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DoD Releases Small Business Strategy

Friday, February 10th, 2023

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

The Department of Defense released its Small Business Strategy Jan. 26. The strategy promotes a strong, dynamic, and robust small business industrial base by focusing on reducing barriers to entry, increasing set-aside competitions, and leveraging programs to grow the industrial base.

“From manufacturers providing the critical parts that we need for our arsenal – to technology companies developing innovative systems and capabilities – small businesses are vital along the entire spectrum of the Department’s needs,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks said. “Reducing barriers and creating more opportunities for small businesses will allow us to expand, innovate, and diversify, increasing our warfighter advantage, strengthening our supply chains, increasing competition in our marketplace, and growing our economy here at home.”

Small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses as well as 73% of companies in the defense industrial base, and last year small businesses were awarded over 25% of all DoD prime contracts. As the economic engine of our nation, small businesses create jobs, generate innovation, and are essential, daily contributors to national security and the defense mission. This strategy will help DoD harness the full potential of small businesses through three objectives: implement a unified management approach for small business programs and activities; ensure the Department’s small business activities align with national security priorities; and strengthen the Department’s engagement and support of small businesses.

“Fostering a resilient and robust industrial base is one of my top priorities,” said Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William LaPlante. “Supporting small businesses is not just about meeting a goal or checking a box; it’s about building advantages for our warfighters. All of American industry, especially our innovative small businesses, has a role in developing, delivering, and sustaining the critical capabilities that are required to further implement the National Defense Strategy.”

“Small businesses are crucial to national security,” Director of the Office of Small Business Programs Farooq Mitha added. “Our military depends on small businesses that bring innovation and agility to support DoD’s mission. From providing critical component parts, to cutting edge software platforms, to essential services, small businesses provide support across nearly the entirety of the Department of Defense.”

As part of DoD’s efforts to strengthen support of small businesses, this strategy focuses on stepping up engagement with industry, including providing more tools and resources. This engagement and training effort will be facilitated by the Department’s 96 APEX Accelerators located across the country, formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, which serve as a resource for small businesses to increase their readiness, help them find opportunities to do business with the Department and accelerate their insertion into the defense marketplace.

The Office of Small Business Programs encourages those interested in working with DoD to read a “Guide to Marketing to DoD” here.

The Small Business Strategy can be found here.

Department of Defense News

Posted in Guest Post, Industry | 2 Comments »

Blackhawk Sponsors Tactical Athlete Ehea Schuerch

Thursday, February 9th, 2023

Brand to Serve as 2023 Tactical Games Platinum Sponsor

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – February 8, 2023 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, is proud to announce its sponsorship of tactical athlete Ehea Schuerch for the 2023 Tactical Games. Schuerch is one of the sport’s up and coming female competitors and the 2023 season marks her second year of competition as well as Blackhawk’s second year of sponsorship for The Tactical Games.

A Spokane, Washington native, Schuerch began competing at The Tactical Games in 2022, where she quickly became one of the games’ fiercest competitors. She placed third at the Bend, Oregon competition and second at the Phoenix, Arizona competition which sealed her national’s qualification. At last year’s National Championship in Florence, Texas, Schuerch placed second amongst a group of 15 elite female competitors.

Outside of competition, Schuerch has served as a corrections officer at the Spokane County Jail for seven years, where she is also the only female to join the jail’s Correctional Response Team (CRT). Additionally, she has served as a defensive tactics instructor for nearly six years, is EMT certified and has competed in regional and national CrossFit competitions since 2016. In 2017 she placed first at the Bi-Annual World Police and Fire Games, and in 2018 placed 17th overall at the World CrossFit Games.

“I’m honored to be backed by a tried-and-true company like Blackhawk and feel confident knowing that I’m running the best gear in competition and for my regular everyday carry,” said Schuerch. “The Tactical Games is paving the way as a new sport by combining firearms and fitness, and it reflects the training that I’ve been doing for several years on the job. I enjoy the test it places on an individual’s physical preparedness, and I look forward to sharing with others my personal journey this season.”

For 2023, Blackhawk will serve as Platinum Sponsor for The Tactical Games. Attracting some of the best professional and amateur tactical athletes nationwide, The Tactical Games have become a proving ground for the latest in cutting-edge tactical gear. The games’ intense physical nature and marksmanship tests require efficient gear setups that prioritize firearm security, retention and accessibility as well as comfort and weight – all tenants at the center of Blackhawk’s designs.

