17 GOMESA projects for south MS

BILOXI, Miss. - Seventeen blue economy projects in South Mississippi will receive more than $20M in funding from the latest Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act disbursement. Gov. Phil Bryant announced the GOMESA funding Sept. 27. The designated projects include everything from water quality testing and beach re-nourishment to buying fish for the Mississippi Aquarium now under construction in Gulfport. The projects will be administered by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. GOMESA was created in 2006 by Congress and shares leasing revenues among the four Gulf oil and gas producing States of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and their coastal political subdivisions. (Source: WLOX 09/27/19) https://www.wdam.com/2019/09/27/gov-bryant-announces-million-gomesa-projects/

Tricare may cover chiropractic

Chiropractic and acupuncture services could be covered by Tricare under a new policy set to be proposed in the upcoming months. Tricare currently does not cover any chiropractic or acupuncture services for military family members. The proposal will be issued in an official regulation-change notice by early 2020, according to a document distributed to military support organizations, and obtained by Military.com. Following a mandatory public comment period, the proposal will be returned to the Defense Health Agency (DHA), where a final policy will be developed. Coverage would likely not be available to Tricare users until 2021 or early 2022, according to the document. (Source: Military.com 09/27/19) https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/26/tricare-moves-toward-chiropractic-coverage.html

Global pact for NCBC Gulfport

Global Connections to Employment of Pensacola, Fla., is awarded $12,147,228 for modification (P00013) to extend the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68836-17-C-0005) to exercise Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.217-9 for option period three for full food and mess attendant services in support of Naval Air Station Pensacola and Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Eglin AFB, Fla.; and mess attendant services in support of Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss. The contract includes a one-month base period, two 12-month option periods, one 11-month option period, and a six-month extension option under Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.217-8, which if all options are exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $45,737,677. Work will be performed in Pensacola (60%); Eglin (20%); and Gulfport (20%). Work is expected to be completed by August 2020. If all options on the contract are exercised, work will be completed by February 2021. Fiscal 2020 Navy operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,532,017 will be incrementally funded throughout the period of performance, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole-source procurement under the Ability One Program (Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 8.704), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command's Fleet Logistics Center at Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/27/19)

Senate passes short-term spending

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate passed a short-term funding measure - Continuing Resolution (CR) - to ward off a potential government shutdown. The measure was sent to the President only days before the end of FY 2019 at midnight on Sept. 30. The stopgap legislation that passed the House last week would keep the government open through Nov. 21 while lawmakers try to pass new annual-spending legislation for FY-20. A White House official said the President intends to sign the CR by Oct. 1, but an exact timing was unclear. The measure also extends a number of health-care programs and other expiring measures, including the National Flood Insurance Program. (Source: Wall Street Journal 09/26/19) https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-passes-short-term-spending-measure-11569518324

Nat'l Blue Ribbon schools for GC

Four Mississippi schools – three public and one private – were recognized as 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools by U.S Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Three of the four are in coastal Mississippi, and among 362 schools nationwide being recognized for academic excellence. The four schools are St. Patrick Catholic High of Biloxi, Bayou View Elementary of Gulfport, Pineville Elementary of Pass Christian, and Northshore Elementary of Brandon – 57 miles southwest of Meridian. (Source: Sun Herald 09/26/19) Among other Gulf Coast (GC) states were schools from coastal Alabama: Daphne Elementary School in Baldwin County and Eichold-Mertz Magnet School of Mobile. South Louisiana: Black Elementary of Houma, Early College Academy of Lafayette, Haynes Academy of Metairie, Parkview Baptist of Baton Rouge, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy of Avondale, St. Charles Elementary of Thibodaux, Thomas Jefferson High of Gretna. There were no NW Florida schools selected. https://www.sunherald.com/news/local/education/article235512092.html?#storylink=cpy

