Government Buyers Guide 2013

Products Services & Equipment for Government Purchasing

Federal Buyers Guide Inc. V.P. Operations

Afzal Hussain

Editor-in-chief Megan Leal

Marketing Rick Flores

IT Manager Manuel Aguilera

Senior Account Representatives

John Jenkins Jeff Stakee

Sales Representative Danielle Netko

Chief of Financial Department Ken Sterling

Accounting Cathia Mahaffey

Accounts Payable Johan Delsol

Database Manager Andrew Tuttle

Production Manager Michael Diep

Production Staff Cynthia Petti

Maciej Jesmanowicz Sean Lewis

Kathleen Tan Client Relations Supervisor

Chris Leidecker

Founder/CEO Stuart Miller

Reach us at:

www.govsupplier.com Email: [email protected]

Corporate Office Federal Buyers Guide, Inc.

324 Palm Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Tel: (805) 963-6524

Copyright © 2013 by Federal Buyers Guide, Inc. All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without written permission of the copyright owner.

GOVERNMENT BUYERS GUIDE

AreyousellingtoGovernmentContracters?ToadverseintheFederalBuyersGuide,pleasecall!

805-963-6524

NewsPages 5 - 125EventPages 126 - 152Event VisitorPages 153 - 193

TABLEOFCONTENTS

GovernmenTBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers Guide

NEWS

Raytheon

Raytheon Awarded $81.7 Million Production Contract for Miniature Air Launched Decoy -‐ Jammer Units Latest variant provides jamming capability to weapon TUCSON, Ariz., April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a firm-‐fixed-‐price $81.7 million option for Lot 6 on the Lot 5 contract for the production and delivery of 202 MALD®-‐J jammers and containers. The contract also includes a 10-‐year warranty.

The contract was awarded in Raytheon's first quarter of 2013.

"MALD-‐J adds a jamming capability to the current decoy function of the MALD that disrupts enemy integrated air defense systems using jamming and radar signature technology," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "This weapon will provide unprecedented capability and flexibility to the U.S. Air Force and improve the survivability of our Airmen and their aircraft."

Performance of the contract will take place primarily at the Raytheon Company facility located in Tucson, Ariz.

About MALD and MALD-‐J MALD is a state-‐of-‐the-‐art, low-‐cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-‐launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles. MALD protects aircraft and their crews by duplicating the combat flight profiles and signatures of U.S. and allied aircraft. MALD-‐J adds radar-‐jamming capability to the basic MALD platform.

MALD confuses enemy air defenses by duplicating friendly aircraft flight profiles and radar signatures.

MALD-‐J maintains all capabilities of MALD and adds jamming capabilities.

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOBILE-FIRST AND RESPONSIVE WEB DESIGN (RWD):

From government mandates to private sector best practices, smartphones, tablets and the “next big thing” are changing the priorities in user-centric Web design.

www.TMPgovernment.com

On behalf of our private and public sector clients, TMP Worldwide and its wholly owned subsidiary, TMP Government, have been monitoring the implications of “mobile-first” and “responsive Web design (RWD).”1 Both of these complementary design philosophies indicate a major shift in developing a Web presence for organizations. Circumstances are rapidly dictating that organizations reconsider the traditional approach of designing first for larger screens and then modifying a site for handheld devices. The desktop/laptop-first methodologies can no longer hold sway with the smartphones and tablets that will soon surpass them in Web traffic. As Internet mobility assumes its place as a medium of choice for personal and work life, organizations must consider making it the starting point for a one- size-adaptively-fits-all website.

This decision, however, may not be clear cut and allowed to prevail in all circumstances. TMP believes that the following five principles can help you decide if mobile-first and responsive Web design are right for your situation.

Abstract

As mobile Web subscribers reach critical mass, government as well as private sector organizations

must give them a full experience of their websites, optimized for smartphones and tablets. The first

generation of mobile Web called for tandem designs for laptop and Web platforms. When more users

access your site via mobile, that separation no longer works. In contrast, a mobile-first approach is

creating a website with the focus on mobile devices’ design, content and functionality first. Then

Web designers can further enhance this mobile-first site for larger device displays. With mobile

Web accessibility mandated by the U.S. Federal Government and increasingly standard among

corporations, responsive Web design provides a flexible upward compatibility with today’s devices as

well as tomorrow’s yet unanticipated platforms.

1 This paper looks at so-called “responsive” and “adaptive” Web design as similar terms, referring to a user-centric approach that easily “adapts” and “responds” to the needs of users for as full a Web experience as possible on many devices. However, leading designers, like Aaron Gustafson, distinguish “adaptive” as a more all-encompassing term and “responsive” as a sub-set: http://blog.easy-designs.net/archives/2011/11/16/on-adaptive-vs-responsive-web-design/.

87%of the world’s populationare mobile subscribers.

46%of U.S. adults own a smartphone.

25%of U.S. users are mobile-only.

10%LESSTHANof the QuantCast Top Million Websites are mobile-ready.

Source: news.cnet.com

Source: pewinternet.org, March 2012

Source: On Device Research, 2011

Source: Mongoose Metrics, Mobile Report, February 2012


In December 2009, only 1 percent of global Internet traffic was mobile. By May 2012, that throughput had increased tenfold. Mobile now counts for 8 percent of U.S. e-commerce. Apps and Web advertising revenues have increased from $0.7 billion in 2008 to $12 billion at the end of 2011. Perhaps most remarkable, in India in May 2012, mobile Internet usage surpassed desktop Internet usage. Most important, the migration to mobility can represent sweeping changes not only for technology, but for your business processes. What happens to our notions of geography if the present pace continues and mobile Internet usage worldwide overtakes other access by the middle of the decade?2

On June 5, 2012, Ericsson released its second Traffic and Market Report—On the Pulse of the Networked Society,3 showing even more rapid expansion over the next five years:

• By2017,85percentoftheworld’spopulationwill have 3G high-speed mobile Internet coverage

• 50percentoftheworld’spopulationwillbecovered by 4G in 2017

• Smartphonesubscriptionsareexpectedtoreach 3 billion in 2017

• Mobilesubscriptionsreached6.2billioninQ12012with 170 million new mobile subscriptions added during the quarter

While mobile Web access dates back to the late 1990s with the Nokia 900 Communicator Phone (1996) and NTT DoCoMo’s commercial launch of iMode (1999), Web designers tended not to take mobile seriously until the

iPhone and Android operating systems heightened the user experience. Even then the majority of organizations have continued to have a computer-first approach, designing first for the desktop or laptop screen, and then creating modified designs for handhelds.

In terms of sociodynamics, mobile Web usage has long passed the early adopter stage and seems on course to achieve critical mass. Not surprisingly, corporations and government are realizing that they can no longer relegate a mobile website to second class status. In fact, they need to consider the opposite: Make mobile devices their first priority.

2 Although present mobile Internet usage hovers at 10 percent of the total, in her annual presentation on Internet trends (May 30, 2012), Mary Meeker of venture capitalist firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers views mobile Internet traffic as a factor toward the “re-imagination of nearly everything.” For example, in January 2012, 29 percent of American adults owned a tablet or eReader, up from only 2 percent three years ago: http://www.kpcb.com/insights/2012-internet-trends.

3 The press release states: “The main continuous trend identified in the report is that everything is going mobile. This evolution is mainly being driven by people’s increasing demand for anywhere, anytime connectivity and the use of video, cloud-based services and the Internet–but also by machine-to-machine connectivity.” See http://www.ericsson.com/news/1617338?categoryFilter=press-releases_1270673222_c.

Principle #1:

Mobility is the new desktop, and mobile-first is worthy of consideration.

INTERNETDISTRIBUTIONBY DEVICE

MOBILEWEB USAGEIS GROWING

Desktop2010 2015

Source: gigaom.com

Mobile

Desktop Users

Source: gigaom.comProjected

Projected

Mobile Users 2007 2011 2015

36%of Americans use the browser on their mobile device.Source: ComScore 2011


The mobile future is already here, even in government, which usually lags behind the private sector. On May 23, 2012, the White House issued its Digital Government Strategy,4 a roadmap for customer-centric services depicting the way Americans communicate now and into the future. In that document, President Barack Obama directed all federal agencies to make at least two key services accessible via mobile devices and, in that same time frame, all domains must be made mobile accessible.

In testifying before Congress on the day after release of the Strategy, Steven VanRoekel, Chief Information Officer of the United States Government and a former Microsoft executive, reiterated the White House’s resolve and urged that budget considerations not hinder innovation:

“The Digital Government Strategy will provide a 12-month roadmap to jumpstart the use of smart mobile technology and improve delivery of digital services to the American people and our federal workforce. We must ensure that government information, data and services are available anywhere, anytime, on any device. The strategy will help agencies use modern tools and technologies to seize the digital opportunity and fundamentally change how the government serves both its internal and external customers, at lower costs. It will also lay out actions to ensure that as the government adjusts to this new digital world, we build the infrastructure needed to support digital government efforts to leverage the Federal Government’s buying power to reduce costs where appropriate.”5

In addition to the explosive growth of mobile usage, Web developer Luke Wroblewski cites two other compelling reasons for mobile first:

• By forcing designers to focus on mobile-first, the Web experience is optimized for all Web users. Mobile devices require “software development teams to focus on only the most important data and actions in an application. There simply isn’t room in a 320 by 480 pixel screen for extraneous, unnecessary elements. You have to prioritize.” The upshot is a better user experience.

• Mobile extends your general Web capabilities. The World Wide Web has been built on a foundation of rather simple capabilities (page markup, styling and scripting) determined by what Web browsers can support. Web application developers desperate to be innovative “have pushed the limits of JavaScript, browser plug-ins, and even Web browsers themselves to enable rich activities and interactions online.” But new mobile application platforms are introducing capabilities “that leave many PC-based Web browsers behind,” e.g., precise location information from GPS; user orientation from a digital compass; and multi-touch input from one or more simultaneous gestures.

Wroblewski concludes that “building mobile first allows teams to utilize this full palette of capabilities to create rich context-aware applications instead of limiting themselves to an increasingly dated set of capabilities.”6

4 The full text of “Digital Government: Building a 21st Century Platform to Better Serve the American People” (White House, May 23, 2012) can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/23/roadmap-digital-government.

5 Federal CIO VanRoekel’s testimony can be found at http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommittees/federal-financial-management/hearings/innovating-with-less-examining-efforts-to-reform-information-technology-spending-.

6 Wroblweski’s “Mobile First” article (November 3, 2009) can be found at http://www.lukew.com/ff/entry.asp?933.

Principle #2:

Mobile-first creates a better experience for users on all platforms.


Mobile-first involves creating a website with the initial focus on its design, content and functionality for mobile devices. With this basic foundation in place, you can then add on enhancements for larger device displays. During every step of the website development process, optimization for mobile devices is at the forefront:

1. Architecture. Create structure and navigation to be user-friendly on a mobile device.

2. Design. Develop layouts to scale for mobile device screen sizes, and create graphic and verbal elements for viewing on the device.

3. Coding. Program the site to ensure that all functionality is accessible across the majority of mobile devices, and that the page’s load times are minimized as much as possible.

There are, naturally, design trade-offs with a mobile-first approach. But making those trade-offs early on can help “future proof” your cross-platform design. By prioritizing the Web presence on a mobile device, you are taking a major step toward compatibility with yet unanticipated platforms. Mobile-first Web development not only ensures that your online presence is optimized (not just accessible) for mobile devices, but also that you have a user-friendly, engaging, dynamic website on other devices as well—tablets, laptops, desktops and the “next big thing” in mobility, e.g., automobile heads-up displays.

TMP, however, is not insisting that mobile-first can meet all organizational needs all the time. Building a separate mobile site remains the most common way that organizations, in general, meet mobile users’ needs. In the past, this was really the only way to make sure a site was optimized for mobile devices—features, design and functionality all needed to be developed separately from the “main” website. Usually, content is pared down and not all of the content or features of the full website are presented to mobile users when a separate site or application is built. For large sites with a great amount of content and many dynamic and/or interactive features, this approach may still be the best way to develop a mobile presence.

If you have an extensive, functionality-rich site, we would likely recommend reducing the content to include key information and data in order to optimize the user’s mobile experience. An example is a large website which has many interactive complex data maps, charts and graphs that would not be feasible to replicate or make mobile-friendly. If the purpose of your mobile site is different from that of your main website, than two sites or a website and a mobile application may be the best option for you. Although some duplication of efforts is required to maintain both a standard website and mobile application, this may be the best way to provide users with the best experience across devices and platforms.

Principle #3:

Optimizing your website for mobile from the beginning can make it upwardly compatible with whatever the future brings.


1 Lorem ipsumdolor amet 2 Lorem ipsum

dolor amet 3 Lorem ipsumdolor amet 4 Lorem ipsum

dolor amet

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet onsectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean elementum, elit at pellentesque fringilla, nunc turpis cursus turpis, id iaculis.

Velit est sit amet velit. Quisque justo elit, volutpat vel faucibus sed, mattis id nibh. In ultricies, sem eget porttitor dapibus,

velit magna porta tortor, nec luctus mauris elit vitae eros. Quisque tristique convallis dolor in lacinia. Donec a metus

tincidunt erat sodales congue eget ac orci. Duis eget arcu convallis ipsum aliquam sagittis eget vel ligula. Praesent auctor

HOME | ABOUT | FAQ | CONTACT


dolor amet


dolor amet

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet Onsectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean elementum, elit at pellentesque fringilla, nunc turpis cursus turpis, id iaculis.

Velit est sit amet velit. Quisque justo elit, volutpat vel

faucibus sed, mattis id nibh. In ultricies, sem eget

porttitor dapibus, velit magna porta tortor, nec luctus

mauris elit vitae eros. Quisque tristique convallis dolor in

lacinia. Donec a metus tincidunt erat sodales congue

HOME

Suppose as with many federal agencies and companies, your current website does not work well on mobile devices. Employing adaptive Web design techniques can help make those sites more mobile-friendly without rebuilding the site. Adaptive Web design uses flexible techniques similar to responsive Web design, but instead of starting from scratch, you can modify the existing site. Even here, mobile-first makes sense: Begin with the lowest common denominator of user experience, e.g., a smartphone, and then add “progressive enhancements” to work on more sophisticated browsers.

Designing with users’ needs in mind, adaptive Web design employs varying levels of modern coding tools to add those elements to the site that help it adapt to the viewing device. Using adaptive Web design encompasses structure, design and technical development elements. Although much of the adaptation involves technical development, you cannot ignore the other aspects of the site.

While adaptive Web design creates one website for all devices, the site may not be fully optimized for some devices. Adaptive methodologies help to increase the number of devices that have a good user experience, yet they do not ensure that a maximum number of devices provide an optimized experience. These techniques work best in more modern browsers and devices; they may have some compatibility issues with older devices and browsers. However, if the goal is to make an existing website more device-compatible, then adaptive design provides a cost-effective way to move forward.

7 Internet author Janine Warner discusses the differences between adaptive and responsive Web design in more detail on her Digital Family blog: http://www.digitalfamily.com/dreamweaver/CS6/Adaptive-vs-Responsive-Web-Design.html.

Principle #4:

For existing sites, you can use adaptive Web design7 techniques without reinventing the wheel.


In the early 1.0 days of Internet browsers, websites mimicked brochures: print-style grids with table-of-contents buttons hyperlinking to back pages. You “read” the site from desktop or laptop. And hopefully the pages fit without undue amount of scrolling. Few had begun to realize the flexibilities inherent in the new form of media, especially its ability to adjust to multiple platforms. Consequently, even the second generation of sites looked at mobility as a separate technical challenge demanding its own scaled-down graphical interface and functionality.

In a May 2010 article, entitled “Responsive Web Design,” designer Ethan Marcotte defined the alternative to the desktop-centric approach: Rather than tailoring disconnected designs to each of an ever-increasing number of Web devices, we can treat them as facets of the same experience. We can design for an optimal viewing experience, but embed standards-based technologies into our designs to make them not only more flexible, but more adaptive to the media device that renders them. In short, we need to practice responsive Web design.8

Responsive Web design accounts for device and platform changes by making changes to the layout, flow, display or functionality of a site based on the device on which it is presented. The end result is that you have one site available in an infinite number of browsers and platforms.

8 The article may be found in its entirety at www.alistapart.com/articles/responsive-web-design. See also Ethan Marcotte’s book Responsive Web Design, available at www.abookapart.com/products/responsive-web-design or at iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/responsive-web-design/id442160521?mt=11.

PRINCIPLE #5:

Responsive Web design revolutionizes the Internet and your site to realize unique potential.


Although the experience may differ according to the device, sites have one URL with one set of code to maintain. The site will adjust in design, layout and in some cases functionality as well for the specific device being used. For example, suppose a website has five main navigation items and four content areas above the fold on a desktop-size device. On a mobile device, it may consolidate the main navigation to three items and show only two content areas above the fold. The other content is all still available on the mobile device; it is simply presented in the manner most suited for the user’s device. Or a video plays while embedded in a page on a tablet, but on a smartphone one must open the YouTube app to view the video on its own.

Ethan Marcotte himself was among the many collaborators in bringing these ideas to life through BostonGlobe.com, a site created through responsive Web design.9 In its June 2012 issue, based on this pioneering effort, Fast Company magazine named Marcotte among its 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2012. The page devoted to Marcotte shows how the mobile-first design responds to users as they manipulate the news pages.10 The Society of New Designers (SND), an international organization for news media professionals and visual communicators, named BostonGlobe.com the “World’s Best Designed Website.”11

The SND judge’s glowing citation on the revolutionary nature of the site illustrates the impact that responsive Web design is likely to have in the near future:

“The launch of BostonGlobe.com decisively raised the bar for digital news design. The Globe’s intrepid embrace of responsive design rewrote the equation of our industry’s expectations and ambitions and defined state-of-the-art across

the Web. Most importantly, the site embraces the increasingly chaotic ecosystem of devices without sacrificing thoughtfulness or splintering user experience. Much of the past 17 years of news design on the Web has been spent mapping analog conventions to digital experiences, sometimes quite crudely. The Globe site is a refreshing shift away from crafting news design as a single artifact and toward news design as an organism that responds to context, to device and to the user.”

The designer Wilson Miner recently described responsive design as ‘one of those little shifts in thinking that cracks open a whole new set of questions and possibilities.’ And this is certainly true for The Globe, which is aggressively rebalancing the signal-to-noise ratio of storytelling and even rethinking the shape and behavior of advertising.

“Working with a team of external developers and designers at The Filament Group and Upstatement, and with Ethan Marcotte, one of the thought leaders and authors of the book on responsive Web design, the Boston Globe staff created a remarkably beautiful design that allows content to sing with typography and grids, also while functioning across all platforms—from mobile to full desktop—and even adapt to a 13 year-old Apple Newton MessagePad.

“It’s no small feat. The Globe’s responsive design is remarkable and deserves to be noted as one of the key moments in media design history, akin to USA Today’s embrace of color and graphics. Its impact will affect a generation of digital journalists and is an example of what’s possible when smart design and rich content is balanced with a focus on being standards-compliant and future-friendly across all platforms.”

PRINCIPLE #5 (CONTINUED)

Responsive Web design revolutionizes the Internet and your site to realize unique potential.

9 Marcotte and other participants have told the full technical story in various places on the Web. At the Event Part Web designer conference in May 2011 in Boston, Jeremy Keith reported on Marcotte’s talk preliminary to the launch: http://adactio.com/journal/4538/.

10 See “Ethan Marcotte: How to make a Web Page Dynamic” at http://www.fastcompany.com/most-creative-people/2012/ethan-marcotte.

11 More information about BostonGlobe.com winning the award can be found at http://www.snd.org/2012/04/snd33-worlds-best-designed-website-bostonglobe-com.


TMP is presently working with clients on websites that use a mobile-first philosophy and responsive Web design. In those cases, we have found that, regardless of the ultimate decisions of how to proceed, it is helpful to adopt the mobile-first philosophy from the beginning of development. Before making choices about navigation, layout, design and development, we recommend that you consider the variety of devices in use by the audience and optimize the experience for as many users as possible.

Mobile-first and responsive Web design are far from trendy ideas imposed on Internet development. The more you understand them, the more you will realize that these approaches tap into the Web’s inherent flexibilities and flow —with unique potential to make communications more dynamic.

Conclusion:

Mobile-first and responsive Web design are new ways to think about communications.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin to Help Create Joint Information Environment for DoD CIO's Next Generation Projects Company to Provide Policy Support Under $217 Million Contract ROCKVILLE, Md., April 22, 2013– Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] will deliver a suite of information technology support services to the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Information Office (CIO) that will allow warfighters to better share secure information.

Under a five-‐year $217 million-‐ceiling contract, Lockheed Martin will be responsible for IT equipment, software development tools, and other services necessary to support the DoD CIO in all matters related to information technology, information assurance, and information management – services critical to carrying out war, business and intelligence missions.

“More than 26 years ago, Lockheed Martin helped write the DoD Architecture Framework, under which the Department of Defense operates today. Under this contract, we will be the policy support for a next generation of projects being infused into the DoD,” said Willie Callahan, vice president of Data, Analytics and Services with Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions.

The DoD CIO leads the DoD Information Enterprise by setting policy and driving standards for the information infrastructure. Delivering on the DoD IT modernization effort, entitled the “2013 Campaign Plan,” Lockheed Martin’s information technology expertise will help create a seamless, secure Joint Information Environment, by creating streamlined IT modernization, enhanced warfighter capabilities, and faster, tactical connectivity.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

MacAulay-Brown, Inc

MacAulay-‐Brown, Inc. Awarded $31 Million Intelligence Contract to Support Air Force Special Operations Command DAYTON, Ohio, February 25, 2013 – MacAulay-‐Brown, Inc. (MacB), a leading National Security company providing innovative engineering and technical solutions to Defense, Intelligence, Homeland Security and Federal agencies, announced today that it has received a contract option to support intelligence units at Hurlburt Field, Fla. and Cannon Air Force Base (AFB), N.M. from United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The first option year of the contract is valued at $31 million.

Under the terms of the contract option, MacB will provide intelligence specialists to support AFSOC in the planning, integration and the implementation of new and existing intelligence collection, exploitation, reporting, dissemination and evaluation capabilities. On-‐site support will be handled through MacB’s Mission System Group, located in Shalimar, Fla. MacB has a long history partnering with AFSOC. The company has provided AFSOC with Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support since 1996.

“AFSOC plays a critical role in the collection and dissemination of global Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) required to support SOF operations,” said Fred Norman, Vice President at MacB. “For two decades, our teams have worked closely with the DoD, Intelligence Community and Special Operations Community to ensure its intelligence gathering and dissemination capabilities meet the needs of the Nation.”

Supporting MacB are Advanced Concepts Enterprises, Inc. (ACEs), a Service-‐disabled Veteran/Women-‐owned Small Business headquartered in Shalimar, Fla., and Calhoun International, a Service-‐disabled Veteran-‐owned Small Business headquartered in Tampa, Fla. Both companies will provide intelligence analysts.

Annual Print Publications

Web Directories

unique visitors visit ourweb directories every year!20,000,000Did you know that over

GSA Department of Defense

Web Mobile

Double the exposure when you list on our web directories you also reaceh the mobile audience.

2x

Federal Buyers Guide

JOIN OUR FAMILY OF PUBLICATIONS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US

Federals Buyers Guide is a member of the Better Business Bureau324 Palm Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Telephone 1-805-963-6524

[email protected]

General Dynamics

General Dynamics Completes Successful Critical Design Review for Knifefish Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Undersea Vehicle FAIRFAX, Va. -‐ General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has successfully completed the critical design review for Knifefish, the surface-‐mine countermeasure unmanned undersea vehicle (SMCM UUV), one month ahead of schedule. The General Dynamics team will now begin the development of the system hardware and software to integrate the approved design via the fabrication of three engineering development modules. Knifefish is an essential component of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mine countermeasure (MCM) mission package, providing U.S. Navy commanders and sailors with enhanced mine-‐hunting capabilities.

Expected to attain initial operational capability in 2017, Knifefish is the first heavyweight-‐class mainstream mine countermeasure (MCM) UUV that will address the Navy's need to reliably detect and classify mines resting on the seafloor and buried mines in high-‐clutter environments and areas with potential for mine burial. Knifefish also gathers environmental data to provide intelligence support for other mine warfare systems.

Knifefish will help greatly reduce risk to Navy personnel and ships by operating in minefields as an off-‐board sensor, while the host ship stays outside the minefield boundaries. The modular, open Knifefish has been designed to integrate with both variants of LCS via the common LCS interface control document.

"Knifefish is designed to be compatible with an open architecture platform, ensuring that the Navy's mission systems will keep pace with technology and continue to evolve to meet current and future mission requirements," said Lou Von Thaer, president of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.

digital issuesmonthly!100,000Our network of digital

publications sends out

Digital Print Publications

GSA Department of Defense

USA Business Prime Contractors

Federal Buyers Guide

Expand your business with our digital publications.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US

Federals Buyers Guide is a member of the Better Business Bureau324 Palm Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Telephone 1-805-963-6524

[email protected]

Ball Aerospace

Ball Aerospace Wins U.S. Air Force Risk Reduction Contract for Weather Satellite Follow-‐on April 12, 2013 BOULDER, Colo.– Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to perform risk reduction work on the next generation of microwave sounding and imaging instruments for the Weather Satellite Follow-‐on program.

Under a contract awarded by the Space and Missile Systems Center, El Segundo, California, Ball Aerospace will investigate how to best achieve Department of Defense requirements for measuring soil moisture and ocean surface vector winds with a microwave instrument designed to fit into smaller, lower-‐cost launch vehicles. This effort shares a heritage with the state-‐of-‐the-‐art Global Precipitation Monitoring Microwave Imager (GMI) instrument, which Ball Aerospace built and recently delivered to NASA for the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.

“This risk reduction effort will help the Air Force develop an affordable system for space-‐based environmental sensing,” said Tim Harris, vice president and general manager of Ball Aerospace’s National Defense business unit. “Ball’s experience with other similar systems lays the foundation to address the nation’s highest priority defense weather requirements.”

Ball Aerospace has a long history of designing and manufacturing cost effective remote sensing systems for defense, civil and commercial applications. Ball built the satellite bus and the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) instrument for the Suomi National Polar-‐orbiting Partnership satellite, NOAA’s most recent polar-‐orbiting weather satellite, and is currently building the satellite bus and an additional copy of OMPS for NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System. Ball Aerospace also built the Operational Land Imager (OLI) instrument that launched aboard the Landsat Data Continuity Mission on February 11 and began delivering images in March.

US Navy Awards Boeing High Altitude Anti-‐Submarine Weapon Contract Glide weapon will target submarines using smart bomb technology ST. CHARLES, Mo., April 8, 2013 – A new precision-‐guided weapon that Boeing [NYSE: BA] will provide to the U.S. Navy will fundamentally change anti-‐submarine warfare by incorporating technologies never before used on an anti-‐submarine weapon.

Through a recently awarded $19.2 million contract, Boeing will design and build the High Altitude Anti-‐Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC). The system will leverage combat-‐proven technologies from Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) so it can be launched from high altitudes and far from targets.

“A new era in anti-‐submarine warfare is about to begin,” said James Dodd, vice president of Boeing Weapons & Missile Systems. “The capability HAAWC gives U.S. Navy sub-‐hunters is unparalleled compared with what is available today.”

Adapting current JDAM and SDB technologies will also reduce development risk and cost for the Navy.

“Providing this advanced capability to Navy warfighters as soon as possible is vital to help protect the United States’ maritime interests around the world,” said Scott Wuesthoff, director of Boeing Direct Attack Weapons.

Cubic

Cubic Awarded Training and Support Contract from the US Navy and Marine Corps Worth $134 Million 04/09/2013 SAN DIEGO, Calif. – April 9, 2013 – Cubic Worldwide Technical Services (CWTS), a Mission Support Services subsidiary of Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) has been awarded a contract for nearly $134 million for the Base Period and Option Years from the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) based in Orlando, Florida. CWTS is a leading provider of instructional support services for the Navy and Marine Corps. Cubic will deliver interactive and immersive academic and simulator instruction for nine different aircraft ranging between basic and advanced flight operation.

This Chief of Naval Air Training, Contract Instruction Services (CNATRA CIS) Task Order is issued as part of the Fielded Training Systems Support (FTSS) III indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. The contract is slated to start on April 1, 2013 with a total period of performance of five years.

“The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command understands the value and importance of superior academic and simulator training for our service men and women,” said Harold Carlisle, deputy general manager of Cubic Worldwide Technical Services. “This announcement is another testament of Cubic’s continued partnership with the United States Navy and our dedication to supporting our troops.”

The contract will be performed at five locations including NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, Texas; NAS Meridian, Miss.; and NAS Pensacola and NAS Whiting Field, Fla.

ITT Exelis

ITT Exelis to Provide Anti-‐Jam GPS Antennas for KC-‐46 Refueling Aircraft BOHEMIA, N.Y.-‐-‐(BUSINESS WIRE)-‐-‐Apr. 17, 2013-‐-‐ ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has received a contract from Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) to supply anti-‐jam GPS antennas to the KC-‐46 refueling tanker program. Work on this contract will be performed in Bohemia, N.Y.

The rugged N79 Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna, or CRPA, prevents deliberate jamming and unintentional interference of timing signals when integrated with anti-‐jam GPS systems including the Raytheon Navshield and Advanced Digital Antenna Production systems. The antenna keeps an aircraft’s GPS system connected in the presence of multiple threats.

“For the U.S. Air Force to perform its Global Power and Global Reach missions, a reliable air-‐to-‐air refueling capability is required,” said Exelis Senior Director of Programs for Antennas, Sensors and Microelectronics Paul Eyring. “The Exelis CRPA helps mitigate signals that interfere with aircraft systems and thus helps the KC-‐46 perform its fuel delivery mission, keeping aircraft airborne.”

Exelis has delivered hundreds of anti-‐jam GPS antennas to U.S. and allied militaries for use on fixed and rotary-‐wing aircraft, ships and unmanned platforms.

