NASA awards IT service contract

NASA has selected SaiTech Inc., a woman-owned small business based in Bethesda, Md., to provide information technology services at the agency’s Stennis Space Center (SSC), Miss. The firm fixed-price and fixed-price level-of-effort contract begins Sept. 1, 2021, and includes a one-month phase-in period, a 12-month base period, and four option periods, for a total performance period of up to five years. The contract has a potential total value of approximately $30.8 million. SaiTech will provide information technology support services to Stennis and its tenant organizations and contractors. The support services include information technology planning, policy and management services, application and system services, technology support services, and audio visual/video/still photography services. (Source: NASA/SSC, 07/30/21)

Contract: Global Connections, $47.3M

Global Connections to Employment, Pensacola, Fla., an AbilityOne non-profit contractor, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract (HS0021-21-C-0004) in the amount of $47,291,621 for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). This contract includes Mirador sustainment support services to the DCSA Vetting Risk Operations Center (VROC). Work will be performed at the contractor’s chosen remote work locations or at the contractor’s headquarters facility in Pensacola. This contract will be incrementally funded with fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $5,100,000. The anticipated period of performance is between Aug. 1, 2021, and July 31, 2026 (inclusive of a 12-month base period plus eight six-month option periods). DCSA Acquisition and Contracting, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/30/21)

Frontier expands Pensacola service

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines has announced a new nonstop flight to Orlando from the Pensacola International Airport. This new route, scheduled to begin on November 1, 2021, will operate three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. To celebrate the new service, Frontier is offering introductory fares starting at $29. Tickets must be purchased before Aug. 2 to receive the introductory rates. Frontier Airlines also offers nonstop flights to Denver and Chicago from Pensacola. (Sources: Pensacola News Journal, North Escambia, 07/29/21)

Contract: PAE Aviation, $98M

PAE Aviation and Technical Services LLC, Arlington, Va., is awarded a $98,000,000 firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides organizational, selected intermediate, limited depot level maintenance and logistics support services for the F-5 F/N aircraft. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Fla. (32%); NAS Fallon, Nev. (30%); Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. (25%); and NAS Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La. (13%), and is expected to be completed in January 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N0042121D0036). (Source: DoD, 07/29/21)

Contract: Manson Construction, $15.3M

Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Wash., was awarded a $15,299,000 firm-fixed-price contract for dredging in the Mississippi River. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Venice, La., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2022. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 civil operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $15,299,000 were obligated at the time of the award. New Orleans District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-21-C-0037). (Source: DoD, 07/29/21)
 

Three Panhandle airports flourish

Three Florida airports have grown spectacularly this summer. The Panhandle airports of Panama City, Destin Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola have collectively added 2.1 million seats versus summer 2019, an increase of 52 percent. With growth between 39 percent and 70 percent, they’re among Florida's best-performing airports by this simple measure. But Florida as a whole has risen by just 4 percent. Florida has been pulled down by reductions at Ft Lauderdale (-4.0 percent), Jacksonville (-22.0 percent), Orlando International (-3.0 percent), Orlando Sanford (-8.0 percent), Tampa (-2.5 percent), and various smaller airports. (Source: SimpleFlying, 07/22/21)

Contract: Raytheon, $482.9M

Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Ariz., has been awarded a $482,895,193 modification to contract FA8675-21-C-0034 for Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) Production Lot 35. The modification provides for the exercise of the pre-priced options for Lot 35 production of AMRAAM missiles, AMRAAM Telemetry System, initial and field spares, and other production engineering support hardware and activities. Work will be performed in Tucson with an expected completion date of May 31, 2024. This contract involves unclassified Foreign Military Sales to Canada, Hungary, Korea, Netherlands, and Qatar, which accounts for 28% of the contract value. Fiscal 2020 Air Force missile procurement funds in the amount of $24,899,127; fiscal 2021 Air Force missile procurement funds in the amount of $229,760,527; fiscal 2021 Air Force operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $365,403; fiscal 2021 Air National Guard operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $167,072; fiscal 2021 Air Force research and development funds in the amount of $5,581,859; fiscal 2019 Navy weapons procurement funds in the amount of $165,229; fiscal 2020 Navy weapons procurement funds in the amount of $77,648,516; fiscal 2021 Navy weapons procurement funds in the amount of $4,400,107; fiscal 2020 Navy research and development funds in the amount of $2,034,491; fiscal 2021 Navy research and development funds in the amount of $238,334; fiscal 2021 Army operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $167,072; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $137,467,456 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Dominance Division Contracting Office, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/28/21)

