8 named Gulf Research fellows

WASHINGTON - Eight scientists have been selected for the Gulf Research Program’s Environmental Protection and Stewardship track of the 2021 Early-Career Research Fellowship (ECRF), announced the Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today. During the two-year program, starting this month, fellows will pursue research that advances understanding of the changing ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico and its U.S. coastal zones. The ECRF Fellows will investigate specific issues related to the Gulf’s changing ecosystems, with the goal of producing research that informs decisions that enhance environmental protection and stewardship. The recipients are Robert Miller, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Ebenezer Nyadjro, Associate Research Professor, Northern Gulf Institute and Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University; Mauricio Arias, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida; Sylvia Dee, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Rice University; Jeseth Delgado Vela, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Howard University; Lauren Fuess, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Texas State University; Brandi Kiel Reese, Associate Professor, Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama; and Yina Liu, Assistant Professor, Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University. (Source: National  Academies 09/29/21) Gulf Research Program Awards Eight Early-Career Research Fellows in Environmental Protection and Stewardship | National Academies  

DoD regional contracts Sept 29

Entergy Louisiana LLC, Jefferson, Louisiana, is awarded a $13,725,495 firm-fixed-price task order (N6945021F0677) under previously-awarded basic ordering agreement (N69450-19-G-0103) to implement energy improvements at Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base New Orleans based on the findings of a preliminary assessment and investment grade audit. Work will be performed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by April 2023. Fiscal 2020 Navy operation and maintenance (energy reinvestment) funds in the amount of $105,322 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. 

*Addon Services,* Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (W25G1V-21-D-0007); Mountain Consulting Inc.,* Dover, Delaware (W25G1V-21-D-0019); Magna JV,* Leesburg, Virginia (W25G1V-21-D-0018); Kunj Construction Corp.,* Northvale, New Jersey (W25G1V-21-D-0017); Intercontinental Construction Contracting Inc.,* Passaic, New Jersey (W25G1V-21-D-0016); Goldbelt Operations Support Services LLC,* Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (W25G1V-21-D-0015); Enfield Enterprises Inc.,* Springfield, Massachusetts (W25G1V-21-D-0014); Cineteot Inc.,* Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (W25G1V-21-D-0013); Benaka Inc.,* New Brunswick, New Jersey (W25G1V-21-D-0011); ARS Aleut Construction LLC,* Port Allen, Louisiana (W25G1V-21-D-0010); ARK Construction,* Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (W25G1V-21-D-0009); AMES 1,* Anchorage, Alaska (W25G1V-21-D-0008); The OAK Group,* Camden, New Jersey (W25G1V-21-D-0020); and S&S Mechanical,* Weatherly, Pennsylvania (W25G1V-21-D-0021), will compete for each order of the $200,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance, repair, minor construction services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 23 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. 

*Crosby Dredging LLC, Galliano, Louisiana, was awarded a $26,684,004 firm-fixed-price contract for removal and satisfactory disposal of material from within the Calcasieu River Ship Channel, the Clooney Island Loop Channel, the turning basing at Mile 36.0 of the main channel. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 14, 2023. Fiscal 2021 civil construction, Corps of Engineers funds in the amount of $26,684,004 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. 

*Silotch-PDS JV LLC, Annapolis, Maryland (HQ0034-21-D-0027); Silver Lake – TMG JV#2 LLC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (HQ0034-21-D-0026); Signature Renovations LLC, Capital Heights, Maryland (HQ0034-21-D-0025); Stampede Ventures Inc., Nome, Alaska (HQ0034-21-D-0024); PEM-Harkins JV LLP, Columbus, Ohio (HQ0034-21-D-0023); Athena Construction Group Inc., Triangle, Virginia (HQ0034-21-D-0022); APC DB JV LLC, Harvey, Louisiana (HQ0034-21-D-0021); and HSU Development Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland (HQ0034-21-D-0020), were awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (HQ0034-21-R-0003). The amount of this action is $45,010,000, and the maximum amount if all options are exercised is $150,000,000. This purpose of this multiple award construction contract is to provide for design-build and design-bid-build construction in the National Capital Region. The ordering period is up to 10 years if all options are exercised. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C.; Arlington, Virginia; Alexandria, Virginia; Fairfield, Pennsylvania; and Frederick, Maryland. Fiscal 2021 Pentagon Reservation Maintenance Revolving Funds will be obligated in the amount of $10,000 at the time of award. The expected completion date is Sept. 29, 2031. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/29/21)

