Lockheed Martin, Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $14,906,080 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-15-C-5151 to exercise options for ship integration and test of the Aegis Weapon System. Work under this modification will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (49%); Norfolk, Virginia (15%); San Diego, California (8%); Washington, D.C. (7%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (6%); Mayport, Florida (4%); Bath, Maine (3%); and various other locations each below 1% (8%), and is expected to be completed by June 2023. Fiscal 2022 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,177,261 (81%); and fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,002,132 (19%) will be obligated at time of award, of which $4,177,261 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/30/22)
Thursday, June 30, 2022
MS sailor comes home for burial
LIBERTY, Miss. - Seaman 1st Class John Melton, a sailor from Liberty, Mississippi, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, is coming home to be buried July 9. Melton will be buried in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Gloster, Mississippi. He was stationed on the USS West Virginia during his time of service. (Source: WLBT 06/30/22) Sailor who died during attack on Pearl Harbor returned to Mississippi to be buried (wtok.com)
PRCC alums form endowment
POPLARVILLE, Miss. - Two Pearl River Community College alumni have made a commitment to change the lives of students for generations by donating and forming a $100,000 scholarship endowment. In the 1960s, Lucien and Connie Kilby Bourgeois met while attending PRCC. The duo has been married now for over five decades, but it was also the first step in Lucien’s professional career as a lawyer. Now, the couple is paying it forward. The Lucien and Connie Kilby Bourgeois Scholarship will provide financial assistance for a student from Bay St. Louis, Lucien’s hometown, or Poplarville, Connie’s hometown. The scholarship will be awarded to multiple students to help cover the cost of attendance. (Source: WDAM 06/29/22)
MSU safety goal from UAS
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory is partnering with Dallas-based 911 Security to assist in monitoring drone activity on campus. The flight lab, which specializes in research and testing of unmanned aircraft systems, signed an agreement with 911 Security to implement the company’s AirGuard drone detection system on the Starkville campus. The goal is to provide for a safe campus. (Source: MSU 06/29/22) MSU’s Raspet Flight Lab working with 911 Security to ensure safe drone use on campus | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
CoE issues Vicksburg contract
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, Spring, Texas, was awarded a $25,480,000 firm-fixed-price contract for one base system and one test and development system supercomputer system. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Vicksburg, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 25, 2028. Fiscal 2022 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $25,480,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/29/22)
Spruance Field O&G producing
LLOG Exploration Company, a Covington-based firm, has begun production at a pair of wells in the Gulf of Mexico collectively known as Spruance Field. They are producing a combined daily total of 16,000 barrels of oil and 13M cubic feet of natural gas. The wells are located in Ewing Bank, a Gulf of Mexico formation about 60 miles from Louisiana's coast. (Source: NOLA.com 06/28/22) Covington company’s Gulf of Mexico wells begin production | Business News | nola.com
GC feeds East's gasoline hunger
The Gulf Coast supplies major shipments of gasoline and distillate fuel to the East Coast. In March, the East Coast received an average of 1.9M barrels per day (b/d) of gasoline and 0.9M b/d of distillate by pipeline, tanker, and barge from the Gulf Coast. More than half of the refining capacity in the United States is located on the Gulf Coast, where more gasoline and distillate is produced than used. In contrast, the East Coast has little refining capacity, but uses the most gasoline. Since 2017, refinery capacity on the East Coast has fallen from 1.2M b/d to 0.8M million b/d. Transportation fuel markets are linked by the 2.5M b/d Colonial Pipeline and 720,000 b/d Products (SE) Pipeline (formerly the Plantation Pipeline). Inter-regional shipments and imports appear relatively high, but growth and limited refining capacity on the East Coast will likely contribute to product inventories remaining relatively low. (Source: iN Freight News 06/29/22) Significant volumes of gasoline and distillate move from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
Naval history: June 29, 1862
On this day in Navy and Marine Corps history: June 29, 1862 - During the Civil War, the steam sloop USS Susquehanna, commanded by Cmdr. R.B. Hitchcock, captures the blockade-running British steamer HMS Anna near Mobile, Ala. (Source: US Navy 06/29/22)
She carried dispatches for Flag Officer Adm. David Farragut to the Gulf of Mexico. En route, she captured Confederate schooner Princeton on 11 June, and sent the prize to Key West, Florida. On 29 June, she and Kanawha seized British steamer Ann trying to get into Mobile Bay with a cargo of arms and ammunition. Susquehanna continued to operate in the Gulf of Mexico until ordered to New York for repairs in the spring of 1863. While proceeding north, the warship captured schooner Alabama off the Florida coast on 18 April.
Former GC officer nom to Lt. Gen.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced June 29 that the president has nominated Space Force Maj. Gen. Philip A. Garrant for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, and requirements, Office of the Chief of Space Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Garrant is currently serving as the program executive for ground-based weapon systems, Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. (Source: DoD 06/29/22)
Gulf Coast (GC) Note: Garrant previously served as Commander, 689 Armament Systems Squadron, Air Armament Center at Eglin AFB, Fla., from June 2007 to June 2009. He also served as deputy director, 808 Armament Systems Group at the Air Armament Center from June 2009 to June 2010 at Eglin AFB Fla.
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Mississippi election results
Mississippi election results from June 28.
