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NNDA Announces Winners of the 2019 Pioneer Awards

August 30th, 2019

CARSON CITY, NV – August 22, 2018 – Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) today announced the winners of its annual Pioneer Awards (PioneerAwards.com). Winners will be honored and celebrated during the 5th Annual NNDA Pioneer Awards & Gala being held on November 7, 2019. The Pioneer Awards recognize individuals and businesses whose contributions to economic development have supported the growth of Nevada’s Sierra Region, while showcasing the many business success stories of Nevada’s Sierra Region.

• Boundary Peak Exceptional Nonprofit Award: Western Nevada College Foundation (Carson City, NV – WNC.edu/Foundation/). WNC Foundation develops resources and encourages philanthropy in support of Western Nevada College. The organization is being recognized for extraordinary growth in funding streams from 2016- 2019, active board involvement, presence in the community, and support of workforce development initiatives. WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys said, “We are so honored to receive this prestigious award! The board of directors for the WNC Foundation has worked very hard over the past few years to support students through scholarships, emergency funding and WNC facility improvements in order to contribute to workforce development in this region.”

• Kit Carson Extraordinary Entrepreneurism Award: Kevin Lindseth, CEO, Pure Ground Ingredients (Minden, NV – PureGroundIngredients.com). PGI is an industrial supplier of organic botanicals, spices, chili, and black and green teas. This visionary entrepreneur is being distinguished for his ability to meet market needs, the ongoing refinement of the PGI business model, the company’s growth and environmental responsibility, use of state-of-the-art systems, worldwide community engagement, work with students, and training programs for employees. Kevin Lindseth said, “Pure Ground Ingredients expresses our gratitude to NNDA and our community, our employees and global network of customers and growers. We couldn’t have made it this far without the continued dedication and support over the years!”

• Silver Forge Outstanding Manufacturer Award: Franklin Armory® (Minden, NV – FranklinArmory.com). Franklin Armory specializes in manufacturing quality firearms for sporting, military, and law enforcement applications. The company is being honored as the creator of a new cluster of businesses that support the manufacturing of firearms in Nevada’s Sierra Region, as well as for its innovative manufacturing techniques, community involvement with local law enforcement, growing exports, and recent business expansions. “Northern Nevada continues to provide lower manufacturing costs including real estate, skilled labor, energy, and compliance,” said Jay Jacobson, President. “These competitive advantages allow us to prosper and grow in the Silver State as we satisfy global demand for new products.”

In addition to the award winners, NNDA 2019 Pioneer of the Year Jim Peckham, Executive Director of FISH, will be honored during the gala.

NNDA President & CEO, Robert “Rob” Hooper, said, “The winners of our NNDA Pioneer Awards and our Pioneer of the Year are the movers and shakers who represent what is possible when there is a vibrant and resilient economic ecosystem supporting their efforts.” He continued, “By taking a regional economic development approach and pooling assets, we can achieve economic growth which benefits all of the counties in Nevada’s Sierra Region. At the same time, we can drive growth in alignment with the unique characteristics and goals of each individual county, further strengthening the region’s economy.”

As part of the Pioneer Awards ceremonies, the Nevada Builders Alliance (NBA) will again present its annual Golden Hammer Award that recognizes the construction team whose project had the greatest impact on the economic development of the Sierra Region. 308 Curry Street Project – Metcalf Builders is the 2019 winner of the NBA Golden Hammer Award. The 308 Curry Street Mixed-Use Development in Carson City was envisioned by the owner, The Hop & Mae Adams Foundation, and built by Metcalf Builders (an NNDA Partner). This three-story mixed-use project is now home to retail (The Martin Hotel Restaurant and Squeeze In) on the first floor, offices (Lumos Engineering and Prime Lending) on the second floor, and residential units on the third floor. The project is the embodiment of the mission of the Adams Foundation to provide for the betterment of the people of Carson City and adds tremendous economic impact to its downtown.

The Pioneer Awards & Gala is attended by over 250 influential business leaders, executives, and management teams of companies from the Sierra Region and beyond. Government officials also attend the annual fundraiser. Event sponsorships and ticket sales are used to support NNDA’s mission: To influence, facilitate, and support the ongoing growth and prosperity of the economic ecosystem of the region.

PioneerAwards.com

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Rheinmetall to Exhibit at DSEI 2019

August 30th, 2019

Rheinmetall will be exhibiting at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2019, the leading London trade fair which runs between September 10th and 13th.

