Department of Defense Press Briefing by Lt. Gen. Terry in the Pentagon Briefing Room

REAR ADM. JOHN KIRBY: Good morning, everybody.

I won't make this long, but I wanted to welcome Lieutenant General James Terry, the commander of the Combined Joint Task Force, Operation Inherent Resolve, our anti-ISIL efforts. I want to welcome him to the briefing room. This is his first briefing in this new command with you all, and we're delighted to have him here.

We're going to keep this to 30 minutes. The general has a short opening statement. I will be moderating from over here, calling on you. Please, when I do call on you, identify who you are and who you're with before you ask your question, so that the general knows who he is talking to. And I would ask you to please limit follow-ups if you can so that we can get through as many people as possible.

So again, we've got 30 minutes from the time -- from the time we start.

 Thank you.

 With that, general?

 LT. GEN. JAMES TERRY: Thanks, John.

 Good morning, everyone, and happy holidays to each of you out there.

 As many of you may know, we recently established the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. It's a headquarters of more than a 40-nation coalition that is designed to integrate our collective military capabilities to defeat ISIL, or as I have picked up in the regional vernacular "Daesh".

 The fact that we have so many nations united in this mission I think is really significant. Various countries will contribute national capabilities on different timelines. The strength of this team is in our common purpose. And what unites us is a strong resolve to combat this threat.

 Daesh is why we are here. Daesh uses terror and fear to dominate people and reward themselves. It has demonstrated time and time again a disregard for life and humanity. It has also openly stated intentions to apply its trademark barbaric methods not only regionally, but globally as well.

 While we recognize the ruthlessness and capability of this enemy, we also realize that the strategic advantage and tremendous strength of the coalition will ultimately lead to the defeat of Daesh. The Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve is a subordinate command of CENTCOM under General Lloyd Austin and we have three foundational priorities.

 First, we will contribute to build and maintain the coalition. The Combined Joint Task Force provides an organizing framework that is designed to synchronize and integrate capabilities and amplify our efforts. Forty-plus nations contributing to this effort provide a strategic advantage through which we intend to harness the collective strength of all those that are involved.

 Second, as a coalition, we will relentlessly pursue Daesh in order to degrade and destroy its capabilities and defeat their efforts. Up to this point, we have conducted more than 1,300 airstrikes. In fact, I just checked before coming in. It's 1,361. Many of you may be following recent events from two nights ago in support of Iraqi security force operations around Sinjar and Zumar -- 53 precision strikes that have resulted in allowing those forces to maneuver and regain approximately 100 square kilometers of ground.

 Combined efforts like these are having a significant effect on Daesh's ability to command and control, to resupply, and to conduct maneuvering. We will continue to be persistent in this regard and we will strike Daesh at every possible opportunity.

 Also the coalition will work to deny Daesh safe haven and to deny sanctuary. We will do this not only through precision strikes, but also by enabling our partners to expand their footprint and expand their influence, remove the opportunities for Daesh to manipulate youth, harm citizens, deny basic services and recruit fighters.

 The key is assisting the government of Iraq in improving their security forces, which, after 16 military combat operations are regaining their confidence and proving more capable every day.

 While several places remain contested, Iraqi security forces have retaken many critical areas. Examples include Mosul Dam, Haditha, Baiji, Muthanna, Karma, Rabiya and Zumar.

 That leads us to our third priority. As a part of the broader diplomatic, intelligence, military and economic effort, the coalition will enable regional partner security. Iraqi security forces must be a capable force, one that can restore Iraq's sovereign borders, retake territory from Daesh, and secure the Iraqi people.

 An offensively minded and trained security force backed by an inclusive government of Iraq is the key to future stability.

 As you know we have been authorized an additional 1,500 U.S. personnel. They will serve in noncombat roles to support additional advise-and-assist requirements, and the building capacity partner effort.

 In addition, we anticipate coalition contributions that should produce at least an additional 1,500 personnel in these efforts.

 We're seeing initial successes in this fight. My assessment is that Daesh has been halted in transitioning to the defense and is attempting to hold what they currently have. You will see some local counterattacks in that regard.

 There will be challenges down the road that will require patience. The government of Iraq understands the great threat they face, and they are resolved to defeat it.

 The combined joint task force represents what I believe is a new chapter of what I assess will be a successful campaign to bring the coalition's power to bear and ultimately lead to the defeat of Daesh.

 Thanks for your attention, and I will now take your questions.

 Q: General, thanks for doing this. Lita Baldor with the Associated Press.

 I'm wondering if you could explain a little bit more about some of the coalition forces you expect to be coming in. Do you -- are you looking for more than 1,500? And when do you expect to see some of those forces start to move in?

 And, although Iran isn't, obviously, one of those coalition forces, can you talk a little bit about what you are seeing from Iran's air operation? Is it consistent? Is it sporadic? And is it a help?

 GEN. TERRY: Let me get started with the coalition. Part of the coalition is obviously already there, so the 1,500 in addition that I'm speaking to are additional capabilities in a relationship to advise and assist in the build partner capacity side.

 And so, what we -- what we will look at then is how we balance those capabilities as the -- as the coalition comes in, in relationship to the requirements that we see in Iraqi security forces, where we have to advise and assist, and where we need to create some of that additional capability in those forces so that over time they become increasingly capable.

 As you heard me discuss there, I think the key to success out there will be increasing the capabilities of Iraqi security forces, and combining that with an inclusive government. I think that's the key to success down the road. At least, it leads to stability inside of Iraq.

 I see the same reports you see on Iran. Obviously, Iran has interest in Iraq. I don't think any of us deny that.

 What I would tell you is that all of my activities are focused on Daesh and that I coordinate those activities by, with, and through the minister of defense and his offices in Iraq. So I don't -- I don't directly coordinate with anyone outside the coalition in Iraq.

 ADM. KIRBY: Jamie?

 Q: Jaime McIntyre with Al Jazeera America.

 Two quick questions.

 One is, is there any way to quantify how much ground has been retaken from the ISIL rebels?

