Page 1486 – Executive Gov

Published on April 16, 2020

AAR’s Mobility Systems division has been awarded a five-year, $11.9 million sole-source firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract from the US Army to produce three variants of Lightweight Multipurpose Shelters (LMS), the company announced on Thursday. These shelters will be manufactured at AAR Mobility Systems in Cadillac, Michigan.

“AAR Mobility Systems is proud to continue providing this critical capability to support the warfighter. This sole-source firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract will ensure that the US Army will be provided the best equipment possible to meet the challenges of today and for years to come,” said Lee Krantz, senior vice president, AAR Mobility Systems.

Under the contract, AAR Mobility Systems will provide the US Army with a direct method for procuring three variants of LMS shelters for requirements to support multi-domain warfare operations. The products will be designed to support Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and other operations while being vehicle-mounted.

The US Army contract adds to AAR’s history of supporting federal agencies. In Jan. 2020, the company was awarded a contract by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support in Philadelphia, US, for the supply of critical assets.

Under the $90 million indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, the company will be responsible for the manufacture of specialized shipping and storage containers. Production of the containers will take place in Cadillac, Michigan.

Through this contract, the US Armed Forces and its allies can purchase quick deployment products from AAR directly.

“We take pride in providing these critical assets to support the warfighter… This contract will ensure that the US Armed Forces and its allies maintain their full spectrum dominance,” AAR Mobility Systems Business Development vice-president Jeffery Jackson said.

About AAR

AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include Parts Supply; OEM Solutions; Integrated Solutions; and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Services. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include Mobility Systems and Composite Manufacturing operations.

Executive Moves/News/Press Releases

PredaSAR Names Eric Truitt CSO to Enhance Defense Intelligence; Roger Teague, Marc Bell Quoted

by Sarah Sybert

Published on April 16, 2020

PredaSAR Names Eric Truitt CSO to Enhance Defense Intelligence; Roger Teague, Marc Bell Quoted

PredaSAR Corporation has appointed Intelligence Community (IC) veteran Eric Truitt, as chief solutions officer (CSO), effective April 15, 2020, the company announced on Wednesday.

“Eric has a highly distinguished leadership background in rapidly transitioning state-of-the-art prototype technologies into warfighter- and commercial-ready products,” said PredaSAR CEO Roger Teague. “His expertise in innovating remote sensing technologies, as well as in designing and delivering mission solutions leveraging spacecraft constellations, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms, and scalable IoT architectures, primarily for defense and intelligence use cases, is a perfect match for PredaSAR.”

Prior to joining PredaSAR, Truitt served as chief of space and intelligence programs with the Georgia Tech Research Institute. In the role, he was responsible for developing strategic technological innovations for research sponsors in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC).

Truitt has more than 20 years of service supporting the Intelligence and Department of Defense (DoD) as a Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) expert. He also served as a senior advisor for Intelligence and Space technology applications.

Truitt graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with an MBA in Technology Management and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Augusta University. He served on Active Duty as a cryptologist in the US Navy for 5 years.

“Eric is a valuable addition to PredaSAR and CEO Roger Teague’s leadership team,” commented Marc Bell, PredaSAR Chairman and Co-Founder. “Eric will provide strategic leadership to align, produce, and deliver PredaSAR’s offerings to meet the most critical needs of both our defense and commercial customers.”

About PredaSAR

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, PredaSAR Corporation is building and will operate the world’s largest and most advanced commercially operated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation and ground network providing customized solutions to both government and commercial clients.

Acquisition & Procurement/M&A Activity/News

KBR GS APAC Acquires 15 Defense Contracts from SMA; Stuart Bradie Quoted

by Sarah Sybert

Published on April 16, 2020

KBR GS APAC Acquires 15 Defense Contracts from SMA; Stuart Bradie Quoted

KBR has announced today that its Government Solutions Asia-Pacific (GS APAC) business has recently acquired over 15 new defense contracts from Australian company SMA, KBR announced on Thursday.

“KBR’s global Government Solutions business has enjoyed strong revenue performance, especially so in Australia where we have consistently delivered growth with healthy margins,” KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie said.

The SMA contract acquisition will include a range of defense projects across Australia and will add depth and strength to KBR’s technical training services with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). With the acquisition, KBR will be positioned as the leading provider of technical training to the RAN and prepared to support the RAN’s commitment to upgrade its fleet across submarines, offshore patrol vessels and new frigates.

The majority of awards were from the Australian Department of Defence supporting the government’s investment in new military capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). These include major programs such as the integrated soldier system support program for the Australian Army, sustainment engineering for the largest ships in the RAN, Mission IT solutions and support across the ADF and workforce training for the Garrison Estate Management System project.

KBR will work as a Major Service Provider to the Department of Defence also accounts for a significant portion of the awards for multiple Defence System Program Offices spanning land, sea, air and joint domains.

