FirstSpear TV

Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

DroneShield Announces USAF Contract Award

Thursday, July 23rd, 2020

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the United States Air Force (the “USAF”) has awarded DroneShield a contract to deploy multiple units of DroneShield’s DroneSentryTM integrated detect-and-defeat counterdrone (C-UAS) system at the Grand Forks Air Force airbase (in North Dakota, USA), protected by the 319th Security Forces Squadron of the USAF (the “319th SFS”). As part of the contract, the USAF acquired an option to acquire additional systems following the initial deployment.

The DroneSentryTM systems to be deployed feature DroneShield’s passive RfOneTM radiofrequency direction finding sensors, with a world-leading range for detection of small class 1 drones, combined with the Company’s DroneCannonTM fixed site electronic countermeasures systems. DroneSentryTM utilises DroneShieldCompleteTM user interface, an intuitive and feature-rich alerting, tracking and reporting software. The system will receive regular firmware updates, including the Company’s upcoming cutting edge Artificial Intelligence-based firmware rollout planned for late 2020.  

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO, commented, “DroneShield was selected because our technology leverages Artificial Intelligence software and tracking/defeat automation that solves the 319th SFS problem statement (i.e. the requirements provided to the bidders on the contract) with little to no impact on manning.

This is DroneShield’s first U.S. Air Force deployment. We are immensely proud that the U.S. Air Force, one of the most demanding customers in the world, chose to deploy DroneShield’s flagship, fixed site detect-and-defeat system, incorporating our new RfOne MKIITM sensors. The USAF has a substantial requirement for the protection of its bases, in the US and forward deployments, and we look forward to continuing to support the service members and the expanded rollout of our solutions for their protection. In addition to our other recent work for the US military and government sector, a key market for us, the need for DroneShield’s industry-leading Counter-UAS solutions is expected to grow rapidly as global tensions continue to increase and the drone threat proliferates.”

For clarity, this announcement is not, and does not imply, a direct or an indirect endorsement of the Company’s products or services by any third party, including the U.S. Air Force.

Speer Ammunition Awarded Record $112M Contract with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Tuesday, July 21st, 2020

LEWISTON, Idaho – July 20, 2020 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has selected Vista Outdoor’s Speer Ammunition brand as the awardee for their 9mm Service Ammunition. CBP is one of the world’s largest law enforcement agencies and is charged with border security while also overseeing lawful international trade and travel.  This is the largest duty contract won in company history and solidifies Speer as law enforcement’s number one choice of duty ammunition.

This single-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract is a Strategically Sourced contract for all DHS components and other federal agencies with a maximum value of $112 Million dollars. The ordering period is for a total of five years with product delivery commencing this August.  

“We are proud to provide the highest quality duty ammunition to CBP officers charged with the monumental task of border security,” said Speer Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink. “We know they require the best ammunition in their mission to protect our borders and keep the homeland safe. The use of Gold Dot technology in this contract ammunition ensures the highest performance threshold and absolute confidence in on-duty performance.” 

CBP selected a round utilizing the Speer Gold Dot technology, which has set an industry benchmark for both self-defense and duty use, earning the trust of consumers and law enforcement world-wide. The bullet features a pressure-formed lead core that is bonded to an extremely uniform jacket a single atom at a time that virtually eliminates separation on impact for more retained weight and consistent penetration depths. The Gold Dot hollow-point design expands consistently through the full range of barriers. Reliable ignition and cycling are delivered thanks to sealed primers and nickel-plated brass.

Speer ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Speer. For more information on all products from Speer or to shop online, visit www.speer.com

Mack Defense In-Service Support Contract Extended for Canadian Medium Support Vehicle System Program

Saturday, July 18th, 2020

ALLENTOWN, PA (July 13, 2020) – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has exercised the option to extend Mack Defense’s in-service and support contract for an additional five years from 2020-2025, covering more than 1,500 Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) vehicles.

“Mack Defense’s MSVS SMP vehicle systems provide critical capabilities that the Canadian Armed Forces depend on,” said David Hartzell, president, Mack Defense. “We look forward to maximizing the uptime of these vehicles as we continue to provide these support services.”

The contract covers all MSVS SMP vehicles, trailers and armored protection systems, and will enable Mack Defense to provide support services and the provision of spare parts and materials for level one and two maintenance tasks performed by the customer. Equipment requiring in-depth maintenance, such as repair and overhaul activities or warranty repairs, will be handled by a facility in the area of Quebec City, Quebec. Mack Defense will provide support by delivering spare parts to Canadian Forces Depots (CFD) in Edmonton, Alberta and Montreal, Quebec.

