Wednesday, May 29, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 29, 2013

Defense War News Updates: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 29, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  370-13 May 29, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 29, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  May 29, 2013  are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Philips Healthcare Informatics, Foster City, Calif., has been awarded a maximum $88,477,787 modification (P00002) exercising the first option year of a two year base contract (SPM2D1-11-D-8305) with one two-year option and one one-year option periods for digital imaging network-picture archive communication system.  The contract is a firm-fixed-price contract.  Location of performance is California with a June 2, 2015 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2015 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

NAVY
            ManTech TSG-1 Joint Venture - Fairfax, Va. (N00189-13-D-0019); TASC Inc., Andover, Md. (N00189-13-D-0020); Gryphon Technologies L.C., Washington, D.C. (N00189-13-D-0021); CGI Federal Inc., Fairfax, Va. (N00189-13-D-0022); Alion Science and Technology Corp., Burr Ridge, Ill. (N00189-13-D-0023); Wyle Laboratories Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (N00189-13-D-0024); and Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va. (N00189-13-D-0025), is being awarded a indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple-award contract with fixed-price provisions for operational test and evaluation analytical support services to Command Operational Test and Evaluation Force.  ManTech TSG-1 Joint Venture is being awarded $11,773,778, and if all options are exercised, the total aggregate value will be $35,994,900.  TASC Inc. is being awarded $13,254,787, and if all options are exercised, the total aggregate value will be $40,296,352.  Gryphon Technologies L.C., is being awarded $13,409,846, and if all options are exercised, the total aggregate value will be $41,353,490.  CGI Federal Inc. is being awarded $13,723,896, and if all options are exercised, the total aggregate value will be $41,725,463.  Alion Science and Technology Corp., is being awarded $14,795,958, and if all options are exercised, the total aggregate value will be $45,217,337.  Wyle Laboratories is being awarded $15,408,024, and if all options are exercised, the total aggregate value will be $47,118,477.  Booz Allen Hamilton is being awarded $16,700,031, and if all options are exercised, the total aggregate value will be $51,039,160.  Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and work is expected to be completed June 2, 2014.  If all options are exercised, work will continue through June 3, 2016.  Research, Development, Test & Evaluation funding in the amount of $20,000 for the minimum guarantee, will be obligated and will be equally divided among all contractors.  Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition and solicited via the Navy Electronic Commerce On-line and Federal Business Opportunities websites, with seven offers were received in response to this solicitation.   The NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity. 

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Liverpool, N.Y., is being awarded a $39,050,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5300) to exercise a firm-fixed-price option for the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2 System low-rate initial production units.  SEWIP is an evolutionary acquisition program to upgrade the existing AN/SLQ-32(V) Electronic Warfare System. The SEWIP Block 2 will greatly improve the receiver/antenna group necessary to keep capabilities current with the pace of the threat and to yield improved system integration.  Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (68 percent), and in Lansdale, Pa. (32 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2014.   Fiscal 2013 Other Procurement, Navy funding in the amount of $39,050,000 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

            Raytheon Co., Fullerton, Calif., is being awarded a $14,633,925 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0034) for the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) maintenance Design Phase II.  This modification includes assessing, documenting and implementing design modifications to the existing maintenance design to allow for increased organizational level maintenance of the JPALS Increment 1A Ship system.  Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif. (60 percent); Cedar Rapids, Iowa (28 percent); and Indianapolis, Ind., (12 percent); and is expected to be completed in December 2013.  Fiscal 2012 and 2013 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy contract funds in the amount of $13,944,653 are being obligated on this award, $5,326,104 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

            Honeywell International Inc., Aerospace – Defense & Space, Albuquerque, N.M., is being awarded a $9,029,507 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 121 advanced multi-purpose displays for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft.   Work will be performed in Albuquerque, N.M., and is expected to be completed in January 2015.  Fiscal 2013 Aircraft Procurement Navy contract funds in the amount of $9,029,507 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-13-C-0048). 

ARMY
CORRECTION (dollar amount corrected from 24 September 2012 release) 
            BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract with a maximum value of $234,330,410 for the engineering design, logistics and test and evaluation services in support of the Bradley Engineering Change Proposal Effort.  Work will be performed in York, Pa.; Sterling Heights, Mich.; Santa Clara, Calif.; and Akin, S.C.; with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2017.  Fiscal 2011 research, development, testing and evaluation funds in the amount of $55,899,804 were obligated at time of award.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-C-0358).