Mississippi deer virus outbreak

The Mississippi wildlife biologists suspect its deer population may be experiencing an outbreak of Hemorrhagic Disease, commonly called blue-tongue. It's caused by a virus and is transmitted deer to deer by insect midges of the genus Culicoides. Deer Program Coordinator William T. McKinley said his department tracks the outbreaks through hunter reports and the sloughing hooves from deer harvested every year. He says the virus follows a three to five-year cycle. "Mississippi has had four consecutive years with low Hemorrhagic Disease activity. In the southeastern U.S., outbreaks usually result in less than 10 percent mortality," McKinley told WAPT. (Source: WAPT 09/29/21)

Preparing for gov't shutdown

The departments of defense and veterans affairs have issued information to workers of the possibility of a government shutdown Oct. 1, if a funding resolution cannot be worked out in Congress. Employees were warned of possible office closures, program interruptions and potential furloughs that will result from a budget lapse. The moves won’t mean work stoppage for active-duty service members, but it could mean a disruption in pay. Senate Republicans blocked a bid by Democrats to push through legislation to extend the current federal budget past Oct. 1. Many government agencies will run out of funding and be forced to shutter temporarily. Ninety six percent of VA employees will not have to worry about furloughs in a shutdown, and most VA programs, including medical care, benefits processing and burials at VA cemeteries, will continue uninterrupted because of advanced funding from Congress. The effects at the DoD would be more severe. Active-duty troops will continue working. Reserve personnel performing active duty functions will continue, but inactive duty functions will be cancelled. Civilian personnel who are “necessary to carry out or support excepted activities” will be able to work after Sept. 30 - about 357,000 civilian workers (429,000 would be furloughed). (Source: Military Times 09/27/21) DoD, VA officials prep for a possible government shutdown later this week (militarytimes.com)

Last week, Veterans Affairs officials released their shutdown contingency plan, which will be less severe than other department’s because of advance appropriations approved by Congress in last year’s budget agreement.

HII, Stennis mandated vaccinations

Huntington Ingalls Industries' shipbuilding facility at Pascagoula and the John C. Stennis Space Center will require all employees be vaccinated by Dec. 8 following updated guidance handed down by the Biden administration. The president’s Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued the deadline Sept. 24, with updated instruction for federal contractors to comply with after the COVID-19 vaccination mandate issued on Sept. 9. HII-Pascagoula and Stennis, two of the Gulf Coast’s largest employers, are federal contractors subject to the guidance. (Source: Sun Herald 09/28/21) Ingalls, Stennis must comply with new COVID vaccine mandate | Biloxi Sun Herald

DoD regional contracts Sept 28

Gilbane Federal, Concord, California (N69450-21-D-0056); Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Orlando, Florida (N69450-21-D-0057); The Korte Co., St. Louis, Missouri (N69450-21-D-0058); M. A. Mortenson Co., doing business as Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis, Minnesota (N69450-21-D-0059); RQ Construction LLC, Carlsbad, California (N69450-21-D-0060); Sauer Inc., Jacksonville, Florida (N69450-21-D-0061); and Walsh Federal LLC, Chicago, Illinois (N69450-21-D-0062), are awarded a combined-maximum-value $900,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity design-build and design-bid-build multiple-award construction contract for construction projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of operations. Each awardee is awarded $1,000 to satisfy the guaranteed minimum. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed in Florida (15%); Georgia (15%); Louisiana (14%); Mississippi (14%); South Carolina (14%); Tennessee (14%); and Texas (14%), and is expected to be completed by September 2026. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the sam.gov website, with 34 proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. 

*Rigid Constructors LLC, Opelousas, Louisiana, was awarded a $20,980,000 firm-fixed-price contract for flood control work, Amite River and Tributaries, Louisiana. Bids were solicited via the internet with 10 received. Work will be performed in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 9, 2022. Fiscal 2021 civil construction funds in the amount of $20,980,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. 

