Looking for the Best
DOD RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THE SELECTION OF NEW PROJECTS BEING FUNDED IN FISCAL 2007 UNDER THE COMPARATIVE TESTING OFFICE’S DEFENSE ACQUISITION CHALLENGE AND FOREIGN COMPARATIVE TESTING PROGRAMS.
The Defense Acquisition Challenge (DAC) and Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) programs support the warfighter by leveraging mature equipment and technologies from domestic and coalition industry to satisfy U.S. defense requirements. Performance measures include accelerating the acquisition process, reducing development costs and providing opportunities for the introduction of innovative and costsaving technologies into existing defense acquisition programs.
The services and USSOCOM nominated more than 85 projects for Comparative Testing Office (CTO) funding consideration. Each proposed project was reviewed by the services, USSOCOM and the Office of the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the mature equipment or technology addressed valid warfighter needs. Each project’s service sponsor also had to have a viable acquisition strategy to procure and field the equipment should it test successfully and offer the best value.
By staying focused on the capabilities required for the global war on terrorism, DAC and FCT enhance interoperability with coalition partners, strengthen defense relationships, and frequently serve as a catalyst for partnering between domestic and overseas defense industries.
The DAC program allows domestic industries, especially those that are not major defense contractors, to compete with current acquisition programs at the component, system or sub-system level. The FCT program demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the “two-way street” in defense procurement and the willingness of allies and coalition partners to share their technology and compete in the U.S. defense market.
Of the 37 new FCT and DAC projects for fiscal 2007, nine are sponsored by the Army, 11 by the Navy and Marine Corps, eight by the Air Force and nine by the USSOCOM.
FOREIGN COMPARATIVE TESTING (FCT) PROGRAM
Anti-Materiel Rifle, Croatia, Republic of South Africa
This project will evaluate anti-materiel rifles developed by Denel of the Republic of South Africa and RH-Alan of Croatia, subjecting them to a variety of tests to evaluate their performance and ultimately select one rifle with the capability to defeat materiel targets such as lightly armored vehicles, power stations, communication assets and unexploded ordnance.
Hostile Forces Tagging, Tracking and Locating, Canada, France, Italy, United Kingdom
This project will evaluate an array of tagging, tracking and locating (TTL) devices that represent the latest in TTL technology, including data loggers, direction finding (DF) devices with associated DF receivers, and ground positioning satellite-based cellular and satellite systems.
Lightweight Deployable Universal Communications Systems, Sweden
This project will test and evaluate the Swedish-based Ericsson QuicLINK, a lightweight universal mobile telecommunications system mobile cellular system. The Swedish system is a downsized third-generation cellular system that can provide high data rates to personal communications devices, as well as handling a large number of simultaneous voice calls. The system provides data rates up to 384 kbps over a wideband code division multiple access air interface and will incorporate robust header compression technology.
MK47 Crew-Served Weapon Trainer, Norway
This project will evaluate a crew-served weapons training system used to facilitate mission-specific rehearsals prior to combat operations. The trainer system, developed by Vinghogs of Norway, allows operators to dry-fire the weapon and receive feedback. The objective is to directly improve the readiness of special operations forces by allowing operators to train on MK47 systems and rehearse missions on a highly realistic trainer.
Psychological Operations Radio Broadcast Platform, Norway
This project will evaluate deployment of an FM broadcast system developed by Tyra Invest AS of Norway using a tethered balloon concept. The system to be tested can place an FM broadcast transmitter at a predetermined altitude for up to five days and transmit psychological operations messages to personnel on the ground. The system is designed to be deployed from fighter aircraft by means of a standard MK-7/20 (PDU-5B) canister.
DEFENSE ACQUISITION CHALLENGE (DAC) PROGRAM
Crew-Served and Heavy Weapons Aiming Laser (CSHWL)
This project will evaluate lightweight, highly effective laser pointing and aiming systems developed by B.E. Meyers & Company of Redmond, Wash.; Insight Technology of Londonderry, N.H.; Laser Devices, Inc. of Monterey, Calif.; and Night Vision Systems ( formerly Night Vision Equipment Company) of Allentown, Pa. Successful evaluation and fielding will facilitate both day and nighttime operations for crew served and heavy weapons platforms, and will increase special operations forces’ survivability and lethality by enhancing weapon performance and target acquisition.
Improved Radio Frequency (RF) Microchip Assemblies
This project will evaluate gallium arsenide high-frequency RF amplifier chips, developed by ITT Industries Avionics of Clifton, N.J., to determine if they are suitable within the AN/ ALQ-211 Suite of Integrated Radio Countermeasures System on special operating forces’ MH-47, MH-60, CV-22 aircraft, thereby reducing system test and tuning times.
Lithium-Ion Battery System for Mk 8 Mod 1 SEAL Delivery Vehicle
This project will evaluate a lithium ion energy storage system developed by Saft America, Inc., of Cockeysville, Md., to upgrade the SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) from the current system, based on silver zinc (Ag Zn) battery cells originally designed for the SDV in the1970s. The Ag Zn system does not provide adequate power to meet the increased demand required by several SDV equipment enhancements over the past 10 years. The lithium ion system will have an added advantage of being able to be charged in place.
Modular Advanced Composite Armor Kits
This project will evaluate lightweight, advanced composite protective armor, manufactured by various qualified vendors to be determined, for special operations nonstandard civilian vehicles that can be easily installed and repaired in the field by nontechnical personnel without the need for special tools or equipment. ♦