San Francisco @ MindSay

Yesterday was wonderful. I got to spend pretty much the whole day with Laura, and while I love Natalie to pieces, Laura handles things and interprets things more similarly to the way I do. So Laura and I went to North Beach and hit La Boulange and got cafe--or in my case, chai (first picture). We ended up sitting outside La Boulange for at least an hour, just talking (pictures 2, 3, 4, and 5). We got talking about school (as we always do; school preoccupies the majority of our conversations) and what we wanted to do. I've already told her of my decision to pursue my degree in psychology, but I wasn't really sure where I wanted to go to school with that. But as we got to talking, I kept saying maybe I'll check out Boston U. She's considering going to the east coast in a few years, and we remarked how fun it would be if we were both on the east coast and could still get together rather frequently.

Anyway, the day continued, and we walked up to Coit Tower, which has a BEAUTIFUL view...I should have taken pictures there. I may have to go back. But we took a different route through the beautiful neighborhoods between Coit Tower and the waterfront. Their gardens are just...rich and flora-smelling and lush...and everything a good garden should be. Again...where was my camera?!

We got down to the waterfront and just...walked along, having more great conversation. I can't remember when the last time I had such...wide-ranging and deep conversation with anyone. This is partly why I love Laura so much. I know we think about the same things a lot, both have some of the same insecurities, and see life in a very similar way. It's so easy for me to explore my own thoughts, listening to hers.

We walked down the biggest tourist trap in the city (Pier 39) and watched the biggest attraction (the sea lions and the last picture) for a while. I love the sea lions. They're like a huge family. They squabble, they annoy one another, but they ultimately end up cuddling together and basking in the sun.

We pressed on, going to catch the cable car a few stops up from the waterfront stop, and rode the cable car back to Union Square. I love the cable cars. I've never ridden one before, but they're so much fun. It's so fun to hang off the side of these things and see the city whizzing by, but not so fast that you lose the city. Got back to Union Square, hopped the muni back to Sunset (where their apartment is), and rested our aching bones for a few minutes before walking down to the pizza place where Natalie works. Chatted for a few minutes, bought a slice for dinner, and headed back to the apartment.

I looked into Boston U, and it looks like a very plausible (if not expensive) place for me to transfer after Sierra. I want to get as much general ed done as humanly possible over the next two semesters, and maybe by the end of spring semester, I'll be ready to transfer in the fall of 2010. I've got two full semesters, plus a summer semester, and if it comes down to it, I could take classes the summer of 2010. I suppose I need to sit down with my counselor.

Anyway, whilst waiting for Natalie to get off work, we watched History Channel documentaries like the true geeks we are. We watched one on Roswell, which wasn't all that convincing but was still interesting, one on Area 51, which was much more convincing and even more interesting (note to self: look into the Bob Lazar story), and one on cannibalistic serial killers, notably Albert Fish, Andrei Chikatilo, and Jeffrey Dahmer. I got my geek fix for the week, although I imagine I'll be back for more very shortly. I love History Channel and Netflix's Watch Instantly. It's pretty much awesome.

Once Natalie got home, we watched 40 Days and 40 Nights, which was pretty funny, but still a mindless comedy involving a lot of sex jokes. But still fun.

And that, dear friends, was my favorite day, so far, in San Francisco. I miss home, but I'm still having fun. :)

9:45 am

Waiting for the bus, trying to hurry through the last half of my current book (one I've read numerous times, but there's comments from Laura and Natalie throughout, so I want to finish it, damnit!) I really want to start American Gods so that I can leave my own commentary and start something fresh. Really self-conscious of being here at the bus stop, around other travelers, and fighting my natural anxiety of leaving home for the big, scary city. I'm such a homebody, but I love my home. There's no escaping it; Nevada County for all its problems and its nauseating boredom, is home. I miss it already. I miss comfort and familiarity and recognizing-even if I don't particularly like-everyone. But getting away for a few days will be good...I keep telling myself.

Oh-and I hate carrying two [heavy] bags. Not looking forward to cartinga round 50+ lbs all over the city this afternoon.

<Roseville to Sacramento: Linkin Park>

10:54 am

Texts

To: Juan Pablo! (Natalie)

Dude. The guy i was

sitting next to smelled like

weed and crap. Shitty

weed.

a.r. (me)

From: Juan Pablo!

Ew! Nasty!

To: Juan Pablo!

Yeah. I thought i was leaving the open,

unabashed drug

possession at home. And

please. Hygeine is

important.

a.r.

To: Juan Pablo!

Awesome. I have to

transfer buses. I'm going

to be like 15 minutes late.

Eff.

a.r.

From: Juan Pablo!

Why do u need 2

transfer?

To: Juan Pablo!

I don't know. Soemthing

about a bus being too full.

I wasn't supposed to have

to transfer.

a.r.

5:26 pm

At Laura and Natalie's apartment

Finally here. Didn't finish that stupid book. I've learned that I don't like Greyhound buses, and I've been reminded why I won't live in a big city. But I'm looking forward to the rest of the week. I've decided that no matter what Laura and Natalie have going on, I'm not going to get stressed about details. I'm going to just...go with the flow. No schedules, no rules. Just...when they go to class, either I'll go or I'll hang out and explore on my own. They've got their lives to carry on, despite my visit, and I didn't come here to trail after them at school. This is my break, and, while I intend to spend a great deal of time with them, while they're busy, I'll find my own way. :) In the mean time, Natalie's at work, Laura is supposedly on her way home, and I'm chillin' at their apartment. I'll probably snag a shower and head down to Natalie's work in a bit if Laura doesn't show soon.