District 2
Republican:
88% of precincts reporting
- Ronald Eller – 3,930 – 42%
- Brian Flowers – 5,388 – 58% – WINNER
District 3
Republican:
94% of precincts reporting
- Michael Guest – 44,136 – 67% – WINNER
- Michael Cassidy – 21,466 – 34%
District 4
Republican:
94% of precincts reporting
- Steven M. Palazzo – 26,555 – 46%
- Mike Ezell – 30,753 – 54% – WINNER
Stennis airport to host fly-in
KILN, Miss. – Stennis International Airport will host a family-friendly fly-in July 16 with planes and pilots from around the region. Visitors will be able to view planes and meet pilots and learn about aviation. The event marks the 15th anniversary of the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Tower at Stennis Airport. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapters from Slidell (La.) and Diamondhead will join the event. EAA’s Young Eagles program is dedicated to giving youth ages 8–17 an opportunity to fly in a general aviation airplane. The flights are offered free of charge on a first-come-first-served basis and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. Aviation companies from the area will be on site with displays and information booths. (Source: Hancock County 06/28/22) Stennis Airport hosts fly-in July 16 | Hancock County News and Events (portairspace.com)
Shark: 17 more vessels for Ukraine
JEANERETTE, La. - In an effort to help Ukraine better protect its coastline, waterways, and ports, the U.S. is providing it with a range of defense articles, including 23 welded-aluminum military vessels built by Louisiana-based Metal Shark. Last week, it was announced that six Metal Shark maritime combat vessels would be sent to Ukraine as part of a $450M package. Meanwhile, at Metal Shark’s Franklin and Jeanerette, La., facilities, production is well underway on 17 more for Ukraine, including ten 38-foot Defiant pilothouse patrol vessels, four 38-foot Defiant center console patrol vessels, and three 36-foot Fearless high-performance military interceptor vessels. Each of these vessels are proven military platforms optimized for the Ukraine mission. “Metal Shark has been working closely with the US Embassy in Kiev since 2019 to develop the strategy now being implemented to support Ukraine’s maritime capabilities," said Shark VP of International Business Henry Irizarry, "so it's fulfilling to see that the vessels will arrive when they are most needed." Metal Shark is a diversified shipbuilder specializing in the design and construction of welded aluminum and steel vessels from 16’ to over 300’ for defense, law enforcement, and commercial operators.
Airbus M-65s key to CG's role
Airbus' MH-65 Dauphin helicopters play critical role in U.S. Coast Guard’s drug interdiction. (Source: Airbus 06/28/22) Airbus helicopters play critical role in U.S. Coast Guard’s drug interdiction | Airbus U.S.
Dealing w/ inflation in Miss.
BILOXI, Miss. - Inflation and rising interest rates were topics under discussion on the second day of the 91st Annual Municipal League Conference. City leaders from across Mississippi gathered at the Coast Coliseum for the educational sessions. Some 200 companies had sites in vendor hall to promote their services. There was one thing all had in common. “Supply’s extremely low. Demand’s extremely high,” Josh Parker, with Caterpillar machinery company Puckett Power, told WLOX. “We’ve had several price increases this year, several more to come.” Interest rates are starting to rise throughout the market, he said. “We’ve seen several price increases on machines" and that’s all due to inflation and rising costs of components. “Obviously, the cost of everything: construction, labor, you know, everything ... (is) all tied to fuel" and labor shortages, said Lee Frederick with the Mississippi Department of Transportation. From roads to houses, it's not easing up. “People are looking at manufactured housing" for getting more for the buck, said Jennifer Hall, Executive Director of the Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association. The group is made up of about 48 manufacturers that ship ready-made homes to Mississippi. However, with rising interest rates the group's loan rates have gone from 4% to 6% - the same as site-built homes. These higher prices are brining budget realities to municipalities. The conference concludes June 29. (Source: WLOX 06/38/22)
RF-4C mounted at MS vet park
The RF-4C Phantom formerly stationed at Key Field in Meridian, Miss., was mounted on its pedestal June 27 at East Mississippi Veterans Memorial Park. The aircraft will serve as a static display within the park honoring military service members from throughout East Mississippi. Plans to restore the jet are underway with more details to be announced. For more information about the East Mississippi Veterans Memorial Park, visit emsvf.org. (Source: Meridian Star 06/28/22)
DoD regional contracts June 28
General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO), San Diego, California, is awarded a $500,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-16-C-2229 to award long-lead-time material in support of T-AO 211 and 212. Work will be performed in Iron Mountain, Michigan (27%); San Diego, California (22%); Beloit, Wisconsin (14%); Columbia, South Carolina (8%); Arlington, Virginia (7%); Chelsea, Alabama (4%); Walpole, Massachusetts (4%), New Orleans, Louisiana (2%); and various other locations less than one percent (12%), and is expected to be completed by June 2027. Fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $500,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
*General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO), San Diego, California, is awarded a $100,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-2235 for the procurement of long-lead-time material in support of Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) 8. Work will be performed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (31%); Beloit, Wisconsin (25%); San Diego, California (17%); Chesapeake, Virginia (7%); Iron Mountain, Michigan (7%); Hamburg, Germany (3%); Buffalo, New York (3%); Busan, Korea (2%); Chula Vista, California (2%); Houma, Louisiana (2%); and Appleton, Wisconsin (1%), and is expected to be completed by March 2026. Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $73,000,000 (73%); and fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $27,000,000 (27%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
*Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $10,595,387 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost only modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-5602 to exercise options for combat system ship integration and test on Guided Missile Frigate (FFG-62) new construction ships. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (85%); Marinette, Wisconsin (10%); Bath, Maine (3%); and Pascagoula, Mississippi (2%), and is expected to be completed by June 2023. Fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $916,739 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/28/22)
Sunday, June 26, 2022
Chevron to buy Venture Global LNG
North American liquified natural gas (LNG) producer Venture Global has executed two long-term Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) for the purchase of 2M tons of LNG annually for 20 years. Under the agreements, Chevron would purchase 1 MTPA from the Plaquemines LNG facility and 1 MTPA from CP2 LNG. Both sites are in south Louisiana. Plaquemines LNG has been under full construction since August 2021. Construction of CP2 LNG is expected to begin next year. “This is part of Chevron’s strategy to connect and strengthen relationships across the natural gas value chain – from natural gas production and lower carbon initiatives to transportation, marketing, and delivery to the customers who need it most,” Colin Parfitt, Chevron Vice President of Midstream, stated. Plaquemines LNG is an export facility in Plaquemines Parish, La., about 20 miles south of New Orleans. When fully developed, Plaquemines LNG will have an export capacity of up to 20M metric tons per year. The CP2 LNG project will entail an LNG terminal with a nameplate liquefaction capacity of 20M metric tons per of LNG per year and a peak capacity of approximately 24 MTPA. The CP2 LNG terminal will be located on an a 546-acre site in Cameron Parish, La. The pipeline for the terminal will originate in Jasper County, Texas, and feed natural gas to the proposed LNG facility in Cameron Parish. Venture Global’s first facility, Calcasieu Pass, La., began producing LNG in January 2022. All of Venture Global’s LNG facilities will have carbon capture and sequestration projects. (Source: Venture Global 06/23/22) Chevron to buy LNG from two Venture Global facilities in Louisiana | Business | theadvocate.com
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Financial Analyst @ Airbus
Financial Analyst @ Airbus of Columbus, Miss.
