Feral Jundi

Monday, November 1, 2010

Job Tips: Navigating The FBO And Learning About Security Contracts OCONUS And CONUS

Vendor: Are individual guard weapons truly required to be fully automatic, as semi-auto weapons are shown to be safer and increase accuracy? 

Contracting Officer: YES, FULLY AUTO

-From a question on one of the solicitations from the FBO. 

     This is cool. I have been playing around with the FBO search features and figured out a way to identify all the armed security related solicitations that have come out over the last year, for Iraq and Afghanistan. This is how you can find out what is coming up for contracts, and who has won what. It is also a way to put rumors to rest and refer to a source that you can depend upon for clarification.

     For those contractors and businesses that are interested in tracking FBO, just use these NAICS codes ‘561612 — Security Guards and Patrol Services’ and ‘561613 — Armored Car Services‘ in the Advanced Search feature of the site. Then play around with locations and see what pops up. I have already searched Europe, Asia, South America, etc., and lots of interesting things pop up.

     What was really intriguing to me was to see how many documents came out this last year, both in the US and abroad in regards to the search input of security guards, patrol services, and armored car services. 328 pages of solicitations came up! That is remarkable and it sure doesn’t sound like the government is shying away from contracting security. If anything, that just shows how dependent the government really is on private industry to provide these services.

     Also, if you click on any of the Afghanistan solicitations below, you will find the questions and answers section under synopsis. This is where vendors ask the contracting officer about the particulars of the solicitation. This is very interesting to me, because a lot of the questioning revolves around Crazy Karzai’s decree and how it will impact these contracts.

     Along with these clarifications, might I also point out that two awards just came out in regards to armed security contracts in Afghanistan. There were also some solicitations that were cancelled, and probably because of the latest crap going on in Afghanistan. Maybe not, and I am not privy to the particulars of these contracts and the deciding factors.

     Either way, please check out the links below because you can learn a lot about these armed security contracts overseas. I also need more folks checking this stuff out so they can pick up on any little details that are of interest that is being missed by the industry or public discourse. The FBO is a wealth of information, and if you are a small business owner or independent contractor trying to get into the game, it is vital that you track and understand what is coming out on FBO so you can ‘be prepared’ and ‘know your stuff’. –Matt

Facility Protective Services

W91B4M-10-R-0037

99 — Miscellaneous

Department of the Army

CENTCOM – Joint Theater Support Contracting Command

KABUL RCC Award Oct 31, 2010

Facility Protective Services

W91B4M-10-R-0025

99 — Miscellaneous

Department of the Army

CENTCOM – Joint Theater Support Contracting Command

KABUL RCC Award Oct 31, 2010

ASG SERVICES, COP NAJIL

W91B4K-11-R-0002

R — Professional, administrative, and management support services

Department of the Army

Joint Contracting Command, Iraq/Afgahnistan

FENTY RCC (JALALABAD) Combined Synopsis/Solicitation / Cancelled Oct 25, 2010

ASG SERVICES, FOB SHINWAR

W91B4K-10-R-2129

R — Professional, administrative, and management support services

Department of the Army

Joint Contracting Command, Iraq/Afgahnistan

FENTY RCC (JALALABAD) Combined Synopsis/Solicitation / Cancelled Oct 19, 2010

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Jundism: Save Your Pennies

     This is a new addition to Jundism, and I wanted to back this precept up with plenty of historical reference. From Bushido or the Boy Scout Law, to Col. John Boyd and Miyamoto Musashi. As you can see, being thrifty is a concept that needs attention.

     For your personal life, being thrifty means you can survive in between your gigs because you saved your pennies. In my experience, you need to be able to last for up to a year to two years without a contract sometimes. You just cannot depend upon a job to be there for the long term, despite what your employer or contract might say. The smart contractor saves their pennies so they can weather the down times.

     Being thrifty also means being fiscally responsible, and not creating a situation in your life where your decision making process could be impacted by debt.  It absolutely kills me to hear guys say ‘man, I would leave this crappy contract tomorrow, if I didn’t have a house payment to make’.  With that said, how many guys are out there, that are a slave to a poorly managed contract and don’t say anything to make it better, all because they owe money back home and fear employer reprisal?