 And then a more broad question, we're told that the key to -- to Iraqi forces standing up and fighting is for them to feel that their government is more inclusive and less corrupt. Can you give us any idea of what the progress on that is?

 And also, can you explain this new name that you've given ISIL?

 GEN. TERRY: Daesh is a -- it's a term that our partners in the Gulf use, and in fact, it's -- it's -- it speaks a name that's very close to ISIL in -- in Arabic, and it also speaks to another name that means to crush underneath the foot.

 And so, you know, it's -- it's a regional acronym for -- for Daesh. And I would just say that our partners, at least the ones that I work with, ask us to use that, because they feel that if you use ISIL, that you legitimize a self-declared caliphate, and it actually -- they feel pretty strongly that we should not be doing that.

 So I'll slip back and forth every now and then, ISIL or -- or Daesh.

 I apologize. The other piece is?

 Q: So is there any way to quantify how much ground has been retaken, or territories were retaken? And what about progress on more inclusive government?

 GEN. TERRY: Yeah.

 I would -- I would say the -- the way I look at the progress is more in line with the effects that we're -- we're having against Daesh.

 As -- as an example, we are not seeing a broad offensive movement like we saw in May and June and even into July. I mean, we've -- my headquarters has -- has really been there since about the July timeframe and moving to a CJTF later in the September-October timeframe.

 And so that broad offensive becomes important to Daesh as they try to gain territory and populations for the caliphate, the self-declared caliphate. And so what that allows them to do then is message, and that's one of the things that they do well. I think we're all familiar with that.

 And they do it in two ways: It becomes attractive to some populations out there, so that they can recruit, and I think the -- we know they intentionally do it then to create some fear inside the minds and the perceptions of some of these populations.

 And so a large part of countering that ability to message is the fact that, you know, broadly, I see them as transitioning to the defensive piece of this.

 You will see some local counterattacks, and again, some of these areas will be contested. Again, I would just say it takes some patience as we continue to build the Iraqi security forces out there.

 And then there -- as a transition like this, it provides an opportunity for Iraqi security forces specifically to become more offensive in nature that now starts to uncover Daesh and certain capabilities and allows us to strike them.

 So I would just broadly characterize it as that and say I think they're having a hard time in terms of communicating right now, in terms of resupply.

 And we're seeing indications -- you -- can go to the social media and see some of the stuff that's coming out of places like Mosul in relationship to the inability of the self-declared caliphate to govern populations out there.

 Q: General, I wonder if you could talk a little bit about Mosul. There were reports that Iraqi forces want to take Mosul sooner rather than later. What's your estimate when the Iraqi forces can retake Mosul? What will the U.S. element be on the ground? General Dempsey's talked about JTACs. And also, you said several places are still contested. What are those places?

 GEN. TERRY: Okay, that's about four questions. So my Georgia public education -- let me start with Mosul. And that -- specifically, you want to know about conditions inside Mosul or --

 Q: When do you think Iraqi forces can retake it? What will the U.S. role be may be --

 GEN. TERRY: Right.

 Q: -- maybe on the ground?

 GEN. TERRY: We -- we continually, you know, 24/7 work -- work with the Iraqi security forces. A large part of that goes into the planning, but also part of the planning has to be how you generate force to do operations.

 Up -- up -- up to this point, the Iraqi security forces have been challenged with continual redistribution of forces out there, is I guess is the best way to say it.

 So now how do you get into a place where you can generate some capability, pull some units back so that you can make them better, and then now start to put those against operations down the road in a more campaign plan like fashion.

 I don't want to disclose any timelines, but certainly I think part of the build partner capacity effort that we're doing right now will certainly play into resourcing those capabilities and move the Iraqi security forces forward. Two places, not -- not just Mosul, but, you know, you ask about contested places. There are places in Anbar that are certainly contested.

 The reports I'm seeing certainly indicate places like Ramadi are contested. The center of Ramadi is, I think, is being cleared and secured in a lot of ways by the Iraqi security forces, but the east and the northeast part of it still contested as an example.

 We have some contested places in and around Baiji right now. I think we can expect that as -- especially as Iraqi security forces continue to conduct some more of these offenses operations and -- and Daesh's ability then to -- to counter that at the tactical level will create some of the contested spots.

 Q: Phil Stewart with Reuters. Quickly, how -- when do you think that 1,500 U.S. force, additional forces will be in place?

 And -- and on the issue of National Guard, I heard a report this morning -- I don't know if it's true -- but describing fears that that plan is, you know, entirely on hold, that it wasn't going to stall entirely. What -- what are you -- what's your estimation about the national guard plan?

 GEN. TERRY: Still 1,500 Iraqi national guard. The -- the -- the 1,500 I think we'll start see flowing in a, you know, couple of weeks. But what -- what you need to understand is we're not -- we're not waiting on those 1,500. We've actually used some of the forces and capabilities that are there, like the regional force from the army and the special purpose MAGTF that's there in the region. That's what they're there for, provides General Austin a lot of flexibility to react, a lot of operations like we're seeing up in Iraq.

 So, they are starting to move forward and have moved forward in many cases to make sure that we are preparing the -- the sites out there. We've got the -- we've got the legislation moving through that gives us authorities to train. And we want to be ready, and I -- we certainly will be as the Iraqis now start to designate in a deliberate way which units now will go to those partner capacity sites, either pull them out of the line somewhere or creating new capabilities out there.

 Second question again? Guard?

 (CROSSTALK)

 GEN. TERRY: National guard, again, as many of you realize, we've got this initial tribal 5,000-bridging strategy that the Department of State is working directly. And of course, all these activities go through the government of Iraq. So we've got the initial 5,000 started; 250 trained and contracted; more coming to do that. And again, this is Iraqis.

 We -- we participate with the Iraqi security forces in training them on how to train, you know, this initial tranche of capability there. That's important because for this program to be successful, I've firmly assessed that it has to be done by the government of Iraq.

