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Marine Corps Awards Contract for New Night Vision Goggles

Tuesday, September 10th, 2019

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

Less than 11 months after seeking industry proposals for a new helmet-mounted night vision system, Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a contract to provide an updated system to Marines.

Harris Corporation of Roanoke, Virginia, was awarded a maximum $249,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract Sept. 6, for the purchase of the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle system. Approximately 14,000 systems will be delivered, and the work will be completed by September 2024.

The SBNVG combines two systems: a binocular night vision device and enhanced clip-on thermal imager. It is lighter than the current Army/Navy Portable Visual Search devices, or AN/PVS-15. The SBNVG also has improved depth perception, and the ability to detect and recognize targets in extreme low light, in inclement weather and in the presence of obscurants.

“Additionally, the use of white phosphor provides a greater capability to see at night with more clarity, giving Marines enhanced situational awareness,” said Lt. Col. Tim Hough, program manager for Infantry Weapons at MCSC.

The Corps previously used an existing Defense Logistics Agency contract to procure 1,300 systems to see how an interim solution could best meet the capability requirement.

“We made the investment to procure the 1,300 systems and fielded them to two infantry battalion, so we already had a good, robust understanding of the technology we were chasing,” said Roberto Gonzalez, team lead for Combat Optics at MCSC. “That allowed us to quickly get through the source selection process [for this contract].”

Using full and open competition, MCSC also realized approximately $70 million in savings across the Future Years Defense Program.

Marine infantry units will be the first to receive the new night vision goggles when fielding begins in the spring of 2020.

“Awarding this SBNVG contract and fielding these systems to the warfighter is one more step toward increasing the command and control, lethality and ability of the infantry squad to overwhelm our adversaries,” said Hough.

Story by Monique Randolph, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Joseph Neigh

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, Optics | Comments Off on Marine Corps Awards Contract for New Night Vision Goggles

Revision Awarded Contract By Dutch Ministry Of Defence To Deliver Next Generation Helmet System

Monday, September 9th, 2019

Montreal, Quebec (September 9, 2019) – Revision—the world leader in innovative head protection systems and soldier solutions—has been selected by the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply Batlskin Viper® P6N helmet systems for Dutch Military Forces. The contract for delivery of approximately 48,800 combat helmets was awarded on a full and open competition basis to Revision. Additionally, a 15-year maintenance and support agreement was established, with an estimated completion date of 2034. The bespoke helmet system, developed to the Dutch MoD’s rigorous performance standards and weight requirements, represents the first major advancement in helmet technology for Dutch Military Forces in over 20 years.

“We are extremely proud of the helmet suite that we developed for the Dutch MoD,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO, Revision. “Our experienced team of engineers and designers worked with the latest materials to build a user-centric system that offers better protection, optimized fit, reduced weight, and enhanced integration options. Combined, these features ultimately lead to improved operational effectiveness for the soldier. The Dutch MoD’s move to Revision’s Viper P6N system follows the trend started by Denmark and the United Kingdom to upgrade their programs to Revision’s next generation helmets and we expect other NATO countries will follow suit. Our continued investment in cutting-edge materials and efficient, high-volume manufacturing processes cement Revision’s position to meet the growing global demand for customized advanced military helmet systems.”

“The current version [Dutch helmet] dates from the early 1990s and is in urgent need of replacement,” said the Dutch project lead quoted in DMO Magazine, Materieel Gezien (volume 06, 2019). “The helmet from Revision Military was the best in the tests. Among other things, the helmets received the highest rating from the users in the test group.”

The Viper P6N helmet was developed to the exacting standards set by the Dutch MoD, and was selected in part after extensive user trials – proving that Revision’s helmets are chosen by end-users due to comfort, integration and weight. The Viper P6N helmet shell utilized advanced materials (including Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene – UHMWPE) and processes to exceed high protection standards in a lightweight, adaptable and comfortable system. More than 55,000 helmet covers in the new Dutch camouflage, “Netherlands Fractal Pattern” will be supplied in green, tan and white, and all systems will include Revision’s best-in-class APEX Liner system that is infinitely customizable for ultimate comfort and impact protection. Additional accessories include lightweight skeletonized accessory rails and the Wilcox® L4 Shroud. Revision will begin delivering helmet systems to the Dutch MoD later this year.