Harris

Harris Corporation Receives $29 Million Order from Nation in Asia for Falcon III Tactical Radios MELBOURNE, FL/ROCHESTER, NY, April 8, 2013 — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has received a $29 million order to provide a nation in Asia with Falcon III® wideband tactical radios. The radios will provide the country's armed forces with critical country-‐wide data communications and improved mission capabilities as part of an overall modernization effort.

The nation is acquiring the company's new RF-‐7800H high-‐frequency wideband manpack and RF-‐7800W High-‐Capacity Line-‐of-‐Sight radios. The new RF-‐7800H is the world's first HF radio with high-‐speed wideband data capabilities. These advanced capabilities allow users to efficiently transmit large data files such as images over very long range beyond-‐line-‐of-‐sight links. The radio is 20 percent smaller and lighter and offers data rates that are 10 times greater than other HF radios.

"Our RF-‐7800H and RF-‐7800W radios will enable these armed forces to operate with more detailed situational awareness than previous generations of radios," said Brendan O'Connell president, international business unit, Harris RF Communications.

Additional information on the Harris Falcon family of radios is available at http://rf.harris.com/capabilities/tactical-‐radios-‐networking/default.asp

Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded high-‐grade encryption solutions for military, government and commercial organizations. The company's Falcon® family of software-‐defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications. Falcon III is the next generation of radios supporting the U.S. military's Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-‐centric operations worldwide. Harris RF Communications is also a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, utility and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single-‐ and multiband radios.

Fixed-‐Wing Aviators Set Sights on Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System Our proven laser-‐guided rocket continues to impress NASHUA, New Hampshire — BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) rocket recently launched and engaged targets from a U.S. Air Force A-‐10 jet, marking another milestone for the laser-‐guided rocket system. This expanded capability gives pilots of fast-‐moving jet aircraft a precision-‐guided stand-‐off system that has proven to be the low-‐collateral-‐damage weapon of choice for Marine Corps helicopter pilots in Afghanistan.

“These latest test results underscore the power and versatility of the APKWS technology and provide further proof that the system can be launched off of any platform capable of shooting an unguided 2.75-‐inch rocket,” said David Harrold, director of precision guidance solutions at BAE Systems. “Since its introduction on Marine Corps helicopters in combat operations, the APKWS rocket has proven its ability to defeat a broad range of targets. This test is an important step in bringing that same capability to fixed-‐wing aviators.”

During the recent tests at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, two APKWS rockets were fired from an Air Force A-‐10 Warthog at altitudes of approximately 10,000 and 15,000 feet, at airspeeds up to 348 knots. The first controlled test-‐vehicle shot performed a series of pre-‐planned maneuvers to collect in-‐flight data. The second shot, into a 70-‐knot headwind, hit the target board well within the required 2 meters of the laser spot. The shot was laser-‐designated from the ground with a special operations forces marker. These shots are the first in a series planned under a Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration program with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. The A-‐10 is the first Air Force platform to conduct testing of the fixed-‐wing variant of the APKWS weapon. The U.S. Marine Corps recently conducted similar tests off the AV-‐8B Harrier aircraft.

DynCorp

DynCorp International Wins Army Field Maintenance Contract Valued at Up to $388.5 Million to Provide Aviation Maintenance Services FALLS CHURCH, Va. (April 24, 2013) -‐ The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command (AMCOM) has awarded DynCorp International (DI) a contract to provide aviation maintenance services throughout the Regional Aviation Sustainment Maintenance -‐ West Region (RASM-‐W), under the Army Field Maintenance (AFM) contract.

"We're proud to be able to continue supporting RASM-‐W," said Jim Myles, Group vice president, Aviation, DynCorp International. "The DI team holds invaluable experience with the Contract Field Teams (CFT) program that previously serviced this Army aviation work, and is excited to have the opportunity to keep working with this important program."

DI will provide Army Aviation field and sustainment level maintenance services throughout the RASM-‐W region to include worksites at Fort Hood, Fort Bliss and other sites in Texas including Killeen, Temple and San Angelo, as well as Fort Riley, Kansas. Services will include RESET and depot-‐level repair on rotary wing aircraft and government furnished property or equipment. Maintenance support may also include transient and rotational units, aircraft participating in joint training exercises, mobilization, pre-‐mobilization aircraft and approved Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases.

The competitively-‐awarded hybrid firm fixed price, cost-‐plus incentive fee, contract has one base year with four, one-‐year options, and a total contract value of $388.5 million if all options are exercised.

Air Force Space Command

Hosted Payloads Support Government and Commercial Partnerships by Maj. Christina Hoggatt Air Force Space Command Public Affairs 4/22/2013 -‐ COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -‐-‐ Major General Martin Whelan, Air Force Space Command director of requirements, recently participated in the Hosted Payloads-‐Issues and Evolution Panel during the 29th National Space Symposium April 11 here at the Broadmoor hotel.

The panel, hosted by Janet Nickloy, Hosted Payload Alliance chairman, had three additional participants, including Charles L. Beames, principle director of Space and Intelligence Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Steven M. Kaufman, partner at Hogan Lovells; and Douglas L. Loverro, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Office of the Under Secretary of Defense.

To kick off the discussion, Beames spoke on the near-‐, mid-‐ and long-‐term benefits of hosted payloads, stating the near-‐term benefit is resiliency.

"Another role I can see is to get towards doing technology demonstrations and competitive prototyping activity using hosted payload as a way to do that in a less expensive way and as a guide toward future architectures, which again will have even more resiliency," Beames said.

Maj. Gen. Whelan agreed with Beames about the importance of resiliency and spoke on military missions that are well suited for hosted payloads, specifically weather.

"Whether it's space weather or space-‐based weather of the Earth -‐-‐ these are two real, near-‐term areas we are looking at," the general said. "We are currently doing an Analysis of Alternatives of space-‐based weather, and really in the play are not only micro satellites of free flyers, but also hosted payloads. That is a near-‐term opportunity that we are really looking forward to working."

Redstone Arsenal

Chinook Team Drives Hard Bargain April 25, 2013 By Mr. Edward G Worley (ACC) REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.-‐-‐If you're thinking about making a major purchase you may want to enlist the help of the team that just saved the government more than $810 million on a multiyear contract to buy 155 CH-‐47F Chinook cargo helicopters.

The contract, expected to be signed in May, will provide "war fighters with affordable, world-‐class heavy lift helicopters," said Rod Matthews, director, CH-‐47 Cargo Contracts, Army Contracting Command -‐-‐ Redstone.

He said the cost savings were the result of tough negotiations with the Boeing Co., the prime contractor, employing lessons learned from the prior multiyear contract, enlisting a talented evaluation team, and using initiatives in the Department of Defense Better Buying Power program.

According to Matthews, a lot of the savings can be attributed to the Multiyear II Contract Evaluation Team pushing Boeing to provide updated actual costs and "heavily relied on" the program manager, Cargo technical subject matter experts. The team included representatives from the Defense Contract Management Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency and ACC-‐Redstone Pricing and Cargo Contracts divisions.

"A lot of the MY II savings can be attributed to the fact that the MY II evaluation team pushed Boeing to provide updated actuals," Matthews said. "The MY II evaluation team insisted that the contractor adopt the government's maintenance work order standard hours methodology as opposed to the contractor's labor methodology based on cost estimating relationships and gained an advantage with this approach."

Material evaluation was another area where the negotiators created savings.

"Boeing was reluctant to accept any decrements to their pricing bases, arguing that their subcontractor memorandums of understanding were firm-‐priced documents not subject to change," he said. "To mitigate the government's risk, the MY II team negotiated a clause that requires Boeing to make adjustments to MY II contract pricing if Boeing benefits from range pricing or quantity discounts in the future."

DoD

Top Acquisition Official Unveils ‘Better Buying Power 2.0’ By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 24, 2013 – Defense acquisition professionals need to apply common-‐sense thinking as they make decisions, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics said here today.

Frank Kendall issued a memo on the “Better Buying Power 2.0” that re-‐emphasized the power people have in the acquisition process and seven common-‐sense ways that acquisition and contracting personnel can achieve greater efficiencies and productivity.

Kendall is building on the original Better Buying Power memo issued three years ago. He stressed that the 2.0 version is a continuous improvement process.

“It’s not about acquisition reform, or transformational change,” he said during a media roundtable at the Pentagon. “It’s really about attacking all the many problems that exist in how we do acquisition and making incremental improvements wherever we can.”

The memo directs personnel to achieve affordable programs, to control costs throughout products’ life cycles, to provide incentives for industrial productivity and innovation, to eliminate unproductive processes and bureaucracy, and to promote effective competition.

The memo also calls on personnel to improve tradecraft in the acquisition of services and to improve the professionalism of the total acquisition workforce.

“There is a flavor that runs through 2.0 of, ‘Here are the tools you need, and here is the way you should be thinking about the problems that you have to solve. But you have to solve them,’” Kendall said.

ATK

ATK Receives Award to Provide Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) For Evaluation Project resources USSOCOM requirement for precision 2.75-‐inch rocket to defeat hardened targets while mitigating collateral effects

Apr 22, 2013 ARLINGTON, Va., April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ ATK (NYSE: ATK) announced today that the company has received a $3.2 million contract award through the Defense Acquisition Challenge (DAC) Program to provide a low-‐cost, light-‐weight, precision guided missile for the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) evaluation. This missile incorporates lock-‐on before and after launch and employs a penetrating warhead with sufficient kinetic energy to defeat hardened targets. The project directly supports a USSOCOM requirement that ATK is ready to meet with its Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) and Precision Guided Rocket Launcher (PGRL).

"Our on-‐going investment and expertise in precision strike weapons, including the GATR system, provide a mature capability that fulfils the requirements of our military customers using innovative approaches that minimize integration costs," said Dan Olson, Vice President and General Manager for ATK Armament Systems.

The DAC project for ATK's GATR and PGRL is to validate desired operational and ballistic performance while employed from USSOCOM airborne platforms. During the project, ATK will provide GATR missiles and PGRL digital smart launchers for environmental testing and operational evaluation on MH-‐60L/M rotary wing platforms.

The GATR missile incorporates the same semi-‐active laser seeker used in the combat-‐proven laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapon, providing a robust seeker field of view. GATR employs a digitally-‐fuzed, fully-‐qualified M282 multi-‐purpose penetrating warhead that is programmed from the cockpit to provide super quick, point detonating fuzing to defeat soft targets or delayed fuzing to penetrate hardened targets. The GATR provides a tactical employment envelope as much as 50 percent greater than currently-‐fielded laser-‐guided rockets. GATR also provides optimized terminal performance against hardened, stationary and moving targets.

BAE Systems

BAE Systems to Aid U.S. Navy in Maintaining Submarine Torpedoes The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems an $80 million contract to continue providing systems engineering and other technical services to support the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport Division in Washington State. BAE Systems, along with six local subcontractors, will assist the Navy in maintaining the operational readiness of submarine torpedoes and other weapon systems.

The three-‐year contract, managed by Naval Sea Systems Command, builds on BAE Systems’ ongoing support of the Navy’s submarine weapons programs. For more than 30 years, the company has provided a range of services to NUWC in Keyport, Washington; Newport, Rhode Island; and Groton, Connecticut. In addition, for more than 40 years, BAE Systems has provided systems engineering and integration to the Navy’s submarine-‐based Strategic Systems Programs. That workforce, based in Rockville, Maryland, ensures the readiness of the Trident II fleet ballistic missile and the SSGN Attack Weapons System.

“All of these systems are critical to national defense and security,” said Kris Busch, vice president and general manager of Maritime & Defense Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our team has the experience and the expertise to continue supporting these Navy programs for many years to come.”

At the Keyport site, the BAE Systems team provides life-‐cycle systems support services for the Heavyweight and Lightweight Torpedo, and for information assurance and submarine towed systems. These services include engineering and technical support, performance analysis and monitoring, training, logistics, troubleshooting and problem resolution, and project management.

The team also supports tactical software systems development at Keyport, in addition to administrative, training and ammunition operations at the Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific in nearby Bangor, Washington.

Dyess Air Force Base

Sniper ATP-‐SE Makes Operational Debut with Dyess Bombers by Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs 4/19/2013 -‐ DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -‐-‐ B-‐1 Bombers from the 7th Bomb Wing received a significant upgrade to their targeting capability April 15, becoming the first operational platform to employ Lockheed Martin's Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod-‐Sensor Enhancement modification.

Building on the technology of legacy ATP pods, Sniper pods in the new ATP-‐SE configuration provide an even greater capability via new enhanced sensors, a two-‐way data link, advanced processors and automated non-‐traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance modes.

"Sniper-‐SE incorporates the greatest set of upgrades to the Advanced Targeting Pod since its inception," said Capt. Artur Kosycarz, 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron Sniper-‐SE rated project officer. "Standardized across the combat air force, Sniper-‐SE equipped jets will be able to execute a myriad of mission sets with capability in the realm of maritime operations, ISR and video data-‐link."

A new facet to the modification is the pod's Net-‐T, or network tactical capability, which enables a point-‐to-‐multipoint networking architecture that, when employed with other platforms, provides beyond line-‐of-‐sight range capability allowing operators, analysts and decision makers access to real-‐time situational awareness data.

This targeting pod enhancement can provide the commander real-‐time information, videos, images, maps or coordinates from the forward deployed elements without relying on satellite, radio or other forms of traditional communication.

"The legacy sniper pods only have one way data-‐link capability," said Master Sgt. Jesse Williams, 7th Maintenance Group wing avionics manager. "However, the new Sniper-‐SE pod brings in the two-‐way option, allowing ground receivers to relay high-‐resolution streaming video to forward-‐deployed forces for rapid target coordination.

ITT Exelis

ITT Exelis to Provide Airborne Minesweeping System to U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center VAN NUYS, Calif.-‐-‐(BUSINESS WIRE)-‐-‐Apr. 29, 2013-‐-‐ ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has been awarded a contract valued at more than $10 million to provide one MK 105 Mod 4 airborne minesweeping system for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division in Panama City, Fla.

The Exelis MK 105 Mod 4 system will provide significant reliability and performance improvements, increasing the U.S. Navy's capability to conduct quick response, high-‐speed airborne mine countermeasures missions for the next decade. Minesweeping is a key feature of the Navy and Marine Corps Anti-‐Access, Area Denial strategy.

Since its introduction to the U.S. Navy fleet in 1972, the Exelis MK 105 system has been used in every major mine-‐clearance operation. The Navy’s MH-‐53E Sea Dragon helicopter tows the system through the water, and twin magnetic tails, consisting of open-‐electrode magnetic sweeps, are towed behind the sled, detonating mines to clear the water for vessels.

“Exelis mine countermeasure systems enable safe passage of military and commercial vessels through global waterways, ports and harbors,” said Dave Prater, vice president and general manager of the Exelis radar, reconnaissance and undersea systems business. “With our affordable sweep solutions, our customers can continue to stay ahead of modern sea mine threats, which have become more lethal and sophisticated over the years.”

The work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., by the Exelis radar, reconnaissance and undersea systems business area which designs and develops integrated minesweeping systems for the U.S. and allied navies.

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg’s Fire Department Recognized for Being the Best in the Army FORT BRAGG, N.C. -‐ Fort Bragg’s Fire Department has been selected winner of the Department of the Army annual Fire and Emergency Service Awards for 2012. The team consists of more than 160 firefighters who won two awards: one for the best large fire department and the other for the top fire prevention program.

“We are the busiest fire department in the Department of Defense,” said Mark Melvin, Fort Bragg’s Fire chief, whose team supports the installation and surrounding communities. “Our personnel are very dedicated to their jobs and strive to maintain our high level of efficiency. We lead the way in fire prevention as we are committed in giving 100 percent plus in service to our Soldiers, their Families, and the civilian workforce.”

Each year the Department of Defense recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of fire departments, firefighters and heroes through the annual Fire and Emergency Services Awards program, said Melvin who oversees personnel at 8 fire stations.

“It is a very humbling experience to receive these awards while it is also very gratifying to know that your hard work and efforts are being noticed,” said Melvin. “It was a team effort where all members of our department directly contributed toward us winning this award.”

Fort Bragg’s Fire Department responded to 8,787 incidents that generated 17,957 vehicle responses, including 67 reportable fires. The team also responded to 472 mutual aid calls, supporting 10 agreements with adjacent cities and counties.

General Dynamics

U.S. Navy Awards General Dynamics $20 Million for Nuclear Submarine Services GROTON, Conn., April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $20 million contract modification for nuclear-‐maintenance work for submarines homeported at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

Under the contract, Electric Boat will continue to operate the Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department (NRMD) at the submarine base. The company will provide project management, planning, training and nuclear services to support maintenance, modernization and repairs. A core group of about 25 Electric Boat employees are assigned to the NRMD, with surge groups of up to 100 shipyard employees assigned for short periods.

The company has been awarded two initial contract modifications to date, valued at $25 million. The contract has a total potential value of $164 million over five years.

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

Aviator of the Year award to 3rd MAW Marine By Lance Cpl. Christopher Johns 04/25/2013 -‐-‐ MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – With loud blasts and flames engulfing the flight line, Maj. Robert Weingart, a pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 and a Franklin, Conn., native, jumped in his AH-‐1W Cobra and took flight to protect his fellow Marines on the ground.

On Sep. 14, 2012, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan was attacked by insurgents on the east side near the Marine hangars.

During the firefight, Weingart tried to eliminate the insurgents from the air but smoke caused limited visibility, and he needed a way to be sure he was getting the “bad guys.”

“I asked if (the Marines on the ground) could concentrate their automatic weapons’ fire on the point of origin, so I could (identify) it and get maneuvered to where we could engage it for them,” said Weingart.

Down on the flight line, Marines from throughout the squadron ran to aircraft to retrieve ammunition and weapons to show Weingart where the insurgents were attacking from.

“They saw where the friendly vehicle was engaging at the (enemy), and then they started opening up with the (M240 machine gun) from the vicinity of our compound,” said Weingart. “The combination of seeing the rounds from the vehicles and seeing our Marines from the North East that gave us a pretty good pin point location of where the bad guys were.”

Weingart knew that he had to be sure before he could take any shots.

“It’s one thing to shoot the bad guys and miss; another thing entirely to shoot (at) the bad guys, miss and hit the (Marines) you’re trying to help,” said Weingart. “That’s the absolute worst outcome.”

Dell

New Dell Latitude Laptop Delivers Superb Security, Manageability and Productivity for Schools

• Dell Latitude 3330 laptop ideal for schools by offering a full computing experience, thin, lightweight, durable design, and long battery life at an attractive price for challenged budgets

• Dell Mobile Computing Cart provides a mobile hub for sharing, charging and secure storage of laptops and tablets to easily perform IT updates

Dell today launched the Latitude 3330, designed to help educators teach tomorrow’s leaders while providing excellent value to school districts. The new laptop offers the robust computing features required to maximize learning productivity, compatibility with Dell’s existing solutions and services for education and support for personalized learning opportunities in the classroom.

A snap to deploy, the Latitude 3330 easily integrates into a school’s existing IT infrastructure, speeding up time to classroom and saving time and money. It’s sleek, lightweight, and sturdy design stands up to the demands of even the youngest of students, fits easily on classroom desks and in backpacks and moves easily from classroom to classroom or home and back. The new laptop offers no compromise performance with full laptop productivity and all day battery life with a 6-‐cell battery.

Fluor

Fluor Awarded Clean Fuels Contract by SAPREF in South Africa

IRVING, Texas & JOHANNESBURG-‐-‐(BUSINESS WIRE)-‐-‐Fluor Corporation (NYSE:FLR) announced today that it was awarded a front-‐end engineering and design (FEED) contract by South African Petroleum Refineries (SAPREF) for its Clean Fuels II Project in Durban, South Africa. The undisclosed contract value was booked in the first quarter of 2013.

“This award builds on our significant clean fuels expertise as well as Fluor’s ongoing site support work with SAPREF in South Africa for nearly 20 years,” said Peter Oosterveer, president of Fluor’s Energy & Chemicals Group.

This new contract will be the first to be executed in Africa under Shell’s enterprise framework agreement with Fluor that encompasses engineering and project management services throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The project will enable a substantial upgrade of the SAPREF refinery, thereby improving the quality of transportation fuels by reducing levels of sulfur, benzene and aromatics, thereby meeting enhanced legislative requirements. The agreement allows for the potential of an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract to be signed at a later date.

SAPREF is a joint venture between Shell SA Refining and BP Southern Africa and is the largest crude oil refinery in the region representing 35 percent of South Africa’s refining capacity.

HP

Jupiter Medical Center Chooses HP to Support Application Growth HP Converged Infrastructure improves system performance, speed, agility and reliability for community health center PALO ALTO, Calif. — HP today announced that Jupiter Medical Center has deployed an efficient and scalable HP Converged Infrastructure to accelerate medical application delivery to improve patient care and support growth.

Jupiter Medical Center, a community-‐based, not-‐for-‐profit health center, maintains an extensive IT infrastructure to support electronic medical records, picture archiving and communications systems. To remain competitive and comply with new health IT regulations, Jupiter Medical Center needed a data center solution that would simplify access to critical medical applications and information, while preparing for the future.

After evaluating competitive offerings, including those from EMC and Cisco, Jupiter Medical Center chose an HP Converged Infrastructure for improved reliability, scalability and ease of management. The new HP Converged Infrastructure includes HP 3PAR StoreServ Storage, a simple, scalable and flexible storage infrastructure; the HP BladeSystem enclosure with HP ProLiant Generation 8 (Gen8 ) server blades for optimized performance and power efficiency; and HP Virtual Connect technology to simplify network management.

“As a nonprofit in the competitive and highly regulated healthcare industry, we’re under constant pressure to effectively deliver world-‐class patient care with an increasingly smaller budget,” said Stephen Meyer, director, Technical Services, Jupiter Medical Center. “With an HP Converged Infrastructure, we are faster to market, we’ve improved system uptime as well as reliability, and we can more readily comply with government healthcare regulations.”

Verizon

Verizon Launches $10 Million Powerful Answers Award On April 3, Verizon launched its Powerful Answers Award, shared the official rules and began accepting entries in three core focus areas of healthcare, education and sustainability. Winners will be chosen in each core focus area, with the top prize being $1 million and additional prizes of $850,000, $700,000, $500,000 and $285,000. Full details can be found on www.powerfulanswersaward.com. [From April 2] -‐ On April 3, Verizon Chairman and CEO Lowell McAdam will officially launch the Powerful Answers Award. The Award is intended to spark innovative thinking and problem solving across industries and to generate ideas, solutions and answers for some of the world’s biggest challenges. The launch event will be streamed live from New York City beginning at 3 p.m. EDT. To watch the live broadcast, go to http://news.verizonwireless.com/.

Verizon’s Powerful Answers Award is an effort to discover ideas that deliver the best new solutions in three core areas of focus: education, healthcare and sustainability. Experts in these fields will also speak at the event about their collaboration with Verizon and the solutions they hope to see, including Dr. Margaret Honey, president and chief executive officer, New York Hall of Science, and David Cohen, chief executive officer, Techstars.

Entries will be judged by panels of experts, and $10 million total in prizes will be awarded to the winners, who will be announced at 2014 CES.

HP

HP Improves Enterprise Mobility with Cloud-‐based Management Solution PALO ALTO, Calif. — HP Enterprise Services today announced a cloud-‐based management solution that delivers secure anytime, anywhere access to applications and data from any mobile device.

HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Mobility meets the demands of balancing the responsibilities and requirements of IT with the challenges and expectations of users. This new cloud solution is part of the HP Converged Cloud portfolio, which provides enterprises with the essential foundation of technologies and services to confidently build, operate and consume IT services.

The new solution provides fast and flexible deployment of tools and services for secure application access, file storage and sharing via multiple mobile platforms and all types of devices, including tablets and mobile phones. IT organizations are provided the tools to set appropriate security policies and the access controls to protect valuable corporate assets, applications and data.

The solution also allows users to download approved enterprise applications from a secure storefront, upload files to support collaboration and synchronize files between the HP cloud infrastructure and any mobile device. Mobile data is encrypted in transit and at rest, covering the device as well as the cloud infrastructure.

HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Mobility also provides the ability to configure cloud file storage that can scale up and down, and offers local storage options that address data sovereignty and compliance requirements.

“Mobility in the workplace continues to be a key focus and concern for IT executives,” said Pete Karolczak, senior vice president, HP Enterprise Services. “HP Enterprise Cloud Services – Mobility leverages HP’s strong cloud portfolio by providing clients with a mobility service that provides the highest level of user experience and productivity while minimizing risk for IT.”

IBM

IBM Expands SmartCloud for Social Business with European Data Center European Data Center Will Give Businesses Opportunity to Follow Customers such as Shanks that are Benefiting from Cloud Based Social Business Solutions Today ARMONK, N.Y. -‐ 04 Apr 2013: IBM (NYSE:

IBM) today announced that it will be extending its industry leadership with the opening of a European-‐based IBM SmartCloud for Social Business Data Center. The move aims to help business leaders, such as chief information officers (CIO), chief marketing officers (CMO), and chief human resource officers (CHRO), begin their organization's transformation with the adoption of social business technology.

Based in Germany and serving the needs of customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), the new facility will help businesses follow the lead of customers such as Arnold Clark, Codorniu, Shanks, Centrax TCL and Development Alternatives Inc (DAI) who are using cloud-‐based social business offerings to build the 21st Century workforces that can more efficiently share knowledge to spark innovation and deliver their customers flawless experiences.

In recent months, IBM was cited as a leader in The Forrester Wave™: Cloud Strategies of Online Collaboration Software Vendors, Q3 2012*. In a separate report, Forrester states that “the market for social enterprise apps and related services will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 61% to become a $6.4 billion market in 2016”**. Taking these figures into account, it is clear that IBM SmartCloud for Social Business is poised for continued strong growth.

With its new European Data Center IBM will help meet each customer’s unique deployment needs through flexible delivery models including either public or private cloud or a mix of cloud and on premises. Once live, companies can tap into IBM’s integrated and powerful social experience that includes one-‐click access to tools such as online meetings, email, calendaring, instant messaging and more.

Boeing

NASA Commercial Crew Partner Boeing Completes Launch Vehicle Adapter Review

HOUSTON -‐-‐ The Boeing Company of Houston, a NASA Commercial Crew Program (CCP) partner, has successfully completed a preliminary design review (PDR) of the component that would connect the company's new crew capsule to its rocket.

The review is one of six performance milestones Boeing has completed for NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative, which is intended to make available commercial human spaceflight services for government and commercial customers. The company is on track to complete all 19 of its milestones during CCiCap.

Boeing is one of three U.S. companies NASA is working with during CCiCap to set the stage for a crewed orbital demonstration mission around the middle of the decade. Future development and certification initiatives eventually will lead to the availability of human spaceflight services for NASA to send its astronauts to the International Space Station.

The component that was reviewed is called the Launch Vehicle Adapter. The critical structure is being designed by United Launch Alliance (ULA) to join Boeing's Crew Space Transportation-‐100 (CST-‐100) spacecraft to ULA's Atlas V rocket, just above the rocket's second stage.

"Solid systems engineering integration is critical to the design of a safe system," said Ed Mango, NASA's CCP manager. "Boeing and all of NASA's partner companies are working to build in proper systems integration into their designs. This review with Boeing and their partner ULA was a good review of the current state of these important design interfaces."

Battelle

Collaboration Creates Important New Grid Simulation Tool

As part of its Department of Energy-‐funded gridSMART program, AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (AEP), is investigating the impacts of several new distribution technologies. They include Volt/ VAR optimization, energy storage, demand response (DR), electric vehicles (EV), and distributed solar PV.

AEP Ohio worked with Battelle to develop a methodology to accurately model the interactions of these technologies on its diverse set of feeders. The eventual result was a new offering from Battelle called Grid Command™ Distribution (GCD). GCD was designed to allow utilities to formulate a roadmap for efficient integration and operation.

The need for a new tool AEP Ohio initially chose the open-‐source platform known as GridLAB-‐D due to its unique ability to model power flows, physical load models, and market interactions. However, AEP Ohio and Battelle determined that the existing tools for building GridLAB-‐D models were too labor-‐, time-‐, and resource-‐intensive to fully investigate all technologies across all feeders.

A new solution was needed -‐-‐ one that reduced model construction time and provided comprehensive visualization and analytics. Battelle developed GCD to 1) enable fast, efficient development of feeder models, and 2) implement parametric analysis of technology impacts and data visualization.

The end result is a fully operational tool (GCD) for conducting distribution analysis. AEP Ohio and Battelle built and analyzed 32 representative feeder models, with approximately 50 scenarios each. It can assess the impacts of 10 technologies at various levels of penetration. It can also consider technology interactions, e.g. between Volt-‐VAR optimization and solar.

Catapult

Catapult Technology Provides Strategic Consulting Services on $12M Contract with National Science Foundation

Bethesda, Maryland – Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – Catapult Technology, Ltd., (“Catapult”) a federal government contractor that provides full lifecycle information technology and management consulting services, has won a $12 million contract with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Catapult is the prime contractor.

Catapult will provide the NSF with Information Technology (IT) CPIC/Acquisition/ Portfolio/Strategy (CAPS) services. These services include capital and budget planning, business process improvement, and assistance with acquisition of equipment and services, among myriad other tasks. (CPIC stands for Capital Planning and Investment Control.)

Catapult was selected from more than ten companies on this highly competitive bid won under the IT Schedule 70 contract vehicle. IT Schedule 70, administered by the General Services Administration (GSA), provides government agencies with IT and telecommunications hardware, software, and professional services.

“This contract plays to Catapult’s strength of providing outstanding professional and advisory services, bringing in both Catapult’s IT and strategic consulting backgrounds,” said Fred Haggard, vice president, Strategic Consulting division. “It builds and expands on our existing work at NSF, and is a testament to our team there.”

Mark Hunker, president and CEO of Catapult, added, “The trend across the government is a focus on cost savings and wisest use of agency funds. Catapult is right there helping NSF with that goal. This contract, won on a full-‐and-‐open basis, reinvigorates our Strategic Consulting division as we help NSF with their mission in the most cost-‐effective manner.”

On this contract, Catapult is working with subcontractors Portfolionix and JK & Co. Catapult has held a contract with the NSF since 2009.

