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Galvion Responds to U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Vermont Settlement

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Newport, Vermont (June 2024) In response to the recent press release issued by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, Galvion wishes to provide the following statement.

Galvion has fully cooperated with the government’s investigation of this matter and is thankful to have reached a resolution. This situation dates back to the period of 2016-2019 and relates to the country of origin of some textile components within the Modular Suspension System (MSS) liner replacement kits that did not fully comply with the Berry Amendment. Galvion would like to stress that the pads and overall liner systems fully complied with and met all the testing specifications required by the U.S. Military. The MSS kits presented no safety concerns for the warfighter.

Since its major divestiture and corporate re-structuring in 2019, Galvion has built a new and robust compliance program and upholds a strong commitment to continuous improvement across the organization. Galvion remains an active supplier to the U.S. Military.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO of Galvion said: “This settlement resolves a situation from years ago related to Berry Amendment textile materials, and Galvion has the compliance processes in place today to ensure this cannot happen.” He added: “Galvion is a team of passionate people who are dedicated to supporting our American warfighters, as well as those of our wider global allies. We want to put this historical matter behind us and focus on engineering the systems that enhance the performance and survivability of those who are on the front lines.”

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DOJ – Galvion To Pay $2,495,000 To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Vermont, Galvion, known for their helmets and power systems has agreed to pay $2,495,000 for violating the Berry Amendment between 2016 and 2019. Galvion has responded and their statement can be seen here.

The DOJ announcement is below:

Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Galvion, Ltd. (Galvion) has agreed to pay $2,495,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act through the knowing sale of non-conforming parts to the United States Department of Defense.

Galvion is headquartered in Montreal, Canada with three production facilities located in the United States, including one in Newport, Vermont. Galvion manufactures protective head systems for use by law enforcement and military personnel, including the United States military. Among the company’s products is the modular suspension system (MSS), a helmet insert.

Through prime vendors, the company sold MSS products to the United States under the Defense Logistics Agency’s Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistic Support (SOE TLS) Program, which requires that textiles be sourced from the United States in accordance with the Berry Amendment. The government’s investigation revealed that between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019, the company used a non-domestic source of pads in the MSS products sold through the SOE TLS program, as well as a foreign source of nets and harnesses for some orders.

Galvion has acknowledged that employees with oversight of material sourcing, product operations, and/or product sales during this period were aware that certain components in these orders needed to be sourced from the United States and that non-compliant components nevertheless were used. The government alleges that these acts violated the False Claims Act, a civil fraud statute that prohibits the knowing submission of false claims to the government.

“Fraud by government contractors and subcontractors is a serious issue and can erode the integrity of government programs,” said United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “By selling improperly sourced products to the military, the company placed profits over compliance with clear regulations. This settlement demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to root out fraud among companies who do business with the government.”

“The introduction of non-compliant materials into the military supply chain poses a significant risk to our nation’s service members,” stated Brian J. Solecki, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice, to ensure that individuals and companies who engage in fraudulent activity, at the expense of the Department of Defense, are held accountable for their actions.”

“This settlement further demonstrates the resolve of Army CID, and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army,” stated Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly, of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office.

During the period in question, the MSS was a product of Revision Military Ltd (Revision); in September 2019, Revision’s owner sold the company and certain product lines but retained the protective head system business, which thereafter operated as Galvion.

To resolve the claims against it, Galvion has agreed to pay to the United States a total of $2,495,000. This amount reflects Galvion’s acceptance of responsibility, cooperation with the government investigation, and compliance measures Galvion implemented after 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Almquist Lively handled this matter for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont. Investigative support was provided by the United States Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

This investigation stemmed from a complaint made to the DLA Hotline related to the origin of materials used in the company’s MSS products. The government encourages individuals with information on potential fraud to report it, as complaints and hotline tips often play a key role in holding companies accountable. To report fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement impacting DLA, contact the DLA Hotline by completing the online form at www.dla.mil/Inspector-General/Hotline-Form. You can also report concerns to OIGHotline@dla.mil or call 1-800-411-9127. Requests for confidentiality will be honored to the full extent allowed by law.

The settlement agreement between the United States and Galvion is available at this link:

Galvion Settlement Agreement

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Announcing: Envision Technology MARS-M and MARS-Mc Mid-Range 905 nm Laser Range Finger, Available Now at TNVC!

