Material coordinator - Vertex aero

 Material Coordinator - Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss. Inventory/Parts job at Vertex Aerospace - Material Coordinator - Madison, MS (jsfirm.com) 

DoD regional contracts June 30

* Olin Winchester, Oxford, Mississippi, was awarded a $64,441,277 modification (P00021) to contract W52P1J-21-C-0016 for the manufacture of small-caliber ammunition. Work will be performed in Oxford, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2024. Fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023 procurement of ammunition, Army funds in the amount of $64,441,277 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity.

* Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, Louisiana, was awarded a $20,262,250 firm-fixed-price contract for coastal storm risk management and beach renourishment. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Vilano Beach, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 17, 2024. Fiscal 2023 civil flood control and coastal emergencies funds in the amount of $20,262,250 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. (DoD 06/30/23)

First to fly unique T-7A trainer

EDWARDS AFB, Calif. - Major Bryce Turner, a test pilot from the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Air Force pilot to fly the T-7A Red Hawk.

On June 28, the aircraft lifted off at 11:51 a.m. during a test flight at the Boeing aircraft delivery center in St. Louis, Mo. 

The T-7A is a brand-new, state-of-the-art pilot training system created specifically for the Air Force, with the purpose of training future fighter and bomber pilots.

The aircraft is the first digitally designed tactical aircraft, finessed using model-based systems engineering and 3D design tools.

The aircraft will replace the 1950’s-era T-38 Talon, providing the next generation of warfighters the training capability needed to face current and emerging threats. The T-7A is affectionally christened ‘Red Hawk’ as a homage to the iconic Tuskegee Airmen. 

The accomplishment of flying this unique aircraft adds another chapter to the Turner family's rich legacy of aviation firsts.

As a third-generation AF fighter pilot, Turner follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, retired Lt. Col. Alexander Parker Turner, one of the first African American jet pilots in 1956, and his father, retired Col. Bryan Turner, the first African American F-22 pilot. His call sign, affectionally known as “Triple,” reflects these three generations of Airmen. (412th Wing 06/29/23) Three generations of breaking barriers: T-7A Red Hawk soars with US Air Force test pilot > Air Force > Article Display (af.mil)

LANG, Belieze troops train together

PINEVILLE, La. - The Louisiana Army National Guard (LANG) welcomed 143 Belize service members to participate in a training rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, La. 

The Belize team, consisting of 117 Belize Defence Force and 26 Belize Coast Guard, arrived at Fort Johnson to train alongside the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said CWO3 Allen D. West, Louisiana National Guard State Partnership Program director. 

“During the rotation, units were responsible for the Foreign Service Forces mission while also providing a platoon to support an opposing force mission as part of the exercise.”

Louisiana and Belize have been partnered as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP) since 1996. The two countries have participated in nearly 300 events. 

The purpose of the SPP is to foster mutual interests and establish long-term relationships across all levels of society - economic, political and military ties - between states and partner nations. 

The SPP synchronizes states and countries to develop military-to-military and interagency operations. The program has been successfully building relations for 30 years and now includes 88 partnerships with 100 nations around the globe. (LANG 06/30/23) Louisiana National Guard Welcomes Partner Belize for Training > National Guard > Guard News - The National Guard

Port of Iberia project's 3rd restart

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) and the Port of Iberia have signed a partnering agreement to begin efforts to advance the Louisiana port project. 

The project is a "critical navigation effort to deepen the channel as the Port provides both a regional and national value to the nation,” said Colonel Cullen Jones, New Orleans District Commander. 

The Port of Iberia is a 57.5-mile waterway that provides access to the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Commercial Canal, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Freshwater Bayou.

The current plan consists of widening and deepening the waterway from the 12 feet to 6 feet with a bottom width of 150 feet. The initial federal investment, along with the non-federal investment, will be used to fund the completion of a full Validation Report.

“The construction of AGMAC will increase economic opportunities for South Louisiana," said U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins said. 

"Keeping our navigational access to Gulf of Mexico is critical our industries survival here in Acadiana,” said Craig Ramero, executive director for the Port of Iberia. 