Contract: B.L. Harbert, $24.6M

B.L. Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, Ala., was awarded a $24,590,000 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construct the 325th Fighter Wing Headquarters at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Bids were solicited via the internet with 15 received. Work will be performed at Tyndall AFB with an estimated completion date of March 5, 2024. Fiscal 2020 military construction, Air Force funds in the amount of $24,590,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-21-C-0031). (Source: DoD, 07/28/21)

Contract: Lockheed, $39M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $38,969,779 modification (P00047) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-award-fee contract (N0001919C0010). This modification increases the scope to develop the generic net enabled weapons and improved electronic attack mechanization capabilities from system functional review to development test complete on F-35A/B/C aircraft for the Air Force and the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and United Kingdom. Work will be performed in Fort Worth (86%); and El Segundo, Calif. (14%), and is expected to be completed in October 2024. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount $420,232; and non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $2,150,693 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, 07/28/21) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of an F-35 training center and reprogramming labs.

Contract: Lockheed, $62.2M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $62,223,278 undefinitized firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0511) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0008). This order procures 190 parachutes and 56 drag chute systems required to meet both full operational capabilities and an urgent requirement in support of delivered air systems for F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for non- Department of Defense (DOD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth and is expected to be completed in September 2025. Non-DOD funds in the amount of $25,407,691; and FMS funds in the amount of $5,703,948 will be obligated at the 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, 07/26/21) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of an F-35 training center and reprogramming labs.

Contract: Lockheed, $37M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $37,007,569 modification (P00008) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001919C0074). This modification adds scope to procure special tooling and test equipment for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter production line in support of second source canopy tooling and other known capacity gaps for the Navy, Marines, Air Force and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in El Segundo Calif. (41%); Sylmar, Calif. (26%); McKinney, Texas (26%); Melbourne, Australia (5%); Montville, N.J. (1%); various locations within the continental U.S. (0.92%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (0.08%), and is expected to be completed in August 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $8,753,641; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,753,640; and non-DOD participants funds in the amount of $19,500,288 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, 07/26/21) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of an F-35 training center and reprogramming labs.

Contract: David Boland, $15.6M

David Boland Inc., Titusville, Fla., was awarded a $15,629,263 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a 36,700-square-foot, two-story operations facility. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Duke Field, Fla., with an estimated completion date of July 16, 2023. Fiscal 2021 military construction, defense-wide funds in the amount of $15,629,263 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-21-C-0030). (Source: DoD, 07/26/21)

Contracts: multiple, $49M

Serrano Proano Diseno y Construccion, Quito, Ecuador (W91278-21-D-0074); Empresa de Construccion y Transporte Eterna S.A. DE, Cortes, Honduras (W91278-21-D-0075); Bonatti Ingenieros y Arquitectos Sociedad Anonima, Guatemala City, Guatemala (W91278-21-D-0076); SLSCO Ltd., Galveston, Texas (W91278-21-D-0077); DFS Construction LLC, Annapolis, Md. (W91278-21-D-0078); Futron Inc., Woodbridge, Va. (W91278-21-D-0079); and Relyant Global LLC, Maryville, Tenn. (W91278-21-D-0080), will compete for each order of the $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction requirements in Central America. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 14, 2026. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/22/21)

