Navy to commission LCS 32

PORT HUENEME, Calif. - The Navy will commission the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) as the newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during a 8:00 a.m. CDT ceremony here April 1. The principal speaker is Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Additional speakers will include Larry Ryder, VP of business development and external affairs for Austal USA - the Mobile, Ala., shipyard where LCS 32 was built. The ship's sponsor is Mrs. Lolita Zinke, a Santa Barbara native and wife of the Honorable Ryan Zinke, former U.S. Interior Secretary. (U.S. Navy 03/30/23) Navy to Commission Future Littoral Combat USS Ship Santa Barbara > United States Navy > News Stories

HII awarded $1.29B mod contract

* HII, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $1,295,000,013 fixed-price-incentive modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-2406 for the procurement of the detail design and construction of the Amphibious Transport Dock ship, LPD 32, the third LPD 17 Flight II ship. Work will be performed in Pascagoula (82%); Crozet, Virginia (3%); Beloit, Wisconsin (2%); and New Orleans (2%), with other efforts performed at various sites throughout the U.S. (11%). Work is expected to be completed by September 2029. Fiscal 2023 Navy shipbuilding and conversion funding in the amount of $1,295,000,013 will be obligated at award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

* AECOM Technical Services Inc, Los Angeles, California (FA890323D0001); APTIM Federal Services LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (FA890323D0002); Argus Consulting Inc, Overland Park, Kansas (FA890323D0003); Austin Brockenbrough & Associates, Richmond, Virginia (FA890323D0004); Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company Inc, Kansas City, Missouri (FA890323D0005); CJT Joint Ventures LP, Linden Virginia (FA890323D0006); Enterprise Engineering Inc, Anchorage, Alaska (FA890323D0007); GTP Consulting Engineers Inc., Duluth, Georgia (FA890323D0008); HDR Engineering Inc., San Antonio, Texas (FA890323D0009); Pond & Co., Peachtree Corners, Georgia (FA890323D0010); Robert and Co., Atlanta, Georgia (FA890323D0011); Stanley Consultants Inc., Austin, Texas (FA890323D0012); Tetra Tech Inc., Collinsville, Illinois (FA890323D0013); and Weston Solutions Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania (FA890323D0014), have been awarded a $500,000,000 ceiling, firm-fixed-price, multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Department of Defense fuels infrastructure architect-engineering (A-E) services to include Title I, Title II, and other related A-E services. Work will be performed worldwide and is set for a five-year base ordering period with a five-year option not to exceed a 10-year ordering period, with an anticipated completion of all work awarded no later than three years after the expiration of the 2036 ordering period. These awards are the result of a competitive acquisition, and 14 offers were received. Fiscal 2023 working capital funds in the amount of $35,000 ($2,500 per awardee), are being obligated at the time of award.  The 772 Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Joint Base Lackland-San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity. (DoD 03/31/23)

* Luhr Crosby LLC, Columbia, Illinois, was awarded a $7,985,700 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a stone core on the west end of Grand Isle, La. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Grand Isle, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 12, 2023. Fiscal 2022 civil flood control and coastal emergencies funds in the amount of $7,985,700 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (Awarded March 30, 2023)

Austal launches EPF 4 & LCS 36

MOBILE, Ala. - Over this week, Austal USA launched two Navy ships - USNS Cody (EPF 14) and the future USS Kingsville (LCS 36) - demonstrating the efficiency of the shipyard’s launch process. Both ships are docked pier side for final outfitting and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year. The launches this week are a "testament to the skill and capability of our shipbuilders but are also demonstrative of how we optimize efficiency through process discipline,” stated Austal USA Vice President of New Construction, Dave Growden. USNS Cody, which was christened in February, is the Navy’s first Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) Flight II vessel. As the first, the ship represents enhanced naval medicine afloat capabilities and will provide critical combat care in contested environments. As the Navy’s 18th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will be deployed to the Pacific fleet. Kingsville will be christened at Austal USA’s shipyard later in April. Both ships are aluminum hulls and represent the near completion of the EPF and LCS construction programs. USNS Cody is the 14th EPF and Kingsville is the 18th of 19 Independence-variant LCS that Austal USA is building for the Navy. (Austal USA 03/29/23)

Wood-pellet plant moves forward

STONE COUNTY, Miss. - Enviva is one step closer to having a wood pellet plant here in southern Mississippi after the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve an MOU, a fee-in-lieu tax agreement and enter into a Development Infrastructure Program grant agreement with the Mississippi Development Authority. This is happening as 350 Stone County residents signed a petition to have more accountability to ensure Enviva follows emission regulations. The board said that was the job of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Stone County is giving Enviva financial incentives to build. Part of the deal includes a 10-year fee-in-lieu agreement - instead of paying taxes, Enviva will pay a fee. After the deal expires, the company will start paying regular taxes. On April 4, the Wiggins Board of Alderman will decide whether they agree to Enviva’s MOU. If approved, Enviva hopes to begin construction and open the plant in 2024. (WLOX 03/30/23) 

Enviva's website calls itself the "world’s largest producer of sustainable wood pellets, a renewable alternative to coal. Wood-based bioenergy is part of an all-in renewables strategy to reduce carbon emissions and limit dependence on fossil fuels."