     So strategically speaking, if you could focus on saving your money and entering into contracts from a position of strength, then that makes sense.  Boyd recognized the power of being frugal, and it certainly allowed him to not be influenced by others and be free from the constraints of debt. Imagine being able to say ‘If these guys do not do the things necessary to properly manage this contract, I am leaving’, all because you have enough money back home to survive through the unemployment.  Of course I always recommend that folks have a new job lined up before leaving a crappy contract, but if you cannot put up with the shenanigans, then leave.  Having money saved up at home, gives you that freedom to be able to do that. (having retirement money, allows you never to work again, but good luck getting to that level-lol)

     Also, if your brain is clogged with negativity because you have bill collectors or ex-spouse pressing down on you all the time, then how does that mindset translate to your decision making process out in the field? If you are stressed out from money issues, and have your finger on a trigger of a weapon in a war zone, how is that helpful in your shoot or no shoot situations?  Money and poor relationships seems to be some of the main culprits of adding stress to an already stressful job.  A good strategy is to get your finances in order before a contract overseas, so you can think clearly and have one less thing to worry about.

     Then there is the IRS and getting a clearance for work.  Financial problems are the one thing that really screw up a lot of guy’s chances for getting a clearance, and thus a job.  Especially if you lied about problems, or didn’t know everything about your finances when you submitted a SF 86 form.  I recommend getting a background check done on yourself, and know all the little financial secrets about your life.  It’s called ‘being prepared’, and having that information will help you when applying for jobs that require clearances.  And if you owe the IRS money (or whatever tax collector agency in your country), you will only hurt your chances for work, and that kind of debt will yet again impact your mental stability.  Pay your debts, clear your mind.  It’s that simple.

     There is no retirement plan with this stuff either. How you play your cards now, will influence how you do later on in life.  Put your money in a Roth IRA, or some Index Fund and feed them both with dollar cost averaging. Compounding interest and time are your friends, when it comes to saving money. Invest in your health, and insure you have a good health plan. Get a good CPA during tax time.  Enlist the help of a financial advisor, and get a good strategy going for saving your money. Most importantly, make sure you have covered all the loose ends with supporting your family.  Especially if you get wounded, or worse yet, if you get killed.  All of these items will help to put your mind at ease, if you put the proper time into researching and building your financial strategy.

     Finally, there are so many good reasons for saving your money and living modestly.  Of course the recession is forcing many to re-evaluate their finances, but even during the good times, it is important to just keep saving.  I want your brains to be clear of any kind of negativity associated with money. Go ahead and treat yourself every once in awhile, and that is only human. But for the true professional, saving your pennies is a key life and work strategy.  It also equates to a clear head, which will help in your decision making processes out there in the war.

     I also think if you can get your money matters in order, it will also influence the quality of your relationships at home, which will also impact your mental state out in the field. This industry needs you to be thinking straight and ‘Saving your pennies’ is another excellent addition to Jundism. I look forward to your thoughts on the matter. –Matt

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Sonshi

Sonshi.com: Boyd believed Sun Tzu’s The Art of War was the only book he read that didn’t have any flaws. He was known to own several translations and encouraged close associates to read it. We believe the greatest testament to his understanding of the work was his remark, “My goal was not personal. My work was for the best interest of the country. I tried to do it the Air Force Way and was refused at every turn. Then I did it my way.” Sun Tzu said, “The general who does not advance to seek glory, or does not withdraw to avoid punishment, but cares for only the people’s security and promotes the people’s interests, is the nation’s treasure.” Do find this to be the underlying theme in his life?

Chet Richards: Boyd might not agree that it didn’t have flaws. It is, after all, the creation of mortal human beings. However, he never critiqued Sun Tzu as he did Clausewitz or Jomini, where he identified fundamental problems with their underlying approach to strategy. I’ll go into this in more detail below.

As for doing it his way, by the end of his life, this was certainly true. After he realized that the Air Force was not going to promote him to general, he restructured his life style to fit his colonel’s retirement pay. By doing this, he freed himself from any need to make more money. This produced an almost Zen-like detachment from material desire.

