Alert: A sustainable future requires new thinking: UN environment report

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Alert 9 December 2025

A sustainable future requires new thinking: UN environment report Fresh approaches to facing complex environmental challenges are revealed in the UN Environment Programme's (UNEP) new global outlook released on Tuesday. Read more

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Operation Christmas Drop: DOW's Longest-Running Humanitarian Mission in Pacific

View Online Operation Christmas Drop: DOW's Longest-Running Humanitarian Mission in Pacific Dec. 9, 2025 |  By Air Force Senior Airman Alexzandra Gracey Leaders from the U.S. Air Force, partnering nations and community members gathered for a traditional "push ceremony," marking the official beginning of Operation Christmas Drop 2025 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 8, 2025. The event served as the symbolic opening for the 74th iteration of the operation, the War Department's longest-running humanitarian airlift mission. It began in 1952 after an Air Force B-29 crew flying near Guam spotted islanders waving from below and dropped supplies as an act of goodwill.   "Operation Christmas Drop delivers more than just supplies," said Aren Palik, vice president of the Federated States of Micronesia. "It delivers hope, connection and the reassurance that even across a vast ocean, we remain part of one family. It is an accomplishment that speaks to the steadfast commitment of the United States and its Pacific partners to care for our people and our communities."   The ceremony concluded with Palik, Bruce Best — known at Operation Christmas Drop as "Brother Bruce" — and Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing commander, loading the first official bundle into the cargo bay of a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, operating under the 374th Expeditionary Wing.   "These bundles supply 56,000 people across 59 islands each year, but I don't think we can truly grasp that impact until we see the families wave and jump up and down in excitement as we fly by," McElhaney said. "While this is an amazing humanitarian mission, it's also an invaluable training event for participating aircrews. This training, and the work we do here, matters and translates to our readiness." Throughout the remainder of the operation, the Air Force and partnering nations will airdrop a total of 270 bundles filled with critical supplies to remote communities across the Pacific, delivering humanitarian assistance while simultaneously conducting valuable low-level flight, precision-airdrop and logistical coordination training — skills that strengthen the ability to execute rapid global airlift missions across the Indo-Pacific region.   "The people of the Federated States of Micronesia extend our deepest gratitude," Palik said. "Beyond the food, tools, fishing gear, school supplies and gifts, you deliver something far more valuable: the spirit of compassion that defines this Christmas season."

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Hegseth Introduces Department to New AI Tool

View Online Hegseth Introduces Department to New AI Tool Dec. 9, 2025 |  By C. Todd Lopez Yesterday, several employees in the Pentagon got a pop-up on their computer inviting them to make use of a new artificial intelligence tool developed for the War Department. Some were skeptical, wondering if the invitation was part of a cybersecurity test.  But by this morning, those concerns were gone — posters around the Pentagon and an email from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth assured everyone that the new tool is not only legit, but that he wants everybody to start using it.  "I am pleased to introduce GenAI.mil, a secure generative AI platform for every member of the Department of War," Hegseth wrote in the email. "It is live today and available on the desktops of all military personnel, civilians and contractors. With this launch we are taking a giant step toward mass AI adoption across the department. This tool marks the beginning of a new era where every member of our workforce can be more efficient and impactful."  Visitors to the site will find that what's available now is a specialized version of the Google AI tool Gemini, Gemini for Government. This version is approved to handle controlled unclassified information. A green banner at the top of the page reminds users of what can and can't be shared on the site.  In addition to Gemini for Government, the site indicates that other American-made frontier AI capabilities will be available soon.  "There is no prize for second place in the global race for AI dominance," said Emil Michael, undersecretary of war for research and engineering. "We are moving rapidly to deploy powerful AI capabilities like Gemini for Government directly to our workforce. AI is America's next manifest destiny, and we're ensuring that we dominate this new frontier."  Access to the site is available only to personnel with a common access card and who are on the War Department's nonclassified network. When GenAI was asked, "How will you help the Department of War achieve its mission," through a user prompt, it replied with a list of capabilities, including, among other things, creating and refining documents, analyzing information, processing and analyzing satellite images, and even auditing computer code for security purposes. "I can support the DOW's mission by providing a range of capabilities designed for a secure, high-impact environment," the GenAI replied. "I am ready to support your mission requirements."  The AI itself reminds users to double-check everything it provides to ensure accuracy. The highest authority within the War Department, Hegseth himself, provided that validation.  "The first GenAI platform capability ... can help you write documents, ask questions, conduct deep research, format content, and unlock new possibilities across your daily workflows," he wrote. "I expect every member of the department to log in, learn it and incorporate it into your workflows immediately. AI should be in your battle rhythm every single day. It should be your teammate. By mastering this tool, we will outpace our adversaries."  For those unfamiliar with how to use AI, online training is available at https://genai.mil/resources/training.