Dell

Flexible WorkStyle Consulting from Dell Services Unleashes the Power of an Innovative, Remote and Mobile Workforce

Organizations are increasingly looking to provide flexible, mobile working environments to reduce costs and retain a talented workforce; but planning, deploying and managing these environments can strain an IT department. The new Flexible WorkStyle offering from Dell Services provides IT managers a complete solution designed to enable location-‐independent connectivity and collaboration, reduce costs, maximize efficiency and security, and provide access to the best talent for their business.

Using many of Dell’s own best practices, Dell’s Flexible WorkStyle offering delivers a range of services with the following benefits and offerings:

• Customized deployment and delivery: Dell designs unified communication and collaboration solutions with the optimal mix of on-‐premise, cloud and hybrid scenarios to meet current and projected business needs while helping reduce risk, cost and time to implementation

• Mobile technologies: Employees can be contacted via a single number regardless of the device they use; collaboration is facilitated through shared content from Microsoft Office applications via tablet or mobile phone

• Collaborative technologies: Communications capabilities integrated in core collaboration tools used by employees every day allows them to quickly and easily interact with peers, partners and customers via phone, email, instant message, audio, video and web conference

• Improved efficiencies and reduced enterprise costs: Converging email, voice mail, telephony, audio and video conferencing in a unified interface over an IP network allows for a single point of contact for the entire suite of technology, software and services

IWACenter Sustainability Roundtable GSA’s IWAC Team Hosts Sustainability Roundtable Discussion with Industry Partners Recently, the Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center (IWAC) hosted a sustainability roundtable discussion where various industry partners shared their best sustainability practices.

The companies that attended offer products and services from the following commodity areas: furniture, furnishings, technologies and electronics, and sports and recreation. They discussed their success in various categories:

Waste Prevention Reductions of wastes through changes in design, manufacturing, use of materials, amount of toxicity

Recycling Activities that help recover materials from the waste stream through outreach, collection, separation, re-‐use

Affirmative Procurement Effective and innovative programs for the purchase and use of recovered materials

Environmental Preferability Use or products/services which reduce adverse impacts on human health and the environment, process improvements and testing that result in environmental benefits

Model Facility Environmental stewardship through leadership, investment in resources, change in culture

GSA works hand-‐in-‐hand with industry partners to reduce the environmental impact of the federal government, eliminate their carbon footprint and provide federal agencies with the most sustainable products and services available.

Visit our Green Overview page at gsa.gov for more information!

Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins Inks F-‐22 Displays Sustainment Contract with Lockheed Martin ATLANTA, Ga. (April 17, 2013) – Rockwell Collins has been awarded a four-‐year, $14.3 million contract to provide Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force with sustainment services for cockpit displays on 184 F-‐22 aircraft.

“This contract continues our strong public-‐private partnership with the Air Force and Lockheed Martin, which has resulted in industry-‐leading program performance. We look forward to continuing that success,” said Scott Gunnufson, vice president and general manager of Service Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Our model of providing sustainment services, while also sharing our technology and skill sets, has added to the reliability of this crucial warfighting platform and has enhanced its operational readiness.”

As part of the sustainment program, Rockwell Collins will train U.S. Department of Defense personnel to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul on the F-‐22 displays. The work will take place at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, and at the company’s repair facility in Atlanta.

About Rockwell Collins Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by 19,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

Buckley Air Force Base

Team Buckley Soldier Receives Gen. Macarthur Leadership Award by U.S. Army Sgt. Amy Christopherson 704th Military Intelligence Brigade Public Affairs 4/29/2013 -‐ BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -‐-‐ When the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 occurred, many Americans were deeply affected and some were moved to serve their country.

Because he grew up in New York state, Capt. William Denn, III, commander of Alpha Company, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, found that the events made him more determined than ever to serve.

Denn, who received his acceptance letter to West Point dated Sept. 11, 2001, said he wasn't initially sure if the Army would be a career for him, but after his first couple of years he realized it would be.

"I grew to love the Army, and I realized how much I admired and respected the American Soldier," he said. "I love leading Soldiers in combat."

The intelligence officer, who once served as an M1A2 Abrams Tank platoon leader during a 15-‐month tour in Iraq, is a recipient of the General MacArthur Leadership Award.

This is given to company grade officers who demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics and embody the ideals held up by Gen. Douglas MacArthur: duty, honor and country. Fewer than 30 officers receive this honor each year.

MacArthur, also a West Point graduate, was a Medal of Honor recipient who served as the Army's chief of staff during the 1930s.

Ellsworth Air Force Base

Ellsworth Mentors Students during Career Day by Airman 1st Class Zachary Hada 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs 4/29/2013 -‐ 4/29/2013 -‐-‐ ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -‐ More than 200 eighth-‐grade students from Pierre Middle School visited the South Dakota Air and Space Museum April 23, as part of a career day field trip designed to help students learn more about Ellsworth's mission.

The students visited various area businesses and higher education facilities in addition to participating in a listen and learn session conducted by Airmen from many specialties around base.

During the listen and learn session, students listened to Airmen from a variety of career fields speak about the military, the Air Force's mission, the importance of good grades, graduating, and staying out of trouble.

Staff Sgt. Kyle Wurdeman, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist, was one of the many speakers who shared their knowledge and experiences with the students throughout the day.

"We took a chance to get ourselves involved with the local community and explain to the students what the military has given us and what it has to offer to kids growing up," said Wurdeman. "We provided a clear image of what Airmen do day to day."

Wurdeman added that he wanted to help inspire the students to set future goals and provide the motivation they would need to accomplish them.

Master Sgt. Eric Grim, SDASM curator, helped organize and host the event on behalf of Ellsworth.

"We are given so many opportunities because we serve," explained Grim. "I think it's important that we take some time and give back to the communities that support us so well. Anytime we can have an impact on youth, we need to take that opportunity."

General Atomics

Advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station Flies Predator C Avenger Next-‐Generation GCS Successfully Integrates Flagship and Advanced Predator Platforms S AN DIEGO – 24 April 2013 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-‐ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), tactical reconnaissance radars, and electro-‐optic surveillance systems, today announced that it has successfully demonstrated its Advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station’s (GCS’) capability to fly Predator C Avenger®. The flight occurred November 15, 2012 at the company’s Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility in Palmdale, Calif.

“This flight paired our most advanced GCS with our most advanced aircraft”, said Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, GA-‐ASI. “Since 1994, our GCS have amassed over two million flight hours. The Advanced Cockpit is the next logical step in GCS progression. Our objective with this GCS is to fully satisfy customer interoperability requirements, enabling any GA-‐ASI RPA to be flown from the system.”

The goal of this Congressionally-‐directed, U.S. Air Force (USAF)-‐supported demonstration was to show that the Advanced Cockpit’s open systems software architecture adapts rapidly for other RPA operations. More than two years ago, the system successfully flew the MQ-‐1 Predator over a three-‐month period. In April 2012, the Advanced Cockpit flew the SARC-‐1 UAS under a jointly funded company effort with Strategic Simulation Solutions. This effort demonstrated the system’s ability to control third party RPA. This summer, the Advanced Cockpit is scheduled to fly Predator B/MQ-‐9 Reaper.

“Advanced Cockpit’s wrap-‐around visual display and multi-‐dimensional moving map dramatically increases situational awareness, while the integrated digital checklist decreases pilot workload,” said Jason McDermott, the test pilot who successfully handed off control of Avenger from GA-‐ASI’s legacy GCS to the Advanced Cockpit and controlled the flight during a 3-‐hour mission. “The combination of these unique features greatly increases the ease and simplicity of mission planning, reduces pilot workload, thereby increasing flight safety.”

Fort Bragg

406th AFSB hosts Brigade Logistics Support Team Olympics April 25, 2013 By Sgt. Jeffrey Moore, 10th Press Camp Headquarters FORT BRAGG, N.C. -‐-‐ Logistic Support Teams from Forts Bragg, Campbell, Stewart, Drum and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command competed in the 406th Army Field Support Brigade, Brigade Logistics Support Team Olympics here April 9-‐10.

First place went to the Fort Drum, N.Y. team of Maj. Danny Frieden and Ed Gargas; second place to the USASOC team of Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Primasing and Mario Chavez; and third place went to the Fort Campbell, Ky., team of Maj. Centrell Jones and Mike Ritchart.

"Whether a unit is training, equipping or deploying, the brigade logistics team is there to help that unit thrive," said Col. David Wilson, commander, 406th Army Field Support Brigade.

The BLST units are an important part of every Brigade Combat Team because they provide support and guidance on all aspects of unit movement and training.

"If a maneuver brigade is getting ready to deploy, and has to draw pre-‐deployment training equipment, the BLST team is who the brigade goes to, in order to get that equipment," said Wilson. "Whether they are going to [Joint Readiness Training Center], [National Training Center] or conducting at home training," he explained.

"The BLST solves the problems that the brigades can't solve on their own," said Frieden, Brigade Logistics Support Team chief, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

Each BLST consists of one Soldier and one civilian.

"Because we deploy our civilians and Soldiers with brigade combat units, all of our personnel need to be able to do the same tasks like combat life saver," said Wilson.

Camp Covington

84th NMCB5 Communicators Build Bridge Story and photo by Capt. Shane Briones Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Eng. Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command CAMP COVINGTON, Guam — During a recent training exercise, the steady buzz of radio static broke.

“PROFESSIONAL-‐NINER, this is KOA-‐NINER, radio check, over.”

“KOA-‐NINER, this is PROFESSIONAL-‐NINER, roger, out.”

The Soldiers of the 84th Engineer Battalion at Camp Covington, Guam, recently conducted a successful TACSAT radio check with their Navy Seabee counterparts more than 1,400 miles away at Camp Shields, Okinawa. The check was one of many ways the battalion communications section has worked to improve the unit’s mission readiness.

But one does not need to travel the 1,400 miles to see Soldiers and Seabees working together on a daily basis. The joint effort is currently on display in an unassuming building on Camp Covington, where six Soldiers and one Seabee has tirelessly worked to improve the unit’s communications capabilities.

“The transition’s been a lot smoother than I expected,” explained Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Hallenbeck, a Navy electronics technician with NMCB5 who was tasked with providing the Army communications section advisory support. “That’s for sure.”

The translation from Army to Navy communications systems was complex. Every aspect of communications support required additional technical and procedural training. The signal Soldiers of the “Never Daunted” battalion were ready for the challenge.

“All of the tactical communications equipment here is great,” said Sgt. Timothy Failor, noncommissioned officer in charge of the communications section. “A lot of the equipment was brand new.”

CAE

Upgraded MH-‐60S Operational Flight Trainer for United States Navy Re-‐Enters Service at NAS North Island CAE completes technology refresh and update on Navy's first MH-‐60S OFT Tampa, Fla., USA, April 24, 2013 -‐ (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) -‐ CAE USA today announced that the United States Navy has declared an updated MH-‐60S "Sierra" operational flight trainer (OFT) as ready-‐for-‐training at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island near San Diego, California.

This MH-‐60S OFT, originally manufactured by Lockheed Martin, was completely upgraded by CAE to add new technologies and ensure concurrency with other MH-‐60S training devices as well as the operational MH-‐60S helicopters.

"We were able to complete this major technology refresh on the original MH-‐60S operational flight trainer on-‐schedule while working closely with the Navy to ensure minimal training downtime," said John Lenyo, President and General Manager, CAE USA. "CAE is very proud of the partnership we have established with the Navy on both the MH-‐60S and MH-‐60R training programs, and will continue to leverage our experience and world-‐class simulation technologies to help the Navy lower risk, reduce costs and most importantly, prepare helicopter aircrews for mission success."

The technology refresh and updates to the fixed-‐based MH-‐60S OFT included the addition of motion seats, upgraded image generator visual system, and a new Barco CD2260 visual display system. CAE also performed significant engineering updates to re-‐architect the hardware and software computing designs to bring this MH-‐60S OFT to a common architecture with the Navy's suite of CAE-‐built MH-‐60S training devices.

CAE is currently the prime contractor responsible for the design and manufacture of MH-‐60S OFTs and weapons tactics trainers (WTTs), as well as MH-‐60R tactical operational flight trainers (TOFTs), for the U.S. Navy. CAE began work on the MH-‐60S training program in June 2004.

Curtiss-Wright

Curtiss-‐Wright Multi-‐Million Dollar Contract from U.S. Naval Air Systems Command To Supply Ship-‐Borne Helicopter Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse System

FALLS CHURCH, VA – April 17, 2013 Curtiss-‐Wright Flow Control Company today announced that it has received an option award to its existing Naval Air Systems Command contract for the manufacture of an additional Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse (RAST) system, and related track components and spares, to support the DDG 51 Flight IIA forward-‐build program. The multi-‐million dollar option award covers the supply of equipment for the future DDG 51 IIA hull number DDG 116.

We are very pleased to continue our support of the U.S. Navy’s critical DDG 51 ship build program. The continued supply of the RAST system demonstrates our engineering expertise in providing advanced performance, reliable equipment designs and increased operational efficiency to the naval defense industry. It is another example of the depth of our technology portfolio and the benefits it brings to our customers.

INDAL Technologies, a business unit of Curtiss-‐Wright’s Flow Control segment, based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, will perform the work for this contract, with delivery scheduled for late 2014.

RAST is a helicopter handling system that fully integrates all of the functions required to safely operate and stow large ship-‐borne helicopters. In addition to enabling safe launch and recovery, RAST facilitates the securing and maneuvering of helicopters, particularly in adverse weather and sea conditions up to sea state 5. Curtiss-‐Wright has delivered more than 200 of its integrated aircraft handling systems to navies around the world.

Austal USA

USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3) Christened Austal holds construction contracts for all 10 vessels in program

April 20, 2013 Austal christened USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3) this morning (20 April) at its state-‐of-‐the-‐art shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. USNS Millinocket is the third of ten Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy as part of an overall 10-‐ship contract worth over $1.6 billion.

The 338-‐foot (103 metre) catamaran vessel was named Millinocket by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on May 30, 2012, after the Maine towns of East Millinocket and Millinocket. According to Secretary Mabus, “Millinocket displays American values of community and ingenuity at their best. I chose to name the joint high speed vessel after East Millinocket and Millinocket to honor those values and the men and women of the community that represents them no less today than it did in the early 1900s.”

The ship’s sponsor, the Honorable Karen Gordon Mills, was sworn in as Administrator of the Small Business Administration in April 2009. A Maine resident, Ms. Mills has served in the President’s Cabinet since January 2012, where she is a key member of the President’s economic leadership team reflecting the important role that small businesses and entrepreneurs play in our nation’s long-‐term economic growth and prosperity.

Under her leadership, SBA had a record year in 2011, supporting more than $30 billion in lending to more than 60,000 small businesses across the United States. Over the last three years, Administrator Mills has streamlined and simplified SBA’s core loan programs, reduced paperwork, shortened turnaround times and increased transparency across the agency.

“Administrator Mills was a particularly appropriate sponsor for this Navy ship,” said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle, “it is a wonderful way to honor the more than 200 small businesses nationwide that support the JHSV program.”

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman to Demonstrate Open Architecture Navigation System for DARPA WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. -‐-‐ April 22, 2013 -‐-‐ Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a follow-‐on Phase II contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to demonstrate an open architecture system that enables plug-‐and-‐play navigation under the All Source Positioning and Navigation (ASPN) program.

The ASPN program seeks to enable low-‐cost, robust and seamless integration of navigation sensors. Northrop Grumman is leveraging its scalable node architecture to provide a reconfigurable plug-‐and-‐play system that will accommodate any combination of a large and rapidly expanding array of sensors and measurements as they become available from different vendors or as the mission requires.

Under an 18-‐month contract, Northrop Grumman will demonstrate the scalability of its open architecture by implementing it into Android-‐based hand-‐held devices such as mobile phones. The architecture is scalable across navigation systems – from low-‐cost personal devices to high-‐end aircraft navigators – and will significantly reduce integration costs.

"This architecture for plug-‐and-‐play navigation systems will increase the flexibility and effectiveness of the sensors available to the warfighters," said Charles Volk, a vice president and a chief technologist at Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. "The ability to dynamically modify the navigation sensor sources will be a force multiplier for the warfighters."

The ASPN architecture was developed to deliver a product that aligns with open, industry-‐accepted standards and interfaces, and maximizes use of commercial off-‐the-‐shelf software products to ensure openness of the architecture and to protect against obsolescence.

Robins Air Force Base

Aviation Week Award Lauds WR-‐ALC for Excellence by Tim Kurtz Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex 4/25/2013 -‐ ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -‐-‐ The innovation and hard work that spurred a renaissance in aircraft production has earned the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex another major award.

The complex was honored with the 2013 Aviation Week Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of the Year Award on April 16. Doug Keene, WR-‐ALC vice director, accepted the award for the complex at Aviation Week's MRO Americas Conference and Exhibition at the World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The annual awards honor aviation entities from around the world for outstanding achievement and innovation in aviation MRO. The awards are presented by Aviation Week & Space Technology in four categories; airline, independent, supplier and military.

The complex won the award on the strength of its 98 percent on-‐time delivery rate for aircraft in 2012 -‐ a dramatic increase in efficiency following a 47 percent rate in 2011. "We are humbled and honored to receive this great recognition," Brig. Gen. Cedric George, WR-‐ALC commander, said.

He deemed the Aviation Week MRO Award as "recognition of our relentless focus on speed, quality and safety across our production machines. What we are doing is working so we must stay focused on delivering cost effective readiness to our sons and daughters in harm's way.

Fort Rucker

1-‐212th Welcomes Commander April 25, 2013 By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff Writer FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 25, 2013) -‐-‐ As clouds filled the sky and rain threatened to soak Soldiers standing in formation, Fort Rucker welcomed the new commander of the 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment.

Lt. Col. Raymond J. Herrera took the reins of the battalion from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Ronald L. Ells during a ceremony April 19 at Howze Field.

"We're here today to celebrate the accomplishments of the 1st-‐212th under the great leadership of Lt. Col. Ron Ells, and welcome Lt. Col. Ray Herrera to this great team," said Col. Kevin J. Christensen, commander of the 110th Aviation Brigade. "When we lose a great leader like Ron, we'd normally be very concerned, except for the fact that we are confident that the great leader we have coming in to replace him is going to pick up right where he left off."

Herrera served as Christensen's executive officer before taking command of the battalion, an assignment that he said prepared him to be a leader.

"Thank you for the opportunity to be your executive officer prior to taking command," he said to Christensen. "It's been a demanding but truly worthy experience, and I've learned a lot from you and appreciate your mentorship and support.

The new commander began his military career as a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets before he was commissioned May 15, 1994, as a Distinguished Military Graduate. From there, he attended and graduated from courses such as the Aviation Office Basic Course, Initial Entry Rotary Wing and UH-‐60A course, Air Assault School, Aviation Maintenance Manager's Course, Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course and the Command General Staff College.

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

The Wall That Heals by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 4/22/2013 -‐ GOLDSBORO, N.C. -‐-‐ A sea of red, white and blue stretched over Wayne Memorial Drive as thousands of patrons waved their flags to show their support. The roar of hundreds of escorting motorcyclists could be heard in the distance and the cheers from the crowd grew in anticipation.

The climax came when the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Traveling Wall (VVMTW) arrived at the Wayne Community College campus in Goldsboro, N.C., April 16, 2013.

The exhibit traveled to Wayne County to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War. The healing power the wall has brought to families throughout the nation has helped it earn the nickname "The Wall That Heals."

Since its dedication on Veterans Day in 1996, the traveling wall has visited more than 350 towns and cities and extended its message to millions.

"It's a chance to be able to show the names that are on there and show that freedom is not free," said Allan Pederson, base liaison coordinator for the USO. "Somebody has paid the price for it. There are individuals that have given their lives in support of their country and there are individuals that still are missing after all these years."

The wall is a half-‐scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and extends to nearly 250 feet wide. It is constructed of 24 powder-‐coated aluminum panels, each containing six columns of names, and is supported by an aluminum frame. The complete structure has more than 58,000 laser-‐etched names of Service members that gave their life in defense of their country.

Tinker Air Force Base

552nd Air Control Wing Wins 23rd Outstanding Unit Award by Darren D. Heusel Tinker Public Affairs 4/19/2013 -‐ TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -‐-‐ The 552nd Air Control Wing has won the 2012 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, bringing its total of AFOUAs won to 23, it was announced recently.

"The men and women of the 552nd Air Control Wing are very proud to earn the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award," said Col. Greg Guillot, 552nd ACW commander. "As with the previous 22 times the wing has been so honored, this award recognizes the outstanding results that come from the disciplined and dedicated approach the wing's Airmen take to accomplishing their mission."

According to Curtis Swift, 552nd ACW historian, the most recent AFOUA was for the period June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012. Prior to this, Mr. Swift said, the last one earned was for the period of June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011.

Mr. Swift said of the wing's 23 AFOUAs, four came with the "Combat V" device for valor, with the most recent of these being for the period of June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003, coinciding with the initial months of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

In addition to the 23 AFOUAs, Mr. Swift said the 552nd ACW has also received two Meritorious Unit Awards; one from 2006-‐2007 and one for 2008-‐2009.

"Over the entire year, the 552nd ACW had forces tasked to three combatant commanders, and for a period of time served a fourth, in addition to meeting all local readiness training requirements," Colonel Guillot said. "At home and abroad, 552nd ACW Airmen delivered combat airpower to meet all mission tasks."

Lockheed Martin

Eight is Great: Davis-‐Monthan AFB Receives Additional HC-‐130J Combat King II

MARIETTA, Ga., March 6, 2013 -‐ Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] delivered an HC-‐130J Combat King II to Davis-‐Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., today. Aircraft number 5717 is the eighth of 15 HC-‐130Js to be assigned to the Air Combat Command (ACC) since initial contract award in 2008. The HC-‐130J Combat King II, along with the existing HC-‐130 legacy fleet, is the U.S. Air Force's only dedicated fixed-‐wing personnel recovery platform, and is flown by ACC and the Air Education and Training Command.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

Lockheed Martin Wins $100 Million Aegis Combat System Engineering Agent Contract MOORESTOWN, N.J., March 5, 2013 — The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a 5-‐year, $100 million contract to provide combat system engineering services -‐ including the design, development, integration, test and life cycle support -‐ for all Aegis-‐equipped ships.

Lockheed Martin has partnered with the Navy for decades as the Aegis combat system engineering agent (CSEA), while evolving the system through nine technology baselines to outpace a wide array of dynamic and evolving threats.

"This program award validates Lockheed Martin as the Navy's choice for combat management systems," said Dale P. Bennett, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training. "Our team met the Navy's challenge to reduce costs and drive innovation into Aegis CSEA by increasing productivity, utilizing automated testing and analysis and increasing the role of small businesses."

Aegis is the world's premier combat system and is the foundation for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense capability. Aegis-‐equipped ships are multi-‐mission surface combatants that can simultaneously attack land targets, submarines and surface ships while automatically implementing defenses to protect the fleet against aircraft and missiles.

Aegis is also the combat system of choice for the navies of Australia, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea and Spain. More than one hundred Aegis-‐equipped ships are in service around the globe. They have more than 1,200 years of at-‐sea operational experience and have launched more than 3,800 missiles in tests and real-‐world operations.

Lockheed Martin is a leader in combat systems integration and the development of integrated air and missile defense systems and technologies. The company makes significant contributions to most major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

Lockheed Martin developed its CSEA offering with its partners Mission Solutions Engineering, General Dynamics Advanced Information System and Integrated Defense Technologies.

Lockheed Martin will perform the CSEA work at its Moorestown, N.J. facility.

U.S. Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin Contract for Next Set of Infrared Surveillance Satellites SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 5, 2013 – The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $284.4 million fixed-‐price contract to procure long lead parts for the fifth and sixth Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites in the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) missile warning constellation.

Featuring a mix of GEO satellites, hosted payloads in highly elliptical earth (HEO) orbit, and associated ground hardware and software, the SBIRS program delivers resilient and improved missile warning capabilities for the nation while simultaneously providing significant contributions to the military's missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas.

Lockheed Martin previously received a contract to complete non-‐recurring engineering activities for GEO-‐5 and 6 and procure select long lead spacecraft parts enabling supplier production lines to deliver the lowest possible price for each component. This next phase authorizes the purchase of the remaining long lead spacecraft components. A final contract for full production under fixed-‐price terms will be awarded at a later date.

“This contract award is a testament to the importance of the SBIRS program and reinforces the government’s confidence in our ability to produce these vital satellites efficiently going forward,” said Jeff Smith, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission area. “As we produce follow on SBIRS assets, we aim to continually reduce the cost and cycle time of each space vehicle to ensure we deliver critical and resilient infrared surveillance capabilities to the nation at the best value to the government.”

Lockheed Martin’s SBIRS contracts include four HEO payloads, four GEO satellites, and ground assets to receive, process, and disseminate the infrared mission data. Under the new contract, the team will procure long lead parts for the fifth and sixth GEO satellites.

Two HEO payloads and the first geosynchronous (GEO-‐1) satellite have already been launched. GEO-‐2 is scheduled for launch in March of 2013.

The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman is the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Lockheed Martin Receives $71 Million Long Range Anti-‐Ship Missile Contract from DARPA ORLANDO, Fla., March 5, 2013 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a $71 million Long Range Anti-‐Ship Missile (LRASM) modification contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to conduct air-‐ and surface-‐launched flight tests and other risk reduction activities.

Under this contract, an additional air-‐launched LRASM flight test will be conducted from a B-‐1B in 2013. There are already two air-‐launched flight tests scheduled for this year as part of the Phase 2 LRASM contract awarded in 2010.

The contract also includes two surface-‐launched LRASM flight tests scheduled for 2014. Risk reduction efforts, such as electromagnetic compatibility testing of the missile and follow-‐on captive carry sensor suite missions, are also included under the contract.

LRASM is an autonomous, precision-‐guided anti-‐ship standoff missile based on the successful JASSM-‐ER, and is designed to meet the needs of U.S. Navy and Air Force warfighters. LRASM is in development with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Office of Naval Research.

“This contract modification furthers the development of LRASM as we are committed to provide the Navy with an offensive anti-‐surface weapon (OASuW) alternative that is compatible with multiple platforms,” said Mike Fleming, LRASM air-‐launched program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Lockheed Martin is also investing internal research and development funds in LRASM’s shipboard integration with the Weapon Control System and MK 41 Vertical Launching System. As part of this investment, Lockheed Martin successfully demonstrated the mission planning of a LRASM-‐based OASuW capability using a simulated surface ship Weapon Control System.

“Our company investment in shipboard integration, combined with the new surface-‐launch flight tests, will provide an integrated OASuW solution compatible with surface ships,” said Scott Callaway, LRASM surface-‐launched program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Education

U.S. Department of Education Awards More than $35,000 to Help Baltimore County's Perry Hall High School and Community Recover from School Shooting

MARCH 7, 2013 The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Healthy Students has awarded Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County, Md., a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grant, totaling more than $35,000, to assist with ongoing recovery efforts following a school shooting in August—on the first day of school.

Project SERV grants provide critical support to districts that have experienced a significant traumatic event and need resources to respond, recover, and re-‐establish safe environments for students. The Office of Safe and Healthy Students has awarded more than $31.5 million to 105 grantees, including Perry Hall High School, since the grant program began in 2001.

“Senseless shootings disrupt the lives of students, schools and communities,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “We hope these resources will help the learning process continue and support the community as it recovers.”

On Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, a student fired a shotgun in the school cafeteria during lunch. The shot struck a student in the back. The student who was shot was sent by helicopter to a shock trauma center. The shooter was apprehended at the scene, tried and recently sentenced.

Information shared at the parent/community meeting and since the shooting indicates that parents and staff members remain concerned about the safety and security of the school setting and the capacity of the school to respond to a critical incident of this kind. Areas of need emerged since the shooting incident to help maintain safety and security, and to facilitate the recovery process necessary for teaching and learning. The Project SERV grant will help fund some of the much needed services.

Fluor

Fluor Awarded FEED Contract for Qatar Petroleum / Shell Al-‐Karaana Petrochemical Project

Wednesday, March 6, 2013 5:30 pm EST IRVING, Texas-‐-‐(BUSINESS WIRE)-‐-‐Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced today that it has been awarded a front-‐end engineering and design (FEED) contract by Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Shell Global Solutions for a proposed grassroots petrochemical project located in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. Fluor will book the undisclosed contract value into backlog in the first quarter of 2013.

“Fluor is focused on continuing our long-‐term relationship with both QP and Shell, and we are pleased to have been selected to perform the FEED stage of this project, which could become the cornerstone of future petrochemical development projects planned for Qatar,” said Peter Oosterveer, president of Fluor’s Energy & Chemicals Group. “The Middle East is an extremely important region for Fluor, and we are honored that QP and Shell have selected our experienced petrochemical team for this project.”

The potential scope of the Al-‐Karaana petrochemical project includes a mix-‐feed steam cracker, two train monoethylene glycol units, linear alpha olefins and oxo alcohol units, and required utilities, infrastructure and offsites. Fluor will lead the FEED project execution from its Haarlem, the Netherlands, office with support from other global Fluor locations.

About Fluor Corporation For more than 100 years, Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) has partnered with its clients to design, build and maintain many of the world's most challenging and complex capital projects. Through its global network of offices on six continents, more than 40,000 employees provide comprehensive capabilities and world-‐class expertise in the fields of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, fabrication, operations, maintenance and project management. Today, the company serves a global client base in the energy, chemicals, government, industrial, infrastructure, operations & maintenance, manufacturing & life sciences, mining, power and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Fluor ranks 124 on the FORTUNE 500 list and had revenue of $27.6 billion in 2012. For more information visit www.fluor.com.

“The Middle East is

an extremely important region for

Fluor, and we are honored that QP and

Shell have selected our experienced

petrochemical team for this project.”

EPA

EPA Grant Supports Environmental Education Projects in Six Virginia Communities Release Date: 02/22/2013 (PHILADELPHIA Feb. 22, 2013) The National Nursing Centers Consortium (NNCC) will provide an estimated $92,000 in funding to support community-‐based environmental education projects in 11 mid-‐Atlantic communities, including six Virginia communities, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

Aimed at empowering people to take better care of their local environment, the projects are funded via a $150,000 EPA grant to NNCC to support environmental education efforts throughout the mid-‐Atlantic region. The sub-‐grants announced today are the first of two rounds to be awarded.