*Renda JBros. JV, Roanoke, Texas, was awarded a $10,000,000 modification (P00034) to contract W912P8-14-C-0054 for widening of Florida Avenue Canal. Work will be performed in New Orleans, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2022. Fiscal 2014 civil construction, Corps of Engineers funds in the amount of $10,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/28/21)

CG rescues duo near Gulfport

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued two people Sept. 25 after a vessel began to take on water near Gulfport, Mississippi. CG Sector Mobile, Ala., received a report from CG Station Gulfport of a 17-foot vessel taking on water with two people aboard north of Cat Island. CG Gulfport launched a 45-foot Response boatcrew. They were able to tow the vessel and people back to Long Beach Harbor. Both persons were reported in stable condition. Following the rescue, it was determined that the vessel did not have any flares onboard. "The Coast Guard recommends people check to make sure they have all the required safety equipment before getting underway,” said Petty Officer 1^st Class Christopher Moore, CG Sector Mobile's command duty officer. (Source: Coast Guard 09/26/21)

DoD regional contracts Sept 27

*Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana, is awarded a $105,601,670 modification (P00007) to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N6134019D0004). This modification increases scope and provides intermediate and depot level maintenance, logistics and engineering support for 216 in-service T-45 F405-RR-401 Adour engines. Work will be performed in Meridian, Mississippi (47%); Kingsville, Texas (46%); Pensacola, Florida (6%); and Patuxent River, Maryland (1%), and is expected to be completed in March 2022. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be issued against individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. 

*Manson Construction, Seattle, Washington, was awarded a $9,936,000 modification (P00001) to contract W912P8-21-C-0037 for Southwest Mississippi hopper dredge. Work will be performed in Venice Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 6, 2022. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 operation and maintenance, Corps of Engineers, civil funds in the amount of $9,936,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/26/21)

GoM research project & startup

The Water Institute of the Gulf researchers will join in a project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) RESTORE Science Program to examine how to maximize benefits of restoring and managing the Chandeleur Islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico, particularly as it relates to the unique seagrass ecosystems along the islands. The $127,065 project is being led by Kelly Darnell, a USM assistant research professor. The project is a collaboration between natural resource managers and researchers, that will develop a plan to answer questions about seagrasses and their associated communities and provide useable data used for restoration and long-term management of the islands. 

*New Orleans-based Levelset, a homegrown software business startup founded nearly 10 years ago, was sold for $500M to California software firm Procore Technologies, which is worth $12.5B. Procore is a construction software firm in Carpinteria, Calif. It’s a deal that helps smaller cities to lure investments from tech hubs from the Sam Francisco to the Boston-New York-Washington D.C. Levelset founder/CEO Scott Wolfe is a native of New Orleans who earned a law degree from Loyola University. Tulane business professor Rob Lalka, who heads the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship, said the key to Levelset's success was its embrace of an business sector crying for software made easier. “Construction liens weren’t as flashy as being the next … dating app," Lalka said. But they built a product that created value for an “overlooked customer, and that should be a wake-up call for other New Orleans entrepreneurs."

*Kristin Thomas-Martin has been named ExxonMobil Baton Rouge (La.) Plastics' plant manager. Thomas-Martin replaces Angela Zeringue, who was named senior operations planning advisor for ExxonMobil Chemical Company's Global Operations. Thomas-Martin began her career in 2006 with ExxonMobil at the BR chemical plant after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in chemical engineering. In 2019, she began working as operations manager at the Baton Rouge Polyolefins Plant. 

*Clare Falcon is the new state geologist and director of the Louisiana Geological Survey. She brings more than 25 years of geoscience experience, mostly from industry, to the state position. Most recently, Falcon worked in Houston for BHP, a global resources company HQ'd in Australia. Since 2017, she served as a leadership coach, a geoscience manager and a geologist on Gulf of Mexico exploration and appraisal projects in the U.S. and Mexico. She has led the Gulf of Mexico exploration team as an exploration sedimentologist for the Italian multi-national O&G company Eni. She earned a degree in geology from Liverpool University and her doctorate from the University of Leeds in the U.K. (Source: NOLA.com 09/26/21)

