VP Pence wings son at NASM

Vice President Mike Pence winged seven naval aviators – including his Marine Corps son 1st Lt. Michael Pence - at a Sept. 28 ceremony at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss. The graduates, who typically spend about a year training at NASM, were some students affected by the grounding of jets in the spring of 2017, and had to stay on nearly twice as long. The seven grads included the Marine Corp’s Pence and a French Naval pilot. The graduates included Pence, Lt. j.g. Alexander Joseph Carlson, Lt. j.g. Ruairidh Alexander Robert Donaldson, Lt. j.g. Connor Andrew Humber, Lt. j.g. Maxwell James Kampton, Lt. j.g. Blake Leming, Lt. Sean Hugo Richardson and Lt. Matthew Scott Stafford. The Mississippi Council of the Navy League presented the younger Pence with the Golden Stick award that goes to the student aviator from a graduating class with the highest composite score. (Source: Meridian Star 09/28/18)

T-38 trainer to be replaced

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Force awarded the Boeing Company a Sept. 27 contract worth up to $9.2B for the Air Force's new training aircraft. The Air Force plans to purchase 351 T-X aircraft, 46 simulators, and associated ground equipment to replace the Air Education and Training Command's 57-year-old fleet of T-38C Talons. (Source: Air Force 09/27/18) Gulf Coast Note: Columbus (Miss.) AFB uses the T-38 for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training. Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also use the T-38A in various roles.

Can’t deploy? May get heave-ho

Sailors that can’t deploy for 12 consecutive months will become subjects for processing out of the service, Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Bob Burke announced during an online all hands call Sept. 25. "If you go 12 consecutive months, not qualified for sea duty - which is our rough metric for deployability in the Navy because we’re a seagoing service - then you are subject to processing for administrative separation," CNP said. It doesn’t mean that sailor will be given the heave-ho, “but will be looked at for separation," he said. The new rules go into effect Oct. 1. The new Navy personnel message gets tougher with sailors for medical, legal and/or administrative issues if they exceed the 12-month deadline. There will be exceptions to the stricter policy for those who are unable to deploy due to pregnancy, combat-related injuries, and a few other reasons. "We’ll look at this on a case basis and extenuating circumstances will be considered," Burke said. The new rule isn’t a Navy-only effort. It comes down from Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. The retired Marine four-star general wants to slash the number of troops who can’t be deployed –around 235,000 people (11 percent) of the 2.1M active-duty and reserve personnel. (Source: Navy Times 09/26/18)

96-hour NEX appreciation event

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEX) is holding a world-wide, 96-hour Customer Appreciation Event that began Sept. 27. The event will feature True Blue Deals on apparel, handbags, shoes, watches, sunglasses, luggage, small appliances, furniture, electronics, fitness, cookware, consumer electronics, and robotic vacuums. Every dollar spent at the NEX goes directly back to sailors and their families. Since 1946, the Navy Exchange Service Command has given more than $3.6B to Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs and improvements to stores and facilities. Check out the deals at MyNavyExchange.com. NEX Gulf Coast locations in Mississippi: Columbus, Gulfport, Stennis; Louisiana: Belle Chasse; Florida: Pensacola, Whiting Field, Panama City. (Source: NEX 09/26/18)

MS gov's exporting award noms

JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is accepting nominations for the 2018 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting. The awards will be presented by Gov. Phil Bryant on Dec. 7 at a ceremony at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson. The awards recognize Mississippi firms for success in maintaining or increasing export sales. The winners are selected by a committee from the Mississippi District Export Council. “The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting are a way to honor these companies as they demonstrate ‘Made in Mississippi’ is a stamp of quality worldwide,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough. In 2017, Drax Biomass of Gloster, Durbin USA of Ocean Springs, and Taylor Machine Works of Louisville were award recipients. (Source: MDA 09/24/18)