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  370-13 May 29, 2013
*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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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated May 28, 2013

Defense War News Updates: DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated  May 28, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 28, 2013: Comprehensive daily news related to Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.
**DTN News - Special Creative Contribution;
Tuesday May 28, 2013
Monday May 27, 2013
Saturday May 25, 2013
Friday May 24, 2013
Thursday May 23, 2013
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN Defense News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 14, 2013

Defense War News Updates: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 14, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  331-13 May 14, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 14, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  May 14, 2013  are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
ARMY
            C.F. Bean LLC, Belle Chase, La., (W912EP-13-D-0023); Cavache Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., (W912EP-13-D-0024); Matthews Marine Inc., Pass Christian, Miss., (W912EP-13-D-0025); and Inland Dredging Company LLC, Dyersburg, Tenn., (W912EP-13-D-0026); were awarded a firm-fixed-price, multiple-award-task-order contract with a maximum value of $500,000,000 for maintenance dredging services within the boundaries of the Army Corps of Engineer’s South-Atlantic Division.  Specific performance location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 10 bids received.  The Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. 

            DynPort Vaccine Company LLC, Frederick, Md., was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with a maximum value of $157,324,041 for the development of a prophylactic and medical countermeasure to prevent the effects of organophosphorus nerve agents.  Work will be performed in Frederick and Mount Airy, Md.; Columbus, Ohio; Flemington, N.J.; Richmond, Va.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Canada.  Fiscal 2013 research, development, testing and evaluation funds in the amount of $14,970,000 are being obligated on this award.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-13-C-0056). 

            Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, foreign military sales (FMS) contract with a maximum value of $85,400,000 for engineering and technical support services.  This FMS contract is in support of Iraq and Taiwan.  Performance location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-D-0131). 

            FLIR Systems Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum value of $82,434,800 for the procurement of the Talon Forward Looking Infrared System.  Fiscal 2013 procurement funds in the amount of $288,000 are being obligated on this award.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-A-0001). 

            Boeing, Mesa, Ariz., was awarded an $18,342,000 modification (P00005), to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (W58RGZ-12-C-0055), for the procurement of long lead material for the Apache helicopter.  The cumulative total face value of this contract is $218,567,308.  Fiscal 2012 procurement funds are being obligated on this award.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity. 

            Shaw Environmental Inc., New York, N.Y., was awarded a $10,000,000 modification (P00017), to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (DACW41-99-D-9001), for remediation and excavation services in support of the Maywood Superfund Site.  Performance location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with six bids received.  The Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity. 

            4H Construction Corp., Cleveland, Miss., was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum value of $7,309,050 for dredging services along the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.  Specific performance location and type of appropriation will be determined with each order.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-13-D-0004). 

NAVY
            Delphinus Engineering Inc., Eddystone, Pa., (N65540-13-D-0006); Q.E.D. Systems Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., (N65540-13-D-0009); George G. Sharp Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., (N65540-13-D-0007); and TECNICO Corp., Chesapeake, Va., (N65540-13-D-0008) are each being awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, with an estimated ceiling of $436,579,318 for Delphinus Engineering, an estimated ceiling of $462,189,589 for Q.E.D. Systems, an estimated ceiling of $467,339,572 for George G. Sharp, and an estimated ceiling of $504,439,878 for TECNICO Corp., for services to support habitability systems on all types of military vessels and small crafts, both aboard the vessel and at land-based facilities located at government activities.  Work is expected to be completed at East Coast Navy facilities (Norfolk, Va.; Little Creek, Va.; Newport News, Va.; Mayport, Fla.; and Groton, Conn.) (50 percent), and West Coast Navy facilities (San Diego, Calif.; and Bremerton, Wash.) (50 percent), and is expected to complete by May 2018.  Fiscal 2013 Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy and Fiscal 2013 Operations & Maintenance, Navy funding in the amount of $400,000 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured through the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and the Federal Business Opportunities websites, with four offers received.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.  

            The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $27,500,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0022) for additional integrated logistics services in support of the low rate initial production of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime aircraft.  Work will be performed in Seattle, Wash. (60.80 percent); Linthicum, Md. (14.89 percent); McKinney, Texas (6.44 percent); Valencia, Calif. (4.85 percent); Huntington Beach, Calif. (3.47 percent); Mesa, Ariz. (2.22 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (1.10 percent); Johnson City, N.Y. (.95 percent); Huntington, N.Y., (.84 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (.57 percent); Richmond, Calif. (.50 percent) and various locations throughout the United States (3.37 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2016.  Fiscal 2012 Aircraft Procurement Navy contract funds in the amount of $27,500,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air System Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.  

