Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

US Army Announces Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Follow-on Production Award

February 21st, 2023

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. (Feb. 9, 2023) – The Army announced today the award of a requirements contract with five base ordering years plus five one-year optional ordering periods to AM General LLC for estimated Joint and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) production of up to 20,682 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and up to 9,883 JLTV Trailers. The total contract value is $8.66 billion. This competitive follow-on production contract has been part of the JLTV acquisition strategy from the beginning and focused on a best value determination that includes retaining the capability of the JLTV today, while ensuring that it can be upgraded in the future with the latest technologies.

The JLTV follow-on contract strategy was designed to provide a fair and competitive environment, while ensuring the Army obtained a premier manufacturer that delivers the highest quality, most capable, and affordable tactical vehicle in the world.

The JLTV follow-on contract request for proposal, in accordance with the Army Climate Strategy, sought to incentivize offerors to propose fuel efficiency technologies that targeted on-the-move fuel economy improvements and anti-idle capability in support of optimizing combat effectiveness. The JLTV A2 design is the first tactical wheeled vehicle with baseline architecture utilizing lithium-ion batteries, which is a key enabler for anti-idle capability.

Effective competition is the critical element for controlling cost and maximizing buying power for the government. The JLTV engagement strategy with industry has been very successful in establishing executable timelines, adding mature technology insertions, and providing transparency throughout the process to allow contractors to make individual business decisions.

“One of the key strategies of the JLTV program from its earliest days was to leverage competition to control cost and maximize buying power for the government,” said Brig. Gen. Samuel L. “Luke” Peterson, program executive officer, Combat Support & Combat Service Support. “From the start of production, the government procured the data rights to the JLTV Technical Data Package from the original equipment manufacturer, which the program leverages to conduct future production competitions and control the platform’s configuration and vehicle price well into the future. These government-held data rights permitted the program to compete this follow-on production contract with much better control of the production configuration and cost.”

To ensure the JLTV follow-on production contract was robustly competitive, the government focused on rigorous communication with its industry partners. This consistent communication strategy included prior notifications to the current contractor that future contracts were intended to be competitive. The original JLTV contract was awarded in August 2015 to Oshkosh Defense, and the Technical Data Package option was ordered shortly thereafter.

“Our industry partners are essential to ensure we deliver critical, advanced technology and capabilities like the JLTV to our warfighters,” said Brig. Gen. David Walsh, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command. “We look forward to partnering with AM General to build upon this proven platform and ensure our warfighters have the latest in vehicle technology.”

Since August 2019, Joint Program Office JLTV actively engaged the light tactical wheeled vehicle industrial base. The feedback received from market research was instrumental in framing the acquisition plan, which was approved by the Army Acquisition Executive in November 2020. The plan:

Focused on and extended the presolicitation period

Provided multiple draft Request for Proposal releases that sought feedback to shape the solicitation and eliminate barriers

Provided lease vehicles to provide a deeper level of understanding for the nonincumbents

Released both the JLTV A1 and A2 Technical Data Packages to provide competitive balance

Enabled multiple static displays and one-on-one sessions with government subject matter experts

Provided a responsive Q&A forum, resulting in active industry engagement (more than 400 questions submitted and corresponding responses.)

The JLTV Family of Vehicles, an Army-led joint program with the U.S. Marine Corps, closes capability gaps in the light tactical vehicle fleets. JLTVs can perform multiple mission roles and are designed to provide protected, sustained, networked mobility for personnel and payloads across the full range of military operations. The JLTV brings increased protection and performance to the fleet; minimizes ownership costs by maximizing commonality, fuel efficiency and reliability; and maintains effective competition throughout its life cycle. Commonality of components, maintenance procedures, training, etc., between vehicles is expected to be inherent in Family of Vehicle solutions across mission variants to minimize total ownership cost.

The JLTV program has been lauded as a model of successful acquisition. It has received two David Packard for Acquisition Excellence Awards as well as Department of Defense Should-Cost and Innovation Awards.

By Sam Tricomo, Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support

Posted in Army, Contracts, Guest Post, Mobility | 2 Comments »

Milrem Robotics Exhibits Cutting-Edge Intelligent and Integrated Robotic Systems at IDEX 2023

February 20th, 2023

The leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics exhibits several cutting-edge intelligent and integrated robotic systems at IDEX 2023 launched today in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The robotic systems on display are intended for a wide range of missions, including tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and sophisticated combat operations.

Milrem Robotics’ unmanned systems are complemented with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit MIFIK which provides autonomous capabilities and a command-and-control system intended specifically for robotic systems that integrates multiple dissimilar unmanned aerial and ground assets. Milrem Robotics’ solutions aim to facilitate manned-unmanned teaming, the synchronized deployment of soldiers, manned and unmanned air and ground vehicles, robotics, and sensors to achieve enhanced situational awareness, increased lethality, and improved survivability.

