DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contract Dated January 5, 2012

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contract  Dated January 5, 2012

 Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 011-12 January 5, 2012

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – January 5, 2012: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued January 5, 2012 are undermentioned;

 

CONTRACTS
ARMY
            Tatitlek Training Services, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska (W9124J-12-D-0003); Davis-Paige Management Systems, L.L.C., Annandale, Va. (W9124J-12-D-0005); ALOG Corp., Huntsville, Ala. (W9124J-12-D-0007); Huckstep Holding Corp. (TechWise), Colorado Springs, Colo. (W9124J-12-D-0008); and Logistics & Environmental Solutions Corp., Huntsville, Ala. (W9124J-12-D-0009), were awarded a $983,000,000 contract between five contractors in various types.  The award will provide for the support base services at Army installations.  Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity.
            General Electric-Aviation, Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded a $937,878,676 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the necessary services and supplies in support of all Corpus Christi Army Depot overhaul and repair activities for the entire T-700 family of engines.  Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2016.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-D-0015).
            The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a $370,001,618 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the services in support of the bridge requirement for new CH-47 F model aircraft to support foreign military sales.  Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-C-0010).
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Manassas, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-0001); International Business Machines Corp., Bethesda, Md. (W91QUZ-12-D-0002); HP Enterprise Services, L.L.C., Herndon, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-00013); General Dynamics One Source, L.L.C., Fairfax, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-0004); Northrop Grumman, Herndon, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-0005); General Dynamics One Source, L.L.C., Fairfax, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-0006); HP Enterprise, L.L.C., Herndon, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-0007); MicroTech, L.L.C., Vienna, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-0008); and Criterion Systems, Inc., Vienna, Va. (W91QUZ-12-D-0009), were awarded a $249,800,000 firm-fixed-price contract between nine contractors.  The award will provide for the Enterprise cloud computing services in support of the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems.  Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 29, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 11 bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity.
            The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a $218,726,883 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure CH-47F Renew cargo helicopters.  Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0098).
            Mantech Telecommunications and Information Systems Corporation, Chantilly, Va., was awarded a $100,854,656 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the sustainment support services in support of route clearance vehicle systems, Special Operations Command, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Family of Vehicles.  Work will be performed in Afghanistan; Kuwait; Germany; and Chantilly, Va., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-0168).
  3Di Technologies, L.L.C., Hanover, Md., was awarded an $82,936,006 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the bandwidth services in support of very small aperture terminals.  Work will be performed in Hanover, Md., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 22, 2014.  Ten bids were solicited, with six bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-12-D-D642).
            Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $66,619,041 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of AH-64D Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilot’s night vision sensor systems and spares for the Saudi Arabia National Guard.  Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-11-C-0120).
            Global Integrated Security, Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded a $60,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the reconstruction security support services throughout Afghanistan.  Work will be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W917PM-08-D-0001).
            HELLFIRE Systems, L.L.C., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $53,881,982 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure HELLFIRE II missiles.  Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-11-C-0242).
            Raytheon, Andover, Mass., was awarded a $51,289,280 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modernization of Patriot Advanced Capability-2 missiles to Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles.  Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-12-C-0079).
            General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., was awarded a $46,581,732 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the warehouse operation services at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.  Work will be performed in Kuwait, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 29, 2012.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with five bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-11-C-0019).
            BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded a $41,955,848 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of M113A0 armored personnel carriers and the M113A2 MK1 armored personnel carriers for Brazil.  Work will be performed in York, Pa., and Brazil, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 21, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-C-0083).
            BCP Construction of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $34,835,245 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the construction services for a combine support maintenance shop. Work will be performed in Kapolei, Hawaii, with an estimated completion date of June 8, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with four bids received.  The National Guard Bureau, Kapolei, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W912J6-11-C-0003).
            NI Industries, Inc., Rock Island, Ill., was awarded a $34,771,015 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of M14 brass cartridge cases.  Work will be performed in Dec. 31, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-12-D-0002).
            Sikorsky Support Services, Inc., Stratford, Conn., was awarded a $31,124,315 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the non-personal technical services in support of aircraft for foreign military sales.  Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2016.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-D-0018).
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $29,029,362 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure 311 M299 launchers.  Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2014. O ne bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0154).
            Martin-Baker America, Johnstown, Pa., was awarded a $28,895,117 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of parts in support of the UH-60 Black Hawk.  Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 27, 2016.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-D-0020).
            Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $27,302,511 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles . Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0159).
            SSI Technology, Madison Heights, Mich., was awarded a $25,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of Bradley advanced survivability seat-driver kits.  Work will be performed in Madison Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 12 bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-C-0058).
            DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc., St. Louis, Miss., was awarded a $24,859,737 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the services in support Expeditionary Water Packaging System.  Work will be performed in St. Louis, Miss., and Germany, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 9, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0010).
            Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $24,135,588 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the services in support of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle.  Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 9, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
            Science Application International Corp., McLean, Va., was awarded a $23,324,643 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the ammunition management services in Kuwait.  Work will be performed in Kuwait, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 29, 2012.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with four bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-11C-0005).
            General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded a $20,500,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract in support of operational test and evaluation.  Work will be performed in Poway, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069).
            Mideast Construction, L.L.C., Morris Plains, N.J., was awarded a $19,986,361 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction services for the Afghan National Army.  Work will be performed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 20, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with seven bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kandahar, Afghanistan, is the contracting activity (W5J9LE-12-C-0012).
