Motion Center Toronto: Nov 20, 2010

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Gates Addresses Role in Afghanistan After Security Transition

By John D. Banusiewicz

American Forces Press Service

SANTIAGO, Chile, Nov. 20, 2010 - Any U.S. forces remaining in Afghanistan past the end of 2014 -- the target for completion of the transition of security control throughout the country to Afghan forces -- would be there in a training or "advise and assist" capacity, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.

Gates spoke at a news conference with Chilean Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet after the two defense leaders met at the Gen. Bernardo O'Higgins Military Academy.

The United States has embraced the goal set by Afghan President Hamid Karzai that by the end of 2014, primary responsibility for security across all of Afghanistan would have been transitioned to Afghan forces, Gates said.

"I anticipate that the international force -- some fraction of it -- will remain to provide training and to provide support for the Afghans," he said. "But I think anything that remains after 2014 would be very modest and very much focused on the kind of training and 'advise and assist' role that we're now taking on in Iraq."

This afternoon, Gates will observe demonstrations by Chilean special operations forces. Tomorrow, he'll head to Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where he and Ravinet will join their counterparts from nations throughout the Western Hemisphere at the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas.

Just a reminder in the Public Interest

Summit Helps 'Reset' U.S.-Russia Relations, Obama Says

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2010 - The NATO-Russia Council Summit that took place in Lisbon, Portugal, offers another step toward the reset of relations between the United States and Russia, President Barack Obama said today.

"We see Russia as a partner, not an adversary," Obama told reporters during the NATO Summit's final press briefing.

During the NRC meeting, he said, NATO leaders and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed to deepen their cooperation on Afghanistan, counternarcotics efforts and a range of 21st century security challenges.

"Perhaps most significantly," Obama said, "we agreed to cooperate on missile defense, which turns a source of past tension into a source of potential cooperation against a shared threat."

The NRC, established at the NATO-Russia Summit in Rome in 2002, is a mechanism for consultation, cooperation and joint action in which NATO member states and Russia work as partners on a range of common security issues.

The alliance suspended formal meetings and cooperation in some areas after Russia's military action in Georgia in August 2008, then decided in March 2009 to resume formal meetings. The NATO secretary general chairs these meetings.

In Lisbon, a joint statement issued by Medvedev and his counterparts from the other 28 NRC member states said the council would resume theater ballistic missile defense exercises and identify opportunities for Russia to cooperate with NATO's new territorial missile defense capability by June 2011.

"Here in Lisbon we are laying the foundations for stronger ties between our 29 nations than has ever been the case until now, which is why today marks a fresh start in NATO-Russia relations," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.

"As evidence of our determination to cooperate together," he added, "I am pleased to be able to announce today the completion of arrangements that will allow for the expanded transit of equipment to the [International Security Assistance Force] mission via the Russian Federation. I thank President Medvedev for his support."

The council also approved a joint review of common security challenges that will guide NATO-Russia security cooperation, agreed to expand cooperation in support of the Afghan government, and committed to making better use of the NRC to manage crises.

On counterterrorism, the NRC said it would strengthen cooperation by jointly developing technology to detect explosives, countering terrorist threats to civil aviation and exchanging information about terrorism.

Russia confirmed its interest in resuming its support to NATO's counterterrorist operation, called Active Endeavour, in the Mediterranean Sea.

To fight the maritime security threat of piracy and armed robbery at sea, NRC member states said they will expand existing tactical level cooperation through joint training and exercises.

Rusmussen said the most significant thing about the list of NATO-Russia common security challenges is what's not there -- each other.

"The NATO nations and Russia have today agreed in writing that, while we face many security challenges, we pose no threat to each other. That, alone, draws a clear line between the past and the future of NATO-Russia relations," he said.

Obama also announced that the United States would host the next NATO summit in 2012.

EXCLUSIVE -TSA Administrator John Pistole Issues Holiday Travel Message to the Public

EXCLUSIVE - NO OTHER BUFFALO MEDIA OUTLET HAS THIS NOW

WASHINGTON – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole today issued a message to the public with tips for air travel this holiday season. The message is posted on TSA’s website at www.tsa.gov and also appears on TSA’s YouTube page. The message is also being made available to airports nationwide to play during the busy holiday travel period to ensure passengers are prepared when coming through security checkpoints.

Here is a transcript of the video/message:

"Hello, I’m TSA Administrator John Pistole. As you travel this holiday season I want to remind you that TSA’s mission is to ensure the safety of you the traveling public and we are committed to doing so efficiently, courteously and professionally.

I’d like to offer a few tips and some important information we’d like you to know before you go through security. Remember our 3 simple steps to security: Have your ID out, coats & shoes off and laptop and liquids and gels less than 3 ounces out and ready.

As you enter the checkpoint you will be directed to pass through either a walk through metal detector or, at some airports, an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) unit.

If you are directed to pass through an AIT, you may opt out. If you choose to opt out, you will receive a thorough pat-down by someone of the same gender. If you alarm either the metal detector or the AIT, you will also receive a thorough pat-down by someone of the same gender.

In either case where a pat-down is required, you have important options that we want you to be aware of: you have the option to request that the pat-down be conducted in a private room and you have the option to have that pat-down witnessed by a person of your choice.

We very much appreciate your involvement, cooperation and assistance in ensuring the safety of you, the traveling public. If you have questions about these procedures, the technology used by TSA, or our efforts to ensure your safety, please do not hesitate to ask for one of our supervisors or visit TSA.gov.

Thank you and remember that at TSA, your safety is our priority."

NATO, U.N. Pledge to Back Afghan Security Lead by 2014

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2010 - Representatives of those who are fighting together in Afghanistan to restore that nation's security and governance formalized their partnership today as the NATO Summit closed in Lisbon, Portugal, signing declarations that affirm their long-term commitment.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon conduct a joint press briefing Nov. 20, 2010, in Lisbon. NATO photo

(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a declaration of "enduring partnership" that Rasmussen said would "endure beyond our combat mission."