Scope of job: The Financial Analyst will provide financial advice and support to facilitate the achievement of financial and operational targets for the assigned business unit within Airbus Helicopters North America (AHNA). This role will lead and steer the financial performance of the business unit including profit & loss contribution, cash, working capital, and earned value together with business stakeholders by providing data analysis, performance management reporting and proposing improvement actions where needed. The job holder will assist management teams in all financial aspects and processes of the business ensuring financial accounting policies and procedures are adhered to. Financial Analyst - Business Controlling - Columbus, Mississippi, USA Job Opening - Airbus Helicopters, Inc Jobs (applicantpro.com)
13% ANG soldiers unvaccinated
WASHINGTON - About 13% of Army National Guard soldiers - up to 40,000 across the country haven't gotten the mandated COVID-19 vaccine, and as the deadline for shots looms, June 30, at least 14,000 have refused and may be forced out. Up to 30% of Guard soldiers in six states are not vaccinated, and more than 10% in 43 other states still need shots, according to data from The AP. Guard leaders say they will work with about 7,000 who have sought exemptions, which are almost all for religious reasons. “We’re going to give every soldier every opportunity to get vaccinated," Lt. Gen Jon Jensen, director of the ANG told The AP in an interview. SECDEF Lloyd Austin ordered all active-duty, National Guard and Reserves soldiers to get the vaccine. (Source: The AP 06/25/22) Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska and Wyoming and Oklahoma are challenging DoD's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Friday, June 24, 2022
Airbus: Contract aircraft tech job
Regional aviation job posting
Aircraft Technician B Paint (Contract) Airbus in Columbus, Miss.
Position Summary: Assist in various paint projects including preparation of surface and application of paints, paint projection systems, striping, and assembly of VIP design books, vinyl applications as well as day-to-day operations and organization.
HII awarded $10M pact for DDG 23
Regional Department of Defense contract awards for June 24;
Huntington-Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $10,000,000 cost-plus-award-fee delivery order (N69316-22-F-6000) against previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00024-22-G-2303, to provide program management, advanced planning, engineering, and design in support of the post shakedown availability for DDG 123. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (75%); and San Diego, California (25%), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2023. Fiscal 2022 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funding in the amount of $10,000,000 will be obligated at time of delivery order release. These contract funds in the amount of $10,000,000 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) – only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair Gulf Coast, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is the contracting activity. [DDG 123 is the future USS Lenah H. S. Higbee.]
*Federal Express Corp. (Fedex), Memphis, Tennessee, was awarded a modification (P00015) on indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract HTC71117DC001 in the amount of $214,839,144. This modification provides international and domestic small package delivery services. Work will be performed on a global basis. The period of performance is from Oct. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022. This modification brings the total cumulative value of the contract to $2,566,003,080. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/24/22)
Port NOLA procurement fair
NEW ORLEANS - The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) is hosting a Procurement Fair June 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Port of New Orleans Administration Building, 1350 Port of New Orleans Place in New Orleans. Representatives from several partner organizations will participate to provide information on projects that are currently available for bid opportunities, along with a schedule of projects in the near future. There will be representatives from Port NOLA, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), Chase Bank, the City of New Orleans, Fidelity Bank, LiftFund, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, New Corp, Inc., and the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). “Local and small businesses play a critical role in creating economic vitality,” said Brandy D. Christian, President and CEO of Port NOLA. “I’m proud that nearly $1.5 million of Port purchases were made with DBE/SBE-owned businesses last year. With this procurement fair, we look forward to continuing to connect local businesses with business opportunities that will benefit the Port, NOPB and the local economy.” (Source: Port NOLA 06/23/22) Port NOLA | Port of New Orleans to Host Procurement Fair for Local…
Airbus: Avoid sanctions on titanium
WASHINGTON - European-based Airbus, the world's largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, has called on the West to avoid sanctions on Russian titanium, according to a Wall Street Journal report. This development comes amid restrictions on the export of Russian goods ranging from vodka to steel although titanium has been kept off the EU and US sanction lists. Airbus is still importing large amounts of titanium from Russia. It has publicly called for the EU to hold off imposing sanctions on the metal, which is used to manufacture critical components of its aircraft, the media report read. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said: Russian titanium sales are "one of the few areas of business where it is in the interest of no party to disrupt the current situation," according to WSJ. Airbus is not the only Western company still buying titanium but is among the biggest aerospace firms still doing so. Titanium has increasingly become important material in aircraft production because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and resilience against corrosion. Worldwide about 13% of it comes from Russia, according to the US Geological Survey. G7 nations imposed economic sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. (Source: Big News Network 06/23/22) European plane maker calls on West to avoid sanctions on Russian titanium (bignewsnetwork.com)
Gulf Coast Note: Airbus USA has manufacturing facilities in Columbus, Miss., and Mobile, Ala.