True to the motto “Force Protection is our Mission”, Rheinmetall will be on hand with a representative selection of products from its extensive portfolio.

The new independent UK-based joint venture for military vehicle design, manufacture and support, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL), will be exhibiting for the first time. The joint venture was founded by Rheinmetall and BAE Systems on July 1st 2019. Headquartered in Telford in the West Midlands, the joint venture will sustain around 450 jobs across the UK and is well positioned for future growth.

RBSL intends to play a major role in manufacturing the Boxer 8×8 for the British Army’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme and other strategic combat vehicle programmes, while also providing support to the British Army’s in-service tactical vehicle fleets – among them the Modular Bridging System which is RBSL’s proposed solution to the UK MOD’s Project Tyro.

At the Rheinmetall stand at DSEI, a Boxer infantry group variant will be on display. Rheinmetall will also be demonstrating its expertise in tactical combat vehicles upgrade programmes. On show is the Group’s demonstrator for the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project (LEP).

Robotics are already changing the battlefield of the future today. Thanks to its modular design, Rheinmetall’s unmanned Mission Master vehicle can be adapted to a wide range of applications. The Cargo, Rescue and Protection versions will be presented at DSEI.

As a leading supplier for soldier systems, sensors, effectors, networking and C4I systems, Rheinmetall sets extraordinary standards in the digitisation of armed forces. The Düsseldorf-based specialist for security and mobility continues to widen its lead in the soldier system market with solutions like Argus New Generation and Gladius 2.0. At DSEI 2019, Rheinmetall’s Lance medium-calibre turret will be networked with the Gladius soldier system. This is achieved via the cutting-edge TacNet command and control system.

The Group is allocating considerable space to its force protection solutions, which range from hard ballistic inserts for bullet-resistant vests to state-of-the-art standoff active protection systems for armoured vehicles. For the first time in Europe, Rheinmetall is showcasing its Hybrid Protection Module. Combining active and passive protection technology, it can be integrated into vehicles.

Rheinmetall’s comprehensive expertise in the air defence domain is also on show at DSEI 2019, embodied in its innovative Skynex system. The Skynex configuration on display at London features the remotely operated, network-capable Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 bolstered by a Sentinel interceptor drone.

Rheinmetall also numbers among the world’s foremost suppliers in the field of training and simulation, where it makes a crucial contribution to enhancing the operational effectiveness of numerous armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Rheinmetall will also be showcasing its Osiris software for command and staff training and operational research as well as its new “Total Ship Training” system, an integrated simulation-based approach for training entire ships’ crews ashore.

Furthermore, at DSEI 2019 Rheinmetall is presenting its comprehensive expertise in practically every capability category. Among other things, these include the Group’s weapon and ammunition systems that are a match for the latest threats, enabling a swift, scalable response; and innovative, network-capable sensors for applications on land, at sea and in the air. We look forward to seeing you at DSEI 2019 at our stand S7-200.

Posted in DSEi, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Adams Arms Announces New President

August 30th, 2019

Odessa, Florida – Adams Arms announced today that Jason East has been promoted to the role of President.

In his new role as President, East will lead all aspects of day to day operations of the company including manufacturing, operations, finance, sales and marketing, engineering and supply chain management.

Paul Miller will remain as the Adams Arms Chairman, focusing on strategy, product roadmap, strategic partnerships and industry relations.

“I am confident in Jason and the entire Adams Arms team” says Paul Miller, Chairman, Adams Arms. “Our products provide great value to our customers, and there are exciting new products being readied for launch in the near-term..”

“I am excited to assume the role of President at Adams Arms,” says East who previously served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. “Adams Arms has been a leader in the marketplace with piston technology that provides a cooler, cleaner, and more reliable product for our customers. We have an incredible team of talented employees. I look forward to leading this remarkable group of individuals as we evolve and develop new product offerings to complement the existing P Series lineup.”

For more information about Adams Arms, the P-Series lineup, or other inquiries, email pr@adamsarms.net or visit www.AdamsArms.net.

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INVISIO Has Received Contract Award Decisions from the Swedish Police

August 30th, 2019

The Swedish police have announced in two contract award decisions that they intend to sign two framework agreements with INVISIO regarding communication equipment. The contract award decisions are not to be regarded as signed agreements.