Mack Defense was awarded two contracts in 2015 valued at $725 million CAD by the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada (now PSPC) on behalf of the Department of National Defense to deliver more than 1,500 8×8 MSVS SMP trucks and to provide in-service support for the fleet. The MSVS SMP is available in a number of variants, including cargo, material handling cranes, load handling systems (LHS) and mobile repair trucks (MRT).

The 1,587th and final MSVS SMP vehicle was delivered in February 2020. The program also delivered 322 trailers and 161 armored protection system cabs.

Mack Defense’s in-service support contract has been extended by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) supporting more than 1,500 Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) vehicles.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com

Liteye C-AUDS Chosen to Defend Critical Infrastructure by the US Government

Friday, July 17th, 2020

Recent Selection by DOD Joint Counter UAS Office (JCO) ties to Liteye Systems Inc. 

Centennial, Colo. (July 16, 2020) — Liteye Systems, Inc., is pleased to announce the selection of its Containerized Anti-UAS Defense Systems (C-AUDS) as the first system of systems chosen for integration with the USAF developed MEDUSA Command and Control (C2) System which was recently identified in the DoD’s down selection of Interim Counter Small Unmanned Systems (C-sUAS).


Deployed since 2016, C-AUDS Technology Continues to Defend Critical Infrastructure

Liteye has delivered essential equipment to the US Government for over 20 years and has sustained growth starting with the Anti-UAS Defense System (AUDS) as a Combat Proven product with over 1000 defeats against enemy drones flown by ISIS, Taliban and others; C-AUDS is based on that tradition.  Liteye’s portfolio of defense and critical infrastructure protection products continues to be a game-changing force to protect airfields, government installations and lives across the US Government.

“C-AUDS is our most advanced C-sUAS solution built on the foundation of fielded combat capabilities since 2016.  It is a self-contained C-sUAS system that integrates very well with other sensors, C2 systems and weapon systems.” said Kenneth Geyer, CEO and Co-Founder of Liteye Systems.  He goes on to say, “The fact that the MEDUSA C2 System was chosen, and C-AUDS is an integral part of MEDUSA for protection of critical infrastructure is no surprise.  We are committed to continue deliveries of these capabilities to our current customers and to any organization with a requirement to protect lives and defend critical infrastructure.”

Liteye is a world leader in C-sUAS, ruggedized thermal cameras and helmet mounted displays with over $100M in products, support, and services provided to the US Government in recent years. Liteye’s Counter UAS solutions are deployed worldwide.

www.Liteye.com

Saab to Provide $100m in Carl-Gustaf Ammo & AT4 Systems to US Army

Friday, July 17th, 2020

The US Army has awarded a $100 million (USD) contract to Saab for delivery of Carl-Gustaf ammunition and AT4 systems. It’s an “indefinite-delivery, “indefinite quantity” (IDIQ) contract, which EG will have to explain if you want details, but essentially the Big Army, the USMC, and JSOC can reportedly buy more than $400 million worth of them during a 5-year period.

Remember the testing in Sweden last year?

The advent of the new Carl-Gustaf munition ? assuming this is in fact the new laser-guided system ? will is probably more exciting news for more people than the new deal for AT4s. After all, the DoD has purchased well over half a million of them since the heady days of Rick Astley’s debuy album and the very first appearance of The Simpsons.

Back in 2018 the US Army announced it would be acquiring the latest version of the M4 “Goose”, the M3E1. Note that this is M4 is not that other M4 SSD readers might be thinking of. That one, which is much smaller and shoots 5.56mm instead of 84mm, is far more ubiquitous but not as much fun to use.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration also recently announced the approval of Carl-Gustaf systems to Latvia, Estonia, and other countries over a ten-year period.

Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the US, says,

“The Saab family of shoulder-fired munitions provides the U.S. Armed Forces with effective capabilities against a wide area of targets. With these systems, soldiers and Marines gain reliable, easy-to-use technology optimized for complex environments and engagements.”

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration also recently announced the approval of Carl-Gustaf systems to Latvia, Estonia, and other countries over a ten-year period.

The M3 MAAWS (Multirole Anti-armor, Anti-personnel Weapon System) has been in the US inventory for several years now. As with any weapon system, there is (or should be) an ongoing interest in increased lethality and more efficient use.

No immediate references could be found as to whether the new ammunition is thought to mitigate concerns of brain injury to those shooting the recoilless rifle, or if that was even a necessary or valid consideration. The most recent reference easily accessible was this report from the Blast Injury Research Program at Ft. Detrick. It’s nearly a decade old, and the helmet sensors formerly fielded to combat troops have since been withdrawn.

You can find additional details and confirmation at the Saab Group website.

From Defense Web TV:

Talk to me Goose.

