This is interesting news. Can anyone find the RFP? According to Exelis, there is a RFP to shutdown the TARS system.
"The government also indicated its intent that aerostat flight operations will cease on March 15, 2013, and that the remainder of the fiscal year will be used to deflate aerostats, disposition equipment, and prepare sites for permanent closure. We are currently reviewing all the details of the RfP and evaluating the possible impacts on the program and our workforce. We continue to communicate with the government on this matter, and we will have more information in the coming days and weeks."
Who made the decision? The Oct 2012 report had that responsibility going to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for R&E. That post is vacant. Could it have been made by the deputy, Shaffer, or boss, Under Secretary of Defense for AT&L, Kendall?
I have not found any information re: replacing the system. I have heard about the "Space Fence" but I am not sure it has the same low level (and forward looking) coverage. Its full capabilities are classified.
Update, I think this is the full email from Exelis. It could be fake:
Subject: TARS Contract Update
Tuesday, 15 January 2013, we received a government request for a proposal (RfP) to de-scope and close the TARS program by the end of the fiscal year. The government indicated that it does not intend to exercise the final two option years for the TARS contract. In the RfP, the government also indicated its intent that aerostat flight operations will cease on March 15, 2013, and that the remainder of the fiscal year will be used to deflate aerostats, disposition equipment, and prepare sites for permanent closure. We are currently reviewing all the details of the RfP and evaluating the possible impacts on the program and our workforce. We continue to communicate with the government on this matter, and we will have more information in the coming days and weeks.
The TARS program provides a critical capability to the U.S. government and we should remain focused on providing that service in an uninterrupted and robust manner.
The best thing we can do right now is to continue to provide the outstanding TARS support that has become the Exelis hallmark, while allowing the company and the government time to continue discussions on how to best support the customer, the program, and our workforce. We will provide regular updates as we know more. Should you have a specific question, please address them to Tim Green, Program Manager.
Tim Green, PMP
Program Manager
Tethered Aerostat Radar System
Exelis Systems Corporation