 Now, over time, then, there are several versions of legislation, as I understand it. I talked to Ambassador Jones last -- the 14th, before departing. There are several versions of that language that have to go before their council of representatives to be approved. But I am -- I'm optimistic that it is going to go through. There are many that see this as a way to not only bring those tribes back in, the national guard piece, but also to bring some of those ungovernable militias back in also.

 Q: General, thanks for your time this morning.

 I was hoping you could clarify how airstrikes are being conducted without any JTACs on the ground in most cases. And also how you assess civilian casualties in those cases, if at all.

 GEN. TERRY: Let me -- let me start with the civilian casualty piece. You know, the coalition is really very deliberate about how it conducts strikes out there. We -- we have some great capability in terms of precision. What's in the balance here if you're not careful is you can be precisely wrong. You could strike, you know, tribes. You could strike Iraqi security forces. And you could create a very bad situation.

 To date, we've got a very good record. I am tracking no civilian casualties. Where we -- if we even suspect civilian casualties, we would immediately direct investigation, determine the cause, and then seek to understand the lessons learned from that and apply those lessons learned. So, that's the -- the civilian casualty piece of this, and again, a very, very deliberate process.

 And the second question?

 Q: How you're working without the JTACs.

 GEN. TERRY: So, it kind of reminds me of back when I was a lieutenant and a captain. And it starts with a good operational scheme of maneuver on the part of the Iraqi security forces. What that helps you do, then, is to understand the concept of control measures and graphics on a map. It allows us then to track Iraqi security forces and understand where they are.

 And we have capability in the form of ISR platforms that we can actually, with that understanding of where Iraqi security forces are, can actually see -- see Daesh's capabilities on the ground. What we have done through our advise and assist teams, and again, these are typically at the operation centers, as an example, the Baghdad Operations Center or the Jazeera Operations Center, you know, as might be an example down the road, or with some of these division headquarters that are out there. But, certainly, they're backing something we call the combined joint operations center, which is at MOD. And we also have another one that works up in Irbil.

 And so, we bring the right people into that to actually help us identify units, and then what we call deconflict of fires and the clearance of fires, so there are Iraqis in the process when we do all this.

 (CROSSTALK)

 Q: Thanks.

 General, Justin Fishel, with Fox News.

 (CROSSTALK)

 Q: So, why hasn't the vetting process of the Syrian rebels begun now, three months into this? And does the U.S. would consider the Kurds to be its allies? And if not -- if so, why not arm, do more to arm them directly?

 GEN. TERRY: So, the Syria train-and-equip piece is what you're specifically asking?

 Q: Yeah, that's the first part.

 GEN. TERRY: You know, I think part of that has been, this one is not cleanly in my lane, and I'd -- well, I'll have to punch you back up to CENTCOM in some ways here.

 There is -- you may be aware, there's a separate task force being established to actually handle the train-and-equip peace. I would just tell you, I think a large part of that has been getting the legislation right to get the authorities and the funding to do a lot of -- a lot of what you're talking about.

 Q: And, the Kurds, are they U.S. allies? And why not do more to arm them directly?

 GEN. TERRY: Again, I'd have, I would have to defer you back up to State and back up to CENTCOM on that particular one. They are considered our allies, and I think in a lot of ways we are enabling them. When you look at the strikes have been going on in places like Kobani and some of the other places, I'm pretty comfortable that we are supporting them right now.

 Q: Hi, Missy Ryan, Washington Post.

 (CROSSTALK)

 Q: Hi, thanks for being here.

 Just two quick questions. On the airstrikes in Syria, could you just give us an update on what's going on with the Khorasan Group? There was a spate of airstrikes against them, and there hasn't been for a while. Are they effectively a debilitated organization?

 And, secondly, you mentioned the bridging strategy with the 5,000 tribesmen, and 250 trained. Can you give us any additional detail on that? Who's doing the training? Where are these people being drawn from? And when you say 5,000, what does that mean? Are those people who have been identified, but not yet trained?

 Thanks.

 GEN. TERRY: So, Syria first?

 Okay. The Khorasan Group was your question.

 Q: Yes.

 GEN. TERRY: Okay. My focus is Daesh, and where we find violent extremist organizations, we will -- we'll continue to work that effort in terms of precision strikes.

 I -- I hesitate to give you any type of affect achieved on those groups out there. Whenever we do that, we always wind up with them re-creating themselves someplace and creating problems for us.

 And, again, my principal focus in Syria is to, while we are working Iraq first, is to make sure that we shape that deeper fight out of there in terms of sanctuary in some places, in places like Raqqa, so that it has an enduring effect on what we're doing in Iraq also.

 Second question was?

 Q: If you could just give us any additional details, and who's training, who they're training -- who the trainees are.

 GEN. TERRY: The -- and, again, these -- this gets executed through the government of Iraq.

 There is -- as we see the ISF conducting operations, not -- not only in -- in Anbar but in some of the places in Salah al-Din, as an example, and Nineveh. A lot of these tribal members are wanting to come together and participate.

 And so how the Iraqi government pulls those in over time, like I said, is going to be -- going to be pretty critical.

 And I -- and, you know, exactly what their approach is in relationship to that, they're trying to link it to assert the campaign plan in relationship to a concept of operations.

 And so I'd -- in terms of sequencing that, I'd like to not answer that, because we might probably give away some -- some capabilities there.

 ADM. KIRBY: Tony, go ahead.

 Q: Sir. Hey. Tony Capaccio with Bloomberg News.

 What heavy weapons does the Iraqi security force need that they don't have now?

 Apparently, you mentioned this to Secretary Hagel when he was there last week. Did he articulate what they needed? What's your understanding of what they need, what they don't have now to pursue major offensives.

 GEN. TERRY: Yeah -- and again, I'll -- I'll answer it. I'd defer you for further question to the Office of Security Cooperation who works that particular challenge there.

 One of the things that we're trying to do is we get in certain places then and advise and assist, is how do we now get an advise-and-assist team that starts to look at what you actually have on hand in relationship to getting visibility of those heavy weapons and capabilities that are out there.