Above: Revision’s Batlskin Viper® P6N Helmet System was developed to the rigorous standards of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, and features premium protection in a lightweight, integrated helmet system.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, International | 2 Comments »

Marine Corps Awards Contract for Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle To Harris Corp

Saturday, September 7th, 2019

The Marine Corps has made the following Announcement:

Harris Corp., Roanoke, Virginia, is being awarded a maximum $249,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle systems; spare and repair parts; contractor logistics support; and test article refurbishment. Work will be performed in Roanoke, Virginia, and is expected to be complete by September 2024.Fiscal 2019 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $328,203 will be obligated at time of award and funds will expire the end of fiscal 2021.This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with six offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-19-D-1501).

Seen here is the Harris F5032 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular.

Features:
• Fixed or adjustable diopter lenses to minimize eye strain
• Single, self-contained AA battery with an alert when running low
• Auto and manual brightness available
• Auto shut-off functions only when the goggles are in the stowed position

These systems are intended for the Marine Corps’ Close Combat Force, consisting primarily of its Infantry.

Harris Corp’s night vision business is currently being purchased by the US subsidiary of Israel-based Elbit Systems (Elbit Systems of America). Harris recently was acquired by L3 Technologies, Inc and now goes by the name L3 Harris.

Posted in Contracts, Optics, USMC | 2 Comments »

US Army Selects True Velocity Composite-Cased Ammunition For Next Generation Squad Weapon

Friday, September 6th, 2019

GARLAND, TX – True Velocity composite-cased ammunition has been selected for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) modernization program. True Velocity’s 6.8mm composite-cased cartridge was submitted as part of an overall NGSW weapon system in partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and firearm manufacturer Beretta Defense Technologies.

True Velocity’s proprietary 6.8mm case design will provide end users with significant logistical and operational advantages over traditional brass-cased ammunition, including substantially increased effective range and muzzle energy, drastic reduction in cartridge weight and enhanced accuracy. The combination of True Velocity’s ammunition with the General Dynamics OTS weapon submission results in a state-of-the-art weapon system capable of long-range lethality, short recoil impulse, significant ballistic improvements and enhanced operational effectiveness for the soldier.

“True Velocity’s 6.8mm composite case design produces a level of performance, consistency and efficiency never before seen in small arms ammunition,” said Chris Tedford, president and chief operating officer for True Velocity. “Combining True Velocity’s innovation and technology with the expertise of General Dynamics OTS and Beretta results in a weapon system solution that exceeds NGSW requirements and provides the U.S. Army with a definitive edge on the field of battle.”

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, Disruptive Tech, Press Release | 51 Comments »

Marine Corps Announces Winners of Elbow, Knee Pads Prize Challenge

Friday, September 6th, 2019

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command completed its second of a series of prize challenges in August, awarding cash to two businesses for their innovative ideas in creating knee and elbow pad protection for the warfighter.

The Knee and Elbow Pad Equipment Challenge called for innovators to submit ideas for replacing the Corps’ current knee and elbow padding. From May to July, MCSC received creative prototypes from various organizations—but two companies stood out from the rest.

Team G-Form, known for their padding technology for athletes, was the overall winning team, receiving $4,000. Team Viconic Defense—a Michigan-based company whose technology supports military vehicles—won the innovation prize and took home $1,000.

“We really wanted to explore the innovative market,” said Guy Callahan, the project officer for Cold Weather Clothing and Equipment in MCSC’s Infantry Combat Equipment program office. “The challenge enables new chemistry that affords a greater type of protection for knees and elbows.”

MCSC sought a padding solution to provide greater comfort and blunt-force protection that integrates into the Corps’ uniform, without compromising marksmanship, said Callahan. Based on the physical submissions received, a panel of Marines concluded that Team G-Force demonstrated the greatest overall potential for padding.