Representatives of the heads of state and government of 48 nations that contribute to the U.N.-mandated International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan also issued a declaration affirming their resolve to lay foundations there for long-term security.

"To put it simply," Rasmussen said during a press briefing, "if the Taliban or anyone else aims to wait us out, they can forget it. We will stay as long as it takes to finish our job."

NATO's main role in Afghanistan, implemented mainly through ISAF, is to help the nation's government exercise and extend its authority and influence across the country, paving the way for reconstruction and effective governance.

Since NATO took command of ISAF in 2003, the alliance gradually has expanded its mission reach from Kabul alone to all of Afghanistan's territory. ISAF has grown from an initial 5,000 troops to 130,400 troops from 48 countries, including all 28 NATO member nations.

Despite Afghanistan's difficulties, Rasmussen said, today al-Qaida has no safe haven anywhere in the country, and the Taliban are under pressure everywhere.

"The Afghan people are steadily getting freer, healthier, better educated and better governed. That is what will make Afghanistan resistant to terrorism tomorrow," Rasmussen said, "along with the Afghan security forces we are training to take over security from us."

Rasmussen said the process launched in Lisbon would help the Afghan people "once again become masters of their own house." The aim is for Afghan forces to be in the lead countrywide by the end of 2014, he said, and training is key to such a transition, he said.

"To achieve that goal, we must train and educate Afghan soldiers and Afghan police," he said. "In that respect it is encouraging that we have heard announcements that several allies and partners will provide more trainers. It is indeed a strong commitment to our mission."

Rasmussen added that he's confident that the 2014 deadline can be met because of the rapid growth in the Afghan security forces' capacity and quality.

"We started our training mission last year," he said, "and already we have more than 260,000 Afghan soldiers and police. The number is growing, and by the end of next year we have set the goal to have 300,000 Afghan soldiers and police."

Eighty-five percent of Afghan soldiers are partnering with international troops in major military operations, he added.

"More than half the participating troops are Afghans," Rasmussen said, "and they do a great job."

The international community's strong commitment "will be matched by determination and hard work by the people of Afghanistan," Karzai said, "and the two combined will give us the results of an effective, irreversible and sustainable transition."

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon joined Rasmussen and Karzai at the briefing, noting that the United Nations, Afghanistan and NATO share the same goals -- stability, reconciliation, good governance, respect for human rights, and a harmonious relationship among Afghanistan and its neighbors.

"As we move ahead we must be guided by realities, not schedules," Ban said.

"Let us remember that Afghanistan has been at war for several decades. The United Nations have been working in Afghanistan throughout this period, helping our friends at every difficult moment of their country's history," he continued. "There are no shortcuts to peace."

Gates Notes Value of Chile's Disaster Response Capabilities

By John D. Banusiewicz

American Forces Press Service

SANTIAGO, Chile, Nov. 20, 2010 - The Chilean military can offer a wealth of experience in disaster relief operations to the United States and other nations, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.

At a news conference with Chilean Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet following a 45-minute private meeting at the Gen. Bernardo O'Higgins Military Academy, Gates noted Chile's "fortitude and resilience" following natural disasters that interrupted celebration of the nation's bicentennial year.

"Americans were deeply impressed with the manner in which the Chilean government, military and people responded to the horrific earthquake and tsunami that struck in February," he said. "Losses were tragic, but would have been far worse without the swift and skillful response that saved many lives and rebuilt many communities.

"And then, of course, we all witnessed and cheered the extraordinary rescue of 33 trapped miners --– a tribute to the spirit, courage and ingenuity not only of those men, but of Chile as a nation," he added.

Noting that Ravinet visited him at the Pentagon in September, Gates said today's meeting was a welcome opportunity to discuss what Western Hemisphere nations can learn from Chile's experience and achievements in dealing with crises and natural disasters. The two defense leaders also discussed opportunities to further strengthen the bilateral military relationship between the two nations, he added.

"The United States and Chile share common values, interests, and the overarching goal of peace and stability in this hemisphere," Gates said. "Our two militaries have collaborated on defense modernization, and Chile has forged a partnership with the National Guard of the state of Texas to share experience in building capabilities in areas such as crisis response."

The secretary said he and Ravinet also discussed revitalizing multilateral institutions and spoke about the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas, which they'll both attend in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in the coming days.

"I believe this forum has a vital role to play in fostering cooperation between the governments and militaries of this hemisphere, allowing us to address those challenges [that] we all face, -- whether the fight against drugs, arms and human trafficking or the need to improve disaster response capabilities," Gates said.

The secretary said he's especially looking forward to discussions at the upcoming conference about creating a framework among Western Hemisphere nations to share information and expertise and deliver lifesaving capabilities more quickly and effectively than was possible following a massive earthquake in Haiti early this year.

"Chile can offer real experience and accomplishment in this area," the secretary said. "In addition to its domestic expertise, it's long been an important contributor to the multinational peacekeeping force in Haiti, playing a critical role in the United Nations stabilization mission there before and in the aftermath of the devastation."

Moving forward, the secretary said, the United States will continue to be grateful for the friendship and partnership of the Chilean people.

This afternoon, Gates and Ravinet visited Fort Lautaro, where they saw capabilities demonstrations of the Chilean military's special operations brigade in a variety of missions.

Gates Notes Value of Chile's Disaster Response Capabilities

Mullen Outlines Progress, Shortfalls in Veteran Support

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday outlined the Defense Department's efforts to strengthen families, bolster education opportunities and ensure a good future for its veterans -- and he asked for help.