“The addition of SMA adds to our continued success in the region and winning new work and contract extensions further demonstrates our operational strength and mission focus even as we maneuver through these unprecedented and challenging times.”

In addition to the company’s acquired contracts, KBR has also expanded its business through valuable company acquisitions. The company announced that KBR has acquired Isomerization Technologies from RRT Global to expand octane and clean fuel technology solutions for its customers in Aug. 2019.

As a result of the acquisition, KBR has acquired the patented technology with intellectual property rights to offer MAX-ISOM globally and to offer isomerization technologies for C4 and C7 streams.

Isomerization of C4 streams produces a more desirable feedstock for alkylation units such as KBR’s Solid Acid Alkylation Technology (K-SAAT). C7 isomerization can be applied to upgrade low octane C7 streams to produce isomerate that can be blended directly in the gasoline pool.

KBR, in alliance with RRT Global, has been offering MAX-ISOM™ catalytic distillation technology for the isomerization of C5 and C6 n-paraffins to boost gasoline pool octane since 2015. Isomerization of C5 and C6 streams is practiced to improve the octane rating of light straight-run naphtha.

“With the acquisition of these technologies, KBR now offers expanded Octane solutions including isomerization of C4, C5, C6 and C7 streams in refineries,” said John Derbyshire, president, KBR Technology Solutions. “MAX-ISOM is the technology of choice for the low-cost production of high octane isomerate, in a highly flexible and compact design with minimum energy requirements.”

About KBR, Inc.

KBR is a global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program lifecycle within the Government Solutions and Energy sectors. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide (including our joint ventures), with customers in more than 80 countries, and operations in 40 countries, across three synergistic global businesses: Government, Energy and Technology Solutions.

Contract Awards/News

SDCRAA Awards Jacobs $35M Contract to Support SAN Terminal Expansion; Ron Williams Quoted

by Sarah Sybert

Published on April 16, 2020

Jacobs was selected to support the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) to continue the airport’s $3 billion expansion program to enhance the airfield and replace Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN) with a renovated, expanded terminal, the company announced on Thursday.

The SDCRAA has projected that the contract, with a value not-to-exceed $35 million, spans five years with the option for two one-year extensions.

“This landmark program will enhance airfield safety while providing sustainable solutions, including the largest water capture, treatment and reuse system to be installed at an airport in the United States,” said Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President and West Regional Director Ron Williams.

Under the contract, Jacobs will provide construction and maintenance of airside aprons, taxiways, runway areas, landside roads, parking lots, storm water system, security blast wall and associated utilities.

The project will include relocation of existing parallel Taxiway B to meet FAA standards, building a second parallel taxiway to enhance capacity with safe movement of aircraft on the ground, a new aircraft parking apron to accommodate a future 30 gate Terminal 1 replacement and the capture, storage, treatment and reuse of all storm water on the airport site.

During the ADP development and subsequent California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act environmental analyses, environmentally sensitive areas were identified for necessary mitigation.

Jacobs’ efforts will address construction impacts utilizing aircraft simulation and modeling techniques to maximize aircraft movement around construction areas while keeping the airport open for business with minimal impacts.

“Partnering with SDCRAA to provide design services at San Diego International Airport is paramount to meet the needs of the airport’s growing passenger base and its important role in the region’s transportation and transit infrastructure,” Williams added.

This selection is the latest in Jacobs’ history of serving the SDCRAA at SAN through its work in support of the ongoing Airport Development Plan (ADP). Since 2005, Jacobs has provided strategic consulting services, most recently leading the development of the ADP. The company has successfully delivered the State Final Environmental Impact Report and has worked to finalize the Federal Environmental Assessment for the ADP.

About Jacobs

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of more than 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

News/Press Releases

Rep. Mac Thornberry to Request $6B in FY 2021 for Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative

by Jane Edwards

Published on April 16, 2020

Mac Thornberry

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, plans to propose the creation of a new fund to fight Chinese activities in the Indio-Pacific region, Defense News reported Thursday. Thornberry intends to request $6.09 billion in fiscal 2021 funds to establish an Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

“The Indo-Pacific has been called our highest priority theater and I believe that is true. It is time to put our money where our mouth is,” Thornberry told the publication.

“This effort consolidates and funds the policies, infrastructure, and platforms needed to reassure our allies and partners while we deter China. It also serves as a benchmark against which we can judge our efforts in the region. We may not be able to get this all done this year, but it is vital that we make a start.”

The lawmaker’s proposal includes $1 billion for increased presence and joint force lethality; $1.5 billion for prepositioning and logistics; $2.1 billion for improved infrastructure; $1 billion training and exercises; and $350 million in funds to strengthen allies and partners.

Government Technology/News

White House Calls for Incorporation of Schema Tags Into COVID-19 Webpages

by Jane Edwards

Published on April 16, 2020

The White House and federal agencies have teamed up with collaborative community Schema.org to ensure that public health updates and related information on the new coronavirus appear on search engine results.

