Contract: Vertex, $20M

Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $19,963,187 modification (P00038) to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable, labor hour indefinite delivery, requirements contract (N00019-13-D-0007). This modification increases the ceiling and extends the period of performance of the contract to provide additional TH-57 logistics support services and materials for organizational and depot level maintenance in support of the TH-57 fleet. Work will be performed in Milton, Fla., and is expected to be completed in May 2019. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/29/19)

Contract: Lockheed, $9.7M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $9,685,470 for modification U00019 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed fee contract (N00019-15-C-0105) to develop and integrate the Digital Channelized Receiver/Techniques Generator and Tuner Insertion Program into the F-35 Australia, Canada, United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory and deliver other development upgrades to the facility. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and is expected to be completed in March 2020. Non-U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Participant funds in the amount of $9,685,470 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, 03/29/19)

Council OKs ST Engineering lease

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Pensacola City Council approved the new lease for ST Engineering and authorized the mayor to borrow up to $20 million to float the cash until the city begins receiving grants approved to fund the $210 million project. The vote Thursday clears the way for ST Engineering's expansion of its aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul hangar, although the city has yet to identify funds for the last $4.8 million needed to fully fund the project. The loan authorization will allow the mayor to provide cash flow to pay contractors building the three new hangars and administration building. ST Engineering opened a hangar at the airport last year and is in the process of hiring 400 workers. Once the three additional hangars are built, the company will hire another 1,325 workers. If the city sticks to the proposed schedule, construction of the first new hangar will begin this year. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 03/28/19)

Contract: Support Svcs, $23M

Support Services LLC, Cape Canaveral, Fla., is awarded $22,977,890 for a modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N69450-18-D-2013) to exercise Option One for base operations support services at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., and outlying areas 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), 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 $45,863,832. Work will be performed in Pensacola and work for this option period is expected to be completed March 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, (Navy); fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds; and fiscal 2019 Defense Health Program funds in the amount of $18,442,613 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, 03/28/19)

Downtown airport update

MOBILE, Ala. - The new downtown Mobile airport is just a few weeks away from opening, and FOX10 got a look inside. The new terminal is being built on Michigan Avenue in the Mobile Aeroplex. Chris Curry, president of the Mobile Airport Authority, said there will be five ticket counters. He said the facility costs about $6 million and is 22,000 square feet, but there are plans to expand at the end of summer. The first flight, a Frontier flight, is scheduled to fly out May first. (Source: WALA, 03/27/19) Commercial flights are primarily at Mobile Regional Airport, but the Mobile Airport Authority is in the process of shifting the flights to the downtown location.

HPM picks A220 assembly line teams

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – HPM announced the selection of several design-build teams for construction of the Airbus A220 assembly line in Mobile, Ala. BL Harbert International of Birmingham teamed with the design firm FSB and have been selected for Package 3 of the project, which consists of design-build services for four additional hangar bays. It's targeted for completion in the third quarter of 2019. H.O. Weaver and Sons of Mobile has been awarded the Enabling Works Package of preparations to make a building site ready for construction. It covers activities from site preparation, creation of access routes, and the installation of facilities like security fencing, ramps, and signage placement. It's targeted for completion in early 2019. Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie teamed with Huntsville-based design firm BRPH has been selected for Package 1 of the project, which consists of design-build services for the building of the new A220 final assembly line and existing logistic center expansion. It's targeted for completion in mid-2020. HPM, which has offices in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Florida, is responsible for managing all aspects of the design and construction of the new facility, as well as expansion of Airbus’ current facilities to accommodate increased A320 family production on the site. HPM was involved in the construction of the Airbus Engineering Center in Mobile over a decade ago and managed construction of the A320 production facilities, completed in 2015. HPM continues to work with its long-time industry partner, Mott McDonald, providing program management services for the A220, as both firms did for the A320 campus. (Source: HPM, 03/27/19)

First 220 workers report

MOBILE, Ala. - The first employees of the new Airbus assembly line in Mobile reported for work Monday, according to the company. The assembly line itself is in the early phases of construction. When complete, it will be one of two sites in the world where Airbus produces the A220 series, a single-aisle, twin-engine line of jets that's smaller than the A320 jets that Airbus already assembles in Mobile. The company announced in a Facebook post that a group of employees began new hire orientation training Monday at the AIDT facility in the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. After a month of local training, the workers will go to Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, to train for three months with workers on the A220 assembly line.Airbus says that between hiring for the A220 line, and hiring related to increased production on its A320 line, it plans to add about 600 jobs in Mobile by mid-2020. In another development, the Airbus-Bombardier partnership to produce the A220 has been renamed the Airbus Canada Limited Partnership. (Source: al.com, 03/25/19)