USM celebrates 113th anniversary

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi celebrated the 113th anniversary of its founding March 30, and the achievements of many current students. It was all part of USM’s annual Founders’ Day. “It’s just the great day to celebrate the history, the perseverance it took to get us started and founded and kind of seeing how we can use that energy and perseverance to face the challenges we have today,” said Jonathan Jenkins, who was sworn in as the 2023-24 Student Government Association president. USM was founded as Mississippi Normal College on March 30, 1910, but classes actually began in September 1912 with 227 students enrolled. On Feb. 27, 1962, the college officially became the University of Southern Mississippi. (WDAM 03/30/23) USM hosts annual Founders’ Day, student awards (wdam.com)

President: Feds 'not leaving' RF

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are in Mississippi today to visit and talk with residents of the tornado-damaged Rolling Fork community. The president's motorcade arrived at 11:37 a.m. to South Delta Elementary School in Rolling Fork. In the afternoon, the Bidens will participate in a walking tour of the disaster zone and meet with residents. It will be Biden's first visit to Mississippi as president. (Clarion Ledger 03/31/23) President Biden to tour Rolling Fork MS tornado damage today (clarionledger.com) 

UPDATE: 

ROLLING FORK, Miss. - During his visit here, President Joe Biden vowed that the federal government is “not leaving” until the area is back on its feet. Last week’s twister destroyed roughly 300 homes and businesses in Rolling Fork (RF), and the nearby Silver City. From Marine One, flown from Jackson to the area, the President and First Lady got a view of the devastation across acres of farmland, destroyed homes, toppled trees and piles of debris. “This is tough stuff,” Biden said when greeted by area officials in Rolling Fork. “The most important thing is we got to let people know the reason for them to have hope, especially those who have lost somebody.” The White House said Biden will announce that the federal government will cover the total cost of the state’s emergency measures for the next 30 days, including overtime for first responders. He’s expected to announce the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open disaster recovery centers in storm ravaged counties to help residents access the resources available to them. (The AP 03/31/23) 

Gulf states divvy up O&G monies

The U.S. Interior Department has sent $353M to four Gulf Coast states - Ala., La., Miss. and Texas - under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), for wells drilled in federal waters off those states. Louisiana got $156M in revenue from offshore O&G production in the Gulf of Mexico for FY 2022. Most of the money is scheduled for hurricane risk reduction projects. Each state’s share is determined by which wells are within 75 miles of their coastlines. Alabama is to receive $49.7M. Mississippi is to receive $51.8M. (DoI 03/30/23) Interior Disburses Over $353 Million to Gulf States to Support Coastal Restoration and Conservation | U.S. Department of the Interior (doi.gov)

43K MS small biz & WOTUS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Both of Mississippi's U.S. Senators - Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith - voted March 29 with the majority to overturn the Biden administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The Senate voted 53-43 to approve a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to stop the new WOTUS rule finalized by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to vastly expand federal government regulatory reach under the Clean Water Act. “Landowners and businesses need regulatory certainty, and the President has failed to provide it," Wicker said in a media release from his colleague's office. “No one needs a puddle on their property to be regulated by the federal government,” Hyde-Smith said. The Small Business Administration office estimates that the WOTUS rule will affect 43,500 small businesses in Mississippi, from agriculture and fishing to construction, and manufacturing. The House of Representatives approved its WOTUS CRA on a 227-198 vote this month with the support of Mississippi Republican congressmen Trent Kelly, Michael Guest and Mike Ezell. (Hyde-Smith 03/29/23)

Regional EDA conference in NOLA

The Southwest Region Economic Development Association (SWREDA) will hold its 2023 annual conference in New Orleans from May 3-5. The conference is designed for staff from Economic Development Districts, Tribal Planning Grantees, University Centers, Revolving Loan Funds, and others engaged in economic development across the region. The EDA Austin Region covers Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. (NADO Research Foundation 03/31/23) 2023 SWREDA Annual Conference - NADO

Storms brewing; April will be rough

JACKSON, Miss. - Huge storms brewing over 10 states in the Midwest and South on Friday have meteorologists urging people to brace for dangerous weather, including tornadoes, saying conditions are similar to those a week ago that unleashed a tornado that killed 21 people in Mississippi. Roughly 89M people are under weather advisories March 31as the National Weather Service’s (NWS) Storm Prediction Center forecast a large outbreak of thunderstorms with the potential for hail, damaging wind gusts and strong tornadoes that could move for long distances on the ground. The major population centers at greatest risk for storms Friday afternoon include St. Louis; Memphis; and Little Rock, Ark.; and across Iowa. NWS is forecasting another batch of intense storms on April 4, in the same general area as last week's deadly tornadoes. At least the first 10 days of April will be rough, according to Accuweather. The hazardous forecast is a result of strong southerly winds transporting copious amounts of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico northward, it interacts with a strengthening storm system. (The AP 03/31/23) Dangerous storms, tornadoes forecast for US Midwest, South | AP News

MSU-M to add psychology doctorate

Mississippi State University-Meridian (MSU-M) will begin offering a Doctor of Psychology degree in the fall semester. It will be the first doctoral program offered at the campus since it opened in 1972. The doctoral program, along with an additional Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration program, were approved by the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning during its March meeting. On March 29, MSU President Mark E. Keenum was visiting the Queen City to reaffirm the university's commitment to the city and Meridian campus. “I am excited about all that we have going on and the potential for further growth,” he told the Meridian Star. “It is not me, it is all of you, and it is a commitment of so many people who love this community and want to see this community to do well.” MSU-Meridian’s downtown Riley Campus is home to a new Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, the state’s only publicly funded master’s degree program of its kind and will add a Master of Science in Nursing degree program. (Meridian Star 03/29/23)