Mustin heir assigned to 2nd Fleet

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) John B. Mustin will be assigned deputy commander of the U.S. Second Fleet with additional duties as deputy commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. Mustin is currently serving as deputy commander of Naval Surface Force Pacific in San Diego; and Naval Surface Force Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. Often referred to as "The Father of Naval Aviation," his great-grandfather, Capt. Henry C. Mustin (1874–1923) was known as the architect of the catapult launch of aircraft from a naval ship. As a Lt. Cmdr. in January 1914, the elder Mustin established Naval Aeronautic Station (now Naval Air Station) Pensacola, Fla., the Navy’s first permanent air station together with a flight school, and became its first Commanding Officer. Two of Vice Adm. Henry C. Mustin's sons and a daughter-in-law served in the Navy. Captain Lloyd M. Mustin II and his wife, Captain Tracy Mustin, retired in 2015. Their son, Rear Adm. John Mustin, a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, continues to serve in the Naval Reserves. He briefly returned to active duty service as the Commanding Officer of Inshore Boat Unit 22, deployed to Kuwait, from 2004-05 and was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) in March 2016. (Source: DoD 09/24/18) NAS Pensacola’s officers’ club is named for Vice. Adm. Henry Mustin.

Nat’l aerospace & defense summit

There will be a National Aerospace & Defense Workforce Summit on Oct. 2 in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in collaboration with the Congressional Career and Technical Education caucus, the Congressional STEAM (STEM+Arts and Design) and STEM Education caucuses, and the House Aerospace Caucus. The summit will feature speakers from government, industry and academia to explore issues concerning aerospace and defense workforce and building the skilled and diverse talent base our industry needs for the future. (Source: AIAA 09/21/18)

CAFB quality assurance inspector

JPATS Logistics Services (JLS) provides Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) under the Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply (COMBS) services for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) T-6A/B/D program (“T-6 Program”). The firm’s capabilities combine relevant experience in scope, magnitude, and complexity to accomplish superior CLS services to our customer. JLS offers proven industry best practices to provide the Government the most efficient and cost-effective solution to the JPATS COMBS requirements. JPATS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of IAP Worldwide Services Inc. Job title: Quality Assurance Inspector; Location: Columbus AFB, Miss. (Source: Recruit Net 09/22/18)

L3 Vertex $16.3M pact

L3 Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., is awarded $16,332,950 for modification P00007 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N61340-17-D-0005) to exercise an option to provide for intermediate level maintenance, repair, and logistics services in support of the Chief of Naval Aircraft Training aircraft. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. (50 percent); NAS Corpus Christi, Texas (45 percent); and NAS Whiting Field, Fla. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division of Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/21/18)

Joint ‘team’ runs for POW/MIAs

PENSACOLA, Fla. - More than 300 Air Force, Marine and Navy service members attended the Vigil Run opening ceremony in commemoration of POW/MIA Day. Several of those service members volunteered to walk or run circuits of the courtyard – carrying the POW/MIA flag - for 24 consecutive Sept. 20-21 and taking shifts in an effort to keep the POW/MIA flag in motion. Air Force 359th Training Squadron Instructor Tech. Sgt. Matthew Barnes said the event served to create an awareness of the 131,000 American service members who have been classified as POWs and 82,000 MIAs to ensure their memories of sacrifices are not forgotten. “Prisoners of War are held captive 24-hours a day, 365 days a year,” Barnes said. “(W)e wanted to start this run (Sept. 20) and continue it for 24 hours to symbolize the vigilance and courage those POWs must have had daily while held in captivity.” Guest speaker at the event included former POW and retired Navy Capt. Robert Doremus, a radar intercept officer who spent nearly 2,800 days in captivity in Vietnam, and was released from captivity during Operation Homecoming on Feb. 12, 1973. He addressed a largely student audience on the importance of working together as a means of achieving common goals. “The whole time we were there, we were joint forces,” Doremus said. There were members from all branches of the services – enlisted and officer – and some civilians. “You followed your creed and you became part of a team. And the whole idea is that of the ‘team,’ and that’s what it looks like out there when you see these troops running, marching, and standing at attention – they’re a team. That’s how it works, and that’s how it worked in prison," the former POW said. (Source: NAS Pensacola 09/21/18)