 A large part, I think, of their challenge there right now is -- is repairing what they actually have on hand. And my -- my -- my kind of basic answer to you is we're going to -- we're going to try to help them baseline that, especially as they -- as they start to bring units into these build partner capacity sites and then give them a little bit more accurate picture of potentially what they need out there.

 Q: Okay. So bottom line is they don't really know what they need to think they do, but you're going to help them decide what they need.

 GEN. TERRY: We're going to help them see themselves in this effort, and then let them determine them.

 Again, we work with the ministry of defense directly. We'll give him an assessment and let them determine what it is that they need.

 Thank you.

 Q: General Jim Miklaszewski with NBC News.

 What progress, if any, is being made in the reawakening of the Sunni awakening? Are -- are any of those Sunni tribal leaders being convinced that the Iraqi government that they felt betrayed them is now an alternative to ISIS control?

 And -- and is that absolutely key to defeating ISIS in Iraq, to have the participation of those Sunni tribes that were so critical in war in Iraq in U.S. operations there?

 GEN. TERRY: Jim, I hesitate to call it an awakening. I would just tell you that the -- the tribal piece of this I -- I think is coming around, and we see more and more of it everyday.

 The difference between now and then is that the government of Iraq is in charge of the program, and I think that is an essential point in relationship to the future.

 And so I see a lot of opportunity out there, especially as the ISF conduct operations in places like Anbar, for the government of Iraq to -- to reach out and contact some of these tribal elements and some of the tribal fighters that you're very familiar with and then bring them back into the side of the government of Iraq.

 Q: Initially, though, they were reluctant to rejoin -- to create any alliance with Baghdad, which they felt had betrayed them.

 Can you somehow quantify in any way the progress that may or may not be being made?

 GEN. TERRY: Let me back up a little bit -- just remind everyone here that, you know, this -- this current government is I think a little over 100 days old. And they've started several initiatives out there, one of which is this kind of tribal outreach, tribal engagement; one of which is this national guard piece that they're trying to move the legislation through the council of representatives to do that.

 I would just way that what -- what I see in relationship to bringing some of those tribes around that I think is going to be important to not just the fight, but long -- long-term enduring stability, that the conditions are getting better for that every day. I see the current prime minister at least moving in that direction and we'll continue to support them and encourage them to bring the rest of those that want to come to the side of the government of Iraq, support them to bring those around.

 ADM. KIRBY: We're going to take a couple more.

 Joe?

 Q: General, this is Joe Tabet with Alhurra.

 Four months of airstrikes against Daesh, and that group is still in control of large parts of Syria and also in Iraq. When do you think your mission will reach a turning point in the fight against Daesh? And also, how do you assess Daesh influence along the Syrian-Lebanese border?

 GEN. TERRY: Okay. I -- I would just tell you, I think we're in, you know, some patience in relationship to turning Daesh. They have proved to be resilient. And again, as I look at it from a military standpoint, you know, the first -- the first strikes were, what, 8 August? And so this is December. What's that? Four months.

 I think we've made significant progress in halting that offensive that I talked about, the ability for them to continue to expand, you know, in terms of terrain and geography out there. I think what we must do, especially inside of Iraq, is continue to build those capabilities. I think you're at least talking a minimum of three years.

 Now, that -- that doesn't mean we haven't started turning Daesh in a certain direction. And that's going to be the power of the coalition. Not only from a military perspective, but how do you apply all those elements of -- of national power, along from the different nations, along those lines of effort that have been laid out out there.

 So I hesitate to give you a time, but I'll show up in six months and you'll ask me why we haven't gotten there. I think a lot of it, I see the conditions for it right now being set for a pretty stable environment, but I still think we're, in terms of building some of the capabilities that are required there, probably about three years down the road minimum.

 Q: (inaudible) what about the Daesh influence along the Syrian-Lebanese border?

 GEN. TERRY: The Syrian-Lebanese border? You know, certainly Daesh has a desire to expand. I am not -- I'll have to get back to you on that one. In terms of influence, you're talking ability to enter and exit Lebanon or influence the population? Or specifically, what are you asking?

 Q: They do exist along the border.

 GEN. TERRY: On the border -- right.

 Q: Since your mission is to defeat Daesh anywhere. Will you be willing to strike them in that area?

 GEN. TERRY: Inside Syria, where we see Daesh, and we have an ability to target them, we will conduct precision strikes.

 ADM. KIRBY: Last -- and one last question. Gopal.

 Q: Gopal Ratnum reporter with Foreign Policy Magazine.

 During a visit of Secretary Hagel, one of the things that the Iraqi prime minister asked was an increase in air strikes. And just yesterday, there was a big spike in the number of strikes that were reported by the task force. Why is the Iraqi prime minister asking for more air strikes? And is that something now that you're agreeing that they do indeed need more air strikes?

 GEN. TERRY: I -- I would have to ask you to ask the prime minister that question in relationship to -- to why he's asking. My answer to it would be simply this, when the Iraqi security forces plan operations, conduct those operations, we plan to support them, as I've described here today in -- in terms of delivering those precision fires.

 And again, we're very conscious of any collateral damage, civilian casualties. And again, I -- my assessment is we've been very effective in delivering those fires. And I think we've -- I think we've got it just about right. The key here is building the capability inside the Iraqi security forces, give them an offensive mind set, and we'll continue to strike and be effective.

 ADM. KIRBY: Okay, everybody, that's all the time we've got.

 GEN. TERRY: Thanks.

DOD CONTRACTS

 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

 

Meridian Medical Technologies, Columbia, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $129,537,132 modification (P00102) exercising the fourth option year to one-year base contract SPM2DP-11-D-0002 with four one-year option periods for nerve agent antidotes in auto-injectors. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Maryland and Missouri with aDec. 31, 2015, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 war-stopper funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 

Berg Manufacturing, Inc.,* Spokane, Washington (SPRDL1-15-D-0005); Sea Box, Inc.,* Cinnaminson, New Jersey (SPRDL1-15-D-0006); and Maloy Mobile Storage, Inc.,* Albuquerque, New Mexico (SPRDL1-15-D-0007), have each been awarded a maximum $12,637,500 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, against solicitation SPRDL1-13-R-0170, for the procurement of shipping and storage containers. These contracts were competitive acquisitions and seven offers were received. These are five-year contracts with no option year periods. Locations of performance are Washington, New Jersey, and New Mexico with a Dec. 17, 2019, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan.
 