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Redlands, California—

The Little Laser Making a Big Splash: Despite only being founded in 2019, Envision Technology is making huge waves among its end users with the family of Miniature Advanced Rangefinder Systems (MARS) because of its small form factor and well thought-out and intuitive design, though that should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the team behind it, and TNVC is proud to be partnered with Envision Technology for the launch of the newest addition to the MARS Family: The MARS Mid-Range (MARS-M) and MARS Mid-Range Commercial (MARS-Mc).

The MARS Mid-Range (MARS-M) and MARS Mid-Range Commercial (MARS-Mc) utilizes a 905nm LRF with a slightly reduced, but still impressive effective range of >700m on 30% reflective man-size targets or >1,000m on 30% NATO targets, hence the “Mid-Range” nomenclature as opposed to the >1500m to a man-size target with the 1550nm LRF used in the MARS/c and MARS-L/c, which are optimized for extreme long range. However, by utilizing the 905nm mid-range LRF, Envision has not only been able to drastically reduce the price of the MARS-M/c, which retail for $6,800, but also ensured the MARS-M/c falls under EAR Cat 7A611 rather than ITAR for export customers.*

Similar to the full-featured MARS and MARS Light, the MARS Mid-Range is a fully ruggedized, duty-ready device, and is not only built to the same quality standards as the MARS and MARS-L, but utilizes many of the same hardware components.

tnvc.com/shop/envision-technology-mars-mc-mid-range-lrf

The MARS-M/c uses the same compact, low-snag system housing and form factor design as the MARS-L, with a fully operational weight of roughly 7 ounces with a CR123 battery installed (not including remote switch) and is approximately the same size as the current USSOCOM-issued LA-5/PEQ multi-function aiming laser, which does not include a rangefinder.

Again, like the MARS and MARS-L, the MARS-M and Mc have the same integrated Applied Ballistics solver, Bluetooth interface capability to external devices and displays, haptic feedback, and three-button remote that connects with an AN/PAS-29B ECOTI-style 7-Pin locking connector interface that replicates the onboard functionality without forcing the user to reach up to the device, allowing them to maintain both optimal device and hand positioning without compromising functionality.

The MARS Mid-Range is available in both a Class 3B variant (MARS-M), available to DoD, Federal, State, and Local government and law enforcement agencies, as well as a Class 3R “Commercial” (MARS-Mc) variant with no restrictions to domestic consumers, with the ONLY difference being the output power of the visible red 640nm boresighting laser (MARS-M: 38mW / MARS-Mc: 3.0 mW). Both the MARS-M and MARS-Mc include a nearly-identical feature set and menu structure to those familiar with the MARS/c or MARS-L/c.

The Envision Technology MARS-Mc (MARS Mid-Range, Commercial) is now in stock at TNVC and available for purchase.

tnvc.com/shop/envision-technology-mars-mc-mid-range-lrf

The Class 3B MARS, MARS-L and MARS-M are also available for order now by qualified military or law enforcement customers by calling or e-mailing TNVC.

*Please see our website for additional Dept. of Commerce Export Administration Regulations (EAR) guidelines and details.

Envision Technology was founded in 2019 in Manchester, New Hampshire on the principles of listening to the user’s needs, developing innovative products with an understanding of those needs, and focusing on a streamlined development and manufacturing philosophy and recognize that our success depends on the mission success of our customers.

envision-tek.com

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Discover the SureFire XR1 Compact WeaponLight

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Fountain Valley, CA—SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of the world’s finest—and most innovative—illumination tools and tactical products, is proud to announce our most powerful compact rechargeable handgun weaponlight for concealed-carry users, the XR1.

The XR1 is a compact, rechargeable handgun light that boasts an impressive 800 lumens and 15,000 candela. The XR1 is activated with intuitive ambidextrous switches that allow for both momentary-on or constant-on activation. This concealable weaponlight operates on a quick-detach battery, enabling the operator to swap out the power source without removing the light from the host weapon.

The XR1 is designed for a concealable mid-size handgun with its ultra-lightweight, extremely compact, low-profile design. Its new rail mount features four points of contact to ensure an added measure of redundancy and security when mounted to a weapon. The dual recoil-proof LEDs result in a Hybrid beam pattern with significant reach downrange as well as ample spill light, so you can positively ID targets at distance while maintaining situational awareness.

XR1-A Features:

• Dual LEDs deliver 800 lumens of intense white light and 15,000 candela shaped in to a Hybrid beam pattern; ideal for positive target identification at short- to medium-range distances, delivering a bright central beam and ample spill light

• Compact form factor is ideal for concealment, adding no additional width or length to most mid-sized concealable handguns.

