Contract: Northrop, $255.3M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $255,309,325 for fixed-price-incentive modification P00003 to a previously awarded advanced acquisition contract (N00019-17-C-0018) for the Lot 3 low-rate initial production of three MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft, trade studies and tooling in support of the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office. Moss Point, Miss., will do 4.2 percent of the work. Other work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (30.4 percent); Baltimore, Md. (13.5 percent); Red Oak, Texas (13.4 percent); Palmdale, Calif. (10.5 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (6.1 percent); Bridgeport, W.V. (5.3 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (3.9 percent); Newton, N.D. (1percent); Quebec, Canada (.9 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (10.8 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $255,309,325 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/28/17)

Contract: Raytheon, $25.8M

Raytheon Missile Co., Tucson, Ariz., has been awarded a $25,766,768 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (FA8675-15-C-0022) for special tooling and test equipment, for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Lots 28-30 production. Work will be performed in Tucson with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2020. This contract involves foreign military sales to Norway, Japan, Korea, Morocco, Australia, the United Kingdom, Poland, Indonesia, Romania, Spain, Turkey and Qatar. Fiscal 2017 production funds in the amount of $16,691,712 are being obligated at the time of award, and the remaining $9,075,056 is from foreign military sales sources. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/28/17)

Contract: Raytheon, $634.2M

Raytheon Missile Co., Tucson, Ariz., has been awarded a $634,204,347 fixed-price-incentive-firm-target contract for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) production Lot 31. The contract is for the production of the AMRAAM missile and other AMRAAM system items. The AMRAAM system includes the missile, spares and telemetry kits. Work will be performed at Tucson with an expected completion date of Jan. 31, 2020. This contract involves foreign military sales (FMS) to Japan, Korea, Morocco, Poland, Indonesia, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Bahrain and Qatar. Fiscal 2017 production funds in the amount of $409,939,707; fiscal 2017 research and development funds in the amount of $2,955,178; and fiscal operations and maintenance funds of $1,744,172 are being obligated at the time of award, all remaining funding ($219,565,290) is from FMS sources. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-18-C-0003). (Source: DoD, 12/28/17)

Hurlburt CMS gets Silver Star

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Chief Master Sgt. Michael West, a Special Tactics operator with the 24th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the nation's third highest medal for valor against an enemy of the United States. West was awarded the SSM on Dec. 15 for his actions during the five-day Operation MEDUSA in 2006. West utilized 58 coalition aircraft to deliver 24,000 pounds of precision ordnance to eliminate more than 500 enemy forces, securing the safety of 51 U.S. Spec Ops forces, and 33 coalition partners. West was originally awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in May 2007, but due to a recent DOD-wide review, his package was resubmitted for an upgrade. (Source: 24th Special Operations Wing, 12/15/17)

Testing a new defense

Test range from the air.
Air Force photo/Tech Sgt. Samantha Mathison

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A view of the test range at Eglin Air Force Base from a 507th Air Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., Nov. 29, 2017. The crew flew over the range more than 60 times to allow a laser to fire at the recently installed Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure system. The laser was designed to simulate a missle that has targeted the aircraft. (Source: Eglin Air Force Base, 12/26/17)

Alabama getting F-35

The Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala. has been selected for a site for a new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission. Gov. Kay Ivey said at a news conference Thursday that it was a team effort. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) said in an e-mail to constituents Dec. 21 that Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson called her to inform her of the Air Force’s decision. The 187th was one of five ANG units on the short list being considered. In choosing Montgomery as one of two bases for the F-35A, it means 1,000 jobs over the next few years, a $70 million up-front investment, and a $24 million annual economic impact to the region. The Truax ANG Station in Madison, Wis., was the other selected site. (Source: Montgomery Advertiser, 12/21/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Contract: Lockheed, $7B

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a total estimated value of $7,000,000,000 for F-22 sustainment. This contract provides for comprehensive F-22 air vehicle sustainment. Work will be performed at five operational bases Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.; Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and at six support locations Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; Palmdale, Calif.; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.; Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; and Warner Robins Air Force Base, Ga., as well as at other potential stateside and overseas locations, combat deployment and enroute support bases, potential locations through depot partnering agreements, and system program office locations. The contract has a five-year base ordering period with work expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2027. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,906,535 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8205-18-D-0001). (Source: DoD, 12/21/17)

Contract: Northrop, $25M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., has been awarded a $25,000,000 modification (P00022) to a previously awarded (FA8677-10-D-0006) for weapons planning software. This modification is for the development and sustainment of software for precision guided munition mission planning components. Work will be performed in Bethpage, with an expected completion date of Sept. 28, 2018. This contract involves 21 percent foreign military sales to Canada, Korea, Norway, Singapore, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/21/17)

Contract: Silicon Graphics, $22.6M

Silicon Graphics Federal LLC, Annapolis Junction, Md., was awarded a $22,579,671 firm-fixed-price contract for Department of Defense high-performance computing modernization program's technology insertion Navy Order 14. Bids were solicited via the Internet with two received. Work will be performed in Stennis Space Center, Miss., with an estimated completion date of July 20, 2023. Fiscal 2017 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $22,579,671 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY-18-F-0045). (Source: DoD, 12/21/17)

Contract: Northrop, $33.5M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $33,479,478 for modification P00005 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract (N00019-16-C-0055) for the Increment V production and delivery of three Fire Scout MQ-8C unmanned air systems. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (33 percent); Ozark, Ala. (27 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (18 percent); Moss Point, Miss. (16 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2020. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $33,479,478 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/21/17)

Contract: JPATS Logistics, $2.2B

JPATS Logistics Services LLC, Cape Canaveral, Fla., has been awarded a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a five-year ordering period and a maximum value of $2,200,000,000 for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System T-6 contractor operated and maintained base supply (COMBS) services, which will provide a full spectrum of transparent supply chain management services to support safe, flyable T-6 aircraft to meet users’ daily flight schedules, consistent with Department of Defense and commercial sector best practices in procuring, producing and delivering products and services to customers. These supply chain management activities include, but are not limited to, managing supply and demand, sourcing parts, assembly, disposal, warehousing and inventory tracking, order entry and order management, distribution across all channels, and delivery to the customer. This effort is required in support of COMBS for the Air Force, Navy, and Army T-6A/B/D Texan II aircraft program. Work will be performed at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.; Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.; Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla.; Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas; Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.; and U.S. Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate, Redstone, Ala.. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2022. The award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and four offers were received. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance; operations and maintenance (Navy), and operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $10,510,542 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-18-D-6213). (Source: DoD, 12/20/17)

Contract: Northrop, $110M

Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corp., Redondo Beach, Calif., has been awarded an $110,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the gray wolf science and technology demonstration effort. The contract provides for the design, development, manufacture, and testing of prototype affordable cruise missiles to advance networked collaborative operations technologies for defeat of enemy integrated air defense systems. Work will be performed in Redondo Beach, with an expected completion date of Dec. 17, 2024. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 research and development funds in the amount of $3,014,590 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and seven offers received. Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8651-18-D-0001). (Awarded Dec. 18, 2017) (Source: DoD, 12/20/17)

NAS Whiting wins award

NAVAL AIR STATION WHITING FIELD, Fla. – Naval Air Station Whiting Field is the recipient of the Installation Excellence Awaard. On December 18, Commander Naval Installations Command (CNIC) named the winning base, marking the third win over the last four years for NAS Whiting. The award recognizes top Navy commands at shore for their excellence across several categories, including installation management, program excellence, environmental stewardship, mission successes and community outreach. CNIC is the Naval command tasked with overseeing the 69 U.S. Navy shore installations worldwide. NAS Whiting Field, in Milton, was selected as the winner in the small base category (less than 500 personnel) from a field of 32 installations. (Source: NAS Whiting, 12/20/17) The base trains military aviators.

