Will the Trump Presidency Boost Military Bomb Purchases from DOD Contractors?

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Increase in Military Spending

While President-elect Donald Trump has been a powerful business man for decades, he has limited experience in the political arena. Much of the direction of Trump’s administration will be defined by his inner circle of advisors, with arms control being an area of particular interest.

Predicting Arms Control Under the New Administration

Experts believe Trump may adopt a position similar to that of former President Richard Nixon, who felt that demonstrating a willingness to use nuclear weapons is a crucial negotiating tactic. Trump’s aggressive personality alone could cause enemies to back down, but if he begins making nuclear threats, it could damage the U.S. relationship with its allies.

Unlike past presidents, who were familiar with the nuances of foreign relations, Trump hasn’t shown predisposition to strategic thinking. His response to challenges will most likely depend on whether the voices surrounding him recommend acceleration or negotiation.

Will CTBT Be Revived?

Trump could silence his critics, at least partially, by calling upon the Senate to proceed with hearings and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). China, Pakistan, India and Israel, who have been biding their time, would most likely follow the lead of the U.S.

Russia, the traditional opponent of the U.S. when it comes to the arms race, ratified the CTBT during Boris Yeltsin’s time as president. Unfortunately, Russia’s continued observance of the treaty cannot be assumed.

Improve Safety with Bomb Movers from DJ Products

If you’re a DOD contractor, safe material handling procedures are essential. Contact us to learn how our remote-controlled, self-propelled bomb movers provide safe and efficient material transportation even in confined areas.

Highlighting the BombCaddy for Defense Contractors

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Moving Bulky Equipment

Moving bulky DOD contractor equipment can be a tricky and difficult job with a high risk of injury. The BombCaddy from DJ Products lets your employees easily maneuver equipment and machinery, whether it’s in a confined space or being towed across long distances.

Move DOD Contractor Equipment with Ease

Our BombCaddy was originally designed for use at airport screening areas where explosive materials needed to be removed quickly and safely. The trailer is self-propelled and directed via remote control so the operator can remain at a safe distance.

Loads of up to 5,000 pounds can be moved with the BombCaddy using manual, wireless or pendant-controlled steering. It operates up to 2 MPH in confined areas, and it can be towed across long distances at speeds of up to 40 MPH.

Reduce Lost Time and Workers Compensation Claims

Most workplace injuries are due to overexertion, whether it be lifting excess weight or performing tasks in an awkward, unnatural posture. The BombCaddy allows a single employee to transport loads that would usually take at least two people, while the remote control feature eliminates squatting, pushing, pulling and other repetitive motion activities that cause stress on joints and muscles.

You’ll also see an increase in productivity when using the BombCaddy. Employees who would generally be assisting with material handling are freed up to spend their time on other duties.

Streamline Your Workplace Operations with the BombCaddy

Our BombCaddy is perfect for moving DOD contractor equipment, but it has applications for many other environments involving manufacturing, distribution or outdoor equipment. Visit our website for quick and friendly assistance from one of our sales engineers.

DOD News: Pentagon Tries Open Data Strategy in New Site

Help Yourself Out and Make the Job Easier.
Help Yourself Out and Make the Job Easier.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has recently launched the website data.mil to show the potential benefits of an open data strategy. The DOD hopes to work with startups in the field to create engaging narratives with information rather than just posting a lot of data online. This site was created by Mary Lazzeri of Defense Digital Service, who tells FedScoop the initial dataset is called Theater History of Operations (THOR). It’s a comprehensive database of aerial bombings.

The significance of THOR

The information goes all the way back to 1918 and has been useful for the Pentagon to conduct pilot training. It includes mission pilot descriptions of the bombings, weather conditions, and damage assessments. Lazzeri said THOR has a lot of angles that will likely be of interest to a wide range of people. She goes on to say that the site is not an attempt to be an extensive archive of all DOD departments and information. Rather, the intention is to pick interesting datasets that can make a good story.

DOD contractors

Military and DOD (GSA) data, along with the regulations for defense contractors, is not exactly light reading for most people. But it’s necessary that you as a defense contractor understand the requirements and use the proper DOD contractor equipment. Movers like our BombCaddy can easily maneuver heavy machinery and other loads safely in confined areas. It is battery powered, fully remote controlled, and designed for intricate maneuvering.

Visit our website for our complete line of DOD contractor equipment. One of our knowledgeable and courteous sales engineers will ensure you get the right solution for your application.

Agile Contracting Spending on the Rise for Federal Projects

Technology is the Future for The DOD
Technology is the Future for The DOD

As the Office of Management and Budget pushes for a new approach to streamline IT development projects, government agencies appear to be going all in on agile contracting. But is this the dawn of a new era in flexible contracts and efficient project management, or is it a runaway train headed for disaster?

Department of Homeland Security Shifts to Agile Contracts

In early 2016 Mark Schwartz, CIO of U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (CIS), instituted a Flexible Agile Development Services (FADS) contract requiring vendors to collaborate and compete on an iterative basis. Projects include option periods where vendor teams may be added or subtracted.

Following Schwartz’s lead, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now has two more major agile contracts in the works:

• Flexible Agile Support for the Homeland (FLASH), announced in May, is an agency-wide contract that will be overseen by the DHS Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL).

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is soliciting agile services through its EAGLE II contract, which is expected to be awarded in early fiscal 2017. This contract, expected to be worth $50 million to $100 million over a five-year period, will cover a variety of agency-wide IT projects.

Handling Equipment for DoD Contractors? Pushers and Movers from DJ Products

Our battery-powered pushers and movers smoothly and efficiently handle equipment for DoD contractors ranging from parts and materials to Humvees and trucks. A single employee can maneuver loads of up to 20,000 pounds. Call 800.686.2651 or use our handy online chat feature to let our experienced sales engineers help you select the right solution for your applications.

 

Pearl Harbor Navy Official Faces Contract Rigging Charges

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Contract Rigging

Taxpayer watchdogs are quick to pounce when military contracts appear to be handed out as sweetheart deals. Case in point: when a Navy procurement official directed $15 million of contracts to his own wife, federal prosecutors were not far behind with conflict of interest charges.

The case involved oil containment booms at Pearl Harbor. William Nesmith, a civilian logistics manager at the naval station, reportedly sent two hefty contracts to his wife’s construction firm.

In their defense, attorneys argued that the conflict of interest did not cost the American taxpayer any extra money. Nesmith is said to have designed the plans on his own.

Ethics of DOD Contract Awards

Regardless of whether contracts are awarded over lower bids, a conflict of interest charge looks bad for contractors and the government. Taxpayers expect that their government solicits bids on a competitive basis, whether it’s a billion-dollar aircraft investment or a run-of-the-mill DOD material handling equipment purchase.

Contract rigging can lead to steep fines and even prison time. In this case, Nesmith faced up to 5 years in jail and a quarter-million dollar fine. Federal prosecutors may choose to settle, but the fallout could include civilian firings and contractors being suspended from bidding.

While it’s hard to say how often DOD contracts are awarded amidst such conflicts, what is clear is that taxpayer groups fight hard against these cases if they ever come to light.

At DJ Products, we are proud to offer GSA-approved solutions including trailers, vehicle pushers, equipment carts, and other DOD material handling equipment. Contact us for more information about our military and DOD applications.