GDIT opens NOLA office
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (GD), announced June 23 it is opening a new office at the University of New Orleans. The facility will initially support 50 new jobs with additional positions expected as operations expand. GDIT will be collaborating with university partners and developing cutting-edge IT solutions for the Navy. Currently, GDIT is partnering with the Navy on the Navy Enterprise Service Desk, a 4-year, $136M contract to modernize and consolidate existing IT help desks. The program is co-located in New Orleans and Bossier City, La. The new office is GDIT’s fifth location in Louisiana. (Source: General Dynamics Information Technology 06/23/22) GDIT Opens New Office at The Beach at University of New Orleans | GDIT
Visit O&G sites before going abroad
The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA) joined 26 other industry trade groups signing a letter on June 23 that urges President Biden to visit American energy sites before a planned trip to Saudi Arabia next month. In addition to LMOGA, the letter is signed by organizations from Alaska to Texas, as well as the American Petroleum Institute, the oil and gas industry’s biggest lobbying group. The letter implored him to visit oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico, Permian Basin or Kern County, Calif., before making the trip. It also suggests he visit U.S. refineries and the Colonial Pipeline, a 5,500-mile fuel artery that stretches from Texas to New Jersey. “(W)e hope you will consider taking another look at made-in-America energy,” the letter read. Biden is set to travel to the Middle East between July 13-16, according to the White House. He goes to Saudi Arabia after visits to Israel and the West Bank. U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), the House Republican whip, has decried the trip as “lunacy.” (Source: The Advocate 06/24/22) Louisiana oil group signs letter urging Biden to visit U.S. energy sites before Saudi Arabia trip | Business | theadvocate.com
AF won't be forced into tanker fight
WASHINGTON: Early morning June 23, House Armed Services Committee representatives pushed back an effort to force the Air Force to hold an open competition for its next aerial refueling aircraft that likely would pit current tanker builder Boeing against Airbus. During the committee’s markup of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, two lawmakers offered competing amendments seeking to shape the Air Force’s next tanker procurement effort, called a bridge tanker or KC-Y. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) offered the winning amendment to allow the AF to sole source a bridge tanker if it follow existing laws and explains it to the committee. His amendment beat out a proposal from Rep Jerry Carl (R-Ala), who sought to restrict all FY23 funding for a bridge tanker if the AF chose to sole-source the contract. Norcross argued that it is important to allow the AF to finish generating requirements for KC-Y before mandating it open competition for the program. But Carl stated that the AF should not be considering purchasing the Boeing KC-46 through a sole-source contract when the tanker has not overcome its technical problems and is not yet fully operational. “We cannot let the DoD, the Air Force, any branch of the government to continue to run away with our checkbook,” he said. “They have to be responsible.” Carl's amendment would have prevented the Air Force from awarding any contract for its bridge tanker “unless such contract is awarded using full and open competition.” That provision came in response to AF Secretary Frank Kendall’s remarks that the likelihood of a competition for the KC-Y "has declined" as the Air Force has done more work on the program. When the AF wraps up procurement of 179 KC-46s, currently in production by Boeing in Seattle, it plans to buy up to 160 KC-Ys. The AF has stated it would only consider non-developmental options - resulting in a contest between rivals Boeing and Airbus, the latter of which in 2021 announced it would partner with Lockheed Martin to offer an American-built version of the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport called the LMXT. Whether the amendment makes it into the final defense policy bill will be determined when the House and Senate armed services committees move through the conference process later this summer. (Source: Breaking Defense 06/23/22) HASC won't force the Air Force to hold a bridge tanker competition... this year - Breaking Defense (Gulf Coast Note: Rep. Carl's district includes the Airbus manufacturing facilities in Mobile, Ala..)