Contract: Stratus Systems, $22M

Stratus Systems Inc., Belle Chasse, La., is awarded a $22,036,558 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, technical, administrative and programmatic management support for total life cycle management of the various aircrew escape systems managed under the Joint Program Office for Cartridge Actuated Device/Propellant Actuated Device Tri-Service Charter. Work will be performed in Belle Chasse and is expected to be completed by September 2025. Fiscal 2021 Navy working capital funding of $500 will be obligated on the first task order at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured and in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) — only limited number of responsible sources will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-21-D-0023). (Source: DoD, 07/22/21)

Contract: Lockheed, $19M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $19,066,327 undefinitized modification (P00005) to a previously awarded, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001920C0032). This modification adds scope to procure 16 Operational Data Integrated Network Base kits, to include software installation and integration support for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program in support of the Navy, Air Force and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth and is expected to be completed in January 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,051,967; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $2,929,986; and non-DoD participants funds in the amount of $2,551,229 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, 07/21/21) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home to an F-35 training center and reprogramming labs.

Lease signed for MAF land

NEW ORLEANS - Industrial Realty Group, LLC (IRG) announced Tuesday that it signed a long-term ground lease with NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF). The agreement is for a 50-acre development parcel within MAF, one of the largest production facilities in the nation. IRG's future development is expected to be up to 1,000,000 square feet of buildings developed in phases. The target users include light assembly, manufacturing, distribution, and office space. "When we look at property, we are always searching for creative solutions that benefit all parties," said Stuart Lichter, President of IRG. "In this instance, IRG can provide NASA an excellent long-term plan for its underutilized land in Orleans Parish, while developing a dynamic project resulting in job creation and economic growth." According to Robert Champion, director of MAF, "The agreement with IRG allows MAF to offset some production costs and gives new purpose to this part of the installation." The first phase of development is expected to produce a 400,000 square foot warehouse building. A project timeline will be based on market demand. (Source: PRNewswire, 07/20/21) Additional background can be found in cover story of the June 2021 Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor Newsletter

Contract: Lockheed, $231.4M

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Baltimore, Md., is awarded a $231,400,000 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-5310 to definitize the initial award, and procure an additional 70 MK41 Vertical Launching System modules and ancillary equipment for DDG 51-class destroyers and FFG 62-class frigates. This contract modification combines purchases for the U.S. government (80%); the Commonwealth of Australia (13%); and Spain (7%) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Baltimore (46%); Indianapolis, Ind. (27%) Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (15%); Farmingdale, N.Y. (5%); Saginaw, Mich. (3%); Waverly, Iowa (2%); Thomaston, Conn. (1%); and St. Peters, Mo. (1%), and is expected to be completed by July 2025. Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $91,645,715 (40%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $91,645,715 (40%); FMS Australia funds in the amount of $30,691,427 (13%); and FMS Spain funds in the amount of $17,417,143 (7%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/20/21)

Contract: Alabama Shipyard, $16.5M

Alabama Shipyard LLC, Mobile, Ala., is awarded a $16,478,585 firm, fixed-price contract for a 76-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul/dry docking on the USNS William Mclean (T-AKE 12). The contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $16,478,585. Work will be performed in Mobile and is expected to be completed by Nov. 24, 2021. Contract funds in the amount of $16,194,215 are obligated in fiscal 2021 using working capital funds (Navy). This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the SAM.gov website and three offers were received. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N3220521C4024). (Source: DoD, 07/19/21)

Contract: Raytheon Missiles, $67.7M

Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Marlborough, Mass., was awarded a $67,723,503 cost-plus fixed-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-19-C-5501 for AN/SPY-6(V) integration and production support efforts. This modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this modification to $781,000,000. Work will be performed in Marlborough (54%); Pascagoula, Miss. (11%); Moorestown, N.J. (10%); Newport News, Va. (6%)’ Kauai, Hawaii (5%); Wallops Island, Va. (4%); Fair Lakes, Va. (4%); Chesapeake, Va. (2%); Bath, Maine (2%); Portsmouth, R.I. (1%); and San Diego, Calif. (1%), and is expected to be completed by December 2021. If all options are exercised, work will continue through November 2024. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,126,410 (44%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,941,141 (19%); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,147,355 (17%); fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,885,854 (10%); fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,325,767 (6%); and fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversions (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,390,814 (4%) will be obligated at time of award, of which funds in the amount of $3,885,854 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 13, 2021)  (Source: DoD, 07/16/21)