Astronaut says sky not the limit

NEW ORLEANS -- Joan Higginbotham wanted to be an engineer, and thought she might work for IBM. What she didn’t expect was to travel in space. "Always have a plan, but don’t be afraid to alter that plan for the right opportunity,” Higginbotham told University of New Orleans graduates at their recent commencement. She shared her journey from a college graduate with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering to one of only three African-American women to travel into space. She tried first tried to become an astronaut in 1995 at the urging of a co-worker when she worked at Kennedy Space Center. She was one of 122 out of 3,000 qualified applicants invited back for an interview, but she was ultimately cut. She got an additional degree and tried again, becoming an astronaut in 1996. She traveled on a 12-day mission to the International Space Station in 2006. “The sky is absolutely no longer the limit,” Higginbotham told graduates. “I am challenging you to aim high.” (Source: The Advocate, 12/18/17)

Contract: Infinite, $9.2M

Infinite Energy Construction Inc., Kansas City, Mo., has been awarded a $9,200,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for simplified acquisition of base engineering requirements. The scope of work covered consists of furnishing all plant, labor, materials and equipment, to complete minor construction projects. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an expected completion date of Jan. 1, 2023. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,000 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and 15 offers were received. Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA2823-18-D-4000). (Source: DoD, 12/19/17)

Contract: Lockheed, $110M

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, has been awarded an $110,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the gray wolf science and technology demonstration effort. The contract provides for the design, development, manufacture, and testing of prototype-affordable cruise missiles to advance networked collaborative operations technologies for defeat of enemy integrated air defense systems. Work will be performed in Dallas, Texas, with an expected completion date of Dec. 17, 2022. Fiscal 2018 research and development funds in the amount of $2,814,490 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and seven offers were received. Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8651-18-D-0002). (Source: DoD, 12/18/17)

Contract: Boeing, $18.1M

The Boeing Co., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has been awarded an $18,100,000 modification (P00010) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (FA8509-16-C-0001) for the integrated sustainment support of the AC-130U gunships. This modification provides for the continuation of services for the development, modification, sustainment and maintenance of the AC-130U gunship. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $55,097,463. Work will be performed in Fort Walton Beach; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan; and Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2018. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $5,900,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/15/17) (Note: DoD on 12/19/17 noted the contract was awarded 12/18/17)

50th Mobile-built jet delivered

MOBILE, Ala. -- Less than two years after Airbus delivered the first A320 family aircraft from its Airbus A320 Family U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, the company today delivered its 50th aircraft. The A321, designated MSN 7943, was delivered to Delta Air Lines. The milestone was celebrated by the facility’s employees, as well as Airbus Americas Chairman Allan McArtor and members of the Delta Air Lines delivery team. (Source: Airbus, 12/15/17)

Delta orders 100 A321neos

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines today placed an order with Airbus for 100 of the A321neo aircraft, most of which will be built at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Ala. The planes, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM geared turbofan engines, will be ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration) versions. The A321neo ACF introduces new door and fuselage enhancements allows airlines to make best use of the cabin space with a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. Delta’s announcement on the A321neo ACF follows several orders in recent years for the current engine option (ceo) version of the A321. Delta has ordered a total of 117 A321ceos, each powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International. The A321 is the largest member of the A320 family, seating up to 240 passengers. With more than 5,300 orders received from 96 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo family has captured some 60 percent share of the market. The Delta has taken delivery of 13 U.S.-manufactured Airbus aircraft since last year. In addition, the 50th aircraft to be produced by the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility will be delivered to Delta later this week. The Mobile factory produces four aircraft per month for delivery to Airbus’ U.S. customers. Plans for further production ramp up are currently being discussed. (Source: Airbus, 12/14/17)

RS-25 has final test of 2017

RS-25 test Wednesday. NASA photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA engineers capped a year of Space Launch System testing with a final RS-25 rocket engine hot fire on Dec. 13 at Stennis Space Center in South Mississippi. The 400-second test on the A-1 Test Stand was a “green run” test of an RS-25 flight controller. It marked the eighth RS-25 test of the year and the sixth flight controller to be tested for use on NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle. The engine tested also included a large 3D-printed part scheduled for use on future RS-25 flight engines. The part, a beach ball-sized pogo accumulator assembly, is a complex piece of hardware that acts as a shock absorber to dampen vibrations, or oscillations, caused by propellants as they flow between the vehicle and the engine. Initial reports show the 3D-printed hardware performed as expected, opening the door for more components scheduled for future tests. (Source: NASA/SSC, 12/13/17)

Contract: Raytheon, $8.5M

Raytheon Missile Co., Tucson, Ariz., has been awarded an $8,526,153 fixed-price-incentive-firm target and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00069) to a previously awarded contract (FA8675-15-C-0022) to provide form-fit-function replace hardware assets to include guidance sections and integrated test vehicles under the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile lots 28-30 production. Work will be performed in Tucson with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2019. This contract involves foreign military sales to Japan, Norway, Romania, Turkey and Australia. Fiscal 2017 production funds in the amount of $2,888,509; and fiscal 2017 research and development funds in the amount of $3,813,044 are being obligated at time of award, all remaining funding is from foreign military sales. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/06/17)

Contract: UTC, $6.7M

United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, Conn., has been awarded a ceiling $6,700,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for F119 engine sustainment. Work will be performed at East Hartford, Conn.; Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Langley Air Force Base, Va.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.; and Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2025. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8611-18-D-2850). (Source: 12/14/17)

Contract: L3 Vertex, $79.4M

L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $79,387,452 firm-fixed-price contract for contractor operated and maintained base supply of the Air Education and Training Command fleet of 178 T-1A trainer aircraft. Work will be performed at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.; and Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla., with an expected completion date of June 7, 2018. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and three offers were received. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,502,988 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-18-C-0001). (Source: DoD, 12/08/17)

Contract: L3 Vertex, $10.3M

L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $10,253,906 firm-fixed-price modification (P00168) to a previously awarded contract (FA8106-09-C-0001) for logistics support of the T-1A aircraft. Services include contractor-operated maintained supply, over and above, on-equipment maintenance, data and field service representatives. Work will be performed at Vance Air Force Base, Okla.; Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.; Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas; and Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla.; with an expected completion date of March 31, 2018. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $10,253,906 are being obligated at time of award. Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/06/17)

Contract: Boeing, $10.5M

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., has been awarded a $10,521,827 firm-fixed-price contract for laser small diameter bombs. Work will be performed in St. Louis with an expected completion date of March 6, 2019. Fiscal 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $10,521,827 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8656-18-D-0130). (Source: DoD, 12/07/17)

96th Cyberspace Group activated

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The U.S. Air Force’s first and only group dedicated to assessing and addressing digital systems’ operation and security was activated Monday at Eglin Air Force Base. The new 96th Cyberspace Test Group, now part of Eglin’s 96th Test Wing, was formed from the 46th Test Squadron, already at Eglin, along with the 45th Test Squadron, the 47th Cyberspace Test Squadron and a handful of other, smaller units at Air Force bases around the country. Col. Bryan Choi, who has served in a variety of intelligence, test and acquisition assignments, formally took command of the new group. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 12/04/17) Previous

Contract: Lockheed, $23M

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $22,999,282 modification (P000012) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-17-C-0045) to procure 53,164 level-of-effort hours to support air system software integration and 53,122 level-of-effort hours to support flight test operations in support of the F-35 aircraft platform for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (40 percent); Palmdale, Calif. (30 percent); and Patuxent River, Md. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in in February 2018. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps); and non-U.S. DoD participant funds in the amount of $22,999,282 will be obligated at time of award, $18,392,066 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Air Force (40 percent); U.S. Navy; (20 percent); the Marine Corps (20 percent); and non-U.S. DoD participants (20 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/04/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Contract: L3 Vertex, $37.6M