            QED Systems Inc.*, Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a $23,836,074 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide thermal lagging for Southeast Regional Maintenance Center.  Thermal lagging will be performed on the surface combatants homeported or visiting Naval Station Mayport, Fla.  Work will be performed in Mayport, Fla., and is expected to complete by May 2014.  Fiscal 2013 Operations & Maintenance, Navy funding in the amount of $25,000 will be obligated at time of award, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received.  Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Mayport, Fla., is the contracting activity (N40027-13-D-0001). 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Polaris Defense, Medina, Minn., has been awarded a maximum $382,500,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for fire and emergency vehicles.  Location of performance is Minnesota with a May 17, 2018, performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2018 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM8EC-13-D-0016). 

            Genetech USA, South San Francisco, Calif., has been awarded a maximum $56,961,962 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  This contract is for pharmaceutical products.  Location of performance is California with a May 13, 2014, performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Warstopper funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2D0-13-D-0005). 

            General Dynamics, Williston, Vt., has been awarded an estimated maximum $34,139,561 firm-fixed-price contract.  This contract is for Gatling gun barrels.  Locations of performance are Vermont and Maine with a Dec. 31, 2013, performance completion date.  Using military services are Navy and Air Force.  Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio. (SPM7LX-13-D-0048).

            Rochester Optical*, Rochester, N.Y., has been awarded a maximum $26,142,516 modification exercising option year three of a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for various optical frames using the Optical Electronic Catalog Program.  Location of performance is New York with a June 2, 2014, completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriations is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2DE-10-D-7545). 

AIR FORCE
            General Electric Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, has been awarded a $35,601,642 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-plus-incentive -fee contract for support and sustainment of the U-2 F118-GA-101/101A engines including contractor field services support, in-plant technical services, maintenance support (multiple locations), specialized repair activities, technical data, reports, integrated logistics support, and reimbursement for contractor furnished fuel.  Work will be performed at Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelly Air Force Base, Texas and Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2015.  Fiscal 2012 Operations and Maintenance contract funds in the amount of $1,986,846 will be obligated at the time of award.  The contracting activity is Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WIKBA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. (FA8528-13-C-0076). 

            GE Aviation Systems LLC, Sterling, Va., has been awarded an $8,007,010 firm-fixed-price contract for C-130 propellers.  Work will be performed with Dowty Propellers in Gloucester, U.K., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2014.  Fiscal 2012 aircraft procurement funds are being obligated on this award.  The award is the result of a sole-source acquisition.  The contracting activity is Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WLKCA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.  (FA8504-13-C-0003) 

*Small Business 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  331-13 May 14, 2013
*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 - SOFIC NEWS: Bell Helicopter Features Revolutionary Aircraft At SOFIC 2013

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - SOFIC NEWS: Bell Helicopter Features Revolutionary Aircraft At SOFIC 2013
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 14, 2013: Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today its participation in the annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) held May 14 to May 16 in Tampa, Fla. Bell Helicopter will feature an armed Bell 407 on static display, its first commercially qualified armed helicopter, a CV-22 model and 3-D interactive programs demonstrating the capabilities of the V-22 Osprey and Bell V-280 Valor.

"SOFIC provides an important opportunity for us to spend time with current and potential customers," said Mitch Snyder, executive vice president for military programs at Bell Helicopter. "Our new 3-D programs give attendees the opportunity to experience the unmatched capabilities of the V-22 Osprey and Bell V-280 Valor. In addition, the armed Bell 407 on static display shows customers the versatility this aircraft offers with its various weapons configurations."

The V-22 Osprey is combat-proven and performs missions no other aircraft can approach. Tiltrotor is the only vertical lift platform capable of rapid self-deployment to any theater of operation. The V-22 is one of the safest rotorcraft in the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps fleet with more than 170,000 flight hours and outstanding operational performance. With its revolutionary combination of speed, range and vertical lift, the Osprey is changing the way wars are fought, humanitarian aid and critical supplies are delivered, and heroes are saved.

Introduced at the 2013 Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) annual form and expo, the Bell V-280 Valor is Bell Helicopter's offering for the Joint Multi Role (JMR)/Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Technology Demonstrator. Its unmatched capabilities - speed, range and payload - and its operational agility deliver the best value at the lowest technical risk. With 280 KTAS cruise speed and a combat range of 500-800 nm, the Valor provides twice the speed and twice the range of the current medium helicopter, more than doubling operational reach. The Bell V-280 is a true force multiplier as a result of its capabilities, covering more than five times the area of a current MEDEVAC and requiring smaller support infrastructure and security.