Record-setting astronaut at MSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Retired Air Force Colonel and NASA astronaut Jerry Ross, who had a 42-year career with both, considers the encouragement of young people to be among his finest moments. “Things don’t happen in life in a straight line from point A to B,” the Astronaut Hall of Fame inductee told Mississippi State University students Sept. 19 at a special presentation on behalf of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. “You’re going to have failures, setbacks and frustrations,” but don’t let them stop you. “I had a dream of being an astronaut … (and) set a goal for myself.” Ross retired from NASA, after the Air Force, in 2012 and his name is in the record books with nine space walks over 58-plus hours. He is No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 3 in the world for the number of space walks and the time spent in space. In addition to insight from his record-setting time in space, Ross’ presentation included recognition of senior civil engineering major Phong C. Ly of Brandon, MSU’s first recipient of the prestigious $10,000 Astronaut Scholarship. In 2017, MSU became the only university in Mississippi invited to partner with the Orlando, Fla.-based Astronaut Scholarship Foundation to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, along with NASA research priorities at the undergraduate level. (Source: MSU 09/20/18)

Interns fly with Hurricane Hunters

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Summer internships at 10,000 feet in an Air Force Reserve WC-130J Hercules, and into Hurricane Florence, aren’t exactly the norm for most people. But that’s exactly what midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy, as part of a summer-time Training and Research in Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes in Tropical Cyclones (TROPIC) program, did with the “Hurricane Hunters” from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. For the oceanography department at USNA in Annapolis, Md., this has been a part of summer research programs since 2011. The mission was based from the Air Dominance Center in Savannah. TROPIC teams up with the 53rd WRS and midshipmen accompany the Hurricane Hunters into all manner of tropical disturbances in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, said Navy Captain (Dr.) Beth Sanabia, an oceanography professor at USNA. Their purpose is to research ocean conditions beneath the same storms in which the 53rd collects atmospheric data. The students are expected to use the data as a basis for a large research paper at the end of the year. "We have a great relationship with the 53rd," said Sanabia, who first flew with the squadron in 2008 while working on her PhD. "The crews are flexible working with the midshipmen, so we are just really grateful to be a part of this." (Source: 403rd Wing 09/17/18)

Arrow-3 canister export possible?

TEL AVIV, Israel - Complex American export rules may make it easier to sell a high-tech weapons system labeled “Made In USA,” rather than those marked “Made In Israel.” Last week, the Mississippi-based subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Stark Aerospace, delivered the first US-built canister for IAI’s Arrow-3 missile defense interceptor. While IAI and Stark, and Boeing - also involved with Arrow-2 - did not publicly acknowledge it, but a source close to the Arrow program told Breaking Defense that producing key components of the weapon system in the US could make it possible to export the system worldwide. (Source: Breaking Defense 09/14/18)

CAFB IPs fly Indiana & ND cadets

COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. - Instructor pilots (IPs) and 22 T-6 Texan IIs aircraft from the 37th Flying Training Squadron at Columbus AFB recently returned from temporary duty to conduct instructor-continuation training for end-of-year requirements in Indiana and to work with cadets from the University of Notre Dame’s Air Force ROTC unit. From Sept. 6-10, the 37th FTS accomplished 188 sorties and also increased knowledge and proficiency for all IPs in an off-station training environment. “This training was huge,” said Capt. Richard Ross, 37th FTS IP. “It proved that we … can conduct flights off home station in a safe and organized manner.” It also required IPs to thoroughly plan and provide procedures to those conducting the familiarization flights due to the fact that this was non-standard and not CAFB, he said. The 37th FTS was also invited to fly over the Notre Dame-Ball State football game. The IPs were able to work closely with the cadets to demonstrate some of the training the pilot community goes through to ensure proper pilot training on a daily basis. It’s not an everyday event that cadets are given the opportunity to fly, but 16 were given that chance after airmen with the 14th Operations Support Squadron aircrew. (Source: CAFB 09/14/18)