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $37,606,934 not-to-exceed modification (P00022) to a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract (N00019-14-D-0011). This modification provides for additional organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering services to support and maintain approximately 200 Navy T-45 Goshawk aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment to support flight and test and evaluation operations. In addition, this modification provides for equipment, tools, direct material, and indirect material in support of Navy T-45 aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas (45.7 percent); NAS Meridian, Miss. (41.7 percent); NAS Pensacola, Fla. (10.1 percent); and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (2.5 percent), and is expected to be completed September 2018. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training System Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/04/17)

SSC seeks partner to create park

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA has opened a search for a non-federal partner to lead in development of a 1,100-acre technology corridor called Enterprise Park at Stennis Space Center (SSC) near Bay St. Louis, Miss. An official Notice of Availability has been posted at FedBizOpps.gov, with responses due on Jan. 12, 2018. SSC has scheduled an Industry Day on Feb. 7, 2018, where interested parties can learn more about the park. The objective is to find a private or public entity to enter into a partnership with NASA to lead in the multi-phased development and long-term operation of the park at the nation’s largest rocket engine test facility. The test facilities are used by both government and commercial operations. SSC is home to more than 40 federal, state, academic and commercial entities with a combined workforce of 5,000. The Enterprise Park is designed to enable private sector participation in space exploration, to support commercial space transportation activities, to promote commercial development of technologies for use in space and on Earth, and to provide opportunities for companies and other organizations to co-locate at Stennis to support the missions of existing federal city tenants at SSC. Recent master planning efforts identified a need for a technology park area at SSC, and the first phase of the Enterprise Park focuses on 1,100 acres identified as the most development-ready. The property is located on the northern edge of the 13,800-acre secured area and includes sites both inside and outside the security perimeter. (Source: NASA/SSC, 12/04/17)

Engine coating facility opened

ELLISVILLE, Miss. -- Praxair, Inc. and GE Aviation on Friday opened a new facility for their PG Technologies business, which specializes in advanced coatings that enable jet engines to withstand higher temperatures and stresses. PG Technologies is a joint venture between Praxair Surface Technologies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Praxair, Inc., and GE Aviation. The 300,000 square-foot facility is expected to employ at least 250 people to meet demand for the latest generation of jet engines, including the GE9X and the CFM LEAP. (Source: Praxair, GE Aviation, WDAM, 12/01/17) Ellisville is north of Hattiesburg, Miss.

Whiting leadership change

NAVAL AIR STATION WHITING FIELD, Fla. -- The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Det. Whiting Field held a change of charge ceremony at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field atrium, Dec. 1. Cmdr. Steven Bryant turned over responsibilities of the detachment to Cmdr. Timothy Ryan during the event where Capt. Eric J. Simon, CNATT commanding officer served as the presiding officer. During Bryant's year-long tour, he oversaw the delivery of more than 5,000 hours of naval aviation maintenance, ordnance, and supply training for 400 graduating students. (Source: NNS, 12/01/17)

Contract: Bering Sea Env., $8.9M

Bering Sea Environmental LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, has been awarded an $8,942,370 modification (P00017) to a previously awarded contract (FA4890-16-C-00017), for Air Combat Command's air combat training system operations and maintenance. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Langley Air Force Base, Va.; Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.; Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.; Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.; Dyess Air Force Base, Texas; Royal Singaporean Air Force Mountain Home and Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England; Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; and Aviano Air Base, Italy, with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2020. This modification involves 2 percent foreign military sales to Singapore. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds are being obligated at the time of award. ACC, Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Hampton, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/01/17)

Contract: Cubic, $14.8M

Cubic Defense Applications Inc., San Diego, Calif., has been awarded a $14,823,747 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable multiyear contract for contractor logistics support. This contract provides for comprehensive, effective, and quality contractor logistics support for the Saudi Arabian P5 combat training system to sustain operational tempos currently located at several bases in Saudi. Work will be performed in Saudi Arabia, with an expected completion date of Feb 28, 2022. This contract involves 100 percent foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $14,823,747 are being obligated at time of award. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8678-18-C-0009). (Source: DoD, 12/01/17)

MAF simulates engine install

NEW ORLEANS -- Engineers at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans are using a pathfinder RS-25 engine to practice the installation of engines on the Core Stage of the Space Launch System (SLS). Each core will receive four RS-25s, currently undergoing test firings at the Stennis Space Center, ahead of a path that will see them being shipped to MAF. The installation of all four R-25s on the Core Stage will be a major milestone on the path to Exploration Mission-1, the first launch of SLS. Test firings at the Stennis Space Center (SSC) continue to serve toward the readiness of that milestone, with the first four flight engines now closing in on shipping to MAF to be installed on Core State-1 (CS-1). Those engines, all Space Shuttle veterans, are E2045 in position 1, E2056 in position 2, E2058 in position 3, and E2060 in position 4. All four of these RS-25s will remain at SSC until MAF engineers have completed the work on CS-1. The latest schedule shows the four engines will make the journey to New Orleans in May of next year. (Source: NASA Spaceflight, 11/30/17)

Gunship crew wins Mackay

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Fourteen AC-130U gunship crewmembers provided close-air-support to a U.S. Special Forces team and 43 Afghan soldiers near Kunduz, Afghanistan Nov. 2, 2016. The crew's persistent fire support, presence of mind and courage during two hours of intense combat ultimately saved 50 lives. For their actions the aircrew of the AC-130U gunship known as "Spooky 43" were presented the 2016 Mackay Trophy by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen W. Wilson at an awards ceremony in Arlington Nov. 29, 2017. The crew is based out of Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Mackay Trophy was first awarded in 1912 and honors the most meritorious Air Force flight of the previous year. (Source: AFNS, 12/01/17)

Contract: UTC, $353.2M

United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $353,208,847 fixed-price-incentive-firm, cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded undefinitized contract (N00019-17-C-0010). This modification provides for performance based logistics sustainment in support of the F-135 propulsion system in support of the F-35 joint strike fighter aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) participants and foreign military Sales (FMS) customers. This modification provides for maintenance of support equipment, common program activities, unique and common base recurring sustainment, repair of repairable, field service representatives, common replenishment spares, conventional take-off and landing/carrier variant F-135 unique maintenance services, and short take-off and landing F-135 unique services. Work will be performed in East Hartford (73 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (18 percent); Camari, Italy (3 percent); Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (2 percent); Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (1 percent); Hill Air Force Base, Utah (1 percent); Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. (1 percent); and Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, S.C. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2018. Fiscal 2017 aircraft and procurement (Navy and Marine Corp); fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Air Force); fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Air Force, Navy, Marine Corp) funds, non-U.S. DoD participants; and foreign military sales funds in the amount of $306,451,000 are being obligated on this award, $97,383,008 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Air Force (39 percent); Marine Corps; (29 percent); Navy (7 percent); non-U.S. DoD participants (18 percent); and FMS customers (7 percent), under the FMS Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/30/17)

Tyndall chosen for MQ-9 Wing

The Air Force has selected Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., as the preferred location for hosting a new MQ-9 Reaper Wing with 24 remotely piloted aircraft. Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is considered a reasonable alternative. The wing will be composed of an operations group with mission control elements as well as a launch and recovery capability, and a maintenance group. "We selected Tyndall Air Force Base because it was the best location to meet the unique requirements of the MQ-9 Reaper," Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said. That includes fewer aircraft competing for air space, nearby training ranges, great weather and lower up-front costs, Wilson added. Based on current projections, Airmen are expected to begin arriving at the new location as early as 2020. The first aircraft are expected to arrive in 2022. (Source: Air Force Public Affairs, 11/28/17) Previous