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
ESG launches Weeks' 2nd dredge
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) recently launched the 356-foot R.B. Weeks, the second trailing suction hopper dredge the NW Florida shipbuilder has constructed for Weeks Marine of Belle Chasse, La. The R.B. Weeks (ESG 258) is named for Richard B. Weeks, a co-founder of Weeks Marine and husband to Magdalen Weeks, the namesake of the sister vessel Magdalen (ESG 256), also built by Eastern. The new trailing suction hopper dredge, being constructed at ESG’s Allanton, Fla., shipyard, has a hopper capacity of 8,550 cubic yards. The vessel outfitting and trials will be conducted at Eastern’s Port St. Joe, Fla., facility for an on-time delivery in 2023. (Source: Work Boat 06/21/22) Eastern Shipbuilding launches second trailing suction hopper dredge for Weeks Marine | WorkBoat
Moss Point, Austal get Navy work
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is awarded a $248,225,000 modification (P00027) to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N0001919C0008). This modification adds scope to procure two additional low rate initial production Lot 5 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems for the Navy. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (24.8%); Palmdale, California (14.8%); Red Oak, Texas (11.6%); Baltimore, Maryland (9.7%); Moss Point, Mississippi (8.1%); Salt Lake City, Utah (6.6%); Bridgeport, West Virginia (5.7%); Indianapolis, Indiana (4.6%); Newton, North Dakota (1.6%); San Clemente, California (1.5%); various locations within the continental U.S. (9.8%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (1.2%), and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $248,225,000 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
*Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, is awarded a $45,237,115 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, and cost-only modification to previously awarded contract N00024-17-C-2301 to exercise an option for Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) Class Design Support and Integrated Data and Product Model Environment (IDPME) support. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (60%); and Pittsfield, Massachusetts (40%), and is expected to be completed by June 2023. Fiscal 2018 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds (38%); and fiscal 2022 Navy shipbuilding and conversion (62%) in the amount of $2,752,742 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/22/22)
Judge rules $1M fine on dredge firm
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., the nation's largest dredging company, was ordered by a federal judge to pay a $1M fine after pleading guilty 12 months ago to charges of causing the spill of 160 barrels of oil into Bay Long in 2016. The company was rebuilding Louisiana's Chenier Ronquille barrier island east of Grand Isle, La. A marsh buggy driver, operating with a dredge, cut an oil pipeline while clearing a canal used by workers to access the Plaquemines Parish island they were rebuilding under a $36M contract with NOAA. Neither Great Lakes nor the worker were authorized by NOAA to be working in that canal, according to federal officials. (Source: NOLA.com 06/21/22) Nation's largest dredging company fined $1 million for causing oil spill in Louisiana | Environment | nola.com
Back-room wind bill vetoed
Minutes before the Louisiana legislature's annual session, which ended two weeks ago, legislators signed off on a back-room deal engineered by a prominent tax attorney close to House Speaker Clay Schexnayder (R-District 81) that would position the oil giant Shell for a $3M property tax rebate from Plaquemines Parish. Recently, Gov. John Bel Edwards vetoed the bill. (Source: The Advocate 06/21/22) Tax attorney 'hijacked' bill to benefit Shell Oil, but John Bel Edwards said no. Here's why. | State Politics | theadvocate.com
La. opens door for wind turbines
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a bill June 21 that opens the door to leasing Louisiana waters for wind turbines. But, the framework has drawn mixed reviews from offshore wind developers because it allows the state to charge royalties on wind farm revenues in addition to charging for leases. (Source: The Advocate 06/21/22) Gov. John Bel Edwards signs offshore wind bill despite worries it may discourage wind farms | Environment | nola.com
FedEx founder to get Pogue award
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Aviation Week Network and the International Aviation Club of Washington D.C. (IAC) announced June 21 that Frederick W. Smith, founder and executive chairman of FedEx Corp., is the recipient of the 2022 L. Welch Pogue Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aviation. The award is presented annually to leaders who have made significant and lasting contributions to the global air transport industry and who are considered visionaries in modern aviation. Smith, who is a native of Marks, Miss., is considered one of the world’s most influential and entrepreneurial businessmen. By creating Memphis-based FedEx and the blueprint for the global air transport industry, he changed the world. The 2022 L Welch Pogue Award will be presented to Smith at a gala dinner at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington D.C, on Sept. 14. Details on sponsorships and table purchases can be found here http://www.iacwashington.org. (Source: EIN News 06/21/22) Aviation Week Network and the IAC Announce FedEx Founder, Frederick W. Smith, to Receive 2022 L. Welch Pogue Award - EIN Presswire (einnews.com)
IADA: Biz aviation scholarships
The International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) is accepting student applications for business aviation scholarships through Sept. 1. Grants funded by the IADA Foundation range from $1,000 to $5,000. The IADA Foundation, a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) public charitable organization, has arranged with 21 public and private colleges and universities to offer individual scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students seeking further education leading to professions within the business aviation industry. Among some of the regional schools are Auburn and Middle Tennessee State, Louisiana Tech and Embry Riddle. (Source: EIN News 06/21/22) IADA Business Aviation Scholarship Applications Open Through Sept. 1 - EIN Presswire (einnews.com)
Putting $ value on coast restoration