Speaking before the World Congress on Disabilities in Dallas, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen recounted his experiences during his 'Conversation with the Country' tour to cities throughout America, where he seeks local answers to meet the challenges of health care, education and employment for veterans returning from America's wars.

"I talk to community leaders about veterans who are returning home from these wars, who offer such great potential, and who are members of the best military the United States of America has ever had," he said.

Those veterans have sacrificed tremendously, and are on average 20 to 25 years old, Mullen said, asserting "they are wired to serve." If they can make a successful transition from the military to civilian life, he added, they will be an asset to the nation and the world for decades to come.

The current, robust GI Bill, improved military medical care and family support programs are working to help veterans, he said, but the challenges are not short-term.

The old system of sending a former servicemember home and saying, "thank you very much, have a nice life" is not an acceptable model, the chairman said.

"We have got to stay in touch with them. We've got to be responsible enough to know that their needs are being met, and the only way we can scale this is through communities throughout the country," he said. "I've got 40,000 physically wounded, I've got hundreds of thousands with [post-traumatic stress] ... and that model is the same model that generated a homeless level, post-Vietnam ... that we're still dealing with 50, 60 years later."

The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments and city and community leaders must work together to figure out the best system to meet veteran challenges, Mullen said.

Local leaders and communities are in the best position to provide the sustained approach that's required, he said, but "you may live in a community and not have a clue who's there, as they return."

Across the country there is tremendous support for veterans, Mullen said, and he works to focus that support and connect it to the veterans who can benefit from it.

America's current wars are different from previous conflicts, and veterans today often have different challenges than their counterparts in the past faced, he said.

"We live in an extraordinary time of change," he said. "The wounds of these wars are different, and they have caused [the military] in many cases to look at things differently. We've changed – in medicine, we've changed how we handle people on the battlefield. Now, if you are brought to the right medical facility within an hour, almost ... without discrimination about the kind of wound, you have a 95 percent chance to survive."

Military medicine also has made great strides in treating servicemembers with amputations, Mullen noted.

"We lead the world now in that," he said. "We've linked up with organizations all over the country ... to develop the best prosthetics in the world. And we keep advancing."

The military medical system also has gotten better at helping servicemembers rehabilitate and in treating brain injuries, the chairman said.

"What we are struggling with is the diagnosis and treatment of -- as rapidly as possible -- the mild to moderate brain injuries," he said. "It turns out they are unique in one sense because of the kinds of blasts that cause them."

The chairman said two or three years ago he and his wife, Deborah, had lunch with a soldier who had lost hissight in one eye.

"I asked him what happened, and he said 'The thirtieth one got me,'" Mullen said.

"Thirty blasts, at any level, is far too many," the chairman said. "We've since shifted dramatically on the battlefield, to pull people out of the fight in the case of any blast, and to evaluate them immediately."

The chairman said the military has learned that immediate treatment of brain injuries can significantly lessen their long-term consequences.

"We're moving now, literally in our tenth year [of war], for better treatment of those kinds of injuries on the battlefield, to then transition to long-term treatment here," he said.

The chairman said the injury he worries about most is post-traumatic stress, and its spread throughout the services and within the families of those who serve.

"PTS isn't new, and there are world experts in this room. But PTS is also part of a huge challenge that we have, which is the stigma ... they want to get back in the fight," he said. "And getting (servicemembers) to raise their hand and ask for help is truly difficult."

When his wife visits military spouses, he said, she often finds people who recognize the symptoms of post-traumatic stress in their husband or wife, but are afraid to ask for help because of the possible effect on the servicemember's career.

"We're starting to break through on that ... but in addition to members who have PTS, there are spouses who have PTS-like symptoms," he said.

With major combat units facing their fourth or fifth deployment in 10 years, military children also are displaying symptoms of post-traumatic stress, the chairman said.

"You can imagine the load our families are bearing while the members are deployed," he said. "We've never been more blessed by family support, in my 40-plus years of wearing the uniform, than we have in these wars."

Family readiness is directly tied to military readiness and "our ability to carry out the mission," he said.

"But we also see spouses talk about their own challenges with PTS, and their children's challenges," Mullen said. "If I am an 11- or 12-year-old right now, I have only known war, and I have seen my father or my mother less than half my life."

Military family members who are now college-aged, he said, spent their teenage years not getting to know a parent -- usually a father -- in uniform.

"Those are long-term challenges," the chairman said. Things we'll be dealing with for a long time."

The military is starting to learn how to help servicemembers and military families build resilience, he said.

"Initially, it was deploy. Then it was get ready for the return from deployment, how do we prepare for that. Then it was get ready for the next deployment," Mullensaid. "And what we've found out is we have to start building resilience in every single one of us, from the first day of basic training."

The military is still working to develop a preventive rather than reactive approach to stress issues, he said, noting, "We're better than we were, but we've got a lot of resilience that we've got to build in."

One approach Mullen said he thinks the Defense Department will adopt is reducing the number of moves military families make.

"What has brought to my attention more than once by the woman that I live with, who has been a Navy wife for 42 years, is the criticality of the readiness of our families to handle this pace," he said. "We're in a time when we're just not going to be able to move people like we did ... it's education, it's kids in school, it's spouse careers. We're going to have to be based, I think, in places longer than we have in the past."

The military also is working with schools, teachers, and state and local administrations to ensure schools serving military family members with parents in a combat zone can help them cope with the challenges of a military lifestyle, the chairman said.

"Particularly guardsmen and women, and [reservists], who live in every single corner of this country," he said. "They live in rural areas where medical care is not that great. They live in small communities where schools are small – and my ability to reach out to those teachers and touch them, and educate them about what a young boy or girl is going through, is still a challenge."

All of that, he said, is "part of making this war visible, having leaders understand this, and then try to figure out local solutions."