Contract: Lockheed, $37.7M

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $37,716,883 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-15-C-0003) to exercise an option for software conversions for structure and systems datasets in support of Lot 10 production for the F-35 joint strike fighter. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (58 percent); and Samlesbury, United Kingdom (42 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2020. Fiscal 2016 aircraft procurement (Navy and Marine Corps); fiscal 2017 (Air Force and Navy); and non-DoD participants funds in the amount of $37,716,883 are being obligated at time of award, $7,540,359 of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: Do, 11/27/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Contract: Kaman, $85.2M

Kaman Precision Products, Orlando, Fla.; Middletown, Conn., has been awarded a $85,169,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed fee contract for delivery of lot 13 of the joint programmable fuze, FMU-52 and corresponding production, test and engineering support. Work will be performed in Orlando and Middletown with an expected completion date of Feb. 28, 2019. This contract involves 26 percent foreign military sales to Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. Fiscal 2017 procurement funds in the amount of $85,169,000 are being obligated at time of award. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA868118C0009). (Source: DoD, 11/27/17)

Crestview Aerospace for sale

CRESTVIEW, Fla. -- L3 Crestview Aerospace, which has more than 500 workers at its facilities in Crestview at Bob Sikes Airport, is up for sale. The Crestview plant manufactures and modifies cabins, fuselages, tail booms and other parts for commercial and military aircraft. L3 Crestview Aerospace also includes a plant in Chihuahua, Mexico, that produces sheet metal and parts for commercial aircraft structures. The possible sale is part of a move by New York-based L3 Technologies to focus on more profitable businesses. L3 initially announced its intent to sell Vertex Aerospace, which includes Crestview Aerospace, a couple of weeks ago. The announcement that Crestview Aerospace is for sale does not mean that layoffs or other job actions at the company's local facility are imminent, said L3 spokesman Lance Martin. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/21/17)

Contract: Raytheon, $59.7M

Raytheon Co. - Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., has been awarded a $59,725,813 combined firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contract for Enhanced Paveway II's support equipment and support hours. Work will be performed at Tucson, with an expected completion date of Feb. 28, 2019. This was a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2016 and 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $59,725,813 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-18-C-0010). (Source: DoD, 11/22/17)

SLS/Orion behind the scenes

WIRED magazine takes a look behind the scenes at five NASA facilities, including Michoud and Stennis Space Center, to capture how engineers build and test in preparation for the 2019 launch of the most powerful rocket ever built, the Space Launch System. (Source: WIRED, December 2017)

Martin nominated for promotion

Air Force Col. Michael E. Martin has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Martin is currently serving as the commander, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla. His was among a series of appointments made by the president and announced last week by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. (Source: DoD, 11/16/17)

Contract: Arete, $7.5M

Arête Associates, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $7,455,192 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N61331-11-C-0007) to provide Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) program systems support for the AN/DVS-1 COBRA Block 1 system and support equipment. The primary mission of AN/DVS-1 COBRA program is to conduct unmanned aerial tactical reconnaissance in littoral battlespace for detection and localization of mine fields and obstacles in the surf zone and beach zone prior to amphibious assault. For the base contract, statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition used was 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(5) (authorized or required by statute (PL 106-554 SBIR)). Work will be performed in Tucson and is expected to be completed by December 2018. Fiscal 2016 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,625,005 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/20/17)

Whittenberger picked for promotion

Air Force Col. William W. Whittenberger Jr. has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Whittenberger is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the director of strategic plans, programs and requirements, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla. His was among a series of appointments made by the president and announced today by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. (Source: DoD, 11/15/17)

Stratolaunch to test at SSC

An agreement to test engines at a NASA center in South Mississippi is the latest sign that Stratolaunch is considering developing its own launch vehicle for its giant aircraft. The Space Act Agreement between Stratolaunch and NASA's Stennis Space Center, signed Sept. 13, covers "reimbursable testing and related support services to Stratolaunch to support propulsion, vehicle, and ground support system development and testing activities." An annex to that agreement says it involves "testing of its propulsion system test article element 1" at the E1 test stand. Stratolaunch plans to deliver the test article to Stennis for "fit tests and checkouts" by the end of May 2018, with the test series completed by the end of 2018. Stratolaunch will pay NASA $5.1 million under the reimbursable agreement to cover costs of the test campaign, including an upfront payment of $1 million. (Source: SpaceNews, 11/15/17)

Mobile has role in huge order

MOBILE, Ala. – The A320 assembly line here, which was already scheduled to build jetliners for Frontier Airlines starting next year, will now build even more thanks to a major deal announced at the Dubai Airshow today. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Airbus and Indigo Partners for 430 additional A320neo aircraft, comprised of 273 A320neos and 157 A321neos worth $49.5 billion at list price. When added to existing A320 series orders, the new agreement will make Indigo partners one of the largest customers by order number for Airbus single-aisle aircraft. Airlines in the Indigo Partners family previously have placed orders for 427 A320 family aircraft. Engine selections will be announced at a later date. "Any A320 order placed anywhere in the world is good for Mobile because it means a strong order book and solidifies the U.S. Manufacturing Facility's role in Airbus' global production network," wrote Kristi Tucker of Airbus' Mobile operation. "It's extra special when there's a direct connection to the order, such as this one." (Source: GCAC, Airbus, 11/15/17) Previous

Airbus nears historic deal

Airbus SE is nearing the biggest deal in its history, negotiating to sell 430 A320neo single-aisle planes valued at more than $40 billion to U.S. investor Indigo Partners, people familiar with the matter said. The aircraft would go to airlines in Indigo’s investment portfolio: Frontier Airlines, Mexico’s Volaris, European carrier Wizz Air Holdings and JetSmart, which began operating this year in Chile. The Airbus-Indigo transaction is set to be announced Wednesday. Airbus builds the A320 family of jetliners in Toulouse, France; Hamburg, Germany; Tianjin, China; and Mobile, Ala. (Source: Bloomberg, 11/14/17)

V-22 fleet tops 400,000 flight hours

The Bell Boeing V-22 fleet of tiltrotor aircraft, including both CV-22 and MV-22 variants, has surpassed the 400,000-flight hour milestone, Bell Helicopter and Boeing said today. The V-22 Osprey has been continuously deployed since entering service in 2007 with the United States Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations Command in 2009. It has seen extensive action in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and as part of a U.S. Central Command Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force supporting a long-range rapid reaction/crisis response force. The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is a joint service, multirole combat aircraft that uses tiltrotor technology to combine the vertical performance of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing aircraft. With its nacelles and rotors in vertical position, it can take off, land and hover like a helicopter. Once airborne, its nacelles can be rotated to transition the aircraft to a turboprop airplane capable of high-speed, high-altitude flight. (Source: Boeing, 11/14/17) The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command is headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Fla.