General Dynamics-OTS, Inc., Williston, Vermont, has been awarded a maximum $9,280,639 firm-fixed-price contract for turret assemblies. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a 39-month base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Vermont, with an April 30, 2018, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPRPA1-15-C-W020).
 

CORRECTION: An award to American Material Handling Inc., Watkinsville, Georgia, was made on Nov. 21, 2014. The contract number of SPE8EC-15-D-0002 was incorrect; the correct contract number is SPE8EC-15-D-0006.
 

NAVY

 

Core Tech-AMEC-SKEC, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded $96,616,619 for firm-fixed-price task order 0002 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62742-10-D-1307) for the construction of a hangar at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a reinforced concrete hangar consisting of an arched roof with a height at the center of the arch of approximately 75 feet. The facility will be able to withstand 170 mph typhoon winds and meet all seismic zone 4 earthquake criteria. Project includes all utilities, site work, heating ventilation and air conditioning, communications, fire suppression system, pavements, parking and demolition. Work will be performed in Yigo, Guam, and is expected to be completed by March 2017. Fiscal 2014 military construction (Air Force) contract funds in the amount of $96,616,619 are being obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
 

AEROFAB LLC, doing business as Ranger,* Springville, Indiana (N00164-15-D-GP69); Major Tool and Machine Inc.,* Indianapolis, Indiana (N00164-15-D-GP01); Chesapeake Machining and Fabrication Inc.,* Baltimore, Maryland (N00164-15-D-GP02); and Advex Corp.,* Hampton, Virginia (N00164-15-D-GP03), are being awarded a combined, aggregate, not-to-exceed $45,000,000 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to support machining and fabrication for various items supporting Strategic Systems programs. Contractors will have the opportunity to bid on each individual delivery order. Each contractor will be awarded $2,000 at time of contract award. Work will be performed at the respective contractors' facilities as task orders are awarded. Fiscal 2014 other procurement (Navy) and working capital funding in the amount of $47,368 will be obligated at time of award. Funds in the amount of $32,068 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with seven offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity.
 

Acuitus, Inc.,* Sunnyvale, California, is being awarded a $44,953,535 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for help desk information technology training in support of the Navy's Center for Information Dominance. These services include instructor and computer-based training classes and capstone events. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Florida, and is expected to be completed in December 2017. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance funds (Navy) in the amount of $9,661,689 are being obligated on this award, all 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 Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (N61340-15-D-0001).
 

Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, is being awarded $43,400,000 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of 14 AN/AAQ-30 target sight systems (TSS) and data to be integrated into U.S. Marine Corps Cobra attack helicopters. This integration is part of the U.S. Marine Corps H-1 upgrades program for the remanufacture of legacy aircraft with state of the art designs incorporated into the existing fleet of AH-1W's, converting them to AH-1Z. The AN/AAQ-30 TSS provides target identification and tracking, passive targeting for integrated weapons, including Hellfire missiles, and a laser designation capability supporting friendly laser-guided weapons. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (80 percent), and Ocala, Florida (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2017. Fiscal 2015 aircraft procurement (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $43,400,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured and was issued on a sole source basis in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1- only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-15-C-JQ29).
 

Insitu, Inc., Bingen, Washington, is being awarded a $41,076,746 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of three low rate initial production RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft systems. This award provides for the procurement of the air vehicles, ground control stations, launch and recovery equipment, initial spares, and system engineering and program management. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington, and is expected to be completed in January 2016. Fiscal 2014 procurement funds (Marine Corps) in the amount of $38,309,942 and fiscal 2015 research and development funds (Marine Corps) in the amount of $2,766,804 will be obligated at the time of 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-0033).
 

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is being awarded a $36,490,246 option under a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2109) for engineering and technical design services to support research and development of advanced submarine technologies. The contract provides for R&D studies to support the manufacturability, maintainability, producibility, reliability, manning, survivability, hull integrity, performance, structural, weight/margin, stability, arrangements, machinery systems, acoustics, hydrodynamics, ship control, logistics, human factors, materials, weapons handling and stowage, submarine safety, and affordability of submarines. The program also supports near term insertion of Virginia-class technology; identification of Ohio-class replacement technology options; future submarine concepts; and core technologies. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by October 2015. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation contract funds in the amount of $500,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, is being awarded a $28,434,872 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Integrated Communication and Information Systems Division. Services provided will support the design, integration, testing, installation, training, and certification of: shipboard command, control, communications, computers, & intelligence (C4I) electronic communication systems; like systems at shore sites associated with the deployment of fleet support to surface ships; and mobile and airborne C4I electronic communication systems designed to interface with the C4I electronic architecture of surface ships. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $3,700,000 will be obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an unrestricted request for proposals, with one offer received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-15-C-0008).
 

DZSP 21 LLC, Marlton, New Jersey, is being awarded $27,935,302 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N40192-13-C-3001) to exercise an option to extend services for base operations support services at Joint Region Marianas. The work to be performed provides for general management and administration services; public safety; port operations; ordnance; supply material management; facility management; facility investment; electrical; wastewater; steam; water; base support vehicles and equipment; and environmental. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $854,076,979. Work will be performed at various installations in the U.S. Territory of Guam, with work expected to be completed in April 2015. Fiscal 2015 working capital funds (Navy, Defense and transportation); fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy, Air Force, Army, Air National Guard and Defense agencies); fiscal 2015 family housing operation and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2015 Defense Health Program; and fiscal 2015 Defense Commissary Agency account contract funds contract funds in the amount of $23,263,256, are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity.
 