Schuerch’s first competition with Team Blackhawk is at The Tactical Games Mississippi Regional, which takes place on February 18-19 in Meridian, Mississippi. During the competition, Schuerch plans to utilize the Blackhawk Foundation Series Plate Carrier and T-Series holster as part of her go-to-kit.

To learn more about The Tactical Games, head over to thetacticalgames.com, and to learn more about Blackhawk or to see their full lineup of holsters and tactical gear, check out Blackhawk.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Blackhawk Sponsors Tactical Athlete Ehea Schuerch

5.11 Announces the Return of ABR Academy Classes for 2023 in Collaboration with USCCA

Thursday, February 9th, 2023

Plans for more than 300 classes to take place at 5.11-owned retail locations

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2023) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™, today announced the return of its popular ABR (Always Be Ready) Academy in 2023 in collaboration with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Together, the companies plan to host more than 300 free instructional classes at 5.11-owned retail locations across the U.S. to provide tips, tactics and insight on readiness skills for local community members.

“Last month marked 20 years for 5.11 on our quest to develop innovative gear for life’s most demanding missions. We strive to help our families, friends and communities be prepared for anything to happen,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco Morales. “The ABR Academy is designed to help attendees become more equipped for challenges and emergencies by building proper mindsets, readiness skills and gear. It’s all part of living the 5.11 mantra of Always Be Ready.”

The ABR Academy classes will provide first-hand learning and guidance on topics ranging from building emergency preparedness kits and bug-out bags to self-defense and trauma care. Each course is free to attend and will be hosted by certified experts, including instructors from the USCCA.

“Our mission is to save lives and help build safer, more prepared communities through education and training,” said Tim Schmidt, President and Co-founder of the USCCA. “Collaborating with 5.11 on the ABR Academy classes will help us strengthen that mission while reaching thousands of attendees in communities all across the country.”

The USCCA is the largest, fastest-growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible firearm owners, with over 700,000 members and 10,000 instructors nationwide. It offers industry-leading training, lifesaving education and self-defense liability insurance to help members build preparedness and confidence.

“Like 5.11, USCCA also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and similarly, has been at the forefront of providing education and readiness training for communities across the U.S. for several years now,” added Morales. “We’re thrilled to work with them throughout 2023 and look forward to helping more folks learn to Always Be Ready.”

For more information about 5.11’s ABR Academy and collaboration with the USCCA, or to find an ABR Academy class near you, please visit 511abracademy.usconcealedcarry.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on 5.11 Announces the Return of ABR Academy Classes for 2023 in Collaboration with USCCA

Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), a Leading UAE Integrator, Joins Forces with Steadicopter to Supply Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems in the UAE and Other Specific Market Segments

Wednesday, February 8th, 2023

The two companies will join forces and offer, a lightweight unmanned robotic helicopter that meets various challenges faced by HLS, military forces and law enforcement agencies.

8 February 2023. EDT – a leading UAE-based integrator for comprehensive defense solutions, and Steadicopter – a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, are joining forces regarding the supply of Steadicopter’s advanced rotary tactical unmanned aerial systems. The two companies will adapt Steadicopter’s RUAV products to meet the emerging requirements of various customers within the UAE and other specific market segments.

“As EDT continues to serve its customers with innovative, novel, unique, tailor-made solutions, we had scouted Steadicopter and its Eagle family – a platform of solutions which fits synergistically with other solutions manufactured in the region,” says Mohamed Bin Jabr Al Suwaidi, Owner & CEO of EDT. “We found that Steadicopter’s systems, which are used by various armed forces around the world and have already been operationally proven in various missions, meet the highest standards and needs of our customers. We are proud to launch them in the UAE, using both companies’ strengths and relevant accumulated experience, and anticipate that this will be a long-term cooperation that will cater to the needs of various defense and HLS organizations. We continue to prioritize investments and partnerships that meet current and future needs.”

“We thank EDT for expressing confidence in the unique and proven systems developed by Steadicopter,” says Noam Lidor, VP Sales, Marketing & Business Development at Steadicopter. “We believe that, together, we will be able to provide comprehensive solutions for various end users. At the upcoming IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, we will for the first time present the Black Eagle 50H in its new configuration, for the benefit of intelligence missions in challenging environmental conditions, and the protection of land and sea borders.”

Steadicopter’s Eagle family delivers exceptional, unprecedented, proven solutions for a wide range of military, HLS and civilian applications. The Eagle family provides full-featured solutions for any in-field requirement, enabling vertical take-off and landing and steady hovering, with advanced mission sensor suites for day and night operation. Weighing only ~20 kg as a platform, each model has the capacity to carry additional batteries for longer flights, heavier payloads and more.