Contract: Boeing, $11.3M

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., has been awarded an $11,266,057 modification (P00176) to a previously awarded contract (FA8678-10-C-0100) for QF-16 full-scale aerial target lot 5B. Work will be performed in St. Louis, with an estimated completion date of April 27, 2021. Fiscal 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $11,266,057 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/13/17)

Contract: Bell-Boeing, $10M

Bell-Boeing JPO, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded $10,056,839 for modification P00008 to a previously issued cost-plus-fixed-fee task order 0112, placed against basic ordering agreement N00019-12-G-0006. This modification provides for field representative and logistics support services in support of the V-22 aircraft for the government of Japan. Work will be performed at Camp Kisarazu, Japan (85 percent); Philadelphia, Pa. (11 percent); and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2019. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $10,056,839 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/13/17)

Blue Angels get new leader

NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. – Capt. Ryan Bernacchi turned over command of the Navy Blue Angels to Cmdr. Eric Doyle at a ceremony Sunday at the Blue Angels Atrium inside the National Naval Aviation Museum. About 500 people, including former Blue Angels commanding officers, team members and other naval aviation leaders, attended the event. The 2018 Blue Angels will head to El Centro, Calif., for the winter and return to Pensacola in March. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 11/13/17)

C Series impact outlined

Bombardier Inc. is forecasting it plans to spend $300 million on its C Series assembly facility in Mobile, Ala., creating as many as 2,000 jobs in the U.S. Airbus and Canada-based Bombardier announced in October that they had agreed to form a partnership to build Bombardier's C Series passenger jets in Mobile. The C series project would create 400 to 500 direct jobs and 550 to 700 indirect jobs at supplier and support companies. The forecast was part of a regulatory filing. Still to be determined is the fate of the proposed import duties of 300 percent on the C Series tentatively imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to a price-dumping claim made by Boeing. (Sources: multiple, including Montreal Gazette, 11/08/17; al.com, 11/09/17; Witchita Business Journal, 11/10/17)

Infinity displays Apollo module

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. -- An early artifact of America's moonshot program is now on display in Mississippi. Infinity Science Center is displaying the command module from Apollo 4, an unmanned 1967 mission that successfully demonstrated the full Saturn V rocket and the capsule that would carry men to the moon. The 9-hour mission showed the rocket's third stage would restart and that the command module's heat shield would withstand re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. The command module is on long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum. The display is part of a redesign of the museum's space exhibits. The Saturn V rocket was among those tested at neighboring Stennis Space Center. The 8,000-pound module was stored for five years at Stennis out of public view. (Source: multiple, including AP via WREG-TV, Jackson Free Press, 11/06/17, Sun Herald, 11/10/17)

Contract: Lockheed, $34.6M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $34,622,661 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for weapons capabilities technology maturation and risk reduction pre-engineering, manufacturing and development activities for dual-capability F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft and small-diameter bomb 2 (SDB-II) in support of the Marine Corps and Air Force. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in July 2018. Fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $6,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-18-C-1004). (Source: DoD, 11/09/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Tyndall hosts large exercise

And airman pushes tools along the flight line.
Air Force photo

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Personnel and equipment from Air Force installations across the country have converged on Tyndall Air Force Base in Northwest Florida to participate in Checkered Flag 18-1, a two-week, large-scale exercise that integrates the war-fighting capabilities of fourth-and fifth-generation aircraft. It’s being held with the concurrently running Weapons Systems Evaluation Program, Combat Archer. Tyndall is hosting the 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Municipal Air National Guard Base, Mass.; 393th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.; 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.; 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.; and 116th ACW, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. “What we have in our Checkered Flag airspace is an over water range that affords us the opportunity to be fully supersonic down to the ground,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Lee, 44th Fighter Group deputy commander and Checkered Flag 18-1 Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. “This is not a capability that we have on a large scale at any other ranges within the United States.” The exercise wraps up Nov. 17. (Source: 325th Fighter Wing, 11/09/17)

Norway gets F-35 data file

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 53rd Electronic Warfare Group's Partner Support Complex delivered the F-35 mission data file to Norway Oct. 26. This is the first overseas delivery of Block 3F mission data to a foreign nation and was accomplished in anticipation of Norway's first F-35s, which arrived last week and will be marked by a Nov.10 ceremony there. The delivery of Block 3F mission data enables the F-35 to accomplish its primary missions of air interdiction, close air support, and suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses. Mission data files enable the aircraft to know what threats to search for and when, providing the F-35 its means of deciphering the environment. The men and women of the PSC are charged with programming this essential mission data software for eight F-35 partner nations, to include Norway, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Denmark. (Source: 53rd Wing, 11/08/17) Previous related

Contract: Reliance Test, $48M

Reliance Test & Technology, Crestview, Fla., has been awarded a $48,000,000 modification (P00022) to a previously awarded contract (FA2486-16-C-0002) for Eglin operation and maintenance services. The modification increases the government-provided value of cost-reimbursable, contractor-acquired property for contract line item number 0005. Work will be performed at Eglin test and training complex, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an expected completion date of Sept. 30 2026. Fiscal 2018 research and development funds in the amount of $48,000,000 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 7, 2017) (Source: DoD, 11/08/17)

Bridenstine supports SLS, Orion

WASHINGTON — As the Senate Commerce Committee prepares to advance his nomination as NASA administrator to the full Senate, Jim Bridenstine offered pledges of continuity for many key agency programs. In response to questions submitted for the record by several members of committee, Bridenstine said he believed the Space Launch System and Orion programs are critical to the agency’s exploration plans, as well as contributions from commercial space ventures. “SLS and Orion will serve as the backbone to our country’s Deep Space exploration architecture,” Bridenstine said in response to a question from Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., about how those programs would fit into NASA’s long-term exploration plans. He used the same language in similar questions from other senators about the future of those programs. (Source: SpaceNews, 11/07/17) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, are both involved in the SLS/Orion program as well as commercial space activities.

Airbus Americas getting new chief

HERNDON, Va. -- The leadership of European planemaker Airbus’ U.S. operations will change early next year when C. Jeffrey Knittel becomes chairman and chief executive posts at Airbus Americas. He will replace Airbus Americas CEO Barry Eccleston, who will retire on Feb. 28, 2018. Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas, will remain with the company as chairman emeritus. Knittel, who brings more than 25 years of global aerospace leadership experience to the position, will join the company at its Americas headquarters in Herndon Jan. 12. (Source: Airbus, 11/07/17) Gulf Coast note: Airbus Americas employs 5,000 people and its operations include an A320 series assembly line and Engineering Center in Mobile, Ala., and helicopter manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Miss., and Texas. Knittel is a trustee of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

Terminal design to be shown

LAFAYETTE, La. – Design details for a new 120,000-square-foot, $90 million terminal at Lafayette Regional Airport are being unveiled this week during the airport commission’s regular meeting Wednesday. Lafayette Regional Airport was the fourth busiest in Louisiana in 2016 in terms of enplanements, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, but Airport Director Steven Picou said it operates with the smallest square-footage. “Every other airport in the state of Louisiana that has air carrier operations has had a terminal remodel or brand new terminal. Lafayette has not,” Picou said. “It’s kind of our turn.” (Source: Acadiana Advocate, 11/06/17) The airport in Lafayette, site of a Bell Helicopter facility, is along Interstate 10 west of New Orleans.

Contract: Raytheon, $17.3M

Raytheon Co. Missile Systems Division, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $17,255,491 modification (P00009) to a previously awarded contract (FA8675-15-C-0004) for High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System (HTS) contractor logistics support (CLS) services. The contract modification provides for HTS pod CLS depot repairs and sustainment activities. Work will be performed in Tucson, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2018. Fiscal year 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $12,825,015 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/06/17)

Flying Jennies ready again

C-130J over Keesler Nov. 3
U.S. Air Force photo by Shelton Sherrill

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The 815th Airlift Squadron on Friday completed its quest to reach full operational capability, four years after the squadron’s future was uncertain. The squadron and its C-130J Flying Jennies are again ready to deploy and provide combat-ready airmen for airlift mission, said Lt. Col. Stuart Rubio, 815th AS commander. As part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013, the Air Force announced plans to transfer 10 of the Air Force Reserve 403rd Wing's C-130J aircraft. But two years later the Secretary of the Air Force reversed that recommendation, beginning the programming and budgeting work to restore personnel and mission capability at Keesler. The squadron trains weekly for this mission, and in honor of the squadron reaching FOC status they did just that Friday and flew a three-ship formation. During the low-level tactical flight, they practiced airdrops, flew with night vision goggles and performed other tasks to prepare for missions in a deployed location, said Rubio. (Source: 403rd Wing Public Affairs, 11/05/17) The initial plan was to deactivate the 815th and move the aircraft to North Carolina, then later the relocation site was Arkansas. Previous: Keesler to lose planes, squadron; Move of Keesler C-130Js delayed; 815th remains at Keesler for now.