McCarthy confirmed Army chief

WASHINGTON – Ryan McCarthy, the man who served two times as acting secretary of the Army, was confirmed to the Army’s highest civilian post. He previously served as under secretary of the Army, but became acting secretary when Mark Esper was nominated to become the Secretary of Defense this summer. McCarthy had also served as acting secretary until Esper was confirmed in late 2017. As under secretary, he helped to spearhead disruptive reform across the service along with then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Secretary Mark Esper and Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville. All four rose to power this summer. Milley became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Esper as SECDEF; and McConville as Army chief. McCarthy served in the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment during the invasion of Afghanistan; was special assistant to former SECDEF Bob Gates; and worked on the House Committee on International Relations. When nominated to become under secretary in 2017, he was working as a VP at Lockheed Martin. (Source: Defense News 09/26/19) https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/09/27/mccarthy-officially-becomes-army-secretary/

LSU, Oyster Bed earn EPA awards

DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Gulf of Mexico Division announced Sept. 26 that Louisiana State University’s (LSU) College of the Coast & Environment as a second place Gulf Guardian winner for its EnvironMentors program that encourages interest in environmental stewardship and science careers among high school participants. Additionally, EPA awarded a second place Gulf Guardian winner to The Oyster Bed LLC of Hammond, La., for its work to promote stewardship of GoM resources and oyster shell recycling through community outreach and education. Through EnviroMentors, LSU student-volunteers mentor high schoolers on a year-long scientific research project. The program focuses on underprivileged students that are typically underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Students who complete the program increase their likelihood of graduating from high school and pursuing higher education, and their projects address real-world issues. Recent topics include effects of human impacts on plankton species, pathogens in oysters, and removing phosphorus from LSU’s University Lake. The Gulf of Mexico program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 to recognize and businesses, community groups, individuals, and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy. First, second and third place awards are given in seven categories: individual, business/industry, youth environmental education, civic/nonprofit organizations, cultural diversity/environmental justice, partnership and bi-national efforts. (Source: EPA 09/26/19) https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-lsu-college-coast-environment-1st-place-2019-gulf-guardian-winner

Keesler aids elders displaced by fire

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - Personnel from the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron assisted in the rescue of elderly residents evacuating from a fire at Seashore Oaks Assisted Living Facility Sept. 17 in Biloxi. Staff Sgt. Christopher Carpe, 81st LRS ground transportation and equipment support NCO in charge, and Airman 1st Class Jared Hill, 81st LRS ground transportation personnel, arrived at the facility with a 44-passenger bus around 30 minutes after contact from local authorities requesting assistance. About 60 elderly residents were in need of immediate assistance. (Source: Keesler AFB 09/26/19) https://www.keesler.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1972484/escorting-evacuated-elders/

Vertex mod contract: $53M

Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., has been awarded an estimated $53,089,000 modification (P00050) to exercise the option on previously awarded contract (FA3002-14-C-0013) for support of T-1, T-6, and T-38 undergraduate pilot training. Work will be performed at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2020. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Installation Contracting Agency at Joint Base San Antonio- Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/26/19)

L-3 mod pact for T-45 support

L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., is awarded a $180,418,553 modification (P00037) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N00019-14-D-0011). This modification exercises an option for organizational, intermediate, and depot level maintenance, logistics, and engineering support for Navy T-45 aircraft, aircraft systems, and related support equipment. Support to be provided includes services, equipment, tools, direct material, and indirect material required to support and maintain all to support flight and test and evaluation operations. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas (45.7%); NAS Meridian, Miss. (41.7%); NAS Pensacola, Fla. (10.1%), and NAS Patuxent River, Md. (2.5%), and is expected to be completed in September 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Warfare Training Systems Division of Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/26/19)

LDH receives drinking water grant

DALLAS – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Sept. 26 a grant to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) for $1,042,627 for safe drinking water programs. EPA previously awarded LDH $242,373 for drinking water programs, bringing the total to $1,285,000 for the fiscal year. These programs ensure compliance with the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The funding will support LDH’s public water system supervision program, including developing drinking water regulations, maintaining an inventory of drinking water systems, and managing information on public water systems. The grant will also provide technical assistance to public water systems and assistance in enforcing drinking water regulations. (Source: EPA 09/26/19)