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Contracts for Dec. 9, 2025

View Online FOR RELEASE AT 5 PM ET Contracts For Dec. 9, 2025 NAVY Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $241,650,962 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quality contract for Propulsion Test Facility Complex operations and maintenance. This contract has a 60-month ordering period during which delivery and task orders will be issued. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (85%) and the governments of Australia (2%), Brazil (2%), Canada (2%), Egypt (1%), India (2%), Japan (2%), Netherlands (2%), and Turkey (2%) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Newport, Rhode Island (56%); Middletown, Rhode Island (38%); Keyport, Washington (3%); and Bedford, Indiana (3%), and is expected to be completed by November 2030. Service cost center funds in the amount of $5,000,000 will be obligated on the first task order immediately following award of the basic contract and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via SAM.gov, with one offer received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Rhode Island is the contracting activity (N66604-26-D-A600) (Awarded Oct. 22, 2025). Centurum Information Technology, Inc.,* Marlton, New Jersey (N66001-26-D-0023); Serco, Inc. Herndon, Virginia. (N66001-26-D-0024); Systems Engineering Support Company, Inc.,* San Diego, California (N66001-26-D-0025); and VT Milcom, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (N66001-26-D-0026) are each awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee/cost-only, indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery contract to provide production management, integration, fabrication, and system and component procurement for Network Integration Engineering Facility (NIEF) production services. Technical services include basic research, end-to-end system design, prototype development, systems engineering, integration, deployment, and life cycle support of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. The estimated value of each contract is $95,988,347. Throughout the duration of the awarded contracts, the total obligated amount on orders for all the awarded contracts combined will not exceed $95,988,347. Work will be performed in San Diego and is expected to be completed by December 2032. No funds will be obligated at the time of award however, a minimum guarantee task order of $10,000 will be issued under each contract immediately after contract award. Fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) and Fiscal 2026 research development test & evaluation (Navy) funding in the cumulative amount of $40,000 will be obligated. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. All other funding will be made available at the task order level as contracting actions occur. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific is the contracting activity. Fairlead Boatworks Inc.* Newport News, Virginia (N50054-26-D-0001); Colonna's Shipyard Inc.* Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-26-D-0002); East Coast Repair and Fabrication LLC* Portsmouth, Virginia (N50054-26-D-0003); Atlantic Fabrication and Boiler Services Inc.* Portsmouth, Virginia (N50054-26-D-0004); Tecnico Corporation* Chesapeake, Virginia (N50054-26-D-0005); Lyon Shipyard Inc.* Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-26-D-0006), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity, multiple award contract for the management, labor, supplies, and equipment deemed necessary to provide marine boatyard and industrial support which includes specific modifications, upgrades, service life extension and repairs to boats, craft, lighterage and service craft and/or their associated systems and periodic maintenance. Fairlead Boatworks Inc. is being awarded $13,722,950, and if all options are exercised the total value will be $79,238,437. Colonna's Shipyard Inc. is being awarded $10,769,630, and if all options are exercised the total value will be $61,896,432. East Coast Repair and Fabrication LLC is being awarded $10,279,571, and if all options are exercised the total value will be $58,790,737. Atlantic Fabrication and Boiler Services Inc. is being awarded $8,568,700, and if all options are exercised the total value will be $52,859,978. Tecnico Corporation is being awarded $9,017,032, and if all options are exercised the total value will be $52,223,540. Lyon Shipyard Inc. is being awarded $8,924,708, and if all options are exercised the total value will be $51,519,558. If all options are exercised, the shared ceiling amongst all awardees is $79,238,437. Work will be primarily performed within a 100-mile radius of Norfolk, Virginia. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 11, 2026, and if all options are exercised, work will continue until Dec. 10, 2030. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $30,000 ($5,000 per contract) will be obligated for the minimum guarantee and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was procured as a small business set-aside via the System for Award Management website with fifteen offers received. Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is awarded a $49,200,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to convert, test, and deliver existing Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement Extra Long Wheelbase cargo armored vehicles into an equal number of Condition Code "A" Resupply Vehicles for the United States Marine Corps. All work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with an expected completion date of November 2030. The maximum dollar value, including all ordering years, is $49,200,000. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-26-D-0024).  The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is awarded a $31,664,536 modification (P00040) to a cost-plus-fixed fee order (N0001920F0647) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001916G0001). This modification exercises an option to procure three P-8A Increment 3 retrofit kit installations in support of the Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities upgrades for the Navy. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida (79.6%); St. Louis, Missouri (10.9%); and Mesa, Arizona (9.5%), and is expected to be completed January 2027. Fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $31,664,536 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Northridge, California, was awarded a ceiling $ 100,000,000 cost-reimbursement/firm-fixed-rice, indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract for Stand-in Attack Weapon and Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range. This contract provides for efforts to support work that is aligned with the Stand-in Attack Weapon Middle Tier Acquisition and to support both production and research and development for Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range hardware design and development, systems engineering and integration, system modeling, qualification and testing as well as repair capability for delivered test assets.  Work will be performed at Northridge, California and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2034. This contract was a sole source acquisition.  Fiscal 2025 research and development funds in the amount of $18,701 are being obligated at time of award.  The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. (FA865926DB002)  ARMY BFBC LLC, Bozeman, Montana, was awarded a $78,926,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design-build construction services of approximately six miles of protective barrier fencing with a five-foot anti-climb plate, access gate installations and roadway improvements within the National Defense Area 1, Roosevelt Corridor near Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Work will be performed in Hachita, New Mexico, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2026. Fiscal 2023 military construction, Army funds in the amount of $78,926,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, is the contracting activity (W912PL-26-C-A002). Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for support of foreign military sales (FMS) customers with UH-60A/L/M helicopter. The amount of this action is $43,612,272. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2030. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W912CH-25-D-0063). Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $35,810,336.90 modification (P00023) to contract W58RGZ-21-C-0016 for performance-based logistics supporting depot-level maintenance of Apache Attack Helicopters (AH-64) Sensors components, specifically the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MTADS/PNVS), including all obsolescence replacement configurations, upgrades and United States Government-approved components. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $363,776,446.58. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026. Fiscal 2026 Army working capital funds in the amount of $35,810,336.90 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. CTI Companies LLC,* Ogden, Utah, was awarded a $23,601,009.39 firm-fixed-price contract for the Defense Logistics Agency Warehouse Renovation Project in Tucson, Arizona. The total cumulative face value is $24,276,244.44. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 8, 2027. Fiscal 2022 sustainment, restoration and modernization funds, fiscal 2023 equipment funds, and fiscal 2024 capital funds in the combined amount of $23,601,009.39 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, is the contracting activity (W912DW-26-C-0002). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Bestwork Industries for the Blind Inc.,* Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $68,200,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for extreme cold weather sleeping bag system. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Dec. 8, 2030. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-B002).  Seashore Fruit & Produce Co. Inc.,** Vineland, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $875,419,538 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is New York, with a Nov. 30, 2030, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Department of Agriculture. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-26-D-P448). (Awarded on December 3, 2025) SOCOM SOF Landing LLC, Sanford, N.C. was awarded a $11,799,905.00 (contract ceiling) Firm-Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract (Contract Number H9223926DE001) for medical training caprines in support of U.S. Army Special Operations Command. The period of performance includes five 12-month ordering periods and five option periods. The combined periods begin Jan. 1, 2026 and end Dec. 31, 2035. $41,940.00 is being obligated at the time of award. U.S. Army Special Operations Command, headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity. *Small business

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