“G-Form is honored to win Marine Corps Systems Command’s Knee and Elbow Pads Challenge,” said Glen Giovanucci, the company’s chief executive officer. “We pride ourselves in developing the best impact protection that is truly comfortable to wear. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our research and development, and factory operations teams.”

Team G-Form’s mission is to provide innovative gear comfortable enough to wear and strong enough to prevent injury. The company is an active participant in the Semper Fi Fund annual event in Grass Valley, California, and will donate their $4,000 prize to this event.

Many of the innovation submissions shared similar concepts. However, the panel decided that Team Viconic Defense offered the most cutting-edge solution and blunt-force protection. The company expressed appreciation for the recognition.

“It’s an honor for Viconic to win the Innovation Prize of the U. S. Marine Corps Knee and Elbow Pad Equipping Challenge,” said J.B. Audi, vice president for Viconic Defense. “Viconic is pleased to partner with the Marine Corps in the goal of better protecting our warfighters.”

Since 2010, the federal government has conducted more than 1,000 challenges and has awarded prizes to everyone from students to small business owners, according to challenge.gov. The Prize Challenge offers to the program office a cost-effective market research vehicle to identify the current market space.

In April, MCSC awarded monetary prizes for ideas to improve the Corps’ helmet retention system.

“These challenges offer some really cool, cutting-edge concepts,” said Callahan. “We get some very creative submissions.”

The competition leveled the playing field for smaller businesses with whom the Corps does not traditionally work, said Callahan. He said prize challenges spark interest in many innovators and give them an opportunity to support the warfighter.

“That is a significant benefit of these challenges,” said Callahan. “It gets your nontraditional market players out in the open.”

The prize challenge winners demonstrated the potential to use nontraditional materials to improve comfort and impact protection. Further research and development is required to determine the best method for integrating improvements into existing knee and elbow pads.

By Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC | Comments Off on Marine Corps Announces Winners of Elbow, Knee Pads Prize Challenge

Armor Express Wins Coveted Ballistic Helmet Contract from Drug Enforcement Administration

Wednesday, September 4th, 2019

Arlington, VA and Central Lake, MI, September 4, 2019 – – Armor Express, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance protective solutions for the Domestic and Federal Law Enforcement markets, Department of Defense and First Responders, today announced it was awarded the prestigious Ballistic Helmet contract from the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).

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The Company received a five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (“BPA”) to provide its Busch PROtective AMP-1 TP ballistic helmet, believed to be the first and lightest composite helmet with VPAM (HVN-2009) certification in the world. In addition to the DEA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), United States Marshals Service (“USMS”), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) will be authorized to purchase the AMP-1 TP helmet as part of the BPA, with various options based on each agency’s mission-critical requirements.

The Busch PROtective AMP-1 TP is Armor Express’ flagship ballistic helmet, offering the very best head protection with extraordinary stopping power and protection from blunt force trauma. It provides first-rate protection for tactical law enforcement, anti-terror and specialized police officers who may be exposed to close quarter combat. The AMP-1 TP is constructed of a multi-layer aramid composite, and a patented production technique that creates elite ballistic performance. Its increased edge and multi-impact capabilities enhance the helmet’s protective area by up to 50% compared to standard ballistic helmets, offering high fragmentation protection.

Jim Henderson, Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are very excited about this award and with this BPA now secured, officers and agents can get high-performing ballistic head protection. We look forward to meeting the mission-critical requirements of the DEA, FBI, USMS, and ATF under this award, and have several more innovative helmets that will meet the needs of other Domestic and Federal Law Enforcement end-users. Safety remains our #1 priority and our commitment to drive innovation and find the best solutions for our customers will never stop.”

The DEA had a requirement for High Cut and Mid Cut ballistic helmets, along with alternate suspension kits, for use by Special Agents. Further, having a ballistic helmet that meets the DEA and FBI Ballistic Helmet Testing Protocol was paramount to the agencies’ needs, one specifically designed to reduce blunt force trauma injuries caused by back face deformation. In addition to the DEA and FBI protocol, the AMP-1 TP had already met National Institute of Justice (“NIJ”) Level IIIA and VPAM-3 standards.

