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Canadian Department of National Defence Awards Logistik Unicorp Contract to Supply Operational Clothing and Footwear to the Canadian Armed Forces

October 21st, 2022

Minister Anand announces investment of up to $3.7 billion to supply operational clothing and footwear to the Canadian Armed Forces

October 20, 2022 – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, announced that Logistik Unicorp based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, has been awarded a contract to provide operational clothing and footwear to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This contract, valued at up to $3.7 billion over 20 years, will support over 3000 jobs in Canada’s clothing, footwear and textile industries.

This investment will deliver approximately 1,222 different items of clothing and footwear worn by CAF members during their deployments, including:

• combat uniforms using Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) camouflage,

• badges and insignias,

• footwear including combat boots, arid/hot weather boots, and mukluks,

• winter gear such as parkas, headwear and hand wear,

• soldiers’ personal equipment, such as sleeping bags and day packs.

This contract will deliver supplies for more than 160,000 people, including Regular and Reserve Force members, Canadian Rangers, Junior Rangers, search and rescue technicians, firefighters and Cadets. This contract also contains provisions to enable the ad hoc procurement of equipment required for unexpected deployment operations – such as the immediate supply of Personal Protective Equipment during critical emergencies.

Today’s Operational Clothing and Footwear Consolidated Contract (OCFC2) represents a new approach to supplying the operational gear that the CAF needs to succeed on domestic and international operations. Once the contract is fully implemented, members will be able to order items online and have orders shipped to their door, while also providing the CAF with the ability to continue distributing uniforms directly to units. This new approach will deliver better resource and inventory management for the CAF, improve item availability, and provide better value for taxpayers.

This project will deliver concrete economic benefits to Quebecers and all Canadians. Logistik Unicorp will invest in research and development and skills training in the textile, apparel and footwear sectors, which will generate additional jobs and export opportunities. Logistik Unicorp must also conform to mandatory Canadian content requirements by ensuring that the majority of manufacturing of clothing and footwear items is done in Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to providing the CAF with the equipment and tools that they need to serve Canada domestically and internationally.

“Today’s investment will support thousands of well-paying jobs for Canadian workers, and deliver modern, cutting-edge equipment for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Canadian Armed Forces uniform is a source of great pride for Canadians at home and abroad, and this new contract with Logistik Unicorp will ensure that our members have the equipment they need, when they need it to fulfill the duties that we ask of them. I look forward to seeing the results of today’s investment, which is great news for Quebecers and all Canadians.”

– The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

• Currently, operational clothing and footwear items are being procured through multiple individual contracts. By combining the various contracts into one, we will achieve greater efficiency and availability of items the CAF needs and better value for taxpayers.

• This contract is the result of a competitive process and the winning bidder is qualified and capable of delivering a managed clothing solution to the CAF.

• Delivery of items to clothing stores will commence during the second year of the contract, and individual online ordering capability is targeted to be implemented during the third year.

• This contract also incentivizes the contractor to include Indigenous businesses as part of its supply chain.

• The Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, was applied to the OCFC2 request for proposal requirements to leverage economic benefits for Canada equal to the value of the logistics services component of the contract. As a result, the contract will ensure long-term, sustainable support for the Canadian apparel, textile and footwear sectors.

• Logistik Unicorp has experience in ensuring that Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) considerations are incorporated. Procured items will meet the requirements of the diverse CAF population with a faster turnaround time.

Posted in Clothing, Contracts, International, Press Release | 8 Comments »

Sneak Peek – SIG ROMEOM17

October 21st, 2022

Designed by SIG Electro-Optics specifically for use with the Modular Handgun System, the new ROMEOM17 is a pistol red dot sight.

In addition to maintaining the factory sights, the ROMEOM17 offers several user selectable reticles with multiple brightness settings, including Night Vision.

It incorprates a nitrogen purged, fully enclosed shroud and there is no need to remove the sight from the pistol to change batteries thanks to the Side Battery Compartment.

