Oregon @ MindSay

Taking care of our planet is a really important subject these days. Everybody needs to do their part. At Northwest Exterior Cleaning Services, Inc. We’re trying to do just that. The most potentially hazardous parts of a cleaning business - environmentally and health-wise, are the chemicals - the detergents used to make your house, windows, side walks, drive ways “clean”. But really how clean can something be if harmful toxic chemicals are used. Many cleaning products that are commonly used can cause real and long lasting health problems, not to mention being extremely harmful to our beautiful environment here in the great northwest. At Northwest Exterior Cleaning Services, Inc. we decided that we wanted to do our part to protect our customers health and the beauty that surrounds their homes or businesses. We provide environmentally friendly cleaning services - window washing, pressure cleaning, gutter cleaning, and moss removal and treatment. We always use safe, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning chemicals. Sometimes we don’t even use them - for many situations the cleaning power of water is enough. But whatever the case we always strive to be conscious of the effect our cleaning will have on the environment and on our customers. Respect, quality and friendly professionalism are the foundation of our business, and hopefully those qualities shine through every time we deal with you. Please get in touch with us for more info and a free estimate.



Phone | 503.929.6460

Email | customerservice@nwecs.com

Web | www.nwecs.com

Government contractors now in defensive posture

“Northern Virginia’s hordes of federal contractors have a simple question:Will the new president still show them the money? […] Today they are bracing for expected cuts in defense spending […]. Spending shifts under Obama might not be as dramatic as some people think because domestic programs already have been taking a bigger share of the budget. […] ‘There have been huge expenditures [at Fort Detrick] under the guise of the National Institutes of Health … but it’s been spent specifically to help combat bioterrorism or immunization problems, or things to that effect,’ said the head of a construction company, who asked to remain anonymous because the company does top-secret work on federal projects. ‘We haven’t seen a significant amount of activity at NIH, but there’s been a huge amount — more than anybody knows — up at Fort Detrick.’ Lockheed Martin expects that an Obama administration also will embrace funding for a ‘strong national security posture.’”(Washington Business Journal; 07Nov08; Melissa Castro) http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2008/11/10/story17.html?b=1226293200^1728750&t=printable

 

New law regulates civilian biological pathogen research (Israel)

“The Knesset plenum on Tuesday passed the first law regulating the supervision of civilian research on dangerous bacteria and viruses that could be used as biological weapons. The new law is aimed at preventing the unsupervised development of dangerous diseases, as well as the publication of scientific articles containing sensitive information on biological warfare. The bill was sponsored by MKs (Knesset Members) Aryeh Eldad (National Union) and Yuval Steinitz (Likud). The legislation process was delayed for several months so that the conclusions of a joint committee of the National Security Council and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities could be incorporated into the bill.” (Haaretz; 06Nov08; Shahar Ilan & Ofri Ilani)

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/objects/pages/PrintArticleEn.jhtml?itemNo=1034839

 

Umatilla [OR] depot eliminates all VX weapons

“The Umatilla Chemical Depot in Oregon yesterday finished destroying its entire stockpile of munitions filled with VX nerve agent, the Hermiston Herald reported. ‘We plan to complete the VX land mines disposal campaign today, which means the end of land mines, all VX agent, all nerve agent, and all munitions with explosive or energetic components here in Oregon,’ said Mike Strong, site project manager disposal at Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility (Hermiston Herald, Nov. 5). The U.S. Army has now eliminated 95 percent of its original arsenal of VX; the nerve agent remains in storage at only two U.S. locations.” (Global Security Newswire; 06Nov08; Annette Cary; Source: Hermiston Herald) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20081106_5360.php

 