Defense contractor courted

PANAMA CITY, Fla. - The Bay Economic Development Alliance is working to attract a defense contractor that could bring 35 jobs to the county. The name of the company has not been revealed due to a non-disclosur agreement. The contractor is looking to move its headquarters, manufacturing and research and development operations to Bay County. The project will involve a capital investment of $18.5 million. One step in the process was getting the support of the Bay County Commission, which approved sending a letter of support to the Triumph Gulf Coast, the organization that distributes money from the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill settlement. The hope is to get a grant for "Project Beacon." (Source: Panama City News Herald, 07/16/21)

Fifth test of RS-25

RS-25 test. NASA photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - NASA conducted a fifth RS-25 single-engine hot fire test July 14 in its seven-part test series, supporting development and production of engines for the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Operators fired the engine for more than eight minutes (500 seconds) on the A-1 Test Stand, providing data to Aerojet Rocketdyne, lead contractor for the SLS engines, as it produces engines for use after the first four SLS flights. Four RS-25 engines, along with a pair of solid rocket boosters, will help power SLS, firing simultaneously to generate a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust at launch and 2 million pounds during ascent. Testing of RS-25 engines for the first four Artemis program missions to the Moon have been completed, and operators are now focused on collecting data to evaluate new engine components manufactured with cutting-edge technologies. During the July 14 test, the team fired the engine at 111% of its original power level for a set time, the same level that RS-25 engines are required to operate during launch, as well as 113%, which allowed operators to test a margin of safety. (Source: NASA/SSC, 07/14/21) Previous

New hangar officially opens

MILTON, Fla. - The new aviation customer service hangar at the Peter Prince Airport in East Milton was officially opened Wednesday. Leonardo Helicopters will be the Santa Rosa County hangar's first occupant for the next two years as the company builds its 80,000-square-foot permanent maintenance facility at the Whiting Aviation Park next to Naval Air Station Whiting Field. Leonardo last year was selected by the Navy to replace the Navy's training helicopter fleet of TH-57s with TH-73A aircraft during the next four years, a contract worth $648.1 million. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 07/15/21) Previous

Contract: Lockheed, $23M

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $23,018,589 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract provides for the integration of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) country into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and provides country-specific program support for F-35 aircraft production, modifications, logistics, and sustainment efforts. Work will be performed in Ft Worth (58%); Nagoya, Japan (26%); Orlando, Fla. (11%); Redondo Beach, Calif. (3%); and Samlesbury, United Kingdom (2%), and is expected to be completed in March 2025. FMS customer funds in the amount of $23,018,589 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 to 10 U.S. Code 2304(C)(4). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N0001921C0037). (Source: DoD, 07/13/21) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of an F-35 training center and reprogramming labs.

SLS science mission role delayed

A limited supply chain and the demands of the Artemis program will prevent the use of the Space Launch System for alternative roles, such as launching science missions, until at least late this decade. In a briefing about the SLS to the steering committee of the planetary science decadal survey July 7, Robert Stough of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center said that if scientists are contemplating missions that require the use of the SLS, they should be talking with NASA now to secure manifest slots no earlier than the late 2020s or early 2030s. While NASA has a goal of being able to launch three SLS missions in a 24-month period, and two in 12 months, the supply chain is currently limited to one SLS per year. That will change by the early 2030s, he said, growing to two per year and thus creating opportunities for additional SLS missions beyond the Artemis program. That will be enabled by changes to at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, La., to increase core stage production and a “block upgrade” to the RS-25 engine used on that core stage that will be cheaper and faster to produce. (Source: SpaceNews, 07/08/21)