The US Army is currently evaluating this pistol optic, as well as others, under the Soldier Enhancement Program. Rather than writing a formal requirement for a pistol optic, the Army plans to issue National Stock Numbers to suitable optics and allow units to mount them to the MHS pistols. Hopefully, we’ll be able to share a list of approved sights soon.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Weapon Accessories | 12 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: OEM Spotlight – F9 Gear

October 21st, 2022

This week’s Friday Focus features another OEM Spotlight, F9 Gear (aka The Full 9). Working with FirstSpear, F9 Gear has developed a versatile and modular placard system known as, the Ammo Hub A1.

The Ammo Hub A1 is the ideal foundation to build out a kit that will suit exactly what you need, with absolutely nothing you don’t.

It is compatible with a huge variety of industry standard inserts, attachments, harnesses, pouches and accessories that can be customized into almost any imaginable PC placard or chest rig configuration. The Ammo Hub A1 naturally curves around the body as a chest rig and around plates as a PC placard.

Made in the US by FirstSpear using all American raw materials that meet or exceed military specifications.

Through smart use of laser cutting the body of the Hub is sewn from one single, continuous piece of FirstSpear 6/12 cordura laminate, with the Hub base and the side attachment loops being integral to that single piece of fabric.

Native to its design, the Ammo Hub A1 has the ability to be double stacked on top of itself using the integrated top buckle attachment straps.

Check out F9 Gear to learn more about the Ammo Hub A1.

Visit FirstSpear to find all the gear and apparel for America’s Warfighter.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Air Force C2 Unit Supports US-ROK Combined Exercise

October 21st, 2022

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 505th Combat Training Squadron supported American and Republic of Korea forces during Ulchi Freedom Shield 22, the largest combined exercise in five years at Osan Air Base, ROK, Aug. 15 to Sep. 1.

UFS 22 was an 11-day computer simulated, defense-oriented training event designed to enhance the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea’s, defense posture, maintain readiness, and strengthen the security and stability on the Korean peninsula and throughout Northeast Asia. UFS 22, a theater-wide exercise, synchronized the efforts of the ROK and U.S. alliance’s air, land, and maritime components.

Unique to this exercise was that the American CFC commander and ROK deputy commander switched duties and responsibilities to conduct the Full Operational Capability assessment during exercise UFS as bilaterally agreed upon by the ROK minister of defense and U.S. secretary of defense in December 2021.

“Ulchi Freedom Shield 22 is an opportunity for [ROK] Gen. Ahn Byung-Seok and me to trade leadership duties based on the Future Combined Forces Command construct as outlined by both of our defense secretaries late last year. This is significant because the [ROK] CFC deputy commander will take the lead as the future CFC commander,” said U.S. Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, UNC/CFC/USFK commander, U.S. Army Garrison-Humphreys, ROK.

The 505th CTS created a realistic, operational-level, multi-domain command and control decision environment utilizing a high-fidelity constructive environment. Additionally, air, land, maritime, ROK, and seven additional simulation models were used to create a realistic, simulated environment for the exercise.

During UFS 22, the 505th CTS’s professional control force provided mission support via the Air Warfare Simulation system. Air Tasking Orders were flown and displayed on a common operating system which was used by decision makers across the training audience. The 505th CTS exercise team produced ten ATOs and executed 19,000 simulated missions, supporting the training of USFK and ROK personnel during UFS 22.

“Once again, the specialists of the 505th CTS have proven their seemingly limitless ability to provide realistic operational-level environments to train air components, joint, and allied partners,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Power, 505th CTS director of operations, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “These team members leverage diverse operational backgrounds to give warfighters a true picture of airpower.”

Power continued, “While the experts from the 505th CTS made up a relatively small percentage of the exercise team, they had an outsized influence on UFS 22 execution.”

To facilitate the most realistic operational environment possible, members of the 505th CTS traveled to the Pacific Air Simulation Center, or PASC, Osan AB, ROK, a week prior to exercise execution to instruct and prepare operators to produce the high-fidelity air model.

