Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary Hagel spoke today via telephone with Turkish Minister of Defense Ismet Yilmaz. The two leaders focused their discussion on the regional threat posed by ISIL and the security situation in both Iraq and Syria.
Secretary Hagel thanked Minister Yilmaz for Turkey's willingness to contribute to coalition efforts, to include hosting and conducting training for Syrian opposition members. He noted Turkey's expertise in this area and the responsible manner in which Turkey is handling the other challenges this struggle has placed upon the country, in terms of refugees and border security.
The secretary also expressed his gratitude for Turkey's willingness to host a joint Central Command-European Command planning team next week, as we work closely with Turkey to further develop a training regimen.
Both leaders stressed the need to continue taking a comprehensive, strategic approach to the threat posed by ISIL and other extremist groups. Both men also agreed that the Assad regime has, through its own brutality, fostered the current crisis and has long ago surrendered any legitimacy to govern in Syria.
Finally, Secretary Hagel and Minister Yilmaz agreed to continue close, sustained consultations going forward.
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2014 - The northern Syrian city of Kobani, which borders on Turkey, could fall to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in an interview broadcast today on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told Martha Raddatz, the network's chief global affairs correspondent, that despite continued U.S.-led airstrikes to keep ISIL forces at bay, he is concerned the key Kurdish city could fall into ISIL jihadists' hands.
"I am fearful that Kobani will fall," Dempsey said, adding that he has "no doubt" ISIL will conduct horrific atrocities if they have the opportunity to do so.
ISIL is putting pressure on the city's outskirts, and into the city itself, the chairman said. ISIL forces are becoming more adept with the use of electronic devices, he added, and are making themselves harder to find and identify. "They don't fly flags and move around in large convoys the way they did. ... They don't establish headquarters that are visible or identifiable," he said.
Dempsey said he spoke to his Turkish counterpart a couple of days ago about the conditions in Kobani, and he noted that Turkey has forces on the border that will prevent ISIL from making any incursions into their country. "But, of course, ISIL is smart enough not to do that," the general added.
Coalition can do more in Syria
The coalition could do more inside Syria, Dempsey said. And while he has not been asked to set up a no-fly zone there, he added, such an action is a possibility.
"Do I anticipate that there could be circumstances in the future where that would be part of the campaign?" he asked. "Yes."
ISIL forces have changed tactics since the United States began airstrikes, the chairman acknowledged, making targets harder to find and more difficult to hit. "They know how to maneuver and how to use populations and concealment, so when we get a target, we'll take it," he said.
Baghdad could take indirect fire
ISIL fighters have been trying to overtake Baghdad since they invaded Iraq, Dempsey said, and because the jihadist army is blending into parts of the Sunni population that was disenfranchised under former Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, the Iraqi capital could come under indirect fire.
"Heretofore, ... mostly the Iraqis have been successful in keeping ISIL out of range, but I've no doubt there will be days when [ISIL uses] indirect fire into Baghdad," he said.
The chairman said it is critical to keep the Baghdad airport out of ISIL's hands, noting that in a recent and violent clash over Baghdad, the United States called in Apache helicopters to help Iraqi forces.
"The risk of operating in a hostile environment is there constantly," Dempsey said. "This is a case where you're not going to wait till they're climbing over the wall."
No boots on the ground
While President Barack Obama has vowed to the American people that no U.S. boots will be on the ground in the fight against ISIL, the chairman said he doesn't rule out the possibility, as he recently testified on Capitol Hill.
"There will be circumstances when the answer to that question will likely be yes," he said. "But I haven't encountered one right now. When [the Iraqi forces] are ready to go back on the offensive, my instinct is that will require a different a kind of advising and assisting because of the complexity of that fight."
Dempsey emphasized that it takes time to deliver a campaign objective.
"It wasn't so long ago we were talking about the imminent fall of Irbil. It wasn't so long ago when the U.S. Embassy was feeling threatened in Baghdad. None of those are part of the landscape right now," he said.
We hope you get a chance to explore the tranquil beauty of our public lands this weekend!
This picture is of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park. On the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers something for everyone — from more than 800 miles of hiking trails to fishable streams and beautiful waterfalls.
From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 12, 2014 - U.S. and partner-nation military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using bomber and fighter aircraft to conduct four airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials added, U.S. and partner-nation military forces used attack and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct five airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq.