Airbus Mobile to start hiring again

MOBILE, Ala. - Mobile’s Airbus plant plans to start hiring again following United Airlines' jet purchase. The air carrier wants 70 Airbus A320s, many of which will be built in Mobile. As COVID-19 numbers drop, air travel is on the rise and aircraft plants are ramping up. “The U.S. airlines appear to be in a relatively healthy condition, certainly on the domestic side and keen to re-enter into picking up their aircraft, especially out of Mobile. That’s the good news,” said Airbus Vice President Daryl Taylor, who directs the company’s assembly line in Mobile. “The great news is we got through 2020 without a reduction of workforce,” Taylor said. “So, we had reached right around 1,000 direct employees at the beginning of 2020. While we didn’t hire during 2020 except for a very few, very critical positions that we had to backfill, we also didn’t actively reduce workforce. This year, we plan to recruit about 150 employees here in Mobile. We’ll pass 1,100 active head counts here during 2021 and if you look at our total head count that’s onsite, when you add our suppliers, we outsource several of our work packages, logistics, maintenance and things like that, we’re probably closer to 1,350, 1,400 and I would expect that to be closer to 1,500 by the end of the year.” (Source: Alabama Public Radio, 07/08/21)

Eglin detonates hypersonic weapon

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The 780th Test Squadron successfully detonated an AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon warhead for the first time. The first-of-its-kind test for the air-to-ground, rocket-powered, high-altitude, hypersonic missile collected data on the lethality of the unique weapon. The nature and shape of the warhead required a lot of firsts, according to the test’s manager, David Spiker 780th TS. Some of the firsts were the new and unorthodox design and construction of the test arena, the test procedures and equipment, the warhead’s fragmentation data collecting and the post-test data processing to ensure the warhead’s effects have been accurately characterized. It was not clear from the Air Force press release where the successful warhead detonation occurred. Eglin has a number of test facilities, including the Gulf Test Range covering 120,000 square miles of the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but previous tests of the ARRW have been conducted at California's Edwards Air Force Base and over the Point Mugu Sea Range off the California coast. (Sources: Eglin Air Force Base, Northwest Florida Daily News, 07/07/21)

Contract: Vanguard Pacific, $16.5M

Vanguard Pacific LLC, Foley, Ala., has been awarded a not-to-exceed $16,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for facility enhancement and maintenance. The contractor will provide personnel, equipment, tools, materials, and supervision to accomplish all work required to complete protective coating, floor covering and miscellaneous maintenance and repairs. Work will be performed at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.; Goose Creek, S.C.; Moncks Corner, S.C.; North, S.C.; and Charleston, S.C. Work is expected to be completed July 7, 2026. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with seven offers received. The 628th Contracting Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (FA4418-21-D-0003). (Source: DoD, 07/08/21)

Contract: HII, $8.6M

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Pascagoula, Miss., is awarded an $8,622,638 fixed-price incentive (firm target) modification to previously awarded contract N00024-13-C-2307 to exercise an option for accomplishment of post-delivery availability work items for DDG 123. Work will be performed in Pascagoula and is expected to complete by December 2022. Fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,963,344 (92.4%); and fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $659,294 (7.6%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/08/21)

Contract: LightDeck, $35M

LightDeck Diagnostics, Boulder, Colo., has been awarded a $35,089,000 firm-fixed-price contract for LightDeck point-of-care COVID-19 testing production expansion initiative. Work will be performed in Boulder and is expected to be completed Oct. 2, 2022. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Funding is authorized through the Paycheck Protection Program & Health Care Enhancement Act under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act in the amount of $35,089,000, which is being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8656-21-C-0013). (Source: DoD, 07/06/21) 

