Dear Senator Hatch and Speaker Ryan:
On behalf of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, we are pleased to transmit the Commission’s 2018 Annual Report to Congress. This Report responds to our mandate “to monitor, investigate, and report to Congress on the national security implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC).” The Commission reached a broad and bipartisan consensus on the contents of this Report, with all 11 members (one appointment remains vacant) voting unanimously to approve and submit it to Congress.
In accordance with our mandate, this Report, which is current as of October 9, includes the results and recommendations of our hearings, research, travel, and review of the areas identified by Congress in our mandate, as defined in Public Law No. 106–398 (October 30, 2000), and amended by Public Laws No. 107–67 (November 12, 2001), No. 108–7 (February 20, 2003), No. 109–108 (November 22, 2005), No. 110–161 (December 26, 2007), and No. 113–291 (December 19, 2014).
The Commission’s charter, which includes the 11 directed research areas of our mandate, is included as Appendix I of the Report. The Commission conducted six public hearings and one public roundtable, taking testimony from 56 expert witnesses from government, the private sector, academia, think tanks, research institutions, and other backgrounds. For each of these hearings, the Commission produced a transcript (posted on our website at http://www.uscc.gov). This year’s hearings and roundtable included:
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Five Years Later;
• China’s Military Reforms and Modernization: Implications for the United States;
• China, the United States, and Next Generation Connectivity;
• China’s Relations with U.S. Allies and Partners in Europe and the Asia Pacific;
• China’s Role in North Korea Contingencies;
• China’s Agricultural Policies: Trade, Investment, Safety, and Innovation; and
• U.S. Tools to Address Chinese Market Distortions.
The Commission received a number of briefings by executive branch agencies and the Intelligence Community, including both unclassified and classified briefings on China’s military modernization, China’s defense and security activities in the Indo-Pacific, China’s relations with Northeast Asia, China’s cyber activities, Chinese threats to the Department of Defense’s supply chain, China’s focus on megaprojects, U.S. critical telecommunications infrastructure, and money laundering. The Commission is preparing a classified report to Congress on these and other topics. The Commission also received briefings by foreign diplomatic and military officials as well as U.S. and foreign nongovernmental experts.
Commissioners made official visits to Taiwan and Japan to hear and discuss perspectives on China and its global and regional activities. In these visits, the Commission delegation met with U.S. diplomats, host government officials, business representatives, academics, journalists, and other experts. Since its establishment, the Commission has had productive visits to China. Recently, the PRC government has been unable to support these visits, which affects the Commission’s ability to fully assess issues in country.
The Commission also relied substantially on the work of our excellent professional staff and supported outside research (see Appendix IV) in accordance with our mandate (see Appendix I).
iv 2018 REPORT TO CONGRESS OF THE U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION
The Report includes 26 recommendations for congressional action, which appear at the conclusion of the Executive Summary.
We offer this Report to Congress in the hope that it will be useful for assessing progress and challenges in U.S.-China relations.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. We look forward to continuing to work with Members of Congress in the
upcoming year to address issues of concern in the U.S.-China relationship
With less than one day left before the Department of Homeland Security's funding expires, House Republicans continue to threaten a shutdown of a department that keeps Americans safe. Set to run out tomorrow, this critical funding pays for more than 30,000 American workers, helps keep our cities safe and our border secure, and is essential to our overall national security.
That's why President Obama has continually pushed Congress to pass a clean bill that funds the Department without any strings attached. Here are five things you need to know about the House Republicans' threat to shut down the Department of Homeland Security:
1. It would furlough thousands of employees who keep us safe, and would force many to work without pay.
If the Republicans follow through on their threat to shut down the Department, at least 30,000 employees who keep us safe would be forced to go on furlough. Also, hundreds of thousands of employees would be forced to work without pay. This includes:
More than 40,000 Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers
More than 50,000 TSA aviation security screeners
More than 13,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement agents and officers
More than 40,000 active-duty Coast Guard military members
More than 4,000 Secret Service law enforcement agents and officers
2. It is opposed by both Republican and Democratic former Secretaries of Homeland Security.
Regardless of their political party, former Secretaries of Homeland Security are voicing their concern with the House Republicans' threat to shut down the Department. They stand united on the fact that funding this department is essential to our national security and should never be compromised.