The Port of Iberia project was originally authorized in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2006, then reauthorized in WRDA 2014. 

The Validation Report will be conducted over the next 12-14 months to confirm the total project cost and benefits of the project. (USACE 06/30/23) Federal, state, and local partners sign agreement for Port of Iberia, Louisiana Project > New Orleans District > News Releases (army.mil)

Dr. Cook interim prez @ Alcorn

JACKSON, Miss. - The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) has announced a change in the interim leadership of Alcorn State University at its June 29 meeting in Jackson. 

Former Alcorn president, Dr. Ontario S. Wooden, left the school after four years on April 20. 

Dr. Tracy Cook, currently serving as VP for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, will begin serving as interim president on July 8. 

Before joining Alcorn, Dr. Cook served in various roles, including superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, athletic director and teacher in the Jefferson and Claiborne County Schools. 

He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and master’s degrees in agronomy and educational administration and supervision from Alcorn State University. He also earned a doctorate and specialist degree in educational leadership from William Carey University. (WBLT 06/29/23)

Guaranty Bank to acquire FANB

BELZONI, Miss. - Guaranty Bank has entered into an agreement to acquire First American National Bank (FANB). Guaranty made the announcement June 30. Both companies’ Board of Directors have approved the transaction. 

It remains subject to customary shareholder and regulatory approvals. The deal is expected to close later this year. 

“With this partnership, our customers will gain access to a wider array of product offerings and expand our geographic locations," FANB CEO Tommy Chamblee said. 

"We will shape a brighter financial landscape with a shared purpose and create opportunities that propel us all toward a prosperous future,” Guaranty Bank President and CEO Hue Townsend said. 

FANB is HQ'd in Iuka with branches in Corinth, Burnsville, Iuka, Booneville, Tishomingo, Belmont, Saltillo, Tupelo, Fulton and Amory. Guaranty Bank has branches from Memphis to Vicksburg. (WTVA 06/30/23)

July 4 celebrations across Mississippi

List of celebrations for the 4th of July across Mississippi (06/30/23) Red, white, and blue: Mississippi communities celebrate Independence Day weekend with music, fireworks, and more - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live

Fire aboard LHA under construction

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Ingalls Shipbuilding and the Navy are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out on the under-construction LHA 8 Bougainville late night on June 29. 

Early reports indicate damage is limited to the impacted compartments and not the remainder of the ship. 

“Initial findings indicate there was hot work being performed in the impacted area”, said Media Relations Manager Kimberly K. Aguillard. The "amount of smoke was significant" but limited to the affected compartments. 

The fire was extinguished. Two shipbuilders were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation and later released. Four other shipbuilders were treated for smoke inhalation on site. No additional injuries have been reported. 

Ingalls says the ship where the fire broke out is still scheduled to launch later this year. (WLOX 06/30/23)

MS refuge fire management

Fire crews from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Gulf Coast Complex, Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge Student Conservation Association, recently burned 187 acres of mixed forest, shrub and grass lands as part of ongoing fire management activities in Mississippi.

More than 600 acres of the refuge have been treated with prescribed fire this spring to support the Grand Bay Land Acquisition and Habitat Management project.

This project will restore and enhance marine, coastal, estuarine and riparian habitats for the benefit of resources injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 

The project includes the acquisition of up to 8,000 acres and management of up to 17,500 acres within the boundaries of the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Jackson County.

The state has acquired about 1,530 acres as part of the project, 40 of which were acquired in April. Acquisition is ongoing. Management activities are expected to continue for the next 10 years.

The primary objective of habitat restoration is to re-establish native vegetation in the target habitats, including coastal marsh, savannas and flatwoods, forested freshwater scrub-shrub, and freshwater marsh.  

Prescribed fire is just one restoration measure used by the Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group to implement this project. 

Other measures include invasive species management, mechanical clearing, and chemical treatment. (Gulf Spill Restoration 06/30/23) Mississippi Trustees Support Fire Management Activities at Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

NSC 10 completes sea trials

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced June 29 the completion of builder’s sea trials for the Coast Guard's newest national security cutter, Calhoun (WMSL 759). The ship successfully tested propulsion and auxiliary equipment, as well as various ship systems. 