Raytheon Company Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $26,050,551 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for life cycle engineering and support services for LPD 17 class integrated shipboard electronic systems. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $132,122,998. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (90 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (4 percent); Pascagoula, Mississippi (2 percent); Mayport, Florida (2 Percent); and Japan (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2019. Fiscal 2008 and 2015 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); fiscal 2013 and 2015 other procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $1,023,000 will be obligated at time of award. Funds in the amount of $224,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii). The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-15-C-2414).
 

Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $25,405,003 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of PMA-290 maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) AN/APS-148 SeaVue radar system components. The MPRA is the primary maritime surveillance aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy. Functions and duties include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare; command, control, communications, computer & intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance; search and rescue; drug interdiction; and exclusive economic zone protection. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 2016. Fiscal 2014 and 2015 aircraft procurement (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $25,405,003 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured in accordance with the statutory authority of 10 USC 2304(c) (1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1- only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-10-G-WT78).
 

Motorola Solutions, Inc. U.S. Federal Government Markets Division, Columbia, Maryland, is being awarded a $15,634,774 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N39430-13-C-1220) to exercise option period two for global sustainment of enterprise land and mobile radio systems at 53 military installations worldwide. The work to be performed provides for preventive and corrective maintenance to sustain the enterprise land and mobile radio system and associated equipment and information assurance vulnerability alert compliance/patch management. This includes fixed, mobile and portable units, dispatching equipment and all associated equipment currently deployed as part of Naval Facilities Engineering Command's enterprise land and mobile radio systems worldwide. Responsibility of troubleshooting, removal, and replacing of the equipment for these units is also included as part of this requirement. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $48,922,952. Work will be performed at 53 military installations worldwide, and work is expected to be completed December 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $15,634,774 are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity.
 

BSC Partners LLC,* San Diego, California, is being awarded a $13,679,958 modification to exercise an option on a previously awarded firm-fixed-price Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract (N61340-14-C-0002) under Topic #03-190, helicopter operations aircrew/crew chief trainer. The objective of this SBIR effort is to design, fabricate, install, and test MH-60 Naval aircrew training system (S/N 2) and MH-60S aircrew virtual environment trainer (S/N 3) device. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (90 percent), and Binghamton, New York (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2018. Fiscal 2015 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,679,958 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity.
 

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, California, is being awarded an $8,271,799 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee, incentive-fee contract (N00024-11-C-4408) for USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) fiscal 2015 selected restricted availability. A selected restricted availability includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by June 2015. Fiscal 2014 and 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $8,271,799 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $8,037,761 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
 

Organizational Strategies, Inc.,* McLean, Virginia, is being awarded a $7,531,203 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for work associated with a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research effort under Topic N98-057, entitled "Advanced Training Technology Delivery System." Work will be performed in Jacksonville, North Carolina (92 percent), and Lexington Park, Maryland (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2017. Fiscal 2014 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,463,715 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-5. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-15-C-0077).
 

RQ Construction, LLC, Carlsbad, California, was awarded a $7,493,650 firm-fixed-price modification to increase the dollar value of task order 0012 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-10-D-5409) to provide repairs to G1-1A/1B supply and return system at Building 1H, Naval Medical Center San Diego. The work to be performed provides for heating ventilation and air conditioning ductwork (Phase 1) repairs. After award of this modification, the total cumulative task order value will be $47,681,589. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by January 2017. Fiscal 2012 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,493,650 are being obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 11, 2014)
 

Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services, Sterling, Virginia, is being awarded a $6,678,321 firm-fixed-price contract for the production, integration, test and delivery of the global broadcast service (GBS) below deck terminals. The GBS is a key component of the Joint Military Satellite Communications program which provides high speed information flow of high volume data to users both afloat, ashore and for Special Forces. GBS provides the capability to receive, process and quickly disseminate live video and large files to support operating forces, training exercises, weapons targeting, intelligence and reconnaissance. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $42,572,992. Work will be performed in Sterling, Virginia (56 percent); Norfolk, Virginia, (26 percent); and Dulles, Virginia (18 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2015. If all options are exercised, work could continue until October 2019. Fiscal 2014 other procurement (Navy) and fiscal 2012, 2013 and 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,678,321 will be placed on contract and obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-15-C-0002).
 

ARMY

The Sentient Corp.,* Harvest, Alabama, was awarded a $48,462,513 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for hypersonic missile interceptors with an estimated completion date of Dec. 17, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with one received. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Missile), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-15-D-0002).
 

Northrop Grumman Technical Services, Inc., Sierra Vista, Arizona, was awarded a $24,345,692 modification (P00028) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract W58RGZ-13-C-0010 for Hunter unmanned aircraft system contractor logistics support. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $10,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Dec. 17, 2015. Work will be performed in Sierra Vista, Arizona (25 percent), and in Afghanistan (75 percent). Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

Thales Raytheon Systems Co., Fullerton, California, was awarded a $19,943,236 modification (P00038) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract W31P4Q-13-C-0091 for life cycle contractor support for Sentinel radars, including depot maintenance, contingency operations, and scheduled and unscheduled overhauls. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $13,220,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2015. Work will be performed in Fullerton, California. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Missile), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
 

Marinex Construction, Inc., Charleston, South Carolina, was awarded an $18,389,996 firm-fixed-price, incrementally funded contract for dredging approximately three- to six-million cubic yards of maintenance material from the Savannah and Brunswick Georgia inner harbors, with an estimated completion date ofFeb. 20, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with two received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $1,999,999 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-15-C-0002).
 

Conti Federal Services, Inc., Edison, New Jersey, was awarded a $16,508,481 firm-fixed-price foreign military sales (Israel) contract, with options, for the upgrade of an Israeli military installation's fuel stations. Work will be performed in Israel, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with three received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $16,508,481 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, European District, APO AE, is the contracting activity (W912GB-15-C-0004).
 

Zieson Construction Co.,* Riverside, Missouri, was awarded a $14,313,443 firm-fixed-price contract, with options, to construct the Advanced Individual Training Complex II dining facility, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, with an estimated completion date of June 9, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with seven received. Fiscal 2014 military construction funds in the amount of $14,313,443 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-15-C-4004).
 

