The HSG SF Wrap Pads feature SmartFlex™ non-Newtonian impact solution, which attenuates shock and reduces fatigue by dampening energy transfer. Their versatile design allows for:

• Wide configuration for maximum surface area on large backpack straps

• Slim configuration for minimal bulk on shoulder straps

• Compatibility with most plate carrier shoulder straps, belts, and weapon slings

• Customizable fit, as the material can be trimmed with scissors

• Set of two shipped with One Wrap straps

Part Number: 95SF00OD

For More Information

Sales Inquiries: sales@highspeedgear.com

Strategic Partnerships: strategicpartners@g-form.com

Red Cat Secures $518K in New Orders for Edge 130 Drones from U.S. Government Agencies

Friday, January 31st, 2025

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Jan. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced it has secured new orders for its Edge 130 drone from the Army National Guard and another U.S. Government Agency (OGA), totaling $518,000.

FlightWave, a leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brought FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments.

The combined orders, which amount to 12 Edge 130 drones, reflect Red Cat’s continued momentum in providing advanced drone technology solutions to key defense and security customers. The Edge 130 is known for its robust capabilities, including long-endurance flight times, AI-driven surveillance features, and operational effectiveness in a variety of mission-critical environments.

“These new orders further validate the performance and unique capabilities of the Edge 130 as part of our Family of Systems and reinforce our position as a trusted provider of drone solutions for government and military applications,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “We are expanding our manufacturing capacity for the Edge 130 to accelerate this momentum and remain committed to supporting U.S. government agencies with the industry’s best technology that enhances their mission capabilities and success.”

The Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tricopter for long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs. Designed specifically for government and military applications, the Edge 130 Blue can be assembled and hand-launched in just one minute by a single user to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy. Weighing in at only 1200g, the Edge has a 60+ minute flight time in forward mode, an industry-leading endurance among all other Blue UAS-approved drones available.

Gilat Receives $4M in Orders for Advanced Portable Satellite Terminals from Global Defense Customers

Wednesday, January 29th, 2025

Gilat’s Portable Terminals Deliver Exceptional Performance, Durability and Ease of Deployment

Petah Tikva, Israel, January 28, 2025 —Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced today that its wholly owned US-based subsidiary, Gilat DataPath, has been awarded $4M contracts from global Defense customers. These orders, for the company’s CCT200, CCT120 and QCT90 portable terminals, are slated for delivery over the next 12 months.

Gilat DataPath’s C-Series and Q-Series Portable Satellite Antenna Terminals (PSATs) are renowned for their robust performance and rugged design. Engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as wind, rain, dust, and extreme temperatures, these terminals are rigorously tested to meet the MIL-STD-810G standard while maintaining a compact and sleek design.

The advanced antenna technology powering the CCT200, CCT120, and QCT90 ensures reliable, high-speed connectivity in even the most challenging operational environments. These follow-on orders reflect the continued trust and satisfaction of defense organizations worldwide with Gilat DataPath’s solutions.

“The global defense landscape demands reliable, high-performance communication solutions capable of operating seamlessly under extreme conditions,” said Nicole Robinson, President of Gilat DataPath“Gilat DataPath portable SATCOM terminals are meticulously designed to meet these requirements, offering exceptional durability, ease of transport, and operational simplicity. These terminals empower Ministries of Defense with the critical connectivity they need to support diverse and dynamic military operations.”

Gilat DataPath innovative SATCOM solutions continue to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for defense organizations around the globe, ensuring mission-critical communications are always within reach.