            Hunt Building Company, Ltd., El Paso, Texas, was awarded a $19,471,900 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction services for an enlisted personnel barracks complex.  Work will be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 11, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Miss., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-12-C-4001).
            Raytheon Co., Fullerton, Calif., was awarded an $18,115,396 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the services and spares in support of satellite communications sets and systems.  Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 22, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-12-C-A310).
            Lockheed Martin, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $16,481,737 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the services in support of launchers.  Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0003).
            Paragon Bioservices, Inc., Baltimore, Md., was awarded a $15,451,720 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract.  The award will provide for the manufacture of trivalent filovirus vaccine.  Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md., and Ames, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of April 17, 2020.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with four bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-12-C-0028).
            Construction Services Group, Charleston, S.C., was awarded a $14,500,000 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  The award will provide for the construction services to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Work will be performed in Hartwell, Ga.; Elberton, Ga.; and Clarks Hill, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 29, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 15 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-12-D-0009).
            BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H., was awarded a $12,290,244 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of T-Pod Systems on the MQ-1C Unmanned Aircraft System.  Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 27, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-12-C-C009).
            General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded an $11,769,641 cost contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to increase foreign military sales funding.  Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-0350).
            General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded an $11,134,389 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure manufacturing and technical assistance to Egypt.  Work will be performed in Cairo, Egypt, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0488).
            Alpha Protective Services, Inc., Thomasville, Ga., was awarded a $10,654,301 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the security guard services for five posts at various compounds on the Fort Bragg installation.  Work will be performed in Fort Bragg, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 10 bids received.  The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-08-C-0006).
            Marinex Construction, Inc., Charleston, S.C., was awarded a $10,648,750 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the dredging services from Savannah and Brunswick Inner Harbor.  Work will be performed in Savannah, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 13, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-12-C-0002).
            Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $9,759,486 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract.  The award will provide for the Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar requirement to add Department of State requirements to the contract.  Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 3, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-12-C-0029).
            Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., was awarded a $9,300,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure vehicle mounts, training, and radios for foreign military sales.  Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 10, 2015.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-11-D-H607).
            ICF Jacob & Sundstrom, Baltimore, Md., was awarded a $9,166,600 firm-fixed-price, level-of-effort contract.  The award will provide for the Cyber Network Defense Support Provider services.  Work will be performed in Adelphi, Md., and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Adelphi, Md., is the contracting activity (W911QX-07-F-0023).
            ICx Technologies, Inc. (Agentase, Inc.), Pittsburgh, Pa., was awarded an $8,697,958 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the support services to the Joint Program Manager, Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance.  Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Glen Burnie, Md., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2016.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with five bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contract activity (W911SR-08-C-0075).
            Lockheed Martin Corp., Global Training and Logistics, Orlando, Fla., was awarded an $8,215,632 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the upgrade for the M1A2S Advanced Gunnery Training System configurations for Saudi Arabia.  Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla., and Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Acquisition Center, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (W900KK-12-C-0008).
            STG, Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded an $8,202,526 firm-fixed-price, level-of-effort contract.  The award will provide for the information technology services for installation support of Army Research Laboratory.  Work will be performed in Adelphi, Md.; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.; and Army Research Office, Research Triangle Park, N.C., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Adelphi, Md., is the contracting activity (W911QX-08-F-0057).
            JCB, Inc., Pooler, Ga., was awarded an $8,014,708 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract for services in support of High Mobility Excavator.  Work will be performed in Pooler, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 29, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-D-0028).
            Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $7,757,352 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 92H Block 1 Stinger missiles for Taiwan.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2016.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0520).
            Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $7,570,143 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract in support of Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.  Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 13, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W58HZV-09-D-0159).
            Goodrich Landing Gear, Cleveland, Ohio, was awarded a $7,217,845 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 137 high performance shock struts, with an option for an additional 76 struts.  Work will be performed in Cleveland, Ohio, and THE Netherlands, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 8, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-12-C-0050).
            n-Link Corporation, Bend, Ore., was awarded a $6,765,301 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the management and support for digital training facilities.  Work will be performed in Bend, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014.  Thirteen bids were solicited, with eight bids received.  The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911S0-09-C-0018).
AIR FORCE
            AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., is being awarded a $162,400,000 firm-fixed-price (75 percent of contract value), fixed-price incentive firm (20 percent of contract value), and cost reimbursable (5 percent of contract value) for logistics support and concurrency modification support for the B-1 Training System.  The B-1B Training System consists of an Aircrew Training System component and Maintenance Training System, which support initial, continuation, and re-qualification training of B-1B aircrews and maintainers.  The locations of the performances are Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., and Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2018.  ASC/WNSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-10-R-6254).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            R.D. Buie Enterprises, Inc.*, Boerne, Texas (SPM8E6-10-D-0003/P00006); Middle Atlantic Wholesale Lumber, Inc.*, Baltimore, Md. (SPM8E6-10-D-0004/P00004); Sylvan Forest Products, Inc.*, Portland, Ore. (SPM8E6-10-D-0005/P00004); and S&S Forest Products, L.L.C.*, Boerne, Texas (SPM8E6-10-D-0006/P00004), were issued a modification exercising the first option year their contracts.  The award is a firm-fixed-price, total set aside contract with a maximum $62,200,714 for general wood products for the Eastern region.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2011 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is Feb. 4, 2013.  The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.
NAVY
            EADS North America, Irvine, Calif., is being awarded a $9,800,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price hardware contract for 203 spare/repair parts in support of the Radio Frequency Distribution and Control System (RFDACS) Program.  RFDACS provides a means of routing signals and information between the various antenna systems and other submarine communication subsystems.  Work will performed in Irvine, Calif., and is expected to complete by December 2014.  The contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with one offer received.   The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity (N66604-12-D-0051).
*Small business

