Black Diamond Advanced Technology Launches Updated Website
Thursday, November 5th, 2015UPDATED – Major International EOTech Distributor Ends Relationship
Thursday, November 5th, 2015As you may recall, we recently published an article regarding L3 Communications’ EOTech sights. In that article we shared L3’s SEC filings, changes in their user manuals and a USSOCOM Safety of Use Message which mentions Point of Impact shifts in both the low and high temperature ranges of EOTech holographic sights issued to the government.
But apparently, issues surrounding the sights have been brewing since at least Spring. In a recent memorandum to customers obtained by SSD, distributor Elite Defense discloses that EOTech has not been delivering product since April of this year. It’s our understanding that Elite Defense is the single largest distributor of EOTech sights with extensive international sales of the brand. Even more interesting than the secession of deliveries, is that Elite Defense has chosen to terminate their long distributorship. Unfortunately, it seems EOTech has not acknowledged this action, nor Elite Defense’s proposal to convert their customer base to direct sales with EOTech. It’s like they’ve gone radio silent.
When queried, Elite Defense offered no comment regarding the memorandum other than to ask where we obtained it. That, we’re keeping to ourselves.
UPDATE – We just received this message from Elite Defense:
When Elite Defense released the letter to our international customers on 11/3/15 (published by SSD 11/5/15), we had not received any formal contact from EOTech about the termination of the relationship or our proposed transition plan. However, on the afternoon of November 4, EOTech reached out to Elite Defense. Elite Defense and EOTech are now working together to develop a plan that will focus on what is most important: a smooth transition for our customers.
USMC Looks To Recycle IMTV Armor Panels For Use In Plate Carriers
Wednesday, November 4th, 2015In a Sources Sought Notice issued earlier this week on Fed Biz Opps by Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Product Manager Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE), the service requests information on companies who are capable of converting Government owned front and back Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) soft armor inserts into Plate Carrier (PC) front and back soft armor inserts that will fit small and medium PCs.
Apparently, the Marines have excess armor panels that fit the IMTV and want to turn them into something they can put to immediate use. That part makes sense. However, there are some unknowns in the mix that could make this difficult.
Below, you can see what the proposed work would look like.
1. Removing the nylon cover from the Government furnished IMTV soft armor inserts.
2. Cutting X-Large, Large, and Medium IMTV soft armor inserts into Medium and Small PC soft armor inserts in accordance with PC Pattern: Front Back Ballistic (14007PC-FRT BCK BLST).
The PC soft armor inserts will be cut from the IMTV soft armor inserts such that the IMTV hook and loop areas are not part of the final cut PC soft armor insert.
3. Source and seal new nylon covers for the PC soft armor inserts as specified in Paragraph 3.2.3 of the Plate Carrier Detail Specification (DTL-14007A0000) and PC Pattern: Ballistic Cover (14007PC-BALSTIC COVR).
4. Source hook and loop attachments and thread for the PC soft armor inserts as specified in Paragraph 3.2.6 and Paragraph 3.2.13 of the Plate Carrier Detail Specification (DTL-14007A000). Sew the hook and loop attachments to the PC soft armor insert as specified in Paragraph 3.3.2.1 and 3.3.2.2 of the Plate Carrier Detail Specification (DTL-14007A0000) and PC Pattern: Ballistic Cover (14007PC-BALSTIC COVR).
5. Conduct Ballistic Lot Acceptance Testing of final PC soft armor inserts at a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified lab in accordance with Sections 4.9 and 4.11 of the Plate Carrier Detail Specification (DTL-14007A0000).
6. Provide and adhere new labels to the final PC soft armor inserts as specified in Paragraph 3.6.6 and 3.6.7 of the Plate Carrier Detail Specification (DTL-14007A0000). The label will be comprised of information from the original IMTV soft armor insert as well as new information for the PC soft armor insert. The label will include the following information:
•Original IMTV Contract Number
•Original IMTV Cage Code
•Original IMTV Date of Production
•Original IMTV LOT Number
•Original IMTV Serial Number
•PC National Stock Number
•PC Size
•PC Part Number
•Date of Modification
•Modification Contract Number
The big issue with this is that the armor panels will need to be recertified. Most likely, a company will need to internally “certify” each lot of armor that the Marine Corps provides prior to processing it. There’s no way they’d start work on the panels if they aren’t going to pass certification once they are modified. Then, once the lot passes, it can be reconfigured. After that, the vendor will need to certify the lot of armor once again in its new form. If panels fail, that lot is out. Naturally, a failure at this stage is most likely the fault of the vendor, caused during the reconfiduration process. But that’s why the initial testing is so important. It will rule out material defects in the original armor pack or mishandling while in govenment control.