In Syria, an airstrike northwest of Raqqah destroyed an ISIL-held armored vehicle compound. Three airstrikes in Kobani destroyed an ISIL fighting position and an ISIL staging area. To conduct these strikes, the U.S. military used bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the Centcom area of operations. Fighter aircraft from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also participated in these airstrikes, Centcom officials said.
In Iraq, an airstrike southwest of Hit destroyed an ISIL armed vehicle, and another airstrike southeast of Hit destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier. An airstrike on an ISIL checkpoint southwest of Kirkuk struck a small ISIL unit, and another strike south of Kirkuk struck a small ISIL unit. An airstrike northwest of Ramadi destroyed an ISIL armored personnel carrier.
To conduct these strikes, the U.S. military used attack and remotely piloted aircraft deployed to the Centcom area of operations. The United Kingdom also participated in these airstrikes, Centcom officials said.
All aircraft exited the strike areas in Syria and Iraq safely, officials added.
By John D. Banusiewicz
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2014 - Providing a preview to a key topic he'll discuss during a security conference that begins tomorrow, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel yesterday described how climate change can affect the security environment.
Speaking at a news conference in Santiago, Chile, after a meeting with government leaders there, Hagel said climate change can have a significant effect on the security environment, noting that as sea levels rise, so can potential threats.
"When there is any natural disaster event that occurs, there always is some element of a security risk -- law and order, individuals attempting to take advantage of those catastrophes, adjusting to shifts in security requirements," he said.
Nations will compete for natural resources
The secretary cited the Arctic as an example. "We see an Arctic that is melting, meaning that most likely a new sea lane will emerge," he said. "We know that there are significant minerals and natural deposits of oil and natural gas there. That means that nations will compete for those natural resources."
That hasn't been an issue before, Hagel said. "You couldn't get up there and get anything out of there," he added. "We have to manage through what those conditions and new realities are going to bring in the way of potential threats."
Hagel, who is on a six-day, three-nation trip to South America, said he will discuss the relationship between climate change and security in more detail during the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas, which begins tomorrow in Arequipa, Peru.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with government leaders in the Chilean capital of Santiago yesterday to discuss deepening the U.S. military partnership with Chile.
Hagel -- who arrived in Chile from Colombia is on a six-day, three-nation trip to South America that will include participating in the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas, which begins tomorrow in Arequipa, Peru.
In Santiago, the secretary met with President Michelle Bachelet, Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz and Defense Minister Jorge Burgos. At news conference with Burgos after the meeting, Hagel noted he had met with his Chilean counterpart in Washington earlier this year.
"That was an important time for me," he added, "because it gave me an opportunity to get a good sense and assessment of where Chile was on many issues -- where we could further deepen our partnership, our relationship, as we face many of the same challenges that the world faces."
As a U.S. senator, Hagel said, he supported and voted for the U.S.-Chile free trade agreement, which marks its 10th anniversary this year. "I recall, vividly, some of the debates during the Senate Formulations Committee on the issue," he said. "It was the right thing to do for Chile and the United States, and I think the results have been very clear on that point."
Intensifying cooperation to address big issues
His meeting with the Chilean leaders touched on a wide scope of issues, the secretary said. "We started with a particular focus on how we can intensify our defense cooperation to address these big issues," he added. "The world is not getting any less complicated. The world is interconnected in ways that we've never seen before. That presents tremendous opportunities and advantages for strong relationships and partnerships, and good governance and law and order. But it also presents new challenges as well."
During his meeting with the Chilean leaders, Hagel said, he noted that as Chile develops its global relationships particularly, its partnerships in in the Asia-Pacific region the respect it enjoys as a security exporter and for its capacity and techniques will continue to be important in helping to build defense capacities for other nations.
"As we partner together with other nations, ... they will need more capacity to deal these threats, so [Chile's] role in that has been particularly important, will continue, and we appreciate it," he said.
As a member of the United Nations Security Council, Chile has played an important role in helping to unify the international community against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria, the secretary said, and he expressed appreciation for Chile's leadership in that effort.
Chile also is supporting the global response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, he noted. "Through trilateral programs such as the Global Peace Operations initiative," he added, "we will continue to partner with Chile and Central American nations to deepen our security cooperation."
