China Will Press US on Maritime Issues at Beijing Talks

Morning Coffee is a robust blend of links to news around the Internet concerning the Naval Air Station Patuxent River economic community. The opinions expressed here do not reflect opinions of the Leader’s owners or staff.

Citing unidentified Chinese officials in a China Daily article, Reuters reports that the country will “pressure” the US on maritime issues at talks in Beijing next week. China is angry about an increased US military presence in the disputed South China Sea.

A bill in Congress would force President Obama and future administrations to reshape military-to-military relations with Taiwan as an open partner while an increasingly aggressive China is building up forces along the Taiwan Strait, The Washington Times reports. China is attempting to seize the South China Sea and dominate its neighbors, according to the report.

The Pentagon says that China violated an agreement between the two countries when two Chinese fighter jets flew within 50 feet of US aircraft over the South China Sea late last month, Daily News & Analysis reports. Officials say the US aircraft was on a routine patrol in international airspace.

The US, Philippines, and Malaysia navies will participate in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercises in the Sulu Sea, the Manila Bulletin reports. “This engagement is an important milestone as we seek opportunities to increase multilateral cooperation for the CARAT exercise series,” Task Force 73 Rear Adm. Charles Williams said. US ships and aircraft from the Navy will join in.

The US is building its cyber army, but as the nation strives for dominance in cyberspace, military leaders warn of the growing progress of Russia, China, and North Korea, Tech Insider reports.

Breaking Defense reports that the Boeing KC-46 tanker is “quite late and very over-budget.” The tanker was supposed to be ready in spring 2017.  The latest problem lies with one of the aircraft’s most important roles — refueling the C-17 cargo plane and the A-10.

The US Air Force has released its Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan for 2016-2036, Defense Systems reports. While the Predator and Reaper will remain, the Air Force is also paying attention to the small UAS market. Defense Systems also reports that the US Army is in the market for a tactical wireless receiving system small enough to be carried in the field. The device must be no larger than 3 inches by 8 inches by 14 inches and weighing no more than 13 pounds.

The Hill reports that some Senate Republicans want to remove a provision from the Senate’s annual defense policy bill that would require women to register for the draft.

Meet Shelby Atkins. The Wyoming National Guard sergeant is the Army’s first female enlisted infantry soldier.

Two Pittsburgh, Pa., groups will build a “tiny home” community for veterans on a little more than 3 acres, wpxi.com reports. With a plan in place, the organizations are going full-steam ahead in bringing their vision to fruition. The project is estimated to cost $2 million, and the homes will be designed by the Pennsylvania-based 84 Lumber.

Contracts:

Distinctive Spectrum Healthcare JV LLC, Largo, MD (W81K04-16-D-0016); Matrix Providers Inc., Denver, CO (W81K04-16-D-0017); Caduceus Healthcare Inc., Atlanta, GA (W81K04-16)-D-0018); Defense Civilian Medical Associates LLC, Pikesville MD (W81K04-16-D-0019); and Jefferson Government Services LLC, Austin, TX (W81K04-16-D-0020), were awarded a $102,000,000 firm-fixed-price shared contract for Army Direct Care Medical Services-Generation Two physician services. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 34 received. The estimated completion date is May 31, 2020. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, TX, is the contracting activity.

Distinctive Spectrum Healthcare JV LLC, Largo, MD (W81K04-16-D-0011); Tistcorp II LLC, San Antonio, TX (W81K04-16-D-0012); Matrix Providers, Denver, CO (W81K04-16-D-0013); BTL Technologies Inc., San Antonio, TX (W81K04-16-D-0014); and Potomac Healthcare Solutions LLC, Woodbridge, VA (W81K04-16-D-0014), were awarded a $59,000,000 firm-fixed-price shared contract for Army Direct Care Medical Services-Generation Two nursing services. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 32 received. The estimated completion date is May 31, 2020. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, TX, is the contracting activity.