U.S. boosts funding for last two CW disposal sites

“The U.S. Defense Department has received its highest-ever budget for preparing two chemical weapons disposal sites that hold the key to meeting the congressional demand to eliminate the entire U.S. stockpile by 2017. The $427.5 million provided to the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program for fiscal 2009 is a step in the right direction toward providing the money that will be needed to meet the deadline, one longtime observer said.” (Global Security Newswire; 06Nov08; Chris Schneidmiller)

http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/siteservices/print_friendly.php?ID=ts_20081106_2645

 

Bethesda [MD] terror [gas and bomb] attack drill tests emergency resources

“Hundreds of emergency personnel descended on the National Naval Medical Center last week trying to save 76 victims of a [mock] terrorist attack. […] The Bethesda Hospital’s Emergency Preparedness Drill on Oct. 30 […] simulated a Sarin gas and bomb attack outside Navy Med's Uniformed Services University [USU] to test the readiness of local, federal and military personnel […]. After a truck loaded with Sarin nerve gas crashed into USU students waiting at a bus stop, the first responders to the scene, two firemen and two policemen, were killed when an improvised explosive device thrown out of the truck just before it crashed was detonated nearby. […] A bit of the real world intruded into the exercise when military helicopters intended to simulate a medical evacuation of victims to NIH and Suburban Hospital were called back by the Marines.”

(Bethesda Gazette, 05Nov08; Andrew Ujifusa) http://www.gazette.net/stories/11052008/bethnew224745_32472.shtml

 

Irish woman sentenced for hiring ricin killer

“A 45-year-old Irish woman was sentenced Monday to six years in prison for a 2006 plot to kill her partner and the man’s two sons, the Irish News reported. Sharon Collins intended to inherit her wealthy partner’s fortune until Essam Eid, the would-be contract killer, exposed the plot by attempting to blackmail one of the targets, the News reported. Hours after Eid was jailed, ricin was discovered inside a contact lens container in his cell. He was later convicted on extortion charges and sentenced to six years in prison.” (Global Security Newswire; 05Nov08; Source: Irish News) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20081105_8700.php

 

Exercise planned to prepare for radioactive attack [Israel]

“Next year, civil defense units will carry out its first exercise for dealing with a radioactive attack on civilians as part of the defense establishment's preparations for a radiological terror attack, security officials said. However, a senior defense official told Haaretz [Magazine] that there is no specific intelligence indicating that terror organizations intend to carry out such an attack. ‘There is no concrete threat of a radiological attack,’ he said. Nevertheless, since terror groups are interested in obtaining radioactive materials and the scenario is considered reasonable, the defense establishment must prepare for it,’ the official added. […] Despite precautions, radioactive materials are relatively easy to obtain due to their widespread use in medicine and industry. However, only some of these materials are suitable for attacks, depending on the radiation level. […] The planned exercise will simulate a radiological terror attack. It will include forces on the ground, hospitals and the Home Front.” (Haaretz; 07Nov08; Amos Harel) http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1035187.html

 

D.C. hospital installs radiation detectors

“The largest private hospital in the nation's capital on Tuesday began installing sophisticated new radiation detectors in an effort to better prepare for a terrorist attack with a radiological ‘dirty bomb.’ The sensors, which will be placed out of public view at the 926-bed Washington Hospital Center, will immediately let doctors, nurses and other hospital staff know if someone contaminated with dangerous radiation enters the emergency room or other areas of the hospital. The goal is to prevent victims of an attack from compounding the disaster by contaminating the hospitals and emergency workers who are there to treat them.” (Red Orbit; 05Nov08; Mimi Hall) http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1597366/dc_hospital_installs_radiation_detectors/#

 

U.S. offers Russia fresh proposals on US missile defense plan

“The United States has given Russia fresh proposals to try to ease its concerns over U.S. missile shield plans and hopes the row can still be resolved, US negotiator John Rood said Thursday. The United States has also submitted to Russia its proposal for a ‘legally binding treaty’ to replace the Cold War-era Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) when it expires in December 2009, Rood said. […] Rood planned to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergei Ryabkov in the coming weeks, probably in Moscow, to discuss the proposals as well as other issues, including cooperation on avoiding nuclear terrorism.” (Agence-France Presse; 07Nov08) http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jGomnoFccat7TOTj9dEAXG5lU_GA