Space Command leader named

The President has nominated to the Senate Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond as the Commander, United States Space Command (USSPACECOM). If confirmed, Raymond will lead the soon-to-be established USSPACECOM, which will focus on conducting all joint space warfighting operations, and ensuring the combat readiness of global forces. If confirmed, and upon establishment of USSPACECOM, Raymond will remain dual-hatted as Commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. (Source: DoD, 03/26/19) Gulf Coast note: The 20th Space Control Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is a unit of the 21st Space Wing of Peterson AFB. The squadron detects, tracks, identifies, and reports near earth and deep space objects in earth's orbit, and provides space object identification data in support of United States Strategic Command's space control mission.

Contract: Sierra Nevada, $317M

Sierra Nevada Corp., Circle, Sparks, Nev., has been awarded a $317,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Precision Strike Package program. This contract provides contractor logistics support for the Precision Strike Package in support of the AC-130W and AC-130J. Work will be performed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.; and Hurlburt Field, Fla., and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2026. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $26,784,295 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8509‐19‐D‐0001). (Source: DoD, 03/26/19)

Contract: General Atomics, $9.2M

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, Calif., has been awarded a $9,211,561 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the United Kingdom (UK) MQ-9 Reaper contractor logistics support effort. This contract provides for ongoing sustainment of the UK MQ-9 fleet. Work will be performed at multiple stateside and international locations, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2019. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition and involves 100 percent foreign military sales to the government of the United Kingdom. Foreign military sales funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-15-G-4040 0017 21). (Source: DoD, 03/26/19) Gulf Coast note: Hurlburt Field, Fla., is getting an MQ-9 squadron in late 2019.

3 bases eyed for F-22 training unit

Two bases in Northwest Florida and one in Virginia are being considered for the permanent basing of the F-22 training unit. The Air Force issued a notice in the Federal Register of March 26 to advise the public of its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed action to permanently bed-down its F-22 Formal Training Unit (FTU). The unit had been based at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., but was temporarily moved to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., after Hurricane Michael damaged Tyndall, currently being rebuilt. With this notice, the Air Force is initiating its scoping process and inviting the affected public to attend meetings near Langley Air Force Base, Va., Eglin and Tyndall. The dates, times and locations for the scoping meetings will be announced locally, but no later than May 15. The EIS will assess the potential environmental consequences of the proposed action to bed-down the F-22 FTU at Langley, and the No Action Alternative, which consists of continuing F-22 FTU operations from a combination of Eglin and Tyndall. There is only one F-22 FTU and it consists of F-22 aircraft of the 43rd Fighter Squadron and its associated T-38 aircraft in the 2d Fighter Training Squadron at Tyndall. (Source: Federal Register, 03/26/19)

Contract: Northrop, $10.2M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Annapolis, Md., is being awarded a $10,242,891 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N61331-15-D-0011) to exercise options for the accomplishment of depot level repair, maintenance, and modifications of the AN/AQS-24 Mine Detecting System to support the Navy for the currently deployed airborne mine countermeasures legacy systems. Northrop Grumman Undersea Systems will provide depot repairs and incorporation of engineering change proposals, including the updates of all integrated logistics support documentation to support the conversions and sustainment. Work will be performed in Annapolis, and is expected to be completed by April 2020. No funding will be obligated at time of award. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla. is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/25/19)

Contract: General Dynamics, $27.6M

General Dynamics, Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Niceville, Fla., has been awarded a $27,600,096 firm-fixed-price modification (P00012) to previously awarded contract FA8681-16-C-0002 for the BLU-134/B Improved Lethality Warhead. This modification provides for the exercise of an option for a quantity of BLU-134/B warheads produced under the basic development contract. Work will be performed in Niceville, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2020. Fiscal year 2019 procurement funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/22/19)