Army warns of threats at film

Soldiers and families at Fort Sill, Okla., and other military installations around the country are being made aware of a credible mass shooting threat targeting "an unknown movie theater" on Oct. 4, an Army official told Task & Purpose on Sept. 19. A memo posted on its Facebook says there has been "disturbing and very specific chatter in the dark web" regarding targeting a theater during the release of the new Joker film next week. The memo says that CID was tipped off by a Texas county sheriff's office, but the information came from the Texas Department of Public Safety's Joint Crime Information Center. The memo does not specifically target Fort Sill. Other installations around the country may follow suit. (Source: MSN 09/24/19)  The Army issued a Sept. 18 memo in response to social media posts from so-called "incels" that were uncovered by the FBI. https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/us-army-base-issues-warning-over-potential-shooting-threat-related-to-joker/ar-AAHOoWq

Blues seeking enlisted applicants

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team is seeking highly motivated enlisted applicants for its upcoming Super Hornet transition. After 33 years of flying the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft, the Blue Angels will start to accept new F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet platforms in 2020. Applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 15, 2019. Selection results will be available no later than November. Personnel selected will detach from their present command in June 2020 and report in July 2020. There are open E5/E6 billets within the aviation machinist’s mate, aviation electrician’s mate, aviation electronics technician and aircrew survival equipmentman ratings. The team is also accepting applications for an aviation structural mechanic senior chief petty officer with Super Hornet platform experience. All E5/E6 personnel must possess the E19A Navy Enlisted Classification. Applicants must meet the requirements listed in NAVADMIN 219/19 to be considered for duty with the Blue Angels. (Source: Blue Angels 09/25/19) https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=110994

Change to some AF pregnancy duty

Effective immediately, remotely piloted aircrew, missile operations duty crews and certain fully qualified pilots are authorized to perform their assigned duties with the Air Force during pregnancy without a medical waiver, according to a new AF policy announcement. The change, reflected in the Medical Standards Directory, is one of several policy adjustments made in recent months intended to remove obstacles faced by female Airmen when considering long-term service in the AF. The latest move eliminates a standardized regulation regarding pregnancy and created a policy that’s fully informed by the member’s individual situation and the advice of her professional medical team. Worldwide mobility restrictions applied to all Airmen during pregnancy remain in place. (Source: Air Force 09/23/19) https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1968299/air-force-reduces-barriers-for-pregnant-aviators/

Condor's NOLA flights up in air

The future of Germany-based airline Condor, which started flights to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport three years ago, is up in the air after the collapse over the weekend of its 178-year-old parent company Thomas Cook Group. The airline was profitable despite Cook’s financial difficulties, an official said. They are seeking a short-term financial bailout from the German government so that it can keep going as an independent. The oldest travel company in the world ran out of financial road when it failed to reach a deal with its Chinese owners, Fosun International. Sept. 23 was the final day of Condor's summer-season flights between Frankfurt, Germany, and New Orleans. The flights to New Orleans began June 6 and ran on Mondays and Thursdays. (Source: NOLA.com) https://www.nola.com/news/business/article_6284be4e-de38-11e9-8d07-b3eff8c1092a.html

L3 settles alleged export violations

The U.S. Department of State has concluded an administrative settlement with L3Harris Technologies Inc. (L3Harris) of Melbourne, Fla., to resolve alleged violations of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), 22 U.S.C. § 2751 et seq., and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130. State and L3Harris have reached this settlement following an extensive compliance review by the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance in the Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The agreement was reached in pursuant to ITAR § 128.11 to address alleged unauthorized exports of defense articles, including technical data involving radios; providing a false statement regarding the promised payment of a commission; violating provisos, terms, and conditions of authorizations; and failing to properly manage temporary export licenses. Under terms of the 36-month Consent Agreement, L3Harris will pay a civil penalty of $13M. State suspended $6.5M of that amount on the condition that funds have or will be used for State-approved Consent Agreement remedial compliance measures. In addition, an external Special Compliance Officer will be engaged by L3Harris to oversee the Consent Agreement, which will also require the company to conduct two external audits of its compliance program during the agreement term as well as implement additional compliance measures. L3Harris voluntarily disclosed to the Department the majority of the alleged AECA and ITAR violations, which are resolved under this settlement. L3Harris acknowledged the serious nature of the alleged violations, cooperated, and instituted a number of compliance program improvements. State has determined that it is not appropriate to administratively debar L3Harris at this time. The Consent Agreement and related documents will be available for public inspection in the Public Reading Room of the Department of State and on the Penalties and Oversights Agreements section of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls’ website (Department of State 09/23/19) Gulf Coast Note: L3 Technologies – operating as L3 Harris Technologies – entered into a May 2018 definitive agreement to sell its Vertex Aerospace business in Madison, Miss., to American Industrial Partners for $540M in cash. As part of the agreement, L3 will also sell its Crestview (Fla.) Aerospace and TCS business units, which are included in the Aerospace Systems business segment. https://www.state.gov/u-s-department-of-state-concludes-13-million-settlement-of-alleged-export-violations-by-l3harris-technologies-inc/