“Our team will continue to prepare NSC 10 for the next set of trials and ensure that this ship will be ready to undertake the most challenging Coast Guard missions,” NSC Program Manager Amanda Whitaker said. 

For over two decades, Ingalls Shipbuilding has served as the sole designer and provider of the CG's Legend-class NSC, the flagship of the CG fleet. NSCs have be used to perform drug interdiction, global illegal fishing, disaster relief and defense support operations. 

NSC 10 is named to honor Charles L. Calhoun, the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Ingalls has delivered nine Legend-class national security cutters to the Coast Guard further enabling their important missions around the globe. (HII 06/29/23)

Mississippi aerospace/aviation jobs

CBA Support Equipment Hyd/Mech/Cryo/Elec Mechanic: AIMD Program, Vertex Aerospace in Meridian, MS, USA CBA Support Equipment Hyd/Mech/Cryo/Elec Mechanic - AIMD Program Meridian, MS ( Contingent) Job in Meridian, MS at Vertex Aerospace (ziprecruiter.com)\ 

Aerospace/Defense Jobs - Mississippi $15-$27/hr Aerospace Defense Jobs in Mississippi (ziprecruiter.com)

USM hosts maritime conference

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) hosted the Transatlantic Shipbuilding and Maritime Conference on June 28 at the University’s Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach that included 10 German shipbuilding and maritime industry suppliers. 

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. President Matthias Hoffmann was among those in attendance to discuss developments on the coast. 

Dr. Jason McKenna, director of Research, Development, Testing, Evaluation, and Training at USM’s Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise spoke about research partnerships to promote the new blue economy in the Gulf of Mexico along with projects Ocean Enterprise is working on with federal, state, industry, and non-profit agencies. 

“The Gulf of Mexico is fast becoming a new blue economy hub,” said McKenna

Blue tech start-up companies/industry partners are having unique access to the Gulf of Mexico through USM and the Port of Gulfport to test technologies. Coastal Operations provides water-front access to the new companies. 

Keynote speaker Capt. David Wolynski, commanding officer of the Naval Meteorological and Oceanography Command, focused on the maritime industry and forecasting models of maritime growth through uncrewed platforms.

He stressed how uncrewed platforms can provide real-data and reach where crewed vessels find those applications limited. The U.S. Navy is working to release more uncrewed platforms in the next five years. 

The conference included panel discussions and presentations focused on latest trends in German shipbuilding, offshore energy and the new blue economy. (USM 06/28/23)

Different tracks: Offshore oil, wind

The dualling offshore energy sector appears to be playing off the real estate adage “location, location, location.” 

For now, the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico is in the driver’s seat, though prices have not reached the triple digit highs expected this summer because of OPEC decision to cut production.

It's quite different in the Northeast, where the offshore wind market is sustaining heavy blows from inflation, infrastructure limitations and judicial scrutiny.

A negative cost imbalance has forced the temporary scrapping of one developing wind farm, while developers face something O&G operators have been all too familiar with: Lawsuits.

Energy security and affordability concerns have overshadowed transition to offshore wind and other renewable energy sources.

BP, which holds a 50% interest with Equinor in the Beacon Wind and Empire Wind offshore wind farms off New York, has cut back its renewable investments in favor of capturing higher returns from O&G assets by investing "up to $8B more this decade in our transition growth engines and about $1B more each year in today’s energy system, which depends on oil and gas,” said CEO Bernard Looney. 

BP began flowing oil in April from its Argos floating production system (FPS) in the Mad Dog 2 deepwater Gulf development. It’s estimated it will produce up to 140,000 bbl/d from 14 wells in roughly 4,500 feet of water. 

Shell Offshore, which holds a stake in a Northeast wind farm, entered 2023 with the start-up of the Vito FPS in Mississippi Canyon, which will produce an estimated 100,000 bbls. from four blocks in 4,000 feet of water. Vito serves as the design standard for the Whale production system, which is expected to begin production in 2024 in Alaminos Canyon.