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources  U.S. DoD issued No. 011-12 January 5, 2012
*Speaking Image – Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News – THAILAND DEFENSE NEWS: Thailand ~ Joining The Crusade Against China

DTN News – THAILAND DEFENSE NEWS: Thailand  ~ Joining The Crusade Against China
Source: DTN News – - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Page

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – January 4, 2012: In the south, security forces chip away at the criminal infrastructure that supports the smugglers and Islamic terrorists. The smuggling has long been a major part of the economy, and local culture. The government generally tolerated it as long as the gangsters were discreet. Radical Islam is something that was always just beneath the surface. In the last few decades, Islamic radicalism became fashionable and found material, if not moral, support from the smuggling gangs. That made the Islamic terrorists much more difficult to find and catch. The terrorists are being protected by the same loyalties and secrecy that has long protected the criminal gangs. But even some of the gangsters are getting tired of all the violence, and additional security forces, the Islamic terrorism has brought to the neighborhood.

In addition to making peace with Cambodia, the government has hustled of late to improve diplomatic and economic relations with the newly elected government of Burma. Although army officers still appear to be calling the shots in Burma, there is also some reform. Thailand hosts over 150,000 refugees from Myanmar (Burma) in Thailand, nearly all of them from tribes that have been fighting the Burmese government for centuries. But recently, the Burmese government has made peace deals with most of the tribes. The government is also developing military links with India, which is part of the movement by China’s neighbors to create an alliance that can limit any possible Chinese aggression. The growth of Chinese military power, and claims on neighboring territory has made all this coalition building popular.

The days before and after New Years Day are occasions for lots of celebrations. This involves a lot of driving and drinking. Therefore much of the army was assigned to monitor traffic and try to catch drunk drivers before they killed someone. About half the 300 people killed during these holidays are the result of drinking. Some ten times as many people are injured. This is a problem even in the Moslem south, where Islamic conservatives discourage the use of alcohol.

January 1, 2012: In the south, two soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb.

December 30, 2011: In the south, several attacks (using bombs, grenades and gunfire) left seven troops wounded and one local security volunteer shot dead by terrorists.

December 21, 2011:  Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to withdraw troops from the border after the International Court of Justice establishes where the border actually is. No date was given for when the withdrawal was to take place, because the international courts tend to take a while to complete their work.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Page
*Speaking Image – Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contract Dated January 3, 2012

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contract  Dated January 3, 2012
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – January 3, 2012: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued January 3, 2012 are undermentioned;