LA oysters making way to menus

For the first time since the state’s oyster harvest areas were closed as a safety precaution after Hurricane Ida, fresh Louisiana oysters are making a comeback to regional menus. As of late last week, seven of 28 coastal oyster-growing areas have reopened. It’s going to be months before oyster farmers and fishers in Plaquemines and western waters return to normal, restauranteur Mitch Jurisich, chair of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, told NOLA.com. Areas reopened include five on the east bank of the Mississippi River in Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes, and two on the west bank near Empire in Plaquemines. (Source: NOLA.com 09/25/21) Louisiana oysters slowly returning to restaurants, markets; industry recovery months away | Environment | nola.com

GT duo named to state art's board

Two East Mississippi residents were named to the Mississippi Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees. Critz Campbell of Starkville and Monique Montgomery of Columbus are among 14 new trustees joining the 43-member board for FY 2022. Campbell is head of the Department of Art at Mississippi State. Montgomery is a graduate of the USM and earned her doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law. Prior to law school, she served as contracts coordinator for CNN International. (Source: Daily Journal 09/25/21) Golden Triangle residents to serve on art museum board - The Dispatch (cdispatch.com)

1960: 1st televised prez debate

Kennedy and Nixon square off in first televised presidential debate. (Source: Hisstory..com 09/26/21) Kennedy-Nixon Debates - HISTORY

Giles chief water manager @ CoE

VICKSBURG, Miss. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Vicksburg District has named Justin Giles as chief of the Water Management Section within the Hydraulics Branch. Giles's job will be to ensure the district’s water resources projects are operated within  water control plans, and operates and maintains the district's satellite streamage network. He's also responsible for other water resources data collection, Corps Water Management System (CWMS) models for flood forecasting and inundation mapping, and computing the district's flood damages prevented and communicate with the public during emergencies and usual operations. Giles had served as the acting chief of Water Management Section and lead hydraulic engineer. He began his career with the Vicksburg District’s Dam and Levee Modeling Section in 2013. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Master of Engineering degree from Mississippi State University. (Source: USACE 09/24/21)

Skilled laborers vital for MS biz

COLUMBUS, Miss. - Skilled laborers are essential for area businesses; but benefits, opportunities, and quality of life is what it takes to retain those workers. Laborers need options. It’s vital to have a qualified workforce. ”Everyone needs workers right now," Macaulay Whitaker, CEO at the GTR Development Link. told WCBI. From 2020-21, unemployment in Mississippi rose from 5.6% to 6%  (Lowndes County 6.2%, Oktibbeha 5.9%, and Clay 7.7%). It affects an area’s ability to grow. Workforce development has been a focus in the Golden Triangle for nearly a decade. An example is Communiversity. It's a major project to make room for the pipeline and the throughput of workers for area businesses,” he said. ”Brain drain is a whole state effort," he continued. It takes things like providing opportunities to students and individuals to set goals towards positions and careers in Mississippi. The region/state is "going to have to shift our focus in attracting people to the workforce. Whether it’s from out of state or in the state or just down the street,” said Whitaker. (Source: WCBI 09/24/21) From the classroom to the workforce,skilled laborers are vital in area businesses (wcbi.com)

Update: CG suspends search in LA

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is searching for a person in the water Sept. 24 near Southwest Pass in Louisiana. Rescue crews are searching for a 6-foot-4 white male last seen wearing a blue shirt and gray backpack. CG Sector New Orleans received a call from the fishing vessel Master Wayne at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 23 reporting a crewmember reportedly fell overboard. The CG directed the launch of rescue crews Thursday to begin searching. (Source: Coast Guard 09/24/21)

UPDATE: The Coast Guard suspended its search around 7 p.m. Saturday for a person in the water near Southwest Pass. Rescue crews searched more than 4,600 square miles for a combined search time of 80 hours.

DoD regional contracts 24 Sept

Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, is awarded a $21,900,220 firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable modification (P00018) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N6134017D0005). This modification exercises options to provide intermediate-level maintenance, repair, and logistics support services where the capability exists for the Individual Component Repair List in support of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) for Chief of Naval Air Training aircraft, tenant activities, and transient aircraft. Additionally, this modification provides direct and indirect material, tools and equipment not otherwise provided by the U.S. government required to support and maintain the four AIMDs as well as related support equipment. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas (40%); Whiting Field, Florida (32%); Pensacola, Florida (14%); Kingsville, Texas (8%) and Meridian, Mississippi (6%), and is expected to be completed in September 2022. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. 