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Daniel Petrolia, a Mississippi State University agricultural economist, is working with colleagues from The Nature Conservancy to analyze the value of coastal restoration projects along the shores of Alabama and Mississippi. Petrolia and TNC's Judy Haner and Thomas Mohrman have been awarded a Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant project to compare the dollar amount invested and benefits in coastal restoration projects. The study’s scope, due in January 2024, includes major restoration projects implemented between 2015-20. Ecosystem services in coastal communities include fish and seafood, water purification and erosion control, and tourism and recreation. Natural disasters threaten ecosystem services and communities have an ongoing need for these projects to bring fragile ecosystems back into balance. The 2-states' coasts have seen several projects to long-standing issues, such as chronic flooding and disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, he said. The intangible value is evident but little study has been done to put a dollar valuation on restoration projects. The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium is one of 34 national Sea Grant programs administered by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. It is a federal/state partnership that matches NOAA Sea Grant expertise and resources with state academic institutions. (Source: MSU 06/21/22)
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Gulf oysters in trouble
The clusters of oysters dotting Gulf Coast's waters began dissipating after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but Jennifer Jenkins, whose family owns the Crystal Seas processing company in Pass Christian, Miss., says it started years before. The family has seen the supply of oysters to continue to dwindle and prices climb. Some restaurants have stop selling oysters because of cost and inconsistent supplying. Ben Posadas, a Mississippi State University economist who studies the seafood industry, documented America’s declining oyster harvest since 1930. Oyster harvesting in the Gulf of Mexico peaked in the mid-1980s and has fallen steadily. New Orleans native and restaurateur Justin LeBlanc has noticed friends no longer buy sacks of oysters for parties. The price has gotten too high. A number of reasons for the decline: Pollution; coastal development; and hurricanes that destroy reef. Too much fresh water disturbs the brackish balance oysters need - heavy rains or diversion of the Mississippi River to prevent flooding. In his study, Posadas showed that supply was leveling out in 2010, and then declined sharply after the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. (Source: The Advertiser 06/20/11) ‘Oysters are in trouble’ - The Tuscaloosa News (newsmemory.com)
LA sat firm launches spare satellite
Monday, June 20, 2022
Klein new USACE Vicksburg boss
VICKSBURG, Miss. - Col. Robert A. Hilliard transferred command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Vicksburg District to Col. Christopher D. Klein in a change of command ceremony here at district headquarters on June 15. Klein comes to the district from Springfield, Va., where he had graduated from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. He previously served as the military assistant to the Chief Management Officer, Department of Defense. Klein served two tours in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and one tour as Aide-de-Camp to the Chief, Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Baghdad. USACE's Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana that holds nine major river basins. (Source: USACE Vicksburg 06/15/22) USACE Vicksburg District holds Change of Command Ceremony > Vicksburg District > News Releases (army.mil)
Tupelo job fair June 21
TUPELO, Miss. - The WTVA Job Fair will take place on Tuesday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tupelo Furniture Market Building No. 5. List of participating businesses. WTVA Job Fair (allenmediabroadcasting.com)
MS's newest laws begin July 1
Mississippi's newest laws will take effect July 1, including tax cuts, medical marijuana and a new official state song. The Mississippi Legislative session, which ended in April, also saw the legislature pass a record budget, as states throughout the nation are flush with federal cash. The state's $7.32B budget, more than 9% larger than the previous one, was buttressed by $1.5B in federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Over $295M in federal funding was left on the table, but the legislature will have an opportunity to spend that next session. (Source: Clarion Ledger 06/19/22) New laws in Mississippi take effect July: What you need to know (clarionledger.com)
Sunday, June 19, 2022
7th home insurance firm insolvent
Southern Fidelity, a seventh homeowners' insurance company that writes policies in Louisiana, was declared insolvent June 16 sending into shock customers, regulators and agents who face a tightening insurance market at the start of hurricane season. Southern Fidelity, which has 42,000 policies in Louisiana, was ordered into liquidation by a Florida judge. Its policyholders will be thrown to the mercy of an industry bailout program run by the state. (Source: The Advocate 06/17/22) Seventh Louisiana homeowners insurer collapses, deepening crisis in marketplace | Business News | nola.com
CG assists in finding jet skier
NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard and a 'Good Samaritan' vessel rescued a stranded 52-year-old jet skier June 18 on Lake Salvador, La. (SSW of Morrero). A CG Station New Orleans 29-foot Response Boat and crew were flagged down around 8 p.m. by boaters requesting assistance for an overdue jet skier. The CG launched of an MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew to assist. The aircrew located the jet skier whose watercraft was disabled. The aircrew vectored in the assisting vessel to take the jet ski in tow. The Response Boat crew then escorted the good Samaritan and jet skier to a safe haven. The rescued jet skier did not require any medical assistance. (Source: Coast Guard 06/18/22)
Ex-CAFB ops boss new wing CO
HOLLOMAN AFB, N.M. - The 49th Wing hosted a change of command ceremony June 17 at Holloman Air Force Base. The ceremony, which was officiated by Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, 19th Air Force commander, saw Col. Justin B. Spears, previously the commander of the 14th Operations Group at Columbus AFB, Miss., take command of the 49th Wing from Col. Ryan P. Keeney. The 49th Wing supports national security objectives by deploying worldwide. It provides combat-ready Airmen and Guardians, trains F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots and MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators. (Source: 49th Wing 06/17/22) Spears was also a student in fighter fundamentals at Columbus AFB in April 2000.