 CONTRACTS
AIR FORCE
            Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $25,823,405 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  This effort will continue to improve the Multi-Spectral Targeting System-B and build the advancements made with the original delivery order.  A primary focus of this effort is to improve the system imaging from standard definition to high definition.  The location of performance is the Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas.  Work is expected to be completed Jan. 31, 2013.  ASC/WIIK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041 001202).
 L-3 Communications Corp., Camden, N.J., is being awarded a $25,683,928 cost-plus-award-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  This contract modification is for the Modernized User Equipment (MUE) completion effort.  This effort corrects MUE receiver card deficiencies that were identified during Functional Qualification Test, in order for the receiver cards to comply with contract requirements.  This effort also implements updated MUE interface control documents, adds functionality to delivered Military-Code (M-Code) GPS receivers to provide additional military utility, and increases performance design margin in functions within receivers for future M-Code receiver developments.  The location of the performance is L-3 Communications Systems Co./Interstate Electronics Corp., Anaheim, Calif.  Work is expected to be completed by July 26, 2013.  SMC/GPK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8807-06-C-0003, P00088).
            Boeing Co., Seal Beach, Calif., is being awarded a $23,881,830 cost-plus-award-fee contract.  This contract modification will exercise the option for calendar year 2012 maintenance and operations services to provide the requirements for the development and delivery of the logistics infrastructure for the Space Based Space Surveillance Block 10 System.  The two locations of the performance are Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colo. (70 percent), and The Boeing Co., Intelligence and Security Systems Division, Colorado Spring, Colo. (30 percent).  The performance is expected to be completed Jan. 1, 2012.  SMC/PKS, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-08-C-0006/ P00045).
            Raytheon Technical Services Co., Dulles, Va., is being awarded a $14,046,412 firm-fixed-price contract.  This procurement of the radar operations and maintenance services will ensure the availability of the Cobra Dane’s radar facility to collect on 100 percent of the tasked data collection opportunities that pass through its field of view.  The location of the performance is Falls Church, Va.  Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2015.  AFRISA/A7KRB, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA7022-11-C-0010/P00005).
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DTN News – IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: France Says Iran Still Developing Nuclear Arms

DTN News – IRAN NUCLEAR FACTORS: France Says Iran Still Developing Nuclear Arms
Source: DTN News – - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – January 3,  2012: French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said on Tuesday that Iran was continuing to develop nuclear weapons and called for stronger sanctions against Tehran.

“Iran is pursuing the development of its nuclear arms, I have no doubt about it,” he told French television I-Tele. “The last report by the International Atomic Energy Agency is quite explicit on this point.”

“This is why France, without closing the path of negotiation and dialogue with Iran, wants stricter sanctions,” he added.

He said French President Nicolas Sarkozy has proposed a freezing of assets of Iran’s central bank and an embargo on exports of Iranian oil, a move also being considered by the European Union.

Tensions have risen in recent days after Iran — which insists its nuclear programme is purely for peaceful purposes — test-fired a series of missiles near the key Gulf oil supply route of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has no long-range missiles, a Russian defence official said Tuesday in Moscow’s first response to the series of missile tests conducted by Tehran.

“Iran does not have the technology to create intermediate or long-range inter-continental ballistic missiles,” defence ministry spokesman Vadim Koval told the Interfax news agency.

“And it will not get such missiles any time soon,” he added.

Iran reported testing three missiles close to the Gulf oil-transit waterway on Monday amid preparations by Western powers to impose more economic sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear drive.

Two of the missiles can fly a maximum 200 kilometres (120 miles), generally considered short-range weapons, although the Iranian media and a navy spokesman described one of them as “long-range”.

The other, a Nasr anti-ship missile, had a shorter range of 35 kilometres.

Russia has relatively close ties with Iran and built its first nuclear power station in the southern city of Bushehr. Moscow has also delivered the nuclear fuel for the reactor.

Moscow has echoed Western concerns about the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme but has stopped short of publicly accusing Tehran of seeking atomic weapons and always said that the standoff should be solved by diplomacy.

Related News;

IRAN CLAIMS RECORD PLUNGE IN NATIONAL CURRENCY NOT LINKED TO LATEST US SANCTIONS

Washington Post - ‎6 minutes ago‎
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says the new record low of the national currency to the US dollar is not linked to the latest sanctions from the United States targeting the country’s central bank. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast on Tuesday insisted 

IRAN NUCLEAR CRISIS: FRANCE WANTS ‘STRICTER’ SANCTIONS

BBC News - ‎27 minutes ago‎
France is convinced Iran is developing nuclear weapons and should face “stricter sanctions”, Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has said. He urged EU countries to follow the US in freezing Iranian central bank assets and imposing an embargo on oil exports. 