* Cycle Marine Group Inc., Kenner, Louisiana, was awarded a $9,596,500 firm-fixed-price contract for Bayou Sorrel Dolphin and Guidewall replacement. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Plaquemine, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 5, 2022. Fiscal 2021 civil construction funds in the amount of $9,596,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/23/21)

NASM duo: Top 20 Under 40

NAS Meridian, Miss., announced that Gunnery Sgt. Bryan Jones, a member of the staff at Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron 1 and Lucy Dormont, a military spouse of a VT-9 squadron instructor-pilot were selected for the 'Top 20 Under 40' honor and featured in the Meridian Home and Style Magazine. (Source: NASM 09/20/21) (1) NAS Meridian | Facebook

Leading way to MS STEM teachers

OXFORD, Miss. - Nicole Roberson has been selected to lead the University of Mississippi School of Education’s efforts to train the next generation of AP-certified teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She’s executive director of the Mississippi Public School Consortium for Educational Access  at the School of Education. The consortium aims to not only to boost the number of AP-certified teachers, but also plans to bring them into some Mississippi communities where there are none. A Mississippi native and graduate of Belmont High School in NE Mississippi, Roberson is also an AP-certified teacher who tries to foster a technology rich, innovative classroom, which gives students the best, current learning experience. The consortium is at Ole Miss and made up of a group of rural Mississippi public school districts joined together to implement an initiative to provide promising rural community students with access to advanced STEM courses. It has partnerships with Mississippi State University, Millsaps College and Jackson State University. (Source: OleMiss.edu 09/22/21) New Director Aims to Train More STEM Teachers - Ole Miss News

DoD regional contracts 23 Sept

*Stratus Systems Inc., Belle Chasse, Louisiana, is awarded a $9,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the manufacture of FW98 and BY81 automatic inflation devices used in aircrew personnel life preservers upon egress from ejection seat equipped aircraft. This contract includes a three-year ordering period with no options. All work will be performed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by September 2024. This effort combines purchases under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, and funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Funds in the amount of $3,284,250 ($1,460,416 for FW98 units and $1,823,834 for BY81 units) will be issued for delivery order N00104-21-F-YN01 that will be awarded concurrently with the contract. Fiscal 2020 procurement (Navy) funds (73%); FMS Spain funds (13%); FMS Kuwait funds (8%); and FMS Switzerland funds (6%) will be used for the FW98 procurement. FMS Korea funds (59%); FMS Turkey funds (12%); fiscal 2019 procurement (Air Force) funds (11%); FMS Taiwan funds (7%); FMS Pakistan funds (5%); FMS Thailand funds (3%); FMS Bahrain funds (1%); FMS Morocco funds (1%); FMS Singapore funds (0.5%); and FMS Serbia funds (0.5%), will be used for the BY81 procurement. Two sources were solicited for this non-competitive requirement under authority, 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. 

*Buck Town Contractors & Co.,* Kenner, Louisiana, was awarded a $12,122,970 firm-fixed-price contract for the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Batchelor, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of May 16, 2023. Fiscal 2021 Mississippi River and Tributaries funds in the amount of $12,122,970 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/23/21)

MS: Top 20 startup experience

The 2021 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) by Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network was launched at London Tech Week. Mississippi was featured in world’s only preeminent report on advancing startup ecosystems and was tanked as a Top 20 Global Ecosystem in Startup Experience. GSER is the world’s most comprehensive and widely read research on startups, with 280 entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems and 3M startups analyzed. The GSER includes a ranking of the leading 140 ecosystems in the world, breakdowns by continent with regional insights and founder-focused articles from thought leaders and experts around the world. (Source: Innovate Mississippi 09/22/21) Mississippi ranked as a Top 20 Global Ecosystem in Startup Experience (innovate.ms)

DoD regional contracts 21 Sept

*RC Construction Inc., Greenwood, Mississippi, was awarded a $27,592,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a combat aircraft parking area. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed at Hurlburt Field, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 5, 2024. Fiscal 2021 military construction, defense-wide funds in the amount of $27,592,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

*Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, has been awarded a $19,778,096 modification (P00065) to previously awarded contract FA3002-14-C-0013 for the option to extend support services for T-1, T-6 and T-38 undergraduate pilot training. Work will be performed at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2022. Fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance funds will be used, and no funds are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Installation Contracting Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 16, 2021) 

*Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, is awarded a $96,467,100 modification (P00057) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001914D0011). This modification increases the contract ceiling to extend organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering support, to include support of equipment, tools, direct and indirect material for the T-45 aircraft, associated systems, and related support equipment to maintain all flight and test and evaluation operations for the Navy. Work will be performed in Kingsville, Texas (45.7%); Meridian, Mississippi (41.7%); Pensacola, Florida (10.1%); and Patuxent River, Maryland (2.5%), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. 

 

*Rigid Constructors LLC, Lafayette, Louisiana, was awarded a $22,387,000 firm-fixed-price contract for rehabilitation of selected upland along the Calcasieu Ship Channel. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of April 3, 2023. Fiscal 2021 civil operation and maintenance in the amount of $22,387,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. 

*BIS Services LLC, Jefferson, Louisiana, was awarded a $20,487,177 firm-fixed-price contract for dike and jetty repairs. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 7, 2022. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/21/21)

A&D earns $874B in revenues

The Aerospace Industries Association released a report that indicates that the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry recorded $874B in revenues, contribute $90.6B in exports and employed 2.09M workers in 2020 despite business/ job losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry represented 1.8 percent, or about $382B, of the total U.S. GDP; made $59B in combined tax contributions, and issued $218.6B in compensation, accounting for 2 percent of the total labor income. According to the report, military aircraft, missiles, space systems and other defense aerospace products accounted for 15 percent ($13.7B), of all A&D exports in 2020. Defense non-aerospace products, including ships, tracked vehicles and artillery represented 5 percent ($4.1B) of the total annual A&D exports. (Source: Executive.gov 09/20/21) Aerospace & Defense Industry Recorded $874B in 2020 Revenue; AIA’s Eric Fanning Quoted (Executivegov.com 09/20/21) Gulf Coast Note: Many of those industries are scattered all across the Gulf Coast and include companies such as Airbus Helicopters, Inc and HII-Pascagoula in Mississippi'  Austal USA in Alabama, and NASA's Michoud facility in Louisiana. Aerospace & Defense Industry Recorded $874B in 2020 Revenue; AIA’s Eric Fanning Quoted (executivegov.com)

MS schools earn nati'l blue ribbons

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona named 325 schools across America as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. Four of those schools were in Mississippi: Della Davidson Elementary in Oxford; Woolmarket Elementary School, Harrison County School District; Brandon Elementary School, Rankin County School District; and East Hancock Elementary School, Hancock County School District. "It is a huge honor. It recognizes the efforts and hard work of the staff, the parents and the community to create a safe and welcoming environment for learning, Oxford Superintendent Bradley Roberson told the Daily Journal. Recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. (Source: Daily Journal 09/21/21) Oxford elementary named 2021 National Blue Ribbon School | Education | djournal.com

DDG 121 completes acceptance trials

The future USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) completed Acceptance trials Sept. 16 after spending two days in the Gulf of Mexico. “Following an impressive performance during Builder’s trials in August, the ship continued to demonstrate her readiness to join the fleet through successful completion of Acceptance trials,” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 program manager. DDG 121 is named in honor of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen Jr., the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine general. It his been under construction at HII Pascagoula, Miss. (Source: US Navy 09/20/21) DDG 121 Completes Acceptance Trials > United States Navy > News-Stories

HGMI puts 3-fuel PSV into service

Harvey Gulf International Marine announced Sept. 16 that it has put into service the M/V Harvey Power, a 310-foot platform supply vessel (PSV) that utilizes three fuel sources: LNG, electric battery, and ultra-low sulphur diesel, making it the second tri-fueled vessel in the United States, according to a company media release. The Harvey Power will be primarily operated utilizing only LNG and battery power. The company has three additional PSVs being retrofitted with batteries to make them tri-fueled, yielding a fleet of five tri-fueled vessels. Conversion for the final three vessels to tri-fuel status is anticipated for completion by March 31. HGIM is the only company in the nation with tri-fueled vessels.  Harvey Gulf’s headquarters is in New Orleans; and has an operations facility at Port Fourchon, La. (Source: Harvey Gulf Marine 09/16/21)