West Point, Miss., work: $13.4M

Navistar Defense of Lisle, Ill., was awarded a $13,416,393 firm-fixed-price contract for cargo troop carriers, contractor spare parts, special tools, operator and maintenance training, and workshop repair manuals, laptop computer, and contractor publications. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., with an estimated completion date of March 4, 2019. FY 2018 Army operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $13,416,393 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command of Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/14/18)

Feeding Keesler: $7.3M

Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services of Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $7,397,000 modification (P00005) to exercise an option on contract FA3010-18-C-0007 for full food services at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2019. FY 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,397,000 will be obligated when they become available. The 81st Contracting Squadron of Keesler AFB, Miss., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/14/18)

AF to implement OBOGS corrections

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - The Air Force will begin implementing a series of corrective measures, including redesigning the oxygen system and adjusting oxygen control levels in flight, to address persistent problems in training aircraft. Also, the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) will increase maintenance on the oxygen distribution system (OBOGS) to curb identified problems in T-6 II training aircraft. The trainer is flown by the 41st Flying Training Squadron out of Columbus AFB, Miss., and NAS Pensacola, Fla. The measures come after a sixth-month examination of problems such as fluctuating oxygen levels for pilots. A team of experts, including the Navy and NASA, have worked together to improve pilot safety and reduce physiological events in flight. The service will introduce new maintenance procedures drawn from several different AF and Navy T-6 bases such as purging excess moisture from the system that appears to keep the OBOGS operating more efficiently over time, said Maj. Gen. Patrick Doherty, 19th Air Force commander. (Source: Air Education and Training Command 09/13/18)

AF, Navy team up over PEs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Air Force and Navy are teaming up in a joint effort to find a root cause of oxygen deprivation among its pilots, which officials have said is their single biggest safety concern in aviation. Pilots flying the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornets and T-45C training jets, and the AF's F-22 Raptors have all reported experiencing hypoxia-like symptoms while flying. Solving that issue has eluded the services. Hypoxia symptoms include nausea, tingling, fatigue and disorientation. Pilots also have been experiencing decompression sickness, which causes double vision, headaches, and dizziness. Episodes are generally related to unscheduled pressure changes or pilots breathing gas. The AF announced the new partnership, called the Joint Physiological Episodes Action Team, at the Pentagon on Sept. 11. "Adopting a common team name, creating the Joint PEAT and better leveraging our joint data, research and resources will improve safety and combat readiness," said Brig. Gen. Edward Vaughan. The Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, is building multiple aircraft-specific life support system simulators to reproduce the breathing environments of the T-45C and F/A-18. NAMRL’s respiratory physiology lab will study the effects of variable breathing gas mixtures, in-line breathing resistance, breathing gas pressure and flow disruptions, as well as flight equipment fit on aircrew physiology and cognitive function, according to the Navy. (Source: Tribune News Service 09/13/18) Gulf Coast Note: T-45C pilots from Naval Air Stations Meridian, Miss., and Pensacola, Fla., have been among those experiencing Psychological Episodes (PEs). Tyndall AFB, Fla., has the largest contingent of F-22s in the Air Force.

3 GC firms to compete for $49M pact

Seaside Engineering & Surveying of Baker, Fla. (W91278-18-D-0082); Gustin, Cothern & Tucker of Niceville, Fla. (W91278-18-D-0083); Joyner Keeny of Rocky Mount, N.C. (W91278-18-D-0084); Maptech Inc., Jackson, Miss. (W91278-18-D-0085); Merrick & Co., Greenwood Village of Colorado (W91278-18-D-0086); SurvTech Solutions of Tampa, Fla. (W91278-18-D-0088); and Woolpert Inc. of Dayton, Ohio (W91278-18-D-0090) will compete for each order of the $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect and engineering services for survey and mapping. Bids were solicited via the internet with 42 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 12, 2021. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity. (DoD 09/13/18)