Contract: Lockheed, $9.1M

Lockheed Martin Corp. Rotary and Mission Systems, King of Prussia, Pa., been awarded a $9,127,496 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) Enterprise Management System 8.0. This contract provides for enhancements to the software package known as the JASSM Enterprise Management System. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, and is expected to be complete by March 21, 2020. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,950,826 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin, Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-19-C-0012). (Source: DoD, 03/22/19)

Contract: General Atomics, $8.9M

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, Calif., has been awarded a not-to-exceed $8,925,748 undefinitized contract action for the France MQ-9 Block 1 Weapons integration effort. This contract provides for the production and integration of weapons kits onto the French Air Force MQ-9 Block 1 aircraft. Work will be performed in Poway, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2020. This contract involves 100 percent foreign military sales to France. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $4,373,617 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-19-F-2388). (Source: DoD, 03/22/19) Gulf Coast note: Hurlburt Field, Fla., is getting an MQ-9 squadron in late 2019.

Contract: Whitesell-Green, $26.4M

Whitesell-Green Inc., Pensacola, Fla., was awarded a $26,376,465 firm-fixed-price contract to design and build student dorms. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of March 21, 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction funds in the amount of $26,376,465 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-19-C-0012). (Source: DoD, 03/21/19)

Contract: MAG Aerospace, $11.4M

MAG Aerospace, Newport News, Va., has been awarded an $11,386,672 predominantly firm-fixed-price contract for the UK MQ-9 Reaper Operations Center. This contract provides for ongoing sustainment, management, development and network administration of the United Kingdom MQ-9 Reaper Operations Centers. Work will be performed at Creech Air Force Base, Nev.; and Royal Air Force Waddington, United Kingdom, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2021. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition and involves 100 percent foreign military sales to the government of the United Kingdom. Air Force Life Cycle Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-19-C-2002). (Source: DoD, 03/21/19) Gulf Coast note: Hurlburt Field, Fla., is getting an MQ-9 squadron in late 2019.

Contract: General Atomics, $123.3M

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, Calif., has been awarded a not-to-exceed $123,293,911 undefinitized contract action for MQ-9 Block 5 procurement. This contract provides for four MQ-9 unmanned air vehicles, four Mobile Ground Control Stations, spares, and support equipment. Work will be performed predominately in Poway, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2020. This contract involves 100 percent foreign military sales to the Netherlands. Foreign military sales funds in amount of $38,928,607 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-19-F-2310). (Source: DoD, 03/21/19) Gulf Coast note: Hurlburt Field, Fla., is getting an MQ-9 squadron in late 2019.

Contract: UTC, $18.4M

United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney Engines, Hartford, Conn., is awarded $18,434,122 for modification P00003 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm contract (N00019-18-C-1021). This modification provides additional funding for F-135 long lead items in support of non-U.S. Department of Defense (U.S. DoD) participants. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Conn. (67 percent); Indianapolis, Ind. (26.5 percent); and Bristol, United Kingdom (6.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2022. Non-U.S. DoD participant funds in the amount of $18,434,122 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, 03/21/19) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Eglin requests B-1B pod testing

It had been nearly 20 years since a test involving the B-1B Lancer aircraft was conducted by Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. The absence ended earlier this year as a 10 percent model of the bomber, known as “The Bone,” began a series of store separation tests in the 16-foot transonic wind tunnel at Arnold. The tests were requested by AEDC testing partner, the Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office (AFSEO) of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. A new targeting pod design has been introduced for the aircraft, and officials in the SEEK EAGLE Office will examine the effects of the new pod on the B-1B Lancer. Tests will be conducted on five store models at Arnold to determine whether the full-size munitions will cleanly release from the bomber in flight. (Source: AeroTechNews, 03/20/19)

Grant will support STEM education

The Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering and researchers and engineers from Eglin Air Force Base have begun a new partnership to train graduate and undergraduate students in areas critical to the Air Force. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Eglin will fund a $400,000 grant to create the Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars program at the College of Engineering. The summer STEM-related intern program will bring students into the laboratory environment where they can directly benefit from working with faculty researchers on Air Force-related research. (Source: Florida State University, 03/19/19)