 

Report warns of ‘future military failure’

“The Defense Science Board released on Tuesday a sobering report that called for the incoming Obama administration to focus on a small but complex set of defense issues, with protection of the country against weapons of mass destruction as the top priority of the new secretary of defense. Weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear and biological armaments, imperil both the safety of the United States and its military forces, according to the report, ‘Defense Imperatives for New Administration.’ The board urged the new defense leadership ‘to do everything possible to prevent the worst people from acquiring and using the worst weapons.’ This must include a strongly stated and unambiguous policy of retaliation to punish any nation or group that launches a weapon of mass destruction attack against the United States, according to the report, whose lead author is Craig Fields, chairman of the Defense Science Board and former director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in the late 1980s.” (Global Security Newswire; 06Nov08; Bob Brewin) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20081106_7308.php

 

Beijing spurns U.S. effort to prepare in event of Korean leader's demise

“The Chinese government has largely rebuffed Bush administration attempts to discuss contingency planning should North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il die or be unable to rule, according to current and former U.S. officials. […] U.S. officials worry a messy power shift in North Korea could send hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing over its borders and leave Pyongyang's nuclear and biological weapons unsecured. In the worst-case scenario, the Chinese and American militaries might be on opposing sides of efforts to stabilize North Korea.” (Wall Street Journal; 07Nov08; Jay Solomon & Jason Leow) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122599607084505499.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

 

Multi-force takes part in EU anti-terror exercise in France

“A multi-force Portuguese team is participating in an EU anti-terrorist exercise in southern France this week to test response to simulated attacks with chemical and biological weapons. The 17-member Portuguese team has been drawn from the National Authority of civil Defence (ANPC), the Air Force and the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM), the group’s chief, ANPC commander José Codeco, told Lusa [News]. Dubbed EU Terror Attack, the exercise, which involves the participation of other EU member countries, started on Wednesday and ends this weekend in the French cities of Toulon and Canjeurs.” (Portugal News Online; 07Nov08; Source:

Lusa)

http://www.the-news.net/cgi-bin/google.pl?id=984-16

 

Anthrax scare shuts down busy El Cerrito (San Francisco) street

“A bucket containing a white powder labeled anthrax was found in the basement of an El Cerrito business Thursday, triggering a two-hour shutdown of a portion of one of the city's busiest thoroughfares. The substance was determined not to be hazardous. The incident began when the owner of a Farmers Insurance office at 11457 San Pablo Ave., who was cleaning the basement, found a gallon pail with four smaller containers inside labeled anthrax.”( San Francisco Chronicle; 07Nov08; Elizabeth Fernandez)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/07/BA7V1402SJ.DTL

 

Milwaukee [WI] paper receives packet labeled ‘anthrax’

“The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says it has received a package that appears to be part of an anthrax hoax. A worker discovered a packet Wednesday morning labeled ‘anthrax’ taped to a CD inside a small padded envelope. The paper's security director, Ed Majkowski, says the packet appears to be a sugar packet. Security workers sealed it in a hazardous-materials box and put it in a locked area. The newspaper's offices remained open as investigators from the Postal Inspectors office, FBI and Milwaukee Police Department examined the package. A similar package was delivered to the Indianapolis Star on Monday. The return address and writing tied it to Marc Keyser, a 66-year-old who was charged last week with three counts of sending anthrax hoaxes.” (Star Tribune; 05Nov08; Source: Milwaukee Journal) http://www.startribune.com/local/33907609.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU7EaDiaMDCiUZ

 

The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies releases

‘Trafficking Networks for Chemical Weapons Precursors,’ by Jonathan Tucker.  The study, available in PDF format at http://www.cns.miis.edu/, analyzes new information on the illicit 1980s sale of chemical-weapons materials to Iran and Iraq, the operation of international trafficking networks, and practical steps for countering them.