Developments are expected to increase Gulf of Mexico oil production by 120,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) this year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), which reported average 2022 pro- duction in the Gulf of 1.78M bbl/d. 

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is expected to announce a date for the GoM’s first federal wind lease offering. The landmark offshore wind sale was to be set following the 60-day public comment period that ended on April 22. (Work Boat 06/28/23) Offshore wind, oil on different tracks | WorkBoat

'Richession" or not recession?

• Despite high borrowing costs due to the Federal Reserve’s aggressive streak of interest rate hikes, consumers keep spending and employers keep hiring. 

• Gas prices have dropped, grocery prices have leveled off, and the economy keeps growing. 

• There is a belief among some economists that the U.S. might achieve a “soft landing,” in which growth slows but households and businesses spend enough to avoid a full recession. 
  

• Still, threats of a recession loom: The Fed is likely to raise rates at least once more, and keep them high for months, thereby continuing to impose heavy borrowing costs on consumers and businesses. (The AP 06/27/23) Is it a 'richcession'? Or a 'rolling recession'? Or maybe no recession at all? | AP News 

RRs invest in connecting nets

OMAHA, Neb. - CSX and CPKC railroads announced June 28 that allows them to utilize a little-used connection between the two networks in the Southeast to handle a significant amount of freight. 

The deal involves a section of track linking the RRs currently used only for local traffic, which has a potential to turn it into a major pipeline for cargo. 

CPKC CEO Keith Creel said the plan is to invest in upgrades to the rail line to handle more traffic and provide a shorter path between manufacturing plants in Mexico and the Southeast. This trains-crossing section of track is operated by a subsidiary of Genesee &Wyoming and runs only at 10-25 mph speeds. 

The new connection will provide a new competitive option with the connection CPKC has with Norfolk Southern at Meridian, Miss. 

CPKC will acquire about 50 miles of track between Meridian and Myrtlewood, Ala., if regulators approve. CSX will take over the line it leases to the Meridian & Bigbee Railroad that runs east to Montgomery, Ala. 

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed but the railroads said Genesee & Wyoming will receive certain Canadian properties owned by CPKC as compensation. 

The Meridian & Bigbee Railroad that had been operating in Alabama and Mississippi will be allowed to continue providing local service along the route. (The AP 06/28/23) Railroads CSX and CPKC will invest in connecting their networks to increase traffic in Southeast | Region | meridianstar.com

DoL: 44 MS farms exploited workers

JACKSON, Miss. - Forty-four Mississippi farms exploited local Black workers by paying higher wages to immigrants in the U.S. on temporary work visas, the U.S. Labor Department announced June 28. DoL completed its investigations begun in 2022 in the Mississippi Delta, one of the poorest areas country.

The farms include catfish growers and operations that raise crops. They have paid $505,540 in back wages for 161 workers, plus $341,838 in civil penalties, DoL said. 

The investigations confirm employers in the Delta denied a large number of marginalized farm workers lawful wages, and in some cases, violated the rights of U.S. workers by giving temporary guest workers preferential treatment,” said Audrey Hall, district director of the Wage and Hour Division in Jackson, Miss. 

The Labor Department announced its findings six months after two agriculture businesses in the Delta settled lawsuits filed on behalf of local Black farmworkers. 

DoL said it found employers violated requirements of the H-2A visa program, including failing to pay the required wages to U.S. workers in jobs similar to those held by immigrants. (The AP -6/29/23) MS farms pay overdue wages for favoring immigrants over Black workers (clarionledger.com)

VP scheduled to visit NOLA

Vice President Kamala Harris and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will visit New Orleans on June 30 for the Essence Festival of Culture, both aiming to tout President Biden's economic agenda. 

They will be taking in events on Day 1 of the festival, for which as many as 500K revelers are expected to the city. 

On Harris' and Yellen's agenda is a stop at the Essence Festival’s Global Black Economic Forum in the afternoon, where Harris will talk about the administration's initiatives "on racial equity, economic justice and reproductive rights" according to a press release.