MAE marks 30 years in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. - ST Engineering announced on Thursday the 30th anniversary of the company’s commercial aircraft maintenance operations at the Mobile Aeroplex. The Mobile facility, Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE), was established in 1990 and obtained its Federal Aviation Administration 145 Repair Station Approval for airframe maintenance on Jan. 17, 1991, and operations began the same year. “We are proud of the longstanding success MAE has cultivated with the Mobile community over the last three decades," said Tom Vecchiolla, president and CEO of ST Engineering North America. MAE helps stimulate economic activities in airport logistics, education and training, housing, transport and other areas. The facility performs heavy maintenance and repair work on nearly all aircraft types for its leading airline long-term customers. MAE is also a center for aircraft modifications, including converting passenger aircraft into cargo aircraft. The celebratory anniversary event also marked MAE’s 6,000th aircraft redelivery milestone. (Source: ExecutiveBiz, 07/01/21) ST Aerospace Engineering also has an MRO campus in Pensacola, Fla. Previous related

Contract: L3, $60.5M

L3 Technologies Inc., Camden, N.J., is awarded a $60,480,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-6312 for engineering and technical support for the Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle program. Work will be performed in Morgan City, La. (73%); Arlington, Va. (10%); Jeanerette, La. (8 percent); New Orleans, La. (6%); Worthington, Ohio (2%); Lafayette, La. (1%), and is expected to be completed by December, 2022. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funding in the amount of $1,672,203 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/02/21)

Contract: R&D Maintenance, $40M

R&D Maintenance Services Inc., Tulsa, Okla., was awarded a $39,987,597 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for the maintenance, repairs and minor construction of government-owned facilities and equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Tusacaloosa, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2021 civil operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,125,708 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-21-C-0018). (Source: DoD, 07/02/21) 

Officials mark start of second hangar

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Officials gathered in front of ST Engineering's hangar Thursday to mark the beginning of construction for a second maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar. The $210 million project at Pensacola International Airport eventually will bring three additional hangars for ST Engineering's MRO campus. The project also will add administrative office space to two of the new hangars. Expected to begin last year, the project was delayed due to the pandemic. Jeffery Lam, president of commercial aerospace at ST Engineering, told the crowd of about 50 people that when the buildings are complete in 2024, they will make up ST Engineering's largest facility and will be able to service 500 aircraft a year. The project will add 1,325 jobs to ST Engineering's campus on top of the 400 jobs that are part of the first hangar that opened in 2018. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 07/02/21)

Munitions squadron activated

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The Air Force activated the 325th Munitions Squadron within the 325th Fighter Wing, effective June 29, 2021. Maj. Justin Cassidy assumed command of the 325th MUNS, along with more than 80 personnel and $275 million in munitions. The creation of the squadron is in line with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s action order “Accelerate Change or Lose” in order to better support the mission of projecting unrivaled combat airpower. The 325th MUNS provides the 325th Maintenance Group with the maintenance, accountability, and serviceability of the wing’s munition stockpile. This is done in support of all aircraft at Tyndall during its several exercises, such as Checkered Flag, Agile Flag, and Weapons Systems Evaluation Program. (Source: Tyndall Air Force Base, 07/01/21)

ATC Mobile to use OLF

MOBILE, Ala. — The commander of Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile signed a letter of agreement with the Navy Tuesday for use of a training field at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton. Capt. Christopher Husler, commanding officer of ATC Mobile, signed a Letter of Agreement with U.S. Navy Capt. Paul Flores, Naval Air Station Whiting Field Commanding Officer, to establish the first Coast Guard Outlying Landing Field to be used for daytime rotary-wing operations for aviation student training flights. The partnership allows Coast Guard aviators to exclusively train in a non-congested airspace at OLF Silver Hill in central Baldwin County. (Source: WKRG-TV, 06/30/21)

Contract: Raytheon Missiles, $2B

Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Ariz., has been awarded an approximately $2,000,000,000 (to include all options) cost-plus-fixed-fee with performance incentives contract for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Long Range Standoff (LRSO) Weapon System. During the EMD phase, manufacturing processes will continue to mature and the manufacturing environment will be demonstrated and transitioned to a pilot line readiness state. The objective at the end of EMD is to demonstrate full production readiness. Work will be performed in Tucson and is expected to be completed February 2027. This contract is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/01/21)