FRANCE:EUROPE MUST AGREE IRAN SANCTIONS BY END-JAN

Reuters UK - ‎34 minutes ago‎
* Juppe says must move rapidly to show determination * Sanctions should hit oil and central bank * Appeal comes as missile tests increase tension (Updates with background on EU sanctions proposal, Iran developments) PARIS, Jan 3 (Reuters) – France 

‘EUROPE MUST AGREE IRAN SANCTIONS BY MONTH’S END’

Jerusalem Post - ‎51 minutes ago‎
By REUTERS French foreign minister says France wants tougher sanctions on Tehran; “we want the Europeans to take a step similar to US.” PARIS – France wants its European partners to agree by end-January on sanctions on Iran similar to those envisaged 

FRANCE SAYS IRAN STILL DEVELOPING NUCLEAR ARMS

Africasia - ‎1 hour ago‎
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said on Tuesday that Iran was continuing to develop nuclear weapons and called for stronger sanctions against Tehran. “Iran is pursuing the development of its nuclear arms, I have no doubt about it,” he told French 

IRAN’S RIAL SLIDES AGAINST US DOLLAR ON FRESH SANCTIONS

BBC News - ‎5 hours ago‎
Iran’s currency dropped 12% against the US dollar after the US unveiled fresh sanctions targeting its central bank. According to reports, the rial was being traded at 17800 to the dollar by money changers in Tehran on Monday, down from 15900 on Sunday. 

ELECTION FEARS AND ECONOMIC WOES POSE NEW CHALLENGES FOR IRAN’S LEADERS

New York Times - ‎5 hours ago‎
Iran’s conservative Islamic hierarchy has been seeking to portray the coming parliamentary elections as an enviable model of Middle East democracy and an inspiration for the Arab Spring revolts. But a likely boycott by Iran’s harshly silenced 

IRANIAN CURRENCY SLIDES UNDER LATEST US SANCTIONS

Washington Post - ‎7 hours ago‎
TEHRAN — Iran’s ailing currency took a steep slide Monday, losing 12 percent against foreign currencies after President Obama on Saturday signed a bill that places the Islamic republic’s central bank under unilateral sanctions. 

US HOPES NEW IRAN SANCTIONS MORE SCALPEL THAN AXE

GMA News - ‎8 hours ago‎
WASHINGTON – The United States has armed itself with some of the toughest sanctions yet targeting Iran but must carefully assess how to avoid catching energy-importing allies such as Japan, South Korea and India in the crossfire. 

GOLD, SILVER GAIN AFTER REPORTS THAT IRAN MADE FIRST NUCLEAR ROD

BusinessWeek - ‎8 hours ago‎
By Swansy Afonso Jan. 3 (Bloomberg) — Gold and silver gained after reports that Iran produced its first nuclear fuel rod, spurring investors to buy the precious metal as a haven. Gold futures for February delivery advanced 0.2 percent to $1569.70 an 

IRAN’S CURRENCY SUFFERS NEW DEPRECIATION AFTER US SANCTIONS IRANIAN CENTRAL BANK

Xinhua - ‎9 hours ago‎
TEHRAN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) — Two days after the US sanctions on Iran’s central bank was announced, Iran’s currency, rial, presented a significant slump against the US dollar. On Monday, one dollar was exchanged for 17800 rials in the street market in 

IRAN’S CURRENCY SLUMPS

Wall Street Journal - ‎9 hours ago‎
AP TEHRAN–Iran’s currency hit a record low against the US dollar on Monday, two days after US President Barack Obama signed into law a bill targeting Iran’s central bank as part of the West’s efforts to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program. 

IRAN CURRENCY PLUMMETS: A SIGN US SANCTIONS ARE TAKING HOLD?

Christian Science Monitor - ‎10 hours ago‎
The value of Iran’s currency fell 10 percent Monday following President Obama signing new sanctions against Iran’s central bank Saturday. Europe is also considering a ban on Iranian oil. By Howard LaFranchi, Staff writer / January 2, 

TENSION IN GULF AS IRAN CLAIMS MISSILE AND NUCLEAR SUCCESS

Sydney Morning Herald - ‎11 hours ago‎
Iran has fired two long-range missiles during Gulf drill to show it could hit Israel and US bases in the region if attacked. IRAN has raised the stakes in its confrontation with the West by test-firing a missile it said could not be detected by radar 

UANI APPLAUDS PRESIDENT OBAMA, US LAWMAKERS FOR SANCTIONING IRAN’S CENTRAL BANK

MarketWatch (press release) - ‎11 hours ago‎
NEW YORK, Jan 02, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) President, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s signing of new sanctions against Iran’s Central Bank and financial sector. 

GOLD, SILVER GAIN AFTER IRAN NUCLEAR REPORTS

Sydney Morning Herald - ‎12 hours ago‎
Gold and silver gained after reports that Iran produced its first nuclear fuel rod, spurring investors to buy the precious metal as a haven. Gold for immediate delivery advanced 0.2 per cent to $US1566.27 an ounce in New York. 