3. It threatens the safety and security of our country.
Without funding, the Department of Homeland Security will not be at its fullest operational capacity. What's more, those who continue to keep America safe will be doing so without pay. The Department deserves our full support to execute its mission and protect America by helping to prevent terrorism, securing our borders, and responding to disasters.
4. It is even opposed by members of their own party.
Members of the Republican Party are putting politics aside to demand that we properly fund our homeland security. It's not time to play politics. These members understand that America's safety and security is of the utmost importance.
5. It hurts states across the country.
The Department of Homeland Security works to support all 50 states across our country. Without funding, employees will be unable to best support states and other localities. This threat to shut down the Department is a lackluster choice by House Republicans and ultimately threatens the security and everyday well-being of citizens from coast to coast.
President Obama has been clear that achieving a peaceful resolution that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon will make the United States, our allies, and our world safer.
When President Obama took office he underscored that the United States was prepared to resolve this issue diplomatically – but only if Iran came to the table in a serious way. When that did not happen, we rallied the world to impose the toughest sanctions in history—sanctions that had a profound impact on the Iranian economy.
Sanctions alone could not stop Iran’s nuclear program. But they did help bring Iran to the negotiating table. Because of our diplomatic efforts, the world stood with us, and we were joined at the negotiating table by the world’s major powers – the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China, as well as the European Union.
The goal: Reaching a long-term diplomatic resolution that verifiably prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
In November 2013, the P5+1 and Iran took an important first step toward that goal with the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA), which halted the progress of Iran’s program and rolled back it back in key areas for the first time in nearly a decade. The IAEA has verified that Iran has met all of its obligations under the JPOA.
After many months of principled diplomacy building on the JPOA, we have achieved a framework for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The P5+1 – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and Germany – in coordination with the European Union secured a framework for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that lays out various solutions to be included in a long-term, comprehensive understanding with Iran. The JCPOA will verifiably prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and ensure that Iran’s nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful going forward.
This JCPOA will work by:
Increasing the time it would take Iran to acquire enough fissile material for one bomb from an estimated 2-3 months to at least 1 year if Iran dashed for a bomb
Reducing Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium
Reducing the number of Iran’s installed centrifuges by two-thirds
Limiting the types of centrifuges that Iran can use to enrich uranium
Preventing Iran from producing weapons-grade plutonium that could be used for a bomb
Tracking Iran’s nuclear activities with unprecedented transparency and robust inspections throughout its nuclear supply chain
The Deal Would Shut Down Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Pathway to a Weapon
Prior to the implementation of the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) that was reached in November 2013, Iran had a stockpile of 20% enriched uranium, a type of fissile material that can more easily be converted into weapons-grade uranium.
Thanks to that JPOA, that stockpile has been significantly reduced. The new JCPOA framework will reduce this 20% enriched uranium to zero; reduce Iran’s low-enriched uranium stockpile by 98%; reduce the number of Iran’s centrifuges that are currently installed by two-thirds; and limit the types of centrifuges that Iran can use to enrich uranium. That means the pathway to a bomb through highly enriched uranium will be shut down.
The Deal Will Cut Off All 4 of Iran’s Potential Pathways to a Bomb
In fact, this deal ensures that any attempts by Iran to overtly or covertly misuse fissile material to produce a nuclear bomb will be blocked.
Good afternoon and thank you all for being here.
I especially want to thank everyone on stage from the Departments of Homeland Security and Commerce, the FBI and from our U.S. Attorney’s offices in both the Western District of Washington State and the Eastern District of New York.
Before I get to today’s announcements, I want to remind everyone that the defendants in these cases—as in every case—are innocent until proven guilty and they deserve the due process of law.
First, I am announcing that a grand jury in Seattle has returned an indictment that alleges 10 federal crimes by two affiliates of telecommunications corporation Huawei Technologies. According to the indictment, in 2012 Huawei began a concerted effort to steal information about a robot that T-Mobile used to test mobile phones. In an effort to build their own robot, Huawei’s engineers allegedly violated confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with T-Mobile by secretly taking photos of the robot, measuring it, and even stealing a piece of it.
I am also announcing that a grand jury in New York has returned an indictment alleging 13 additional crimes committed by Huawei, its CFO, its affiliate in Iran, and one of its subsidiaries here in the United States. The criminal activity alleged in this indictment goes back at least 10 years and goes all the way to the top of the company.
