Friday, April 19, 2024
Friday, April 19, 2024
This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Pentagon moving to implement several multiyear procurement contracts for a variety of missile systems, plus the Air Force's efforts to replace the venerable C-5 cargo aircraft and more.
The Pentagon recently issued a list of "large lot procurement" programs that are slated for multiyear contracts, including the Guided MLRS Rocket, PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, Navy Strike Missile, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles for the Navy and Air Force as well as the RIM-174 Standard Missile-6:
DOD outlines 'large lot procurement' plans for key missile systems
The Defense Department has released new details about its plans to use "large lot procurement" to buy several missile systems that are slated for multiyear contracts and have been deemed critical to potentially aiding Taiwan in a possible conflict with China, according to budget documents submitted to Congress.
Document: DOD's multiyear procurement of missile programs
In its FY-24 budget request, the Air Force says it will use the funding to support an initial study of capabilities it terms Next Generation Airlift:
Air Force expects to begin C-5 replacement studies in 2024
The Air Force will begin to study options in fiscal year 2024 for replacing the C-5 aircraft, which has been in service for more than 50 years. The service is requesting a minimal budget to get several studies underway.
The Missile Defense Agency is completing work on a homeland cruise missile defense system:
MDA begins homeland cruise missile defense project, plans August live-flight event
The Missile Defense Agency has demonstrated the first of a planned three-part project to prove technical linkages that could be relevant to a future domestic cruise missile defense system as part of an effort slated to culminate this summer with a live-flight test.
The Defense Department this week released the findings of its Defense Contract Finance Study, "an effort to comprehensively assess the effect that DOD contract financing and profit policies have on the defense industry":
DOD readies contractor financing changes following new study
The Pentagon is preparing to move out on policy recommendations governing how defense contractors are paid, including revising progress payment rates for large companies that were made more generous at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a long-awaited financing study released this week.
Document: DOD's defense contract finance study
Last but certainly not least, a look at Coast Guard funding for polar icebreakers:
Polar security fleet funding request underscores U.S. Arctic interests
With concern growing about upholding U.S. interests in Arctic waters, the Coast Guard is seeking $170 million in fiscal year 2024 to continue developing its tiny polar security cutter fleet. The cutters monitor sea traffic in a thawing Arctic, among other duties.