“We could not have accomplished this feat without the support and expertise of the professionals of the 505th Combat Training Squadron,” stated retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Barry Barksdale, PASC senior air controller, Osan AB, ROK.

The 505th CTS reports to the 505th Combat Training Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and the 505th Command and Control Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The U.S.-ROK Alliance, established in 1953, remains critically important to regional security. Combined training events, such as UFS 22, help to maintain alliance readiness.

By Deb Henley

505th Command and Control Wing

Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on Air Force C2 Unit Supports US-ROK Combined Exercise

Garmin – Index Blood Pressure Monitor

October 20th, 2022

Garmin has introduced the Index, a blood pressure monitor with a built-in display.

However, the data can also be shared via the Garmin Connect app. It is FDA-cleared and will store readings onboard for up to nine months (limited by battery). You can take a single reading or set the Index to take three readings in a row to provide an average.

www.garmin.com

Posted in Medical | 1 Comment »

UNI&FORMA d.o.o. Appoints Jože Kastelic as New CEO

October 20th, 2022

The change in leadership advances UNI&FORMA’s objectives of achieving long-term stability and enlarging upon the success of its UF PRO brand.

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (20 October 2022) — UNI&FORMA d.o.o. announced today the appointment of Jože Kastelic as its new chief executive officer. Kastelic, an experienced business leader, assumed the post on 1 September 2022. He will gradually succeed Milena Wagner and Armin Wagner who are stepping down from their co-CEO roles on 31 December 2022.

Milena Wagner will retire after departing UNI&FORMA. She founded the company 25 years ago.

Armin Wagner, meanwhile, will continue in his capacity as UNI&FORMA’s Head of Product Development. He will also continue holding that same title within the company’s UF PRO brand.

Born in Novo mesto, Slovenia, Kastelic earned a Master’s degree from the University of Ljubljana in 2012 and brings to UNI&FORMA nearly 25 years of managerial experience. For his previous employer, Kastelic served as a Business Unit Managing Director and was responsible for leading a team of 185 employees. By implementing lean business approaches, new technologies and other efforts to achieve a better market position, Kastelic and his team doubled the company’s revenue and increased profitability significantly.

“I am extremely pleased and grateful for the opportunity to join UNI&FORMA, a brand with an outstanding reputation for innovation, top-quality products, and reliability,” said Kastelic. “My goal is to put in place a long-term strategy for the stability of the company and consolidate its global reputation as the leading manufacturer of tactical clothing.”

Said Wagner, “It is certainly a huge change, but it was immediately clear that Mr Kastelic is the right fit. It’s not only his impressive past achievements but also the positive attitude, work ethic, and drive to succeed—it all suggests that he will take UF PRO to the next level.”

Founded in 1997, UNI&FORMA became a part of Mehler Vario System Group in 2019. The MVS-Group is a broadly based and globally active group of companies with Mehler Vario System GmbH as parent company and its subsidiaries: UNI&FORMA, Lindnerhof Taktik GmbH, Mehler Law Enforcement GmbH, Mehler Engineered Defence GmbH.

ufpro.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on UNI&FORMA d.o.o. Appoints Jože Kastelic as New CEO

B&T USA Universal Service Weapon Chassis – Glock Assigned National Stock Number

October 20th, 2022

Tampa, FL (October 20, 2022) – B&T USA is honored to announce its Universal Service Weapon chassis for Glock small frame pistols (USW-G) has been assigned a National Stock Number (NSN). The issuance of an NSN streamlines the product procurement process for all NATO members and partner countries, identifying all standardized material items of supply. The NSN number issued to the B&T USW-G is: 1005-12-420-1834.