By David Reeder

CBP Purchases B&T Army APC9 from Army Sub Compact Weapon Contract

Wednesday, July 15th, 2020

US Customs and Border Protection, part of the US Department of Homeland Security is purchasing 285 Brugger & Thomet APC9s by leveraging the US Army Sub Compact Weapon contract. The contract vehicle was modified earlier this year to allow other agencies to purchase from it and to supply Glock and SIG compatible magwells.

The B&T APC9K was adopted by the US Army just last year as their Sub Compact Weapon as seen above.

The CBP APC9s will be fitted with Aimpoint optics and Glock compatible magwells. We understand the agency plans to replace their fleet of around 2000 H&K UMPs over time.

US Marine Corps Intends To Sole Source Knights Armament Co NT-4 Suppressor

Tuesday, July 14th, 2020

Marine Corps Systems Command has published their intent to solicit and negotiate with only one source, specifically Knights Armament Co to purchase 5.56mm Small Arms Suppressors to be used on the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), M4 Carbine and M4A1 Close Quarter Battle Weapon. The Marines plan to field the KAC NT-4 to satisfy their requirement for close combat forces.

During last year’s NDIA Armaments Symposium, the Corps listed suppressors as a priority for their Squad Small Arms Capabilities.

In 2016 and 2017 the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions conducted experimentation utilizing an unspecified number of KAC suppressors from Joint Operational formerly issued to SOF. In 2017, the Marines issued a Sources Sought Notice to Industry for commercially available suppressors.

This planned purchase will supplement those already on hand to fulfill their fielding plan. However, this isn’t exactly the latest in suppressor technology.

On the plus side, it’s got an NSN: 1005-01-437-0324 which was issued by US Special Operations Command. Despite being around since 1998, it’s a workhorse, currently in use with loads of federal and local law enforcement agencies. Plus, it has already been fielded on the M38 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle which is an M27 IAR fitted with a Leupold TS-30A2 Mark 4 MR/T optic.

All of that sounds great right? Here’s where they lose me. The crux of their argument for sole sourcing the NT-4 isn’t that it has an NSN, not that they already have some. Instead, they push its compatibility with Bayonets, Collimators, Boresights and Blank Firing Adapters.

The KAC Small Arms Suppressor will enable the USMC to continue to use their existing bayonets, as well as their existing Small Arms Collimators (SAC), Laser Boresights (LBS), and Blank Firing Adapters (BFA), all of which are critical to accuracy and lethality in both training and combat. These items are interoperable with the current Small Arms Suppressor.

Since this a notice of intent, other companies can still submit (see SAMS for details) if they believe they meet these requirements.

TenCate Advanced Armor USA Inc Awarded US Navy Maritime Buoyant Plate Body Armor Contract

Monday, July 13th, 2020

TenCate Advanced Armor is pleased to announce the award of a four-year contract framework for the delivery of the U.S. Navy Maritime Buoyant Plate body armor. Valued in excess of $15M, TenCate Advanced Armor will provide a new generation of body armor to U.S. Navy developed to comply with a demanding specification for performance. The Maritime Buoyant Plate will be manufactured at TenCate Advanced Armor’s facilities in Hebron, OH.

On June 24, 2020, the Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) awarded TenCate contract N61331-20-D-0011, as an ID/IQ (Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity) to provide Maritime Buoyant Body Armor (MBP), both in torso and side configurations. This award complements other recently awarded body armor contracts by Army Contracting Command (ACC) for high performance, lightweight body armor, such as SPS-VTP side and torso plates.


This is a similar plate to the one selected.

The TenCate Technical Center USA (TTC-US) developed the design for the MBP by leveraging prior Internally funded Research and Development (IR&D) efforts, which optimized the construction of high performance raw materials, and, through specialized consolidation and manufacture, met all the requirements of NQ/PQ 16-04, entitled Body Armor, Maritime Buoyant Plate (MBP), such as weight, thickness, and ballistic performance requirements.

The President of TenCate Advanced Armor USA, Col. (ret.) Andy Mills, stated: “I am extremely satisfied with the confident and effective response by TenCate Advanced Armor to the U.S. Navy’s strict requirements for a new generation of body armor. The contract underlines TenCate Advanced Armor’s position as a key partner in high-performance personal protection equipment for the U.S. Department of Defense and for allied nations.”

The maximum contract value is $15,335,930.81, with First Article Test (FAT) plates due within 120 days of the award.

TenCate Advanced Armor USA, Inc. is a major provider of personal protection solutions for police departments, federal agencies, and large multi-year government programs. With years of experience in body armor development and manufacturing, TenCate Advanced Armor USA, Inc. provides a diverse portfolio of stand-alone (SA) and in-conjunction (IC) plates with special capabilities to meet the needs of US and allied warfighters and law enforcement officers.

www.tencateadvancedarmour.com