“NNCC’s environmental education programs have a proven track record of reducing environmental risks that threaten the health of children and underserved communities disproportionately,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “I congratulate all of the awardees as they take this important work to the next level.”

“As a leader in children’s environmental health, NNCC is very excited to work with EPA and to use our more than decade-‐long experience in helping grantees reach the program’s goals of increasing knowledge and awareness of environmental issues and increasing the number of students, teachers and community members taking responsible actions regarding the environment,” said Tine Hansen-‐Turton , NNCC’s executive director. “There is no doubt that these grants will have a tremendous impact in our region, reaching more than 2,000 people, many of whom are from disadvantaged communities, and will help both them and our environment for decades to come.”

There are 15 projects receiving EPA funding between $4,000-‐$5,000 for environmental learning and stewardship work in communities located in Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

EPA Grant Supports Environmental Education Projects in the Philadelphia Area

Release Date: 02/22/2013 (PHILADELPHIA Feb. 22, 2013) The National Nursing Centers Consortium (NNCC) will provide five Philadelphia-‐area organizations with an estimated $25,000 in funding to support community-‐based environmental education projects aimed at empowering people to take better care of their local environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

The funding comes via a $150,000 EPA grant to the nonprofit NNCC to support environmental education projects throughout the mid-‐Atlantic region.

“NNCC’s environmental education programs have a proven track record of reducing environmental risks that threaten the health of children and underserved communities disproportionately,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “I congratulate all of the awardees as they take this important work to the next level.”

“As a leader in children’s environmental health, NNCC is very excited to work with EPA and to use our more than decade-‐long experience in helping grantees reach the program’s goals of increasing knowledge and awareness of environmental issues and increasing the number of students, teachers and community members taking responsible actions regarding the environment,” said Tine Hansen-‐Turton , NNCC’s executive director. “There is no doubt that these grants will have a tremendous impact in our region, reaching more than 2,000 people, many of whom are from disadvantaged communities, and will help both them and our environment for decades to come.”

Harris/US Air Force/DoD/VA

Harris Corporation Awarded Study Contract To Help Modernize U.S. Defense Weather Satellite Program MELBOURNE, FL, March 6, 2013 — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has been awarded a contract to study and make recommendations to help modernize the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's Defense Weather Systems Directorate.

As part of the study, Harris will analyze the existing Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) space and ground assets and create plans to show how each can evolve into the Weather Satellite Follow-‐on to meet mission needs and lower life cycle costs. Key items to be considered include information assurance, net-‐centric data strategies, scalability and affordability.

The comprehensive study will address potential compatibility and transition issues, cutover of operations, sustainment impacts, minimizing of disruptions to operations, and security accreditation implications.

The recommendations likely will include an evolutionary approach that leverages Harris' innovative and proven data processing capabilities to meet critical weather information needs for the warfighter. The approach provides the flexibility, adaptability and scalability required by the Department of Defense to meet current and future national security challenges in an affordable and cost-‐effective manner.

"Harris has been a technology partner of DMSP for over five decades and is excited to play a role in shaping the program's architecture for decades to follow," said Romy Olaisen, vice president, Environmental Systems product line, Harris Government Communications Systems. "The Harris study approach will apply proven expertise in satellite data processing, command and control, and automated product generation and distribution to enable a cost-‐effective approach for providing weather information to the warfighter."

Harris Corporation Authorized to Connect Veterans Affairs and DoD Electronic Health Record Systems MELBOURNE, FL/WASHINGTON, March 4, 2013 — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has been authorized to deploy a solution that enables the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to share electronic health records. The authorization represents a major milestone in one of the world's most ambitious efforts to integrate health information, involving two major healthcare systems that are pioneers in electronic medical record keeping.

Harris completed the Critical Design Review process and achieved Authorization to Operate for the initial deployment of the Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) suite that will support information sharing between the VA and the DoD. The SOA will enable new types of clinical collaboration and integration of legacy data in standard interfaces that help users to exchange information in real time, without needing to change source data or displays.

The Authorization to Operate enables Harris to deploy the solution in facilities in San Antonio, Texas and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The rollout approach helps to optimize the capability before deploying it more broadly to VA and DoD facilities worldwide.

This authorization milestone is part of a multi-‐year, $80 million healthcare integration contract awarded to Harris in March 2012. The contract helps the VA and DoD streamline administration and record keeping, exchange health information, contain costs, track and manage care and enhance outcomes for millions of active duty and retired military personnel and their families.

The VA and DoD have a complex suite of healthcare information systems, as well as two hundred local data centers. The SOA Suite provides a single solution for the two agencies. It will integrate existing and future systems, applications and medical data utilizing state-‐of-‐art Commercial Off-‐the-‐Shelf and Open Source technologies to provide secure, reliable, and high-‐performance implementation for health record data exchange across the DoD and VA healthcare systems.

Exelis/US Coast Guard

ITT Exelis to Supply U.S. Coast Guard with Airborne Surveillance Radar Systems CLIFTON, N.J.-‐-‐(BUSINESS WIRE)-‐-‐Mar. 7, 2013-‐-‐ ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has received a $6.5 million award to supply a radar system to the U.S. Coast Guard. The radar will support the service’s maritime reconnaissance mission.

Integrated on the new HC-‐130J Super Hercules long-‐range surveillance aircraft, the AN/APY-‐11 multimode radar is designed to support the Coast Guard’s changing missions, including long-‐range surveillance, drug interdiction and counterterrorism.

First provided to the Coast Guard under a 2005 contract award, the AN/APY-‐11 multimode radar is produced by Exelis and partner ELTA Systems Ltd.

“Our multimode radar system is the most effective maritime surveillance radar in its class,” said Peter Martin, director of Programs, Defense Systems, for the Exelis Electronic Attack & Release Systems business. “As the Coast Guard’s mission continues to grow, our radar will adapt to evolving operational requirements.”

The HC-‐130J aircraft performs maritime surveillance in areas that cannot be patrolled efficiently by medium-‐range surveillance aircraft or cutters. The aircraft also provides heavy air transport for maritime safety and security teams, port security units and National Strike Force personnel and equipment.

About ITT Exelis Exelis is a diversified, top-‐tier global aerospace, defense, information and technical services company that leverages a 50-‐year legacy of deep customer knowledge and technical expertise to deliver affordable, mission-‐critical solutions for global customers. We are a leader in communications, sensing and surveillance, critical networks, electronic warfare, navigation, air traffic solutions and information systems with growing positions in C4ISR, composite aerostructures, logistics and technical services. Headquartered in McLean, Va., the company employs about 19,900 people and generated 2012 sales of$5.5 billion. For more information, visit our website at www.exelisinc.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates Joint STARS, Global Hawk Interoperability

2013-‐03-‐06T09:30:00-‐0800 MELBOURNE, Fla., March 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -‐-‐ Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently completed a successful exchange of radar data during a flight test involving the U.S. Air Force's E-‐8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) and the RQ-‐4B Global Hawk Block 40 unmanned aircraft system. The demonstration was conducted Feb. 25.

The exchange is the first collaborative effort to stream ground moving target radar data from a Global Hawk Block 40 to a Joint STARS aircraft. Information can then be relayed from Joint STARS to ground forces.

"This is a significant leap forward in terms of possible capabilities for our warfighters," said Bryan Lima, Joint STARS program director at Northrop Grumman. "Findings showed increased precision, improved target tracking and the ability to extend the surveillance coverage area. By combining the capabilities of these platforms, we've unlocked increased battle management potential, not only by expanding coverage of the surveillance area, but also for compressing the targeting and attack decision chain for warfighters."

The flight successfully demonstrated the interoperability of both platforms to potentially improve and expand surveillance capabilities for deployed forces.

"Operators in the Joint STARS aircraft were able to use the Global Hawk as an adjunct sensor," said Lima. "We were able to display and use the Global Hawk's radar data on the Joint STARS platform to extend and improve the overall surveillance capabilities and utility of both platforms."

HP to Help U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to Enhance Call Center Efficiency PALO ALTO, Calif., March 7, 2012 — HP Enterprise Services today announced it has been awarded a task order valued at up to $220.5 million by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a Department of Homeland Security Department bureau, to manage call centers for people applying for citizenship or who need immigration assistance.

Under the five-‐year order, HP will provide Customer Engagement Management Services for the USCIS National Customer Service Center.

HP is leveraging proven processes to recruit, hire, train and manage a skilled team of more than 200 contact center professionals in multiple locations. These professionals will address questions related to citizenship and immigration by phone, with the potential to add contact types like email and chat in the future. HP's expertise will improve service center quality and efficiency in answering and resolving calls while enhancing the customer experience.

Common questions from immigrants relate to the process for citizenship applications, description of immigration benefits and the status of applications in progress. HP expects to field more than 150,000 calls per month. All contacts made via the call center will be managed using Microsoft® Dynamics CRM, Microsoft's customer relationship management solution, to ensure call center workers have access to relevant information about the process and applicants.

"Immigration services is commonly the first experience a potential new citizen has in dealing with the U.S. government, so agents must be informed, professional and expedient," said Marilyn Crouther, senior vice president, general manager, U.S. Public Sector, HP Enterprise Services. "HP fully supports the bureau's focus on bringing USCIS closer to the public and providing effective outcomes for those who call for assistance."

HP will utilize a complete portfolio of HP products in its call center, including HP ProLiant DL380 Generation 7 (G7) servers, HP MSR30-‐20 routers, HP 5500-‐48G-‐PoE EI switches, HP ProBook 6560b notebook PCs powered by Intel® processors and HP LaserJet M9040multifunction printers.

Teradyne Selects HP to Speed Development of New Products HP FlexNetwork architecture reduces total cost of ownership for manufacturer’s network by 35 percent

PALO ALTO, Calif. — HP today announced that Teradyne, a developer and supplier of automatic test equipment, has selected HP FlexNetwork architecture to improve operational efficiency, reduce network downtime and boost design-‐phase efficiency for new products.

Teradyne designs and manufactures automatic test equipment for the world’s leading electronics companies. It relies on complex, bandwidth-‐intensive

applications to run its business. As the company grew, its legacy network strained under the expanding load of project design and simulation applications, creating a bottleneck in production.

“Rapidly delivering new products to market is critical to maintaining a competitive edge, which led us to seek a partner that would help us keep pace with the ever-‐changing technology market,” said Frank Spiridigliozzi, director, Information Technology, Teradyne. “In just one weekend, HP redesigned our network environment to eliminate disruptions, while reducing our network total cost of ownership by 35 percent.”

The redesign of its network to enable virtualization has allowed Teradyne to eliminate network silos by unifying its servers and storage infrastructure. As a result, Teradyne engineers could speed the time needed for simulations and quickly deliver projects with improved accuracy.

“Prior to implementing the HP FlexNetwork architecture, our IT staff had to shut down our network for maintenance, resulting in14 hours of lost productivity annually,” said John O’Brien, Technology and Tools Group, Teradyne. “Today, our IT staff can perform the necessary maintenance without impacting the productivity of our engineers, which translates into a $350,000 savings per year.”

Teradyne worked closely with HP Elite partner CompuCom Systems Inc, a Dallas-‐based outsourcing specialist and provider of network integration services, to architect and conduct a “proof of concept” (POC) on the technology platform.

Raytheon

Raytheon's dual-‐band datalink tested with Thales radar Success broadens Europe's ballistic missile defense options DEN HELDER, Netherlands, March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) tested its company-‐funded dual-‐band datalink with a Thales Nederland Advanced Phased Array Radar (APAR). The test took place at a shore-‐based Dutch facility and marked a key step toward enabling more European ships to employ the full range of missiles within the Standard Missile family, including the Standard Missile-‐3.

"Right now, few of Europe's naval ships can participate in the 'upper tier' ballistic missile defense of NATO countries because their radars cannot communicate with the SM-‐3," said Wes Kremer, vice president of Air and Missile Defense Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "A common datalink that operates with both X-‐ and S-‐band radars is a very affordable, near-‐term solution that allows Europe to take advantage of proven technologies available today."

Using both sending and receiving signals, the test validated the ability of the dual-‐band datalink to communicate with the APAR X-‐band radar, which is part of a radar suite used by the Danish, Dutch and German navies. Integrating a dual-‐band datalink into any of the Standard Missiles is a 'drop in' replacement for the current hardware.

"The dual-‐band datalink has significant implications for our U.S. Navy customers as well, because it allows them to save money by eliminating the need to maintain two separate inventories of Standard Missiles for the Zumwalt (X-‐band) and Aegis (S-‐band) ship classes," said Kremer.

About the Dual-‐Band Datalink In 2009, a joint U.S.-‐Netherlands study concluded SM-‐3 could be integrated with the Signaal Multibeam Acquisition Radar for Tracking-‐L and Advanced Phased Array Radar (SMART-‐L/APAR) sensor suites, providing non-‐AEGIS ships a viable missile defense capability.

Raytheon's INTEROP-‐7000 uses ISSI to link IP-‐based voice communications with legacy radios

Demonstration to be held at International Wireless Communications Expo LAS VEGAS, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) will demonstrate the new ISSI capability of its INTEROP-‐7000™ Interoperability Gateway at the International Wireless Communications Expo in Las Vegas. The P25 ISSI (Inter RF Subsystem Interface) adds another dimension to Raytheon's interoperability gateways that allow police, fire and rescue personnel on disparate radios to communicate with one another using their current equipment.

"Interoperable communication among first responders is paramount during emergency situations," said TJ Kennedy, director of Public Safety and Security for Raytheon's Network Centric Systems business. "Raytheon's new INTEROP-‐7000 Interoperability Server can connect first responders now, allowing the continued use of existing hardware while providing agencies the flexibility to choose their own timeline for upgrading equipment."

Raytheon's P25 ISSI capability helps move the radio gateway concept beyond the donor radio approach, bringing in P25 users directly via Internet Protocol. P25 talk groups can be linked to any of the member agencies of the interoperability system, including talk groups of another P25 system.

ISSI enables the use of key metadata (such as user IDs, alerts and messages) while eliminating donor radio infrastructure costs and Radio Frequency coverage concerns. Bringing in P25 users via IP increases flexibility since talk groups can be configured at the gateway.

Raytheon's INTEROP-‐7000 Interoperability Server, available now, uses other Raytheon gateways, such as the ACU-‐5000, for local interoperability and to convert non-‐IP communications (radios and telephones) for transfer to the server via IP.

Raytheon announces mentor-‐protégé agreements with ISYS Technologies and Equipment Links Agreements demonstrate commitment to helping small businesses grow and compete in government market space LOS ANGELES, March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ Today, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) announced mentor-‐protégé agreements with small businesses ISYS Technologies and Equipment Links, Inc., at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's High Tech Conference in Los Angeles. The agreements demonstrate Raytheon's commitment to helping small businesses gain contracting expertise and develop core competencies necessary for doing business with U.S. government customers.

Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems vice president of Supply Chain, Sylvia Courtney, presented the agreements to ISYS and Equipment Links at the conference.

"Raytheon is committed to offering maximum opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to contribute and succeed within our key customer programs," said Courtney. "Teaming with small businesses has been a successful strategy for us, one that allows Raytheon to provide our customers with the best value products and services available."

Raytheon and ISYS Technologies signed a two-‐year U.S. Air Force-‐sponsored mentor-‐protégé program agreement to work on several Raytheon programs. Headquartered in Littleton, Colo., ISYS Technologies is a woman-‐owned small business focused on providing information technology and engineering services to government customers. As a protégé, ISYS will leverage Raytheon's expertise and resources to enhance its cyber capabilities, including cybersecurity skills and certification. The companies will work together to deliver complex cybersecurity solutions for NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense (DoD).

Raytheon collaborates with DHS to bolster cyber resiliency for nation's most critical infrastructure WASHINGTON, March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to operate as a commercial service provider under the recently expanded Enhanced Cybersecurity Services (ECS) program outlined in President Obama's Executive Order on Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. ECS is a voluntary information sharing program that assists critical infrastructure owners and operators as they improve the protection of their systems from unauthorized access, exploitation or data exfiltration.

Under a Memorandum of Agreement, Raytheon will receive active, malicious cybersecurity threat information furnished by DHS. As a commercial service provider, Raytheon will be able to use these indicators to protect the defense industrial base and other sectors of critical infrastructure. Raytheon, through its broader managed security service offerings, will be able to quickly analyze threats and defend against them, bolstering mission assurance.

"Information sharing and collaboration between government and industry partners is critical to defending our nation against the cyber threat," said Steven K. Hawkins, vice president of the Information Security Solutions product line for Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems business. "The Enhanced Cybersecurity Services program adds another layer of cyber resiliency for our nation's most critical resources."

For 30 years, Raytheon has delivered information assurance through innovative strategies and responsive solutions to government and industry customers. With a far-‐reaching set of critical cybersecurity skills and comprehensive, resilient end-‐to-‐end solutions, Raytheon provides a multi-‐layered approach to help anticipate and withstand cyber attacks without compromise to mission.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin to Provide Virtual Training Technologies in Support of Saudi Arabia’s F-‐15SA Modernization Program ORLANDO, Fla., March 11, 2013 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] received a $253 million contract agreement to begin work on F-‐15SA pilot and maintenance training systems for the Royal Saudi Air Force. The technologies will provide a comprehensive ground-‐based training environment for Saudi Arabia’s F-‐15SA modernization program.

Pilots will complete air-‐to-‐air combat, air-‐to-‐surface missions, air combat maneuvers and tactical intercepts with 360-‐degree full mission trainers. As a first for F-‐15 training, the systems will feature a single dome over the dual-‐seat cockpit to enable crew coordination training. Lockheed Martin will also deliver egress, avionics and desktop trainers for procedure training by pilots.

“The complement of F-‐15SA training systems starts with desktop trainers and progressively increases in capability to full mission weapons systems trainers,” said Jim Weitzel, vice president of training solutions for Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training business. “This creates a cost-‐effective program since the appropriate level of technology is applied to meet the training objectives.”

For maintainers, Lockheed Martin will provide virtual systems to enable training without the actual aircraft. The systems include basic maintenance, landing gear and arresting hook, armament, flight controls and jet fuel starter trainers.

Lockheed Martin will deliver the training systems by 2020. Work will be performed in Akron, Ohio, and Orlando, Fla. The contract is managed through a foreign military sales agreement by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-‐Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

.

First F-‐35 with Marietta-‐Built Center Wing Flown FORT WORTH, Texas, March 8, 2013 – The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-‐35 Lightning II with a Center Wing Assembly (CWA) built at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Ga., was flown for the first time this week. The aircraft, known as BF-‐25, is an F-‐35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant that will be delivered to the U. S. Marine Corps at Yuma, Arizona. The CWA is a major structural component and represents approximately one quarter of the aircraft’s fuselage. Approximately 350 people work on the F-‐35 program in Marietta. In addition to building the CWAs, technicians also apply specialized stealth coatings to F-‐35 horizontal and vertical tail control assemblies and also coat spare and repaired aircraft doors, panels and covers.

The F-‐35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-‐enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-‐35 will replace the A-‐10 and F-‐16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-‐18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-‐18 and AV-‐8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least ten other countries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

Lockheed Martin Successfully Migrates EPA to the Microsoft Cloud ROCKVILLE, Md., March 7, 2013 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Microsoft have successfully migrated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Microsoft Office 365, a cloud-‐based collaboration and communication service. This cloud-‐based system improves employee access to communications and mobility tools.

“Our partnership with Lockheed Martin in bringing Microsoft Office 365 to the EPA generated a level of excitement amongst our employees that has been unmatched,” said Malcolm Jackson, assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Environmental Information and chief information officer. “Lockheed Martin exceeded my expectations in delivering this service to the EPA.”

Under a four-‐year contract, Lockheed Martin transitioned more than 22,000 EPA email users to Office 365 for Government, a service that stores U.S. government data in a segregated community cloud and includes email, calendars, scheduling and collaboration tools for internal and external use. The company will continue to provide engineering and ongoing integration services

“Building on Lockheed Martin’s 35 years of information technology service to the EPA, this successful, on-‐schedule migration ensures EPA employees have the best possible collaboration and communication tools,” said Stephanie C. Hill, president of the civil product line at Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS). “Our expertise in cloud migration processes and our alliances with technology partners provide a strong foundation for flexible cloud-‐based solutions for federal customers.”

“The EPA’s vision of a more cost-‐effective, modernized collaboration environment has arrived, thanks in large part to the incredible work of our partners at Lockheed Martin,” said Greg Myers, vice president of Microsoft Federal. “By moving to the cloud with Office 365 for Government, EPA personnel can be more productive from any location, while maintaining the highest levels of reliability, accessibility, and security.”

As the number one provider of IT services to the federal government, Lockheed Martin is a leader in secure cloud delivery, with more than five years of cloud experience in developing innovation centers, implementing flexible cloud computing solutions and working with partners to deliver the most comprehensive offerings.

SAIC

SAIC Awarded Contract by U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific

Company to Provide Technical and Engineering Support for Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Information Operations MCLEAN, Va., March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] announced it was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) to provide technical and engineering support for maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and information operations (ISR/IO) for emerging and existing U.S. Navy and joint command, control, communications, computers and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. The cost-‐plus fixed-‐fee contract has a two-‐year base period of performance, three one-‐year options, and a total contract value of approximately $54 million, if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in San Diego, Calif.

SSC Pacific is the Navy's premier research, development, test and evaluation laboratory for C4ISR. Under the contract, SAIC will provide technical and engineering support, including: program and configuration management; technical services; systems engineering; algorithm development; hardware and software development; material analysis; data processing, testing, repair, installation, deployment and recovery; and analysis in support of maritime ISR/IO and autonomous and non-‐autonomous systems or air systems that can be used in ISR/IO operations.

"We look forward to our continued support of SSC Pacific and the critical ISR/IO systems that enable warfighter information dominance and operational success," said Thomas Watson, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.

SAIC Announces Filing of Form 10 Registration Statement in Connection with Planned Separation

MCLEAN, Va., March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] today announced that an initial Form 10 Registration Statement has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to SAIC's technical, engineering and enterprise information technology service business, marking a milestone in the company's continued progress toward its previously announced plan to pursue a separation into two independent, publicly traded companies.

"The filing of the Form 10 Registration Statement is another important achievement in our separation plan to create two world class companies that will be able to compete free from existing organizational conflicts of interest, enabling the companies to expand their addressable markets," said Chairman and CEO John Jumper.

A copy of the Form 10 is available at the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov under the filer name SAIC Gemini, Inc. or at SAIC's website at: www.saic.com/shareholder/announcement/.

SAIC Awarded Contract by United States Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

Company to Provide Command and Control Applications Information Services Development to the Air Combat Command MCLEAN, Va., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -‐-‐ Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) announced today it was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to provide command and control (C2) applications information services development to the Air Combat Command (ACC). The multiple-‐award, indefinite-‐delivery/indefinite-‐quantity contract has a six-‐year period of performance and a total contract value of $249 million for all awardees. Work will be performed primarily in Mclean, Va. and Morgantown, W.Va.

The ACC is the primary force provider of combat airpower to America's warfighting commands and supports global implementation of national security strategy. Under the contract, SAIC will provide C2 applications information services development for air, space, and cyberspace domains, enabling the migration of capability from older, antiquated applications and hardware to a contemporary infrastructure using modern tools, techniques, and processes. SAIC is one of seven contractors eligible to compete for task orders under this contract.

"We look forward to providing applications and information services to the Air Force warfighter, enabling them to produce decision-‐quality information at the right place and time," said Dan Harris, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.

containingPROTECTING

HUSKY® PORTABLE CONTAINMENT’SENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT LINE

Bladder/Pillow Tanks • Containment/Spill Berms • Oil Boom Tarps/Covers • Drain Covers • Water Dikes • Mini Basins

Decon Pools• Folding Frame Tanks • Self-Supporting Tanks

www.HuskyPortable.com918-534-0002 • 800-260-9950

R e g i s t e r e d , e x c l u s i v e E x l o n ® m a t e r i a lLifetime warranty on welds & welded seams

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Foundation Furthers CyberPatriot Growth with Renewed Three-‐Year Commitment

Multiyear grant to support cyber competitions through 2016. Program expands to middle schools and internationally NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., March 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -‐-‐ The Northrop Grumman Foundation announced today that it will continue as presenting sponsor of CyberPatriot, the national high school cyber defense competition, with a $4.5 million, three-‐year grant to the Air Force Association (AFA).

As the largest contributor to the program since 2010, the Northrop Grumman Foundation will support CyberPatriot competitions VI through VIII, and will build on the program's extraordinary growth by expanding into middle schools and internationally. This support will help build a global pipeline of cyber defenders to meet the growing demand for cyber pros to keep our networks safe.

CyberPatriot was created by the AFA to inspire high school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to the nation's future. The CyberPatriot V National Finals Competition will take place tomorrow at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., near Washington, D.C.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Air Force Association and again be the presenting sponsor of CyberPatriot. We've seen explosive growth in the competition, with students from diverse backgrounds and from every corner of the U.S. participating and getting excited about careers in cybersecurity," said Sandra Evers-‐Manly, president of the Northrop Grumman Foundation. "We share a mission to help improve the quality of STEM education from early grades through the university level. Through CyberPatriot, we can reach out into schools across the country and around the world to teach and inspire students to explore the exciting world of cybersecurity."

Northrop Grumman, ATK Complete Primary Mirror Backplane Support Wing Assemblies for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope REDONDO BEACH, Calif., March 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -‐-‐ Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and teammate ATK (NYSE:ATK) have completed the fabrication of the primary mirror backplane support structure (PMBSS) wing assemblies for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. Northrop Grumman is under contract to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., for the design and development of the Webb Telescope's optics, sunshield and spacecraft.

The primary mirror backplane supports the telescope's beryllium mirrors, instruments and other elements during ground test operations and launch. It holds the 18-‐segment, 21-‐foot-‐diameter primary mirror nearly motionless while the telescope is peering into deep space. The deployable wing sections complete the backplane structure while providing thermal stability. Their unique folding design permits the telescope to fit in the five-‐meter fairing of the launch vehicle.

"Our ATK teammates have met unprecedented thermal stability requirements," said Charlie Atkinson, deputy Webb Optical Telescope Element manager for Northrop Grumman. "The team has done a commendable job of completing the PMBSS wing assemblies."

Measuring approximately 24 by 21 feet, and weighing more than 2,000 pounds, the primary mirror backplane support structure – which includes the wing assemblies as well as the center section that ATK completed in February 2012 –must meet unprecedented thermal stability requirements. While the telescope is operating at a range of extremely cold temperatures, from -‐406 to -‐343 degrees Fahrenheit, the backplane must not vary more than 38 nanometers (approximately 1/1,000 the diameter of a human hair). For reference, if the mirror were enlarged to span from Los Angeles to New York City, the tolerance for error would be less than 1 inch.

The wing assemblies of the Webb Telescope's primary mirror backplane support structure were designed and fabricated and will be tested at ATK facilities in Magna, Utah. ATK designed and built the 900 composite parts of the wing assembly using lightweight graphite materials and advanced fabrication techniques. The composite parts attach to precision metallic fittings that provide interfaces with the other elements of the observatory.

Northrop Grumman Delivers 500th Distributed Aperture System Sensor Component for the F-‐35 Lightning II BALTIMORE, March 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -‐-‐ Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered its 500th AN/AAQ-‐37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) sensor to Lockheed Martin for integration into the F-‐35 Lightning II aircraft.

The DAS is a multifunction infrared system that provides passive, spherical battlespace awareness for F-‐35 pilots by simultaneously detecting and tracking aircraft and missiles in every direction, as well as providing visual imagery for day/night navigation and targeting purposes. DAS imagery projected onto the pilot's helmet mounted display provides the capability to look at targets and terrain through the floor and wings of the aircraft. The DAS works in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-‐81 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and other onboard systems to give pilots an unprecedented degree of situational awareness.

"This production milestone is a testament to the maturity of the sensor design and our manufacturing processes," said Mark Rossi, Northrop Grumman's DAS business area director. "This revolutionary system is integral to the F-‐35's fifth-‐generation leap in technology and Northrop Grumman is ensuring that the sensor systems are ready to meet the warfighter's needs."

As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-‐led F-‐35 industry team, Northrop Grumman performs a significant share of the work required to develop and produce the aircraft. In addition to producing the DAS and software modes, Northrop Grumman designed and produces the aircraft's AN/APG-‐81AESA radar and communications subsystems; produces the center fuselage; develops mission systems and mission-‐planning software; leads the team's development of pilot and maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team's use, support and maintenance of low-‐observable technologies.

ONE COMPANY FOR ALL OF YOUR SPECIALITY RAILROAD NEEDS

LIDAR Truck

Cartopper Material Handler

Rail Unloading Machine

P.L.U.S. and SMART Train Ballast Unloading

Mul -Purpose Machine

www.hrsi.com816.233.9002

Automated Tie Down Car

– High precision GNSS iner al system and Lidar technology– Improves ballast dumping effi ciency– Compa ble with P.L.U.S. and SMART trains

– Tie distribu on and loading– OTM distribu on and loading– Bulk material loading and unloading– Ability to traverse cars of varying height

– Safe, fast, effi cient CWR unloading– Highway and rail mobiliza on– Curve, tangent, single or double unloading

– Inside/outside dumping– Ideal for washouts, new construc on, and undercu ng– High speed ballast unloading 24 hours per day

– Self-propelled – Grading, ditching and crossing work– Travels 50 mph in either direc on– Rail, e, ballast and OTM unloading and loading

– Clamps have more holding power than manual type e down cars– Reduces required work window– Increases the safety of loading and unloading rail– Remotely controlled– Solar powered ba eries for opera ons

Defense Information Systems Agency Selects Northrop Grumman for Joint Command and Control System Innovative Open Architecture Approach Will Create a Modernized System to Increase Flexibility, Strengthen Cybersecurity and Reduce Costs MCLEAN, Va., March 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -‐-‐ Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been selected to modernize and sustain the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) joint command and control (C2) system used to provide accurate, complete and timely information for the armed forces operational chain of command.