The armed Bell 407 includes the advanced technology of the best selling Bell 407GX. Built on the proven Bell 407 platform and designed for military and parapublic operations, the aircraft encompasses performance, reliability and maintainability. The armed Bell 407 is capable of performing a wide range of missions, configurable for multiple weapons and surveillance packages, including mini-guns, rocket pods, multi-sensor camera and NVG capabilities. The armed Bell 407 offers excellent hot and high performance, a spacious, multi-mission capable cabin with 85 ft3 (2.4 m3) of useable volume that accommodates six passengers, and a standard bi-fold door with a 61 in (155 cm) opening for quick, easy loading and unloading.

SOFIC's 2013 theme, "Strengthening the SOF Bond," provides a forum for military, government, academia and industry stakeholders to network and discuss current and future challenges and how to best support U.S. Special Operations Forces in four key areas: preservation of the force and families, human domain, support of the Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) and innovation. Events include a business opportunities session, networking reception, USSOCOM Component Commander panel, USSOCOM Senior Enlisted Advisors panel, gala reception, dinner and awards presentation.

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc. 
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to, the efficacy of research and development investments to develop new products or unanticipated expenses in connection with the launching of significant new products or programs; the timing of our new product launches or certifications of our new aircraft products; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget; difficult conditions in the financial markets which may adversely impact our customers' ability to fund or finance purchases of our products; and demand softness or volatility in the markets in which we do business.

Contact

BILL SCHROEDER
817-280-3100
mediarelations@bh.com
Online Media Kit

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - STRATFOR: U.S., Mexico - The Decline of The Colorado River

Defense War News Updates: DTN News - STRATFOR: U.S., Mexico - The Decline of The Colorado River
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Stratfor
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 14, 2013: An amendment to a standing water treaty between the United States and Mexico has received publicity over the past six months as an example of progress in water sharing agreements. But the amendment, called Minute 319, is simply a glimpse into ongoing mismanagement of the Colorado River on the U.S. side of the border. 
Over-allocation of the river's waters 90 years ago combined with increasing populations and economic growth in the river basin have created circumstances in which conservation efforts -- no matter how organized -- could be too little to overcome the projected water deficit that the Colorado River Basin will face in the next 20 years.

ANALYSIS

In 1922, the seven U.S. states in the Colorado River Basin established a compact to distribute the resources of the river. A border between the Upper and Lower basins was defined at Lees Ferry, Ariz. The Upper Basin (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico) was allocated 9.25 billion cubic meters a year, and the Lower Basin (Arizona, California and Nevada) was allotted 10.45 billion cubic meters. Mexico was allowed an unspecified amount, which in 1944 was defined as 1.85 billion cubic meters a year. The Upper and Lower basins -- managed as separate organizations under the supervision of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation -- divided their allocated water among the states in their jurisdictions. Numerous disputes arose, especially in the Lower Basin, regarding proper division of the water resources. But the use of (and disputes over) the Colorado River began long before these treaties. 
Map - Colorado River Basin
As the United States' territory expanded to the west, the Colorado River briefly was considered a portal to the isolated frontier of the southwestern United States, since it was often cheaper to take a longer path via water to transport goods and people in the early 19th century. There was a short-lived effort to develop the Colorado River as the "Mississippi of the West." While places like Yuma, Ariz., became military and trading outposts, the geography and erratic flow of the Colorado made the river ultimately unsuitable for mass transportation. Navigating the river often required maneuvering around exposed sand banks and through shallow waters. The advent of the railroad ended the need for river transport in the region. Shortly thereafter, large and ambitious management projects, including the Hoover Dam, became the river's main purpose.
Irrigation along the river started expanding in the second half of the 19th century, and agriculture still consumes more water from the Colorado than any other sector. Large-scale manipulation of the river began in the early 20th century, and now there are more than 20 major dams along the Colorado River, along with reservoirs such as Lake Powell and Lake Mead, and large canals that bring water to areas of the Imperial and Coachella valleys in southern California for irrigation and municipal supplies. User priority on the Colorado River is determined by the first "useful purposing" of the water. For example, the irrigated agriculture in California has priority over some municipal water supplies for Phoenix, Ariz.