The other challenge embedded in today's veteran issues is suicide, he said.

"This is something we're almost desperate on," the chairman said. "It turns out the country doesn't know a lot about suicide: 32,000 suicides a year, and it is as if it is taboo. We just put it in a closet, nobody talks about it, and then we move on. That is not acceptable."

The military is at record suicide levels, he said.

"We don't know exactly why, though I think numerous combat deployments have a lot to do with it, although a significant portion of those that are killing themselves have not deployed," Mullen said.

The military has put a lot of effort into preventing suicide, he said, but it needs help.

Mullen told his audience that ensuring veterans have the best possible opportunities for their future lives is a debt the entire nation owes its men and women in uniform.

He read aloud a letter that one wounded lieutenant, a Navy Seal, -- married and the father of three -- posted on his hospital room door while he was recovering from seven bullet wounds to the face that he received in Iraq in 2007.

"If you're coming into this room with sorrow, or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere. The wounds I received I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love.

"I'm incredibly tough and will make a full recovery. What is full? That is the absolute utmost physically my body has the ability to recover. Then I will push that about 20 percent further through sheer mental tenacity. This room you are about to enter is a room full of fun, optimism, and intense rapid regrowth. If you are not prepared for that, go elsewhere," the chairman read.

"He is perfectly representative of our young men and women today, and he represents the potential that's there, as so many transition from service in the military to their future lives," Mullen said.

Strategic Concept Will Guide Alliance for Next Decade

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2010 - The new NATO Strategic Concept adopted by alliance leaders at the Lisbon Summit yesterday takes the lessons of the Balkans and Afghanistan and joins them with the core values of the pact.

President Barack Obama and the leaders of the 27 other NATO nations approved the new concept during summit meetings yesterday. The concept will serve as the guide for alliance leaders for the decade ahead.

The NATO nations agreed in the document to develop missile defense capability to protect all NATO European populations, territory and forces. The alliance also invited Russia to cooperate.

The threat is real with more than 30 nations around the world working on ballistic missiles, said NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Some of those missiles already have the range to hit parts of Europe.

The Strategic Concept encompasses more than missile defense. It adheres to the basic tenets of the alliance when it was formed in 1949. The alliance members still pledge to defend its members against the full range of threats, and Article 5 -- an attack on one member nation is treated as an attack on all -- still stands.

The experiences of the alliance since the fall of the Berlin Wall have been instructive. NATO will work to improve its ability to manage crises and will enhance its ability to work with other international organizations and nongovernmental organizations.

The pre-eminent military alliance in the world will work to become "more agile, more capable and more cost-effective, and it will continue to serve as an essential instrument for peace," according to the Lisbon Summit Declaration released today.

NATO allies have learned through experience combating terrorism that a whole-of-government approach is the only way to defeat insurgents, and the concept calls on the alliance to develop this inclusive approach. The alliance also will put together a "modest civilian crisis management capability" that will work with military forces as needed.

The alliance also is addressing new threats with leaders agreeing to enhance alliance cyber defense capabilities. This follows the U.S. establishment of Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Md., earlier this year.

NATO understands cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, more organized and more costly. Many attacks are aimed at military networks, but the alliance also depends on civilian infrastructure. The attacks also have the potential to inflict damage on businesses, economies and potentially also transportation and supply networks and other critical infrastructure.

"They can reach a threshold that threatens national and Euro-Atlantic prosperity, security and stability," the statement says. "Foreign militaries and intelligence services, organized criminals, terrorist and/or extremist groups can each be the source of such attacks."

NATO still has a Cold War hangover, and many of the structures put in place to confront the Soviet Union are still part of the command structure. Under the Strategic Concept, the leaders directed implementing "a more effective, leaner and affordable alliance command structure, and the consolidation of the NATO agencies." They tasked the secretary general and the North Atlantic Council to act on the reforms without delay.

The alliance also is looking at the effects that new technologies will have. These include, but are not limited to, laser technologies, electronic warfare technologies and anti-access technologies. These may be poised to "have major global effects that will impact on NATO military planning and operations," according to the document.

Related Articles:

Strategic Concept Will Guide Alliance for Next Decade

2010 Phoenix Award Winner Announced

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

2010 Phoenix Award Winner Announced

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the 2010 winner of the Phoenix Award, part of the 2010 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards, on Nov. 17, 2010, at the 2010 DoD Maintenance Symposium and Exhibition in Tampa, Fla. The field-level maintenance award honors military maintenance organizations for outstanding performance. The awardee is chosen from active and reserve organizations performing unit or field-level maintenance and singled out as the best of the best.
The 2010 winner of the Phoenix Award for field-level maintenance is the Marine Corps' Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40 (MALS 40), 2nd Marine Air Wing, Cherry Point, N.C. Activated in March 2009, MALS 40 was immediately deployed to Southern Afghanistan in support of the Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Afghanistan. Formed from 12 commands and less than one-half the size of a normal MALS, MALS 40 provided intermediate-level supply, maintenance, and ordnance support to 79 aircraft of eight type/model/series from three separate forward operating bases. That support consisted of 271 aviation repair capabilities inside 177 mobile maintenance facilities along with 350 pieces of support equipment. The success of MALS 40 was crucial to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's effectiveness in providing the required aviation combat power and repaired more than 60,000 aviation parts, enabling the brigade to log more than 35,000 flight hours, airlift more than 81,000 coalition and Afghan passengers, and conduct almost 30,000 sorties in a hostile combat environment.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

2010 Phoenix Award Winner Announced

United States and the Netherlands Sign Agreement to Prevent and Combat Serious Crime