He and Burgos also discussed Chile's peacekeeping leadership in Haiti, Cyprus, the Middle East and South Asia, Hagel said, adding that these efforts show that Chile's interests extend far beyond the Americas.
Shared interest in Asia-Pacific peace and prosperity
As nations with large and growing economies and economic interests in Asia, the secretary said, both Chile and the United States have a shared interest in the continued peace and prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
"This year, Chile's navy helped lead a major part of the Rim of the Pacific exercise -- it's the world's largest maritime exercise," he said. "This was a first for any South American nation. And as the minister and I discussed, Chile could also share some of its other model defense capabilities to help promote stability further in Asia-Pacific."
But even as the United States and Chile expand their cooperation in other regions, both nations remain committed to continued cooperation within their own hemisphere, "because transnational security challenges -- from climate change to ungoverned spaces, as well as effective responses to natural disasters -- requires the collaboration of all nations of the Americas," Hagel said.
Enduring value of dialogue
"In this context," he added, "the minister and I discussed the enduring value of the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas ... and the importance of those conferences and the importance of the dialogue -- the exchange of ideas and thinking."
The secretary emphasized the continuing U.S. support for Chile's leadership among conference nations in areas such as search and rescue cooperation, noting that Chile's expertise in that area has become a model for other countries to follow.
"We share the views that all nations of this hemisphere must approach our common security challenges in a spirit of partnership," Hagel said. "As President Obama said here in Santiago a few years ago, 'In the Americas today, there are no senior partners and there are no junior partners. There are only equal partners.'
"That was the spirit of the U.S.-Chilean partnership," Hagel continued, "and I look forward to working with Minister Burgos as we continue to strengthen that partnership between our militaries, between our economies, between our governments and between our people."
By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2014 - To have Colombian leadership step forward with its capacity, capability and training provides a huge asset to the world, to the United Nations, and to America's global interests around the world, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said yesterday at a Colombian military base.
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Colombia was Hagel's first stop on a six-day, three-country trip to South America that will include attending the 11th Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas.
At a news conference with Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon, Hagel said he and his Colombian counterpart had discussed the many threats that face the world today.
Threats know no boundaries
"Threats today in the world know no boundaries, whether they come from climate change, or terrorism, or transnational criminal networks that help fund many of these groups," Hagel said. "So we are all together in our efforts to fight terrorism. How we do that, the specifics of that, are up to each country and relationship."
But world threats today are not indigenous to countries, borders or regions, he noted.
Turning specifically to threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Hagel acknowledged that Iraq's Anbar province is "in trouble," and said the United States and its coalition partners are assisting the Iraqi security forces.
"This is a difficult effort," he said. "It is going to take time. It won't be easy. There is a lot of uncertainty in Anbar right now."
By John D. Banusiewicz
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel yesterday reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its strategic relationship with Colombia, noting that as the South American nation moves toward ending a half century of conflict, it will become an increasingly important player on the world stage.
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Speaking at a news conference with Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon at Colombia's Tolemaida military base, Hagel noted that his day had included a meeting with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the nation's military leaders, as well as a military capabilities demonstration.
"I very much appreciated the day I've had an opportunity to spend with you and your forces, your leaders," Hagel said to Pinzon. "It culminated in a very impressive show this afternoon, focusing on the capabilities of your military. And I want to congratulate all of you, and all of those who participated."
Strong and continued support
The United States remains "absolutely committed" to its special strategic partnership with Colombia, the secretary said, and that commitment includes "strong and continued support" for Colombia's ongoing campaign to defeat the terrorist organization known as FARC.
"As Colombia moves toward ending half a century of conflict," he said, "the United States will continue to be steadfast in our support for the Colombian government in the negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace."
During their meeting, Hagel said, he and Pinzon discussed Colombia's regional and global leadership including its commitment to sharing its impressive defense capabilities and training with the nations of Latin America and the world.
Broader global engagement
"Colombia continues to expand its role as a security exporter, having helped train tens of thousands of security personnel for more than 40 nations," the secretary said. "As the conflict in Colombia winds down, the international community will benefit from Colombia's even broader global engagement."