 

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.

today was about as perfect as a day could be. we headed for the coast, over the coastal range with clear skies and wonderful clouds--- which became more dense as we entered the coastal range. But driving over the crest everything cleared and we had a perfect view of Cannon Beach haystacks. We headed south to Oswald West State Park where the surfing is perfect and the water hellaciously cold. full body suits, helmets and gloves.

After drying off  and getting back into clothes we headed to Cannon Beach, my second or maybe third favorite coast town ( northern coast) and window shopped, visited our favorite glass artists at Ice Fire, combed both excellent and schlocky galleries and then when the tide was lowest and the sun beginning to set silver against the water we did some tide pooling near the Haystacks. Large Bat stars and tons of anemones, barnacles and mussels. But we got to see many varieties of gulls, some puffins and some fat dreamy little sandpiper-ish birds.

we considered eating at the beach but missed Abi and the leftovers in the fridge so in 90 minutes we were home, bathed, and eating tepid pizza. It was a great day and the air of generosity and sweetness between us  (ever since we have given daily time to reviewing the eight fold path) was is and will be a joy.

Bubbles sent me some great books and a wonderful card- how true it is about undies- and Jimmy decided to get me a small glass piece in a wonderful teal color. But on my actual birthday he is going to Blockbuster at 9 am, renting Sex and the City, picking up an ice cream cake and we will pig out with our favorite four women , their men, and our fantastically beloved Mr. Big.

Army

 

Purcell-Lawman, Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, a $33,434,500 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of the Warrior in Transition facility.  Work will be performed in Fort Drum, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 10, 2010.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Twenty-three bids were solicited on Feb. 29, 2008, and five bids were received.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, N.Y., City, is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0018).

 

BAE Systems Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., was awarded on Jul.2 4, 2008, a $19,697,117 firm-fixed price contract for the procurement of M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicles.  Work will be performed primarily in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  One bid was solicited on Aug. 2, 2007. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-N030).

 

Sauer Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., was awarded on Jul. 24, 2008, a $13,118,300 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a 41,832 square-foot clinical addition to the Robinson Health Clinic.  Work will be performed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2010.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Eighty bids were solicited on Apr. 11, 2008, and three bids were received.  U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-C-0040).

 

Weeks Marine, Inc., Covington, La., was awarded on Jul. 23, 2008, an $8,120,174 firm-fixed price contract for the deepening of an existing river channel and the disposal of dredged material.  Work will be performed at the Mobile Harbor Channel, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Mar. 28, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-08-C-0031).

 

BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Inc., Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., was awarded on Jul. 24, 2008, a $5,740,192 cost-plus fixed fee contract for interactive electronics technical manual and 2-level maintenance for Paladin and Field Artillery Ammunitions Supply vehicles.  Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  One bid was solicited on Aug.30, 2006. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0256).

 

Cape Environmental Management, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded on Jul. 24, 2008, a $5,373,916 firm-fixed price contract for construction of a special operations forces indoor range. Work will be performed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Web bids were solicited on May 14, 2008, and five bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0025).

 

FLIR Systems, Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded on Jul. 25, 2008, a $21,578,780 firm-fixed price contract for G-BOSS rapid aerostat initial deployment sensor components.  Work will be performed in Wilsonville, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  One bid was solicited on Jul. 11, 2008.  U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-07-D-0004).

 

SOFTEC Solutions Inc., Englewood, Colo., was awarded on Jul. 25, 2008, a $15,448,536 firm-fixed price contract for guidance counselor and staff recruiter services for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.  The contract will be managed from Radcliff, Ky., and performance locations will be at 76 locations throughout the country.  Work is expected to be completed by Jul. 31, 2013.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Web bids were solicited on May 7, 2008, and ten bids were received.  Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Enterprise and Installation Operations Regional Contracting Center, Fort Knox, Ky., is the contracting activity (W9124D-08-C0038).