IRAN MAKES FIRST NUCLEAR FUEL ROD

Bloomberg - ‎14 hours ago‎
Enlarge image Iran Makes First Nuclear Fuel Rod, Offers to Restart Talks Iran Makes First Nuclear Fuel Rod, Offers to Restart Talks Iran’s Navy Commander Admiral Habibollah Sayari points at a map during a press conference in Tehran on December 22, 

‘IRAN OPPOSES US HEGEMONY’

RT - ‎15 hours ago‎
The US has slapped sanctions on Iran, targeting its financial sector while the EU is considering an embargo on Iranian oil. But if the West suffocates Iran, it will have no option but to respond in a severe manner, Dr Seyed Mohammad Marandi told RT. 

IRAN CURRENCY PLUNGES 10% AS US STRENGTHENS SANCTIONS

The Guardian - ‎16 hours ago‎
Iran’s currency value has fallen more than 10% in less than a week to record lows, after a US move to tighten financial sanctions against the Islamic republic. The riyal lurched to as low as 16800 to the dollar, down from 15200 at the end of last week. 

‘WAR IS HELL: IRAN FAR STRONGER THAN US WOULD LIKE TO ADMIT’

RT - ‎16 hours ago‎
Iran has successfully test-fired two long-range missiles on the last day of major naval exercises in the international waters of the Persian Gulf. This comes amid mounting Western pressure on the country over its nuclear ambitions. 

A DUAL TRACK: CRIPPLING SANCTIONS AND A CREDIBLE MILITARY OPTION FOR IRAN

Washington Post (blog) - ‎17 hours ago‎
By Jennifer Rubin Last week I cited a report by Eli Lake concerning intensified US and Israeli cooperation with regard to the “triggers” that would require military action against Iran. However, some analysts and Iran experts on Capitol Hill and 

SOUTH KOREA WANTS TO CONTINUE TO IMPORT CRUDE OIL FROM IRAN

Tehran Times - ‎17 hours ago‎
SEOUL (Yonhap) — The South Korean government has been trying to persuade Washington as the country wants to continue to import crude oil from Iran, excluding it from the new sanctions. Iran is one of the large sources of oil for South Korea, 

FACTBOX: SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON IRAN

Chicago Tribune - ‎18 hours ago‎
(Reuters) – President Barack Obama signed into law on Saturday new sanctions against financial institutions dealing with Iran’s central bank, which if fully implemented could hamper Tehran’s ability to sell oil on international markets. 

IRAN’S CURRENCY SLUMPS ON SANCTIONS FEARS

Voice of America (blog) - ‎18 hours ago‎
Reports from Iran say the nation’s currency has slumped to a record low against the US dollar, two days after US President Barack Obama signed into law new sanctions that could affect Iran’s central bank and financial system. 

IRAN’S CURRENCY HITS RECORD LOW

RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty - ‎18 hours ago‎
A customer buys Iranian gold coins at a currency exchange office in Tehran’s business district. A customer buys Iranian gold coins at a currency exchange office in Tehran’s business district. Iran’s rial has hit a new record low against the US dollar, 

IRAN’S CURRENCY SLUMPS 12% AS SANCTIONS BITE

AFP - ‎18 hours ago‎
TEHRAN — Iran’s currency, the rial, slumped 12 percent in street trading Monday, accelerating a slide triggered on the weekend when the United States activated new sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear drive. The rial was being exchanged for 17800 to the 

US PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL SAYS HE WOULD BOMB IRAN NUKE SITES

Indian Express - ‎20 hours ago‎
Hours after Iran announced the production of the country’s first nuclear fuel rod, a leading Republican contender Rick Santorum has warned that if elected president he would bomb Teheran’s nuclear facilities unless they were opened up for international 

IRAN SAYS IT MADE NUCLEAR FUEL ROD, OFFERS TO RESUME TALKS

BusinessWeek - ‎21 hours ago‎
By Ayesha Daya Jan. 2 (Bloomberg) — Iran produced its first nuclear fuel rod, state-run news agencies reported, as the country offered to restart international talks over its atomic program. The domestically made rod was inserted into the core of

REPORT: IRAN TESTS NUCLEAR FUEL ROD

CNN International - ‎22 hours ago‎
Tehran, Iran (CNN) — Iran has succeeded in building and testing the country’s first domestically produced nuclear fuel rod, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Sunday. The uranium fuel rod was tested successfully and installed in the core of a

IRAN TESTS CRUISE MISSILE DURING NAVAL WAR EXERCISE

Deutsche Welle - ‎Jan 2, 2012‎
Iran’s navy says it has test-fired a cruise missile with stealth technology in a move sure to ratchet up tensions with the West, just days after Tehran unveiled its first domestically produced nuclear fuel rod. Iran on Monday successfully tested a 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP
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DTN News – INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Why Indian Pilot Training Is So Dangerous