La.: Top 10 in population decline

Whitman County, Wash., was the fastest-growing county in the U.S. between 2021-22. Fifty percent of the top 10 fastest-growing counties were in Texas. Maricopa County, Ariz., was the largest-gaining county in the nation, adding 56,831 residents (+1.3%) since 2021. Polk, Lee and Hillsborough counties in Florida were among the largest gaining in 2022, collectively adding 92,848 residents. Los Angeles County, Calif., had the largest population (9,721,138). Yet, it had the largest population decline in 2022, decreasing by 90,704, continuing a downward trend. Top 10 counties in Percent Decline for 2021-22 included four parishes in Louisiana - #2 St. John the Baptist (-5%); #3 Terrebonne (-3.9%); #4 Plaquemines (-3.3); and #8 St. Charles (-2.8%); and Mississippi's Bolivar County at #9 (-2.7%). Overall, Louisiana saw one of the steepest population drops in the country. Between 2020-21, Louisiana’s population decreased by 36,857. The current population sits at about 4.6M. (Census Bureau 03/30/23) Growth in the Nation’s Largest Counties Rebounds in 2022 (census.gov)

DoD regional contracts March 30

* Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, is awarded a $650,433,839 fixed-price incentive (firm target) and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the production and delivery of low rate initial production (LRIP) Lot III Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) Mid-Band (MB), to include 15 NGJ-MB LRIP ship sets (2 pods per ship set), 11 for the Navy and four for the government of Australia, as well as to provide associated spares, support equipment, non-recurring engineering and associated data. Work will be performed in Forest, Mississippi (50%); Dallas, Texas (37%); labor surplus area El Segundo, California (10%); and Andover, Massachusetts (3%), and is expected to be completed in April 2024. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $461,655,033; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,352,655; and foreign cooperative project funds in the amount of $182,426,151 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

* AECOM Technical Services Inc., Los Angeles, California (W91278-23-D-0044); APTIM Geosyntec JV LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (W91278-23-D-0045); Arcadis, Highlands Ranch, Colorado (W91278-23-D-0046); Cardno-EA Partners JV, Hunt Valley, Maryland (W91278-23-D-0047); HDR, Englewood, Colorado (W91278-23-D-0048); Leidos, Reston, Virginia (W91278-23-D-0049); Tetra Tech Inc., Mobile, Alabama (W91278-23-D-0050); WSP Versar JV UR, Washington, D.C. (W91278-23-D-0051); ACT Services LLC JV, Columbia, Maryland (W91278-23-D-0052); QRI Tetra Tech JV, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (W91278-23-D-0053); and SERES-Arcadis SB JV2, Charleston, South Carolina (W91278-23-D-0054), will compete for each order of the $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect-engineer services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 20 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2028. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

BOH Solutions, Covington, Louisiana, was awarded a $22,662,730 firm-fixed-price contract for containers for special tools and test equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2028. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. (DoD 03/30/23

Board of education names interim

UPDATE: One day after the Mississippi Senate rejected Dr. Robert Taylor, the Mississippi State Board of Education named Mike Kent to fill the role on an interim basis as state superintendent of education. A media release published by the board said Kent, who has served as its interim deputy superintendent since 2012, has 40 years of experience working in public education. (Clarion Ledger 03/31/23) Mississippi picks interim education head after Black nominee nixed (clarionledger.com)

JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Senate voted 31-21 not to confirm Dr. Robert Taylor as state superintendent of education. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said that there were “legitimate concerns” about whether Taylor was right for the job. Taylor’s career in education has spanned more than 30 years. He served as the former deputy state superintendent for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He is a native of Laurel, Miss., and a University of Southern Mississippi graduate. The State Board of Education conducted a 6-month national search before voting unanimously in November to hire Taylor. Taylor was selected from 26 applicants from 15 states. (WLBT 03/29/23)

Guv orders flags to half-mast

JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi Goc. Tate Reeves ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of the 21 state tornado victims. The flags will remain at half-mast on all public buildings and grounds until sunset March 31. (WTVA 03/28/23)

GoM lease sale garners $264M

Oil companies offered a combined $264M for drilling rights on more than 1.6M in the Gulf of Mexico on March 29 in a sale mandated by 2022's climate bill compromise. The auction was the first in more than a year. It drew interest from industry giants - like ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron. It could further test the loyalty of environmentalists and young voters who backed President Joe Biden in 2020 but were frustrated by his approval of the huge Willow drilling project in northern Alaska. Developing the leases for sale in the GoM could produce more than 1B barrels of oil and more 4T+ cubic feet of natural gas over a 50-year period, according to a government analysis. With oil prices falling, its uncertain how much companies would be willing to invest in new leases. There's another sale scheduled in September, but not known how many more the administration may conduct in the future. The Department of Interior sale comes two days before a deadline set in 2022's climate bill, which prohibits leasing public lands for renewable power unless tens of millions of acres are first offered for fossil fuels. It was a concession to get the support of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who is a fossil fuels industry supporter. (NOLA.com 03/29/23) $264 million offered for Gulf oil under climate compromise | Environment | nola.com Afederal court will determine whether the auction was legal and if companies can proceed with drilling. (WLOX 03/29/23)

Prez to visit tornado damaged area

President Joseph Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Rolling Fork, Miss., on March 31 to visit tornado-damaged area, the White House said in a media release Wednesday. The President and First Lady will "visit with first responders, state and local officials, and communities impacted by the devastation," and survey recovery efforts, and assess federal support needed. (Clarion Ledger 03/28/23) Cleanup underway after Mississippi tornado kills 3 in Silver City (clarionledger.com)

DoD regional contracts March 29

 * Aptim Federal Services LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is awarded $12,440,388 for firm-fixed-price modification placed against contract N62473-22-D-1811. This modification provides for the exercise of Option 1, for additional various environmental services, including operation and maintenance of government-owned facilities for the processing and disposition of industrial and/or oily wastes, containerized solid waste services, including associated oil and hazardous substance spill response, professional services for environmental compliance projects at Navy and Marine Corps installations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of operations. All work will be performed in California, with an expected completion date of March 2024. Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,440,388 are being obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. NAVFAC Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. 