Contract: URS, $9.8M

URS Group Inc., Morrisville, N.C., is awarded a $9,800,000 modification on a firm-fixed-price task order under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62470-13-D-6022) for phase one of Hurricane Michael repairs for stabilization and repairs to multiple buildings at Naval Support Activity Panama City. The work to be performed provides for removal of carpet, walls, windows and other unsalvageable items due to water penetration, clean-up of roofing materials and tarping of rooftops to mitigate further water intrusion. Repairs include roof replacement, roof decking, and sealing roof penetrations. The repairs also include correction of architectural, structural, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fire protection, electrical deficiencies and any other incidental related work as found due to the hurricane. After award of this modification, the total task order value will be $52,795,320. Work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., and is expected to be completed by September 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $9,800,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/19/19)

Contract: Lockheed, $264.7M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $264,655,025 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-15-C-0003). This modification provides for additional operation and technical services in support of the government of Korea’s F-35 Lightning II program. Work will be performed in Fort Worth and is expected to be completed in June 2020. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $264,655,025 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, 03/19/19) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Contract: Scientific Aplctns, $100M

Scientific Applications Research Associates Inc., Cypress, Calif., has been awarded a $100,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Golden Horde Science and Technology demonstration effort. This contract provides for support research and development of emerging munition technologies, as well as integrated weapon demonstrations. The effort is conceptualized as a fast-paced Air Force Research Laboratory-led demonstration project executed under the auspices of the Team Eglin Weapon Consortium. Work will be performed in Cypress, and is expected to be complete by December 2021. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition under the Small Business Innovation Research Program. Fiscal 2019 research and development funds in the amount of $15,000,000 are being obligated on the first task order at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8651-19-D-0072). (Source: DoD, 03/18/19)

Contract: Lockheed, $14.6M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $14,587,657 for modification P00003 to a previously issued firm-fixed-price delivery order (N0001918F2048) placed against basic ordering agreement N00019-14-G-0020. This order procures 62 low-rate initial production Organic Light Emitting Diode Helmet Display Units and spares in support of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, and is expected to be completed in February 2020. Fiscal 2017 and 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy and Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $14,587,657 will be obligated at time of award, $11,764,239 of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This order combines purchases for the Navy ($7,293,829; 50 percent) and Marine Corps ($7,293,828; 50 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/18/19) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Contract: Hensel Phelps, $59.5M

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $59,456,363 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of Advanced Munitions Technology complex. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 11, 2021. Fiscal 2017 military construction funds in the amount of $59,456,363 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-19-C-0006). (Source: DoD, 03/15/19)

AF plans small A-29, AT-6 buys

The Air Force will buy a handful of A-29 Super Tucano and AT-6 Wolverines aircraft, Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein told lawmakers Wednesday at a a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. While small, the purchases would be a show of confidence for Sierra Nevada and Textron that have made internal funding investments toward the Air Force's light-attack experiment. The Air Force plans to put mini-detachments of AT-6 and A-29 turboprops at Hurlburt Field, Fla., and Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Goldfein told lawmakers that the exact numbers would depend on the costs of the planes, but an Air Force spokeswoman put the number at two or three of each type. Funding is to come from previous years’ budgets. Most of the light-attack experiment is centered on turboprops, but the Air Force is also interested in expanding that to include drones and rotorcraft. FY-20’s budget request calls for $35M to continue the experiment. (Source: Defense News, 03/13/19)

Leadership changes at bases

There were two change of command ceremonies in Northwest Florida Thursday. In Pensacola, Capt. Christopher Martin turned over his command of Naval Air Station Pensacola in a change of command and retirement ceremony at the National Naval Avition Museum. Taking over is Capt. Timothy Kinsella, a pilot who has been in the Navy 30 years. Martin, commanding officer of NAS Pensaacola for three years, also retired from the U.S. Navy after 35 years of service. (Source: WEAR-TV, 03/14/19) Meanwhile, in Milton, Navy Capt. Doug Rosa took command of Training Air Wing Five in a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. He assumed the title of commodore for the Navy’s largest aviation training wing. Marine Corps Col. Dave Morris relinquished command at the event after 18 months as commodore. He will move onto another assignment at the Pentagon. (Source: NAS Whiting Field, 03/14/19) Previous

Contract: NCS/EML, $12M

NCS/EML SB JV LLC, Louisville, Ky., is awarded an $11,981,174 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operations support services at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla., and outlying areas. The work to be performed to include facility investment, pest control, other (swimming pools), grounds maintenance and landscaping, pavement clearance, utilities management, electrical, wastewater, water, base support vehicles and equipment, and other related services. The maximum dollar value including the base period and seven option years is $96,721,878. Work will be performed in Milton, Fla. (67 percent); and outlying areas (33 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2019 working capital funds (Navy); fiscal 2019 Defense Health Program; and fiscal 2019 family housing operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $8,359,610 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the base period. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with eight proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-19-D-1740). (Source: DoD, 03/12/19)