The Black Eagle 50H is the first ever hybrid-powered unmanned helicopter. With a maximum takeoff weight of 50 kg, the system can carry multiple payloads, and is capable of up to five hours of flight time – extremely high endurance when compared to other VTOL platforms when carrying such heavy payloads. This enables high performance and maximum operational flexibility for various applications, such as military, low intensity conflict, law enforcement, search & rescue, cyber security, intelligence, offshore rigs and strategic infrastructure protection, high-end maritime missions and civilian applications.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Emirates Defense Technology (EDT), a Leading UAE Integrator, Joins Forces with Steadicopter to Supply Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems in the UAE and Other Specific Market Segments

NIOA Unveils New Australia-NZ Executive Team

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

NIOA’s new CEO for Australia and New Zealand, Ben James, has announced his executive team with a commitment to double down on world-class support to the company’s sporting, defence and law enforcement customers.

Mick Ahern CSC, formerly NIOA’s Lethality Program Director, is the new General Manager of Weapons & Munitions, heading up a raft of new appointments which also includes Owen Paulson as General Manager of Operations.

Mr Paulson joins NIOA after an extensive career including global security operations, expansive program management and strategic leadership roles in addition to a key role in support of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority following the devastating floods of 2010-11.

Mick Ahern, who has had a lead role in NIOA’s delivery of Tranche 1 of the LAND159 Program, will take on the position of General Manager, Weapons & Munitions, for the company’s Australia and New Zealand division.

The NIOA Australia and New Zealand leadership team, effective 2 February 2023 is:

Mick Ahern, General Manager, Weapons & Munitions

Brad Johnson, General Manager, Sporting

Fraser Winskill, General Manager, New Zealand

Rudi Bekker, General Manager, Engineering

Owen Paulson, General Manager, Operations

Ferdi Kluever, Director – Bids & Proposals

Shane Huby, General Manager, Commercial

Garth Jones, Chief Financial Officer

Mr James said the appointments underlined the capability within NIOA to deliver excellence as Australasia’s largest privately-owned supplier of munitions to the defence, law enforcement and sporting markets.

“This is a 50-year-old, family-owned business that has been built on foundations of hard work, trust and delivering outstanding results for our customers and partners,” he said.

“The leadership team we have assembled across NIOA Australia and New Zealand possesses the knowledge, capacity and expertise to continue to deliver the world-class service and support for which NIOA is known.

“It will be important that we look for synergies across the NIOA Group to ensure we are best harnessing resources and capacity to serve our domestic and international markets.

“I want to double down on our efforts to deliver world class support to our sporting, defence and law enforcement customers.”

NIOA Australia is the largest supplier of non-guided munitions to the ADF delivering Australia’s future family of 155mm artillery munitions, the medium calibre munitions for the LAND 400 Rheinmetall Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, Australia’s mortar capability as well as select munitions for the Abrams tank and more than 50 other strategic munitions.

The company is delivering the first tranche of the Australian Army’s LAND 159 Lethality System Program to modernise ADF weapon systems.

The Australian operations include management of a significant portion of the Australian Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) munitions manufacturing facility at Benalla in Victoria and delivery of key Defence munitions programs.

NIOA has had a long-standing presence in New Zealand through its support of the New Zealand Defence Force and New Zealand police, supplying various key weapons systems, tactical equipment and munitions.

In April 2022, the company acquired Auckland-based Sportways Distributors, expanding its operations to bring an enhanced product range to the New Zealand sporting and hunting community.

The appointments follow changes to NIOA’s organisational structure to better align with its growth strategy and geographical expansion.

This included a new group structure encompassing NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions and newly acquired Barrett Firearms (USA).

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Rohde & Schwarz UK signs Armed Forces Covenant

Monday, February 6th, 2023

Formalized commitment builds on track record of understanding and flexible employment of former service members and support for charitable activities.

London, February 6, 2022 – Rohde & Schwarz UK has confirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), a UK government initiative to support ex-services staff, at a signing held during the company’s recent board meeting in London.

“About 20% of the Rohde & Schwarz UK workforce have formerly served in the armed forces and contribute strongly to our organization’s culture as well as business performance,” Frank Mackel, Vice President Sales Europe at Rohde & Schwarz, said. “Signing the AFC creates a platform for us to extend our engagement in new ways including support for service spouses and partners as well as armed forces charities.”