Release Date: November 19, 2010

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute today joined Dutch Security and Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten to sign a Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC) Agreement—allowing for the exchange of biometric and biographic data between the United States and the Netherlands to bolster counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts while protecting individual privacy.
“Faced with ever-evolving transnational threats, it is critical that we enable law enforcement officers in the United States and the Netherlands to more quickly and efficiently investigate crime and prevent criminals and terrorists from entering our respective countries,” said Deputy Secretary Lute. “This agreement will strengthen our international efforts to combat transnational crime while facilitating lawful trade and travel between our two nations.”
“The agreement signed today underlines the efforts we have taken in fighting serious crime and preventing terrorism. In today's society law enforcement agencies should be able to prevent and combat crime and terrorism efficiently in a way that respects both the national legislation and the standards on privacy. I am proud that the PCSC-agreement provides a solid basis for these goals and I look forward to continuing our intensive cooperation with the United States in this important field,” said Minister Opstelten.
Under the agreement, the United States and the Netherlands will leverage state-of-the-art technology to share law enforcement data, including fingerprints, to better identify known terrorists and criminals during investigations and other law enforcement activities. The agreement both outlines the best practices for sharing vital information to help prevent serious threats to public security as well as measures to ensure the protection and privacy of citizens in both countries.
To date, the United States has signed similar agreements to prevent and combat serious crime with 17 international partners. These agreements—negotiated by the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and State—prevent individuals who commit serious crimes in one signatory country from continuing illicit acts in another and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the reciprocal partnerships that advance the safety and security of the United States and its allies.

2 central Pennsylvania men indicted on child pornography charges

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A Federal Grand Jury returned indictments charging two Central Pennsylvania men in unrelated child pornography cases as a result of an investigation led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Robert Leroy Werner, 43, of Chambersburg, Pa., and James Robert Schumacher, 46, of Harrisburg, were both charged in separate indictments for possession of child pornography and receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet.
If convicted of both offenses, each man faces up to 30 years imprisonment and fines of up to $500,000. The possession offense carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years and a maximum fine of $250,000. The receipt and distribution offense carries a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence and a maximum prison sentence of 20 years along with a maximum fine of $250,000.
HSI investigated these cases with the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution of both men has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.
This investigation is part of ICE's Operation Predator, a nationwide initiative to identify, investigate and arrest those who sexually exploit children, and the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood, which marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet.
As part of Operation Predator, ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com

Council Works to End Life Insurance Compensation Confusion

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2010 - A special advisory council has agreed to provide family members and survivors of fallen servicemembers and deceased veterans more options for how they receive life insurance compensation.
The agreement paved the way to end confusion for survivors and family members of fallen troops, John Gingrich, chief of staff for the Veterans Affairs Department, told reporters yesterday. Better communication of life insurance claims options and casualty assistance training also will result from the change, he added.
"The goal of these meetings is to make an outstanding program even better," Gingrich said. "I believe the dialogue between the participants aided us in understanding their issues and concerns, and we received good insight."
The VA currently uses claims forms with two payment options: one lump sum, or equal payments for 36 months. Choosing the lump sum or leaving the options unchecked on the form would automatically default the beneficiary's benefits in an alliance account handled by Prudential Financial Inc. Prudential then sends the beneficiary a checkbook for an interest-bearing account held by the insurance company.
The Prudential account is not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, according to VA, leaving some survivors and families of fallen servicemembers dissatisfied with the option.
A new option on the form is expected to become available on VA's website in mid-December, Gingrich said. It will allow beneficiaries to choose to receive one lump sum by check, which they can deposit as they wish, he added.
Additional language on the new forms, he noted, will explain to beneficiaries who choose the lump sum alliance account that they can write a check at any time for any amount, including the entire balance. The new forms also cite that alliance accounts are not FDIC guaranteed.
The three options on the new forms, according to VA, will read:
-- Lump Sum – Alliance Account
-- Lump Sum – Check
-- 36 Equal Monthly Payments
Gingrich added that, eventually, beneficiaries also will have the option to receive a lump sum by electronic transfer.
"There's no confusion on the [new] form now," Gingrich said. "The new form makes it very clear. We want to make sure we are clear, and people understand how they are receiving their benefits."
Gingrich also noted that VA is working with the Defense Department to produce training videos that will help casualty assistance officers better inform survivors and family members of the new life insurance claim options.
Independent and free financial counseling will be available for survivors, as well as new packets that better explain their benefits, he added.
Jeri Busch, director of the Defense Department's military compensation program and DoD representative on the council, added that she was pleased with yesterday's decisions and VA's efforts.
"We're very pleased to find that the VA has undertaken to do some improvements to the program," Busch said. The training video and additional information, she said, will provide "greater transparency and more choices and more options for our families to make sure that our beneficiaries are treated with respect, are protected, and are quoted the upmost care."

Council Works to End Life Insurance Compensation Confusion

ICE dismantles 2 Sacramento counterfeit document mills Mills allegedly produced phony immigration documents, driver's licenses and birth certificates