During his visit to Colombia, Hagel noted, he met with U.S. Special Forces troops and aviation specialists who have worked closely there with their Colombian counterparts. "Their work is critical to our partnership," he added. "And through initiatives such as our Joint Action Plan on Regional Security Cooperation, Colombia and the United States will continue to work together to build security across this hemisphere and beyond."
Colombia was the first stop for Hagel on a six-day, three-nation trip to South America that will include attending the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas.
This time of year, flights of sandhill cranes arrive daily to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, which means “Woods of the Apache.” Situated between the Chupadera Mountains and the San Pascual Mountains in New Mexico, the 57,331-acre refuge has become a critical home for waterfowl that migrate here every winter.
Tomorrow, explore the “Woods of the Apache” — and other refuges — with free entrance to all national wildlife refuges. Visitwww.fws.gov/refuges to find one near you!
Photo by Marvin DeJong
MINISTER JUAN CARLOS PINZON: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL: Minister Pinzon, thank you. I am grateful for your hospitality, and in particular the partnership and friendship of our two countries. I very much appreciated the day I've had an opportunity to spend with you and your forces, your leaders. It culminated in a very impressive show this afternoon, focusing on the capabilities of your military. And I want to congratulate all of you, and all of those who participated. I want to also acknowledge, as you have noted, our visit this morning with President Santos. I appreciated the time that we had, but also the opportunity to go into some detail on the issues that you mentioned, the issues that President Santos discussed with President Obama a couple of days ago, and the continued discussions that our senior officials, Vice President Biden and others, have had with President Santos and you, and senior members of your government. I want to note, on a personal level, that at the demonstrations this afternoon I was presented with the Faith on Cause Medal by the Colombian people. And I accepted that medal on behalf of the men and women of the American armed forces, and those who have done so much over so many years to strengthen this partnership. So I was very proud to accept that recognition by the people of Colombia for the American military. As you noted, Minister, I have been to Colombia a number of times. This is the first time I've been back in Colombia since I have become secretary of Defense. And I have always appreciated the opportunity to be here, and to see the tremendous friendship and partnership that deepens and strengthens as we have worked through many issues over the years together, and was very privileged to have an opportunity to be in the United States Senate at the time that we supported the Plan Colombia plan, which I think has shown it was an effective plan, but it was effective because of the Colombian people, and Colombia's leadership. I've been particularly impressed by the courage that it takes of a country, of Colombia, the Colombian people, to work toward a future and invest in the kind of reforms that your government continues to invest in. It's an effort to assure the people of your country that your government is working toward a better life, a life that is free of fear and violence for the Colombian people. And I think that day is closer than ever, again, thanks to the courage of the Colombian people. As I told you, Minister, earlier this morning, and you noted it in your remarks, the United States remains absolutely committed to this special strategic partnership with Colombia. And that includes our strong and continued support for Colombia's ongoing campaign to defeat the FARC. As Colombia moves toward ending half a century of conflict, the United States will continue to be steadfast in our support for the Colombian government in the negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace. As President Obama and Vice President Biden have said before, in war and in peace the United States stands with the people of Colombia. Today, Minister Pinzon and I also discussed Colombia's regional and global leadership. And you referenced some of that, Minister, including Colombia's commitment to sharing its impressive defense capabilities and training with the nations of Latin America and around the world. And, again, there is representation of that here today, and what I saw on the parade field this afternoon. Colombia continues to expand its role as a security exporter, having helped train tens of thousands of security personnel for more than 40 nations. As the conflict in Colombia winds down, the international community will benefit from Colombia's even broader global engagement. Last month at a special United Nations session on peacekeeping, co-chaired by Vice President Biden, Colombia pledged to commit troops to U.N. peacekeeping missions, and to provide additional training and support for intelligence, de-mining, counterinsurgency, and reconstruction. And as we all know, right here on this base where so much of Colombia's defense capabilities are built, and Colombia's defense cooperation with other nations across Central and South America evolve and strengthen. And just a few minutes ago, as I noted, I had some opportunities to see that in action. Minister, as you know, I also had an opportunity to meet with U.S. troops here, serving in Colombia: Special Forces troops and aviation specialists who have worked closely with their Colombian counterparts. Their work is critical to our partnership. And through initiatives such as our Joint Action Plan on Regional Security Cooperation, Colombia and the United States will continue to work together to build security across this hemisphere and beyond. Minister Pinzon, I thank you for your continued leadership, for your friendship, and for our nation's partnership. And I thank you for your continued commitment to our nation's strategic partnership. Thank you. (UNKNOWN): (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) Q: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) SEC. HAGEL: I'll begin, Minister, with two answers - or two parts of an answer to your question. One is obviously a decision that would be made by the Colombian government on any additional assistance to the United States or any coalition fighting terrorism around the world. As I noted, and as Minister Pinzon noted, that at the