 

ARES, Inc., Port Clinton, Ohio, was awarded on Jul. 25, 2008, a $10,214,127 cost-plus fixed fee contract for the design, engineering, manufacturing, test and performance evaluation services in support of the rarefaction wave gun technology development and demonstration. Work will be performed in Port Clinton, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2008.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Bids were solicited on Sept. 29, 2005, and two bids were received.  Joint Munitions & Lethality, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-C-0426).

 

FLIR Systems, Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded on Jul.2 5, 2008, an $8,425,586 firm-fixed price contract for RESET for rapid aerostat initial deployment sensor components. Work will be performed in Wilsonville, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  One bid was solicited on Jul. 14, 2008.  U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W9113M-07-D-0004).

 

W. Harley Miller Contractors, Inc., Martinsburg, W.V., was awarded on Jul. 24, 2008, a $6,787,710 firm-fixed price contract for the 167th Airlift Wing base conversion from C-130 to C-5 aircraft.  Work will be performed in Martinsburg, W.V., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 12, 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Web bids were solicited on Apr. 10, 2008, and five bids were received. United States Property & Fiscal Office, Buckhannon, W.V., is the contracting activity (W912L8-08-C-0008).

 

DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Jul. 25, 2008, a $5,734,002 cost-plus fixed-fee contract for engineering and logistics level of effort, systems technical support in support of the M707 KNIGHT and armored KNIGHT vehicles.  Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  One bid was solicited on May 5, 2006. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0538).

 

General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Jul. 25, 2008, a $5,662,000 cost-plus fixed fee contract for system technical support for the Abrams tank program.  Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2011.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  One bid was solicited on Jun. 8, 2006. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).

 

Bristow Academy Incorporated, Titusville, Fla., was awarded on Jul. 25, 2008, a $5,280,000 firm-fixed price contract for initial entry rotary training.  Work will be performed in Titusville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by May 28, 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  One bid was solicited on Feb. 28, 2008. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0214).

 

Air Force

 

C.W. Roberts Contracting, Inc., of Hosford, Fla., is being awarded a firm fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract for $65 million. This contract will provide the government with a contract vehicle available to execute all concrete and asphalt projects at Eglin AFB, Duke Field, the Range and the Reservation. Projects include but are not limited to repair/rebuild roads, runways, parking lots, and site work for a variety of projects in support of mission requirements. At this time $5,000 has been obligated. 96th CONS/MSCA, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2823-08-D-0009).

 

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with The Boeing Company of Anaheim, Calif., for $53,384,031. Item Procured: In order to continue providing survivable communications for U.S. Armed Forces, the Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) must update new platform requirements and advanced EHF (AEHF) system interface. At this time no funds have been obligated. Electronic Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, USAF, 653d ELSG/PK is the contracting activity (F19628-02-C-0048 P00143).

 

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp, Systems Engineering Solutions of Boulder, Colo., is being awarded a task order against a GSA schedule contract for $13,752,953. This contract action is for advisory and assistance services to include studies, analyses, evaluations, engineering and technical services for the Human Effectiveness Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. At this time $1 million has been obligated. 88 CONS/PK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8601-08-F-0105).

 

NAVY

 

KPFF Consulting Engineers, Seattle Wash., is being awarded a not to exceed $20,000,000 firm-fixed priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect and engineering contract to provide marine/waterfront architect-engineer services at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest area of responsibility. Work will be performed at various NAVY and Marine Corps installations at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest area of responsibility including but not limited to Washington, (94 percent); Oregon, (2 percent); Idaho, (2 percent); Montana, (1 percent); and Alabama, (1 percent)., and work is expected to be completed Jul. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-08-D-3008).