Eaton seeks CNC machinists
Eaton Aerospace Group seeks Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists to join its 2nd shift team. Position is based in Jackson, Miss. Relocation assistance is provided. Now Offering a $2,500 sign-on bonus. (Source: GI Jobs 06/2022) CNC Machinist-2nd shift in Jackson, Mississippi at Eaton · G.I. Jobs Career Portal (gijobs.com)
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Oil prices tumble to 4-week low
Oil prices fell 6.8% on June 17, a four-week low and amid fears that rate hikes made by the Federal Reserve could touch off a recession. Futures for the international benchmark Brent crude fell $6.69 - settling at $113.68 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped to less than $110 a barrel - a 6.8% decline. The Fed implemented its largest interest rate hike since 1994 in an attempt to reduce inflation but raised fears of a recession. In May, inflation climbed to a 40-year high of 8.6%, prompting fears of "stagflation" - a 1970s term referring to a period of high prices coupled with economic contractions. (Source: Washington Examiner 06/17/22) Oil prices tumble on recession fears (msn.com)
NMCB 1 change of command
GULFPORT, Miss. - Commander Daniel J. Schmitt relieved Captain Robert D. Stiles as commanding officer for Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One (NMCB 1) at a June 17 change of command ceremony at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport. Cmdr. Schmitt, a Henderson, Ky. native, is a registered professional engineer in Kentucky, a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Officer, and member of the Defense Acquisition Corps. Capt. Stiles will serve his duty station as Commanding Officer/ Officer in Charge of Construction Marine Corps Marianas. (Source: WLOX 06/17/22)
'Elvis' cast talks Tupelo
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The newest "Elvis" movie premiers in theaters nationwide on June 24. The movie stars Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as the singer’s manager Colonel Tom Parker. WTVA anchors Alyssa Martin and Daniella Oropeza made a special trip to Graceland where they talked with the cast - and former wife Priscilla - about Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo. Tupelo is a big part of the film. Director Baz Luhrmann and Butler traveled to Tupelo to study the city’s history. "Being in Tupelo was one of the most special experiences that I had,” Butler told WTVA. (Source: WTVA 06/17/22) [WTVA will have more Elvis coverage and special reports the week of the movie's launch. Full interviews with the cast and others are listed below within the link.] Priscilla Presley and 'Elvis' cast talk Tupelo | 'Elvis' Premiere Week | wtva.com
MS state rep passes away
COLUMBUS, Miss. - Mississippi state Rep. Lynn Wright (R-Columbus) died June 17 at the age of 69. Wright represented parts of Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties. He won the District 37 seat in 2020. Wright previously served as Lowndes County's superintendent of education. His career in education also included success as a high school football and baseball coach, primarily with Pickens Academy in Alabama. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Visitation will be in Reform, Ala., at Skelton Funeral Home on June 20 from 5-7 p.m. Meanwhile, the governor plans to set a special election to fill the District 37 seat in the Mississippi House. (Source: WTVA 06/18/22)
CG Mobile change of command
NEW ORLEANS - Captain Ulysses Mullins relieved Captain LaDonn Allen during a June 16 change-of-command ceremony for Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Ala. Rear Adm. Richard Timme, commander, Coast Guard Eighth District, presided over the ceremony. Mullins has served in the Coast Guard for over 26 years. He comes to Mobile from duty as the Coast Guard Fourteenth District's Prevention Division Chief in Honolulu, Hawaii. Allen, who is retiring with 28 years of service, assumed command of Sector Mobile in May 2019. (Source: Coast Guard 06/17/22) DVIDS - Images - Coast Guard Sector Mobile holds change-of-command ceremony [Image 3 of 4] (dvidshub.net)
Regional 'Main' streets earn awards
Main Street associations and members across the Golden Triangle region were recognized for their 2021 work by the Mississippi Main Street Association. Main Street Columbus, Starkville and West Point main streets were in Jackson on June 16 to celebrate the best Main Street members. Main Street Columbus walked away with three awards. Barbara Bigelow, Amber Brislin and Chelsea Best split the award for Outstanding Marketing Campaign with Main Street Greenville. Chris Chain was named the Main Street Revitalization Champion for his renovation work on the old Stone Hotel. Starkville took home the title of Outstanding Creative Fundraising for the Cash “Cal” October Fundraiser. Rounding out the awards in the Golden Triangle, West Point's Scott Reed was awarded with the Outstanding Merchant of the Year. He owns Petal Pushers, a floral shop on Commerce Street. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 06/17/22) Area Main Street associations, members earn state awards - The Dispatch (cdispatch.com)
Friday, June 17, 2022
Regional DoD contracts for June 17
Regional DoD contracts for June 17
*Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, is awarded a $128,050,747 firm-fixed-price contract for the detail design and construction of an auxiliary floating dry dock medium, crew familiarization, packaging and delivery, production data package, vehicle bridge design, vehicle bridge construction and delivery and wingwall portal cranes with options for vendor recommended spares and special studies. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $128,149,367. Work will be performed in Mobile (98%); and Hopkinton, Mass., (2%), and is expected to be completed by August 2025. Fiscal 2021 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funds in the amount of $128,050,747 (100%) will be obligated at time of award, of which no funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.sam.gov website, with two offers received. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
*Kilgore Flares Company, Toone, Tenn., was awarded a $14,242,354 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacture of infrared countermeasure flares. 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 Feb. 28, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity. [Toone, Tenn., is less than 50 miles north of Ripley, Miss.] (Source: DoD 06/17/22)
Vectrus-Vertex finalize merger
UPDATE July 5
McLEAN, Va. – V2X Inc. announced July 5 the successful completion of Vectrus’ combination with The Vertex Company (Madison, Miss.), creating a leading provider of critical mission solutions and support to defense clients globally. In connection with the closing, the Company was renamed V2X, Inc. The company will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “VEC” through July 7. Beginning at the open of business on July 8, V2X’s common stock will trade under the ticker symbol “VVX”. V2X offers clients around the world a broad suite of technology and service capabilities to support national security readiness and modernization initiatives. As a larger, more diversified company, V2X delivers a comprehensive set of integrated solutions and critical service offerings across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian and international clients. (V2X 07/05/22) Media - The Vertex Company (vtxco.com)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Vectrus Inc. (VEC) announced June 15 that shareholders voted to approve a merger with the Madison, Miss.-based Vertex corporation. Following the transaction, the combo-company will be renamed V2X Inc. and will trade on the NYSE under “VVX”. The shareholders' approval "marks a significant step toward completing our merger with Vertex and creating one of the leading providers of critical mission solutions and support to defense clients globally,” said Chuck Prow, CEO of Vectrus. Under terms of the merger, Vertex shareholders will own about 62% of the company on a fully diluted basis, while Vectrus shareholders will own about 38%. The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022. It remains subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. (Source: Vertex 06/15/22) Media - The Vertex Company (vtxco.com)
Vectrus Background: Vectrus has been around for more than 70 years, providing critical mission support for customers’ operational challenges. Vectrus provides groundbreaking technical expertise, mission-matched solutions for military and government customers worldwide. It offers base operations support, supply chain and logistics, IT support, engineering and digital integration, and security solutions by targeting efficiency, reductions in costs, readiness, and strengthening of national security. Vectrus is headquartered in Colorado Springs and includes about 8,100 employees spanning 205 locations in 28 countries. In 2021, Vectrus generated sales of approximately $1.8B.