Yellen is scheduled to deliver a speech about policies aimed at "unlocking economic opportunities" for under-represented communities, according to the Treasury Department release. 

The visits are part of a broader campaign kicked off by Biden on June 28 in a Chicago speech where he embraced the term "Bidenomics," which favors direct support for key industries, especially in the field of alternative energy.  [Previously related story: La. BIO team ... Post: Edit (blogger.com)]

Yellen's first stop on Friday will be at PosiGen, a solar energy company headquartered in New Orleans. (NOLA.com 06/29/23) Kamala Harris, Janet Yellen come to New Orleans for Essence | National Politics | nola.com

Weighing rural, urban labor market

The Mississippi State University Extension published a report recently that looks at what types of businesses, in terms of age and size, the state should seek to attract and retain in hopes contributing to the labor market.

The report, using Census Bureau data, analyzes the debate in regard to courting new large firms into the region or assist existing small firms. It delves into the economic contributions of different types of business establishments in the market, identifying types of businesses that should get the most attention.

According to the report, entitled Business Employment by Age and Size of Firms in Mississippi, older businesses are Mississippi’s main source of employment. Businesses older than five years supported 80% of jobs in 2020.

Businesses with an establishment age between 11-25 years accounted for 35% of businesses supporting 40% of jobs in 2020, while businesses older than 25 years represented 18% of businesses supporting 1 out of 4 jobs. 

Startups, or those under one year,  supported just 3% of jobs. However, startups generated 28% of new jobs in the past 12 months. This indicates that the entry of new businesses is essential in creating new employment opportunities. 

MSU’s report also notes that 58% of businesses in urban areas are 11 years or older while 50% of businesses in rural areas are of similar age. 

A slightly higher percentage of younger businesses – under 5 years – are concentrated in rural areas (33%) compared to urban areas (27%)/

The report concludes that larger and mature businesses are the major sources of jobs while smaller and younger establishments are job creators. Thus, “helping establishments survive is vital to the ... regional economy.” 

But, encouraging entrepreneurship is important to bolster the economy and accelerate economic growth. 

Therefore, urban and rural communities may need different strategies for helping businesses foster a vibrant economy and maintain a resilient labor market. (Mississippi Tribune 06/28/23) Assisting older businesses, encouraging startups vital to resilient Mississippi labor market, economic growth - Magnolia Tribune

Keel laying for EPF 15 @ Austal

 MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA officially started construction of the future USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) with a keel-laying ceremony here June 27. 

Ship sponsor Mrs. Elizabeth Asher, with the assistance of Perry Sullivan, a 17-year Austal USA veteran A-class welder, authenticated the keel by welding her initials into a keel plate that will be welded to the hull of the ship. Keel laying is a formal recognition of the start of a ship's construction.

EPF 15 is the second naval vessel to bear this name of the seaside California community. 

EPF 15 is also the second EPF Flight II ship built by Austal USA.

The ship is one of two EPF Flight II ships under construction at Austal USA with a third under contract. 

EPF Flight II ships will augment the future Expeditionary Medical Ships which will be capable of comprehensive, multidisciplinary hospital operations. (Austal USA 06/27/23)

81st Medical change of command

Outgoing Air Force Col. Christopher Estridge, 81st Medical Group commander, relinquished command to Col. Peter Kulis in a change of command ceremony June 23 at Keesler AFB, Miss. (Keesler AFB 06/23/23)

New boss for the 19th Air Force

 JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- RANDOLPH, Texas - Maj. Gen. Clark J. Quinn assumed command of Nineteenth Air Force during a ceremony here June 5.

The 19th Air Force has a footprint that expands across 17 wings in 16 states, including the 1th Flying Training Wing at Columbus AFB, Miss., 32,000 Airmen, and over 1,500 aircraft.

After receiving the guidon, and taking command, Quinn said: “We draw our heritage from the 19th Tactical Air Command from World War II. Seventy-nine years ago today, those Airmen were making final preparations to support the June 6 D-Day landings in Normandy ... (and) escorted troop carriers and provided top cover to the assault area." 