* Silver Ships Inc.,* Theodore, Alabama, is awarded an $8,496,795 firm-fixed- price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-22-C-2223 to exercise options for the procurement of Marine Corps assault amphibian safety vessels. Work will be performed in Theodore, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by August 2025. Fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $8,496,795 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (DoD 03/29/23)

Regional DoD contracts March 28

* Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC, Covington, Louisiana (N3220521C2296), is awarded a $8,418,000 option (P00010) for the fixed-price portion of a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursable elements to exercise a one-year option period for the operation of the offshore support vessel HOS Red Rock to provide support services in support of Navy operations. This contract includes a one-year-firm period of the performance, three one-year options periods, and one 11-month option period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $39,491,000. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed, if all options are exercised, by Feb. 28, 2026. Working capital funds (Transportation) in the amount of $8,418,000 are obligated for fiscal 2023, and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This procurement was released under full and open competition, with an unlimited number of companies solicited via the System for Award Management website, and five offers were received. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

* JAR Assets LLC, Mandeville, Louisiana, was awarded an option period modification (P00008) on firm-fixed-price contract HTC711-21-C-W001 in the amount of $11,686,250. This modification provides continued transportation of bulk jet fuel by tug and barge for the Defense Logistics Agency-Energy (DLA-E) in the Gulf of Mexico and Lower Mississippi River and their connecting waterway and tributaries. The location of performance includes inland ports and points along the Gulf Coast Region. The option period of performance is from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Fiscal 2023 defense working capital funds were obligated at award. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract from $10,673,500 to $22,359,750. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. (Do0D 03/28/23)

Regional job board

 Regional job board.

* Business Operations Specialist, Columbus AFB, Miss. Business Operations Specialist Job in Columbus, MS at US Department of the Treasury (ziprecruiter.com) 

* Economic Development Specialist I, Mississippi Development Authority, Hinds County, Miss. Job Opportunities | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com) 

1st Army base name changed in Va.

FORT BARFOOT, Va.  – The Virginia National Guard’s Fort Pickett was officially redesignated Fort Barfoot in honor of Col. Van T. Barfoot, a WWII Medal of Honor recipient with extensive ties to the state, during a March 24 ceremony at the Blackstone Army Airfield. Among guests making remarks was Barfoot’s daughter, Margaret Nicholls. “Our family is so proud of the man we called dad, granddad, and great-granddad for the love he shared, the example he set and his life of service to others,” said Nicholls. The post is one of nine Army installations - and only Army National Guard base - being redesignated based on the Naming Commission’s recommendations to remove the names that commemorate the Confederate States of America. Fort Pickett is the first of nine Army installations to be redesignated this year. (National Guard 03/27/23)

Regional bases that will have their names changed are Fort Polk, La., and Fort Rucker, Ala.

Long Beach 1st with safe baby box

Long Beach, Miss., will become the first city in Mississippi to have a Safe Haven Baby Box. Caitlin Kelly lobbied her hometown leaders to join the national program that helps mothers in crisis safely surrender their babies. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are installed in a fire or police station with an alarm that will go off when a baby is placed inside. Kelley says she wants to make sure every woman in Mississippi has a safe option when facing the tough decision of giving up an infant. (WLOX 03/27/23) Safe Haven Baby Box advocates hoping to bring boxes across Mississippi (wlox.com)

SBA disaster loans for MS

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses and residents in Mississippi following the President's disaster declaration due to damages from severe storms on March 24-25. The disaster declaration covers Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey counties in Mississippi, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Small businesses and most private non-profits in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Attala, Chickasaw, Clay, Grenada, Holmes, Issaquena, Itawamba, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Sunflower, Washington and Yazoo in Mississippi; and Lamar and Marion in Alabama. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s and should apply under SBA declaration # 17836.

LA joins Texas to challenge EPA

Louisiana has joined Texas in asking a federal appeals court to throw out a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plan implementing its own rules to cut ozone-causing air pollution across state lines. (NOLA.com 03/28/23) Louisiana challenges EPA rule to cut cross-state ozone | Environment | nola.com

NOLA Jazz Fest a month away

New Orleans is a month away from the start of one of the city's most popular events - The Jazz Fest. Organizers released the cubes detailing which musical acts will be on what stages for the festival. The festival runs from April 28 through May 7 at the Fairgrounds. The lineup includes headliners Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, Mumford and Sons, the Lumineers, Robert Plant and Alison Krass, Santana, Steve Miller Band and New Orleans native Jon Batiste. Check out the full lineup here. Check out the cubes here. General admission for a 3-day weekend pass will be $225 for early bird passes and $240 for advance weekend passes. (WDSU 03/28/23) 

STEVIE KNICKS CONCERT DATE CHANGED FOR NOLA

Legendary Rock and Roll artist Stevie Knicks has changed her concert date in New Orleans from April 2 to April 15. Knicks announced that several band members had contracted COVID-19 and won't be able to perform at the Smoothie King Center on April 2. For ticket information, click here. (WDSU 03/28/23)

Buyer for Singing River Health

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. - A buyer for the Singing River Health System has been selected, according to a March 27 media release from the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. The board chose the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. “This is an exciting day for Singing River Health System,” said Tiffany Murdock, Singing River Health System CEO. “Our future with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System ensures that Singing River will be able to meet the needs of our employees, patients and community members for years to come. The announcement marks the start of the next phase. Both parties intend to complete the sale in the fall. (WLOX 03/27/23)