College gets new student center

LAKE CHARLES, La. -- SOWELA Technical Community College showcased its newest addition Thursday, the Sycamore Student Center. SOWELA also introduced its newly restored Boeing 727 instructional jet. The aircraft will be used to give hands-on training to students in various aviation programs. The new student center provides a number of services to students, including admissions, financial aid, enrollment and testing. (Source: KPLC-TV, 11/02/17) The center near Chennault International Airport along the Interstate 10 corridor in Southwest Louisiana trains about 130 aviation-related students every year.

Training exercise slated

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Residents of Biloxi and Keesler Air Force Base may hear an increase in noise this weekend due to a training exercise. The Air Force Reserve's 403rd Wing will hold the exercise on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the Unit Training Assembly. Sirens, alarms and loudspeaker announcements will be used to simulate realistic environments for personnel. Trainees will practice self-aid and buddy care, chemical warfare detection, and the ability to survive and operate in a deployed environment. (Source: WLOX-TV, 11/01/17)

PNS sets record; gets new route

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Pensacola International Airport (PNS) reaches a new all-time high serving 1,668,897 passengers during fiscal year 2017 (October 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017). That’s the highest count in a decade. A year before the Great Recession, the airport’s last passenger record was in FY07 when the airport served a total of 1,660,545 passengers. In addition to the record, PNS announced a second daily non-stop flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) aboard American Airlines will be added to the flight schedule in the spring. Beginning April 3, 2018, passengers will have the option of booking a morning nonstop flight to DCA, in addition to the current afternoon non-stop flight. (Source: City of Pensacola, 11/03/17)

NASA opportunities discussed

MOBILE, Ala. -- Dozens of interested business representatives gathered at a NASA Business Forum that offered a chance to hear from experts involved in the business of space. Officials from Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Stennis Space Center and NASA Shared Services in South Mississippi, as well as representatives from prime contractors attended the event. The message: NASA is committed to handing out hundreds of millions of dollars to small businesses every year, either through direct contracts or as subcontractors to the primes. (Source: al.com, 11/02/17) The forum was at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel. Related story, "The technology goldmine in our midst," Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor Newsletter, February 2017, p. 3-4

MAF adding tenant, jobs

NEW ORLEANS -- A new tenant is moving in and another expanding at Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in east New Orleans. The changes will add 45 new jobs. Gov. John Bel Edwards and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May joined local and state officials Wednesday to announce the jobs and provide an update on the latest at MAF. In addition to the new jobs, state leaders announced plans for an aerospace program at nearby Nunez Community College to train students for careers at Michoud and other regional employers. Also, Sinter Metal Technologies, a global supplier of metal and ceramic parts that is based in Liechtenstein, announced Wednesday it will move some of its operations to MAF. The company intends to invest $5 million in a new sintering facility at Michoud to bond powder-based metals, material that will be used to make strong precision parts. The plan will create 15 jobs at an average salary of $55,000 a year. In addition, Advanced Cutting Solutions, which specializes in kit-cutting tough materials like fiberglass, Kevlar and dry carbon, also said it is expanding its presence at the facility, adding 30 new jobs at an average salary of $40,000 a year. (Source: nola.com, 11/01/17)

AF awards F-35 programmers

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The 53rd Wing’s 513th Electronic Warfare Squadron was awarded on Oct. 25 the Outstanding Scientist/Engineer Team of 2017 for their work on the F-35A Initial Operational Capability delivery at Eglin Air Force Base. This Air Force Science, Technology, Engineering and Math annual award recognizes the efforts and achievements of scientists and engineers who make significant contributions to technology and engineering. For the last seven years, 513th EWS airmen and sailors of the F-35’s U.S. Reprogramming Laboratory have been doing just that. Supercomputers, referred to as sensor fusion, make up the F-35’s brain. That brain provides the fighter with unique capabilities, making it more lethal, survivable and adaptable than any fighter aircraft on Earth, according to the Secretary of Air Force Public Affairs. However, without 513th EWS personnel inputting critical mission data into the F-35, sensor fusion wouldn’t work as intended. The aircraft wouldn’t know what threats to search for or when. In the electronic warfare world, engineers refer to this ability to understand the world, the ability to sift through stimuli and make informed decisions about how to react, as mission data software. This software helps compile countless pieces of information about the environment the F-35 will fly into. It also creates within the F-35’s brain the means of deciphering that environment. The men and women of the 513th EWS program this essential mission data software, thus teaching the F-35 how to distinguish between stimuli and making it efficient, intelligent and lethal. (Source: 53rd Wing Public Affairs, 11/01/17) Background story, "Putting the fight in the F-35," Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor Newsletter, April 2015, p. 1-2.

New air service at VPS

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In May, travel between Okaloosa County and the nation’s capital will be easier for hundreds of military contractors and active duty personnel. The first non-stop American Airlines flights between Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport will take off 11:05 a.m. May 4, according to a news release from the county. An earlier flight is scheduled to depart Washington D.C. at 8:45 a.m. the same day, with arrival in Okaloosa County expected at 10:07 a.m., the release said. The two flights will run daily. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 11/01/17) The airport is located at Eglin Air Force Base.

Contract: UTC, $19.3M

United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $19,266,207 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee and fixed-price-incentive-firm-target contract (N00019-15-C-0004). This modification provides for procurement of extra-long-lead items in support of the low-rate initial production Lot XII F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft production. The extra-long-lead items include group hardware supporting the Lot XII delivery of conventional take-off and landing propulsion systems for the Air Force, Navy, non-Department of Defense (non-DoD) participants, and foreign military sales (FMS) customers, as well as group hardware supporting the Lot XII delivery of short take-off and vertical landing propulsion systems for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in East Hartford (67 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (26.5 percent); and Bristol, United Kingdom (6.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2019. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps), non-DoD participant, and FMS funds in the amount of $19,266,207, are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Marine Corps (88.04 percent); non-DoD participants (9.86 percent); Air Force (1.49 percent); FMS (0.41 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program; and Navy d.0 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/01/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Contract: Multiple, $8.3B

Numerous companies, including UTS Systems LLC, Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (W911QY-18-D-0161), will share in an $8,276,161,000 hybrid (cost, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive, and fixed-price-redetermination) contract for Joint Enterprise Research, Development, Acquisition and Production and Procurement program to support research and development of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives defense systems, capabilities, equipment, supplies and material. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 178 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 3, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 11/01/17)

Eglin conducting tests

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group is conducting operations from Nov. 1-3 and Nov. 6-8 in the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay as part of a Weapon System Evaluation Program. Between 8 a.m. and noon jets will be releasing munitions about 20 miles south of Destin in the Gulf of Mexico. The test are being conducted within a cleared safety range. Between 1-5 p.m., about 30 boats traveling in formation will transverse between the Mid-Bay Bridge and the U.S. Highway 331 Bridge, including 10-to-20 miles south of Destin in the Gulf of Mexico, according to base officials. The boat formation will be used as visual targets by military aircraft flying over the area. Some boats will have fake deck guns and rocket launcher tubes, but no live weapons or ammunition will be involved. The boats also will be using marine flares as visual markers. (Source: News Herald, 10/27/17)

RR marks decade at SSC

Rolls-Royce on Friday celebrated 10 years at Stennis Space Center, Miss., where it operates an outdoor jet engine test facility. The facility that tests jetliner engines was the first of its kind for Rolls-Royce outside the United Kingdom. Rolls-Royce General Manager Hamish Guthrie said the company employs 46 people locally, and expects that number to rise in the future due to the demand of the company’s aircraft engines. According to Guthrie, employees have logged more than 7,000 hours testing engines. (Sources: Picayune Item, 10/28/17, WLOX-TV, 10/27/17) Rolls-Royce, which opened its first stand in 2007, added a second test stand in 2013.