Under the Encore II contracting vehicle from the Defense Information Systems Agency, Northrop Grumman was awarded $58 million for the base year of a task order for Global Command and Control System-‐Joint (GCCS-‐J) engineering support services. The contract has a potential value of $211 million over 54 months, if all options are exercised.

"Northrop Grumman's approach integrates cross-‐domain C2 and intelligence systems to deliver a more affordable joint C2 capability," said Pat Camacho, vice president of integrated command, control, communications and intelligence systems for Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "In addition, the use of our CMMI Level 5 agile development and system integration processes will provide flexibility for responding to emerging warfighter needs."

GCCS-‐J program objectives include modernizing the architecture in compliance with Joint C2 Common Architecture standards, accelerating the integration of warfighter capabilities and significantly reducing life cycle costs. Tasking under the contract includes systems engineering, security engineering, development and sustainment of applications for situational awareness, force protection, C2 and intelligence support.

Northrop Grumman to Produce More Fire Scouts for U.S. Navy

Next-‐Generation Unmanned Helicopter System Provides Greater Endurance, Range and Payload Capacity SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -‐-‐ The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a contract valued at more than $71 million to produce six additional next-‐generation Fire Scout unmanned helicopters. The Fire Scout endurance upgrade, designated the MQ-‐8C and based on Bell Helicopter's 407, will provide ship commanders with increased range, endurance and payload capacity over the current MQ-‐8B variant.

The Navy plans to purchase a total of 30 aircraft under a rapid development effort. Northrop Grumman is currently under contract to produce 14 Fire Scouts that are scheduled to begin deploying in 2014.

"This contract provides significant momentum for the work Northrop Grumman and its supply chain partners are doing to meet the Navy's requirements," said George Vardoulakis, vice president for tactical unmanned systems with Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "Our entire team is focused on delivering this game-‐changing capability on time, on cost and with unquestionable quality. Along with our industry partners – Bell, Rolls-‐Royce, Cubic and others – we are making significant progress in reducing cost, enabling us to achieve our affordability targets and provide the Navy with the absolute best value."

Manufacturing and assembly operations of the new Fire Scout variant are well under way across the country, with airframe modifications being made at Bell's facility in Ozark, Ala., and final assembly being completed at Northrop Grumman's Unmanned Systems Center in Moss Point, Miss.

AmericA’s VeterAns & the AmericAn Workforce: A resource guide to recruiting, engaging and onboarding our returning heroes


What you will learn…

• Whymostofourreturningmilitarymenandwomenareparticularlyqualifiedforjobsinboththeprivateandpublicsectors.

• Howgovernment,despitebudgetconcernsandthepossibilityofsequestration,isdoingitsparttoleadthewayinrecruitingandonboardingtransitioningservicemembers.

• Howanumberofcorporateleadershavemountednationallysuccessfulprogramstoattractandhireourreturningheroes,andtointegratethemintotheirworkforces.

• Whyothercompanies,primarilysmallbusinesses,sometimesseemtofallshortinrecruitingveterans,orevenshyawayfrommakingseriouseffortstodoso.

• Howgovernmentagenciesandcompaniescanstart—orrecharge—theirownveterans’recruitingprograms.

• Howtolocatebestpracticemodelsingovernmentandprivateindustryforideasandinspirationforveterans’employmentprograms.

• Wheretogoonlinetodiscovermoreaboutthiscriticalhumancapitalarea.

Abstract

Thiswhitepaperpresentsacomprehensiveoverviewoftheveterans’employmentandrecruiting

landscapeforbothhumancapitalprofessionalsandcorporateandgovernmentleadersinterestedin

thetopic.Thiswide-rangingdiscussiontouchesonthedisappointingunemploymentrateforveterans

oftheIraq-Afghanistaneraandsuggestsanumberofreasonswhy—basedontheirmilitarytraining

andexperiencetransitioningservicemembersmakesuperbemployeesinallindustries.Theauthors

alsoprovideextensivehandyreferenceguidestobestpracticesinveterans’employmentamongall

Americanindustries.HRleaderswillfindhelpfuladvicehereonestablishingtheirownprograms,as

wellasanextensivebibliographyofcommentariesandresearchsummariesonthisimportanttopic.

Byprovidingatop-leveloverviewofthiscomplexlandscapeandpointingourreaderstowhatwe

believearethemosthelpfulresourcesintheveterans’recruitingarena,wehaveattemptedtocreate

auseful,everydaytoolforcompaniesandorganizationsnationwide.Forgovernmentagenciesnot

yetaccomplishedatrecruitingandintegratingveteransinlargenumbers,weintendthisarticleasa

helpfulguidetogettingpracticalandproductiveprogramsontherails.


1. http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2011-04-04-us-economy-jobs.htm

2. http://www.federalnewsradio.com/179/3023151/Retirement-claims-hit-highest-level-since-January

3. Syracuse,p1

4. 10.9%http://vetjobs.com/media/2012/09/07/veteran-employment-situation-report-august-2012/

The Challenge of Current Economic Realities Despitethefadingrecession—andinmanywaysbecauseofit—companies,not-for-profitinstitutions,andevengovernmentagenciesintheU.S.todayarefacingasteephumanresourcechallenge.Asthedownturneases,allof theseorganizationswillneedtodevisehumancapitaland recruitingstrategiesattunedtoapost-recessionenvironment.Intheprivatesector,companiesofallsizeswillberampinguphiringprogramstokeeppacewithbusinessdemandsastheeconomypicksupsteamthrough2013.

Theresult:manywillbereplenishingworkforcesthathavemaintainedremarkablyhighproductivityintoughtimes.1 Inmanywaysgovernmentagenciesfacethesamerealities,butwithanadditionalconstraint:forthemostpart,federalhiringbudgetsareshrinking,andmanyagencieswillbehardpressedeventoreplacedepartingworkers,whoareretiringingreaternumbersthaneverbefore.2

Veterans: Ensuring a Competitive American Workforce Atthesametime,ournation’soverseasmilitarycommitmentshavecreatedaresourcepoolofexperiencedveteransnowoutoftheserviceandlookingforjobs.Althoughitmaynotbeimmediatelycleartorecruitersandhiringmanagers,mostofthesemenandwomenbringtheadvantagesoftrainingandexperienceintheveryskillsthatanexpandinglabormarketandrecoveringeconomyrequires.Andisn’tthereamoralimperativeheretoo?Theseveteranshaveservedournationsteadfastly,manyoftheminlife-threateningenvironments.Doweowethemadebtforthisservicealone?Manywouldargue“yes.”

Butbeyondthatfact,humanresourceprofessionalsshouldkeepinmindthesoftskillsourveteranshavedevelopedthroughyearsofserviceandexperience:adaptability,

leadership,mission-firstorientation,desiretosucceed.Theseareintrinsicskillsthathavebeenrefinedbytheyearsofchallengesthattheyhavefacedandovercometosucceedinthemilitary.

Inandabovethenotionofcorporatesocialresponsibility,thebusinesscaseforhiring,traininganddevelopingveterantalentisentwinedwiththelargerissueofcompetitivenessfortheAmericanworkforceinthecommercialsector.Inaddition,veteransprovideapipelineoftalenttoaddresspotentialcriticalskillsgapsinthegovernmentworkforce.

Introducing Veterans into Your Workforce MostAmericanswouldagreethatweshouldrepayourcollectivedebttoveterans,atleastinpart,byprovidingproductiveemploymentopportunities.Thisisachallengingobjectivetosaytheleast.AstudyfromtheInstituteforVeteransandMilitaryFamiliesatSyracuseUniversitystarklyunderscorestheneed:

Since 2001, more than 2.8 million military personnel have made the transition from military to civilian life. Another one million service members will make this transition over the next five years. For a great majority of the men and women who have or will make this transition, their most pressing concern is employment.3

Astransitioningmilitarymembersmaketheirreturntotheworkforce,theemploymentpicturetheyfaceislessthanencouraging,despitetheirskills,experience,andpersonaltraitsofdisciplineandloyaltythatmilitaryservicecultivates.TheproblemisespeciallyevidentamongveteransoftheIran-Afghanistanera,whereunemploymentisrunningaheadofthenationalaverage.4

America’s Veterans & the American Workforce: A resource guide to recruiting, engaging and onboarding our returning heroes


5. Personnelcommunicationwithhigh-rankinggovernmentofficial,August17,2012.

6. UnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor,BureauofLaborStatistics,August2012.http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t05.htm

7. HarrellandBerglass.EmployingAmerica’sVeterans…,p.6.

But there isgoodnews.Largercorporations,includingMicrosoft,Wal-MartandLockheedMartintonamejustthreeamongthescoresofindustryleadersactiveonthisfront,aremountingaggressiveprogramstoattract,recruit,andintegratereturningveteransintotheirworkforces.Appendix II on page 12providesaselectivenationwiderosteroftheseprograms.

Evenso,foralltheactivityamongthebigplayers,manysmallercompaniesseemtobeoperatingonacatch-as-catch-canbasiswhenitcomestohiringvetstoday.Increasedawarenessofthepotentialofournation’sveteranworkforceamongcompaniesthathavebeenlessactiveiscrucialtosolvingsomeofournation’stalentandeconomicchallenges.

For government, a different challenge Thesituationismorecomplicatedforstateandfederalagencies.AgencyleadersandHRdepartmentsareuniversallyonboardwiththegoalofrecruitingveterans,withmanyforward-thinkingagenciessupplementinggovernment-wideveterans’preferenceswithaggressiveprogramsforbringinginqualifiedtalentfrommilitarysources.AllthisisinkeepingwiththeObamaadministration’soft-statedcommitmenttoveterans’employmentinallagencies.Theresultsareencouraging:todaymorethan28percentofnewfederalhireseachyear aremilitaryveterans,thehighestlevelinmorethan20years.5

Still,becauseofbudgetrealities,newfederaljobsaresimplynotthereinvolume.GovernmentHRstrategistshaveanewchallenge:gettingthemostoutoftheirprogramsfortransitioningmilitarypersonnelandupdatingtheirapproachestomakingveteransfeelathomeintheagencyculturestheyjoin.Althoughnotallagencies—byreasonoftheirstated,top-levelmissions—would

seematfirstglancetobe“inthemarket”forthetalentsandexperiencethattheaveragevetcanbringtoitsworkforce,exactlytheoppositeistrue.Militarytrainingandexperienceareparticularlyvaluableindevelopingatalentedpipelineintheareasofpublic healthcare, acquisition workforce and cyber-security, in addition to numerousotherareasofexpertise.

A Stark Reality for the U.S. Economy: Unemployment Among Post 9/11 Vets It’sbadenoughthatgeneralemploymentintheU.S.ishoveringaround8percent,buttherateofjoblessnessamongpost-9/11veterans,whichincludesbothmenandwomenintheir20sand30stoday,isedgingcloserto11percent(10.9percentinAugust2012).6Thispopulationeffectivelyrepresentsanunderutilizedeconomicresource,atrainedandwillingpoolofworkerswhocouldboostproductivityandperformancefortheiremployersalmostimmediately,andcertainlyatleastasquicklyasrecruitsfromthegeneralpopulation.

Why Companies Don’t Hire Veterans Whyisthehiringofveteransbytheprivatesectorlaggingtoday?IntheirJune2012report,“EmployingAmerica’sVeterans:PerspectivesfromBusiness(CenterforAmerican Security)”,MargaretC.HarrellandNancyBerglasssummarizesuccinctlytheforcesinplayhere.HarrellandBerglasspointtoemployermisunderstandingsandmisconceptionsaboutthefitnessofveteransascivilianworkersasprimaryfactors.Oneprevalentelement—apersistentstereotype—islikelytheonemostdifficulttodispel.

Some employers report concerns about the effects of combat stress, including post-traumatic stress issues, anger management and tendencies toward violence… other companies speak negatively about veterans “rigidity”. 7



8. Personalcommunication,August16,2012.

Relatedtothisfactoristhenotion,insomecasestrue,thatveteransnewlyreleasedfromservicemaynotbereadyforfullimmersioninthecivilianworkforce.Theyneedtimetomakethetransitionintolifebackhome.Theresult:someemployerstakeapassonahighlyqualifiedworkerbecausetheyjudgethatheorsheneedstimetoacclimateto“normal”life,orbecausetheypresumethattheircompanieswillhavetoshouldertheburden,atsomeexpense,ofaidingthistransition.VeteranswhocomeintotheworkforcewithReservecommitmentssometimesencounterasimilarprejudice:thesuspicionthatfuturedeploymentswilllikelyresultinlongperiodsawayfromthejob.Forsomepotentialemployers,thisnotionmaybesufficientjustificationforholdingoffonajoboffer,despitethepotentialemployer’sbetterinstinctsaboutagivenvet’squalifications.

The nomenclature gap Atthesametime,somepotentialemployersfailtoseetheon-the-jobrelevanceoftheskillsandtrainingthattheaverageveterancanbringtotheirworkforces.Especiallywithoutapersonalconnectiontomilitaryserviceorculture,trainingandtalentareunknownsforhiringmanagers.Howdothequalifications,someask,thattheyseeonatransitioningvet’sresumetranslatetotheirreal-worldneeds?

CoriKeuler,whocoordinatesveteran’srecruitingforgrowinghealthcareproviderDaVita,withaworldwideworkforceof40,000,summarizesthischallengesuccinctly:

It’s intimidating for some companies to reach out to veterans. We often don’t know the terminology on their resumes or how to present veteran candidates to hiring managers. How can we better translate the experience that vet candidates have, so that our hiring managers and our executives understand? For many smaller companies that don’t have the budget or recruiting staff, this can be more than a little challenging.8


PERC

ENT

OF

COM

PAN

IES

SkillTranslation

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

NegativeStereotype

SkillMismatch

Deployments Acclimation DifficultyFinding Veterans

Source: Veteran employment interviews, Center for a new American Security.

Why Companies Don’t Hire Veterans (Figure 1)


9. HarrellandBerglass.EmployingAmerica’sVeterans…,pp.10-14.

10.QuotedinGIJobs,“2012Top100Military-FriendlyEmployers”.http://www.gijobs.com/2012Top100.aspx?rank=6&year=2012

11. Personalcommunication,August16,2012.

12. Unattributedquote(byreasonoftheirstudy’sresearchprotocol).HarrellandBerglass.EmployingAmerica’sVeterans…,p.15..

It’snotdifficulttounderstandthebasisforthisdisparitybetweenmilitaryandcorporatejargon,wheretheverysameskillsareoftenfilteredthroughdescriptiveindustry-specific,orDepartmentofDefense(DoD)-specific,practicesthatblurtheclearparallelsbetweenthem.Happily,thisisonechallengethatisbeingaddressedfrommanyangles,withboththeDoDandamultitudeofcivilianorganizations,amongthemMonster,Inc.,hardatworktominimizetheconfusioncausedbythisnomenclaturegap.

OneprominentexampleistheTransitionAssistanceProgram(TAP),providedthroughapartnershipamongtheDoD,DepartmentofLabor(DoL),VeteransAffairs(VA)andDepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS).Theprogramprovidesaslateofservicesfortransitioningmilitarypersonnelthatincludespre-separationcounseling;VAbenefitsbriefings,employmentworkshopsandone-on-onecoaching.EffectiveNovember2012,thislatterfeaturewillalsoincludeindividualizedassessmentsaimedattranslatingmilitaryskillscategoriestomorecommonciviliannomenclature,animprovementaimedrightattheleveloftheindividualresume.Thegoalhereistoeliminatemuchoftheconfusionabouttherelevanceofmilitaryexperiencetogivencivilianopportunities.

AlsoinNovember2012,participationinTAP,uptonowentirelyvoluntary,willbecomemandatoryforalltransitioningmilitarypersonnel.What’smore,ajointDoD-VAtaskforceiscurrentlyevaluatingTAPwithaneyeonfurtherimprovements.[Forasuperbsummaryoflegislativeactivityandgovernmentprogramstosupportveterans’transitions,seetheHarrellandBerglassreport.9]

What Makes the Typical Veteran a Good Employee? Athoughtfulconsiderationoftheextensivetrainingandexperiencethatatypicalmilitarymanorwomanaccrueswhileinservicemakesthecaseaboutthegeneralqualificationsofaveteranforadiverserangeofpositionsinoureconomy.

GeorgeJ.Pedersen,ChairmanandCEOofManTechInternationalCorporation,agovernmentservicesfirmbasedinFairfax,VA,sumsupwellthecaseforemployingtoday’sveteranina21stcenturyAmericancorporation:

The technology that [military personnel] operate and utilize in their mission requires a level of knowledge and training beyond earlier times. Service members also have qualities that we need in the workplace, and these are very important – qualities like responsibility, dedication to mission, perseverance, integrity, teamwork, and of course, leadership. We can teach skills on the job or in a classroom, but character is harder to come by.10

AddsJoeWallis,wholeadsMicrosoft’soutreachprogramfortransitioningmilitary:“Manypeoplebelievethatmilitaryfolksaregoodatfollowingorders,butIthinktheyshowextraordinaryinitiativeaswell…abigpartofitisflexibility,andtheyformteamsverywell.”11

ThestudyfromtheCenterforaNewAmericanSecuritypointstoaparticularlystrikingcharacteristicthatoftendistinguishesaparticularveteranfromothertypicalentry-leveljobcandidates:

Ninety-five percent of the kids coming out of college have never managed before. They may be very smart, but they have no leadership experience. To find someone that is very smart and also has real leadership experience is huge for our business.12



13. HarrellandBerglass.EmployingAmerica’sVeterans…,pp.15-20;InstituteforVeteransandMilitaryFamilies,SyracuseUniversity.GuidetoLeadingPolicies,Practices&Resources…,pp.31-35.

Manyoftheresearchstudiesandcompilationsthatweciteinourbibliographycatalogthe“softer”skillsthatcorporationsacrossthenationsaythatveteransbringtocivilianemployment.13

Amongthesetraitsare:

• Leadershipandteamwork

• Appreciationforstructureanddiscipline

• Strongorganizationalcommitments

• Resiliencyinafluidworkenvironment

• Expertiseinrelevantskills(e.g.,technology andlogistics)

• Initiativeandentrepreneurialspirit

• Diversityinbackgroundandfacilityindiverseworkplaceenvironments

A successful program supporting veterans can boost your organization’s prestige and visibility Inourpost9/11world,atleastintheabstract,veteransenjoywidespreadadmirationandgratitudefromallsegmentsoftheAmericanpopulation.Companiesthatpubliclydeclarethemselvesveteran-friendly,bywordsoractions,standtogainappreciablyintheeyesofthepublic.

Practicalreal-worldresultsforreturningveteransputcompaniesinapositiontogainwidespreadadmiration.Andmakenomistake:thesebenefitsinprestigeandvisibilityaretakenveryseriouslyintheC-suite.

SohumancapitalleadersandHRexecutivesasseveralofourBestPracticesexemplarsinthiswhitepaperstrikinglyillustrateshouldnothesitatetostartorpushforexpansionofexistingvetsprograms.It’sarealityinmostorganizationsthatfewsubstantialHRprogramsflourishwithouttheactiveandregularsupportofseniorleadership.Andtheargumentinfavorofveteranshiring


PERC

ENT

OF

COM

PAN

IES

Leadership, Teamwork

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80Source: Veteran employment interviews, Center for a new American Security.

Character

Structure, Discipline

Expertise

Dynamic Environment

Effectiveness

Right Thing

Proven Success

Resiliency

Loyalty

Public Relations Value

Why Companies Hire Veterans (Figure 2)


ishardtodeny:your company can do its part to pay our debt to veterans for their service, can build a pool of highly trained and mature job candidates,and,ifithandlesthisdimensionmodestlyandfactually,canearnadmirationandawarenessamongcustomersandpotentialcustomersalike.Evengovernmentagenciesthatchampiontheemploymentofveteranscanshareinthis“halo”effectintheeyesoftheirmainconstituenciesandparticularlywiththegovernmententitiesresponsiblefortheircontinuedfundingandmissionsupport.

Getting Started On Your Own Veteran Hiring Initiative ManygovernmentagenciescanlooktoexistingprogramsliketheonesfeaturedinAppendix IIItofindusefulmodelstoattractthemostqualifiedjobcandidatesfromamongAmerica’sveteransandjustasimportantlytointegratethemproductivelyintotheirworkforces.Buttherearesometop-lineitemsyoushouldconsider.

What can your company do to advance its own vets recruiting? A step-by-step checklist:

1.Build a business case.Getup-to-speedonthebusinesscaseforveterans’recruitingandtoday’sbestpracticesamongcompaniesandgovernmentagencies.(Startwiththeresourcesweprovidehere.)

2.Learn the laws that can help.Reviewthelegalbackground,thestatutesinforceandthetaxbenefitsthegovernmenthasearmarkedforcompaniesthatrecruitveterans.(BeststartingpointfromourBibliography:InstituteforVeteransandMilitaryFamilies,SyracuseUniversity.GuidetoLeadingPolicies,Practices&Resources…,pp.24-28)

3.Enlist a senior executive champion.

4.Educate.Educateyourrecruitersandhiringmanagers(andultimatelyyourworkforceasawhole)abouttheadvantagesofintegratingveteransinyourculture.

5.Find your audience.Seekoutjobfairsandonlineresourceswhereyourorganizationcanengagevets.

6.Integrate.Refineyouronboardingpracticestoassistvetsintheacclimationprocess;developsupportgroupsforveterans.

7.Build affinity. Encourageveteransalreadyinyourworkforcetoself-identifyandserveasresourcestoincomingvets.

8.Follow up.Trackveterans’progressandperformanceinyourorganization;implementayearlysurvey.

Planning your approach Companiesandgovernmentagencieshaveadistinctchallengeinfrontofthem:refineinstitutionalapproachestofindingandattractingveterans,andintegratetransitioningmilitarymembersefficientlyintoworkforcesthroughoutthenation.Theauthorsofthiswhitepapercanprovideyouwithhelpful,experienced-basedadviceaboutbuildingthefoundationformilitaryrelationshipsforyourownprogramsandarereadytoadviseyouonspecificssuchashowbestto:

• Geareffectivemessagestothedifferent audience segments.

–Educateandinform

–Understandtheprofileofthoseinthemilitaryastheyapproachseparationofserviceorthosewhohavealreadyfinishedtheirobligation

–Identifywhichattributesareimportanttothetargetaudienceandtheorganization

–Identifythosedistinctsellingpointsandconnectionsthatwillenablethecraftingofacompellingandbelievablemessage



• Provideanaudiencespecificdestination

–Provideaccesstomentorsandshareexperiences

–DemonstrateCareerPath

–Providetoolstoeasetransition

–Showunderstandingofmilitarychallenges (families,support)

–Userfriendly,timeisatapremium

–TakeadvantageofSocialPlatformsandlinkage

–RelationshipMarketing(differentlevelsand deliverymechanisms)

• Createveteran-friendlyworkplace,processesandcommunications.

–Beanally,understandthedimensionsoftransition

–Provideinternaltrainingandtools

–Assessinternalassetsandunderstand/examineprocessvitaltosuccessfulprogram

• TakeastrategicapproachtotheVeteranLifeCycle:right tool, right time.

Veterans’ recruiting can be a top-of-mind mission for you and your organization Afterreadingthiswhitepaper,youshouldfeelwellequippedtotacklethepracticalchallengesofattractingandintegratingexperiencedmilitarymenandwomenintoyourworkforcewheretheirtrainingandskillscanadvanceyourmissionand/orbusinessobjectivesjustaswellas—ifnotbetterthan—thoseofmostcandidateswithoutamilitarybackground.Here(andintheAppendicesthatfollow)aretheessentialtoolsforsettingoutonthistaskunderyourownpowerand,wehope,withthefullsupportofyourorganization.Bottomline:it’sacaseofdoingtherightthing,justasourdeservingheroesdidwhentheychosetocommitalargesegmentoftheirlivestoservinginthenation’sarmedforces.



Bardaro,K.“AskDr.Salary:TopJobsforVeterans.”AskDr.Salary.Feb.2012.<http://blogs.payscale.com/ask_dr_salary/2012/02/top-jobs-for-veterans.html>.

Berglass,NancyandHarrell,MargaretC..“WellAfterService:VeteranReintegrationandAmericanCommunities.”CenterforaNewAmericanSecurity,Apr.2012.<http://www.cnas.org/files/documents/publications/CNAS_WellAfterService_BerglassHarrell.pdf>.

“EmployerSupportoftheGuardandReserve.”EmployerResourcesGuide.<http://www.esgr.org/files/toolkit/ESGR_HR_Guide_Final.pdf>.

“Top100MilitaryFriendlyEmployer:Ranked7:JohnsonControls.”G.I.Jobs.2012.<http://www.gijobs.com/2012Top100.aspx>.

MargaretC.HarrellandNancyBerglass.“EmployingAmerica’sVeterans:PerspectivesfromBusinesses.”CenterforaNewAmericanSecurity,2012.<http://www.cnas.org/employingamericasveterans>.

Heaton,P.“TheEffectsofHiringTaxCreditsonEmploymentofDisabledVeterans.”RANDCorporation,2012.<http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP366.html>.

InstituteforVeteransandMilitaryFamilies.GuidetoLeadingPolicies,PracticesandResources:SupportingtheEmploymentofVeteransandMilitaryFamilies.SyracuseUnversity,2012.<http://vets.syr.edu/pdfs/guidetoleadingpractices.pdf>.

InstituteforVeteransandMilitaryFamilies.“TheBusinessCaseforHiringaVeteran:BeyondtheClichés”SyracuseUniversity,5Mar.2012.<http://vets.syr.edu/_assets/researchdocs/employment/The%20Business%20Case%20for%20Hiring%20a%20Veteran%203-6-12.pdf>.

InstituteforVeteransandMilitaryFamilies.GuidetoLeadingPolicies,Practices&Resources:SupportingtheEmploymentofVeterans&MilitaryFamilies. SyracuseUniversity.<http://vets.syr.edu/pdfs/guidetoleadingpractices.pdf>

Kochan,T.“AjobscompactforAmerica’sfuture.”HarvardBusinessReview.2012.<http://hbr.org/2012/03/a-jobs-compact-for-americas-future/ar/3>.

“MarineforLife:ConnectingMarineswithOpportunities.”MarineforLife.<http://www.marineforlife.org/marines.cfm>.

Matos,K.,&Galinsky,E.EmployerSupportfortheMilitaryCommunity.FamiliesandWorkInstitute,2011.<http://whenworkworks.org/research/downloads/www_military_support.pdf>.

“MonsterVeteranEmploymentCenter:SkillTranslator.”Military.com.<http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/skills-translator/>.

VeteranTalentIndex:U.S.JobConditionsInsightsandAnalysisfromVeteranProfessionals,RecruitersandHiringManagers.Maynard,MA:MonsterInc,2011.<http://www.about-monster.com/sites/default/files/MonsterVeteranTalentIndex_Nov2011.pdf>.

Obama,Barack.“RemarksbythePresidentontheAdministration’sWorktoPrepareOurNation’sVeteransfortheWorkforce.”TheWhiteHouse,5Aug.2011.<http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/08/05/remarks-president-administrations-work-prepare-our-nations-veterans-work>.

Smith,Jacquelyn.“TheTopEmployersForVeterans.”Forbes.ForbesMagazine,23Apr.2012.<http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/04/23/the-top-employers-for-veterans/>.

Bibliography: Useful research studies and commentary


“MilitaryEmploymentSHRMPoll.”SocietyforHumanResourceManagement,Feb.2012.<http://www.shrm.org/Research/SurveyFindings/Articles/Pages/MilitaryEmploymentSHRMPoll.aspx>.

“VeteransInitiative-GlobalEnterpriseTechnology.”SyracuseUniversity,2012.<http://get-vet.syr.edu/>.

Teachman,J.“MilitaryServiceandtheLifeCourse:AnAssessmentofWhatWeKnow.”NCFR,2012.<http://www.ncfr.org/ncfr-report/focus/military-families/military-service-life-course-assessment>.

HiringOurHeroes.UnitedStatesChamberofCommerce,Apr.2012.<http://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/veterans/HOH%20Overview_0.pdf>.

“TheGood-FaithInitiativeforVeteransEmployment(G-FIVE)Initiative.”UnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor.<http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/faqs/dir282faqs.htm>.

“VETS-OASVETFactSheet97-5:FederalContractorProgram.”UnitedStatesDepartmentofLabor.<http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/fact/vet97-5.htm>.

“MilitarySkillsTranslator.”VAforVetsCareerCenter.UnitedStatesDepartmentofVeteransAffairs.<https://mst.vaforvets.va.gov/mst/va/mos-translator>.

“AboutVESO.”UnitedStatesDepartmentofVeteransAffairs,Veterans’Employment&TrainingService.<http://vaforvets.va.gov/sites/veso/about/Pages/default.aspx>.

FedsHireVets.UnitedStatesOfficeofPersonnelManagement.<http://www.fedshirevets.gov/>.

FactSheetontheReturningHeroesandWoundedWarriorsTaxCredits.TheWhiteHouse,Nov.2011.<http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/fact_sheet_on_veteran_tax_credits-1.pdf>.

“ANonprofitThat’sPuttingAmericaBacktoWork.”WorkforceOpportunityServices.<http://wforce.org/>.

Bibliography: Useful research studies and commentary


APPENDIX I

The top twenty-five veteran-friendly employers http://www.militaryfriendly.com/

APPENDIX II

Best Practices Models for Veterans’ Recruiting and Job Acclimation: Aselectedrosterofcorporateandgovernmentwebsitessupportingveterans’recruitingandworkforceintegration

Amazon.“MilitaryRecruiting.” http://www.amazon.com/b/?node=2895924011.

AT&T.“Careers:Military.” http://att.jobs/military.aspx.

BAESystems.“MilitaryConnection.” http://www1.baesystems.com/Careers/US/Vets/.

BankofAmerica.“Military&VeteranRecruiting.“ http://careers.bankofamerica.com/military/.

BoeingCorporation.“TransitioningMilitary.” http://jobs-boeing.com/transitioning-military/.

Caterpillar,Inc.“Veterans.” http://www.caterpillar.com/careers/careers-americas/veterans.

Cintas.“PostMilitaryCareerOpportunities.” http://www.cintas.com/careers/career_paths/junior_military_ncos.aspx.