The agreements include communication equipment with active hearing protection and are framework agreements valid for two years with the possibility to extend for another two years. No volume is guaranteed during the contract periods; call-offs will be made when the need arises.

The tendering process may be subject to review within ten days of the award decision.

INVISIO intends to provide additional information when the company has such and when the agreements are signed.

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Textron Systems Leads Experienced Team Selected by U.S. Army to Participate in the Next Generation Squad Weapons Prototype Program

August 30th, 2019

Hunt Valley, Maryland. August 30, 2019 – Textron Systems, a business of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), announced today its selection by the U.S. Army’s Project Manager Soldier Weapons as one of three organizations to deliver Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) based on the company’s mature, high-performance cased telescoped (CT) technology. Under this award, Textron Systems will deliver 43 6.8mm CT NGSW-Automatic Rifles and 53 NGSW-Rifles, as well as 845,000 rounds of CT ammunition during a 27-month period of performance.

To support the NGSW prototype program, Textron Systems leads a world-class team that offers decades of trusted small arms experience and includes Heckler & Koch, as well as Olin Winchester. Heckler & Koch provides renowned small arms design, research and development, and manufacturing capabilities, while Olin Winchester brings renowned small caliber ammunition production capabilities.

“We have assembled a team that understands and can deliver on the rigorous requirements for this U.S. Army program with mature and capable technology, reliable program execution and dedicated user support,” says Wayne Prender, Textron Systems’ Senior Vice President, Applied Technologies and Advanced Programs. “Together, we are honored to support America’s soldiers with the next-generation capabilities they need in their most dangerous missions.”

Textron Systems has successfully demonstrated its high capability and low-risk 6.8mm CT system that provides significant performance enhancements over current Army systems. The design features improved accuracy and greater muzzle velocity for increased performance, as well as weight savings of both weapon and ammunition over current Army systems. It also incorporates advanced suppressor technology to reduce the firing signature and improve controllability.

Under earlier development programs, Textron Systems successfully scaled its lightweight CT technology into numerous calibers and configurations, demonstrating its technical maturity, as well as scalability for future growth to support U.S. close combat forces against current and future adversaries.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Textron Systems Leads Experienced Team Selected by U.S. Army to Participate in the Next Generation Squad Weapons Prototype Program

3-Gun Nation Nationals

August 30th, 2019

This year 3-Gun Nation nationals will be held in the 7th Special Forces Group’s area (Panhandle of Florida). 3GN, Grizzly Targets and RPGi have teamed up to put on 3GN nationals at Southern Tactical Range located in Holt, Florida just about 30 minutes from our compound at 7th. Southern Tactical Range will also host an outdoor expo of sorts with numerous local companies and vendors. This combined event is templated to bring up to 500-600 people to Southern Tactical’s property.

This event will mark the seventh iteration of 3-Gun Nation’s championship match since 2009 and feature two days of competitive 3-Gun, vendors, side demos and more. 3-Gun Nation has provided a $100 discount on the match fee for any Military or Law enforcement personnel. This is extremely important to attract the military shooters from Fort Benning, Fort Rucker, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field, NAS Panama City, NAS Pensacola and more.

The venue (Southern Tactical Range) features many of the attributes that makes a facility perfect for a major 3-Gun match. Home to the Green Beret Foundation’s 2019 Fallen Heroes 3-Gun Shooting Competition (designed and ran by RPGi). Southern Tactical has 15 range bays at various sizes, natural terrain and long range options up to 1000 yards – all within a 30 minute drive to the beach town of Destin, Florida.

Additionally, RPGi training group will be hosting 3-Gun training classes for anyone interested in learning the sport. Training topics include shotgun loading techniques, transitions and gun abandonment, speed reloads and rules of the game.

MATCH STATS:

– 2 days of competition featuring 8 Courses of fire

– 200 rifle; 250 pistol; 150 birdshot ; 20 slug shots

– 125 – 175 competitors

– Vendor areas and demo areas available

– $100 match fee discount for any Military or LE personel

– Free 3GN membership ($45)

To register visit www.3GunNation.com/nationals or https://practiscore.com/3-gun-nation-2019-nationals/register

To learn more about RPGi visit rpg-international.us or email brendan.souder@gmail.com

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – All American Performance Briefs

August 30th, 2019

Today we are getting the first look at FirstSpear’s All American Performance Briefs. I’ve been wearing them for a few weeks and I love them. They are super comfortable.