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Four men are in custody facing federal criminal charges following the execution of search warrants Thursday at two local residences that allegedly housed large-scale counterfeiting operations responsible for producing phony immigration and identity documents, including fake "green cards," birth certificates and driver's licenses from California and five other states.
During Thursday's searches, authorities seized a large cache of document-making equipment, including multiple computers, high quality printers, laminators, card stock, along with dozens of counterfeit documents. The recovered documents included counterfeit versions of the newest California driver's license and the latest generation of the Permanent Resident Card, often known as a "green card."
The searches and arrests are the latest developments in a year-long ongoing undercover probe involving the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles that originated with a call to ICE's toll-free tip line: 1-866-DHS-2ICE.
According to the search warrant affidavit, which describes several document buys by undercover HSI agents, the suspects charged $120 for a single counterfeit card, or $250 for a "set" of phony documents. The "sets" typically included a "green card," Social Security card and a driver's license. The transactions took place in the parking lots of businesses in south Sacramento, including The Home Depot and Hacienda Market. When an undercover agent expressed interest in setting up his own document mill, the affidavit alleges one of the defendants told him that for $20,000 he could help him obtain the illegal software and training to create good quality counterfeits.
"Targeting those responsible for making and selling fraudulent documents is an enforcement priority for ICE Homeland Security Investigations," said Daniel Lane, assistant special agent in charge for the ICE HSI in Sacramento. "Anyone who knowingly and indiscriminately sells phony identity cards is putting the security of our communities and even our country at risk. Documents like this could potentially be used by dangerous criminals and others seeking to obscure their identities and mask their motives."
George Valverde, director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), said the security and privacy of DMV's customer database and the state's driver's license is one of the highest priorities for the department.
"The DMV will continue to do whatever is necessary to assist local, state and federal law enforcement entities in their efforts to assure the integrity of the license," Director Valverde said. "The California Driver License is now the primary identification document for our citizens, and the Department is absolutely dedicated to protecting it from the criminal element such as counterfeiters. Californians expect no less."
One of the four criminal suspects made his initial appearance in federal court Thursday afternoon. The remaining three are due in court Friday morning. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California. The suspects, named below, are all Mexican nationals who are in the United States illegally. They are currently charged with manufacturing false identity and immigration documents.

Javier Hernandez-Lopez, 39;
Juan Hernandez-Lopez, 33, Javier's younger brother;
Luis Eduardo Torres-Hernandez, 25, and
Alejandro Bielma-Ortiz, 40.

In addition to the criminal arrests, HSI agents encountered two Mexican national males at one of the document mills who were taken into custody on administrative immigration violations. They will be held pending a hearing before an immigration judge.
Document fraud involves the manufacture, sale, or use of counterfeit identity documents, such as fake driver's licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards or passports - for immigration fraud or other criminal activity. Individuals and criminal organizations often use fraudulent documents to obtain driver's licenses and Social Security cards.
Traffickers and alien smugglers employ these documents to facilitate their movement into and within the United States and to shield illegal aliens from detection. Fraudulent documents may be used to obtain financial benefits and entitlements intended for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and to obtain unauthorized employment.
In the last three fiscal years, ICE Homeland Security Investigations initiated more than 4,800 document fraud investigations nationwide resulting in more than 3,200 indictments and more than 3,100 criminal convictions.

Updated Government Contract Awards

U.S. Department of Defense

CONTRACTS

NAVY

                Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $3,485,385,767 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-09-C-0010). This modification converts contract type for the efforts described below from a cost-plus-incentive-fee to a fixed-price-incentive (firm target) for the manufacture and delivery of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter low rate initial production Lot IV aircraft. This modification provides for the procurement of 10 conventional take-off and landing aircraft for the U.S. Air Force; 16 short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps; one STOVL aircraft for the United Kingdom Royal Navy; and four carrier variant aircraft for the U.S. Navy. In addition, this modification provides for the procurement of associated ancillary mission equipment, flight test instrumentation, and manufacturing support equipment. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in March 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $21,773,633 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($1,099,960,361; 31.6 percent); the U.S. Marine Corps ($1,685,707,859; 48.4 percent); the U.S. Navy ($582,147,988; 16.6 percent); and the United Kingdom ($117,569,559; 3.4 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
                Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded $252,779,055 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0015 under a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of 250 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected recovery vehicles (MRV) and contractor logistics support (CLS). The objective of the MRV and CLS requirement is to support the warfighters and coalition forces that require assistance resulting from disabled vehicles during Operation Enduring Freedom. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $252,779,055 will expire on Sept. 30, 2011. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
                Lockheed Martin Corp., Mission Systems & Sensors, Ships and Aviation Systems, Baltimore, Md., is being awarded a $24,515,108 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00104-01-D-ZD52) to exercise the second option for the manufacture of spare and repair parts used in the MK-41 vertical launching system. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (15 percent), and Ventura, Calif. (85 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2014. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Mechanicsburg, Pa., is the contracting activity.
                Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Inc.*, Hauppauge, N.Y., is being awarded a $15,889,641 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the development and implementation of improved acoustic intercept sensor and full band signal processing in support of the AN/SQQ-89(V) and AN/SQQ-89(V)15 anti-submarine warfare combat systems. Work will be performed in Hauppauge, N.Y. (50 percent); Columbia, Md. (30 percent); and Lemont Furnace, Pa. (20 percent). Work is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-11-C-5204).
                Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $13,729,506 modification to the previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee/award-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0028) to exercise an option for the procurement of one ruggedized repair verification radar (RVR) test set in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The RVR test set will support aircraft maintenance level for evaluation and verification of zonal radar cross section performance characteristics following aircraft repair of all three variants. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (96 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (3.5 percent); and Orlando, Fla. (0.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed in January 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
                B.R. Flowers & Co., Inc.*, Hampton, Va. (N50054-11-D-1101); UHP Projects, Inc.*, Newport News, Va. (N50054-11-D-1102); International Flooring & Protective Coatings, Inc.*, Norfolk, Va. (N50054-11-D-1103); and Surface Technologies Corp.*, Neptune Beach, Fla. (N50054-11-D-1104), are each being awarded maximum value $12,236,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts for work associated with removing surface ship and submarine deck coverings. The companies will provide management, administrative and production services, materials, tools, equipment, and required support to accomplish removal of old deck covering and underlayment (including rubber base if present), abrasive blast, ultra high pressure water jet, and power tool clean decks; prepare surfaces, apply primer coatings, and install new non-skid deck covering onboard U.S. Navy vessels including submarines. Work will be primarily performed on vessels located in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $145,200 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with five offers received. The Norfolk Ship Support Activity, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity.
                Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $10,085,840 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) for non-recurring efforts required to complete the fuel jettison mission management restriction removal engineering change proposal (ECP) for the Air Force CV-22. This ECP will remove the fuel jettison restriction allowing the aircrew to rapidly manage CV-22 aircraft mission gross weight. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (70 percent); Dallas, Texas (20 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (7 percent); Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (2 percent); and St. Louis, Mo. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in August 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,085,840 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
                Renaissance Science Corp.*, Chandler, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,750,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the research and development of virtual environment technologies in support of the Navy's simulation and training requirements, including analyses, studies and engineering in virtual environment synthetic. Work will be performed in Chandler, Ariz. (50 percent), and Orlando, Fla. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2015. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; four offers were received. Contract funds in the amount of $254,272 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61340-11-D-0003).
                Correction: Contract awarded Nov. 16, 2010, to University Multispectral Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla. (N65236-07-D-7878), should have stated the modification award amount as $11,500,000.