DTN News – INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Why Indian Pilot Training Is So Dangerous
Analysis: Internationally, a project for one year takes ten fold longer in India. Decisions are taken at a snail pace and time is wasted on unneccessary red tape bureaucracy. Defense procurement system is politically corrupt, as an example urgently needed Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainers for Indian Air Force, which took 30 odd years to acquire at the cost of hundreds of young Indian Air Force pilots life. India is the largest democratically governed country in the world as is an examplery system for other nations to follow suit, but at the same time the system is a curse with too many voices and noises, NO ACTION. India should have for some period a system of administration similar to China, which is straightfoward with no two way decision making that would benefit for the betterment of the country at large. (DTN Defense-Technology News)
Source: DTN News – - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Pages
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – January 2,  2012: The Indian defense procurement bureaucracy has struck again. Despite over a decade of pressure from the Indian Air Force to obtain new trainers, new basic flight training aircraft have still not been obtained. As a result, trainee pilots are only getting 25 hours of flight time before going off to train on a specific type of aircraft (fighter, transport, helicopter). These trainees are supposed to get 75 hours before moving up to the advanced trainers and service aircraft. This problem has been building for years.

For example, back in 2009 the Indian Air Force shut down its acrobatics team, so that the aircraft they use (which are basically trainers) could be transferred to pilot flight training units, which were desperately short of flyable trainer aircraft. India’s fleet of training aircraft is quite old and increasingly prone to breakdowns and crashes.

India has long put off buying new trainers. There are actually three different trainer aircraft types pilots use during their training. The HPT-32 is used for primary flight training. Intermediate training uses the Kiran Mark II and then the Hawk Jet Trainer is used for advanced training for fighter pilots. After that, the pilots are sent to combat units where they learn how to operate a specific type of combat aircraft. But in 2009, all 116 HPT 32 basic trainers had to be grounded because of age related problems. HPT reliability has gone done even more since then. The HPT 32 entered service three decades ago, and there have been over a hundred serious accidents, killing 23 instructor and trainee pilots. Because of the HPT 32 problems, the 96 Kiran Mk1 intermediate trainers had to increasingly be used for both basic and intermediate training. These aircraft are being worn out, but even then, most pilot trainees are only getting a third of the required hours before being moved along in their flight training.

The air force has finally received permission to buy 75 Pilatus PC 7 single engine turboprop trainers to replace the HPT 32s. While the HPT-32 was designed and manufactured in India, the Swiss Pilatus is seen as a better buy. The PC 7 is a two seat, 2.7 ton aircraft. The instructor sits behind the trainee and both have an ejection seat. Nearly 500 PC 7s have been built in the last three decades and they are used by 24 nations.

India has also had problems with advanced trainers. For a long time, new pilots went straight from propeller driven trainer aircraft to high performance jets like the MiG-21. This was made worse by the fact that the MiG-21 has always been a tricky aircraft to fly. This resulted in a high loss rate from peacetime accidents. The solution to this was a new jet trainer. But it took decades for this proposal to make its way through the defense procurement bureaucracy.

Three years ago, India decided to buy another 40 British Hawk jet trainers. Seven years ago, after two decades of effort, BAE Systems finally sold 66 Hawk jet trainers to India, at a cost of some $25 million each. The delays were caused by the Indian unwillingness to spend the money, plus the efforts of French, Russian, Czech, and American aircraft manufacturers to put forward their own candidates. Finally, the growing number of Indian MiG-21 aircraft lost forced the government to close the deal. The Hawk advanced jet trainers are the most successful Western aircraft of this type, at least in terms of sales (over 900 have been sold). The US Navy uses the Hawk and India felt the Hawk was the most suitable for training MiG-21 pilots. The nine ton aircraft are used to train pilots who will eventually fly jet fighters. The Hawk can also be armed and used for ground attack.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Pages  
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DTN News – IRAN NEWS: Iran Scientists Produce Nuclear Fuel Rod

DTN News – IRAN NEWS: Iran Scientists Produce Nuclear Fuel Rod
*Special Note - DTN News would like to thanks readers and viewers for their continue support with comments and DTN News wish each entity a very happy, healthy and bright 2012,
As of to-date, IRAN is in the hot spot seat being the most dangerous country on various factors, topping by producing nucleared powered weapons, Israel invented strike on nuclear facilities, sanctions by USA and EU, least Saudi involvement in Bahrain causing sectarian violence and to complete the cycle, the benefactor USA signing major arms deal with Saudi and Gulf countries creating booming arms industry during financial crisis to avert government shutdown and Obama could be elected for second terms of presidentship of the USA.
*DTN News – POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE CONFLICT NEWS: Iran To Punish Saudi Arabia Brutally ~ Tuesday, March 29, 2011 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – January 1,  2012:  Iranian scientists have produced the nation’s first nuclear fuel rod, a feat of engineering the West has doubted Tehran capable of, the country’s nuclear agency said Sunday.