Contract: Northrop, $89.5M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is awarded an $89,534,733 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide sustainment and engineering services in support of the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System. Additionally, this contract procures the technical expertise of field service representatives, logisticians and test support to ensure MQ-4C air vehicles and mission control and operator training systems are fully sustained and mission capable. Work will be performed at Patuxent River, Md. (45 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (25 percent); Andersen Air Force Base, Guam (20 percent); and Point Mugu, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2020. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $69,309,254 will be obligated at time of award, $4,000,000 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, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-C-1020). (Source: DoD, 03/11/19) Gulf Coast note: Northrop Grumman Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point, Miss., performs fuselage work on the Triton.

Contract: Jacobs, $38.3M

Jacobs Technology Inc., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded a $38,253,942 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for testing for evaluation of various interactions of chemical and biological agents. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, with an estimated completion date of June 23, 2020. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $8,392,148 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Dugway Proving Ground, is the contracting activity (W911S6-19-C-0002). (Source: DoD, 03/11/19)

Lafayette to assemble SHO9

Prototypes of SHO9, seen in Switzerland.
Kopter Group photo

LAFAYETTE, La. — A ribbon-cutting was held Saturday at Lafayette Regional Airport for the Kopter Group's new SHO9 helicopter assembly facility. Gov. John Bel Edwards joined CEO Andreas Löwenstein of Kopter Group AG, Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux, Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development, and other state, regional and local officials at the ribbon-cutting. The selection of Lafayette was announced early last week at the world’s largest helicopter trade show in Atlanta. Kopter’s manufacturing site will create 120 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of more than $55,000, plus benefits. Activities at the 14.7-acre site will include production, customization, assembly and customer service. Suppliers include Kaman (composite parts), Garmin (avionics), Parker Aerospace (hydraulic pumps), Collins Aerospace (external lighting) and Honeywell (turboshaft engine). The helicopters ultimately will be assembled in Lafayette with U.S.-sourced components representing at least 50 percent of the aircraft value. In addition, the company will make a $4.2 million capital investment to modify and equip a state-of-the-art, 84,700-square-foot helicopter assembly building at the airport. the former Bell Helicopter facility. LED estimates the project will result in an additional 157 new indirect jobs, for a total or more than 275 new jobs in Acadiana and surrounding regions. Switzerland-based Kopter Group has designed, engineered and tested a series of prototype helicopters that lay the foundation for production helicopters to be assembled in Lafayette. Kopter will lease the state-funded facility from the Lafayette Airport Commissions. Kopter will begin hiring later this year, with formal helicopter assembly activity and deliveries scheduled to begin in 2021. Production will ramp up to an anticipated annual volume of 100 helicopters by 2025. (Source: LED, 03/09/19) Lafayette is two hours west of New Orleans along Interstate 10. Previous related

4th SOS gets upgraded gunship

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. - The 4th Special Operations Squadron, part of the 1st Special Operations Wing, received an upgraded version of the Ghostrider gunship, the Block 30 model AC-130J. The 4th SOS, the Air Forces most deployed squadron, currently uses the AC-130U Spooky, which is slowly being retired from active duty after more than 20 years of operation. The new model will have the same role as the current one, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance and close air support, but with upgraded avionics, navigation systems and a Precision Strike Package that includes trainable 30mm and 105mm weapons. It also costs less to operate per flying hour because of upgraded turboprop engines. (Source: GCAC, 03/10/19)

NASA rethinks EM-1 date

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Director Jody Singer said the agency is reassessing the 2020 launch readiness date for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), the first launch of Space Launch System (SLS) with an uncrewed Orion capsule. Singer, speaking at a Space Transportation Association (STA) meeting on Capitol Hill Tuesday, said the launch readiness date for EM-1 is still in 2020, but did not give a more precise estimate of the date. Singer outlined how much has been accomplished to date. All the segments for EM-1 are ready except the core stage being built at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. She said it's “almost ready,” but much testing remains. The “Green Run” all-up system test of the core stage and four RS-25 engines at Stennis Space Center, Miss., will take place late this year or early next, she said. Singer described SLS as “America’s rocket” because more than 1,100 companies in 44 states are involved in building it, supporting more than 32,000 jobs and producing $6 billion in economic benefit.(Sources: SpacePolicyOnline, SpaceNews, 03/05/19)