Lieutenant Commander Russ Haines RN, Relationship Manager (South), a member of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) team at the signing, commented: “Historically, Rohde & Schwarz has demonstrated its’ commitment to fairness for armed forces staff and we are delighted that this is now formalized through the signing of the AFC.”

Fltr: LtCdr Russ Haines of the Royal Navy and Frank Mackel, Vice President Sales Europe at Rohde & Schwarz, signing the AFC. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)

“Entering civilian employment can be tough for service leavers, despite the outstanding skills and personal qualities they have to offer,” Andrew Gibbs, South East Regional Employer Engagement Director with the MoD Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, added. “We appreciate Rohde & Schwarz’ support for our desire to ease their transition and we look forward to enjoying a productive and enduring connection.”

The AFC is a flexible framework that organizations can customize according to their available resources and the needs of any ex-service staff employed. Rohde & Schwarz’ commitment includes supporting the employment of veterans and recognizing military skills and qualifications in recruitment, as well as supporting the employment of service spouses and partners. There is also support for employees who are members of the reserve forces or engaged with cadet organizations, and for armed forces charities and events such as the Poppy Appeal Day and remembrance activities.

In addition to the terms of the AFC, Rohde & Schwarz supports initiatives, such as the Forces Family Jobs website and the MoD’s Career Transition Partnership.

The company has close links with the armed forces and employs many veterans. Stephen James, who began the initiative to sign the covenant, is a former naval officer and now Secure Communications Business Development Manager at Rohde & Schwarz UK. He concluded by stating: “I would like to thank everyone here and in the MoD organizations who have helped facilitate signing the AFC. As an armed forces reservist, I have received considerable help including granting of time away, when needed, to fulfil my responsibilities.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SK Customs Donates Collectible Firearms Set for NWTF’s 50th Anniversary

Sunday, February 5th, 2023

HAYMARKET, VA – February 3, 2023 – SK Guns®, the Nation’s only limited-edition, series-driven production manufacturer, is thrilled to showcase a new collectible firearm set to celebrate the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 50th Anniversary through the SK Customs division and the SK Gives Back initiative.

SK Customs recently donated two sets of custom designed and laser engraved Henry® Golden Boy Silver .22LR and a new model Smith & Wesson® 1911 chambered in 45ACP to be auctioned off during the NWTF’s annual Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 15-19, 2023, in Nashville.

The package is sold as a set and will be featured during the Grand National Live Auction on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 18 and on the NWTF’s Online Hunt Auction throughout the weekend.

“We’re proud to support the NWTF and their mission of conserving wildlife habitat and preserving our hunting heritage across the country,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “We’re honored to be a partner of the NWTF’s celebration with this limited-edition set of firearms and to showcase our commitment to the NWTF’s mission.”

Features of the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Set

Henry® Golden Boy Silver

• 22 LR

• 20” barrel

• American walnut stock

• Turkey tracks leading up to the NWTF’s 50th anniversary logo and over to the opposite side reflecting the next 50 years forward

• A longbeard is incorporated on the right side of the receiver which begins a similar “Uniquely Custom” turkey feather scroll leading up to a 24k Gold laser engraved image of two gobblers

• The left side shares a continuation of the feather scroll showing two wild turkeys in flight

• An arrow using turkey feathers for fletching points toward the 50th anniversary logo on top of the receiver

• “Healthy Habitats. Healthy Harvest.” is featured on the handguard as a reminder that the NWTF and its volunteers and partners are making sure the future of the wild turkey stays strong for years to come

• 50NWTF001 of 200 and 50NWTF50 of 200

New Model Smith and Wesson® 1911

• Chambered in 45ACP

• 5” barrel

• Turkey tracks and the NWTF’s 50th anniversary logo are engraved into the American walnut grips

• A longbeard is incorporated on the right slide which begins a similar “Uniquely Custom®” turkey feather scroll leading up to a 24k Gold laser engraved image of two gobblers.

• The left slide shares a continuation of the feather scroll showing two wild turkeys in flight

• An arrow using turkey feathers for fletching points toward the 50th anniversary logo on top of the receiver and barrel

• The serrations on the 1911 are uniquely embellished with the NWTF’s logo, never seen before on any collectors 1911 firearm

• Numbered 001 of 200 and 50 of 200

Each collector will receive the matching numbers in the set.

“In 2020, we saw an immense need in giving back to organizations and programs that support shooting sports, our hunting heritage, and who make a difference in the lives of others, so we started the SK Gives Back initiative,” said Khiabani. “It’s vital that we, as an outdoor community, support organizations devoted to enhancing personal growth and development opportunities in the firearm and outdoor industry, such as the NWTF.”