Prior to assuming command, Quinn served as the deputy commander for Ninth Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. He assisted with the development of contingency plans and the execution of air operations for the 21-nation U.S. Central Command area of responsibility covering Central and Southwest Asia. 

Quinn has also commanded at the squadron and wing levels and has held staff assignments at the Air Force's headquarters, U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command. (AETC 06/06/23) New commander assumes command at 19th Air Force > Columbus Air Force Base > Article Display (af.mil)

La. BIO teams go international

NEW ORLEANS - Delegates from the New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIO), lead agency of the Gulf Coast Health Sciences Corridor, recently traveled to Belgium to attend BIO Day with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on a Department of Economic Development-sponsored trip. 

Representatives from NOBIC and GCHSC promoted foreign investments in Louisiana and showcased New Orleans as a destination for professionals, researchers and potential partners in biotechnology.

“It’s clear that Louisiana ... has captivated international biotech firms seeking a thriving environment for their growth,” said Kris Khalil, executive director of New Orleans BioInnovation Center.

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center is a state-of-the-art facility of development and groundbreaking research with an extensive network of industry leaders.

Companies taking advantage of the state's incentive programs have increased capital investment in Louisiana for five years in a row topping $20B in two consecutive years. 

“Life sciences' investments cannot only create jobs and stimulate economic activity, they can literally save lives,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. (NOBIO 06/28/23) 

MSU. UN partner w/ ARC

ROME, Italy - Mississippi State University’s global impact in the fields of aquaculture and high-performance computing continues to grow as its leaders visited the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations here this week to celebrate new partnerships. 

The duo marked the launch of the university’s new FAO-designated Reference Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity. 

MSU is one of four institutions internationally taking part in the launch. The two organizations are also collaborating on efforts to use high-performance computing capabilities to enhance knowledge of global land and water resources. 

For more on the FAO’s antimicrobial resistance efforts, visit https://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/en/. For more on MSU’s Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security, visit www.gcahfs.msstate.edu.

CG medevacs cruise passenger

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard medevaced a 53-year-old male experiencing severe blood loss aboard the cruise ship Voyager of the Seas on June 26 about 230 miles south of New Orleans.

The Coast Guard diverted a New Orleans-based MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and a Mobile, Ala.-based HC-144 aircrew to assist. 

The helicopter aircrew hoisted the passenger and cruise ship nurse aboard and transferred them to University Medical Center New Orleans. The passenger was last reported to be in fair condition. (CG 06/27/23) Click here to download video.

EPA drops La. permit probe

* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dropped its investigations into Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health over their roles in issuing permits for petrochemical plants near Black communities in St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. Mark Schleifstein reports, though the EPA said their move was because of progress in informal negotiations, their move was met with sharp criticism from environmental justice activists. 

* Louisiana's carbon capture industry marches on. Robert Stewart reports two Texas firms, Denbury and Lapis Energy, are designing and building a carbon sequestration complex at Lapis Energy’s facility in St. Charles Parish, about 20 miles west of New Orleans. (NOLA.com 06/28/23) City Park's master plan sets out development over decades | | nola.com

Small biz & CHIP applications

The United States’ semiconductor chip manufacturing output has been steadily slipping over the last 20+ years, jeopardizing the country’s power in an increasingly critical global industry, but a key piece of legislation, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, aims to rewrite this narrative. 

The CHIPS Act is investing $52.7B into the American semiconductor industry in an effort to bring manufacturing back home. Recently, the Biden administration expanded eligibility for CHIPS Act funding to include companies that create the tools and chemicals for producing chips, not just the major players. 

As of June 23, the CHIPS Act is accepting applications for the “construction, expansion or modernization of commercial facilities for semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment facilities for which the capital investment equals or exceeds $300M,” according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. 

With this expansion, nearly 400 firms have expressed interest, according to the Department of Commerce. 

Certain applications are now being accepted. Visit the NIST website for more information and to submit your application. (GovWire -06/28.23) How Small Businesses Can Secure a Portion of $53B CHIPS Act Funding - GovCon Wire

Today in history June 28

In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Maj. Gen. George G. Meade the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, following the resignation of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker.