”In ten years Milrem Robotics has evolved from a vehicle developer into a system integrator in the robotics domain. We provide full system solutions including different ground and aerial systems with integrated command and control. Over the next years we will increase our product portfolio in terms of new autonomous ground systems and work on manned-unmanned teaming solutions,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of MIlrem Robotics.

Altogether three Milrem Robotics’ systems can be found at IDEX.

The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is an organic part of mechanized units that can take the most dangerous positions and provide equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage compared to traditional Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Thanks to Vegvisir’s Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System Type-X operators have a 360-degree virtual dome with EO/IR sensor fusion for both close and medium proximity vision and target engagement capabilities in any condition.

In addition to a 30mm autocannon, the Type-X is equipped with Halcon’s Hunter 2S loitering munitions launchers.

The two other displayed robotic systems are based on the multi-mission THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that is already delivered to 16 countries, including 8 NATO members and that has proven itself during a 12-month deployment in Mali during Operation Barkhane.

The THeMIS Combat UGV provides high-precision direct-fire support for manoeuvre units. With the self-stabilizing, dual-gun SCORPION Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) by Saudi Advanced Technologies (Wahaj), advanced sensors and fire control system, the THeMIS Combat allows units to assess and engage the enemy at maximum standoff distances, increasing force protection and survivability. Additional security is provided with the Spexer 2000 radar, which can detect small and slow as well as fast manoeuvring targets on the move and operate in a high-clutter environment.

The THeMIS Observe is built for tactical reconnaissance missions. The system includes a variety of sensors for day and night operations, acoustic gunshot detector, smoke screen protection and a ground surveillance radar. Extra security is provided by the deFNder® Light RWS by FN Herstal. The combination of those systems allows units to do multi sensor identification on one platform and react faster on emerging targets.

The company’s products are on display with EDGE, one of the world’s leading defence groups, and an emerging leader in the development and manufacture of technologically advanced autonomous systems in stand A05 – C10.

Posted in International, Robotics, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics Exhibits Cutting-Edge Intelligent and Integrated Robotic Systems at IDEX 2023

Instagram Suspends SIG SAUER Account

February 20th, 2023

On 19 February SIG SAUER and their fans on Instagram found this stark message.

No real explanation there; “account integrity and authenticity”? Sounds like they’re grasping at straws.

To further demonstrate how capricious Meta’s decisions are, SIG’s other accounts like SIG Academy are still operational.

While multiple firearms related accounts have recently had content deleted, suffered restrictions, or been suspended outright by IG, this is the first time they’ve take down an entire account for a major manufacturer.

YouTube on the other hand has been on a tear, deleting the accounts of multiple firearms-related accounts.

Posted in Advertiser, As Seen On Instagram | 39 Comments »

Do You Need A New Med Pouch?

February 20th, 2023

MATBOCK’s Graverobber Hipster is the ultimate hip-worn medical bag.

Designed to fit around your waist, allowing for fast and easy access to your emergency medical supplies. Made from MATBOCK’s lightweight Ghost material you’d almost forget you were wearing it. In addition, this hydrophobic and superior strength medical bag will stand up to the test of time during many prolonged operations without degradation of materials.

Fits under most Assault packs in the small of your back when not in use.

Two movable spacers create division within the compartment and four bungee panels can be velcroed to any loop surface inside to keep your tools and supplies organized.

Mounted on 1.75″ Type13 webbing and using a COBRA GT buckle as a closure. The outside is covered in MOLLE and the lid unzips nearly completely open to give you full access to the contents. Kevlar Webbing on the inside of the belt to facilitate attaching pouches and ensure they stay in place.

Find out more about The Graverobber Hipster or any other MATBOCK product at www.matbock.com or contact the Sales team at sales@matbock.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying, Medical | 1 Comment »

CLAWGEAR Announces New Products for 2023-2024

February 20th, 2023

Lightweight, Heavy Duty clothing and equipment for Specialist Military and Law Enforcement

STEYR, AUSTRIA (21.02.2023). TMH Trading GmbH the parent company of the CLAWGEAR® brand, today launched its new branding and enhanced CLAWGEAR® product lines for 2023-2024. The new product lines that span clothing, equipment, and firearms bring new levels of ergonomics, function and innovation to the specialist military and law enforcement markets.

“For many years our customers and users have benefited from our military and law enforcement products” said Austria CEO Harald Kirschner. “With our new products we’ve raised the bar for innovation, quality and value even higher.”

“While many companies cut back on product development over the past two years due COVID and the economic downturn, the team at CLAWGEAR® used this as a springboard for new product development added CEO Thomas Goldinger, Switzerland. “This has allowed us to be ready to serve our dealers with many new products and innovative solutions that solve problems for our users.”

The new products will be showcased for professional users and dealers at the Enforce Tac (Hall 9 Booth 481 and IWA (Hall 3 Booth 224) trade fair taking place at Nurnberg Messe between Tuesday 28 February 2023 and 05 March 2023.