The announcement marks another step in Tehran’s efforts to achieve proficiency in the entire nuclear fuel cycle—from exploring uranium ore to producing nuclear fuel–despite U.N. sanctions and measures by the U.S. and others to get it to halt aspects of its atomic work that could provide a possible pathway to weapons production.

Tehran has long said it is forced to seek a way to manufacture the fuel rods on its own, since the sanctions ban it from buying them on foreign markets. Nuclear fuel rods are tubes containing pellets of enriched uranium that provide fuel for nuclear reactors.

Iran’s atomic energy agency’s website said the first domestically made rod has already been inserted into the core of Tehran’s research nuclear reactor. But it was unclear if the rod contained pellets or was inserted empty, as part of a test.

“Scientists and researchers at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran have succeeded in producing and testing the first sample of a nuclear fuel rod,” said the announcement.

The U.S. and some of its European allies accuse Iran of using its nuclear program as a cover to develop atomic weapons. Iran denies the charge, saying the program is for peaceful purposes only and is geared toward generating electricity and producing medical radioisotopes to treat cancer patients.

Although the rods are easier to make, Iran is also seeking to produce the pellets with enriched uranium. But so far it is not known whether Iranian nuclear scientists have been able to overcome the technical hurdles to do so.

Tehran focused on domestic production of nuclear fuel rods and pellets in 2010, after talks with the West on a nuclear fuel swap deal ended in failure as Iran backed down on shipping a major part of its stock of enriched uranium abroad in return for fuel.

The announcement on the fuel rod came just a day after Tehran proposed a new round of talks on its nuclear program with six world powers. The last round of negotiations between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany was held in January in Istanbul, Turkey, but it ended in failure.

The U.N. has imposed four rounds of sanctions on Tehran over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment, a process that can lead to making a nuclear weapon. Separately, the U.S. and the European Union have imposed their own tough economic and financial penalties.

Separately Sunday, Iran’s navy says it has test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile during a drill in international waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz—the passageway for one-sixth of the world’s oil supply.

State TV said the missile is designed to evade radars and was developed by Iranian scientists.

The report didn’t provide further details or say when the missile was tested.

A spokesman for the exercise, Rear Adm. Mahmoud Mousavi, says torpedoes will be used in the drill on Sunday.

The exercise covers a 1,250-mile (2,000-kilometer) stretch of water beyond the Strait of Hormuz, including parts of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.

The drill could bring Iranian ships into proximity with U.S. Navy vessels that operate in the same area.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AP / WSJ
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DTN News – 2012 NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: 2012 Hong Kong ~ Predicted To Be For The People Year – Photo Courtsey Robie Seth

DTN News – 2012 NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: 2012 Hong Kong ~ Predicted To Be For The People Year – Photo Courtsey Robie Seth
Source: DTN News – - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – December 31, 2011: Revellers around the world are celebrating the end of 2011 and starting to see in 2012. Hong Kong property prices and rents expected to fall in 2012

In Hong Kong the countdown to 2012 was made in giant illuminated numbers on the side of a skyscraper facing the harbour. Toronto, Canada is 12 hours behind Hong Kong. Photo Courtsey Robie Seth

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources 
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DTN News – 2012 NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: New Zealand Mark The Start Of 2012

DTN News – 2012 NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: New Zealand Mark The Start Of 2012
Source: DTN News – - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – December 31, 2011: Revellers around the world are celebrating the end of 2011 and starting to see in 2012.

Bad weather prompted some New Zealand planners to cancel outdoor events, but a fireworks display off Auckland’s Sky Tower started at midnight (1100 GMT). Toronto, Canada is 18 hours behind Auckkand, New Zealand.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources 
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DTN News – NEW YEAR GREETINGS: DTN TIGER – New Symbol / Logo For 2012

DTN News – NEW YEAR GREETINGS: DTN TIGER – New Symbol / Logo For 2012
Source:  This article compiled by Roger Smith from DTN News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – December 30, 2011: To Our Readers and Viewers of  DTN News Plus Everyone in the Global Village, A  Very Happy Prosperous New Year 2012 from DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News. Tigers are the largest members of the cat family. They live in Asia and belong to the same genus as the lion, leopard, and jaguar.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from DTN News 
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DTN News – NEW YEAR GREETINGS: To Our Readers & Viewers Of DTN News

DTN News – NEW YEAR GREETINGS: To Our Readers & Viewers Of  DTN News
Source: This article compiled by Roger Smith from DTN News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada – December 30, 2011: To Our Readers and Viewers of  DTN News Plus Everyone in the Global Village, A  Very Happy Prosperous New Year 2012, Best Wishes from DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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