Defense Dept.

CONTRACTS

NAVY

The University of New Orleans, New Orleans, La. is being awarded a $49,283,693 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with provisions for issuance of fixed-price task ordercontract for analytical and technical support services from undergraduate and graduate students and faculty at a geographically local educational institution in support of advanced research and development projects on behalf of multiple customers in the South Eastern La., and South Miss., region to include, but not limited to:    » read more »

8/13/2008 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Air Force officials selected 12,209 of 28,098 eligible senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant for a selection rate of 43.45 percent.

The average score for those selected was 268.39, with an average time in grade and time in service of 2.25 and 4.85 years respectively. The average score was based on the following point averages: 131.62 for enlisted performance reports, 54.10 for the promotion fitness exam, 53.69 for the specialty knowledge test, 19.31 for time in grade, 11.80 for time in service and 0.96 for decorations.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, (08/12/2008) - Servicemembers traveling for official business, including deployments, will continue to receive full reimbursement for reasonable, authorized excess baggage fees, defense officials said.

A recently updated fact sheet from the Department of Defense Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Committee explains department policy regarding excess baggage in light of new charges many airlines have imposed for checked baggage.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2008 – Defense Department officials are assessing ways to better prepare servicemembers, particularly members of the reserve and National Guard, for the stresses of combat so they’re better able to avoid alcohol-related problems when they return home, defense officials said today.

The goal, officials said, is to beef up existing strategies to address alcohol issues before and during deployments to mitigate post-deployment drinking problems.    » read more »

Aug 14, 2008 -- TBILISI, Georgia — A C-17 Globemaster departed Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and landed at Tbilisi International Airport, Aug. 13, 2008, delivering $1 million in humanitarian aid to reduce the suffering of the people of the Republic of Georgia.

A Georgian official receives pallets of US humanitarian aid during South Ossetia crisis: Department of Defense photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Scott Wagers    » read more »

12 August 2008 -- A new report says the United States has spent about $100 billion on private contractors to support operations in Iraq since the 2003 invasion to oust Saddam Hussein.

At the height of last year's military surge in Iraq, the United States had roughly 168,000 troops deployed in the country.

Blackwater security guards, Republican Palace, Baghdad: US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) photograph by ACoE photographer Jim Gordon.

But America's armed forces have been outnumbered by what some see as a private army funded by the federal government: contractors that provide a wide array of services, from security operations to rebuilding projects to logistical support.    » read more »

August 13, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on state government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on Friday, August 15, 2008, in honor of New York City resident Sergeant Jose Ulloa, who died August 9, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Sergeant Ulloa was a member of the 515th Transportation Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, based in Mannheim, Germany.

“It is with deep regret that we acknowledge and mourn the death of Sergeant Ulloa,” said Governor Paterson. “On behalf of all New Yorkers I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Sergeant Ulloa. His sacrifice to our country will never be forgotten.”    » read more »

8/11/2008 -- Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the National flag and State flag be flown at half-staff on Wednesday morning, August 13th until sundown Thursday, August 14th to honor the memory of U.S. Army Private Timothy Hutton, who died in Iraq in August 4th, 2008, while in service to his country.

Source: Montana Governor

Governor asks Kansans to honor fallen soldier from Leavenworth

August 12, 2008 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has directed flags to be flown at half-staff throughout Kansas from sunup to sundown on Thursday, August 14th, 2008 in honor of Spc. William Joseph Mulvihill, Leavenworth, who was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday, August 1st.

“Specialist Mulvihill dedicated himself to serving and protecting our country. A decorated solider, he served with honor and valor. His family, friends and fellow soldiers are in our thoughts and prayers as we remember his sacrifice.”    » read more »

Honoring Illinois' Fallen

August 13, 2008 -- The Illinois Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich's Office to fly the flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff on behalf of:

Cpl. Adam T. McKiski
United States Marine Corps
Hometown: Cherry Valley

Please lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency's personnel from:

Sunrise, Saturday, August 16, 2008 until
Sunset, Monday, August 18, 2008

Source: Illinois Governor

August 12, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Adam T. McKiski, of Cherry Valley, IL and Cpl. Stewart S. Trejo, of Whitefish, MT:

"Corporal Adam McKiski and Corporal Stewart Trejo are true patriots who fought proudly and bravely for their fellow citizens and for the ideals of this country. Californians will never forget their courage and sacrifice. Maria and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of these brave men during this difficult time."    » read more »

August 5, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pvt. Jair De Jesus Garcia, of Chatsworth, CA:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Private Jair De Jesus Garcia. Jair De Jesus was a brave soldier who fought courageously in defense of our nation's freedom. His sacrifice, service and loyalty to our country will never be forgotten. We join all Californians in offering our thoughts and prayers to Jair De Jesus' family and friends during this difficult time."    » read more »

August 5, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Jennifer L. Cole, of American Canyon, CA:

"Private First Class Jennifer Cole fought with pride, honor and unyielding commitment to freedom and democracy. Her courage is an inspiration to all Californians and we will never forget her sacrifice. Maria and I send our condolences to Jennifer's family and friends."

Cole, 34, died Aug. 2 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. Cole was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, KY.

In honor of Pfc. Cole, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Source: California Governor

NEW YORK CITY, Aug. 11, 2008 – The American Bar Association is launching a project that will allow civilian lawyers to represent active-duty military personnel in state and local courts.

Incoming ABA President H. Thomas Wells Jr. announced the ABA Military Pro Bono Project during his morning press conference at the Hilton New York today.    » read more »

August 12, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today that an independent advisory panel, the Defense Business Board, will review the overall performance of the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).

The review follows a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released July 23 that concluded DCAA auditors were improperly hindered in some of their investigations of defense contractors.

The Defense Business Board, an independent federal advisory committee comprised of senior business executives, has agreed to form an independent review panel supported by subject matter experts to review DCAA procedures and make recommendations for improvement as appropriate.    » read more »