U.N. special meeting in New York last month, chaired by Vice President Biden, we did discuss that, not specific terms but peacekeeping efforts on behalf of all free nations and free people. And I think that's part of the answer. As to the specific question on ISIL, the threat of ISIL, we did talk about that threat today, as the minister mentioned. We talked about many threats. Threats today in the world know no boundaries, as we know, whether they come from climate change, or terrorism, or trans-national criminal networks that help fund many of these groups. So we are all together in our efforts to fight terrorism. How we do that, the specifics of that, are up to each country and relationship. So that's the way I would answer my part of the question. MIN. PINZON: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) (UNKNOWN): (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) Q: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) SEC. HAGEL: I'll take my part of your question. As to the peace process, as I noted in my comments, we support that effort. We support the Colombian government in that effort. It's not the United States's role to get involved in the specifics of the negotiating terms. That is really the Colombian government that has that responsibility. As I said, clearly, and I think President Obama has made this clear, as has Vice President Biden and others, it is important, we believe, in the interests of everyone, that peace process continue. And we support the process and we support the Colombian government. MIN. PINZON: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) Q: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) MIN. PINZON: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) (UNKNOWN): (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) Q: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) And, Mr. Secretary, how does getting Colombia to participate in U.N. international missions advance the national interests of the United States? And on Iraq, is Anbar province falling to ISIS? And what is the U.S. doing about it? MIN. PINZON: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) SEC. HAGEL: I didn't get any English translation to the second part of your question. I got Spanish translation. Q: OK. So the first part was on how getting Colombia to participate in U.N. missions advance the national interests of the U.S. The second was on Anbar province (off mic)? SEC. HAGEL: The first part of your question was, how does -- say that again. Q: How does getting Colombia to send troops on UN peace missions advance the national interests (off mic)? SEC. HAGEL: That's the question? Well, first, the United States has always supported peacekeeping efforts of international bodies, in particular the United Nations. As I said in my answer to the previous question, threats today in the world are not indigenous to countries or borders or regions. The more stable the world, the more secure the world, the more prosperous the world, the better we all are for trade and commerce and possibilities. When there is unrest and instability and insecurity in the world, that reflects probably as much on the United States as it does anyone. We're engaged all over the world, working with partners, involved in institutions and relationships. To have countries like Colombia stepping up and showing the kind of leadership that Colombia has shown, with the kind of capacity, capability, training that they have is a huge asset to the world, to the United Nations, and would be very important American interests around the world. Q: (off mic) SEC. HAGEL: Your question was? Q: (off mic) SEC. HAGEL: Is it falling? Well, I think you know the details on where it is specifically today. Anbar province is in trouble. We know that. The United States and coalition partners are helping and assisting the Iraqi security forces, Peshmerga, the Kurds. As I have said, the president has said, all of our senior officials have said, this is a difficult effort. It is going to take time. It won't be easy. So, yes, there is a lot of uncertainty in Anbar right now. Thanks. (UNKNOWN): (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) Q: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, you said yesterday that you wanted to see Turkey do a train and equip mission. It appears now that they are going to do something like that. Can you say what you think they're going to do or how this might look, or if the details aren't worked out yet, what is it you'd like to see them do? How would you like to see them participate in this way? And do you think you'll get equal success on your request for (off mic) basing? SEC. HAGEL: As you may know, CENTCOM and EUCOM will jointly be sending a group to Turkey next week to work with the Turks on what the Turks are willing to do, can do, what we would like them to do, certainly train and assist, the specifics that go with train and assist, locations, contributions. Trainers will be part of that conversation. As I said yesterday, basing rights will be helpful and important. And I'm sure there will be a wide scope and range of discussions with the Turks during those meetings following on General Allen's meetings over there yesterday about different ways the Turks can contribute and will contribute to the coalition's efforts to degrade ISIL and stop ISIL. Q: You said locations, do you mean where they will train... (CROSSTALK) SEC. HAGEL: Training... Q: ...in Turkey? SEC. HAGEL: Well, you asked me different possibilities. And what I said was part of those discussions will include how far Turkey is willing to go with commitments. Certainly one of those questions will be, would they be willing to provide training locations? As you know, Saudi Arabia has already committed. And we have other countries that have offered sites as well. (UNKNOWN): (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) MIN. PINZON: (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) Mr. Secretary, thanks a lot. SEC. HAGEL: Thanks. (Applause.) | |
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B.L. Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded a $33,266,360 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a 14,500 square foot secure facility containing administrative offices, an operations center, and data center in the proposed 2d Infantry Division headquarters. Work will be performed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2016. The Republic of Korea is funding the project. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East, is the contracting activity (W912UM-15-C-0002).