In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, were shot to death in Sarajevo (sah-ruh-YAY’-voh) by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip (gavh-REE’-loh PREEN’-seep) — an act that sparked World War I.

In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Alien Registration Act, also known as the Smith Act, which required adult foreigners residing in the U.S. to be registered and fingerprinted.

In 2000, seven months after he was cast adrift in the Florida Straits, Elian Gonzalez was returned to his native Cuba.

In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that Americans had the right to own a gun for self-defense anywhere they lived.

In 2012, the Affordable Care Act narrowly survived, 5-4, an election-year battle at the U.S. Supreme Court with the improbable help of conservative Chief Justice John Roberts. 

Attorney General Eric Holder became the first sitting Cabinet member held in contempt of Congress, a rebuke pushed by Republicans seeking to unearth the facts behind a bungled gun-tracking operation known as Fast and Furious. (The vote was 255-67, with more than 100 Democrats. (History.com 06/28/23) Today in History: June 28, Treaty of Versailles is signed | AP News

Breeze air to add NOLA-Orlando

 NEW ORLEANS – Breeze Airways announced June 27 that it will be adding non-stop service from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to Orlando, Fla., and Tulsa, Okla., beginning Sept. 22. Flights will be Mondays and Fridays. Fares start at $39 one way if purchased by July 3. 

Breeze Airways entered the New Orleans market two years ago, and how has 13 non-stop destinations with the new non-stop to Orlando, and returning service to Tulsa.

Breeze currently flies regional and transcontinental flights within the U.S. on a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The carrier has ordered 80 A220s, with options for 40 more.  (Biz New Orleans 06/27/23) 

Airbus at Mobile, Ala., build the A220-300 aircraft. 

DoD regional contract June 27

UPDATE: Freeman Holdings of Mississippi, doing business as Million Air Stennis, Stennis, Mississippi (SPE607-23-D-0091, $51,737,253), has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for fuel support at Stennis International Airport, Mississippi, issued against solicitation SPE607-23-R-0202 and awarded March 6, 2023. (DoD 06/27/23)

HII delivers first Flight III destroyer

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division delivered the first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), to the Navy ton June 27. Delivery of DDG 125 represents the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy. 

Delivery of the first Flight III ship "reflects the relentless efforts of our shipbuilders and those of our Navy and supplier partners,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. 

DDG 125 is the first Flight III destroyer built by Ingalls for the Navy. It incorporates a number of design modifications including a myriad of offensive/and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defensive needs. 

Flight III destroyers include the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System that is required to keep pace with the threats of the future.

Ingalls has now delivered 35 destroyers to the Navy, with four Flight IIIs currently under construction - Ted Stevens (DDG 128), to be christened in August; Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131) and Sam Nunn (DDG 133). (HII 06/27/23

Taylor promoted to COO @ Austal

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA has promoted Christy Taylor to the newly established position of Chief Operating Officer for Transformation. She will report to Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh.

Taylor will oversee Human Resources, Production Control, IT and Supply Chain Management operations. 

Since joining Austal USA in 2007 as a senior member of the Finance team, Taylor has developed and documented many of the company’s standard policies and procedures, effectively managed costs, and developed strong partnerships resulting in favorable and fair contractual outcomes with the U.S. government. 

Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgia State University and a master’s degree in accounting from University of Central Florida. She is a licensed CPA in the states of Alabama and Florida. (Austal USA 06/26/23)

$50.4M EPA clean water grants

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $50.4M in annual funding to states and territories for communities most in need of access to clean and safe drinking water. The funding will support projects and activities in underserved, small and disadvantaged communities to access and invest in water infrastructure and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). 

Grant funding can support a broad range of approaches to help communities, from household water quality testing to monitoring for unregulated drinking water contaminants. Funds may also support efforts to build the technical, financial, and managerial abilities of a water system’s operations and staff. Infrastructure projects that support drinking water quality improvements are also eligible. 