L-3 mod contract: $202.9M

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., is awarded $202,936,338 for modification P00029 to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-14-D-0011) to exercise an option for organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering support for Navy T-45 aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment for flight and test and evaluation operations. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Stations (NAS) Kingsville, Texas (45.7 percent); Meridian, Miss. (41.7 percent); Pensacola, Fla. (10.1 percent); and Patuxent River, Md. (2.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command of Patuxent River, Md., the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/10/18)

Grenada added to EPA Super Fund

ATLANTA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Sept. 11 it is committed to clean up the Rockwell International Wheel & Trim (Rockwell Grenada) site in Grenada, Miss., by adding it to the Superfund Program’s National Priorities List (NPL). Nationally, another four sites were added and six sites were proposed to the NPL. These additions represent commitments from the Agency to advance cleanup to protect communities across the country. (Source: EPA 09/11/18)

La., Miss. HBCU scholar students

WASHINGTON – The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities announced Sept. 10 the names of 63 students from 54 HBCUs who have been selected for the 2018-19 school year as HBCU Competitiveness Scholars – the initiative's highest student recognition. Three of those scholars are from Mississippi-based HBCUs; and six Louisianans. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, Competitiveness Scholars are recognized for successfully preparing to compete for top opportunities that improve long-term outcomes. In the course of their one-year term, Competitiveness Scholars will learn and share proven and promising practices that support individual and HBCU competitiveness, with the goal of strengthening prospects for career and life success. The selected scholars will assemble Sept. 16-18 in Washington, D.C., and participate in workshops designed to improve leadership, personal and professional development, and discover areas of innovation and entrepreneurship. The Competitiveness Scholars will receive their recognition during the conference Sept. 17. Scholars from Mississippi include: Edwards- Hezekiah Williams of Hinds Community College; Reagon Johnson of Tugaloo College; and Jamireia Hampton of Mississippi Valley State University. Scholars from Louisiana include: Oscar McClain of Southern University in Baton Rouge; Lafayette’s Thea Celestine of Morgan State University in Baltimore; Lafayette’s Justin Edwards of Howard University in Washington, D.C.; Jimmie Herring and Brianna Golden both of Southern University Law School in Baton Rouge. (Source: U.S. Department of Education 09/10/18)

L-3 mod pact: $202.9M

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., is awarded $202,936,338 for modification P00029 to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-14-D-0011) to exercise an option for organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering support for Navy T-45 aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment for flight and test and evaluation operations. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas (45.7%); NAS Meridian, Miss. (41.7%); NAS Pensacola, Florida (10.1%), and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (2.5%), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/10/18)

Avoiding a fed gov't shutdown

WASHINGTON – House and Senate negotiators are expected to make a deal Sept. 10 on a package of three spending bills for FY 2019 that will set in motion Republican leaders' plans to avoid a partial government shutdown Oct. 1. The congressional funding actions still leave some uncertainty such as whether President Trump will defer until after the mid-term elections his partial government shutdown talk over funding for U.S.-Mexico border wall funding. The House is tentatively scheduled to vote on the three “minibus” bills this week that would include funds for the departments of Energy and Veterans Affairs, and the legislative branch of government. The Senate may also vote this week, though that would require an agreement among lawmakers to speed up procedures. Most of the federal government has not yet been funded. FY-18 funding expires at 12:01 a.m. Oct 1. (Source: Wall Street Journal 09/10/18)

MSU global hunger lab gets $15.8M

STARKVILLE, Miss. - U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) announced a more than $15.8M award over the next five years for the Feed the Future Fish Innovation Lab at Mississippi State University, reports WTVA news in Tupelo. The goal of the Fish Innovation Lab is to reduce global hunger, malnutrition and poverty through science, technology and innovation. “It is predicted that our world’s population will increase to more than nine billion by the year 2050. That means that food production will have to increase by 60 to 70 percent in order to feed the world,” Harper told the TV station. (Source: WTVA 09/07/18)