If this transitions into an actual solicitation, vendors will need to know the full scope of work facing them by understanding how many separate lots of armor there are which require reconfiguration, and what condition they are in. For example, were they just placed in storage or were they issued.
Having said that, what the Marine Corps is asking for isn’t outside the realm of the possible. The Army has shown some very promising work on refurbishing IOTV armor panels and reusing them in new carriers but they aren’t opening armor packs, cutting the material and repackaging it. Instead, the Army is just washing existing panels. Conversely, industry will reconfigure existing panels, cutting them into new shapes, but they are doing this with their own panels and not those from a third party.
The real question is whether this is economically viable and much of that lies in the scope. How many different lots of armor are there that will require recertification testing? Because that is going to drive up cost.
If you think your company can make this work, visit www.fbo.gov.
ADS Inc Completes Acquisition of Theodor Wille Intertrade
Wednesday, November 4th, 2015VIRGINIA BEACH, VA–(Marketwired – November 03, 2015) – ADS, Inc., a leading provider of value-added logistics and supply chain solutions, announced today that it has closed the acquisition of Theodor Wille Intertrade (TWI). In September 2015, ADS entered into a definitive agreement with TWI shareholders to acquire all of TWI’s outstanding shares. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland with operations in Germany and the United Arab Emirates, TWI will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADS, Inc.
TWI is a global provider of integrated supply chain solutions to customers primarily operating in the United States European Command (EUCOM) and the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) regions. As an ADS subsidiary, TWI will continue to operate its business as a division of ADS.
TWI delivers construction materials, equipment, hardware, food and food services, as well as providing logistics and transportation management services to the U.S. military and other large government contractors operating in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) regions. TWI’s existing business and pipeline will complement ADS’ current portfolio of contract vehicles and provide both companies with exciting new business development opportunities.
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., ADS provides equipment, procurement and support solutions to Department of Defense (DOD), other U.S. Government agencies, defense contractors and foreign governments. The company ensures mission success, operational efficiency and cost savings for its customers. The ADS team is comprised of dedicated professionals, veterans and retired government personnel with unmatched knowledge of suppliers, products, procurement, budget processes, supply chain management and logistics.
Joining forces with TWI allows ADS to immediately diversify its business into the food and subsistence market. The ability for ADS to combine its global capabilities with TWI’s existing logistics, transportation and supply chain management services expertise in local markets throughout Europe, the Middle East and Central and Southwest Asia will bring tremendous benefits to its customers and partners.
“Now that the acquisition is officially finalized, the entire team is eager to commence with plans to integrate these two highly complementary businesses,” said Karan Rai, ADS President and CFO. “While our focus will be on successful integration execution in the short term, I am genuinely excited about the long-term growth opportunities for this combined ADS and TWI platform.”
ADS and TWI have a long history of building customer loyalty; both are two of only 15 companies recognized as a Gold-Tier supplier for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) as part of the Department of Defense’s Superior Supplier Incentive Program. The Gold-Tier distinction is the highest honor awarded to a supplier by DLA.
The Gold-Tier program is designed to identify the highest performing suppliers measured in areas such as cost, schedule, performance, quality and business relations. To be eligible, companies must have significant DLA contracts, a proven track record of performance and an established rating with the federal Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). More than 150 suppliers were considered for these awards, with only the top 40 selected as DLA’s Gold-Tier suppliers. The Gold-Tier distinction is the highest honor awarded to a supplier by DLA.
“We’re excited to welcome TWI to the ADS family,” said Damian del Toro, ADS Vice President. “TWI is an amazing company with fantastic people. When combined with the industry-leading team at ADS, we have a unique opportunity to further enhance our global services to solve our customers’ challenges while achieving our strategic growth plans.” Mr. del Toro will be spearheading the ADS-TWI integration and will serve as the TWI Division General Manager.
Edgar Brothers Ghost Deals
Wednesday, November 4th, 2015
Using the SSD Reader Discount With Vertx?
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015 
Vertx offers a very generous discount for SSD readers. Check it out.
Predator Warpaint Now Available for Order
Monday, November 2nd, 2015Created by Navy Veteran Nick Norris, Predator Warpaint is a facepaint for both hunter and service member, offering visual camouflage as well as SPF 50 protection.