They are Berry Compliant, 100% American made with American materials. Modern features including anti-roll comfort waist band, flat seam technology, and a flex grid polyester/ spandex blend for maximum comfort. Four-way stretch design with no stink quick drying properties with extra room built into the front panel for enhanced support.

Sold as a two-pack in graphite and black. Available exclusively in the FS Web Store. Now Shipping.

www.first-spear.com/technical-apparel/t-shirts/performance-briefs

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 3 Comments »

US Army Selects Three Companies To Vie For Next Generation Squad Weapons to Replace M249 and M4

August 30th, 2019

Last night, the Army announced the three companies which will proceed to Phase 2 of the Next Generation Squad Weapons Program. This solicitation is a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON), a Other Transaction Agreement under Section 804 Authority.

The PPON called for each vendor to develop two weapon variants under the NGSW program and 6.8 millimeter ammunition common to both weapons. This is NOT the 6.8 SPC cartridge evaluated by USSOCOM in the early 00s, but rather more akin to 270 WSM.

The three companies selected are:
W15QKN-19-9-1024 – General Dynamics-OTS Inc. – Williston, VT
W15QKN-19-9-1025 – AAI Corporation Textron Systems – Hunt Valley, MD
W15QKN-19-9-1022 – Sig Sauer Inc. – Newington, NH

Although the Army has tried over the years to find a replacement for the M-16 family of weapons, which the M4A1 Carbine is the latest iteration of, none have been successful. Each and every time, the Army has found that the candidate weapons did not result in a great enough improvement in lethality to replace the status quo. This time, the Army called a new effect on target, driving the development of both cartridge and weapon.

Specifically, the Army is seeking a Next Generation Squad Weapon-Rifle (NGSW-R) and Next Generation Squad Weapon-Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR). The NGSW-R is the planned replacement for the M4/M4A1 Carbine and the NGSW-AR is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the Automatic Rifleman Role in the Close Combat Force.

According to the solicitation, the duration for each prototype OTA is estimated to be up to eight years. The first 27 months will be for prototyping the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. Following this prototyping effort, there may be additional iterative prototyping efforts for the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. These iterative prototyping efforts will each have separate durations and will occur within the eight year duration.
Furthermore, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2371b(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project (or any subsequent iterative prototyping efforts) was successfully completed under the competitively awarded OTA(s), a follow-on production contract(s) or OTA(s) may be awarded without the use of competitive procedures.

Because of the duration of the OTA, and that prototype OTA will undergo two prototype test events including Soldier Touch Points, they are asking for a lot more weapons and ammunition than in the current NGSAR PON. Deliverables for each prototype OTA include 53 NGSW-R weapons, 43 NGSW-AR weapons, 845,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, test barrels, tools/gauges/accessories, engineering support, and iterative prototyping efforts as defined in the Statement of Work.
The follow-on production award(s) is planned to be an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contract with Firm Fixed Price Delivery Orders up to ten years or a fixed amount OTA up to ten years. The production award(s) may include 250,000 total weapons system(s) (NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, or both), 150,000,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, tools/gauges/accessories, and engineering support. The value of this follow-on production award(s) is estimated to be $10M in the first year and estimated $150M per year at the higher production rates.

GD comes in partnered with True Velocity ammunition and their polymer case design. However, the ammunition for this program features an entirely new case and is called the True Velocity Composite Munition.

Additionally, we hear that GD submitted a bullpup carbine, which several sources have claimed is what the Marine Corps hopes to get from NGSW. Considering the 6.8mm requirement, rumors that they are using the Desert Tech MDR seem like a good bet. Update: it’s not the MDR, but rather a new bullpup design.

AAI Textron is seen by many as the government solution as their weapon and Case Telescoping technology has been funded for years under the Lightweight Small Arms Technology program.

It is the most radical departure of the three from currently fielded weapons. This is a video of their technology demonstrator shown at a recent industry meeting.

During SOFIC, SIG SAUER exhibited their Next Gen solution. They are producing the weapons and ammunition themselves.

Despite the ammo case’s three component construction this looks to be the lowest risk design.

This program is moving along very quickly considering vendors just delivered prototypes to the government at the end of May.

For additional information on the actual requirements, check out this story we posted in January.

Posted in Contracts, Disruptive Tech, weapons | 98 Comments »