Eglin's regional IWC opens

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - The 96th Medical Group has opened the Air Force’s first Invisible Wounds Center (IWC) at Eglin Air Force Base. More than 120 people attended the Aug. 30 opening, including Air Force Surgeon General (SG) Lt. Gen. Dorothy Hogg. The IWC will serve as a regional treatment center for post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, associated pain conditions and psychological injuries. “The center is ready to treat retirees, Guard, Reserve, and active duty members from our sister services who carry the weight of invisible wounds,” said Hogg. “Our goal is to eliminate barriers to care,” she said. It’s modeled after the best practices of the Intrepid Spirit Centers, and will assemble a team of 18 specialties to provide treatment in an individually tailored, holistic and integrated fashion, using a combination of conventional and complimentary therapies. Art and music therapy, yoga, acupuncture, physical and occupational therapy and mental health services will also be included in treatment at the IWC. The Defense Department has recently accepted a proffer from Arnold Fisher, honorary chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, to also build an Intrepid Spirit Center at Eglin, making it the 10th of its kind, and first on an Air Force base. Plans for ground breaking are underway, and officials expect the facility to be completed in 2020. (Source: Eglin AFB 09/05/18)

Gov’t shutdown fears looming

WASHINGTON – Sept. 30 is the end of FY 2018, and Capitol Hill lawmakers could be heading into November’s mid-term elections with a newly adopted federal budget and a sense of pride for finishing the work on time; heading home with another short-term extension (continuing resolution); or stuck in D.C. with a partial government shutdown. Appropriations will be the issue for September’s congressional sessions. Some in party leadership have claimed they are cautiously optimistic they can finish a large part of the work by the Sept. 30 deadline. FY 2019 begins Oct. 1. In the last eight years, Congress has passed one of its 12 annual funding measures on time (VA’s FY-17 budget) and hasn’t finalized all of its appropriations work on time since FY 1997. Senators managed to advance a complicated “minibus,” in August that included money for defense, health and human services, labor, and education that gives those agencies a chance at an on-time budget. Congress sees continuing resolutions as a preferable to another partial government shutdown. Budget jousting has resulted in two short shutdowns this year, but shuttered federal offices for about three weeks in 2013. Staff-level negotiations on spending bills have been ongoing in recent weeks, but lawmakers have made it clear that nothing is going to be finalized until the House returns from its recess next week. Defense appropriations are unlikely to move forward until most domestic spending issues are settled. (Defense News 09/03/18)

Coastal FEEA scholarship winners

The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) announced its finalists of its 2018 merit-based scholarship competition. This year, FEEA awarded 229 scholarships, with support from partners. Selected from almost 3,000 applicants, these individuals were chosen for their outstanding academic achievements and community engagement. Two Gulf Coast students were among the finalists: Conner Angelle of Tulane University in New Orleans; and Cecilia Brooks of Mississippi State University. Their sponsors were Father, Carl Angelle of the Postal Regulatory Commission, and John Brooks of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Source: FEEA 09/2019) Info regarding applications for 2019 scholarships on the website.

Data Summit 3 at MSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Industry and state leaders will gather Sept. 13-14 at Mississippi State University for the third annual Data Summit, hosted by MSU’s National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center (NSPARC). Sessions will explore how data science can lead to new innovations and processes within the “smart city” concept across various industries, including education, energy, city planning, transportation and security and data governance. Keynote speakers will be Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and NSPARC Executive Director Domenico “Mimmo” Parisi. Other speakers from the business world will include, among others, Jessica Osaki, product operations manager at Google; and Michael Baker International’s (MBI) Matt Smith, Connected and Automated Vehicles program manager. Registration for the summit is $40. Elected officials may register for free. (Source: MSU 08/31/18) MBI is a global engineering, planning and consulting services’ firm. It was selected by the City of Columbus, Miss., to support U.S. Department of Transportation projects within the Smart Columbus grant portfolio. MBI will provide project management, systems engineering expertise, and administrative support for Columbus’ programs. MBI has Gulf Coast offices in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.