CR may delay Navy helo trainer

WASHINGTON – With the start of FY 2020 approaching next week, Congress will head into its start under another potential Continuing Resolution through Nov. 21. The House passed a CR on Sept. 19 that would fund the government through Nov. 21. The Senate has attempted to advance appropriations through four appropriations bills, but those efforts are stalled. The Defense Air Department has identified three modernization programs that will suffer under restrictions of a CR. On Sept. 20, DoD stated that a CR would “disrupt major exercises and training events, affect readiness and maintenance, curtail hiring and recruitment actions, and adversely impact contracting negotiations.” They specifically called out three modernization priorities that would be hurt, including the Advanced Navy helicopter training system. A contract to buy 32 trainers (24 Navy; 8 Marines) is scheduled to be awarded in November, but that contract, and getting the program started, would face delays. For the Navy, its next rotary-wing training helicopters contract would replace the aging TH-57 Sea Ranger fleet, which is used for initial training purposes at NAS Whiting Field, Fla. In April 2018, three contractors - Airbus, Bell and Leonardo - all brought examples of potential training helicopters to the Navy’s biggest trade show. Airbus is keeping all its options on the table. “We have a broad product range,” according to John Roth, senior director of business development for Airbus Helicopters Inc. of Columbus, Miss. (Source: Defense News 09/20/19) One of AHI’s recommendations could be the H135 light, twin-engine helicopter; another is the EC-145 helicopter that the Army now uses for its trainer, replacing its TH-67s with LUH-72A Lakota light utility helicopters already in the service’s inventory in 2014. The other two projects announced for potential delays are the long-range hypersonic weapon and the B-52 GPS interface unit replacement. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2019/09/20/these-three-weapon-systems-will-face-delays-under-a-short-cr/ UPDATE: AHI is pointing to the twin engine H135 helicopter's 5.5M hours of instrument flight rules (IFR) experience since 2000 as a key differentiator in the Navy Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS) TH-73, formerly known as TH-XX, competition to replace the service's fleet of TH-57 trainers based at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla.

$9M GA-Tupelo EMALS pact

General Atomics of San Diego is being awarded $9,095,112 for ceiling-priced delivery order N00383-19-F-NA0F under previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-18-G-NA01) for the purchase of 39 various line items for initial spares acquisition in support of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear used on aircraft carriers. Work will be performed in Tupelo, Miss., and will be completed by November 2026. Working Navy capital funds in the amount of $6,821,334 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One firm was solicited for this non-competitive, sole-source requirement in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support of Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/20/19)

Post-disaster funding webinar

In August, the U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA) published the FY 2019 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making $587M available to eligible grantees in communities impacted by presidentially-declared natural disasters in 2018, and floods and tornadoes in 2019. There will be a webinar on Sept. 26 from 2-3 p.m. (CT) on the 2019 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity. All interested parties are invited to the webinar, including local, state, regional and federal agencies, economic development districts, Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, trade associations, universities, and other stakeholder groups. To register for the webinar, please visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NMnyRs8eR8GV09wFjBsfsA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the webinar. For more information, please visit EDA's Disaster Supplemental Funding page here. (Source: US EDA 09/19/19)

Vertex AIMD mod: $19M

Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $19,062,362 modification (P00011) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N61340-17-D-0005). This is modification exercises an option for Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department support for Chief of Naval Air Training aircraft, tenant activities, and transient aircraft at these locations. Support to be provided includes intermediate-level maintenance, repair, and logistics support services, as well as tools and equipment. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla. (50%); Corpus Christi, Texas (45%); and Whiting Field, Fla. (5%), and is expected to be completed no later than September 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division of Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 09/19/19)