CiscoSystems.“VeteransEnablementandTroopSupport.” http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac49/ac55/diversity_inclusion_erg_vets.html.

CSXCorporation.“Military-FriendlyEmployer.” http://www.csx.com/index.cfm/working-at-csx/military-friendly-employer/.

DaVita.“DaVitaVillageVeterans.” http://careers.davita.com/DaVitaPages/military.aspx.

Disney.“HeroesWorkHere.” http://disneycareers.com/en/working-here/heroes-work-here/.

Dominion.“TroopstoEnergyJobs:YourRoadmaptoNewCareerDirections.” http://www.dom.com/careers/pdf/troops_brochure.pdf.

DynCorpInternational.“CommitmenttoVeterans.” http://www.dyn-intl.com/about-us/commitment-to-veterans.aspx.

Futures,Inc.“U.S.VeteransPipeline.” https://usveteranspipeline.com/.

GeneralElectric.“JuniorOfficerLeadershipProgram(JOLP).”http://www.ge.com/careers/veterans/jolp/index.html.

GeneralElectric.“MilitaryFrequentlyAskedQuestions.”http://www.ge.com/pdf/careers/veterans/ge_military_frequently_asked_questions.pdf.

GeneralElectric.“VeteransNetwork.” http://www.ge.com/company/culture/people/veteransnetwork.html.

Google.“GoogleforVeteransandFamilies.” http://www.googleforveterans.com/.

Hero2Hired. https://h2h.jobs/.

TheHomeDepot.“MilitaryCommitment.“ http://careers.homedepot.com/our-culture/military-commitment.html.

Humana.Inc.“People,Purpose,Possibilities.” http://www.jobs.net/jobs/Humana-Veterans/.

InternationalFranchiseAssociationVetFran. http://www.vetfran.com/veterans-toolkit-signup/.

Intuit.“EmployeeNetworks.” http://careers.intuit.com/customer-care/employee-networks.

JPMorganChase&Co. https://www.chase.com/online/military/military-jobs.htm.

Appendicies


LockheedMartin.“AssistancePrograms&MilitaryOutreach.” http://www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/assistance-programs.asp.

LockheedMartin.“TransitioningMilitary:MeetOurMilitaryRelationsManagers.” http://www.lockheedmartinjobs.com/meet-our-military.asp.

MagellanHealthServices.“HeroHireHealth.” http://www.herohealthhire.com.

ManTechInternationalCorporation.“TransitioningMilitary.” http://www.mantech.com/careers/Pages/military.aspx.

Merck&Co,Inc.“MilitaryRecruiting.” http://www.merck.com/careers/explore-careers/military-recruiting/home.html.

Microsoft.“Military2Microsoft.” http://www.microsoft-careers.com/content/military/military-2-microsoft/.

Microsoft.“WeStillServe.” http://www.microsoft-careers.com/content/military/we-still-serve/.

MOAAMilitaryOfficersAssociationofAmerica. http://www.moaa.org/.

O*netonline. http://www.onetonline.org/.

Prudential.“SupportingVeteranswithOpportunity.” http://www.prudential.com/veterans.

PublicServiceEnterpriseGroup(PSEG).“TransitioningfromtheMilitary.” http://www.pseg.com/info/careers/military.jsp.

SAIC.“ForMilitaryProfessionals.” https://www.saic.com/career/military/.

SAIC.“WoundedWarriors.” https://www.saic.com/career/military/wounded-warriors.html.

SchneiderNational.“Military-FriendlyEmployer.” http://www.schneiderjobs.com/OfficeCareers/Military/index.htm.

SearsHoldingsCorporation.“MilitaryRecruitment.” http://www.searsholdings.com/careers/learnmore_military.php.

ShellOilCompany.“MilitaryVeterans.” http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa/aboutshell/careers_tpkg/military_vets/.

SocietyforHumanResourceManagement. “SupportfromBehindtheLines:TenStepstobecomingaMilitary-ReadyEmployer.” http://www.shrm.org/TemplatesTools/Toolkits/Documents/120177%20Behind_the_Lines_Toolkit_FNL.pdf.

Sodexo.“SodexoHiresHeroes.” http://www.sodexohiresheroes.com.

Sodexo.“EmployeeNetworkGroups.” http://www.sodexousa.com/usen/careers/diversity/network/networkgroups.asp.

T-Mobile:“MilitaryTalentNetwork.” http://www.tmobile.jobs/talent-network/military/.

U.S.Bankcorp“ProudtoServe.“ http://proudtoserve.usbank.com/.

USChamberofCommerce.“HiringOurHeroes” http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes.

VeteransonWallStreet(VOWS). http://veteransonwallstreet.com/.

WalMart.“CareerswithaMission.” http://walmartcareerswithamission.com/.

WorkforceSolutions,Inc.“EmployerToolkit:Recruiting,IntegrationandRetentionofVeterans.” http://www.wrksolutions.com/employer/toolkit/TWS-Military-Toolkit_v5.pdf.

Appendicies


APPENDIX III:

Select Federal and Institutional Programs Supporting Veterans Recruiting, Hiring and Integration

AmericanCouncilonEducation(ACE). “ToolkitforVet-FriendlyInstitutions.” http://vetfriendlytoolkit.org/.

America’sHeroesatWork.“HiringVeterans:AStep-by-StepToolkitforEmployers.” http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit. http://www.dol.gov/vets/documents/VeteransHiringToolkit.Presentation.pdf.

ESGR. http://www.esgr.mil

U.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS).“ContinueyourServicetoAmerica”. http://www.dhs.gov/finding-job-department

U.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs.“VAforVets.” http://vaforvets.va.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

U.S.DepartmentofVeteransAffairs.“VetSuccess.” http://vetsuccess.gov/.

OfficeofPersonnelManagement.“FedsHireVets.” http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA).“Careers forVeterans.” http://www.epa.gov/careers/veterans-epa.html.

U.S.SocialSecurityAdministration(SSA).”Veterans.” http://www.ssa.gov/careers/vet.html

SyracuseUniversityVeteranResearch. http://vets.syr.edu/.

TurboTAP. www.turbotap.org.

USA.gov. “ManagersToolkit.” http://www.usa.gov/Federal-Employees/Managers-Toolkit.shtml.

U.S.ArmyReserveandArmyNationalGuard. “EmployerPartnershipoftheArmedForces.” https://www.employerpartnership.org/

U.S.DepartmentofLabor. “GoldCardInitiative.” http://www.dol.gov/vets/goldcard.html.

VetEmployment(VETS). http://www.dol.gov/vets/index.htm.

U.S.DepartmentofVeterans’AffairsOfficeofRuralHealth. “RuralVeteranOutreachToolkit.” http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/resource-centers/western/outreach-toolkit.asp.

U.S.DepartmentofVeterans’Affairs,MyCareer@VA. “VeteransAffairsLearningUniversity(VALU).” http://mycareeratva.va.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

U.S.DepartmentofVeterans’Affairs. “eBenefits.” https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/.

TheWhiteHouse. “JoiningForces.” http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces/resources.

Appendicies


MarkHavardisSeniorVice-PresidentofTMPGovernment,focusingondevelopingmarketingprogramstosupportthehumancapitalprogramsofgovernmentclients.BasedinWashington,DC,MarkisfrequentlycalledonbyTMPclientsnationwide

forhisexpertiseininteractiveengagementandworkplacecultures.Beforetakingonhiscurrentrole,MarkoversawclientdevelopmentthroughoutNorthAmericaforTMP’sadvertisingdivision.HeholdsaMaster’sDegreeinEducation/LaborRelationsaswellasaBachelor’sinPoliticalScience/PublicAdministrationfromVirginiaTech.Youcanreachhimatmark.havard@tmpgovernment.com.

JohnBersentesisTMP’sVicePresidentofBusinessDevelopmentspecializingintheFederalgovernmentspace.Anexpertinsocialmarketing,multi-culturaloutreach,andonlineengagement,JohnmanagesTMP’seffortstokeepFederalhumancapital

leadersabreastofrelevantnewpracticesandtechnologiesforworkplaceenrichmentandinclusion.Duringthelastdecade,JohnhashelpeddevelopandlaunchleadingdiversitynichejobboardslikeHireDiversity.comandWorkplaceDiversity.com.HeisagraduateoftheUniversityofCaliforniaatSantaBarbara.Hecanbereachedatjohn.bersentes@tmpgovernment.com.

TMPGovernment,LLC(www.TMPgovernment.com)awhollyownedsubsidiaryofTMPWorldwideAdvertising&CommunicationsLLC,istheleadingadvertisingandoutreachcommunicationsagencythatfocusesontotalcommunications,encompassingdigitalandtraditionalprograms,exclusivelyforgovernment,contractorsandassociations.Ourgovernment-to-citizen,government-to-governmentandorganization-to-governmentprogramsmeetthedigital,outreach,marketingandrecruitmentcommunicationsneedsofclients.Oursingularfocusonthepublicsectorgivesusproven,unparalleledexperienceinandunderstandingofgovernmentmarketplaces,communities,processesandneeds.AsasubsidiaryofTMPWorldwide,oneofAmerica’sleadingdigitalagencies,wecantranslatethelatestadvancesindesign,mobility,socialnetworkingandmeasurementintotherequirementsofthepublicsector.

About the Authors About TMP

GovernmenTBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers GuideBuyers Guide

EVENTS

Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference

June 9-12 – Los Angeles

he Transportation and Development Institute (T&DI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is pleased to announce the 2013 Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference with the theme “Sustainable and

Efficient Pavements.” This conference will bring together researchers, designers,

project/construction managers, and contractors from around the world to discuss the ever-changing challenges to airfield and highway pavement sustainability, design, advanced modeling, performance, evaluation and monitoring, rehabilitation, life-cycle assessment, and emerging technologies.

The conference will include an extensive technical program developed by a scientific committee with over 50 members. It includes four concurrent paper/presentation tracks, two technical tours and workshops. There will be many opportunities to earn up to 14.5 professional development hours (PDHs) for registered professionals in meeting continuing education requirements to maintain licensure.

There will be a plenary session, including a presentation by a leader in the field of pavement engineering, and there will be exhibits of companies driving innovation and quality in pavement engineering, construction and maintenance. Presentations for the ASCE pavement conference should be sent to [email protected] with “ASCE Pavement Conference” in the subject line. More information can be found at the event's website: http://content.asce.org/conferences/pavements2013/

T

AIAA Aerospace Sciences – Fluid Sciences Event June 24-27 – San Diego, California

he Fluid Dynamics and Co-located Conferences and Exhibit provides a unique opportunity to participate in seven AIAA conferences in one.

Joint sessions between many of these events are planned to encourage synergism and collaboration among communities.

Submitting a paper to these events will allow you the chance to share your latest research and development findings with leading engineers, researchers, and scientists in the field. In addition, many of the conferences recognize outstanding members of the community through best paper awards.

Attending the event will also provide ample opportunities for networking and discussion as you participate in the many planned

activities including networking breaks, luncheons, receptions, and off-site events. The event will be held at the San Diego Sheraton Hotel. For more

information, visit the event’s website, https://www.aiaa.org/Fluids2013/ or email AIAA Event Product Manager Carmela Brittingham at [email protected].

T

AFCEA Cyber Symposium and Expo June 25-27 – Baltimore

ational security is continuously being redefined as awareness of the cyberspace domain evolves. Cyber threats and challenges grow every day.

Successfully defending our networks requires a team approach. With this in mind, the AFCEA Cyber Symposium will engage the key players, including the U. S. Government, the International Community, Industry and Academia, to discuss the development of robust cyberspace capabilities and partnerships. The AFCEA International Cyber Symposium 2013 focuses on the critical missions of U.S. Cyber Command and the interface with Army Cyber Command, Marine Corps Forces Cyber Command, 10th U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, 24th Air Force Cyber, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, DoD-CIO, National Security Agency (NSA), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Academia, Industry partners. The operational theme "Defining Full Spectrum Global Cyberspace Operations" will explore the operational security of DoD and Industry Networks, Cyber Operations with Joint and Coalition partners, and discuss the training and development of the cyber workforce. More than 200 exhibitors will showcase their products and programs, with emphasis on information technology. For more information, see the event’s website: http://www.afcea.org/events/cyber/13/intro.asp.

N

Government Procurement Conference 2013 July 24 – Arlington, Texas

overnment Procurement Conference 2013 is the premier educational event in North Texas focused on providing educational and learning opportunities for small businesses wishing to sell to Local, State and Federal Government and their Prime Contractors. The Government Procurement Conference

2013 event will be held Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at the Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, Texas 76011. This year, all of the workshops are in Meeting Rooms M-‐1 -‐ M-‐12. The Exhibit Hall has afternoon hours to visit Booths and Sponsors.

Attendee registration fee includes: Full access to your choice of workshops; the Exhibit Hall; Buyer Networking Opportunities; Resource and Assistance Agencies and one drink ticket during cocktail hour. For more information, visit www.cvent.com or contact event planner Katie Beaver at [email protected] or by calling (817) 272-‐5986.

G

ASSE Professional Development Conference & Expo June 24-25 - Las Vegas

s an SH&E professional, you are expected to have expertise in environmental management, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, product safety, Workers’ Compensation, construction safety and organizational management, in addition to the more traditional

aspects of safety management and engineering. Over 225 sessions will be presented by the best minds in the industry to help you take your skills to the next level.

This conference brings a wide variety of perspectives to attendees through specialized sessions. Sessions are distributed among more than 20 topics and identified by experience levels. By identifying the discipline and experience level you are interested in, you’ll be able to tailor your personal conference schedule and better navigate the conference.

The Executive Summit Panel will discuss senior management’s views on the importance of employee safety and health and the expectations business and industry leaders have on the role of safety and health professionals. Understanding the perspective of executives at the highest levels of their organizations is a critical element of success for safety and health professionals. The panel, moderated by a practicing safety professional, will include questions submitted by attendees.

For more information, see the event’s website: www.asse.org/education/expo13/

A

Mobile Device Security Summit 2013 May 30-June 6 – Anaheim, CA

usiness demand for bring your own device (BYOD) will continue to increase, and enterprise security programs must change to

enable and secure this new environment. Security approaches used to secure personal computers and PC applications will not work in this new consumer driven world of smart phones, tablets and mobile applications. The ability to secure heterogeneous and rapidly changing devices demands new policies, revised architectures and next-generation security controls. At this conference mobile device security experts and practitioners will detail proven approaches to securing BYOD. Organizations who have developed successful mobile device security programs will share how they developed and gained management support for their plans, and provide information on lessons learned and pitfalls to avoid in implementing an effective and efficient solution. Topics will include: understanding and controlling risks in an increasingly consumer driven and heterogeneous mobile world, policies, architectures and security controls for enabling secure use of BYOD, user case studies, benchmarking and metrics for a mobile security program and current threat landscape, and what's on the horizon. For more information, see the event’s website sans.org/event/mobile-device-security-summit-2013 or call (301) 654-SANS (7267).

B

WorldComp 2013 July 22-25 – Las Vegas

o not miss the opportunity to participate in the 2013 World Congress of Computer Science, Computer Engineering and

Applied Computing (WORLDCOMP) with active participation from government, industry and academia. This four day event will take place on Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25 with the exposition taking place July 22-23.

One main goal of the Congress is to assemble a spectrum of 22-affiliated research conferences, workshops, and symposiums into a coordinated research meeting held in a common place at a common time. This model facilitates communication among researchers in different fields of computer science, computer engineering, and applied computing. The Congress also encourages multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research initiatives; ie, facilitating increased opportunities for cross-fertilization across sub-disciplines. Learn more about the conferences being held simultaneously at WORLDCOMP by visiting world-academy-of-science.org/worldcomp13/ws/conferences

An important mission of WORLDCOMP is “Providing a unique platform for a diverse community of constituents composed of scholars, researchers, developers, educators, and practitioners. The Congress makes concerted effort to reach out to participants affiliated with diverse entities (such as: universities, institutions, corporations, government agencies, and research centers/labs) from all over the world. The congress also attempts to connect participants from institutions that have teaching as their main mission with those who are affiliated with institutions that have research as their main mission. The congress uses a quota system to achieve its institution and geography diversity objectives.”

D

Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference June 6-9 – Baltimore

he Hazmat Conference is a four-day event offering hands-on training across a

range of essential topics, including biothreat response and sample collection, incident management best practices, chemical and physical properties of hazardous materials, and recognizing and responding to commercial explosive incidents.

The training offered at the Hazmat Conference provides immediate, practical and valuable information designed to ensure you successfully meet the demands in today's challenging environment.

The conference is hosted at the Hilton Baltimore, and special conference rates are available. For more information on registration or accomodations, visit http://www.iafc.org/hazmat or contact Experient, Inc. at (866) 229-2386 or email [email protected].

T

107th GFOA Annual Conference June 2-5 – San Francisco

he annual conference for the Government Finance Officers Association is an opportunity to see

more than 75 preconference seminars, concurrent sessions, and discussion groups.

There will also be unparalleled opportunities to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits, general sessions featuring nationally recognized speakers, evening social events to facilitate networking with colleagues, and a robust exhibit hall with hands-on demonstrations of the latest products and services.

There will also be an opportunity to view dozens of presentations from exhibitors in attendance to represent their business from a wide range of industries. Those interested in attending should visit the event’s website: http://www.eventscribe.com/2013/GFOA/ or contact GFOA communications manager Naudia Laudadio at (312) 977.9700 x 241.

T

Cyber Resilience Expo August 13-14 – San Francisco he Cyber Resilience Expo will be part this year’s Resilience Week 2013, taking place at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District from August 13-15, 2013. This year’s event is organized by Idaho National Laboratory,

Berkeley University, Purdue University, and Temple University. The Technical Sponsors are: IEEE, IES, CAES, and Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

The 2013 Resilience Week brings together colleagues across government, academia and industry to facilitate an exchange of ideas dedicated to promising research in resilient systems that will protect cyber-physical infrastructures from unexpected and malicious threats--securing our way of life.

The 2013 Resilience Week will consist of four different symposiums: Resilient Control Systems, Resilient Cyber Systems, Resilient Cognitive Systems, and Resilient Communication Systems.

Keynotes will be provided by numerous leading subject matter experts – from agencies including: NSA, DARPA, Sandia National Laboratory, and Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Learn more about Resilience Week at: https://secureweb.inl.gov/ResWeek2013/Default.aspx.

T

University Business Tech Conference June 10-12 – Orlando, FL

he UB Tech Conference, held at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, features two ground-breaking keynote

sessions, 100 featured and breakout sessions, one Disney World venue on the boardwalk, 1,000 networking opportunities with colleagues and peers, free access to the InfoComm exhibit hall and on-demand viewing of any session you miss.

This national summit on higher education technology and leadership provides higher education’s most focused high-level conversation about technology’s impact on every aspect of campus leadership and practice. This includes Campus network and infrastructure, facilities planning and design and teaching and learning technologies.

For exhibitors, the UB Tech Conference is an opportunity to connect with 1,000 campus technology leaders and higher education business executives.

For more information, including information about attending, exhibiting or becoming a sponsor, visit the event’s website: http://ubtechconference.com/

T

Live Fire Test and Evaluation Conference July 8-9 – Laurel, Maryland

ecent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have highlighted the need for our

combat systems to be survivable and effective. Many of our systems employed in combat have undergone statutorily-mandated Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E), and have benefited from the advanced understanding of how our weapons perform and how our systems will respond when hit.

This conference will address the impact of global threats, including strategic, tactical (including ballistic, directed energy and other non-ballistic threats) and unconventional threats (IEDs, others) on the safety and survivability of our armed forces. It will explore new survivability techniques and approaches to integrate survivability concerns within the broad considerations of system design and employment. The conference will also address issues related to lethality of our weapons systems, from small caliber munitions to missile defense. Lethality will be discussed within the operational context of increased precision of delivery and the desire to limit collateral damage. Other topics, which also play a vital role in this process, will include modeling and simulation, experimental design, test ranges, instrumentation and environmental issues related to this type of testing. LFT&E policies, procedures and best practices will also be addressed.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the statutory requirement for LFT&E of acquisition programs under Title 10, United States Code (Section 2366). The statute, which became effective in FY1987, requires realistic survivability testing and realistic lethality testing for applicable systems. Since FY1995, OSD oversight of LFT&E has been provided through the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation,which provides for an integrated assessment of operational effectiveness (including lethality), suitability and survivability.

For more information, contact Ms. Laura Yuska at [email protected] or (703)247-2596 or visit the event’s website at ndia.org/meetings/3390/Pages/default.aspx.

R

Annual Integrate Air & Missile Defense Symposium July 11 – Laurel, Maryland

his classified, no-media-allowed Symposium, hosted by NDIA’s Missile Defense Division and Strike, Land Attack

and Air Defense Division, will give you unfiltered, unvarnished straight talk and discussion about the priorities and challenges of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Services with the global BMDS program and the state of Integrated Air and Missile Defense overall, including an update on the European Phased Adaptive Approach.

You will get valuable, ‘off the record’ insights and information from key decision makers on the current state of joint integration and interoperability in IAMD; where IAMD stands today and where it is going, with an inside look at the Administration’s highest priorities in the longer term, the latest information on the Phased Adaptive Approach and how industry can effectively position itself to support it and the latest advances in IAMD capabilities and technologies.

As in the first three ‘State of IAMD’ symposia, this event is being held at the Kossiakoff Conference Center of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, conveniently located in nearby Laurel, MD on Thursday, the 11th of July 2013.

Don’t miss this once-a-year chance to get an inside take on the latest on IAMD -- especially if you are a government, military or industry technical and engineering professional. Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to connect with the people you need to meet and learn what you need to know from the people in-the-know on IAMD systems, planning and development.

For more info, visit www.ndia.org/meetings/3100/Pages/default.aspx or contact Ms. Kimberly Williams at [email protected] or (703)247-2578.

T

ICAM Information Day and Expo June 18 - Washington, D.C.

our company is invited to exhibit at the ICAM Day Expo! The vendor expo will take place in conjunction with the Spring 2013 Identity,

Credential, and Access Management Sub Committee (ICAM) Day. This day provides a forum for the ICAM community to get first-hand information on current identity management and related technologies.

Exhibitors will be able to demonstrate their latest information assurance and security products and services related to logical and physical access systems to include use of mobile devices and cloud services. The ICAM Community welcomes companies to participate in the expo that support ICAM technologies products that leverage trusted identity management

credentials, such as the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card. As the technology landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, companies that have expertise, knowledge, and products that support the ICAM target state are encouraged to participate.

The Spring 2013 ICAM Day and Vendor Expo will be held on June 18th, 2013 on the second floor conference rooms (rooms 201 and 203) of GSA OCS located at 1275 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 on 18 June, 2013. The event is intended to have the participation of the federal agencies of the Executive Branch.

For more information, contact Vicki Berg at [email protected] or visit the event website at www.fbcinc.com/event.aspx/Q6UJ9A00WNCR.

Y

Global Intelligence Forum USA July 30-31 – Washington, D.C.

For over 30 years, the government and industry members of the AFCEA Intelligence Committee have sponsored highly regarded classified symposia and conferences for intelligence professionals. Now – in partnership with AFCEA’s Cyber Committee – the Intelligence Committee is bringing that same expertise to an unclassified forum

as part of its commitment to supporting the public-private partnership the nation needs to ensure secure operations in cyberspace.

On July 30-31, 2013, in the National Press Club in the heart of Washington, D.C. right near the White House, the AFCEA Global Intelligence Forum will focus specifically on the role of intelligence in the cyber domain.

During this day and a half, unclassified conference, leaders from across the government, military, and industry will explore the role that the Intelligence Community can play in helping to ensure free and secure cyberspace operations – from setting requirements, to collecting and analyzing data, to delivering insights and recommendations. In the end, the discourse will look at where industry can partner with the government to provide cyber situational awareness and indications and warning.

For more information, visit afcea.org/events/globalintelforum/13 or contact Gretchen Eisenhower at (703) 631-6219 or (800) 336-4583, ext. 6219.

Healthcare Data Analytics July 9-10 – Washington, D.C.

he healthcare analytics market, already at almost $4 billion annually, is expected to grow to

nearly $11 billion per year by 2017. In addition, the application of emerging Big data tools and analytics could help U.S. citizens save as much as$450 billion in healthcare costs, but fundamental change is necessary to meeting such goals, according to a new analysis published this month by consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Healthcare organizations around the globe are gathering information and crunching numbers to determine by careful analysis the key statistical data that will drive improvements in operational performance, quality of care, and cost management.

More and more healthcare providers and payers are engaging in complex predictive analytics in the attempt to understand an extremely wide range of patient data – everything from indicators for relapse and readmission to factors indicating increased medicine consumption, and more. Forward-thinking organizations are setting up

the infrastructure needed to collect, process, integrate, and mine these nuggets of hidden data within the increasing large troves of stored patient information.

This outstanding symposium brings together the key senior executives from hospital and physician settings, government, and industry to examine the state of healthcare analytics and the future opportunities and challenges to be faced. For more information, visit the event website at healthbigdata.net.

T

NCMA Summer Leader Summitt 2013 July 20-21 – Nashville

re you an NCMA chapter leader, about to become one, or are interested in volunteering at

the chapter level? Join us for our Summer Chapter Leader Summit 2013, where chapter leaders from across the nation converge to ensure they are getting the new chapter year off to a great start. This year's event will focus on the importance of thinking of your chapter as a business.

Plus, this year's event is being held in conjunction with World Congress 2013, in order to make attendee travel and participation more affordable and to give our chapter leaders greater exposure to NCMA leadership and the profession at large.

Participants will earn 8.5 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours by attending this two-day event.

Attending NCMA's Summer Chapter Leader Summit gives you direct access to over 100 chapter leaders from across the nation. The sessions connect you with chapter leaders and NCMA Leadership who have made a huge impact on their chapter's success. Learn from the steps these presenters have taken to find the solutions your chapter needs to kick off a successful chapter program year.

For more information contact NCMA Director of Meetings Jennifer Coy at 800-344-8096 ex. 1135.

A

National Nuclear Security Conference June 24-27 – San Jose, California

The National Nuclear Security Conference is an opportunity for security professionals to gather, exchange ideas and participate in discussions on the latest industry and Nuclear Regulatory Commission trends. Participants also will have access to a number of vendors on the leading edge of security technology and services.

Security managers, supervisors, trainers, officers and other professionals involved in security at nuclear facilities will find the conference informative. Security service providers and vendors are welcome to attend. For more information, visit the event’s website at http://www.nei.org/newsandevents/conferencesandmeetings/nnsc.

Exhibitors are welcome at the National Nuclear Security Conference. For more information, contact Arika Johnson at [email protected] or 202.739.8092.

Black Hat USA – 2013 July 27-‐August 1 – Las Vegas

lack Hat USA is the show that sets the benchmark for all other security

conferences. As Black Hat returns for its 16th year to Las Vegas, we bring together the brightest in the world for six days of learning, networking, and skill building. Join us for four intense days of Training and two jam-packed filled days of Briefings.

Black Hat USA 2013 brings together the best minds in security to define tomorrow's information security landscape. Featuring many new tracks and new training sessions, Black Hat USA is the biggest and best conference we've ever presented.

The training sessions cover topics such as Adaptive Penetration Testing, Adaptive Red Team Tactics, Advanced C/C++ Source Code Analysis, Advanced

Malware Analysis and Advanced OSINT Target Profiling.

For More information, visit the event website: www.blackhat.com/us-13.

B

Pentagon Tech Day Featuring IT and Digital Media Services July 15 – Washington, D.C.

resident Barack Obama signed the $633 billion fiscal 2013 National Defense Authorization Act into law. It includes a 1.7 percent pay raise for military personnel,

and contains $527.5 billion for DOD’s base budget, $88.5 billion for overseas contingency operations and $17.8 billion for national security programs in the Energy Department and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

The Pentagon Library is hosting the Pentagon Tech Day: featuring IT and Digital Media Services. In conjunction with the IT Expo the Library would like to highlight and demonstrate some of the digital media services available through the Library. The goal is to have Pentagon attendees become familiar with and take part in demonstrations of the many services available to aid them in their various missions.

This unclassified tabletop expo will be held in The Pentagon Conference Center. Because of the broad range of products and services that will be on display, this event will attract attendees from across the spectrum of DoD components. The 2012 expos averaged over 200 attendees, including personnel from: DISA, DTRA, ITA, U.S. Navy, NGA, OSD, Pentagon Library, WHS, and Joint Staff.

The expo is the perfect opportunity for existing DoD contractors or those that wish to present new products and services to DoD to do so. Space is limited; a maximum of only 35 exhibit spaces can be accommodated.

For more information, contact Vicki Berg at [email protected] or visit the event website at www.fbcinc.com/event.aspx/Q6UJ9A00WNCR.

P

AFCEA Technology and Industry Day June 27 Joint-Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, Washington

ederal Business Council, Inc. (FBC) and the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics

Association (AFCEA) - Pacific Northwest Chapter (PNC) will be partnering once again to co-host the 3nd Annual Technology & Industry Day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

The purpose of this annual expo is to allow JBLM personnel the opportunity to evaluate the latest advancements in the IT field, as well as update their DoD sources for current and future projects and requirements. In turn, companies that participate in this expo will be able to network with decision makers, project managers, IT professionals, communications specialists, and contracting personnel at JBLM. There are more than 25,000 soldiers and civilian workers at JBLM. FBC and AFCEA will work together to invite all key, and appropriate, personnel to this event.

AFCEA is a non-profit membership association serving the military, government, industry, and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, IT, intelligence, and global security.

For more information, contact Vicki Berg at [email protected] or visit the

event website at www.fbcinc.com/event.aspx/Q6UJ9A00WNCR.