 

L-3 Services, Inc, Advanced Products & Design, San Diego, Calif., andSerco, Inc., Reston, Va., are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for the production and delivery of Navigation Sensor System Interface (NAVSSI) system racks, kits, parts, and production engineering services support services. The contracts are for five one-year ordering periods. When combined, the aggregate value of all delivery orders awarded over the life of these two contracts will be approximately $16,000,000. Each contractor will be awarded a minimum $10,000 delivery order for the award. The NAVSSI system collects, processes, integrates and formats for distribution of Precise Navigation and Timing (PNT) data to weapon systems, combat support systems, C4ISR systems and other information systems aboard various ship classes. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. NAVY, (84.25 percent) and the governments of Australia, (9.50 percent) and Spain, (6.25 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and Chula Vista, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2013 if all five ordering periods are used. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The multiple award contracts were competitively procured by full and open competition via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities, and the Space and Naval Warfare e-Commerce Central website, with four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-08-D-0008, N00039-08-D-0009).   The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command awarded the contract on behalf of its organizational partner, the NAVY's Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence systems.

 

Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Keyport, Wash., is being awarded a $12,254,777 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6101) for the procurement of production material in support of the FY07/08 MK48/MK54 torpedo buy. This effort is a continuation of MK48 ADCAP, MK48 CBASS and MK54 torpedo programs under contracts N00024-98-C-6107, N00024-00-C-6100, N00024-00-C-6102 and N00024-03-C-6104.   The primary purpose of this contract is to purchase the necessary quantities of torpedoes and support services necessary to support Fleet Operational Requirements for the various torpedo product lines. Work will be performed in Keyport, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

 

Old Veterans Construction,* Chicago, Ill., is being awarded an $8,045,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and repair of the D-Street Bridge at Naval Station, Great Lakes, Ill. The work to be performed provides for the repair of our D-Street Bridge, which includes replacing much of the existing bridge with a similar concrete beam and reinforced concrete structure, replacing the utilities that are inside and attached below the deck of the bridge. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and work is expected to be completed Nov. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as an 8(a) Small business firm servicing Region 5 (Wis., Mich., Ohio, Ind., Minn., and Ill., is), via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website, with two qualified proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-3025).

 

Attorneys argue anthrax libel case filed against New York Times

“A former Army scientist once identified as a "person of interest" in the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks shouldn't be considered a public figure in his libel lawsuit against The New York Times, his lawyer argued Friday before a federal appeals court. Steven J. Hatfill said a series of columns in The Times falsely implicated him as the culprit in the anthrax deaths. No one has been charged.” (Associated Press; 21Mar08; Michael Felberbaum) http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--anthrax-hatfill0321mar21,0,7625415.story

 

[Washington] University [St. Louis] tests disaster readiness with faux anthrax attack

“[Washington] University administrators, St. Louis Department of Health officials and more than 200 campus volunteers collaborated in a public health drill Tuesday that simulated the distribution of medication at Mallinckrodt [Student Center] in the event of a terrorist anthrax attack, and tested the University's emergency text-message system. ‘We have protocols in place for a public health event, but we've never tried them and we haven't trained a lot of people,’ said Mark Bagby, the University emergency coordinator. ‘We came up with a very simplistic protocol [for responders to follow].’" (Student Life; 21Mar08; Dan Woznica) http://media.www.studlife.com/media/storage/paper337/news/2008/03/19/News/University.Tests.Disaster.Readiness.With.Faux.Anthrax.Attack-3274863.shtml

 

Ricin Cop Tests for Castor Derivative

“A police officer who went to a motel room where ricin was later found has tested positive for trace amounts of a substance that can be derived from the poison's source, authorities said Thursday. The male officer has shown no signs of illness or symptoms of ricin poisoning, officials familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the ongoing investigation into the discovery of the vials of ricin and the raw material, castor beans, in the motel room.” (Associated Press; 20Mar08; Ken Ritter) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHS90ne-2-wjkHu_N158TrQ_wJpwD8VHI5BO0

 

Universal Detection Technology Receives First Purchase Order for Bioterrorism Detection Devices From China