From an interview between Sonshi and Chet Richards.

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Dokkkodo

By the Ronin, Miyamoto Musashi

The Dokkodo “The Path of Aloneness” or “The Way to be Followed Alone” was a work written by Miyamoto Musashi a week before he died in 1645. It is a short work, consisting of either nineteen or twenty-one precepts; precepts 4 and 20 are omitted from the former version. It was largely composed on the occasion of Musashi giving away his possessions in preparation for death, and was dedicated to his favorite disciple, Terao Magonojo (to whom the earlier Go rin no sho had also been dedicated), who took them to heart. It expresses a stringent, honest, and ascetic view of life. Musashi is also the author of The Book of Five Rings.

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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Job Tips: Pack a Voltage Tick Tester For Deployments

   This is one that I recommend for guys working all over the world, both in security and disaster response.  A quick way to know if your shower or bathroom is hot, is to test it with a voltage tick tester.  Shoddy electrical work is not just a problem in Iraq or Afghanistan, this is a problem all over, and if you want to protect yourself, then having a way to test your bathroom safely is something to consider. Not to mention testing stuff in disaster zones to insure everything is safe.

   The Greenlee was recommended to me by an electrician as one company that makes good testers, but there are others out there.  The idea is you want something that is easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space.  You could throw it in your hygiene kit and when ever you are using a shower and bathroom that you are new too, you could pull the tester out real quick and make sure you are not in a death trap.

   Now if you do find out that your bathroom is hot, then definitely tell someone at the camp, and also send Ms Sparky a email about the thing.  She is all over this stuff, and the basis for this post came from a discussion she had about an incident in Iraq with electrical work.  There have been 18 electrical deaths so far, and Adam Hermanson of Triple Canopy was the last one.  We can take matters into our own hands, and just use a twelve dollar device to protect ourselves and others when on contract. Something to think about for your deployment kit, and you too can be a ‘hero in waiting’ by preventing future electrical accidents with this simple device. –Matt

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Greenlee

The Greenlee GT-11 is a non-contact voltage detector that provides the electrician with AC voltage indicating capabilities up to 1000 volts. The GT-11 has the UL safety rating of category IV.

Greenlee GT-11 Features:

Bright LED and audible alarm if voltage is present

On/Off switch for longer battery life

Comfort grip

Pen size fits into pocket or tool pouch

Lifetime limited warranty

Includes 2 AAA batteries

Price: $ 12.69

Buy it here.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Job Tips: Cochise Consultancy is Not Hiring Right Now

Filed under: Job Tips — Tags: , , , , — Matt @ 10:48 PM

     The latest rumor floating around is that Cochise Consultancy is looking for guys.  Let me put that rumor to rest and say that they are not hiring. I know a Cochise job is flying on Secure Aspects job board or every once in awhile you see it floating around on the forums, but trust me, they are not looking for people.

    On the Cochise website, they have a career section with a job ad that has not been changed or deleted in a long time. That is the source of confusion.  So pass it around, and put this rumor to rest guys.

    As to my sources?  Let’s just say a few of my readers know what’s what out there. Take care, and good luck on the job hunt. –Matt

*****

Website for Cochise Consultancy here.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Weapons Stuff: Brownells AR-15 Multitasker Tool

   This is a cool tool.  I just got it in the mail the other day(no wait and very prompt), and now I get to talk about it.  My overall impression of the tool is high, and it does exactly what I want it to do.  The big one for me was to get a multi-tool that had a buffer tube castle nut spanner.  This tool has that, and so much more.  The only down side would be a lack of a lanyard attachment on the tool and the limited pouch color selection.(black is the only color)

   But back to the spanner wrench.  On a few of my contracts, I have been issued weapons where the castle nut on the buffer tubes were loose and not peened.  The reason being is that guys would take their issued weapons, undo the castle nut and buffer tube assembly, and put one of those single point attachment plates on the weapon so they could run a single point sling.  Because the castle nut and buffer tube was not placed back on properly, you get issues with the thing loosening and rotating.  Not good, and it pays to have a spanner wrench to tighten the thing.  Of course you could use a hammer and nail to tighten the thing, but having the right tool for the job is far better for doing field repairs and maintenance.