MS small biz fed contract workshop

Small business owners are invited to a series of workshops to learn about opportunities contracting with the military and federal government. The series of three workshops, which begin March 28, are sponsored by the Mississippi Development Authority’s APEX Accelerator program and NAS Meridian as a way to help understand how to find contracting opportunities and how to apply. Tuesday’s workshop, which will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Union Station, will be conducted by NASM’s Public Works Division, and will cover how to become subcontractors. The second workshop, “Exploring Contracting Opportunities with NAS Meridian,” from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on April 25, will expand on the first workshop to cover contracting opportunities at the base. The final workshop, "Capability Briefings: Setting the Stage for Your Proposal,” is June 6, and will cover drawing up proposals and things business owners will need to know to compete. Registration is required for the workshops and can be done at mscpc.com. For more information about the workshops call (601) 934-5975 or e-mail to npurvis@mississippi.org. (Meridian Star (03/27/23)

NOLA Six Flags team forum tonight

NEW ORLEANS – Bayou Phoenix LLC, the private development team set to redevelop the former Six Flags in New Orleans East, will host an information forum from 6-8 p.m. on March 27 at Franklin Baptist Church (8282 I-10 Service Road). Developers will share their master plan with the public and encourage feedback along with a Q&A session. The development proposal includes entertainment, sports complex, indoor/outdoor water park, hotels, movie studio, retail and dining. 

Click here to watch the event online. WBOK 1230 AM will also be broadcasting the meeting live. (Biz New Orleans 03/22/23) Bayou Phoenix to Unveil Six Flags Redevelopment Plan at Forum - Biz New Orleans

PortSL CEO talks Avondale buy

 NEW ORLEANS - Paul Matthews, CEO of the Port of South Louisiana, sat down with Biz New Orleans magazine to provide input and updates on the port’s plan to purchase the Avondale Global Gateway - former Avondale Shipyard - for $445M million from the T. Parker Host company. Host bought it in 2018. PortSL’s purchase plan was announced in January. Some critics said the cost was too much, property needed too much work and PortSL shouldn’t be doing deals in the jurisdiction of the Port of New Orleans. 

Matthews has been a target. A recent story said he has a “mixed record” on the staff at the Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District. Despite that, the deal was blessed by the Jefferson Parish Council, Jefferson Business Council and others who view it a major economic development win. 

In a series of Q&As, Matthews talks about how the deal came together, the next steps in the process and his thoughts about the critics. (Biz New Orleans 03/21/23) PortSL CEO Paul Matthews Responds to Critics, Shares Vision for Avondale - Biz New Orleans

Artemis II crew to be named Apr. 3

NASA and the Canadian Space Agency will announce the names of the four astronauts for the first crewed flight of the Artemis mission around the moon on April 3 at 10 a.m. (CDT) from NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. The four astronauts will venture aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II mission. It will be part of the agency’s path to establishing a long-term scientific and human presence on the lunar surface. The event will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website. (NASA 03/10/23) 

Regional Note: NASA’s moon rocket was built at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East. Stennis Space Center, Miss., test-fired each of the four RS-25 engines that will launch Artemis at the Fred Haise Test Stand. The center also tested the engines in unison during the full-duration, 500-second Green Run test of the Artemis I SLS core stage.

MS state port board meets April 27

The Mississippi State Port Authority Board of Commissioners will meet April 27 at 9 a.m. at the Port’s Administrative Office on the 14th floor of the Hancock Bank Plaza, located at 2510 14th Street in Gulfport. Meeting times are subject to change. Please visit the Calendar of Events page for the most up-to-date information. Board meetings are open to the public. (MSPA 03/27/23)

Army contractors across 40 states

The U.S. has the world’s largest defense industry, spending more than $1.7T in FY 2022. The manufacture and sale of service revolvers to tactical drones, as well as the maintenance and operation of the country’s 420 military installations. Defense spending as a share of GDP is as high as 12% and 10% in Virginia and Hawaii, respectively. (Here are states with the largest U.S. Army presence.) For example, 417 military contractors in 40 states support only the material needs of the U.S. Army, the largest and oldest branch of the U.S. military. To find the states with the most U.S. Army contractors, 247 Wall St. reviewed the most recent Army Weapon Systems Handbook for 2020-2021, and identified how many defense contractors operate in each state. These contractors produce weapons systems in development or in active use by the Army. States are ranked by the number of contractors operating in the state. 

Ten states have no contractors operating in them, including Louisiana. Virginia and Maryland are home to 92 of Army contractors, including General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. 

Stark Aerospace in Mississippi produces tactical unmanned aerial vehicles for the Army and Airbus Helicopters Inc. in Columbus build the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter. 

Companies in Alabama include • 4M Research • Anniston Army Depot • BAE Systems • Boeing • Colsa • Cubic/GATR • DRS • DRS Network & Imaging Systems • Dynetics • GATR • General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems • HDT-Manufacture • Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc. • Invariant Corporation • Navigator Development Group, Inc. • Northrop Grumman Corporation • Pinnacle Solutions, Inc. • Quantitech, Inc. • SAIC • Scientific Research Corporation • Software, Simulation, Systems Engineering (S3I) • Strategic Systems • Support Systems Associates, Inc • Systems Engineering Solutions, Inc. • Tyonek • VT Miltope. (24/7 Wall Street 03/24/23) The States That Make the Most Weapons for the US Army – 24/7 Wall St. (247wallst.com)