Schema.org, which was founded by Microsoft, Google, Yahoo and other tech companies, created and issued new standard tags for COVID-19 webpages, including disease spread statistics, prevention measures, testing, travel guidance and quarantine rules, the White House said Wednesday.

The Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Science and Technology Policy have asked federal chief information officers, state and local governments, academic community and the private sector to integrate into webpages the community’s new standard tags related to COVID-19.

The Trump administration also encouraged the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development program to share instructions on how federal and non-government digital groups can incorporate the new Schema tags into websites.

Federal CIO and 2020 Wash100 award winner Suzette Kent; Michael Kratsios, U.S. chief technology officer and fellow Wash100 winner; and White House Chief Digital Officer Ory Rinat announced the collaboration with Schema.

Government Technology/News

Gen. John Raymond on Russia’s Anti-Satellite Missile Test

by Jane Edwards

Published on April 16, 2020

John Raymond

Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner, said Russia on Wednesday carried out a direct ascent anti-satellite missile test, C4ISRNET reported Wednesday.

“Russia’s DA-ASAT test provides yet another example that the threats to U.S. and allied space systems are real, serious and growing,” he said in a statement. “The United States is ready and committed to deterring aggression and defending the Nation, our allies, and U.S. interests from hostile acts in space.”

Raymond, who is also head of U.S. Space Command, said the test undermines Russia’s call for a treaty aimed at preventing weapons deployment in space. “This test is further proof of Russia’s hypocritical advocacy of outer space arms control proposals designed to restrict the capabilities of the United States while clearly having no intention of halting their counterspace weapons programs,” he added.

News/Press Releases

USAF Tests New EW Avionics System With F-15 Aircraft

by Nichols Martin

Published on April 15, 2020

USAF Tests New EW Avionics System With F-15 Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force continues to test a new electronic warfare system with the F-15E aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System operates as part of the aircraft’s integrated avionics to deter EW threats, Edwards AFB said Tuesday.

Tests specifically took place at Edwards AFB’s Benefield Anechoic Facility, a chamber that simulates how EW and avionics systems perform airborne. The facility features tools that emulate and simulate signal types present in EW situations.

“The Air Force is modernizing its F-15 fleet with the EPAWSS, which is capable of detecting, identifying, denying, degrading, disrupting and defeating modern and emerging threat systems in contested environments,” said Jon Danner, test manager of the F-15 division at Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

“Additionally, tests must establish and provide verification of the interoperability and RF (radio frequency) compatibility among the EPAWSS, the AN/APG-82 radar and various existing avionics at the installed system level on the aircraft, as it would fly versus in a system lab,” said Ed Sabat, project development lead and civilian director of operations of the 772nd Test Squadron.

Boeing and BAE Systems supported the test as contractors with USAF. The service branch plans to continue testing EPAWSS.

Government Technology/News

DOE Announces New Investment in Materials Science Research

by Nichols Martin

Published on April 15, 2020

The Department of Energy intends to invest $18 million in research that aims to preserve the availability of lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium and other rare elements.

DOE said Tuesday that it needs these rare elements to support technology industries that rely on such resources, and in turn, sustain the U.S. economy. These elements allow for the production of magnets, computer components and other industrial technologies.

“By supporting the acceleration of our knowledge of rare earth elements, we can look forward to breakthroughs within our scientific community,” said Paul Dabbar, DOE’s undersecretary for science.

The effort aims to not only boost the availability of these elements, but also reduce the use of these resources and apply more efficient approaches. The investment is part of DOE’s larger set of fiscal 2020 materials sciences and chemistry efforts jointly valued over $158 million.

Government Technology/News

GAO Issues Report on Federal Telecom, Call Center Services Spending

by Brenda Marie Rivers

Published on April 15, 2020

GAO Issues Report on Federal Telecom, Call Center Services Spending

The Government Accountability Office has found that the federal government allocated over $30 billion for telecommunications services and $4 billion for call center operations during fiscal years 2014 through 2018.

GAO said in its report that 84 percent of annual governmentwide spending for telecom operations were allocated for internet and satellite services offered by over 1,500 vendors. More than half of that amount represented small businesses, the report noted.

According to the watchdog, the Department of Defense accounted for over two-thirds of contract obligations while NASA and the departments of Transportation and Veterans Affairs had the highest obligations for civilian agencies.

With regards to call center operations, GAO found that agencies spent $800 million annually for help desk, administrative support and professional assistance.

The Department of Health and Human Services accounted for majority of call center spending intended to help the department address health inquiries such as Medicare benefits.

GAO noted that four out of the five call center contracts it reviewed “expressly stated that some or all work” must be performed by U.S. citizens or within the continental U.S. All five also included requirements to “ limit access to data systems and data maintained”.

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