Cyber test group to stand up

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The Air Force recently approved a new group standup as part of the 96th Test Wing. The 96th Cyberspace Test Group will be formed from the existing 46th Test Squadron, located here, and other test units at six separate geographic locations throughout the U.S. The new group will include three subordinate squadrons: the 45th Test Squadron, 46th Test Squadron and the 47th Cyberspace Test Squadron. Approximately 19 of 50 new positions are projected to be added to the group here over the next five years. In addition, a business and logistics division will be established here to provide program management, budget and finance, as well as logistics, security and information technology functions. The change brings current AFTC cyberspace test capabilities under a single command structure of the newly formed group, but leaves all the current jobs, missions and assets in place at their current operating locations. The group's formal activation ceremony is scheduled for December. (Source: Eglin Air Force Base, 10/26/17)

GAO: F-35 hurt by parts issue

The Pentagon is accelerating production of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 jet even though the planes already delivered are facing “significantly longer repair times” than planned because maintenance facilities are six years behind schedule, according to a draft audit. The Government Accountability Office, Congress’s watchdog agency, found the time to repair a part has averaged 172 days, twice the program’s objective. The shortages are “degrading readiness” because the fighter jets “were unable to fly about 22 percent of the time” from January through August for lack of needed parts. (Source: Bloomberg, 10/23/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Aviation museum in top 20

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola was named one of the Top 25 museums across the globe by TripAdvisor as part of its 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards. The NNAM ranked No. 16 on the list that included such well-known museums as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The rankings are based on quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for museums worldwide gathered by TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. (Source: EW Bullock, 10/12/17) The 350,000-square-foot museum on 37 acres has a variety of attractions and more than 150 military aircraft representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

NASA gives awards for construction

NASA has awarded 24 Multiple Award Construction Contract Two (MACC-II) contracts to 20 small businesses and four large firms for general construction services at NASA's Stennis Space Center and several other agency locations. It has an anticipated value not to exceed $3 billion during an eight-year ordering period. MACC-II project work includes, but is not limited to, alteration, modification, maintenance and repair, demolition, design-build and new construction of buildings, facilities and real property at Stennis; NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, including White Sands Test Facility near Las Cruces, N.M.; NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Fla.; and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., including Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Businesses in the Gulf Coast region awarded contracts are Healtheon and Pontchartrain Partners, both of New Orleans; ESA South Inc., Cantonment, Fla.; Orocon Construction and WG Yates & Sons Construction Co., both of Biloxi, Miss.; Drace Construction Corp., Ocean Springs, Miss.; CCI Energy and Construction Services, Shalimar, Fla.; and MOWA Barlovento JV-2, Gautier, Miss. (Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire, 10/24/17)

Contract: Aermor, $93.5M

Aermor LLC, Virginia Beach, Va.; American Systems Corp., Chantilly, Va.; and Qualis Corp., Huntsville, Ala., have been awarded a $93,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center test services. The contractors will provide advisory and assistance services in support of operational test and evaluation that include a broad range of engineering, technical, and analytical services. Work will be performed at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.; Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.; Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Everett, Wash.; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; and Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and is expected to be complete by Oct. 19, 2022. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with three offers received. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation; and operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $30,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA7046-18-D-0001, FA7046-18-D-0002, FA7046-18-D-0003). (Source: DoD, 10/20/17)

Contract: SpaceX, $40.8M

Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Hawthorne, Calif., has been awarded a $40,766,512 modification (P00007) for the development of the Raptor rocket propulsion system prototype for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program. Work will be performed at NASA Stennis Space Center, Miss.; Hawthorne, Calif.; McGregor, Texas; and Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.; and is expected to be complete by April 30, 2018. Fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $40,766,512 are being obligated at the time of award. The Launch Systems Enterprise Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8811-16-9-0001). (Source: DoD, 10/19/17)

RS-25 tested at open house

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – More than 1,500 people watched a verification test of an RS-25 rocket engine during an open house at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in South Mississippi Thursday. The engine that was tested, engine E2063, is one of the engines that will power the Space Launch System (SLS). The test was 500 seconds, the same duration the engine will power during an actual launch. Engine E2063 is scheduled for use on NASA’s second mission of SLS and Orion, known as Exploration Mission-2 (EM-2). The first integrated flight test of SLS and Orion, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), will be an uncrewed final test of the rocket and its systems. The EM-2 flight will be the first to carry astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft. (Source: NASA, 10/19/17) Previous

Contract: Textron, $332.9M

Textron Systems Marine and Land Systems, New Orleans, La., has been awarded a $332,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of up to 255 mobile strike force vehicles and related fielding hardware and field representative services for system de-processing. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 13, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-18-D-0014). (Source: DoD, 10/18/17)

Contract: Lockheed, $11.6M

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded $11,566,000 for cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized delivery order 0144 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-14-G-0020). This order provides support for the first of class flying trials and the release of the military permit to fly for F-35B aircraft to operate from Queen Elizabeth class carriers in support of the government of the United Kingdom. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (68 percent); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (26 percent); Orlando, Fla. (3 percent); and Patuxent River, Md. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2018. International partner funds in the amount of $5,783,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/17/17) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Airport gets new service

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Frontier Airlines today announced it will begin service from Pensacola International Airport (PNS) this spring with nonstop, low-cost flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) as part of its nationwide expansion. Service to Denver will begin April 22, 2018 while service to Chicago O’Hare is scheduled to begin May 12, 2018. “This is a huge win for Pensacola and I look forward to a long-term partnership and additional growth opportunities with Frontier Airlines,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. (Source: City of Pensacola, 10/17/17)

VTMAE plans info session

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- VT MAE will host an information session Oct. 27 at 9:00 a.m. regarding its current operations, upcoming hiring needs, employment application procedures, and available subcontracting opportunities at its new aircraft maintenance facility being built at Pensacola International Airport. The information session is at Pensacola State College's Hagler Auditorium, Building 2, 1000 College Blvd. in Pensacola. The event is for subcontractors and those seeking employment opportunities. (Source: VTMAE via City of Pensacola, 10/17/16)

Second assembly line for Mobile

Bombardier C Series jetliner. Courtesy photo

Airbus SE agreed to acquire a majority stake in Canada’s Bombardier Inc.’s C Series jetliner program, and will add another final assembly line for the C Series at its plant in Mobile, Ala. The move breathes new life into a slow-selling C Series, a single-aisle plane typically seating 108 to 160 passengers. Under the agreement, Airbus will provide procurement, sales and marketing, and customer support expertise to the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP), the entity that manufactures and sells the C Series. At closing, Airbus will acquire a 50.01 percent interest in CSALP. Bombardier and Investissement Québec (IQ) will own approximately 31 percent and 19 percent respectively. CSALP’s headquarters and primary assembly line and related functions will remain in Québec, with the support of Airbus’ global reach and scale. Airbus’ global industrial footprint will expand with the Final Assembly Line in Canada and additional C Series production at Airbus’ manufacturing site in Alabama. Neither company will contribute cash to the venture at the closing, nor will the combination assume any debt. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of next year. The move comes within weeks of Bombardier being hit by a 300 percent import levy by the United States after a complaint by Boeing. “I have no doubt that our partnership with Bombardier will boost sales and the value of this program tremendously,” said Airbus Chief Executive Officer Tom Enders. “Not only will this partnership secure the C Series and its industrial operations in Canada, the U.K. and China, but we also bring new jobs to the U.S. Airbus will benefit from strengthening its product portfolio in the high-volume single-aisle market, offering superior value to our airline customers worldwide.” (Sources: Airbus, Bloomberg, The Guardian, 10/16/17)