Mississippi Limestone Corp.,* Friars Point, Mississippi, was awarded a $11,414,455 firm-fixed-price contract for Mississippi River and tributaries flood control employing articulated concrete mattress casting. Work will be performed in Delta, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 1, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with two received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $11,414,455 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the contracting activity (W912EE-15-C-0003).
 

Norfolk Southern Railway Corp., Roanoke, Virginia, was awarded a $7,735,000 firm-fixed-price contract for engineering and construction services for the NT connection track as part of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Control Project SELA 26 Florida Avenue Phase IV project., Work will be performed in New Orleans, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2015. One bid was solicited with one received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $7,735,000 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-15-C-0003).

AIR FORCE

 

Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, has been awarded a $46,646,592 firm-fixed-price modification (P0006) to previously awarded contract FA8620-11-G-4050 for MQ-1 and MQ-9 support. Contractor will provide 32 multi-spectral targeting system-B turrets (TU), 32 MTS-B high definition electronic units (HDEUs), one lot of MTS-B shop replaceable units spares, 32 MTS-B TU containers, 32 MTS-B HDEU containers, and one lot of MTS support equipment. Work will be performed at McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2016. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2013 and 2014 procurement funds in the amount of $46,646,592 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
 

*Small business

SNOWSHOE TOURS START OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

Action Snowshoe Tours Get an Early Start with Trekking Tours in the Snow

Big Bear Lake, Calif./ December 18, 2014 –  Action Snowshoe Tours announced today it will begin its snowshoe tours a week earlier than scheduled due to the recent snowstorms combined with chilly nights that have kept the snow intact. The first snowshoe tours are scheduled for Saturday, December 20 with starting times at 10 a.m., 12 noon, and 2 p.m.

Action Snowshoe Tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. The tours offer guests an opportunity to experience Big Bear’s scenic winter landscapes, learn about winter ecology and nature.

“This is an opportunity to get into the outdoors and experience a deeper connection with nature,” said Belinda Bain, owner of Action Tours Big Bear. “Snowshoeing is a great avenue for fitness too, but best of all it’s downright fun!”

A trek into the open country via snowshoes is undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy the true bliss of Big Bear Lake’s picturesque winter scenery. The rapid growing winter sport is easy to learn, widely accessible, and a casual workout.  

An expert tour guide leads tours and teaches the tour group about winter ecology, animal tracking, and flora/fauna identification. A passenger van transports guests to the designated trail where guests will experience nature first hand.

“The trails we’ve selected for the tours are pristine and absolutely breathtaking!” added Bain.

Tours start December 20, 2014 and end the last week of March (depending on snowfall). Tours are scheduled daily from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 12 noon – 3 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tours depart from Action Tours Big Bear office located at 41693 Big Bear Blvd., Ste #A in Big Bear Lake. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Cost is $95, which includes state-of-the-art snowshoes and trekking poles. Guests are treated to hot cocoa after each tour. Space is limited to nine participants, per tour. To reserve a spot log onto www.ActionSnowShoeTours.com or call 909-866-0390.  *Note: tours are dependent on snow conditions. Call 909-866-0390 to confirm current snow reports.

Action Snowshoe Tours is one of five tours offered by Action Tours Big Bear. The other tours include ziplining, Segway tours, tree rope climbing and flyboarding.

For all there is to see and do in beautiful Big Bear Lake, make lodging reservations or request a free Visitors Guide log on towww.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

JORDAN CLARKSON RE-ASSIGNED TO D-FENDERS

 

 

EL SEGUNDO  – The Los Angeles Lakers have re-assigned Jordan Clarkson to the Los Angeles D-Fenders, it was announced today.

 

Clarkson has posted averages of 18.3 points, 7.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds in three games this season for the D-Fenders.  In his first appearance against Texas on November 15^th, Clarkson scored 28 points, grabbed five rebounds and handed out five assists in 37 minutes. In the November 22^nd matchup vs. Idaho, Clarkson recorded 19 points, a game-high 10 assists, three rebounds and one steal in 37 minutes. Clarkson tallied eight points, six assists and four rebounds in 23 minutes on December 6^th vs. the Bighorns.

 

 

 

###

 

 

The NBA Development League’s Los Angeles D-Fenders, the first franchise in D-League history to be owned by an NBA team (Los Angeles Lakers), will return for its eighth season of competition in 2014-15.  The D-Fenders franchise has quickly established itself as a top producer of NBA-ready talent, totaling 18 NBA Call-Ups and developing 17 Lakers assignment players since the inaugural 2006-07 season.  In addition, the D-Fenders became the first team in league history to win the Development Champion award (2011-12), which is an honor given to the team that best embodies the NBA D-League's goals of developing NBA basketball talent via call-ups and assignments.  The D-Fenders also claimed the franchise’s second Western Division Championship last season, joining the division title earned during the 2011-12 season.

 

For the fourth consecutive season, the D-Fenders will play home games at Toyota Sports Center; the Lakers practice facility in El Segundo, CA.  Information on D-Fenders 2014-15 season ticket packages and single-game tickets can be found by logging onto the team’s website (www.d-fenders.com) or by contacting Benny Garcia at (310) 426-6043 / bgarcia@d-fenders.com.

 

NGVAmerica Cheers Extension of Alternative Fuel and Infrastructure Tax Credit Godlewski Cites Continued Support for Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel

Washington, D.C. — NGVAmerica commends the U.S. Senate for passing tax legislation that extends the alternative fuel and infrastructure tax credits retroactively for all of 2014. The measure, already approved by the House, now goes to the President and is expected to be signed into law within the week.

 

The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (H.R. 5771)extends over fifty provisions of the tax code that expired at the end of 2013 or during 2014.  NGVAmerica lobbied for key provisions contained in H.R. 5771, including:

 

•

Extension of Fuel Tax Credit for Natural Gas, which extends the $0.50 per gasoline gallonequivalent (GGE) credit/payment for the business use of natural gas as a transportation fuel; and

•

Extension of Tax Credit for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling, which extends the 30 percent/$30,000 investment tax credit for alternative vehicle refueling property and the $1,000 tax credit for home refueling appliances.