Since 1973, wild turkey populations have risen from 1.3 million to more than 6 million, and the NWTF has conserved or enhanced more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, invested more than $500,000 in conservation and outreach efforts, and invested more than $8 million in wild turkey research. Over the next 50 years, the NWTF will drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

Convention visitors are encouraged to stop by booth #725 in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center during the NWTF’s annual Convention and Sport Show for a first-hand look at the unique guns from SK Customs® series, the SK Bespoke Collection® and more.

To learn more about SK Guns®, and SK Customs®, and to order your NWTF 50th Anniversary Set, visit skguns.com.

Posted in Charity, Firearms, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on SK Customs Donates Collectible Firearms Set for NWTF’s 50th Anniversary

Bridgford to Exhibit at CSAAA

Friday, February 3rd, 2023

St-Laurent, QC (Canada) (Feb 2023) – Bridgford Foods Corporation, a ready to eat pocket sandwich line of products distributed exclusively for the Canadian first responders’ market by Hudson Supplies Inc, will be at CSAAA this February 12 & 13 at Calgary Telus Centre in Calgary AB Canada with choice of tasting:

Pepperoni Pizza

French Toast

Apple Turnover

Mexican wBeef Wrap

BBQ Beef

About Bridgford

Bridgford Foods Corporation is a family-controlled business, which is currently traded on the NASDAQ and traces its roots back more than 90 years to 1932 in San Diego, CA. Uniqueness, high quality, and consistency of products have been the main objectives of Bridgford Foods Corporation.

The principal product lines include frozen bread doughs; frozen fully baked breads, rolls and buttermilk biscuits; frozen micro-ready sandwiches and meal kits; sliced lunch meats, beef jerky and meat snacks as well as shelf-stable dry and semi-dry sausage products. Bridgford Foods Corporation is headquartered in Dallas, TX and has a plant in Chicago, IL, one plant in Anaheim, CA, Statesville, NC and has two additional facilities in Dallas, TX. Bridgford presently employees over 500 people and their products are sold in all fifty states, Canada, and several overseas locations.

The Shelf-Stable Ready to Eat Pocket Sandwich line was originally developed for the United States Military as combat feeding rations for the “Troops On-The-Go”. The Military required a product which had a three-year shelf-life and tasted great on day one or day 1,095. The product was originally tested with the United States Marines during an operation in Fallujah. The product scored exceptionally well and received one of the highest acceptance scores of any new product introduction. The product is currently being incorporated into the “First Strike Ration”, which is being provided to our Military’s Special Operations Forces when they carry out missions in a “Hot Zone”. The entire product line of sandwiches, pizza, and wraps are proudly produced at the Bridgford Statesville, NC production facility. Our ingredients are all sourced from the USA.

The Shelf-Stable Ready to Eat Pocket Sandwiches is produced under a grant of inspection with the USDA/FSIS. The facility is SQF certified and is inspected by the USDA/AMS, FDA, NCDA, VETCOM and a handful of other agencies. All of the meat and poultry is purchased from USDA facilities within the USA and are BSE tested.

The Bridgford Ready to Eat Items weigh 4.4-oz or 3.1-oz, depending upon the variety. No refrigeration is required, and the product has a three-year shelf-life from date of manufacturing if maintained at 80 degrees of less. The Sandwiches can be stored consistently at 100 degrees for six months. The product’s shelf-life is attained by a combination of packaging and formulation. The Ready to Eat Sandwiches are a great food solution for the outdoor enthusiast, whether you are camping, hiking, boating, fishing, etc.

It is also a great solution for household emergency kits as well as for disaster preparedness or disaster relief efforts.

Bridgford currently offers several varieties of sandwiches like BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken, Sweet & Spicy Chicken, Italian Style, Filled French Toast, Cinnamon Bun, Blueberry, Cherry, and Apple Turnover. Three varieties of plain sliced bread, White, Whole Wheat and Multigrain. Pepperoni and plain Cheese Pizza Slices. BBQ Pork and Mexican style beef and cheese wraps. On average, the sandwiches provide 300 calories per serving and provide 10 to 12 grams of protein.

The Bridgford Ready to Eat Sandwiches was designed to be eaten straight from the pouch; simply tear the pouch open at the tear notches, remove the sandwich, and eat. The sandwiches may also be heated using an MRE/Flameless Heater; immersing the unopened pouch in boiling water for approximately six minutes or if you have access to electricity, removing the sandwich from its pouch and microwaving on high for 20 to 30 seconds or heating in a toaster oven at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | 14 Comments »