Regional states receiving funds, and amounts, include: Alabama $739,000; Louisiana 1,303.000; and Mississippi 818,000. For more information, visit the WIIN SUDC Grant website. (EPA 06/36/23)

La. redistricting case unfrozen

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court lifted its hold on a Louisiana political remap case, on June 26, increasing the likelihood that the Republican-dominated state will have to redraw boundary lines to create a second mostly Black congressional district. 

For more than a year, there has been a legal battle over the GOP-drawn political boundaries, with a federal judge, Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and opponents saying that the map is unfair and discriminates against Black voters. 

The map, which was used in Louisiana’s November congressional election, has white majorities in five of six districts, all currently held by Republicans. This is despite Blacks are about 33% of the state’s population. 

The Louisiana case had been on hold pending the decision in a redistricting case in Alabama. Monday’s order follows the court’s rejection earlier in June of a congressional redistricting map in Alabama. In both states, Black voters are a majority in just one congressional district. (The AP 06/26/23) Supreme Court unfreezes Louisiana redistricting case that could boost Black voting power before 2024 | AP News

DoD regional contracts June 26

* EMR Inc., Niceville, Florida, was awarded a $25,859,398 firm-fixed-price contract to build a flight simulator facility. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2024. Fiscal 2023 military construction, Army National Guard funds in the amount of $25,859,398 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Florida, is the contracting activity.  

* Reliance Test and Technology, Crestview, Florida, is awarded an $83,806,989 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00031) to a previously awarded contract (N0042120C0033). This modification exercises an option to provide research, development, test, evaluation, engineering, fleet and management support services required to perform aircraft engineering and developmental flight test, as well as fleet training events for the Navy and Marine Corps air vehicle systems and trainers in support of the Atlantic Ranges and Targets Department. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (78%); Norfolk, Virginia (13%); Dam Neck, Virginia (5%); and various locations within the U.S. (4%), and is expected to be completed in June 2031. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,163,738; fiscal 2023 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,420,000; fiscal 2023 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,505,000; fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $33,000; fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense Wide) funds in the amount of $520,500; fiscal 2022 ship conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $122,000; fiscal 2022 research, development, test, and evaluation (Defense Wide) funds in the amount of $4,000; and fiscal 2022 research, development, test, and evaluation (Army) funds in the amount of $100 will be obligated at time of award, $2,424,100 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Command, Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (DoD 06/26/23)

CRCL adds 12 new members

NEW ORLEANS - The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) has added 12 new members to its Coastal Advisory Council, a leadership group formed to connect the non-profit to experts in a variety of different fields.

These advisers will help CRCL advance its mission to unite people in action to achieve a thriving, sustainable Louisiana coast for all. Members of the CAC serve three-year terms. 

CRC is a statewide non-profit dedicated to fighting coastal land loss. It advocates for large-scale restoration projects, operates a oyster shell recycling program, plants trees and other vegetation, and trains the next generation of coastal professionals through its Future Coastal Leaders program. (Biz New Orleans 06/26/23) CRCL Announces New Members of Coastal Advisory Council - Biz New Orleans

Port Bienville fire rating improved

KILN, Miss: - Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission gathered feedback from existing tenants and prospects in 2021 about the need to improve fire services in Port Bienville Industrial Park. 

Those results found that Port Bienville Industrial Park lacked the equipment, water capacity and services for existing and new industry which resulted in a Class 10 fire rating. The fire rating is a public protection classification applied to eligible properties located within the West Hancock Fire District boundary.

In 2022, HCPHC and West Hancock Fire District began working on a long-term agreement to improve equipment and coverage at the fire station that serves Port Bienville Industrial Park.

As a result of the newly staffed fire station and fire truck, HCPHC was able to work with the Hancock County Board of Supervisors to adopt and create a new Port Bienville Grading District, which allowed the Mississippi Fire Rating Bureau to improve Port Bienville’s fire rating class to a class 7. 

The new rating means tenants of Port Bienville Industrial Park have improved response and safety and qualify tenants for lower insurance coverage rates.

All parties are currently working to improve water capacity at the port. which will continue to impact the fire classification from the Mississippi Rating Bureau. (HCPHC 06/26/23)