As early as 2007, Huawei employees allegedly began to misrepresent the company’s relationship with its Iranian affiliate, which is called Skycom. Huawei employees allegedly told banking partners that Huawei had sold its ownership interest in Skycom—but these claims were false. In reality, Huawei sold Skycom to itself.
By claiming that Skycom was a separate company—and not an affiliate which Huawei controlled—Huawei allegedly asserted that all of its Iran business was in compliance with American sanctions. These alleged false claims led banks to do business with the company and, therefore, to unknowingly violate our laws. One bank facilitated more than $100 million worth of Skycom transactions through the United States and in just four years.
Huawei allegedly lied about other relationships, as well. In 2017, when one bank decided to terminate its global banking relationship with Huawei over concern about risk, the company allegedly told other banks that Huawei was distancing itself from the bank—not the other way around. Huawei allegedly did this in an attempt to, among other things, manipulate those other banks into expanding and maintaining their banking relationships with Huawei.
There are additional troubling allegations in the indictment as well, including that Huawei lied to the federal government, and attempted to obstruct justice by concealing and destroying evidence and by moving potential government witnesses back to China.
As has been widely reported, in December 2018, Canadian authorities arrested Huawei’s CFO in Vancouver, in compliance with our request for her provisional arrest pursuant to our extradition treaty with Canada. The United States is currently seeking her extradition. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada for its assistance and for its steadfast commitment to the rule of law.
I want to repeat that the charges in today’s indictments are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
And I want to thank everyone who made these indictments possible—especially the agencies represented behind me and to all of the New York, Dallas, and Seattle law enforcement agents who investigated these cases. They are continuing their work to investigate these matters.
I also want to thank our attorneys in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, our Office of International Affairs, and our AUSAs in the Eastern District of New York and the Western District of Washington.
The cases we are announcing today have truly been a team effort across multiple U.S. Cabinet agencies and across multiple Divisions and U.S. Attorneys’ offices within the Department of Justice. For more than a year, the agencies represented behind me followed the evidence wherever it led. They have done great work already—and I am confident that this team is going to finish the job and bring this case to a successful conclusion.
In a few moments, U.S. Attorney Donoghue and First Assistant Hayes will provide more details on today’s indictments. But let me just say two more things.
First, when a bank’s customers lie to it about their sanctions-related business, that exposes the bank to the risk of violating the law, especially when they continue to provide those bad actors access to our U.S. financial system. Our sanctions on Iran are the law of the land in this country—and we’re going to enforce the law, with both civil and criminal penalties.
Second: as I told high-level Chinese law enforcement officials in August—we need more law enforcement cooperation with China. China should be concerned about criminal activities by Chinese companies—and China should take action.
We are proud that the United States has the strongest economy in the world. I believe that is in no small part due to our respect for the rule of law. Criminals and bad actors can be certain that they will not get away with criminal activity. But those who do business in the United States can also be certain the
Department of Justice will protect them from criminals, no matter how powerful or influential they are. I think we have shown that today—and we will show that as these cases move forward.
GAITHERSBURG, Md., – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced the addition of Radware, a global leader of application delivery and security solutions for virtual and cloud data centers, to the Lockheed Martin Cyber Security Alliance.
“Prior to joining the Alliance roster, we worked with Radware to share best practices and develop ways to address growing cyber threats,” said Jeff Laskowski, manager of the Lockheed Martin Cyber Security Alliance. “The addition of Radware could not have come at a better time, as we continue to expand our global footprint and position the Alliance as an advocate for information sharing and collaboration.”
Formed to create an environment where leading technology providers can collaborate, combine strengths and share best practices, the Lockheed Martin Cyber Security Alliance identifies and implements solutions that help provide early threat detection and protection to solve customers’ growing cybersecurity needs and meet future challenges. The Alliance members engage in customer-focused scenarios, experiments and pilot programs that enable them to provide improved, more efficient and tested services.
As a top application delivery and security solutions provider, Radware protects banking, critical infrastructure, e-Commerce and mobile environments around the world. Using onsite detection and mitigation equipment and cloud-based protection, the Radware Attack Mitigation Solution provides the most comprehensive security against external and insider-based threats.