  

Also included are the extension of several other tax provisions including the 50 percent bonus depreciation option for nearly all business equipment placed in service in 2014.  

 

“Passage of the alternative fuel tax and infrastructure credits help build the network to support NGVs,” saidNGVAmerica President Matthew Godlewski. “It also demonstrates continued support in the Congress for natural gas as a transportation fuel. There’s more work to be done and we look forward to working with the new Congress on long-term measures that accelerate the industry.”

 

Unfortunately, the tax inequity between liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel was not addressed by this Congress.  Currently, LNG is taxed at a higher rate than the diesel fuel it competes with, working against NGV adoption in the heavy truck market.  Resetting the tax rate so that it is applied on an energy content basis is a common sense measure that would remove an artificial barrier from the market. Senators MichaelBennet (D-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Richard Burr (R-NC) expressed their commitment to exploring opportunities in the next Congress to correct this inequity.  

 

“We were encouraged that critical issues such as fixing the LNG/diesel tax disparity were in the mix if a larger tax deal could have been reached.  It was a solid signal that we’re getting close to resolving the federal inequities that are standing in the way of further accelerating natural gas use in the trucking sector,” Godlewski said.

About NGVAmerica

NGVAmerica is the national organization driving the use of natural gas as a clean, domestic, safe and abundant transportation fuel. The organizationrepresents more than 230 companies, environmentalgroups, and government organizations interested in thepromotion and use of natural gas in transportation. Formore information about NGVAmerica, visitwww.ngvamerica.org.

AIRMEN SHADOWS

12/16/2014 10:05 AM CST

Airmen practice a 3-volley rifle salute on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C, Dec. 10, 2014. The airmen are assigned to the 20th Force Support Squadron honor guard.

4 Tips to Begin Healing Your Life ‘There is Always a Way Through’ Emotional Trauma, Says One Who’s on the Journey

Neglect. Abuse. Divorce. Addiction. These are just a few of the life experiences that can leave children emotionally bruised or worse, causing some to develop dysfunctional outlooks and behaviors that condemn them to perpetual self-victimization as adults.

“We not only perpetuate, but also protect the obstacles that stand in the way of our healing and happiness,” says Marta Maranda. “But there is always a way through, no matter what your situation.”

The author of “What It Looks Like,” (http://martamaranda.com/), a new memoir detailing her own journey of healing, Maranda says she continued to use the defense mechanisms she developed in response to childhood trauma far into adulthood, which only served to block healthy emotional growth. 

“As an adult decades after the initial abuse, I was still surrounding myself with similar trauma, and still reacting in the same ways to the trauma, even though those childhood survival tools no longer served me. Basically, the only one keeping me stuck in a dysfunctional and unfulfilling life was me.”

Maranda says she didn’t realize she played a part in her own dysfunction until the treatment of a family member for substance abuse caused her to think differently. 

“I don’t drink, use drugs, or have a sexual dysfunction. I’ve never even had a cup of coffee in my life,” she says. “So it was easy to look at everyone else as the cause of my problems.

“But during family therapy sessions, I finally realized that there are two dysfunctional people in an unhealthy relationship, and there is an entire dysfunctional family in an unhealthy family system.”

Maranda became a rarity: sober and voluntarily, she admitted herself into a five-week residential treatment center. That’s where her healing began.

“But I’m not done,” she says. “Healing involves tearing down all those dysfunctional coping mechanisms—fear, anger, denial, justification—and rebuilding your life piece by piece. I still have to do the work every day.”

She offers these tips for others whose past trauma has resulted in self-destructive thought and behavior patterns, such as a willingness to remain in unhealthy relationships or an over-reliance on comforts like food, drugs, or alcohol to soothe painful emotions.

•  Look inward for reasons, not outward for blame.
It’s easy to find other people or situations to blame for your problems. Even if the initial trauma was inflicted when you were at your most vulnerable, and by someone you should have been able to trust, at some point you have to take responsibility for your own life. “How are you contributing to the dysfunction in your life?” Maranda asks. “The decision to remain stuck in a dysfunctional life is yours. The responsibility to move forward toward healing and happiness is also yours.”

•  If you’ve done it, admit it.
Look fearlessly at the wrong you’ve done, at the pain you’ve inflicted on yourself and others through your own dysfunctional behavior, and admit it. “Only by owning it can you change it,” Maranda says. “And only through change can you heal.” Likewise, look kindly and with humility at the good you’ve done. Own all that is valuable about you, and build upon it.

•  Information, not shame.
The lessons of healing always come with a choice: information or shame? If you are doing your healing work properly—meaning completely breaking down every defense mechanism you’ve built to keep yourself blind to your own dysfunctional behavior—the realizations that you’ve caused others harm, pain, or even extreme damage will come. But eventually you have to choose between continuing to feel shamed, which leads to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, or accepting the realizations as the information necessary to repair your life. “Much like a doctor needs to objectively understand what’s broken to diagnose a problem, so do you need to look objectively at your dysfunction and its consequences to heal it,” Maranda says. “Then use your healthy guilt feelings, not shame, as a reminder of what you can’t do again.”

•  Build a support system.
No one’s said it better than Einstein: You can’t fix a problem with the same broken mind that created it. Left to their own devices, many people who are convinced they need to change will still seek out environments that support their dysfunctions rather than strengthen their healing. “Change is hard, and healing isn’t always comfortable,” Maranda says. “That’s why people often find their way back to what they know, even if what they know is destructive or deadly.” Building a support system of people—whether family or friends, or from a therapeutic or spiritual community—whose perspectives get you out of your comfort zone and away from the dysfunction you know is essential for healing.

About Marta Maranda

Marta Maranda is a writer, businesswoman, and author of “What It Looks Like,” (http://martamaranda.com/). She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and undertook a year of post-graduate study in psychology. She is currently working on her second book.