Contract: Northrop, $322.5M

Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Northridge, Calif., is awarded a $322,504,595 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to provide for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) of the AGM-88G, Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER). The EMD effort includes the design, integration and test of a new solid rocket motor for the AARGM-ER for use on the F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and F-35A/C aircraft platforms. Work will be performed in Northridge (98 percent); and Ridgecrest, Calif. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $55,087,929 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-19-C-0050). (Source: DoD, 03/07/19) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Wing getting new leader

NAVAL AIR STATION WHITING FIELD, Fla. - Col. Dave Morris will turn over command of Training Air Wing Five March 14 during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Whiting Field's Cmdr. Clyde E. Lassen Auditorium. Capt. Doug Rosa will assume command of the Navy's largest training wing and assume the title of commodore during the event. Morris, among his other assignments, was assigned to fly the Blue Angels C-130 during the 2001-2003 airshow season. He will take on an assignment at the Pentagon. Rosa reported to Training Air Wing Five in August 2017, and assumed the position of deputy commodore. Rosa will now be responsible for an estimated 43 percent of the Chief of Naval Air Training Command's total flight time and more than 14 percent of Navy and Marine Corps' flight time world-wide. (Source: Naval Air Station Whiting Field, 03/07/19)

Contract: SimVentions, $12M

SimVentions Inc., Fredericksburg, Va., is awarded a $12,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the continued development, extension, and upgrade of the AN/SLQ-32(V)X Tactical Simulator tools and capabilities delivered in support of Navy training and integration and test efforts. Work will be performed in Fredericksburg (88 percent); Fairmont, W.V., (8 percent); and Pensacola, Fla. (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2024. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy); and fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,514,452 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii) - only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity (N00178-19-D-4502). (Source: DoD, 03/06/19)

Contract: Raytheon, $17.8M

Raytheon Co., El Segundo, Calif., has been awarded an estimated $17,828,176 firm-fixed-priced delivery order (SPRPA1-19-F-C303) against a five-year basic ordering agreement (SPRPA1-17-G-C301) for aircraft radar system spare parts. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Mississippi, with a Dec. 20, 2021, performance completion date. Using customers are Navy and Canadian Armed Forces. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds and Foreign Military Sales. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa. (Source: DoD, 03/06/19)

ST Engineering scholarships

PENSACOLA, Fla. — ST Engineering on Tuesday announced the ST Engineering Scholarship Program. Starting in 2020, four scholarships will be awarded annually to Escambia County high school students. Each recipient will receive $2,500. The company says it’s important to get students involved in the aerospace industry sooner rather than later. “The aerospace industry is growing. The average age of an aircraft tech right now is about 50. So, we see in order to preserve aviation going forward, there will be a great need for techs going forward,” said Director of Maintenance Alvin Bass. Students can use the scholarships towards any accredited college or tech aviation school. (Source: WEAR-TV, 03/05/19) Previous: Group wants to rethink incentives; MRO project lands $20M more

Contract: Lockheed, $32.7M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $32,721,119 modification P00015 to a cost-plus-fixed-price delivery order (N0001918F2476) previously issued against basic ordering agreement N00019-14-G-0020 in support of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Aircraft for the Navy, Air Force; Marine Corps, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. The modification provides for the procurement of modification kits and special tooling required for modification and retrofit activities for delivered air systems. Work will be performed in Fort Worth and is expected to be completed in August 2027. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps); fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force); non-DoD U.S. participant and foreign military sales funds in the amount of $32,721,119 will be obligated at time of award, $2,136,568 of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Air Force ($9,702,671; 30 percent); Navy ($9,212,841; 28 percent); Marine Corps ($7,844,070; 24 percent); non-U.S. DoD participant ($5,379,058; 16 percent); and FMS customers ($582,479; 2 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/05/19) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.

Contract: Lockheed, $10M

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $9,963,210 for modification P00001 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-19-D-0015). This modification increases the ceiling of the contract to procure additional production ancillary mission equipment in support of F-35 non-U.S. Department of Defense participant operational aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in May 2023. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 03/05/19) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.