“Universal Detection Technology, […] a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter-terrorism consulting and training services, announced today that it has received a purchase order from its Chinese distributor for bioterrorism detection kits. ‘We are very pleased to have received our first purchase order for these products from China. This is obviously a very large market and like any other has security concerns, relating to threat of Biological Weapons and Toxins and we are glad to be providing our solutions in countering these threats,’ said Jacques Tizabi, CEO of Universal Detection Technology.” (CNN Money;

19Mar08)

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0376750.htm

 

PharmAthene clinches vaccine deal worth up to $40M

“PharmAthene Inc. said Thursday it had agreed to acquire a line of biodefense vaccines from Avecia Biologics Ltd., a contract manufacturer based in the United Kingdom, in a deal potentially worth $40 million. […] The Annapolis company will pay $10 million in cash when the deal closes and another $10 million a year after that. An additional $20 million could change hands in the form of milestone payments for government contracts and sales royalties.” (Baltimore Business Journal; 20Mar08; Robert J.

Terry)

http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/03/17/daily35.html

 

The Dutch experiment with a biosecurity code of conduct

“The code, which was published by KNAW [Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences] as A Code of Conduct for Biosecurity in the Netherlands, covers six main issues: raising awareness; research and publication policy; accountability and oversight; internal and external communication; accessibility; and shipment and transport. It is somewhat more wide-ranging than the IAP [InterAcademy Panel] statement but makes clear that individual organizations are responsible for tailoring ‘the practical implementation of the code of conduct to the needs of their institution.’ Moreover, it suggests that organizations monitor compliance with the code internally. Though the system would not require a central supervisory body, the report suggests that a national biosecurity center could help coordinate activities.” (The Bulletin Online; 20Mar08; Malcolm Dando) http://www.thebulletin.org/columns/malcolm-dando/20080320.html

 

Nerve agent set for destruction at Umatilla [Oregon] depot

“Workers today began moving more than 32,300, 155-mm VX-filled artillery shells from Umatilla Chemical Depot bunkers to the incinerator site for destruction. Within a few days, workers at the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility will begin destroying the shells, which each contain about six pounds of VX, a lethal nerve agent.” (Tri-City Herald; 20Mar08; Mary Hopkin) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/945/story/133622.html

 

Turkey praised by UN [sic] chemical weapons watchdog boss

“The Head of a United Nations weapons watchdog [sic] expressed gratitude for Turkey's efforts for the global endeavor to prohibit chemical weapons, saying the country ‘contributed to both [the] world's and its own security not only by joining the convention but also by actively implementing it. I am utterly pleased with Turkish efforts in this area and I hope that other countries in the region would find an inspiration in Turkey,’ said Rogelio Pfirter, director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).” (The New Anatolian; 20Mar08) http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-31707.html

 

Terrorism: 200 groups to contend with “Britain faces a ‘serious and sustained threat from violent extremists claiming to act in the name of Islam,’

the strategy says. ‘At any one time the police and security and intelligence agencies are contending with around 30 plots, 200 groups or networks and 2,000 individuals who are judged to pose a terrorist threat.’ Many of these networks and individuals ‘share an ambition to cause mass casualties without warning. Some are willing to use suicide attacks and have aspirations to use chemical, biological and radiological weapons.’” (Telegraph; 20Mar08) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/19/nterror719.xml

 

Trashed blueprints give 'key' to anti-terror unit

“Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says he's launched a probe to find out how blueprints for a new military counter-terrorism unit ended up in a downtown Ottawa garbage can. The probe was launched after the discovery of blueprints containing sensitive details on the unit. A military analyst says he's been told the matter is not being considered a security breach because the plans were part of a rejected draft for a new building, which will be the home of the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit at CFB [Canadian Forces Base] Trenton [Ontario].” (CTV; 20Mar08)

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080320/garbage_blueprints_080320/20080320?hub=Politics

 

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.