XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

USSOCOM Buys Additional Special Operations Forces Tactical Communications Next Generation Manpack, AN/PRC-167 Radios

Wednesday, February 16th, 2022

The Department of Defense recently announced:

L3Harris Technologies Inc., Rochester, New York, received a modification (P00019) in the amount of $297,200,000 on indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract H92222-17-D-0021 to allow for the continued purchase of the Special Operations Forces Tactical Communications Next Generation Manpack, AN/PRC 167 radios and ancillary equipment. This modification increases the maximum contract ceiling value from $255,000,000, to $552,200,000. No funds are being obligated via this modification. The majority of the work will be performed in Rochester, New York. This contract modification was awarded through other than full and open competition under 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.

AeroVironment Awarded $10.5 Million Puma LE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Foreign Military Sales Contract for U.S. Ally

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

• Puma LE (Long Endurance) provides Group 2 capabilities in a Group 1 footprint and features up to 6.5 hours of flight endurance for an extended time on station – all in a two-case mission packout

• Customer joins growing number of allied government forces fielding AeroVironment’s advanced, battle-proven small unmanned aircraft systems

• Foreign Military Sales program promotes interoperability among U.S. and allied forces for joint operations


Puma LE weighs only 23.5 pounds (10.7 kilograms) and is launchable by hand or bungee, making it easy to deploy and recover in any environment. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 9, 2022 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it received a $10,534,348 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Jan. 21, 2022. The contract includes the delivery of Puma™ LE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over a six-year period to an allied nation, as well as add-on air vehicle kits, initial spares packages, training and support.

“With the adoption of Puma LE and other AeroVironment small UAS, customers are equipping their frontline forces with the ability to see and operate beyond the horizon, gathering on-demand intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance that can ultimately save lives,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

Weighing only 23.5 pounds (10.7 kilograms), the ultra-lightweight Puma LE is hand or bungee launchable. The aircraft comes equipped with the Mantis™ i45 gimbaled EO/IR sensor suite and secondary payload bay with dedicated power supply and Ethernet for a total payload capacity of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms). On-board batteries provide up to 6.5 hours of flight endurance with an operational range of 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) when used with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA) and Puma Smart 2500 Battery.

AeroVironment’s small UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

Aspetto Wins Prime 8(a) STARS III Contract

Monday, February 14th, 2022

Aspetto, Inc. was recently awarded the Government Services Administration (GSA) 8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services (STARS) III Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC)

Aspetto, Inc. (Aspetto) is honored to announce the award for GSA 8(a) STARS III GWAC by the US General Services Administration. 8(a) STARS III, is GSA’s fourth-generation 8(a) Multiple Award, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (MA-IDIQ) Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). Under this contract Aspetto will provide information technology (IT) services and emerging technology-based solutions along with supplemental support services essential and integral to Aspetto’s IT services being acquired.

Aspetto CEO Abbas Haider stated, “STARS III contract awards are reserved exclusively for qualifying SBA certified 8(a) prime contractors, and Aspetto is eager to begin the delivery of our fundamental IT services in continued support of U.S. national security.” Aspetto, Inc. is appreciative for the trust and opportunity to add yet another great contract vehicle to its ever-growing portfolio and looks forward to continuing to have our customers covered, From Tactical to Technical.

8(a) STARS III is a five-year contract with one three-year option, $50B contract vehicle specifically set-aside for Small Business Administration (SBA) certified 8(a) companies for IT services.

Norway’s Oskar Pedersen AS Wins Nordic Combat Uniform Contract

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

After years of trials a winner has been selected in the Nordic Combat Uniform program which aims to provide a common uniform system for the armed forces of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. This is the first time the four nations have let a single contract under their Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO) framework.

Earlier this week FMA the Defense Material Agency (Forsvarsmateriell) signed a seven-year contract with Norway’s Oskar Pedersen AS worth up to 425 million Euros. The Norwegians plan to purchase 15,000 uniform systems at 15000 kroner each. Oskar Pedersen AS will provide the clothing and Layers AS will serve as project manager.

With designs to accommodate both male and female troops, components include garments for cold-wet environments as well as Desert and Jungle settings.

Subcontractors include Siamidis SA, which is responsible for technical solutions and manufacturers of combat suits and garments for cold and rain, W.L Gore & Associates GmbH is the system’s technical supplier and Aclima AS & Woolpower AB, which is responsible for wool underwear.

Although the Nordic militaries will adopt the same layout of uniforms, each of the countries will procure versions of the outerwear in their national camouflage patterns.

This is a joint procurement carried out by the Danish Ministry of Defense’s procurement and logistics organization (DALO), the Finnish Defense Logistics Command (FDFLOGCOM), the Norwegian Defense Materiel Administration (NDMA) and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). Although Iceland is a member of NORDEFCO, they are not participating in the NCU program.

Deliveries should begin as early as the end of this year.

Crye Precision was one of the competitors in this program and their offerings are being commercialized as the Alpine Terrain Operations line.

Saab Awarded Indian Contract for AT4 Support Weapon

Monday, February 7th, 2022

Saab’s AT4 weapon has been selected by the Indian Armed Forces through a competitive programme for a single-shot weapon. AT4 will be used by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. 

The Indian Armed Forces are a new customer for AT4. This order includes the AT4CS AST, which can be fired from confined spaces such as from inside buildings, bunkers and other urban environments. The AT4CS AST offers a tandem warhead with a breach or blast mode, which is optimised to defeat enemies within buildings and to destroy structures, which can create a point of access into them.