Orbital Sciences Corp., Chandler, Arizona, is being awarded a $27,682,618 firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive, cost-plus-fixed fee contract for the procurement of seven full rate production 8 GQM-163A Coyote Supersonic Sea Skimming Target base vehicles, including the associated hardware, kits and production support for the U.S. Navy (3) and the government of Japan (4). Work will be performed in Chandler, Arizona (71 percent); Camden, Arkansas (24 percent); Vergennes, Vermont (3 percent); and Hollister, California (2 percent); and is expected to be completed in June 2017. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($13,702,617; 50 percent) and the government of Japan ($13,980,001; 50 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Fiscal 2014 weapons procurement (Navy) and foreign military sales funds in the amount of $27,682,618 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-15-C-0009).
Festo Didactic Inc., Farmingdale, New Jersey, is being awarded an $11,099,361 firm-fixed-price contract to procure training devices in support of 20 technical training laboratories for the government of Oman under the Foreign Military Sales program. The devices include mechanical, hydraulics, pneumatics, piping, pumps, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), radar, sonar, and various other training devices. In addition, this contract procures associated consumables, training, and warranty requirements in support of the training laboratories. Work will be performed in Quebec, Canada (60 percent); Farmingdale, New Jersey (35 percent); Cambridgeshire, England (3 percent); and Muscat, Oman (2 percent); and is expected to be completed in June 2020. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $11,099,361 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-4. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting office (N61340-15-C-0001).
Atlas North America LLC, Virginia Beach, Virginia, is being awarded an $8,022,044 firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity requirements contract for depot level repair, maintenance, modifications, engineering services and spare parts for the AN/ASQ-232 Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) to support the Navy for the currently deployed Airborne Mine Countermeasures legacy systems. The AMNS provides neutralization of shallow and deep-water mines located by the AN/AQS-24A Mine Detecting Set, and/or other mine countermeasures assets. The system is used by Navy ships and helicopters. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $43,294,929. Work will be performed in Panama City Beach, Florida (60 percent); Bahrain (25 percent); Virginia Beach, Virginia (10 percent); South Korea (2.5 percent); and Japan (2.5 percent); and is expected to be completed by October 2015. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Florida, is the contracting activity (N61331-15-D-0002).
U.S. Foods, Port Orange Division, Port Orange, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $312,584,084 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for prime vendor subsistence support. This contract was a competitive acquisition and five offers were received. This is a two-year base contract with one one-year option and one two-year option periods. Location of performance is Florida with an Oct. 9, 2016, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-15-D-3104).
Tulsa Dental Products LLC, doing business as Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been awarded a maximum $15,237,110 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for dental and medical items and accessories. This contract was a competitive acquisition and 58 offers were received. This is a five-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Oklahoma with an Oct. 9, 2019, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DH-15-D-0001).
Bell Helicopter, Hurst, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $7,637,586 firm-fixed-price contract for aircraft transmission masts. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a 43-month base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Texas with an Apr. 30, 2018, performance completion date. Using country is Taiwan. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2015 foreign military sales funding. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (W58RGZ-12-G-0001-THG8).
KaVo Dental Technologies LLC, Charlotte, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $6,600,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for dental and medical items and accessories. This contract was a competitive acquisition and 61 offers were received. This is a five-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is North Carolina with an Oct. 9, 2019, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DH-15-D-0002).