Contract: Reliance, $27.3M

Reliance Test & Technology, Crestview, Fla., has been awarded a $27,255,000 modification (P00021) for Eglin operation and maintenance services. This contract modification increases the value of cost-type contract line item numbers. Work will be performed at Eglin Test and Training Complex, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2026. Fiscal 2018 research and development funds in the amount of $7,661,368 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA2486-16-C-0002). (Source: DoD, 10/16/17

Contract: Northrop, $15.2M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $15,246,550 for modification P00004 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-17-C-0036) for the integration of the original equipment manufacturer ZPY-8A/N radar into the MQ-8C Fire Scout. This modification includes the initial radar A-kit installations into the MQ-8C Fire Scout and additional non-recurring engineering. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (54.28 percent); Ozark, Ala. (36.64 percent); San Diego (7.48 percent); Edinburgh, United Kingdom (1.57 percent); and Santa Clarita, Calif. (.03 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2020. Fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,345,854 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/16/17)

October newsletter available

The October issue of the bimonthly Gulf Coast Aerospace Newsletter is now available at the Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor website home page. The eight-page newsletter has a feature on the aerospace/aviation activities in Louisiana, an article about two nacelles operations in the Mobile area and more. (Source: GCAC, 10/10/17)

Open house includes engine test

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – The public will get an opportunity Oct. 19 to view a test firing of an RS-25 flight engine that will be used to power NASA’s new Space Launch System. This engine, No. 2063, will be one of four that will be used for SLS on Exploration Mission-2, the first flight of the rocket that will carry astronauts. The engine test is part of the Founder’s Day Open House at Stennis Space Center. The theme of the event is “SSC – 56 Years of Making Fire and Rain!” to commemorate the anniversary of the rocket engine test site. NASA announced plans on Oct. 25, 1961, to build a site in south Mississippi for testing the Apollo Program rocket stages that carried humans to the moon. Security gates will be open for access to the site from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Only U.S. citizens age 10 or older will be allowed to participate. Open house activities, including exhibits, demonstrations and speakers, will be hosted by participating Stennis agencies prior to an afternoon test of RS-25 flight engine on the A-1 Test Stand. Each participant must obtain a ticket to gain entry to the site. (Source: GCAC, 10/04/17) Previous

Contract: DCS, $207.6M

DCS Corp., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $207,596,336 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide system engineering, analysis, research, development, logistics, and configuration and data management services to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division’s aircraft integrated pProduct teams, which are critical in the development, integration, test, evaluation, and fielding of new and upgraded capabilities to Naval aircraft, such as the F/A-18, EA-18G, F-35, AV-8B, AH-1/UH-1, and unmanned aerial systems. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (86.5 percent); Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. (7 percent); Ridgecrest, Calif. (5 percent); Point Mugu, Calif. (1 percent); Cherry Point, N.C. (0.2 percent); Yuma, Ariz. (0.2 percent); and Patuxent River, Md. (0.1 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2022. Fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $200,000 will be obligated at time of award; all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic proposal as a 100 percent small business set-aside; two offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, is the contracting activity (N68936-18-D-0006). (Source: DoD, 10/04/17)

Contract: COLSA, $56.2M

COLSA Corp., Huntsville, Ala., has been awarded a $56,190,669 modification (P00023) for technical and management advisory services command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and cyber support. The contractor will provide additional research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition support services. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.; Gunter Annex, Ala.; Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.; Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Robins Air Force Base, Ga.; Beale Air Force Base, Calif.; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Langley Air Force Base, Va.; and San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30 2018. This modification includes foreign military sales support. Fiscal 2018 research, development, production, operations, and maintenance funds in the amount of $14,141,221 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA2486-16-F-0031). (Source: DoD, 10/02/17)

Contract: QuantiTech, $39.6M

QuantiTech, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., has been awarded a $39,557,675 modification (P00045) for technical and management advisory services range support. The contractor will provide additional diverse research, development, test, evaluation, and acquisition support services. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn.; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2018. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 research, development, production, operations, and maintenance funds in the amount of $8,416,813 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA2486-16-F-0034). (Source: DoD, 10/02/17)

Contract: Torch, $34.6M

Torch Technologies Inc., Huntsville, Ala., has been awarded a $34,628,375 modification (P00037) for technical and management advisory services armament support. The contractor will provide additional diverse research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition support services. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Kirkland Air Force Base, N.M.; and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2018. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 research, development, production, operations, and maintenance funds in the amount of $6,165,187 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA2486-16-F-0030). (Source: DoD, 10/02/17)

Contract: Bevilacqua, $31.2M

Bevilacqua Research Corp., Huntsville, Ala.. has been awarded a $31,176,259 modification (P00034) for technical and management advisory services platforms support. The contractor will provide additional diverse research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition support services. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; Duke Field, Fla.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.; and Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30 2018. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 research, development, procurement, operations, and maintenance funds in the amount of $5,682,995 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, is the contracting activity (FA2486-16-F-0033). (Source: DoD, 10/02/17)

Contract: Boeing, $68.5M

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded $68,535,986 modification P00006 to a previously awarded firm-price-incentive contract (N00019-17-C-0003). This modification provides for the procurement of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G structural repair manual. Work will be performed in St. Louis (62 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (32 percent); and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2021. Fiscal 2015 and 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $68,535,986 are being obligated at time of award, $63,966,920 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Awarded on Sept. 27, 2017. (Source: DoD, 09/28/17)

Contract: Fluor, $14.4M

Fluor Federal Solutions LLC, Greenville, S.C., is being awarded a $14,425,542 modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N69450-07-D-0770) to exercise option 10 for base operations support services at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., and outlying areas of Saufley Field, Corry Station, and Bronson Field. The work to be performed provides for all management, supervision, labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and tools necessary to perform facilities management, facilities investment, facility maintenance services (non-family housing), pest control, utility plant and distribution system operations and maintenance (chiller, electrical, gas, wastewater, steam and water), environmental services, and base support vehicles and equipment. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $272,144,614. Work will be performed in Pensacola and work is expected to be completed March 2018. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2018 Navy working capital funds; and fiscal 2018 defense health program funds in the amount of $12,751,529 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/28/17)

Contract: Northrop, $12M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum, Md., is being awarded $12,000,000 for firm-fixed-price job order N0016417FW174 under previously awarded basic ordering agreement N0016415GWS82 for spare parts to support organic depot repairs of the AN/ALQ-240 Electronic Support Measures system. The AN/ALQ-240 provides rapid detection, classification and geographical location of ground-based radar systems to provide situational awareness to the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The P-8A also includes capabilities such as long-range anti-submarine, anti-surface, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of broad-area maritime and littoral operations. Work will be performed in Linthicum (75 percent); San Jose, Calif. (10 percent); Ashburn, Va. (5 percent); Baltimore, Md. (5 percent); and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2020. Fiscal 2016 aircraft procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $12,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/28/17)