CG & cruise ship rescue boaters

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard, and cruise ship Carnival Valor, rescued three boaters aboard a vessel taking on water 386 miles offshore of the Alabama coast on March 27. The CG received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert at 7:22 a.m. from the 44-foot recreational vessel Snail Mail. The CG contacted the owner of the vessel, who was ashore, but in contact with the boaters via a SPOT GPS device. He confirmed the Snail Mail was taking on water. Using the automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue system (AMVER) to survey the area around the Snail Mail for nearby commercial vessels, the CG identified/directed the Carnival Valor to assist. The CG launched a Mobile, Ala.-based HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew to assist. The aircrew located Snail Mail and vectored Carnival Valor to its location. The cruise ship arrived and launched a rescue boat, picking up the boaters and transferring them back to the ship to be medically evaluated by the ship's doctor. All three boaters were last reported to be in stable condition. (Coast Guard 03/27/23) 

RESCUE HONDURANS: Crewmembers of the New Orleans-based Carnival Valor cruise ship rescued three Hondurans from a stranded boat adrift in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday. The crew was notified by the Coast Guard, who were requesting assistance with rescuing the stranded boaters. Although 35 nautical miles away, the ship changed course and used lifeboats to complete the rescue. The Honduran men were in good condition. They will be given lodging and food until Carnival Valor reaches Costa Maya on Monday. The ship will return to Port NOLA on March 30. (WWL 03/26/23)

Post MS twister recovery contrasts

Down-grading death toll in Mississippi: The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency downgraded the death toll in Friday's storm in an announcement on Monday morning. Previously reported at 25 dead, MEMA announced March 27 that the death toll now stands at 21. They did not account for the discrepancy. (Clarion Ledger 03/27/23) MS tornado recovery begins, volunteers arrive to help (clarionledger.com)

Picking up the pieces in MS: Seven years of Rolling Fork, Miss., life lay in a pile around Glen Spells' ankles. Few pieces of Friday's tornado-ravaged duplex rental unit remained upright. Uncertain of tomorrow, he and two friends worked at throwing its contents to the lawn. "We didn’t have insurance for any of this,” said Spells, who rented the property with his girlfriend. He's looking ahead but doesn’t believe the future includes Rolling Fork. 

Pesident Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Mississippi early Sunday, unlocking federal aid to assist in recovery efforts after twisters with wind gusts of 166 mph flattened buildings and killing at least 25 people in Mississippi - 13 in Rolling Fork - and one in Alabama. 

Rolling Fork and Silver City twisters registered 4-out-of-5 on the intensity level. The U.S. averages 1,150 to 1,200 tornadoes per year. EF4s make up just about 1% of that total.  

The damage - one of the worst on record in the state - presents tough challenges for the majority-Black communities most affected where many live below the poverty line.  Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker, who is the local funeral director, said he personally lost friends to the tornadoes. 

Standards of living and luck are revealing a stark contrast between how quickly some residents will put their lives back together compared with others. 

According to Census Bureau figures for Rolling Fork, with a population of 2,000, more than 80% of residents are Black and about 21% live below the poverty line - higher than the state average. Roughly 30 percent of residents live in mobile homes, which are significantly more vulnerable to tornado damage. 

In Silver City, 30 miles east of Rolling Fork, few buildings are left standing in the community of about 200. Timaka James-Jones, a local official, said nothing like this had ever hit the area where she has lived her entire life.

 NWS reported that the twister was on the ground for 59 miles. Fewer than 1% of tornadoes in the U.S. travel more than 50 miles, according to NWS data between 1950-2021. 

Scattered severe storms are expected in parts of the South and Southeast on Monday and Tuesday, especially along the Gulf Coast. During the second half of the workweek, the South should catch a break. (Washington Post 03/27/23) A disaster in Mississippi: How severe EF-4 tornadoes wrecked Rolling Fork - The Washington Post

New round of storms for south MS

As Lauderdale County cleans up from Friday storms, a second round of severe weather is expected to move across the region - along and south of the I-20 corridor - Sunday night. The storms may bring hail up to two inches and damaging winds up to 70 mph. Tornadoes are possible. Lauderdale residents can sign up to receive emergency alerts through the Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency by texting their zip code to 888777 or online at lemaonline.com. Meridian residents can receive alerts through the city’s CodeRED alert system by texting “MERIDIANMS” to 99411 or by following the link on the city’s website, meridianms.org. Anyone needing assistance signing up can contact Meridian Public Safety at 601-484-6890. (Meridian Star 03/26/23)

Knox elected LA District 93 rep

NEW ORLEANS - Alonzo Knox was elected to Louisiana’s House of Representatives in the 93rd District following a March 25 primary run-off election. Knox, a former marine and owner of Backatown Coffee Parlour in Treme, defeated Sibil “Fox” Richardson for seat. which represents much of Orleans Parish and parts of Marigny, Treme, and the 7th Ward. The district seat was vacated when Royce Duplessis was elected to the state senate in November. Knox will serve out the rest of Duplessis’ term, which ends next January. Knox edged out Richardson with 54% of Orleans Parish voters. (WWL 03/26/23)

Nat'l Vietnam War vets' day

An American Community survey estimated 5.65M living Americans are veterans of the Vietnam War. March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. America will also honor the 58,318 dead and 1,584 unaccounted for. (Census Bureau 03/26/23) National Vietnam War Veterans Day: March 29, 2023 (census.gov) 

Regional Note: NAS Meridian’s NEX location - along with other NEX locations around the world - will distribute lapel pins to Vietnam veterans on Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29. Veterans who served on active duty in the Armed Forces at any time during Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, will receive a lapel pin. The pins are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, while supplies last.

The Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act was signed in 2017, officially recognizing March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. For more information on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com. The pins will be given out at NAS Meridian Mini Mart store during operating hours on March 29.

MS auto industry scholarships

The Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) has scholarships available for the 2023-24 academic year for community college and university students. The scholarship is available to technical and engineering-related majors, and non-traditional majors that could be applied in the automotive industry. https://msnewsgroup.com/mississippinews/mama-scholarship-application-process-is-open/ (Desoto News 03/21/23)

Ingalls has new VP/chief counsel

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - HII announced March 24 that Julie Jarrell Gresham has been named VP and chief counsel of the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division. She will succeed George Simmerman Jr. who will retire March 31. Gresham previously served as deputy chief counsel and director of compliance and privacy. Gresham will oversee and coordinate the provision of legal guidance to Ingalls Shipbuilding. She joined HII's Law Department in 2014. Gresham serves as president-elect of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and past chair of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in speech communication from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Juris Doctor degree with honors from the University of Mississippi School of Law. (HII 03/24/23) https://hii.com/news/ingalls-shipbuilding-chief-counsel-julie-jarrell-gresham/.

Twisters smash Miss., 25 dead

Powerful tornadoes tore the Deep South on Friday (March 24) night, killing at least 25 people (updated) in Mississippi, obliterating dozens of buildings and flattening the town of Rolling Fork, whose mayor declared: “My city is gone.”  The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said search and rescue teams have been deployed to help the victims. The agency confirmed 23 deaths - which may go higher - four missing and dozens injured. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted March 25 that he was on the way to Sharkey County, location of Rolling Folk. “Devastating damage. This is a tragedy.”  The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado caused damage about 60 miles NE of Jackson. The towns of Silver City and Rolling Fork reported destruction as the tornado swept NE at 70 mph racing towards Alabama through towns, including Winona and Amory, Miss., into the night. Magnonlia State Live 03/25/23) UPDATED with new info: Mississippi tornadoes kill 23, injure dozens overnight - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live 

Sites for Assistance 

* Rotarians in the Delta are responding with water and personal hygiene items. People in the Delta can deliver these items to the Central Fire Station in Greenville Saturday. The group is working with the Rolling Fork Rotary Club. 

* The Cajun Navy has responded to impacted areas. Follow them on Facebook at “Cajun Navy Ground Force” for donation needs and volunteer opportunities.

* Several catering and food truck teams are setting up in impacted communities to offer free food for victims and first responders.

* The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi is collecting water and snacks. Donations may be delivered to several parishes across Mississippi. St. Columb’s in Ridgeland is serving as the coordinating parish.

* Jacks’ Family Restaurants are reported to be responding with free food for victims. 

* Arms of Mercy is working with Emmanuel Baptist Church at the National Guard Armory in Rolling Fork to offer coffee, donuts, and sausage biscuits.

* The American Red Cross responded with food to Silver City.

* The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is partnering with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce in a donation drive Saturday. Donations may be delivered to the Armory at the fairgrounds in Jackson from 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. They are accepting water, canned goods, and paper products. 

* Water and ice may be delivered to the John Deere dealership on Highway 61 in Rolling Fork.

* The American Legion has mobilized. They are asking for donations of water, cleaning supplies, diapers, or anything that can be useful. Money is also being accepted. Donations can be made at the Posts in Decatur or Vicksburg. (Magnolia State Live 03/25/23) 

Monroe County, Miss., twister damage - photos: PHOTOS: Tornado killed two in Monroe County | News | wtva.com

Regional DoD contracts March 24

* BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland (N0003923D1001); Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N0003923D1002); and Scientific Research Corp., South Atlanta, Georgia (N0003923D1003) are awarded a not-to-exceed $536,700,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-only, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for the procurement of engineering services that provide integration, test, and installation of command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) on surface ships. This contract vehicle will provide those services and supporting data deliverables throughout the five phases of shipboard C4I integration for each hull at the task order level. Work will be performed in Charleston, South Carolina; Marinette, Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; Pascagoula, Mississippi; Lockport, Louisiana; Bath, Maine; Morgan City, Louisiana; and Mobile, Alabama. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will be obligated on the first task order under each contract utilizing fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds; fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds; and fiscal 2023 research and development (Navy) funds. This multiple award contract is awarded pursuant to full and open competition, with three offers received. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. 

* Valiant Global Defense Services Inc., San Diego, California, was awarded a $47,266,444 modification (P00060) to contract W91247-18-C-0001 to support rotational training. Work will be performed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of March 26, 2023. Fiscal 2023 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $38,418,845 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army 418th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Polk, Louisiana, is the contracting activity. (DoD 03/24/23)

Campaign insiders grow gov't jobs

Governor Tate Reeves has appointed another one of his top campaign donors. Kent Nicaud, president/CEO of Gulfport Memorial Hospital, was named to the 3-person Mississippi Gaming Commission, growing a list of Reeves insiders who have been given government jobs in his first term. If confirmed, Nicaud will serve the remainder of the term of former Gaming Commissioner Al Hopkins, who died in February. The governor appointed Franc Lee, a payday loan magnate and Reeves’ largest individual donor, to the same commission in 2021. Reeves also appointed Nicaud’s wife, Jenny, as an administrative law judge for the Mississippi Workers Compensation Commission in 2021. Another one of Reeves’ pending appointments is Gerard Gibert, host of a conservative Supertalk Mississippi radio show and regular campaign donor of Reeves. Reeves has appointed three campaign donors to the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees and two campaign donors to the Mississippi Community College Board. Mississippi Today reached out to Reeves’ office to ask for comment - and what he'd tell taxpayers - who are funding his campaign insider appointments. Reeves’ deputy chief of staff Cory Custer e-mailed: “Mississippi Today is not a news organization, it is an unregistered Democrat super PAC and obviously acting like one again today,” but declining to answer the questions. (Mississippi Today 03/23/23) Reeves appoints campaign donors to government posts - Mississippi Today