F

GovernmenTBuyers Guide

EVENTVISITOR

Arlington

Event Visitor May

Getting to Arlington via Airplane: Although the city of Arlington has a Municipal Airport four miles south of the central business district, it is a general aviation “reliever” airport with only about 300 aircraft. Most business travelers heading to Arlington arrive through the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. The DFW is the third busiest airline hub in the world and is located about 12 miles north of Arlington on Hwy 360. Ground Transpiration:

To get into the city, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi. Arlington is one of the few major cities in America that does not have a public transportation system. Taxi service at the DFW International Airport is available on the the upper level of Terminals A, B, C and E, and on the lower level of Terminal D. The approximate fare to Arlington City Hall from the airport is $33.00. Rental cars are also available at the south entrance of the DFW Airport. At the baggage collection area, follow the Rental Car signs to the designated pick-up area on the lower level of the terminal. Then hop on the Rental Cars shuttle that runs every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day to arrive at the Rental Car Center in just 10 minutes. It's a 15-20 minute drive to get into the city by cruising South on Hwy 360. Weather The weather in Arlington varies throughout the year, depending on the season. Beginning from June to September, the temperatures climb well into the 90s, so pack light-weight clothing. Arlington's cold season starts in late November and goes til late February with the average daily highs in the 50s and the average lows dipping to the 30s. Be sure to bring jackets and long pants during the winter. Off the Clock Ballpark at Arlington For a complete Arlington experience, don't forget to head over to the Ballpark at Arlington, home to the beloved Texas Rangers. Located in the eastern part of the city, the Ballpark is a great place to sit back, enjoy a hot dog, cheer on the Rangers, and soak in the lively energy of diehard fans. At this stadium, whenever a baseball player hits a homerun, they shoot fireworks into the air. On special occasions such as July 4th or whenever the Rangers play a game, there is a fireworks show at the ballpark where they turn off all the stadium lights and play music to the sparks. Other features of the Ballpark at Arlington include the large Rangers store and the Legends of Game museum. Cowboys DanceHall If you're ready to kick off your work shoes and dance the night away in like a real Texan, come to Cowboys DanceHall for a good time. Cowboys is the perfect place to pull on your boots and get to 2-stepping. They offer dance classes various evenings throughout the week. The venue turns into a dance club as the night continues on. With a large dance floor surrounded by bars, plenty of seating, Djs and live bands plaing swinging country music, and even a mechanical bull, Cowboys provides a great venue to hang out and get your groove on.

Arlington

Event Visitor May

Sherlock's Baker Street Pub & Grill

If you're looking to unwind with some good brews after a long business day, check out Sherlock's Baker Street Pub & Grill located by Arlington's Entertainment District. The bar has happy hour on Mondays through Saturdays from 2 to 9 p.m. and all day Sunday. Happy hour specials get you discounts on alcoholic beverages, as well as food. Voted “Beer Pub with Good Grub” by Fort Worth TX Magazine in 2012, Baker's also serves up cheeseburgers, buffalo wings, and jalapeno poppers. The wooden floors, counters, stools, dim lighting, and flat screen

televisions create a causal setting for people to kick back and mingle. In addition to their full bar stocked with bottled beer, draft brews, cocktails, and wines, the Baker Street Pub & Grill also has a separate room where guests can shoot pool, throw darts, and play table soccer. On weekends, the pub hosts live musical performances; there is also a large dance floor and ample seating area. Dining in Arlington

Recommendations for a Business Meeting Cacharel Restaurant Situated atop Arlington's Brookhollow Two Tower, and only a mile from the Arlington Convention Center, Cacharel Restaurant boasts unique views of the city's Entertainment district and provides the perfect venue to discuss business over lunch or host a company dinner party. The chefs at this upscale, French-inspired restaurant use fresh ingredients to create amazing dishes and an extensive array of menu items. Guest favorites include sliced roasted rack of lamb, sauteed filet of Norwegian Salmon, and blah blah. The dinner menu is set at $49.75 per person and includes your choice of appetizer and dessert such as souffles and mousses. The Cacharel Restaurant, which is opened for lunch and dinner, also has a steak menu that offers items such as a 13 oz grilled New York strip “Kobe Beef” steak for $74.50, or a 10 oz Australian cold water lobster tail for $64.50. Its intimate atmosphere along with its richly-furnished dining room make this high-end restaurant a perfect setting to impress guests. Piccolo Mondo For an unforgettable dining experience that has been tried and tested to please patrons, head over to Piccolo Mondo. Established over 25 years ago, this well-appointed Italian restaurant has become a popular spot amongst locals to hold private dinners and celebrate special occasions. Located only two miles from the Arlington Convention Center, Piccolo Mondo provides a classy place for people to come together and enjoy good food. With soft lighting, oil paintings, and music drifting from the baby grand piano at the bar, this little gem was voted “One of the area's finest restaurants” by Zagat Dallas-Fort Worth Restaurant Guide. It serves up authentic Italian fare for lunch and dinner; guest favorites include the Medaglioni di Manzo alla Cavour - a medallion of beef tenderloin sauteed with crushed peppercorns, cognac and cream (33.75) and Rolatine di Pollo - a breast of chicken stuffed with ham, cheese and fine herbs, served in a mushroom and madeira sauce (19.75).

Arlington

Event Visitor May

Quick Eats on a Budget

Mixed Up Burgers

Located less than a 10 minute drive away from the Arlington Convention Center, Mixed Up Burgers is the place to grab a the perfect burger. This local hamburger joint has quickly become a favorite among Texans for cheap beer and custom burgers. At Mixed Up Burgers, you get to choose your favorite ingredients — from bacon to mushrooms to pineapple to blue cheese crumbles — to be mixed into your fresh sirloin burger and grilled to perfection. For an additional charge, you can also select from a list of toppings

— from fried eggs to avocados to onion rings — to complete your perfect burger. Mixed Up Burgers also serves everything from hot wings and mozzarella sticks to salads and curly fries to compliment your burger. Damian's Cajun Soul Cafe Hungry travelers on a budget should head to Damian's Cajun Soul Cafe for one of Arlington's best kept secrets. This family owned and operated cafe is located only a 7 minute drive from the Convention Center—just off highway 360 and Abram Street—across from the General Motors Plant. Don't let the styrofoam plates and plastic utensils fool you; locals swear that this little hole-in-the-wall serves up the best authentic Louisiana Cajun and Soul food Texas has to offer. Local favorites include the crawfish ettouffee, smoked cajun wings, mac & cheese, and jambalaya. Damian's Cajun Soul Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and their daily lunch specials start at $6.99.

Baltimore

Event Visitor May

Getting to Baltimore via Airplane: The Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is only located about 10 miles south of the city and is the busiest airline hub in the metropolitan area. In addition to being named the best airport of its size in recent years by the Airports Council International, it was also ranked the airport with the second “Best Food and Beverage Program” in 2010. Ground Transpiration: The BWI Airport is serviced by several shuttle companies to help passengers get to and from their destination. The BayRunner Shittle is Maryland's primer scheduled airport

shuttle and connects both Mayland's Eastern and Western Shore to BWI Marshall. There is also the SuperShuttle, the leadign airport shuttle company in the world. It offers 24 hour service throughout the state of Maryland, Annapolis, Washington D.C, and Northern Virginia. The Airport Shuttle provides door to door reservation service throughout Maryland. If you would rather take a cab, the taxi stand at BWI is located just outside of the baggage claim area of the Lower Level of the Marshall terminal. Taxi rates are $2.90 for the first 1/10th of a mile, and $2.50 for each mile thereafter. Public Transportation: In Baltimore, it is easy to get around the city because many of Baltimore's hotels, attractions, restaurants and nightlife are located within comfortable walking distance of each other. Should you need to get to a farther location, you can utilize the city's public transportation system to get where you need to go. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is the city's main system and operates 57 commuter and local bus routes, Metro Subway, and the Light Rail. The MTA also runs the weekday MARC train service, a commuter rail system whose service areas include Harford County, Maryland; Baltimore City; Washington D.C.; Brunswick, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia. Visit mta.maryland.gov for more information about schedules and routes. Baltimore also provides tourist-friendly transportation options such as the Charm City Circulator, a free bus service that connects points north (Penn Station/Mt. Vernon) and south (Federal Hill) and west (B&O Railroad Museum) and east (Harbor East/Little Italy) through the center of the city. Weather Like the rest of the Mid-Atlantic, Baltimore is a city that experiences all four seasons; therefore, it is important to be mindful of the weather when packing for the city. Also remember that precipitation is common year-round, so don't forget your boots. In the fall, the weather gets chilly with average lows in the upper 40s and mid 60s. In the winter, don't forget to pack your coat because temperatures can dip below 30 degrees. Springtime in Baltimore is typically mild and temperatures range from the high 40s to the high 70s. Summers tend to be very hot and humid, with average temperatures in the 80s and 90s.

Baltimore

Event Visitor May

Off the Clock James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant Just a 10-minute walk from the Inner Harbor, the James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant is a great place for beer lovers to escape the fancy dining restaurants in Harbor East to simply enjoy Guinness and Harp on tap. The casual hotspot not only offers weekday happy hour specials, but they also host Trivia Nights on Mondays, and live music regularly on weekends. Additionally, this well-stocked pub offers a family-friendly restaurant serving up delicious Irish fare every day of the week.

Howl At The Moon After a long business day, if you're ready to blow off some steam with a night of dancing, head over to Howl at the Moon for the greatest Rock N' Roll Dueling Piano Bar in the country. The nightclub is popular amongst locals and is opened until 2 a.m. from Wednesdays through Saturdays. It provides a place for people to come together to sing, dance, and howl the night away as the club blasts a versatile range of tunes from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today on pianos, guitars and more. Their high-energy, live music show is centered around audience participation and two dueling pianos. The Walters Art Museum If you'd rather pass your free time in Baltimore by taking in historic beauty, head over to the Walter's Art Museum where the admission is free of charge. The internationally renowned museum is conveniently located about a 20-minute walk from the Inner Harbor. Its art collection spans 55 centuries – from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th century Europe to Greek sculptures and Roman sarcophagi to medieval ivories and Old Master paintings to Art Nouveau jewelry to 19th-century European and American masterpieces. National Aquarium For the complete Baltimore experience, be sure to spend some time at the National Aquarium. As one of the country's top aquariums, the National Aquarium is a beloved tourist spot that inspires conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. Proceeds from admission tickets, which are $21.95 for adults, support vital conservation and education programs. This aquarium is home to more than 660 animal species, as well as 16,000 exhibits such as the Jellyfish Invasion or the Dolphin Discovery. The latter allows guests to interact with experts and watch them train, feed, and play with the dolphins. This exhibit is in addition to the popular Dolphin Show, where dolphins leap in the water and perform tricks with animal trainers. The aquarium also features daily 4-D Immersion films, which combines 3-D visuals with special effects, such as wind, mist, and scents. The National Aquarium is opened everyday of the week; on Fridays, it stays opened until 8 p.m.

Baltimore

Event Visitor May

Dining in Baltimore Recommendations for a Business Meeting

Charleston Restaurant For a fine-dining experience perfect for catering to clients and pitching business proposals, head over to Charleston Restaurant. It offers the perfect setting for elegant dinners, as well as private dining rooms equipped with built in projection screens. Situated on Baltimore's burgeoning waterfront neighborhood if Harbor East, and only a mile away from the Baltimore Convention Center, the award-winning eatery was voted Baltimore's number one restaurant in 2011 and even won AAA's Four Diamond Award. Charleston Chef Cindy

Wolf offers cuisine rooted in French fundamentals with South Carolina Low Country cooking twist. The menu ranges from shrimp and grits to pan-seared foie gras to cornmeal-fried oysters. Charleston Restaurant also boasts a world-class wine list with over 800 labels for patrons to enjoy with their upscale meal. Dinner items range from $74 to $120. Fogo de Chao The Fogo de Chao, located on the Inner Harbor half a mile from the Baltimore Convention Center, is barely five years old and already it has accrued a reputation for being the dining destination for upscale cuisine. This Brazilian steakhouse serves 15 cuts of meat, including lamb, sausage, beef, chicken, and pork. Patrons can also dig into the extensive gourmet salad bar with over 30 items and Brazilian side dishes such as imported cheese, mashed potatoes, fried polenta and plantains. Fogo de Chao's elegant dining room seats 300 diners, and can accommodate large groups – perfect for business dinners. The fixed price for lunch is $32.50 while dinner is $49.50.

Quick Eats on a Budget Alewife If you've got time for a quick bite, head over to Alewife in downtown Baltimore; it's only a five minute walk from the Baltimore Convention Center. The local hotspot serves lunch, dinner, and late night daily from 11:30 a.m. til 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. With an American menu that offers everything from turkey burgers and kobe beef hot dogs to BBQ braised pork chops and blue catfish tacos, along an extensive beer tap with 40 brews from all over the world, it's no wonder the Baltimore Sun listed Alewife as one of the “100 Best Restaurants-Everyday Dining” in recent years.

Halal Food Cart Located within walking distance of the Baltimore Convention Center, the Halal Food cart situated on Baltimore Street is the best place for cheap, but delicious food. This Middle Eastern street vendor is identical to the food carts occupying busy street corners of New York except that the Baltimore locals swear this vendor's food is tastier. The Halal Food Cart offers platters for $6, which include your choice of chicken, lamb, or beef, some rice, a salad, and a drink. A tip from the locals for those carnivores in Baltimore: Ask for your platter without vegetables; you will get more rice and meat.

Chicago

Event Visitor May

Getting to Chicago: Chicago's central location makes it easy to get to fast. It's within a one-day drive of more than half the country and with over 2900 daily flights flying here is a breeze.

Getting There by Plane O'Hare International Airport, located 17 miles from downtown, is one of the largest airports in the world. It is North America's major international gateway airport, servicing over 67 million passengers to and from over 200 destinations around the globe. Midway International Airport is located 10 miles from downtown Chicago and offers another convenient travel option for visitors. It is the nation's premier point-to-point airport, offering value-oriented leisure and

business travel to over 60 destinations. Both airports offer plentiful taxi service to downtown and the suburbs. Rates range from $40-50 from O'Hare, and $30-40 from Midway. Rates vary based on travel time and are subject to change. The Chicago Transit Authority serves both airports for easy and economical travel between downtown and Chicago neighborhoods using the 'L' train. The 24-hour CTA Blue Line connects directly to O'Hare and the CTA Orange Line connects directly to Midway. GO Airport Express provides shared ride services to all downtown/suburban hotels and many businesses. Pair fares and group discounts are available along with customized reservation portals for your groups. Many major car rental companies have facilities at the O'Hare and Midway Airports, including Avis, Alamo, Budget and Hertz. Please visit specific rental company websites for details. Limousine and chauffer agencies prefer that all customers reserve cars at least 48 hours in advance although cars can occasionally be ordered with a two-hour notice.

Getting There by Bus:

Greyhound Lines, Inc. is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation, serving more than 3,800 destinations with 13,000 daily departures across North America. Greyhound has five metro-Chicago locations, including two 24-hour stations and 20 express routes to major US cities. Megabus.com is the first, low-cost, express bus service to offer city-to-city travel for as low as $1 via the Internet. Since launching in April 2006, megabus.com has served more than 22 million customers throughout more than 120 cities across North America.

Chicago

Event Visitor May

Getting Around Chicago:

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation's second largest public transportation system – serving the City of Chicago and 40 neighboring communities by rail and bus. Pay cash for single trip rides or purchase a reloadable Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass for added savings. For full

fare information and maps, visit the Chicago Transit Authority website at transitchicago.com. ‘L' Trains: Not all of Chicago's eight ‘L' lines are "elevated." They do, however, connect the city via above-ground, street-level and subway trains and serve 144 rail stations all over town, making the ‘L' one of the most efficient and affordable methods of transportation available. Two lines operate 24 hours a day: the Blue Line, which connects the airport and downtown, and the Red Line, with service between the North and South Sides via downtown. Buses: More than 100 routes lace the city; buses stop every few blocks. Several lines operate 24 hours a day. Exact change is required for cash fare.

Full Fare with Cash (bus only) Acceptable on buses using exact change only in dollar bills or coins; no transfers available. • Single ride: $2.25

Metra Commuter Rail connects outlying suburbs to downtown and is an easy way to get into the heart of the city fast. For exact fares and route maps, visit the Metra website at metrarail.com.

Fares • Single trip: $2.75 and up based on zones traveled • 10-ride pass: $27.50 and up based on zones traveled

Taxis are plentiful and easy-to-hail downtown and at the airports, and offer a convenient way to get around the city. Credit cards are accepted in all cabs by city mandate. It is standard to tip the driver about 15-20% of the fare, plus $1-2 per bag if the driver helps you with luggage. Please note that all fares are subject to change. Sample taxi fare between downtown and O'Hare Airport is $40-50, and between Midway Airport is $30-35.

Fares • Taxis charge a base rate of $2.25 for the first 1/9 mile, plus, $0.20 for each additional 1/9 mile. • If a gas surcharge is in effect, a sign will be displayed inside the taxicab and a surcharge may apply. Tolls are an extra charge. Taxis charge $1 for the first additional passenger over age 12 and under age 65; each additional passenger after that is $0.50

Chicago

Event Visitor May

Weather in Chicago: Chicago has something in store for fun all year long. From a spectacular winter wonderland to great days at the beach, you'll find four seasons of fun and beauty.

Winters in Chicago come with snow, wintertime temps, and lots of opportunities for snowy adventures. The average annual snowfall amount is 37 inches (949 mm). Average daily highs are around 30 - 38°F (-1°C - 3°C). Springtime in Chicago means blooming flowers and a lively lakefront. Temperatures really start to warm up with April typically in the 50's °F (10-15°C) and May up to around 70°F (21°C). Rainfall averages 3.5 - 3.8 inches (92 - 94mm). Summers in Chicago are warm with average daytime temperatures around 78°F to 92°F (26°C - 33°C).

Rainfall averages range from 3.7 - 4.3 inches (94 to 109mm). It's cooler near the lake, and June is typically the wettest month of the year. Fall is beautiful in Chicago as the leaves turn and temperatures start to cool off. October is usually the driest month. Average temperatures start off around 70°F (21°C) and gradually drop into the mid-40's (7°C) as it gets closer to winter. Rainfall is about 2.7 - 3.3 inches (69 - 84 mm). Places to Eat: Chicago mainstays like a perfect steak or deep-dish pizza, the city's diverse dining offerings feature everything from ethnic dining to traditional family fare to the hottest new restaurants. Food on the Go: One great place to go for slice of deep-dish is The Original Gino's East of Chicago, whose interior is almost as beloved as its pie. Inside, the walls are covered with writing and graffiti drawn by dining patrons, so don't forget to leave your mark.

162 E Superior St Chicago, IL 60611

Another popular pie spot is the family-owned and operated Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, which uses hand-selected ingredients like sweet-and tangy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese from the same small dairy that has supplied the pizzeria for more than 40 years.

1120 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60610

For a filling frank, put Portillo's on your to-do list. With both a standard and jumbo version of the Chicago-style hot dog, there's plenty to enjoy.

100 W Ontario St Chicago, IL 60654

Hot Doug's offers $2 for a Chicago-style hot dog with all the trimmings. 3324 N California Ave Chicago, IL 60618

Chicago

Event Visitor May

Sit Down Restaurants Prosecco offers upscale comfort food from all 20 regions of Italy in an art-filled room reminiscent of the faded splendor of Venice. PROSECCO also offers one of the largest selections of Italian sparkling wine in Chicago. It is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturdays for dinner only. Category: Italian Price Range: $$$ 710 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60654 Girl & The Goat has been serving fun foods, craft beers,

and making wine in a rustic and bad ass environment since summer 2010. The Goat's menu is divided into three categories: Vegetable, Fish, and of course Meat--while vegetable, fish, or meat are respectively the main stars of their categories, there are crossovers in each area so you'll get a little bit of everything. Category: American (New) Price Range: $$$

809 W Randolph St (between Green St & Halsted St) Chicago, IL 6060

La Scarola offers an extensive menu that features both contemporary and traditional Italian flavors items to delight our guests. La Scarola is open 7 days a week for dinner and has been around for 13 wonderful years. Category: Italian Price Range: $$

721 W Grand Ave (between Halsted St & Milwaukee Ave) Chicago, IL 60610

Quartino is a bustling downtown Chicago restaurant and wine bar noted for its distinctive Italian small- plates menu, vintage decor, and attentive, personable service staff. Categories: Tapas Bars, Italian, Pizza Price Range: $$

626 N State St Chicago, IL 60614 Neighborhood: Near North Side

Ditka's Restaurant offers a mouth-watering selection of signature cut steaks and sustainable seafood. "You never know who or what you'll see at my place," says Mike Ditka, one of the Most Notable NFL Coaches in History. Categories: American (New), Steakhouses Price Range: $$$

100 E. Chestnut St. Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago

Event Visitor May

Things Unique to Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago - Take pleasure in one of the World's Finest and Largest Collections of French Impressionist art at The Art Institute of Chicago. And while you're there, explore the architecturally stunning Modern Wing, which allows the Art Institute to house great collections of modern and contemporary art.

111 S. Michigan Ave.

Chicago, IL 60603

Chicago Cultural Center - Look up at the World's Largest Tiffany Art Glass Dome in the Chicago Cultural Center for a sparkling masterpiece created with nearly 30,000 pieces of stained glass.

78 E. Washington St.

Chicago, IL 60602

Theater Companies - Feel the power of Chicago's dazzling, knee-slapping, and thought-provoking theater scene. As the nation's only city to have Five Regional Tony Award-Winning Theater Companies, Chicago delivers unforgettable performances every day of the week. Navy Pier - Ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. It's modeled after the very first Ferris wheel built for Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Rides, shops, restaurants and boat tours abound at the Midwest's Number One Attraction.

600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611

Chicago Botanical Garden - Explore a world-renowned garden located right in Chicago's backyard. The Chicago Botanical Garden is a 385-acre, living museum features 23 specialty gardens set on a series of islands and lakes. The Garden is always in bloom, featuring year-round exhibits, festivals, tours and special events.

1000 Lake Cook Rd. Glencoe, IL 60022

After 5 p.m.: For a night on the town, head to one of the many wine bars, cocktail lounges, sports taverns or dance clubs. The Wrigleyville area in Lakeview is always bustling, whether there's a baseball game or not, as is nearby Boystown. The main intersection of North, Milwaukee and Damen Avenues in Wicker Park is filled with trendy, destination hotspots, while Lincoln Park draws a young, casual crowd. For some laughs, the North Side neighborhoods have a mix of comedy clubs, including Zanies and the famed Second City in Old Town.

Denver

Event Visitor May

Air Transportation

Denver International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the United States. With amenities like free wi-fi, the major airline hub has consistently won readers' choice awards from publications like Business Traveler Magazine since it opened in 1995. Located northeast of downtown Denver, a cab or shuttle ride puts you in the heart of the city in about 25 minutes. Taxis are available at DIA and provide passenger transport service within the eight counties that make up the Denver metro area, and hotel shuttles are provided as a courtesy by most of the hotels within the immediate vicinity of the airport. The DIA even works with various rental car companies to

provide transportation to its customers. All rental car companies are located on airport property, but are away from the main terminal. However, each company provides a courtesy shuttle to and from Jeppesen Terminal from its location. The city's public transport system, Regional Transportation District (RTD), also operates five bus routes under the frequent airport express bus service called skyRide. Ground Transportation Denver offers a wide array of ground transportation options, from public transportation, trains, car rentals, and taxi, limo, and shuttle services. The easiest and cheapest way to get around the city is by getting on Denver's main bus system, the Regional Transportation District. For only $2.25 for a fare, the RTD offers almost 100 local routes. The bus system also offers regional routes that take you to other areas of Colorado. You can also head to the station and ride the Light Rail. The RTD light rail system is divided into four fare zones: A, B, C and D. The number of zones you travel in for each one-way trip determines your fare. Arriving trains stop at every station, so you don’t have to signal the driver. Most of the RTD light rail stations have park-n-Ride lots where you can park for free. Bus routes and/or call-n-Rides also serve many stations. For more information on routes, fares, and schedules, check out www.rtd-denver.com. Denver Weather Denver weather is generally mild and dry. But when you are determining what to pack for your trip to Denver, you should still consider the weather. During the fall and spring, Denver will typically have sunny days with cool evenings, so medium weight clothing such as a comfortable pantsuit for women or a lightweight jacket for men will be most appropriate. In the summer, cool, casual clothing is ideal for the warm, sunny days in Denver. Evenings can be cool and summer storms can arise suddenly so an umbrella or light jacket might be needed. During the winter, days are generally a combination of warm sun and crisp air. Daytime temperatures can vary from below freezing to above 60 degrees, so it is a good idea to pack layers of medium weight clothing together with a warm jacket or overcoat. Snow falls infrequently in Denver and usually disappears quickly; however, a pair of boots would come in handy.

Denver

Event Visitor May

Off the Clock: For business travelers off the clock, Denver offers a wide range of fun activities including scenic hikes, live music, and nightclubs. Outdoor Activities

For a complete Denver experience, make a trek to the otherworldly rock formations at Morrison's Red Rocks Park. Located about 25 minutes away, Red Rocks is a geological wonder 70 million years in the making, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is also one of the world’s most famous concert sites and a must see for any music enthusiast. Bands such as The Beatles, U2, and Dave Matthews have graced the stage surrounded by dramatic 500-foot high red sandstone cliffs. Trails surrounding the concert venue and a spectacular view of the plains make it a perfect

place for moderately challenging hikes.

A Night in Town If you’re ready to blow off some steam after 5 o'clock, Denver’s just the place to be. The Mile High City’s nightlife scene is filled with martini lounges, brewpubs, live music venues, comedy clubs, and dance floors. You can celebrate happy hour at one of Denver's many bars. Marlowe's is a popular spot for business professionals to mingle. Located on Denver's 16th Street mall, where street people frequently cross paths with the titans of commerce, Marlowe's is a great place for people-watching. The establishment specializes in classic mixed drinks and wine, but it also offers outstanding appetizers and dinner specials. For a night in town, you can also head to the South of Colfax Nightlife District (www.coclubs.com), where you pay one admission price for entrance into four hot nightclubs, each complete with drinks, dancing and Djs. If you are looking for a classier evening, head over to Cruise Room, Lower Downtown Denver's classiest cocktail lounge for drinks that are shaken, stirred, or over the rocks. The bar's neon lighting project vivid hues of pink and purple onto the walls, making it look like dusk at all the time. Little has changed about the popular venue since it re-opened the day after prohibition was repealed in 1933.

Music Lovers Rejoice No trip to Denver is complete without experiencing some live music. Denver’s is home to dozens of venues devoted to all genres and styles, from classic jazz to techno to rock and roll and beyond. Colfax Avenue is home to such beloved concert locales as the Fillmore, the Ogden and the Bluebird. The cream of the local and national jazz world can be found swinging at Jazz at Jack’s, Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge in the Golden Triangle and El Chapultepec in LoDo. The Paramount Theatre also hosts amazing performances from national touring acts. Visit www.Denver365.com to see who's playing.

Denver

Event Visitor May

Dining in Denver: The Denver Metro Area is home to restaurants and cafes featuring a wide range of cuisines - from American to French to Japanese to Mexican.

Recommendations for a Business Meeting

Elway's If you're looking for a high-end steakhouse to impress clients or business associates, look no further than Elway's. Owned by Bronco’s Hall-of-Famer John Elway and restaurateur Tim Schmidt, Elway's menu changes to match market availability, ensuring that patrons are always served with the freshest and finest ingredients. Not only does the upscale eatery boast USDA hand cut prime steaks, fin fish, and crustaceans, but it also offers esoteric appetizers such as duck tacos and lamb fondue for the more adventurous eater. The average price of dinner for two is $150. In addition to daily lunch, lounge, dinner, and dessert menus, Elway's also offers a unique weekend brunch selection.

The Palm Located in the Westin Denver Downtown Hotel overlooking the Rocky Mountains, the Palm is perfect to place to hold a business meeting or entertain associates. Despite its status as a New York-based steakhouse, the Denver Palm is considered the place for Denver's Downtown elites to enjoy a “power lunch.” You can order a 3-course power lunch that includes your choice of starter, entree, individual side and dessert for only $25.90. The Palm offers quick, simple, and healthy choices such as the Atlantic Salmon Fillet with roasted red pepper sauce and mango salsa. The average price of a lunch for two is $70.

For a Quick Bite on a Budget

Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs If you've only got a little time or a little money – or both, head over to Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs. At Biker Jim's, the majority of brats are locally raised and produced by artisan sausage makers. They are raised without hormones, or antibiotics. They also do not contain nitrates or nitrites. Biker Jim's also offers vegetarian-friendly options. This hot dog joint is a favorite amongst locals, and even has a food truck that travels the city providing delicious hot dogs all over Denver.

Los Angeles

Event Visitor May

By, Aaron Waldman Airport Transportation: Transportation to and from LAX can be achieved by a number of methods including bus, car or light rail. Just 15 miles separate LAX from downtown, but in the infamous Los Angeles rush hour, those 15 miles are known to feel like 150. Average Time To City: Being one of the most traffic congested cities in the world, transportation times by car between LAX and downtown Los Angeles can vary widely, ranging from 20 minutes with minimal traffic to upwards of 60 minutes during times such as rush hour. Remember to plan for this factor accordingly! Public transportation provided by the LA Metro to the same destination will on average require at least 60 to 90 minutes, but in a city of notorious congestion, time cushions are a must. Average Cost: When hiring a cab from LAX to downtown Los Angeles (financial, theatric district as well the home to the convention center) expect a flat rate of $46.50 plus a $2.50 surcharge for trips originating at LAX; and then of course a tip. Be mindful that not all cab companies offer this widely accepted flat rate, and some will only meter which then equates to around $60 of fare instead of $46.50. Utilizing the Metro (The public transportation system of LA) to go from LAX to the downtown area will cost no more than $10, and will often cost less depending on the hour and day of the week.

Shuttling: Employing the use of shuttle services, which run 24 hours a day between downtown and LAX, provides a balanced middle ground between costly taxi services and inconvenient public transportation. Shuttles range in price around $20 to $25 and can be arranged with a single phone call. The best known shuttle services for LAX are Prime Time Shuttle (reachable at 1-‐800-‐473-‐3743) and the SuperShuttle (reachable at 1-‐310-‐782-‐6600).

Car Service: For some, hiring a chauffeur with their own vehicle is the optimal option. Drive4Me offers hired luxury cars, SUVs and limousines for the high-‐end client. Their services can be arranged by calling (303)-‐703-‐1335.