By Cheryl Pellerin
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2014 - TRICARE has delayed until April a 46-percent reduction in the reimbursement level for some autism services while it awaits the results of an independent assessment of the prevailing rate for the services, defense officials said today.
The reduced reimbursement rate -- for one-on-one therapy with a board-certified behavior analyst for those with autism spectrum disorder -- was one of several program changes scheduled to go into effect Oct. 20 as TRICARE implements its new Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration, or Autism Care Demo.
On Sept. 19, after the Defense Department published related changes to the TRICARE Operations Manual, providers and beneficiaries raised issues.
Rand Corp. independent analysis
On Oct. 8, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Jonathan Woodson directed that the rate change be postponeduntil April 20, 2015, while RAND Corp. completes an independent analysis of prevailing rates for the service.
TRICARE will continue to pay the previous rate of $125 an hour for one-on-one therapy with a board-certified behavior analyst rather than the new $68-per-hour rate. Defense officials say the new Autism Care Demo does not cut applied behavior analysis benefits.
The new TRICARE Autism Care Demo began July 25 and replaces current applied behavior analysis benefits with one simple program, according to the TRICARE website.
TRICARE-covered services
TRICARE covers the following services under the basic applied behavior analysis benefit, and a TRICARE-authorized board-certified behavior analyst must provide the services:
-- An initial applied behavior analysis assessment and treatment plan;
-- Direct one-on-one applied behavior analysis services;
-- Supervision of subordinate applied behavior analysis providers;
-- An updated applied behavior analysis treatment plan and updates; and
-- Training of family members or caregivers.
According to TRICARE, those who already have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and now receive applied behavior analysis will not lose coverage and will automatically move to the new program by Dec. 31.
Those who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after July 25 will receive current benefits under the Autism Care Demo byDec. 31. Beneficiaries should contact their regional or plan contractor for information about how to get started.
What's new?
What's new about the Autism Care Demo is that there is one benefit -- everyone gets the same applied behavior analysis benefits. The demo also expands the time period allowed for testing. Beneficiaries have a year to get the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 assessment, if it is needed.
The new demo has no maximums, also called caps. There is no $36,000 annual cap, no lifetime cap and no maximum age for benefits.
The demo also has simplified diagnostic criteria. For example, specialized autism spectrum disorder diagnosing providers can waive the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 requirement.
These specialized providers are board-certified or board-eligible in behavioral developmental pediatrics, neurodevelopmental pediatrics, pediatric neurology, adult or child psychiatry, or licensed clinical psychology at the doctoral level.
Expanded assessment options
The new demo also offers expanded progress assessment options. Board-certified behavior analysts can choose the assessment tool or other metric to measure progress.
Under the new Autism Care Demo, beneficiary costs for applied behavior analysis will not increase, the TRICARE website says. A beneficiary's plan and type of provider used determine how much such services cost.
To see a board-certified behavior analyst who has a master's degree or higher, active-duty family members with TRICARE Prime would pay nothing. Active-duty family members with TRICARE Standard or Extra and TRICARE Reserve Select would pay 15 percent of the cost for an in-network provider and 20 percent for an out-of-network provider.
To see a board-certified behavior analyst who has a master's degree or higher, retired family members with TRICARE Prime would pay a $12 copay. Retired family members with TRICARE Standard or Extra and TRICARE Retired Reserve would pay 20 percent for an in-network provider and 25 percent for an out-of-network provider.
Non-active-duty family members who see a board-certified assistant behavior analyst or a behavior technician will continue to pay a 10-percent cost share for supervised applied behavior analysis. Active-duty family members will continue to pay their extended health care option enrollment fee for the same services.
By Amaani Lyle
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2014 - When Gladys Brignoni was a young girl, she and her family considered their hometown of San Juan a relatively "cosmopolitan" part of Puerto Rico, where life was simple, but poverty was common, she said.
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And today, in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month --observed Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 -- now-Dr. Gladys Brignoni, deputy commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's Force Readiness Command based at Norfolk, Virginia, shared her story of overcoming linguistic, cultural and economic barriers to emerge successfully as a leader.