Biloxi native new Loyola president

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Xavier Cole, a native of Biloxi, Miss., announced via video message on March 23 that he has been named president of Loyola University New Orleans. He is the college’s 18th president and first person of color; and the second layperson to lead the 111-year-old university. Currently serving as Marquette University’s VP for student affairs. Cole will begin his tenure at Loyola on June 1. Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Mississippi and a master’s in the same field from Miami University (Ohio). He added a doctorate in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013 before going on to hold roles with Washington College (Md.), Marquette and Loyola University Maryland. (WLOX 03/23/23) Biloxi man appointed president of Loyola University New Orleans (wlox.com)

MS ballot initiative dies in Senate

JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi residents will still be unable to bypass lawmakers and put policy proposals on statewide ballots because Senate Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Committee Chairman John Polk (R-Hattiesburg) killed a plan March 23 to create a new initiative process. The proposal would have let people petition on a wide range of issues, but not on abortion. In a state of 3M residents, the Senate proposed a requirement of about 240,000 signatures to put an initiative on the ballot. The House proposed about 106,000. Polk told reporters he was unwilling to go close to the House number and let the bill die in committee. (The AP 03/23/23) Mississippi senator kills initiative plan, minus abortion | Mississippi | wtva.com

Senate Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Committee Chairman John Polk said he liked the ban on abortion initiatives but he had concerns about other parts of the proposal.

In a state of roughly 3 million residents, the Senate proposed a requirement of about 240,000 signatures to put an initiative on the ballot and the House proposed about 106,000. Polk told reporters he was unwilling to go close to the House number.

El Nino may reduce hurricane risk

The El Nino weather pattern is on its way back, which may bring a wetter second half of the year for Gulf Coast states and a possible reduced risk for hurricanes. El Nino (and La Nina) is part of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation cycle - conditions set over the Pacific Ocean - that affects weather patterns globally. For Gulf Coast states, the biggest effects involve the Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center announced in March that La Nina, which generally causes more hurricanes, was officially over after three years. The transition period between El Nino and La Nina is likely to continue into early summer with elevated chances of El Nino developing later. (NOLA.com 03/24/23) Here comes El Nino. Will it mean fewer hurricanes? | Environment | nola.com

Where gender wage gap is closing

Financial tech company SmartAsset set out to uncover the places where the gender wage gap was closing. It analyzed data for the 200 largest U.S. cities across four metrics on women’s earnings relative to men’s earnings and how it has changed over time. The gender wage gap has shrunk by more than 10 cents to the dollar in 16 cities. Between 2017-21, the wage gap in Hollywood, Fla., narrowed by 26.53% - the largest difference study-wide. It was followed by Oceanside, Calif. (23.22%), and Birmingham, Ala., (19.17%). Comparatively, the national average narrowed by a mere 0.69% over the same time period. Hollywood, Fla., was the only city where women make more than men. Memphis ranked #12 and Metairie, La., was #13. (SmartAsset 0307/23) Places Where the Gender Wage Gap Is Closing - 2023 Study - SmartAsset

Regional unemployment rates

States unemployment rates February 2023, seasonally adjusted (chart) State unemployment rates, seasonally adjusted (bls.gov) Mississippi 3.7%; Louisiana 3.6% and Alabama 2.5%.

Regional states with statistically significant employment changes from February 2022 to February 2023, seasonally adjusted: Alabama (+2%); Louisiana (+1.9%) and Mississippi (+1.5%) (Department of Labor 03/24/23)

Regional DoD contracts March 23

* Camgian Corp., Starkville, Mississippi, was awarded a $10,742,523 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Hyper-Enabled Soldier Lethality. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Starkville, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of March 22, 2025. Fiscal 2010 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $10,300,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

* Alpha Marine Services LLC, Cut Off, Louisiana, was awarded a $70,285,321 firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursable elements (N3220523C4150) for long-term charter of one U.S. flagged offshore support ship, Kellie Chouest, that will provide support for U.S. Southern Command special missions at sea. This contract includes a 12-month base period with three 12-month option periods and one 11-month option period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $70,285,321. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed if all options are exercised, by March 30, 2028. Fiscal 2023 funds in the amount of $4,139,000 are obligated for fiscal 2023 and will expire at the end of the year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the System Award Management website and one offer was received. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded March 22.)

* HII's (formerly Huntington Ingalls Industries) Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded an $8,703,236 cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-21-C-4205 to procure material in support of planning yard services for operational (in-service) amphibious transport dock (LPD-27). Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,703,236 are be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (DoD 03/23/23)

Pope returns to command Keesler

Colonel Billy Pope returned to Keesler AFB, Miss., to take command of the 81st Training Wing in an assumption of command ceremony on March 23. Pope and his family were previously stationed at KAFB when he served as the 81st Communications Squadron's commander from June 2014 to July 2016. Pope was commissioned in 2001 through the AFROTC at the University of Redlands. He has served in numerous capacities within the Communications and Cyber Operations career fields. Pope previously commanded at the group level and has held positions at service headquarters, joint combatant command, major command, and installation levels globally. He comes to Keesler from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, where he was serving as both 688th Cyberspace Wing Intelligence and Operations, director and 690th Cyberspace Operations Group commander. Pope is the 50th commander to lead the installation since its activation in 1941. (KAFB 03/23/23)