   I also recommend getting a DVD of AR-15 repair or lining up some online videos that you have collected, in order to work on your weapon when you have to. Do not depend upon the company to repair your weapon and keep it functional(although that would be nice), because most companies just don’t care. Sad, but true, and most of the weapons I have been issued out there were pretty sad. Being prepared for that reality is a necessity.

   The other thing I like about this tool is the socket tool (with the front site adjustment on it).  It is a 1/4 socket bit driver, so it will accept the double-ended bits that it comes with (Torx double ended), as well as any others that you have.  I really like this feature, because this allows you to carry the socket pieces that are applicable to your equipment (computers, knives, weapons, etc.) and you can expand or take away from that collection what you want. Especially for the multitude of star, hex, and allen type bolts that all the various weapon and equipment manufacturers use out there.

   The pouch is pretty cool too, despite the color.  It has a molle attachment system with snap (single channel), and it has a front pouch and a zippered pouch on the cover piece.  It would be nice though if it was a Fastex closure system, as opposed to just velcro.  I would be paranoid about losing this tool out in the field, unless I had a secure pouch and/or lanyard system.  Perhaps the second generation Multitasker Tool will have these features, along with offering OD and Coyote Brown to the colors. Maybe throw in a lanyard system from 215 Gear, and that would be a cool system that you could carry on your kit.

   One other thing.  The width of this tool when it is closed, will fit in standard pistol magazine pouches (not the 1911 style, the glock 9mm/.40 style), and I tested it in the Tactical Tailor knife pouch they have and it fits. For the pistol magazine pouches, it is a little tight.  So for you pouch manufacturers out there, there might be a market to make the ultimate pouch for this tool. This pouch should securely carry the bits and knife, and have various colors.  I just don’t know if Brownells will go this extra mile with the pouch, and a proactive manufacturer might be able to step in here.

   I would also like to see a multitool for AK 47 and maybe a mutitool that could cover both the AR and AK.  Now that would be the ultimate multitool for a contractor.

    This tool is new, but I think it should be a ‘must have’ for contractors. You must have the ability to do basic repairs out in the field, and this tool will be a nice addition to your deployment kit. Also, I do not work for Brownells and they did not give this thing to me for free–I bought it, and this is a completely independent review. –Matt

Edit: Also check out the Multitasker Tool website, the developers of this tool.

Edit: 01/28/2010 -Check out this forum and their review of the Multitasker here.  Excellent photos of the thing in action.

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Multitasker tool

BROWNELLS AR-15 Multitasker Tool

Pocket-Packable Multi-Tool With Everything You Need For Field Repair & Adjustment Of Your AR-15

Rugged, compact, fold-open tool contains an amazing array of tools to service your AR-15 and many popular add-on accessories, all in a package that’s barely 4″ long when folded and fits in pocket, backpack, range bag, or the included nylon belt pouch. You get a castle nut wrench for collapsible carbine stocks, adjustment tool for four-prong A2-style front sights, 3/8″ box wrench for accessory mounts from LaRue Tactical and others, angled carbon scraper with radiused tip, file with chisel-tip carbon scraper, 440C stainless Tanto-style blade with liner lock safety, extended-length needle-nose pliers, wire cutter, and a bit driver with five, interchangeable double-ended bits. Comes with 2 slot-head, 1 Phillips, and 5 hex-head bit tips, plus T10 and T15 Torx® head bits. Bits have a ball-detent locking system to ensure they stay securely in the driver. The Multitasker is made of hardened, tool-grade stainless steel, with a scratch-resistant, matte black hardcoat finish for exceptional strength, and grip panels of durable G10 fiberglass composite with checkered surface pattern for a firm grasp.

SPECS: Stainless steel, matte black finish, with G10 fiberglass grips, matte black. 4-1?8″ (10.5cm) OAL folded; 6-7?8″ (17.5cm) OAL extended. Includes 5 double-ended driver tips with rubber storage sleeve and black 1000 denier nylon belt pouch.

AR-15 Multitasker Tool  $64.99

Buy the tool here or at the Jundi Gear Store.

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