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.

Navy

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $312,495,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design/build to collocated Military Department (MILDEP) Investigative Agencies, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va. The contract value includes contract line item 000l, base bid, three chillers enhancement, heater exchange enhancement, upgraded lobby/finish enhancement, and upgrade executive spaces enhancement. The contract is incrementally funded with the first increment of $134,066,765 being allocated at the time of award. The scope of the contract includes complete design and construction of the Collocated MILDEP Investigative Agencies, authorized under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) initiatives. This project involves the construction of a multi-story facility/facilities for the BRAC directed collocation of Military Department Investigative Agencies (MDIA) composed of the Counterintelligence Field Activity (CIFA), Headquarters Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), Headquarters Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Headquarters Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) and the Defense Security Service (DSS). It also includes the construction of a collocated "School House" for the Joint Counterintellegence Training Academy (JCITA) and the DSS and off-site development of utilities, bridge and roadway improvements. The work will be performed at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va., and is expected to be complete by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities websites, where five proposals were received for Phase I. Three proposals were submitted under Phase II and a negotiation period followed with conclusion by submission of a final proposal. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity, contract number (N40080-08-C-0020).  

McDonnell Douglas Corp., DBA the Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $153,044,318 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for an Assault Breaching System (ABS) Countermine System (CMS). The CMS will use a precision guided, stand-off munition capable of delivery by Air Force (AF) bombers and Navy (USN) tactical aircraft (TACAIR). The CMS shall attack surface laid and buried mines through a controlled dispense of countermine munitions. These munitions will be designed to neutralize mines and either consume the explosive fill or to cause a detonation of the mine.   Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (40 percent); Orlando, Fla. (31 percent); Niceville, Fla. (16 percent); and Mesa, Ariz. (13 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2013. The contract will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division website, with multiple proposals solicited and one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla. is the contracting activity (N61331-08-C-0032).

DG21 LLC, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded an estimated $28,365,264 modification P00034 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract with award fee provisions (N62742-06-D-4501) to exercise the second option period for Base Operating Support Services at the U.S. Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia in support of its mission in the British Indian Ocean Territory. The work to be performed provides for all management, labor, administration, supervision, materials, supplies, and equipment. After exercise of this modification, the total cumulative contract amount will be $467,728,084. Work will be performed at the U.S. Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, and is expected to be completed July 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The basic contract was competitively procured with 78 offers solicited, three proposals received, and award made to DG21 on 06 July 2006. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded an $11,750,505 modification to delivery order #0056 under their existing previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) for the installation of reducible height armor kits and survivability upgrade kits on Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis. (70 percent); Jacksonville, N.C. (22 percent); and Oceanside, Calif. (8 percent), and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Tetra Tech EC, Inc. (company's name changed from Tetra Tech Foster Wheeler, Inc.), San Diego, Calif. is being awarded $7,495,141 for modification 42 to Task Order #0072 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N68711-98-D-5713) for base-wide radiological surveys and remediation at Hunters Point Shipyard. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Technical Services Sector, Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $6,322,098 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for approximately 89,886 hours of engineering and logistics services in support of E-2C, C-2A test and E-2D System Design and Development (SDD) aircraft located at the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20), Patuxent River, Md. Services to be provided include modification and preparation of the aircraft for test operations, correct safety of flight discrepancies, quality control inspections, engineering investigations, and logistics and parts support. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-C-0065).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Hess Corp., Woodbridge, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $69,992,650 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas.  Other locations of performance are N.Y., Mass., Pa., and N.H.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Federal civilian Agencies.  There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010.  The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7508).

Army

JCB Inc., Pooler, Ga., was awarded on Jul. 28, a $6,151,111 contract for definitizing a current UCA for the procurement of 50 Add-on-Armor B-Kits for High Mobility Engineer Excavator vehicles, and the associated integrated logistics support.  Work will be performed in Pooler, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 23, 2008.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jan. 4, 2008. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, MI, Deployment Acquisition Group, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-D-0414).

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded on Jul. 28, 2008, a $22,782,322 cost plus award fee, contract for logistical support and services consisting of the three major functional areas of maintenance, transportation and supply on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Work will be performed in Schofield Barracks, East Range, Fort Shafter, Wheeler Army Airfield, Island of Oahu; and Pohakuloa Training Area, Island of Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2017.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 54 bids solicited on Jun. 16, 2006, and 7 bids were received. Regional Contracting Office, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W912CN-08-C-0085).

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded on July 28, 2008, a $22,782,322 cost plus award fee, contract for logistical support and services consisting of the three major functional areas of maintenance, transportation and supply on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Work will be performed in Schofield Barracks, East Range, Fort Shafter, Wheeler Army Airfield, Island of Oahu; and Pohakuloa Training Area, Island of Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 54 bids solicited on Jun. 16, 2006, and seven bids were received. Regional Contracting Office, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W912CN-08-C-0085).

Air Force

The Air Force is exercising an option by modifying a firm fixed price contract for $34,074,850 with Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz. This action will provide for MALD Low Rate Initial Production units (154 assets), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Trainer (5 assets), Decoy Trainers (41 assets), and Warranty for the LRIP units. At this time all funds have been obligated. 692 ARSS/PK, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08635-03-C-0002 P00079).

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract for $7.5 million with Northrop Grumman Mission Systems/Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory of San Jose, Calif. The purpose of this action is to award the ASIP Objective Performance Incentive. At this time all funds have been obligated. USAF/AFMC, Reconnaissance Systems Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-03-C-4318 Mod Nr: P00060).