Master Boat builds tug for PNE
Master Boat Builders Inc. (MBB) of Coden, Ala., announced the construction of a new 4,000-hp tug for PNE Marine Holdings. The new tug is the sistership to Polaris, which was delivered to Polaris New Energy earlier this year. Polaris will be coupled with a barge currently under construction at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and will form a Jones Act-compliant articulated tug barge to help fuel the cruise ship industry’s new LNG-powered ships in Port Canaveral, Fla. The tug is expected to be delivered to PNE Marine Holdings in 2023. (Source: Work Boat 06/17/22)
$3.9M fed grant for Upward Bound
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Mississippi Valley State University over $3.9M to continue funding of its Upward Bound I Program for five years. Upward Bound is a 6-week program for low-income and first-generation college students to begin breaking the cycle of poverty. The program offers participants a schedule that includes classes they will be introduced to the following Fall semester, along with college and career readiness skills. The program serves low-income and first-generation students at Amanda Elzy High School, Gentry High School, Greenwood High School, Holmes County Central High School, Humphreys County High School, Leflore County High School, and Thomas Edwards Sr. High School. Performance data, which included graduation rates, college acceptance and attendance rates, high school dropout rates, ACT scores, and post-secondary completion rates, from all schools in the college’s 4-county district, were included and considered in the grant proposal. The performance data revealed which schools would best benefit from the program based on the principles of which the program stands. (Source: MVSU 06/16/22) U.S. Department of Education Awards MVSU $3.9 Million for Upward Bound I Services | Mississippi Valley State University
Econ development specialist job
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has posted a job announcement for an Economic Development Specialist I within its Tourism Bureau in Hinds County, Miss. MDA is the state's Leading Community and Economic Development Agency. Thie Principal Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Continue to raise awareness of Mississippi's literary heritage, including both historic and contemporary authors, bookstore, libraries and other literary landmarks Research and identify ways to interpret Mississippi's civil rights history, including partnership development, itinerary creation and overall awareness Explore foodways and culinary heritage as an economic and tourism driver, focusing on story, ethnic heritage, recipes and traditions in addition to restaurants, breweries, distilleries and other Mississippi-centric food products Serve as a point person for cultural attractions in the state; Identify and implement ways of interpreting the significance of these resources and developing them as sustainable tourism products Attend and organize Visit MS sponsorship representations at festivals and special events including booths and specialized activations Assist in management and oversight of the Mississippi Blues Trails, Mississippi Country Music Trail, Mississippi Writers Trail and Freedom Trail Marker Trail System. Job applications will closed at 11:50 p.m. on June 20. For questions about this position contact by email: mdahumanresources@mississippi.org. (Source: Government Jobs 06/16/22) Economic Development Specialist I | Government Jobs
Thursday, June 16, 2022
HII's $240M mod pact for LPD 32
Huntington-Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $240,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-2406 for the long-lead-time-material with an option for the detailed design and construction of LPD 32. Work will be performed in Pascagoula (35%); Beloit, Wisconsin (15%); Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (12%); Ayer, Massachusetts (6%); King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (5%); Tulsa, Oklahoma (5%); Brunswick, Georgia (4%); York, Pennsylvania (4%); High Ridge, Missouri (3%); Irvina, Pennsylvania (3%); Sumter, South Carolina (3%); Walpole, Massachusetts (3%); and Muscantine, Iowa (2%), and is expected to be completed December 2024. Fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $240,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract modification includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $1,560,000,013. If all options are exercised, work will continue through March 2031. This sole source contract modification was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(c)(1), as implemented by Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 – only one responsible source. The Naval Sea Systems Command Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 06/16/22)
La. yard lays keel for NOAA ship
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC (TMC) held a keel-laying ceremony in Houma, La., on June 15 for NOAA’s newest oceanographic research ship, Oceanographer. The ship will support a wide variety of missions, from general oceanographic research and exploration to marine life, climate and ocean ecosystem studies. These missions include shallow coastal, continental shelf and worldwide ocean survey and data collection. Oceanographer is one of two ships being built for NOAA by TMC. The other is named Discoverer. (Work Boat 06/15/22) The Navy awarded TMC with a $178M million contract for the detailed design and construction of the two vessels in December 2020.
MDOT awards $10.8M in grants
The Mississippi Transportation Commission has awarded over $10.8M in grants for multimodal transportation projects across the Magnolia State. MDOT announced regional and municipal airports, ports, railroads, and public transit systems that will receive the grants. Here’s the total list ... (Source: SuperTalk Mississippi 06/15/22) MDOT announces $10.8M in grants for transportation projects - SuperTalk Mississippi
Prez taps Douglas to 5th Circuit
President Joe Biden has nominated U.S. Magistrate Judge Dana Douglas for an open seat on the New Orleans-based U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Douglas, who awaits Senate confirmation, would become the first minority woman on the federal appeals court that oversees district courts in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. The White House announced Douglas and six other federal judicial nominees June 15. Douglas was appointed federal magistrate judge in 2019 by the judges of the Eastern District of Louisiana, one of the district courts she will oversee if confirmed. (Source: NOLA.com 06/15/22) Biden nominates Dana Douglas, magistrate in New Orleans, for U.S. 5th Circuit appeals court | Local Politics | nola.com
Backgrounder: Judge Douglas earned her Juris Doctor from the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2000. She was a partner for 17 years at Liskow & Lewis, a Louisiana law firm focused on energy and oil industries.