“B&T USA is a consistent supporter of professional entities worldwide, continually focusing our product development efforts on engineering very specialized items to satisfy these organizations non-standard requirements — regardless of order volume,” said Chris Mudgett Vice President of Marketing, B&T USA. “The USW-G is one such product, offering the user the choice of utilizing their pistol in a traditional manner, or with the press of a button, a folding stock swings into place; greatly improving the platforms stability while also extending the range, accuracy and effectiveness of your handgun to that of a 9mm submachine gun.”

The USW-G is revolutionary enhancement for the popular Glock 17 and 19 pistols models with standard rails (Gen 3-5). Quickly, easily and without tools, these pistols are converted into the Universal Weapon configuration complete with a spring-loaded folding stock for added stability and a non-reciprocating optic bridge. The USW-G model is compatible with Aimpoint ACRO-series micro red dot sight, however, a picatinny rail section is included for compatibility with other aiming solutions. Aimpoint ACRO and Glock pistol are not included. The USW-G chassis is not a firearm, is not serialized, and is sold as an accessory.

About USW-Series

The Universal Service Weapon, or USW is in category entirely of its own. This unique platform bridges the gap between pistol and submachine gun; designed specifically for police officers, Gendarme, low-visibility soldiers and intelligence officers requiring a concealable pistol-sized platform capable of SMG-like precision, effective range and control.

The USW is similar in size to a traditional service pistol but incorporates a spring-assisted stock that folds flat against the receiver when not in use for a streamlined package and nondescript appearance. With the press of a button, the stock unfolds, and is locked firmly in place by the user, providing both a shoulder and cheek weld. The slope of the stock perfectly aligns the eye behind an Aimpoint ACRO P2 red dot sight affixed to a non-reciprocating bridge mount.

The red dot sight coupled with additional points of contact greatly stabilize the platform, similar to a 9mm police carbine, thereby extending its effective range out to, and beyond 100 meters, even in the hands of average shooters.

Magazines of 17, 19 and 30 rounds are available. The USW concept is also available as a conversion and upgrade kit for other widely used service pistols including the Glock 20/21, SIG Sauer P320, CZ P10, Walther P99 and others. Concealment and level 2 duty holsters are also available, as are full size and compact direct mount suppressors.

Glock 18 compatible models are also available.

www.bt-usa.com

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories, weapons | 1 Comment »

Unity Tactical Expands Leadership Team

October 20th, 2022

Halle Nagel Joins as Vice President of Marketing

BROUSSARD, LA. (Oct. 20, 2022) – UNITY™ Tactical, a leading innovation and design company for the tactical community, announced today the hire of Halle Nagel as vice president of marketing. In this role Halle joins the executive leadership team and is responsible for the direction of the brand, leading marketing communications projects with a focus on building a differentiated brand through customer-centric initiatives that create a meaningful connection with people.

Halle joins UNITY after spending the last five years leading marketing communications and brand strategy for tactical helmet manufacturer Team Wendy where she steered the business through a successful rebrand that yielded a significant increase in both brand awareness and product adoption.

“This is a critical role for the business as we execute our strategic growth plan,” said Trent Zimmer, founder and president of UNITY Tactical. “Halle brings with her a wealth of experience working on brands that are household names. Her work in the defense space to advance the Team Wendy brand speaks for itself, and we’re excited about all that she’ll bring to the UNITY brand.”

Prior to joining Team Wendy, Halle spent the previous nine years helping to launch the Dallas, Texas office of Jackson Spalding, a marketing communications agency on the Forbes list of best PR agencies in America. There, she helped with a wide range of projects, such as the launch of Chick-fil-A’s spicy chicken sandwich to the development of Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre park built with public-private funds over a 10-lane freeway in the heart of downtown Dallas. There she also led the content marketing and social media strategy for Houston-based Mattress Firm, the largest multi-brand mattress retailer in the U.S.

“UNITY has all the critical elements that make a great brand – most importantly a laser focus on the needs of the customers it serves,” Halle said. “I am thrilled to join a team with such a strong culture of innovation and problem-solving, and to be able to continue to support men and women in uniform.”

www.UnityTactical.com

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