ARMY

                Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Nov. 17 a $797,889,723 firm-fixed-price contract for the production of 4,773 family of medium tactical vehicles. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0159).
                BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on Nov. 5 a $250,128,753 cost reimbursement, no fee contract. This requirement will procure Operation Desert Storm Situational Awareness (ODS-SA) long-lead material for a total of 247 ODS-SA conversion kits; 202 will be used under the contract to convert vehicles from ODS to ODS-SA configurations in support of the Bradley fighting vehicles. Work is to be performed in York, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army, TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-G-0003).
                Global Engineering and Construction, LLC, Kent, Wash., was awarded on Nov. 8 a $165,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award task order contract with firm-fixed-price and time-and-materials task orders contract. This acquisition is for acquiring O&M services under NAICS code 561210, facilities support services, to preserve and maintain government medical and non-medical real property facilities in such a condition that they may be effectively used for their designated functional purpose. Although this acquisition applies to both medical and non-medical facilities located inside and outside the contiguous United States, the primary focus of this acquisition will be medical facilities located inside the contiguous United States. This acquisition will provide operations and maintenance engineering enhancement services at ambulatory care facilities including non-complex specialized O&M services. Work is to be performed in England, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and Cuba, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 7, 2011. Restricted bids were solicited with10 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CEHNC-CT-A, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY -11-D-0009).
                EML/BMAR, JV, LLC, Franklin, Tenn., was awarded on Nov. 8 a $165,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award task order contract with firm-fixed-price and time-and-materials task orders contract. This acquisition is for acquiring O&M services under NAICS code 561210, facilities support services, to preserve and maintain government medical and non-medical real property facilities in such a condition that they may be effectively used for their designated functional purpose. Although this acquisition applies to both medical and non-medical facilities located inside and outside the contiguous United States, the primary focus of this acquisition will be medical facilities located inside the contiguous United States. This acquisition will provide operations and maintenance engineering enhancement services at ambulatory care facilities including non-complex specialized O&M services. Work is to be performed in England, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and Cuba, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 7, 2011. Restricted bids were solicited with10 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CEHNC-CT-A, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY -11-D-0008).
                Angel Menendez Environmental Services, Inc., Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on Nov. 8 a $165,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award task order contract with firm-fixed-price and time-and-materials task orders contract. This acquisition is for acquiring O&M services under NAICS code 561210, facilities support services, to preserve and maintain government medical and non-medical real property facilities in such a condition that they may be effectively used for their designated functional purpose. Although this acquisition applies to both medical and non-medical facilities located inside and outside the contiguous United States, the primary focus of this acquisition will be medical facilities located inside the contiguous United States. This acquisition will provide operations and maintenance engineering enhancement services at ambulatory care facilities including non-complex specialized O&M services. Work is to be performed in England, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and Cuba, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 7, 2011. Restricted bids were solicited with10 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CEHNC-CT-A, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY -11-D-0007).
                Northrop Grumman Information Technology, McLean, Va., was awarded on Nov. 15 a $75,000,000 contact for the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program advisory and assistance services support. Work is to be performed in Lorton, Va., with an estimated completion date of April 26, 2011. One sole-source bid was solicited with one bid received. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (HDTRA1-05-D-0003).
                General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded on Nov. 16 a $31,915,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the incremental funding modification for the extension of continuing and additional work for the system development and design contract for the extended range/multi-purpose unmanned aerial system. Work is to be performed in Poway, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Dec.31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069).
                Lockheed Martin Electronics and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded in Nov. 12 a $22,855,083 firm-fixed-price contract for life cycle contractor support, which includes management and logistics functions for the fire control radar system on all government Apache AH-64D helicopters. This requirement is comprised of depot repair, replenishment spares, spares and/or repair parts, sustainment /engineering services, contractor field service representatives, and repair/replacement of battle/crash damaged equipment. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0126).
                KDH Defense Systems, Inc., Eden, N.C., was awarded on Nov. 10 a $16,242,600 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 26,400 improved outer tactical vests. Work is to be performed in Eden, N.C., with an estimated completion date of March 2, 2011. Eight bids were solicited with three bids received. Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center (RDECOM CC), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-D-0049).
                Purnell Construction Co., LLC, Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on Nov. 12 a $13,064,983 firm-fixed-price contract. The work consists of constructing a continuous line of hurricane flood protection across the discharge basin at Belle Chasse No.2 Pumping Station on the east side of the Algiers Canal. This protection will incorporate pile founded reinforced concrete T-wall monoliths. New butterfly gates will be required within the steel discharge tubes. Gate operation will be by individual electric actuators utilizing local and remote control. Site work will include modifications to existing pumping station utilities, dewatering systems, construction of temporary retaining structures with work platforms, miscellaneous excavation and demolition, clearing and grubbing. Miscellaneous mechanical and electrical work will also be performed. Work will be performed at "West Bank and Vicinity, New Orleans, LA Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS), Harvey Canal West Bank Levees - Phase 2, Jefferson Parish," with an estimated completion date of Dec. 28, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0042).
                LEC-CMS, LP, Frisco, Texas., was awarded on Nov. 17 a $12,743,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the design-build of a health and dental clinic, Fort Bliss, Texas. Work is to be performed in Fort Bliss., Texas, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 25, 2011. Twenty bids were solicited with four bids received. Corps of Engineers, CESWF-CT, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-11-C-0050).
                Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Melbourne Fla., was awarded on Nov. 16 a $12,271,471 cost-plus-fixed-fee. The contract is for system design and development of the Airborne Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Minefield Detection System (ASTAMIDS) Block I. The purpose of the ASTAMIDS is to detect, locale and designate combat vehicles, systems and troops, and to detect, characterize, and locate minefields and obstacles, and to provide information to help locate and characterize non-mined areas and safe avenues. ASTAMIDS consists of two subsystems: the airborne payload and the tactical ground segment. Work is to be performed in Melbourne, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Contracting Center Washington, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (DAAB15-03-C-0013).
                SAIC, McLean, Va., was awarded on Nov. 11 an $11,879,381 cost-plus-fixed-fee, level of effort contract. The warfighter analysis and integration contract provides the Army, other services, and the Department of Defense an advanced capability for analysis and integration of defense issues. These defense issues include investigation of battlefield and battle space systems and technologies, impact of changes to force structures, analysis of training, tactics, procedures, and hardware-software; including specific efforts for simulation design; simulation engineering; simulation implementation; simulation integration and maintenance; parametric modeling; data collection, reduction and first level analysis; and design, engineering and integration of simulations and modeling to support evaluation of potential threats, doctrine and requirements, technologies, designs and performance, manufacturing processes, logistics and manpower, and defense system interface architectures. Work is to be performed in McLean, Va., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U. S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (DASG60-02-D-0006).
                Datron World Communications, Inc., Vista, Calif., was awarded on Nov. 10 a $10,439,960 firm-fixed-price contract. This delivery order is to procure radio systems, spares, installation kits, batteries, and chargers in the amount of $10,439,960 in support of Foreign Military Sales Case "G5-B-UAP A2" for Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Vista, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. CECOM Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-09-D-D212).
                BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on Nov. 9 a $8,500,000 cost-share contract for the acquisition of three right-hand drive Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and one companion trailer. Work is to be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, Warren, AMTSA-AQ-ATBA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0107).
                KDH Defense System, Inc., Eden, N.C., was awarded on Nov. 9 a $7,200,000 firm-fixed-price supply contract for Operation Enduring Freedom camouflage pattern soldier plate carrier system retrofit kits. Work is to be performed in Eden, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 28, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with none bids received. Research & Development, Engineering Command Contracting Center (CCRD-AP-BA), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-10-F-0001).
                Goodrich Pump & Engine Control Systems, Inc., Hartford, Conn., was awarded on Nov. 8 a $6,887,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This acquisition is for a research and development program entitled, "Universal Control (UC) Full Authority Digital Electronic Control." The intent of the proposed program is to continue developing and qualifying an advanced next generation engine UC that demonstrates commonality across all Army aviation engines simplifying logistical support for such controls while significantly reducing weight, size and life cycle cost. Work is to be performed in West Hartford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 4, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-09-D-0017).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