For more details on the AMP-1 TP helmet, go to: www.armorexpress.com/product/amp-1-tp-ballistic-helmet.

For more information related to Armor Express’ innovative ballistic helmet and accessory offerings, please visit: www.armorexpress.com/product-category/helmets.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, Press Release | 4 Comments »

US Marine Corps Seeks Intense Cold Weather Boot

Wednesday, September 4th, 2019

In a solicitation that was open for just two weeks, the Marine Corps is asking industry to provide up to 50,000 pairs of Intense Cold Weather Boots.

The abbreviated solicitation is because they are looking for one of these commercial styles which meets their requirement and have been previously evaluated: “Belleville Intense Cold Weather Style Number 455, Danner Fort Lewis Style Number 69110, Danner Acadia Style Number 69210, and Solomon (sic) Quest GTX Style Number L40723300.”

Belleville Intense Cold Weather Boot

However, as it must be Berry compliant, the Salomon boot is an unlikely option since they currently don’t have US production.

This boot will be used down to -20 deg F. It’s important to note that these are all leather boots, unlike the rubber construction Vapor Barrier Boot which has been used in this environment for decades. Unfortunately, the VB boot is no longer manufactured in the US.

Posted in Boots, Contracts, USMC | 13 Comments »

SIG SAUER Selected by U.S. Army for Next Generation Weapons with New Ammunition Technology, Lightweight Machine Gun, Rifle, and Suppressors

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (September 3, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the official award of a contract by the U.S. Army in the down-select process for the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW). The award encompasses the complete SIG SAUER system consisting of 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, a lightweight machine gun, rifle, and included suppressors. SIG SAUER will provide single source manufacturing for ammunition, weapons, and suppressors allowing for less risk and increased capability for the U.S. Army.

“The U.S. Army is leading the world in the first significant upgrade to small arms in decades to meet the growing demands of soldiers on the battlefield. We are honored to have been selected for the Next Generation Squad Weapons program bringing increased lethality to the warfighter over the legacy weapons,” began Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “At the core of our submission is our newly developed, high-pressure, 6.8mm hybrid ammunition that is utilized in both weapons, and is a significant leap forward in ammunition innovation, design, and manufacturing.”

The SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition is designed for increased penetration at greater distances. Cohen continued, “using patent-pending technology the SIG SAUER Ammunition division has engineered a completely new cartridge resulting in a more compact round, with increased velocity and accuracy, while delivering a substantial reduction in the weight of the ammunition.”

The primary objectives set forth by the U.S. Army for the NGSW-AR was a weapon with the firepower and range of a machine gun, coupled with the precision and ergonomics of a rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR submission is an ultra-light, medium caliber machine gun with AR ergonomics, and chambered in 6.8mm hybrid ammunition. Features include quick detach magazines, side opening feed tray, increased available 1913 rail space for night vision and enablers, folding buttstock, and suppressor.

Additionally, the Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) requirements were inclusive of an NGSW-Rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-Rifle submission, also chambered in 6.8mm hybrid, is lightweight and features a free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, side-charging handle, full ambidextrous controls, folding buttstock, and suppressor.

“The U.S. Army challenged the industry to bring forward significant improvements to the legacy weapons. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR is lighter in weight, with dramatically less recoil than that currently in service, while our carbine for the NGSW-Rifle submission is built on the foundation of SIG SAUER weapons in service with the premier fighting forces across the globe. Both weapons are designed with features that will increase the capabilities of the soldier,” commented Cohen. “The final component of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Weapons System is our suppressor, which through exhaustively researched design enhancements, reduces harmful backflow and signature.”

As outlined in the recent award issued by the U.S. Army, SIG SAUER will deliver a complete SIG SAUER system inclusive of the SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, lightweight machine gun, rifle, and suppressors.

“SIG SAUER has designed the most comprehensive solution to meet the requirements of the Next Generation Squad Weapons to enhance mission effectiveness. We are looking forward to partnering with the U.S. Army throughout this process and ensuring our soldiers are equipped for the demands of the modern battlefield,” concluded Cohen.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 39 Comments »