"Back in the '70s when I was growing up in Puerto Rico, we talked some English in the schools, but the reality is we learned little songs," she recalled. "I vividly remember one of those songs, 'Pollito, chicken; gallina, hen; lapis, pencil; y pluma, pen!'"
Moving from Puerto Rico to Indiana
With limited knowledge of English and the promise of a better life, Brignoni's family later moved to a small farm town in Indiana where nobody spoke Spanish. As a teenager there, Brignoni recounted the pressure to avoid standing out. She questioned her parents why they wanted to come to Indiana.
Brignoni said her parents told her Indiana was a place of education and opportunity that she'd grow to appreciate.
"I had many obstacles growing up there, but I realize that they were right," she said. "It was tough, but it helped me shape who I am today and helped me understand how important it is, whether Hispanic or whatever ethnicity you are, the value of diversity."
That viewpoint, Brignoni said, led to her earning a PhD in education.
A call to serve
"Being in academia was wonderful," she said, "but I didn't feel like I was giving back to this country."
She then went to work for the Peace Corps. But during that time, 9/11 occurred, and like many Americans, her sense of patriotism intensified.
So when a civilian opportunity arose in the Defense Department, she accepted. She continued to grow and challenge herself, ultimately landing a position as a senior executive service member with the Department of Homeland Security, where her mission is to prepare the Coast Guard's workforce through training, education and tactics, techniques and procedures.
"Because we're a smaller service, it's kind of more like a family and it's really rewarding working with such a talented group of individuals," Brignoni said.
She emphasized that her Hispanic heritage is a valuable asset that enhances an organization's effectiveness and teamwork.
"It doesn't matter where you come from; you bring in a different perspective," Brignoni said. "As a manager, as a leader or supervisor, you've got to be able to help that individual grow."
She noted she carries her father's story as a reminder of the importance of education and self-improvement. Her father experienced such poverty in Rincon, Puerto Rico, that just four of his 10 siblings survived beyond childhood.
"Nobody was educated and I remember my father always telling me that I have to get educated in order to do better for myself and my family," Brignoni said.
Diversity is an important asset
Today, she asserts that diversity remains the military's most-significant asset and also noted the virtues in diversity of thought.
"If you come from Puerto Rico, any other country, or even different parts of the United States, there is a value in what you bring and we need to help leverage that," Brignoni said.
Engaging the workforce, showing them they have merit and encouraging different perspectives can be challenging but is ultimately worthwhile, she said.
"As Hispanics, we have a lot of value that sometimes perhaps we forget," Brignoni said. "If you're different you challenge us to think differently, and we can benefit from that."
Her advice to her military family and others aside from the pursuit of respect, education and teamwork is simple: "Always push yourself and be proud of your heritage."
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus hosted a ship-naming ceremony today to announce that SSN 793, a Virginia-class attack submarine, will bear the name USS Oregon.
"Sailors and Marines, like the citizens of Oregon throughout history, are pioneers. They are explorers who are looking willingly toward the unknown, wanting to know what is out over the horizon," said Mabus. "As we sail deeper into the 21st century, it is time for another USS Portland and another USS Oregon; time to keep those storied names alive in our Navy and Marine Corps." Mabus told the crowd SSN 793 will be the third naval ship to bear the name Oregon. The first was a brig largely used for exploration prior to the Civil War. The second was a battleship (BB-3) best known for its roles in the Spanish American War, where it helped destroy Admiral Cervera's fleet, and in the Philippine-American War, where it performed blockade duty in Manila Bay and off Lingayen Gulf, served as a station ship, and aided in the capture of Vigan. "Oregon holds a special place in the heart the Navy not just because of its long history here, but also because of shared values, those of environmental consciousness, community and heritage," Mabus said. "From our Navy and Marine Corps units who visit for the Rose Festival every year, to the former sailors and Marines who make their homes here and carry on as community leaders and citizens. The partnership between Oregon and our Navy and Marine Corps is strong." These submarines will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; mine delivery and minefield mapping. They are also designed for special forces delivery and support. Each Virginia-class submarine weighs 7,800 tons, is 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. It is built with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. The submarine will be built in partnership between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding and will be delivered by Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut. USS Portland will be a San Antonio-class landing platform dock. It will support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions by transporting and landing Marines, their equipment and supplies by conventional aircraft, helicopter or vertical take off and landing aircraft. |