                Ziehm Imaging, Inc.*, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $24,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for radiology systems, subsystems, accessories, components and training. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities website with 47 responses. The date of performance completion is Nov. 18, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-11-D-8344).
                Duramold Castings, Inc.*, South Bend, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $9,944,539 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for track modification kits. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with 21 responses. The date of performance completion is Nov. 30, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-11-D-0005).
                Shamrock Foods Co., Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a maximum $7,125,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity, sole-source, prime vendor contract for full line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Nov. 20, 2011. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-11-D-3395).
*Small business

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Gates Addresses Role in Afghanistan After Security Transition

Just a reminder in the Public Interest

Summit Helps 'Reset' U.S.-Russia Relations, Obama Says

EXCLUSIVE -TSA Administrator John Pistole Issues Holiday Travel Message to the Public

NATO, U.N. Pledge to Back Afghan Security Lead by 2014

Gates Notes Value of Chile's Disaster Response Capabilities

Gates Notes Value of Chile's Disaster Response Capabilities

Mullen Outlines Progress, Shortfalls in Veteran Support

Strategic Concept Will Guide Alliance for Next Decade

Strategic Concept Will Guide Alliance for Next Decade

2010 Phoenix Award Winner Announced

United States and the Netherlands Sign Agreement to Prevent and Combat Serious Crime

2 central Pennsylvania men indicted on child pornography charges

Council Works to End Life Insurance Compensation Confusion

Council Works to End Life Insurance Compensation Confusion

Council Works to End Life Insurance Compensation Confusion

ICE dismantles 2 Sacramento counterfeit document mills Mills allegedly produced phony immigration documents, driver's licenses and birth certificates

Updated Government Contract Awards

Toronto - Weather Alert - Environment Canada

City of Toronto news releases, Emergency Medical Services

The Weather Network - St. Catharines, Ontario

Toronto - Weather - Environment Canada

GTA and Surrounding Traffic

City of Toronto News Releases

City of Toronto Arts and Exhibits Events

City of Toronto Celebrations and Holiday Events

City of Toronto Charity and Cause Events

City of Toronto Consumer Shows Events

City of Toronto Dance Events

City of Toronto Environmental Events

City of Toronto Community Events

City of Toronto Family and Children's Events

City of Toronto Film Events

City of Toronto Live Performance Events

City of Toronto Farmers' Markets Events

City of Toronto Major Conferences Events

City of Toronto Sports Events

City of Toronto Theatre Events

CNW Group | General News