Know before you go ... to the beach

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is urging beach-goers to be aware of rip current conditions after two cases this past weekend along the Gulf Coast. CG Sector Mobile, Ala., diverted a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew to rescue three swimmers caught in a rip current off Dauphin Island. The other case involved an overnight search by the CG, state and local agencies, resulting in the recovery of two bodies near Panama City, Fla. Here are a few safety tips to know before you go to the beach … (Source: Coast Guard 09/20/21) GRAPHIC AVAILABLE: Coast Guard urges rip current caution to beachgoers along Gulf Coast (govdelivery.com)

TW2 jet crashes, pilots eject

A Navy T-45C Goshawk trainer-aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing (TW) 2 at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, crashed in Lake Worth, Texas, about two miles NE of Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. The two pilots ejected from the aircraft. The instructor pilot was reported in stable condition. The student naval aviator was reported in serious, but not life-threatening condition. The aviators were both transported to local medical facilities for treatment. (Source: CNATRA 09/19/21) Mississippi Note: Naval aviators in training at NAS Meridian also fly the T-45C. DVIDS - News - UPDATE (Sep. 19 at 8:30 p.m.) Navy T-45C Goshawk Crashes in Lake Worth, Texas, No fatalities (dvidshub.net) 

UPDATE: The instructor pilot was released from the hospital Sept. 20. The student pilot is in serious condition and is receiving treatment at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Phoenix PD orders 5 AHI choppers

The Phoenix (Ariz.) Police Department has placed an order for five Airbus H125 single turbine helicopters, with deliveries expected next year. The H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel Fadec, a crash-resistant fuel system, and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. According to Airbus Helicopters Inc., the model accounts for nearly half of all intermediate single engine helicopters delivered for airborne law enforcement missions in North America over the last 10 years. It is built at AHI’s production and completion facility in Columbus, Miss. Overall, there are more than 3,100 Airbus helicopters in service throughout North America. (Source: AINonline 09/16/21) Phoenix PD Orders Five Airbus H125s | General Aviation News: Aviation International News (ainonline.com)

HII completes sea trials for DDG 121

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced Sept. 17 that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division completed the final round of sea trials for the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121). “The successful completion of acceptance trials is an extremely rewarding accomplishment for Ingalls and for our partners who work closely with us to ensure we achieve this milestone together,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “We are proud of our shipbuilders for working as a team to move DDG 121 one step closer to delivery.” HII-Pascagoula has delivered 32 destroyers to the Navy and currently has four more under construction. (Source HII 09/17/21) Photo Release — Ingalls Shipbuilding Successfully Completes Acceptance Trials for Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) | Huntington Ingalls Industries

DoD pact for MS, LA projects

Archer Western Federal JV, Chicago, Illinois (N69450-19-D-0907); B.L. Harbert International, Birmingham, Alabama (N69450-19-D-0908); The Haskell Co., Jacksonville, Florida (N69450-19-D-0909); The Korte Co., St. Louis, Missouri (N69450-19-D-0910); and Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis, Minnesota (N69450-19-D-0911), are awarded a combined $85,000,000 firm-fixed-price modification to increase the combined cumulative maximum dollar value of all five indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts for construction projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast (NAVFAC SE) area of operations (AO). The work to be performed provides for, but is not limited to, general building type projects (new construction, renovation, alteration, demolition, and repair work) including industrial, airfield, aircraft hangar, aircraft traffic control, infrastructure, administrative, training, dormitory, and community support facilities. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value for all five contracts combined will be $325,000,000. Work will be performed within the NAVFAC SE AO, which includes Florida (15%); Georgia (15%); Louisiana (14%); Mississippi (14%); South Carolina (14%); Tennessee (14%); and Texas (14%). The term of the contracts is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of February 2024. No funds will be obligated at time of award. The NAVFAC SE, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/17/21)