• SureFire’s intuitive and ambidextrous switching provides momentary-on or constant-on activation for virtually foolproof, stress-free instant activation

• Quick-detach, rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides fast and easy battery swaps without removing the XR1 from the host firearm, ideal for prolonged low light training sessions

• Battery-mounted fuel gauge allows convenient monitoring of charge status; it minimizes your chances of being caught with a dead battery

• Included charging cradle features two charging bays so you can keep charged spare batteries readily at hand

For more information on the XR1, visit www.surefire.com/xr1-a.

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NIOA Opens Office on US Army Base

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

NIOA’s American company is open for business in the heart of the US Army’s garrison for armaments development and procurement.

In officially opening the company’s office at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the event marked a shared commitment to Australia-US security objectives and defence industry advancement.

“Co-development, co-production and co-sustainment within the allied network starts with co-location,” Mr Nioa said.

“NIOA is committed to expanding its participation in and collaboration with the US defence industrial base to enhance US and allied global security objectives.

“Opening a permanent office at the US Army’s centre for munitions research and technology provides a gateway for us to grow our presence in the US and work more closely with America’s long-standing allies, particular its AUKUS partners in the UK and Australia.

“We are excited about the opportunities this will bring, not only for our company but for the broader goals of our allied defence forces.”

Picatinny Arsenal Commanding General Maj-Gen John Reim and the NIOA Group’s US-based Advisory Board member Ellen Lord assist NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa in cutting the ribbon at the official opening of NIOA’s office at the US Army’s New Jersey base.

Major-General John T Reim, Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal and Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition, joined Mr Nioa, senior Picatinny military officials, NIOA executives and other US defence company executives for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Picatinny Arsenal has a workforce of more than 6000 across key organisations such as Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and the Combat Capability Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC).

The Picatinny tenancy is a significant step in NIOA’s US growth plan which included the 2023 acquisition of key US Army supplier, Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms, and the recent teaming agreement with California-headquartered Aerojet Rocketdyne.

NIOA also has long-standing relationships with American companies such as General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Winchester through its operation of the Lake City ammunition plant, each of which also have offices at Picatinny.

Earlier this year, leading US defence industry executive Dan Olson was appointed to the NIOA Group’s Advisory Board joining former US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Hon. Ellen Lord.

NIOA’s residence at Picatinny comes as the US Department of Defense reaffirmed its commitment to double down on strengthening defence industrial resilience in the Indo-Pacific.

The “Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration” released by the Pentagon on Friday endorsed action “to expand industrial base capability, capacity, and workforce; increase supply chain resilience; and promote defense innovation”.

About the NIOA Group…

• The NIOA Group includes NIOA Inc [USA], NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, Barrett Firearms [USA)] and joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.

• Established in 1973, NIOA is a global firearms, weapons and munitions company with operations in the USA, Australia and New Zealand with a distribution network covering 75 US State department approved countries.

• NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria where it is currently manufacturing 120mm munitions for the Abrams tank along with 30mm and 35mm cannon ammunition.

• The company is a joint venture partner with Rheinmetall of Germany in the Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions 155mm artillery forging facility in Maryborough, Queensland, delivering key munitions for US allied nations.

• NIOA has a strategic agreement with Aerojet Rocketdyne, a L3Harris Technologies company, to explore the manufacturing of key munitions and components within Australia’s sovereign guided weapons enterprise.

www.nioa.com.au

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Carrington Textiles’ Portuguese Factory Cuts CO2 Emissions by 45% with Biomass Boiler Installation

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Adlington, United Kingdom: Global workwear textile manufacturer Carrington Textiles, along with its joint venture in Portugal, MGC, has achieved significant carbon emission reductions following the installation of a biomass boiler at the site in 2023. This initiative has allowed the factory to produce 95% of the steam needed for manufacturing while reducing natural gas consumption by 70%, marking a substantial step towards more sustainable textile production practices.

A biomass boiler is a device that uses organic materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, or other biological matter, to produce heat and energy. This technology serves as an alternative to fossil fuels, significantly cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.

MGC’s biomass boiler uses responsibly sourced wood chips from local forests within a 50 km radius of the factory, all certified by SURE (Sustainable Resources). This raw material consists of leftover wood intended for the paper industry that needs to be removed to prevent fires. The ash generated in the process is used as soil fertiliser after being treated to avoid soil contamination.

This new equipment is carbon neutral and has allowed the textile manufacturer to decrease its overall CO2 emissions by 45% compared to 2022.