The contract was signed by FFV Ordnance AB, responsible for Saab’s Ground Combat offer in India. 

“We are honoured that the Indian Armed Forces, which are already users of our Carl-Gustaf system, have also selected Saab for their single-shot weapon need. The Indian Army and Indian Air Force can be confident in the knowledge that they have the necessary firepower to give them the advantage,” says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics. 

AT4 is one of the most popular and successful support weapon families on the market. Operated by a single soldier, this single-shot system has proven efficacy against structures, landing craft, helicopters, armoured vehicles and personnel. Its 84 mm calibre warhead offers enhanced power and performance. 

www.saab.com

US Army Awards FN America LLC Contract for M240L Machine Guns

Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

The Department of Defense recently announced the following contract award:

FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded a $49,973,579 firm-fixed-price contract for M240L medium machine guns and titanium receivers. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 27, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0010).

Developed in 2011, the M240L sheds five pounds from the standard model thanks to a Titanium receiver and polymer trigger frame. Additionally, it is equipped with a 4? shorter barrel and a redesigned collapsible buttstock assembly. The M240L variant is equipped with the forward-mounted MIL-STD 1913 rail kit.

SIG MOD-X9 Selected by USSOCOM as Mk27 Handgun Suppressor

Tuesday, February 1st, 2022

Last fall, USSOCOM selected the SIG MOD-X9 in 9mm as the suppressor for use with the Mk27 handgun, a SOF unique pistol which is known commercially as the Glock 19 and is currently in service in several variants.

The user configurable MOD-X9 Suppressor is comprised of seven, 3D-printed titanium baffles and an encapsulator with 21-points of impact adjustment.  The length is adjustable from 3.25 inches to 7.5 inches, the weight is adjustable from 5 ounces to 8 ounces, and the sound is adjustable from 127.4dB to 145.3dB.

With a handgun suppressor requirement on the books for years, the capability was finally acquired via an Other Transactional Authority acquisition which saw several manufacturers offer commercially available suppressors compatible with the Glock handgun.

Participating vendors demonstrated their suppressors to the command during a private range event in 2020. Then, they selected two suppressors to move forward with operator testing and a technical evaluation at Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane which handles procurement of weapons for Special Operations Forces. The result was selection of the SIG MOD-X9.

Due to the nature of the procurement, traditional steps aren’t necessarily followed so unfortunately, there has been no public notice of the buy. Regardless, the first tranche of suppressors for the Mk27 handgun should be hitting units by this summer.

Army Applications Laboratory Names Four Companies to Soldier Power Cohort

Tuesday, February 1st, 2022

Cohort Aims to Help the US Army Power Soldiers on the Move
AUSTIN, TX – Four companies have been selected for the Soldier Power Cohort with the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) through a program managed by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Sourced from across the country, the selected companies are developing innovative power generation and power conversion, high-density energy storage, and intelligent management and distribution technologies that can support self-sufficiency, reduce burdens, and lessen dependence on resupply.

“Technology is a force multiplier for the Army, but with more technology comes more weight and the need for more power. We need to find a smart way to lighten that load for Soldiers who work in expeditionary environments for days at a time,” said Col. Jay Wisham, director of AAL. “While the commercial market for these technologies is relatively niche, both the Army and industry are facing similar challenges in how to maintain power for devices when away from the grid. This Cohort offers a way to join forces and move the field forward while keeping our Soldiers safe and effective in the harshest environments.”

Dramatic improvements in energy and power density for low-power commercial applications have increased the amount of output achievable while reducing size and weight. Intelligent power management and distribution solutions have also been instrumental in enhancing overall efficiency (as well as convenience) for consumers. As part of the Soldier Power Cohort, companies will earn $100,000 to develop conceptual designs that translate these existing solutions to address the Army’s specific problem. Cohort participants will learn about the Soldier Power problem set directly from key stakeholders, including Army Futures Command’s Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team; the Network Cross-Functional Team; and Combat Capability and Development Center Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center.

The 8-week Soldier Power Cohort began on January 24, 2022, with concept design presentations planned for March 17, 2022.

The following companies will participate in the cohort:

Epirus, Inc.

Hawthorne, CA

Epirus is a high-growth technology company that develops directed energy systems and power management solutions for broad applications across industries. The nucleus of Epirus’ innovation is the company’s machine intelligent SmartPower technology platform, a multi-layered management solution that delivers precision control, unprecedented power density, and high-power efficiency to various devices.

Resonant Link, Inc.

Shelburne, VT

Resonant Link powers fleets and devices while they work by wirelessly charging medical devices, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. Through a breakthrough wireless charging technology called the Multi-layer Self-Resonant Structure (MSRS), Resonant Link provides wireless power for multiple Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.

Spark Thermionics, Inc.

Emeryville, CA

Spark Thermionics is an early-stage energy startup developing a “powerplant on a chip” — lightweight and fuel-flexible electricity generation based on a thermionic energy conversion. Spark is led by world leaders in thermionic technology and has received recognition in Physics Today, Fortune, the Official White House blog, and elsewhere.

Xerion Advanced Battery Corp.

Kettering, OH

Founded in 2010, Xerion Advanced Battery Corporation is a fast-growing battery company located in Dayton, OH, that works with Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries. Through its patented battery technologies, the company aims to revolutionize the energy industry by introducing a step change in innovation in Li-ion batteries for portable electronics, power tools, and unmanned aerial systems (UASs).