Inadequate Supply and Increasing Demand

When the original total allocation of the river was set in the 1920s, it was far above regional consumption. But it was also more than the river could supply in the long term. The river was divided based on an estimated annual flow of roughly 21 billion cubic meters per year. More recent studies have indicated that the 20th century, and especially the 1920s, was a time of above-normal flows. These studies indicate that the long-term average of flow is closer to 18 billion cubic meters, with yearly flows ranging anywhere from roughly 6 billion cubic meters to nearly 25 billion cubic meters. As utilization has increased, the deficit between flow and allocation has become more apparent.
Total allocations of river resources for the Upper and Lower basins and Mexico plus water lost to evaporation adds up to more than 21 billion cubic meters per year. Currently, the Upper Basin does not use the full portion of its allocation, and large reservoirs along the river can help meet the demand of the Lower Basin. Populations in the region are expected to increase; in some states, the population could double by 2030. A study released at the end of 2012 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation predicted a possible shortage of 3 billion cubic meters by 2035.
The Colorado River provides water for irrigation of roughly 15 percent of the crops in the United States, including vegetables, fruits, cotton, alfalfa and hay. It also provides municipal water supplies for large cities, such as Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas, accounting for more than half of the water supply in many of these areas. Minute 319, signed in November 2012, gives Mexico a small amount of additional water in an attempt to restore the delta region. However, the macroeconomic impact on Mexico is minimal, since agriculture accounts for the majority of the river's use in Mexico but only about 3 percent of the gross domestic product of the Baja Norte province. 
There is an imbalance of power along the international border. The United States controls the headwaters of the Colorado River and also has a greater macroeconomic interest in maintaining the supply of water from the river. This can make individual amendments of the 1944 Treaty somewhat misleading. Because of the erratic nature of the river, the treaty effectively promises more water than the river can provide each year. Cooperation in conservation efforts and in finding alternative water sources on the U.S. side of the border, not treaty amendments, will become increasingly important as regional water use increases over the coming decades.

Conservation Efforts Along the Colorado

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation oversees the whole river, but the management of each basin is separate. Additionally, within each basin, there are separate state management agencies and, within each state, separate regional management agencies. Given the number of participants, reaching agreements on the best method of conservation or the best alternative source of water is difficult. There are ongoing efforts at conservation, including lining canals to reduce seepage and programs to limit municipal water use. However, there is no basin-wide coordination. In a 2012 report, the Bureau of Reclamation compiled a list of suggested projects but stopped short of recommending a course of action. 
A similar report released in 2008 listed 12 general options including desalinization, vegetation management (elimination of water-intensive or invasive plants), water reuse, reduced use by power plants and joint management through water banking (water is stored either in reservoirs or in underground aquifers to use when needed). Various sources of water imports from other river basins or even icebergs are proposed as options, as is weather modification by seeding clouds in the Upper Basin. Implementation of all these options would result in an extra 5 billion cubic meters of water a year at most, which could erase the predicted deficit. However, this amount is unlikely, as it assumes maximum output from each technique and also assumes the implementation of all proposed methods, many of which are controversial either politically or environmentally and some of which are economically unviable. Additionally, many of the methods would take years to fully implement and produce their maximum capacity. Even then, a more reasonable estimate of conservation capacity would likely be closer to 1 billion-2 billion cubic meters, which would fall short of the projected deficit in 2035.

The Potential for New Disputes

Conflict over water can arise when there are competing interests for limited resources. This is seen throughout the world with rivers that traverse borders in places like Central Asia and North Africa. For the Colorado River, the U.S.-Mexico border is likely less relevant to the competition for the river's resources than the artificial border drawn at Lees Ferry.
Aside from growing populations, increased energy production from unconventional hydrocarbon sources in the Upper Basin has the potential to increase consumption. While this amount will likely be small compared to overall allocations, it emphasizes the value of water to the Upper Basin. Real or perceived threats to the Upper Basin's surplus of water could be seen as threats to economic growth in the region. At the same time, further water shortages could limit the potential for economic growth in the Lower Basin -- a situation that would only be exacerbated by growing populations.
While necessary, conservation efforts and the search for alternative sources likely will not be able to make up for the predicted shortage. Amendments to the original treaty typically have been issued to address symptomatic problems. However, the core problem remains: More water is promised to river users than is available on average. While this problem has not come to a head yet, there may come a time when regional growth overtakes conservation efforts. It is then that renegotiation of the treaty with a more realistic view of the river's volume will become necessary. Any renegotiation will be filled with conflict, but most of that likely will be contained in the United States.
Read more: U.S., Mexico: The Decline of the Colorado River | Stratfor 
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Stratfor
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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