Jose Melo, MGC’s Managing Director, commented on the achievement: “The installation of the biomass boiler marks a significant milestone in our journey towards driving energy efficiency in our manufacturing processes. The substantial reduction in our CO2 emissions is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Comprehensive Environmental Initiatives

Beyond the biomass boiler, MGC has implemented a series of initiatives that showcase its commitment to sustainability. This includes reduction in water consumption by over 13%, waste and plastic usage reduction, environmental management training to all employees, energy management systems, wastewater treatment to remove microplastics and PFAs, to name a few.

These initiatives and the implementation of the biomass boiler illustrate Carrington Textiles and MGC’s dedication to investing in technologies that reduce their impact on the environment.

www.carrington.co.uk

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US Government Secures $73 Million Contract with UVision and Mistral for Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Contract with U.S. Special Operations Command Expected to be Completed by May 2029

June 05, 2024 – UVision Inc., a global leader in aerial loitering systems, and Mistral Inc., a distinguished player in the US defense industry, have secured a $73,552,208 contract with the U.S. Government to supply Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions for the U.S. Special Operations Command. The contract includes munitions, spare parts, engineering change proposals, new equipment training, and conversion from organic precision fires-mounted to medium-range precision strike systems.

The Hero-120SF Loitering Munition System is a state-of-the-art, mid-range, anti-tank system designed specifically for heavy strikes against armored targets like tanks, vehicles, and other hard targets on the modern battlefield. With its ability to cause minimal collateral damage and equipped with a range of multi-purpose warheads, the Hero-120SF provides operational users with an unparalleled effective engagement solution.

Tailored for Special Forces operations, the Hero-120SF includes enhancements such as improved payload capacity, advanced guidance systems, and increased flexibility for deployment from various platforms.

Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UVision USA, stated, “This significant contract with the U.S. Special Operations Command, a uniquely important entity, supported by our strong partnership with Mistral, underscores the commitment of both UVision and Mistral to provide cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to safeguard US national security.”

Production of the Hero-120SF will take place at UVision USA’s facilities in Virginia and at the new SAIC plant that opened in March. Mistral Inc, the exclusive representative of UVision in the USA, and the prime contractor of this contract, offering the Hero series to meet the discerning needs of the United States military will oversee the industrial and commercial aspects of the contract.

The work under this contract is expected to be completed by 2029.

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Partnership with Lithuania: Rheinmetall and Minister of Economy and Innovation, Auštime Armonaite, Sign Further Agreement for a New Factory

Tuesday, June 4th, 2024

Lithuania takes another step towards strengthening its defence sector. The Lithuanian Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Aušrine Armonaite, has signed an agreement delineating the arrival of Rheinmetall, the German military industry giant, to Lithuania. The project has been granted the status of state importance.

“Rheinmetall establishing operations in Lithuania is a significant step towards meeting our country’s immediate defence and security needs. It will help us to ensure uninterrupted access to essential weapons and ammunition, as the products that European defence needs will be produced on Lithuanian soil. With an investment of more than EUR 180M, the new plant is also expected to create at least 150 new jobs,” Minister Armonait? said.

The site of the investment project should be announced in the upcoming weeks. The plant is expected to produce tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition per year.

“We are grateful to have been selected by Lithuania as a partner of the defence industry. We are pleased to be able to make a contribution to national sovereignty in the field of ammunition,” said Maximilian Froch, Head of Strategic Programme Organisation International at Rheinmetall AG.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We at Rheinmetall are very grateful for this long-term partnership with Lithuania. It confirms us once again in our claim to be one of the pillars of national and international security provision.”
To ensure Lithuania’s security, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has also initiated legal amendments that facilitate the development of large-scale projects. Potential investors, including Rheinmetall, will be able to benefit from these new provisions.

The amendments simplify territorial planning, land procurement, and construction procedures. This will enable manufacturers in the defence industry to launch operations in Lithuania in the shortest possible time.

These amendments were drafted in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Office of the Government. It is expected that the Lithuanian Parliament will adopt these regulations during this year’s spring session.

The ‘Green Corridor’ initiative for large-scale investment projects, developed by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation and launched in 2021, makes it easier and quicker for investors to set up operations in Lithuania, granting their project a status of state importance and a 0% corporate tax rate for a period up to 20 years.
The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has already signed contracts for 14 large-scale investment projects, which will create nearly 4,000 jobs and attract more than €1.25 billion in investment.

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