Los Angeles

Event Visitor May

By, Aaron Waldman Airport Bus Information: When it comes to transportation around LAX, the airport bus service is fast, relatively efficient, and best of all free. At any given terminal a traveller will never need wait longer than 12 to 15 minutes for the next bus. The three main bus routes are line A which stops at every terminal, line C which is designated for transport to parking lot C, and finally line G designated for transportation to the Metro light rail service. Be advised that G services to the Green Line which is not an ideal route with which to reach downtown.

Car Rental at Airport: There is no shortage of companies renting cars out of LAX and the average price for in-‐town-‐use of a medium sized sedan is around $25 per day. However, cars can be acquired for as little as $16 per day, especially when a reservation is made online. Be advised when making reservations to check operating hours of the rental car companies as some of the local (and often times cheapest) companies are not open 24 hours a day, potentially leaving an ill-‐planned red-‐eye traveller without transportation. What’s happening in Los Angeles: Information regarding events at the Los Angeles Convention Center is available on their website found at the following address. http://www.lacclink.com/lacclink/Default.aspx For further information regarding what is current in the City of Angels the LA weekly provides a calendar of events found at the following address. http://www.laweekly.com/calendar/ Planning for weather: Pack for sunshine and blue skies, but do not disregard the possibility of unexpected change. That being said, the month of September is usually one of summery warmth in Southern California and this year is no exception. According to Weather.com the high daytime temperatures will be consistently ranging from upper 70s to lower 90s, often finding a median of approximately the mid-‐80s throughout the month. The lows at night are predicted to meddle in the 60s.

By, Aaron Waldman

Los Angeles

Event Visitor May

Recommendations for a Business Meeting: Just ten minutes drive from the Los Angeles Convention Center in the world famous Walt Disney Concert Hall is the French restaurant Patina. When an upscale setting is desired for a business meeting, Patina is the place to be. Offering a large dining room as well as private rooms to accommodate larger groups, one is tasked to find shortcomings in Patina as a location for business oriented gatherings. Entrées float around the $45 range, but when it all looks too tempting to choose just one the option of a tasting menu is provided for around $100. Open for dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Dial (213)972-‐3331 for reservations.

Unique to LA: Grab a bite to eat and a taste of historical Los Angeles with a modern vibe at Checkers Downtown. Located in the downtown Hilton hotel which was constructed in the 1920‘s, Checkers is ranked currently as one of the top 20 restaurants in downtown Los Angeles (by Gourmet Magazine) and is teeming with the Los Angeles persona. Reservations are possible even calling just a few hours advance on the weekends, but it is recommended to book as early as possible. Entrées range from $24 to $34. Dial (213)624-‐0000 for reservations. Best Value: Rodeo Mexican Grill is just five short minutes driving from the financial/convention center area. Southern California having formerly been Mexican territory and now comprising the border zone has a savory Mexican influence, especially when it comes to food. Today this cuisine has evolved into what locals call “Mexicali” and is certainly not something to miss out on during a visit. At Rodeo Mexican Grill the traditional characteristics of a California-‐style Mexican Grill are all in place including attractive pricing and delectable food. Open all day and providing free Wi-‐Fi for customers, Rodeo Mexican Grill is a great place to grab a casual lunch or dinner, and maybe even one of their popular cocktails!

Los Angeles

Event Visitor May

By, Aaron Waldman Genuine Italian Hidden Gem: The Color Kitchen in the heart of downtown (and just a five to ten minute drive from the convention center) is an Italian family-‐run hole in the wall quickly gaining popularity among the Los Angeles locals. Be sure to call and make reservations because between their no corkage fee policy (that’s right, bring your own bottle of wine!) and fantastic food, this petite sized restaurant quickly fills up. However, be sure to have plenty of free

time when dining at the Color Kitchen for they are known for an authentic Italian leisurely pace in their service. Dinner entrées range $15 to $25. Lunch items are <$15. Hours are Mon -‐ Fri: 11:30am to 2:30pm. Tues-‐Thurs: 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Fri +Sat: 6:00pm to 10:00pm and closed on Sundays. Dial (213)622-‐5950 to schedule a reservation. Breakfast Downtown: Uncle John’s Cafe offers more than just a place to get the coffee monkey off your back. An early morning stop-‐in here will see to it you do not leave hungry. Uncle John apparently has a palette for the spicy too considering a good amount of the celebrated menu is marked with chili pepper icons to give patrons a fair warning. That being said plenty of items on the menu are fit for those with taste buds on the tame side as well. Reasonably priced and open at 6:30 am, give Uncle John's Cafe a try and start your day the right way. When Fish Strikes the Fancy: Water Grill restaurant, one of a sacred few restaurants in Los Angeles to receive the prestigious Michelin star, is virtually guaranteed to please the lover of seafood. The wide variety of oceanic entrées ranging in the $30 to $45 range and a sizable selection of fine wines and draught beers leaves the excellent reputation of Water Grill as self-‐explanatory. However, beware hearty eaters for their bantam portions are commonly cited as one of the few drawbacks to this establishment. Arrange a reservation among their accommodating hours at (213)891-‐0900 Chinese Lunch for Take-‐out or Eat-‐in: The New Moon restaurant in downtown Los Angeles provides a close-‐by place to grab a bite on break. While they may not do authentic Chinese food, The New Moon certainly offers American style Chinese food and to this end they are arguably the best in LA. Despite busy lunch hours the consensus tells they are speedy to feed patrons. Whether the order is to-‐go, to stay or even delivery (they do that too, though supposedly a fair-‐few have had less than good luck with call-‐ins being answered) you will be lunching as the locals do at The New Moon. God-‐speed to those dialing for delivery (213)624-‐0186

Las Vegas

Event Visitor May

Off the Clock: Las Vegas attractions offer something for everyone. Attractions in Las Vegas include theme parks, roller coasters, museums, national parks, and more. Learn more about Las Vegas' top attractions at www.vegas.com/attractions. Pure - Pure Nightclub is 36,000-square-feet of unadulterated, or, you know, "pure" nightlife fun, offering a few different experiences for you to party into the night hours. As you walk in through the white light-bathed main entryway, you can come into the large, ivory-tinted main room. Go straight ahead and you can head right toward the dance floor and two main bars, right near the stage and VIP seating, or you can swing right and find yourself by another bar and in a more secluded area of the main room. Either way, the main room is where the bulk of the party is at Pure Nightclub. Caesars Palace 3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89109

The Chandelier - At the intersection of art and life at The Cosmopolitan, The Chandelier houses three unique Las Vegas bar experiences: high-energy hot spot, sophisticated cocktail haven and inviting lounge.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109

TAO - Dark, mysterious and alluring -- Tao Nightclub is all this and more. Tao remains one of the hottest nightlife and dining spots in Las Vegas ever since opening in 2005 and shows no signs of slowing down, attracting celebrity guests, hot musical talent and crowds on a regular basis. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, there is more than likely a line of out the door stretching into the Venetian -- and for good reason. Luckily, it does move pretty quickly and smoothly and so you'll be in the club before you know it.

Venetian 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV

"O" - Cirque du Soleil - Cirque du Soleil promotes its spectacular "O" as an aquatic celebration of life, love and death. And oh, what a celebration it is! Taking its name and theme from the French word eau for water, the extraordinarily talented cast performs in, on and above the water in a show that dazzles all the senses with its colorful tableaus and state-of-the-art synchronization, backed by the magnificent music of a ten-piece orchestra. The quality of "O" and its spectacular ever-changing settings have made this one of the most popular shows in town since its debut in 1998.

Bellagio 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Flamingo Rd.) Las Vegas, NV 89109

Las Vegas

Event Visitor May

Transportation: Many Las Vegas hotels are so close that delegates can walk to many destinations. When transportation is required, however, Las Vegas offers myriad options including bus, taxi, shuttles and monorail. Airport - The easiest route into Las Vegas is via air. Commercial and charter airlines arrive at McCarran International Airport, centrally located on the west side of town. The McCarran Executive Terminal and Henderson Executive Airport, a few minutes south in Henderson, serve corporate jet traffic.

Ground transportation from the airport and around town consists of airport-based rental car agencies, hotel limousines, shuttles, taxis and the Las Vegas Monorail, which services McCarran. Visitors arriving by car travel Interstate 15 from California and Utah or Route 93 from Arizona. Rental Cars – Most of what happens in Las Vegas happens on the Strip or Downtown, and almost everything is a short cab, limo, tram or monorail-ride away. For business in neighboring areas, we recommend a rental car. Most national car rental chains such as Avis, Budget and Hertz can be found at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Some have several locations at most of the major resorts on the Strip, such as Avis at Aria,Bellagio, The Palazzo and The Venetian, and several have lots on Fremont Street. Taxis and Shuttles – Taxis are metered and most will accept credit card payments. A ride from the airport to the top of the Strip will run you about $17, but expect to pay approximately $25 for a trip Downtown. For those willing to share an airport shuttle with up to 20 passengers, a ride to a destination on the Strip can cost less than $10. On a side note, when leaving the airport by taxi or shuttle, please insist that your driver avoid taking the 215 airport tunnel to get to the Strip (this longer route can add $10 to $15 to your fare). Monorail – The Las Vegas Monorail stops at the Las Vegas Convention Center and travels the entire length of the east side of the Strip from the Sahara Station (at Paradise Rd. and Sahara Ave., the site of the now-closed Sahara Hotel) to the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. It runs between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday through Sunday. A single ride costs $5, an all day pass costs $12 and passes for three days are available for $28. Be prepared to do some walking though, as all of the stations (save for one) are located a bit of a distance from most major resorts and hotels. Trams – Three free trams are located on the west side of the Strip, on the opposite side of the monorail's route. Trams connect Treasure Island to the Mirage Hotel, the Monte Carlo to the Las Vegas CityCenter and theBellagio, and the Excalibur to the Luxor and the Mandalay Bay.

Orlando

Event Visitor May

By Air: Getting to Orlando is quick and easy with a constantly-growing list of non-stop routes to both of the area's airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Sanford Orlando International Airport (SFB). The MCO is Florida's busiest airport located in Southeast Orlando and lands you closest to all that Central Florida has to offer, including the Orange County Convention Center less than 3 miles away. It is serviced by all major car rental carriers, most of which have desks and vehicles at the main terminal.

By Car: The main highways in Orlando are Interstate 4, the East-West Expressway (Toll 408), the Beachline (Toll 528), the Central Florida Greeneway (Toll 417), and the Florida Turnpike. In Orlando there are many different highways and major roadways that will get you around the city. Traffic can be a nightmare on I-4 since it is primary highway in Orlando, especially during rush hours. Also be sure to bring lots of spare change for the toll roads, unless you have an E-Pass (or Sun Pass).

Public Transportation: Lynx is Orlando's public transportation system, there is a sub-station at the airport, with direct services to various areas including DownTown Orlando and the International Drive resort area. Other places can be reached by making (free) transfers. Standard bus fare is $2 per person one way. You can get daily passes on the bus ($4.50) and weekly passes for $16. LYNX also offers a free bus system within Downtown Orlando called LYMMO. For more information about routes and schedules, visit www.golynx.com.

By Shuttle: Shuttle services are available when traveling to/from the airport, and are affordable alternatives to taxis and luxury sedans. There are various companies offering shuttle service on a continual basis (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), including Orlando Airport Van, Mears Transportation, and Super Shuttle among others. Individual rates vary depending on the provider, but generally range between $10 and $30. By Taxi: Taxis and pedicabs are convenient ways to get around Orlando. Pedicab pick-up and drop-off areas will be well-marked and will vary based on show activity. A taxi ride to the Orange County Convention Center — the nation's 2nd largest convention complex and the center of Orlando's economic activity costs approximately $32. From the Convention Center, it costs about $29 to Downtown Orlando, $8 to International Drive/”Restaurant Row”, $34 to Epcot/Disney, and $11 to North International Drive/ Belz Factory Outlet Mall. Orlando Weather

The weather in Orlando is typically mild, with year-round sun, an average annual temperature of 72 degrees, and a mostly dry climate from October to May. The summer months bring high humidity, a hot sun, and afternoon thunderstorms so pack hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, light clothing and perhaps a rain poncho for those summer showers. The early fall months is still very warm but far less humid. The weather tends to be very nice in November. Winter in Orlando is generally pleasant – chilly to locals, but warm to people who visit from cold weather regions. Pack long pants, light layers, and a couple heavier jackets or sweaters. As spring arrives, the temperature in Orlando begin

Orlando

Event Visitor May

to climb back up. Off the Clock One of the most common misconceptions about Orlando is that it’s only a place for families. While Orlando may be a mecca for families flocking to Disney World during the day, once night falls, Orlando transforms into a different town filled with pubs, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. Universal CityWalk is always a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The 30-acre entertainment complex offers something for everyone – from mini-golf to shopping stores to nightclubs and restaurants to cinemas. CityWalk also hosts a variety of concerts and special events throughout the year.

For a night out: check out Orlando's downtown scene. Nightclubs such as Independent Bar epitomize the lively spirit of the city. This hotspot features a different musical genre each night, from retro 70s and 80s to indie rock to top 40 music. Not only does the nightspot have three bars and a dance floor, it also has an outdoor patio with a gorgeous view of downtown Orlando. For a classier ambiance: head to the Bösendorfer Lounge is another favorite among the locals. The Lounge at the Grand

Bohemian Hotel provides a stylish, big-city atmposphere in which to unwind after a long business day. Just steps away from the regional centers of government and commerce, the lounge also offers an impressive opportunity to network with local elites. The Bosendorfer Longe is a great place to sip wine and enjoy the sounds of the Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano, one of only a handful in the world. Guests enjoy live entertainment and signature dishes as a fanciful harlequin figurine spins atop the round bar, decorated in black marble, red stones and mirror pieces. Every Friday and Saturday night, Lounge visitors enjoy classic soul and acid jazz music.

Explore Orlando's natural beauty: Book a tour at Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. This hour-long tour along the Winter Park chain of lakes provides glimpse of Orlando untouched by Disney's Imagineers. The boat takes you through the true beauty of Winter Park which includes Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Gardens, Isle of Sicily, tropical birds, plants, flowers and magnificent mansions. A ride on the boat only costs $10.

Dining in Orlando Recommendations for a Business Meeting Capital Grille: Located across the street from the Orange County Convention Center, the Capital Grille is a great place for hosting a business meeting. Using only the finest, freshest ingredients, the Capital Grille offers classic steakhouse fare such as the dry aged Porterhouse, creative seafood dishes like the Citrus Glazed Salmon, and world-class wines. The fine-dining restaurant has been named "Best Steakhouse” in Best of Orange County 2012, and “Best Wine List” by Orlando Sentinel 2012. The Capital Grille caters to the business clientele by offering private dining rooms perfect for hosting formal business proposals or company parties. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as a digital presentation system that can receive television broadcasts, play DVDs or display laptop presentations all on high-

Orlando

Event Visitor May

definition widescreen televisions. Seasons 52

For a dining experience that is sure to make an impression on business partners and clients, make your way over to Seasons 52, where the ambiance oozes class. Located less than 3 miles away from the Orange County Convention Center, the award winning eatery was listed as one of the “Top 50 Breakout Brands” in the Nation's Restaurant News in 2013, as well as the “Best Fine Dining Restaurant” for two years in a row by the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. The upscale restaurant offers healthy seasonally-inspired menus designed to excite and surprise the

palate. Seasons 52 chefs use natural cooking techniques such as wood-fire grilling, brick-oven cooking and caramelizing vegetables to let the natural flavors shine through. Some of the guest favorites include Maui Tuna Crunch Salad, Oak-Fired Western Buffalo Burger,Caramelized Sea Scallops, Mesquite-Grilled Garlic Shrimp and Saffron Risotto, and Grilled Lamb T-Bone Chops. The restaurant also offers an international wine list featuring diverse wine selections that personalize the dining experience. Seasons 52 is opened for lunch and dinner. Del Frisco's Prime Steak & Lobster As one of Orlando's oldest steakhouses, Christner’s Del Frisco’s Prime Steak & Lobster is the place to go for executive-style dining. The high-end restaurant, located 20 minutes away from the Orange County Convention Center, provides eight private dining rooms at no extra cost, and have become a popular venue for holiday parties, business meetings/dinners, and other special occasions. Here, the décor is rich, the ambiance is intimate and classy, and the steaks are all prime-aged, corn-fed and are cut fresh to order. Not only is this Central Florida steakhouse known for its mouth-watering steaks, rib-eyes, and filet mignons, but it also offers cold water lobster tails imported from Australia and New Zealand. To top it off, Del Frisco's boasts an impressive wine cellar stocked with more than 5,500 bottles as well as the region’s most extensive list of single-malt Scotch. For a Quick Bite on a Budget Pizzeria Valdiano If you are looking for a quick bite on a budget, look no further than Pointe Orlando, situated just across the Orange County Convention Center. The shopping center offers 17 dining choices including national franchises like Johnny Rockets and Hooters. But if you would rather try a local favorite, grab a slice of New York style pizza at Pizzeria Valdiano. This family owned franchise has been voted “Best Pizza in Town” for 8 years in a row by the Orlando Sentinel. With more than 30 specialty pies, pizza by the slice, stromboli, subs, salads, pastries, espresso and more, Pizzeria Valdiano's family knowledge of the industry and its "secrets" provide the original taste of Italy in America.

San Diego

Event Visitor May

Getting to SD via Airplane: Most business travelers will arrive at the San Diego International Airport. It is close to the freeway and is just a 10 minute taxi ride to the convention center and only three miles away from downtown San Diego. The airport is serviced by all major airlines, and many other domestic and international carriers. The terminals are easy to navigate and rarely crowded. A taxis and shuttles can be found at the island outposts outside of each terminal.

Many hotels offer a free shuttle service, so be sure to ask your concierge. For car rentals, the airport is served by all major car rental agencies. Courtesy phones are located near the baggage claim areas of Terminals 1 and 2. Public Transportation: The San Diego Trolley light rail system is the easiest way to get in and around the city. The iconic red trolley operates seven days a week from 5:00 AM to midnight and runs every 15 minutes. It provides convenient services from key locations downtown, including the Santa Fe Depot and the San Diego Convention Center, crisscrossing through downtown and out to various locations like Old Town and Mission Valley. Trolley fares are based on trip distance; exact change is required. Ground Transpiration: Taxis are another convenient way to get around San Diego. Taxicab stands are located at the airport, most hotels, attractions and shopping centers. Base fare and rates are displayed on the meter. A good three mile ride can cost anywhere from $12-$15, including tip. If you are traveling from the airport, they will also add $1.50 to your final total. Depending on the traffic, expect to pay between $15 to $20 for the 5-10 minute taxi ride from the San Diego International Airport to the downtown region.

Weather San Diego enjoys very mild climate year round, with an average daily temperature of 70 degrees. Days are typically warm and evenings are pleasantly cool. This holds true even during the winter, where the average high in January is 65 degrees and the low is 48 degrees. In the summer, temperatures rise a little. The average high in July is 76 degrees and the low is 65 degrees. When packing for San Diego, be sure to bring a light jacket, shorts, and sunglasses.

San Diego

Event Visitor May

Off the Clock

The American Comedy Co. After business hours, head over to the American Comedy Co. for laughs. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, the locally owned and operated comedy club is the only venue in San Diego to feature top nationally headlining comedians such as Bobby Lee, Norm Macdonald, Kevin Nealon, Harland Williams, and Christopher Titus. The American Comedy Co., which also showcases up-and-coming talents, features an intimate, 200-seat setting that is reminiscent of the old-city, speak-easy era. Doors open Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information on shows and schedules, visit http://www.americancomedyco.com.

House of Blues® For music lovers visiting San Diego, House of Blues is the go-to destination for live music for live music and dining. The House of Blues happy hour seven days a week with $2 drafts, $3 wells and $4 martinis. Grab a bite of spicy New Orleans cuisine at the restaurant before heading into the 900-seat concert hall to catch local and world-famous bands such as The Strokes and the Black Eyed Peas. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp District, House of Blues San Diego opened in 2005 and is home to the famous Bead Wall – an entire wall covered in Mardi Gras beads from New Orleans. For more information on shows and schedules, visit http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/sandiego. Balboa Park For all the nature lovers visiting San Diego, Balboa Park is a the go to destination. Not only does it consistently rank as one of the top urban parks in the nation, but it is also the largest park, with 1,200 acres of natural beauty. In addition to the beautiful trees, foliage, and ponds, there are also 17 museums, four theaters, one art center, and a 'village' of international cottages. Vin de Syrah For a tasteful night out in town, check out Vin de Syrah – an underground playground where whimsical spirits and a wine lounge awaits. Vin de Syrah's warm atmosphere characterized by botanical chandeliers, plus furniture, and thick vines was inspired by the eclectic lounges of New York’s “meatpacking district” and the warm brasseries of turn of the century Paris. In addition to a wide selection of wine, beer and cocktails, Vin de Syrah also offers artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and desserts to compliment the Djs, jazz trios, and R&B musicians who grace the hidden gem.

San Diego

Event Visitor May

Dining in San Diego Recommendations for a Business Meeting

Morton's The Steakhouse For a classic dining experience that represents the finest from land and sea, head over to Morton's The Steakhouse. Situated on the fringe of the historic Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego, and across from the San Diego Convention Center, Morton's is an excellent place to entertain colleagues and clients alike. Since day one, Morton's has used the same suppliers for their aged prime beef and other meat. Fewer than 2 percent of the nation's beef supply earns the designation of "Prime" beef, and Morton's only uses USDA Prime-Aged Beef s that has been aged for 23-28 days and then portion cut by highly

experienced Chicago meat cutters. The upscale steakhouse also offers seafood like Chilean Sea Bass, Alaskan King Crab Lets, and Oysters. Morton's Steakhouse also has a full bar that offers daily happy hour specials until 6:30 p.m., perfect for blowing off some steam after a day of work.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room For the perfect dining destination that will impress business associates and clients, make a reservation at the Oceanaire Seafood room. Voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the country, the sleek and sophisticated establishment provides the freshest seafood flown in daily from around the world. Only top-of-the-catch fish from the world's most reputable suppliers is served, and each dish is carefully crafted to ensure the restaurant's high standards of quality and flavor are exceeded. The menu is based on market availability, therefore the selections change each day. Some of the guest favorites include Pan Seared Boston scallops, Sesame Crusted Hawaiian Yellowfin Ahi Tuna, South African Lobster Tails, and Bone-In Ribeye Steak.

Quick Eats on a Budget

The Kebab Shop If you only have time for a quick bite before a conference, be sure to check out the Kebab Shop located only half a mile from the San Diego Convention Center. This local hotspot is the first European-styled kebab shop in America. Kebab shops in Europe are the equivalent to hamburger joints in the USA. Unlike burger joints, however, the Kebab Shop offers variety of freshly prepared menu items that are unique, delicious and a healthier alternative to fast food. The Kebab Shop, opened for lunch and dinner, serves shwarmas, Shish Kebab plates, Doner kebabs, fresh salads, and more at a great price. J. Wok If you're looking for a reasonably priced meal, but you refuse to compromise on quality, head to J. Wok. Located within walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center, J. Wok takes the best "comfort foods" that Asian Cuisine had to offer from various cultures and offer them in one place. In addition to classic dishes like Panang Curry Salmon and Chicken Pad Thai, J. Wok also offers Asian fusion dishes such as their famous Korean BBQ Philly Sandwich and Yellow Curry Crispy Roll. With great prices, a sleek, modern interior and friendly service, J. Wok has become a popular eatery amongst the locals.

San Francisco

Event Visitor May

By, Aaron Waldman What to Know about San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Despite being the second busiest airport in California (behind LAX), SFO is quite accommodating in the sense of transportation. The airport is located approximately 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco and transportation between the two locations are achieved with rail, bus, taxis and personal vehicles depending on preference.

Airport Transportation: The people moving system of SFO goes by the name of Air Train, a newly implemented light rail system which will take you anywhere you may need to go in SFO on two simple lines. The Air Train Red Line moves travelers in a circuit between all terminals, parking garage A, parking garage G and the SFO BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. The Blue Line makes the same route but also ventures a tad further to West Field Road as well as the Rental Car Center. Time to City: Upon landing expect about 20 minutes burned simply getting from your gate to the outside world. Using the BART will be around 30 minutes to downtown. Driving between SFO and downtown should be allotted around 20 minutes in light traffic, but during rush hour, holidays or sporting events the time is known to reach 40 minutes or more in worst case scenarios. BART: The Bay Area Rapid Transit is the primary rail system of the Bay Area and can be reached from any terminal using either Blue Line or Red Line of Air Train. The BART is arguably the best connection between SFO and downtown San Francisco; a one way journey between the two costing $8.10. The schedule of the BART system is important to keep in mind and operates as follows: On weekdays the BART departs SFO about every 15 minutes and during the evenings about every 20 minutes. The weekday operating hours are 4:00AM to midnight. On Saturdays trains start at 6:00AM, Sundays and public holidays operate starting at 8:00AM. Throughout weekends and public holidays the interval between trains averages 20 minutes. As stated previously the overall travel time on the BART between SFO and downtown averages 30 minutes.

San Francisco

Event Visitor May

By, Aaron Waldman Taxi: Taxis are in abundance at SFO as would be expected, costing around $35 to $45 to reach downtown depending how far into the city one travels. Taxi times run in accordance with any transportation using public roads: 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Limousine/Car Service: In order to hire a personal Lincoln Town car with chauffeur service from SFO to downtown, contact Black Tie Airport Express at 1-‐800-‐820-‐3028. For $131 Black Tie will provide a sedan and driver for up to four passengers. A limousine can also be arranged via many popular companies, one of the most prominent being Limousine in San Francisco. Their advertised price is $113 between SFO and the city of San Francisco. Limousine in San Francisco can be reached at (415)275-‐2445 and offers many other services including personal sedans, stretch hummers, etc for more than just airport transportation. Shuttle: Taking an airport shuttle to/from SFO is a popular means of transportation and will cost a traveler around $17 not including gratuity for trips terminating and departing from downtown. Acquiring a shuttle to downtown upon arrival at SFO is a simple procedure. When arriving, baggage claim exits on the bottom floor of the airport and shuttles depart from the upper floor. Upon retrieving baggage make your way upstairs and proceed out to the curb where signs will be posted indicating the direction to a shuttle kiosk. To arrange a pickup for a ride going to SFO: Call Super Shuttle at 1-‐800-‐BLUE-‐VAN (258-‐3826) Call SF Airport Express at (415)775-‐5121 Car Rental at SFO: In order to reach the Rental Car Center of SFO hop on the Air Train Blue Line

(not Red Line) from any terminal. At the SFO Rental Car Center one will find all of the major rental car companies including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, HERTZ, Thrifty Car Rental and more. Almost all rental car services at SFO are open 24 hours a day with the exception of Enterprise which operates 4:30AM to 1:30AM. A typical rental car of the economy class will go for around $35-‐$45 per day, and prices rise incrementally depending on quality and size. However, booking online is known to save a pretty penny and deals as low as $12-‐$15 per day for an economy class

car are sometimes found with a simple search.

San Francisco

Event Visitor May

By, Aaron Waldman What’s Happening in SF: A majority of conferences held in San Francisco will be hosted at the AMA Executive Conference Center in the heart of downtown, sometimes referred to as the SoMa district. A prominent host of events and conventions in the city of San Francisco is the Moscone Center also located in the downtown district.

Weather of SF: Dress a bit on the warm side for San Francisco, a city known for gloom. The month of September is forecasted to average 65 degree highs during the day, reaching low 50s at night. Despite a prediction of clear skies coupled with the 65 degree daytime highs, unexpected fog and rain are common and can quickly turn a beautiful day in the bay into a chilly experience. Dining in Downtown San Francisco: For Business -‐ 25 Lusk: Located in the SoMa district of downtown, and only six minutes from the AMA Executive Conference Center, is a fine dining restaurant set in some of San Francisco’s finest modern architecture. No matter the size of your business meeting 25 Lusk has an option for you from the main dining room to their many private areas for groups ranging from two to 200. Dining in the main room will cost in the range of $35 to $50 per person before drinks. And speaking of drinks, if a cocktail is the sole desire the entire downstairs floor consists of a lounge and full bar recognized for its ambience. Arrange reservations by calling (415)495-‐5875 or by visiting their website at 25Lusk.com A Unique Seafood Experience at Farallon:

For those with a palate for food from the ocean, Farallon in the Union Square area of San Francisco offers a fantasy inspired upscale dining experience. Within the intricate decor of the restaurant a seafood lover may just fall into a dream-‐like trance as menu’s are presented. A wide variety of menu combinations can be assembled into personalized three course meals, but beware

this does come at a hefty price. Expect each person to easily order $60 worth, and that is most certainly excluding drinks. Their full bar is raved about just as the food is, so be sure to arrive prior to the reservation and have a cocktail in the Jelly Lounge. Happy Hour is daily from 4:30PM to 7:00PM. Make reservations by calling (415)956-‐6969

San Francisco

Event Visitor May

By, Aaron Waldman A Nearby Lunch or Dinner:

Even in traffic the small and stylish COCO500 never takes more than ten minutes to reach from almost anywhere inside of the SoMa District of San Francisco, making it a perfect destination for your lunch time meeting or break. Though the menu is not enormous by any means it is because the chefs have wisely preferred to master a handful of dishes instead of compromising quality on an overwhelming menu; the

response from regular patrons indicates only support for this approach. Meals can be ordered to-‐go during lunch hours as well but it is advised to place orders before 11:30AM to ensure a timely pickup. Main dishes at lunch or dinner run between $12 and $26, a modest fee considering quality, location, and the trendy vibration surrounding this hole in the wall gem. To make reservations or schedule a to-‐go order call (414)543-‐2222 Start the Day the Hearty Way: Caffe Moda, centrally located with a wide selection of breakfast and lunch items, is ideal for stopping in and grabbing a bite before your long day. With everything from Panini’s to smoothies and of course a selection of coffees, any breakfast goes is sure to find a meal to strike their fancy. Best of all they open nice and early at 7:00AM which most cafés of this caliber in San Francisco cannot boast.

Government Buyers Guide 2013

Documents

Transcript of Government Buyers Guide 2013