CLAWGEAR® Premium Military Clothing

CLAWGEAR® Premium Military Clothing shall be launching the most durable and lightweight battle dress uniforms with their ATS technologies. In addition, the STRATA and LRICC insulated and wet weather products shall also be revealed.

CLAWGEAR® Premium Military Equipment

Soldier ballistic protection carriage has been the focus of the CLAWGEAR® Military Equipment team for the past two years. The brand will be launching the new Operator & Protector Modular carrier systems at the trade fair alongside a range of accessories and storage options.

CLAWGEAR® Firearms and Equipment

For many popular weapons platforms such as AR, AUG, SIG and AK, CLAWGEAR® Firearms have developed numerous enhancements such as handguards, rails and sights.

www.clawgear.com

Posted in Clothing, International, Load Carrying, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Army Announces Three Student Winners in xTechHBCU Competition

February 20th, 2023

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army xTech Program announced three winners of the inaugural xTechHBCU Student competition on February 11, 2023. The winners were selected out of the 16 student finalists who delivered their final technology solutions pitches to a panel of Army judges at the 2023 Black Engineer of the Year STEM Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

The xTechHBCU Student competition provided eligible historically Black college and university undergraduate students with the opportunity to pitch their innovative technology ideas addressing climate change, preventative care for Soldiers’ mental and physical health and implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Through its first-ever student prize competition, the U.S. Army awarded three promising young scientists and engineers $8,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. The winning students also have the opportunity to develop a prototype or seek a patent for their technology solution.

In addition to their innovative technology pitches at BEYA, students also had the opportunity to network with Army and industry leaders from across the research and technology ecosystem and discuss their future careers in STEM. Many of the finalists received on-the-spot interviews and job offers from the Army and industry organizations in attendance that were recruiting at the conference.

Leaders from across the Army enterprise also attended the students’ technology demos to learn more about the capabilities.

“The students who participated in xTechHBCU Student took each step of the competition in stride — from the concept submission and pitch preparation to the final live pitch event in front of a prestigious panel of judges,” said Dr. Matt Willis, director of Army prize competitions and the Army Applied SBIR Program. “It was exciting to see these students’ passion for research and development, as well as public service. This year’s competition is an excellent step in developing key partnerships the Army needs to continue driving toward its modernization priorities.”

The winning students of the competition are:

1st Place: Deneen Royal, Fayetteville State University: “AI For Independent Surveillance Missions (ASIM)”

2nd Place: Lirane Mandjoupa, University of the District of Columbia: “Ground-based remote sensing for Airdrops precision system: A data acquisition approach to mitigate supply chain and climate change risks”

3rd Place: Shirley Jacquet, Fayetteville State University: “QTL Mapping and Correlation Analysis of Amino Acids Contents in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Population”

The finalists represented nine HBCUs across the U.S. and finalists were invited to take part in an eight-week xTech Accelerator program that prepared students for their pitches, educated them on Army priorities and areas of interest, and provided insight into Army career pathways.

“I was greatly impressed by the talent and technologies presented during the final pitch event at BEYA,” said Dr. Travis King, director of basic research and science, technology, engineering and math in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology. “The success of the first xTechHBCU Student Competition reinforces the value of a diverse talent pool, specifically as a driver of innovation in science and technology. Collaboration with these HBCU students early in their careers is essential to the Army developing lasting partnerships with future research leaders.”

Established in 2018 by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, the Army xTech Program strives to integrate small businesses and non-traditional vendors into the Army’s science and technology ecosystem by providing opportunities for direct exposure to laboratories, program executive offices and program managers from across the Army. The xTechHBCU competition series enhances opportunities for HBCU students as it works to develop relationships with institutions that directly serve minorities.

The xTech Program holds several competitions per year, from open-topic competitions such as xTechSearch, to technology-specific competitions targeting specific Army needs and challenges. For all competition information, visit the xTech website.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology provides the American Soldier with a decisive advantage in any mission by developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world’s finest equipment and services, and by leveraging technologies and capabilities to meet current and future Army needs. For more information, visit ASA (ALT)’s page on Army.mil.

By Melissa Hirsch, Office of Army Prize Competitions and Army Applied SBIR Program

Posted in Army, Contest, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Announces Three Student Winners in xTechHBCU Competition

Blast from the Past – The Gear Guru

February 19th, 2023

As we approach our 15th year of daily publication, I’d like to remind everyone that before there was an SSD, there was The Gear Guru which was founded in October 1997 on Geocities of all places. Eventually it received a proper URL.

The Way Back Machine has some archived versions of the site. Check them out if you want to know the secret origins of SSD, back when you had to create pages via HTML.

It was a lot of fun when I did it and I learned a lot.

Eric Graves
Editor

Posted in Admin | 11 Comments »

We’ve All Been There

February 19th, 2023

Posted in Morale | 11 Comments »