“Cyberattacks will grow in complexity, scale and impact as adversaries exploit cyber vulnerabilities for every advantage,” says Howard Teicher, vice president of public sector for Radware. “Radware’s Attack Mitigation Solution automatically defends networks and applications against unknown and known threats. When integrated with the technology of the Alliance members, we can significantly enhance the depth of cyber defense that Lockheed Martin can offer to protect IT infrastructure.”
Radware joins a host of industry leading alliance partners, including: APC by Schneider Electric, CA, Cisco, Citrix, CyberPoint, Dell, EMC Corporation and its RSA security division, FireEye, HP and its ArcSight division, Intel and Intel Security (formerly McAfee), Juniper Networks, Microsoft, NetApp, Red Hat, Splunk, Symantec, Trustwave, Verizon and VMware.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
WASHINGTON & CLEVELAND –Alcoa (NYSE:AA), a global leader in lightweight, high-performance metals, has produced the world’s largest single-piece forged aluminum hull for combat vehicles to improve troop protection as part of a joint Alcoa-US Army initiative launched last year. Announced in Washington, DC at the Association of the US Army Annual Meeting—the largest landpower expo in North America—Alcoa manufactured the single-piece part, which was co-designed by Alcoa and the US Army Research Laboratory, with the goal of replacing today’s assembled hulls.
Based on early modeling and simulation, single-piece underbody structures could provide two times better protection against blasts—such as those caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)—than traditional hulls, primarily by eliminating welded seams. In addition to survivability benefits, single-piece hulls can be optimized to reduce vehicle weight and assembly time, and, therefore, overall cost.
“Alcoa is proud to lead the way in developing what could be a game-changer for how combat vehicles are made to better protect our soldiers,” said Eric Roegner, President of Alcoa Defense. “Using our materials expertise and ability to forge the world’s largest aluminum structures, we moved this idea from concept to reality in record time, and are already looking into forging other parts of combat vehicles.”
The Army is now blast testing the hull to demonstrate its durability. After successful testing, this initiative would open up numerous opportunities for the military to apply single-piece structures to large combat vehicles and other applications.
The hull is part of the Army’s Affordable Protection from Objective Threats Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, created to improve the military’s defense against modern-day threats such as IEDs, using affordable, advanced manufacturing technologies.
“A monolithic hull could be used to produce new, or retrofit existing, combat and tactical vehicles,” said Rob Carter, Chief of Materials Manufacturing Technology Branch at the Army Research Laboratory. “This demonstrates new manufacturing approaches to open the design space for higher performance hulls and underbody kits. This could make a huge, positive impact on improving soldier protection with affordable manufacturing technologies.”
Since launching the cooperative effort last year, Alcoa Defense and the Army’s Research, Development and Engineering Command’s (RDECOM) Army Research Laboratory have coordinated research and development efforts to refine the hull design and develop the alloy requirements.
Alcoa produced two demonstrator forgings at its plant in Cleveland using its 50,000-ton forging press, the world’s most advanced hydraulic press. Alcoa’s engineers in Cleveland leveraged their expertise and decades of commercial forging experience to produce the hull earlier than the expected deliverable of 18 months.
Alcoa’s single-piece aluminum hull would improve combat vehicle performance, providing approximately two times better blast protection than traditional hulls, through:
Stronger solid structure: A single-piece hull would eliminate welded seams used in today’s manufacturing processes, covering the entire lower section of any combat vehicle.
Efficient design: Forging hulls as one unit facilitates three-dimensional shaping, allowing Alcoa to tailor the thickness where needed to maximize protection and allow for weight savings.
Cost savings: The structure is expected to reduce costs over the life of the vehicle by increasing fuel efficiency through lightweighting and eliminating assembly time and complexity.
Editor’s Note: Caption for accompanying photo: Alcoa has manufactured the world’s largest single-piece forged aluminum hull for combat vehicles, such as those shown here, to improve troop protection as part of a joint Alcoa-US Army initiative (US Army photo).
Additional resources: Go to http://www.alcoa.com/defense for more information, photos and b-roll.
About Alcoa
A global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing, Alcoa innovates multi-material solutions that advance our world. Our technologies enhance transportation, from automotive and commercial transport to air and space travel, and improve industrial and consumer electronics products. We enable smart buildings, sustainable food and beverage packaging, high-performance defense vehicles across air, land and sea, deeper oil and gas drilling and more efficient power generation. We pioneered the aluminum industry over 125 years ago, and today, our 60,000 people in 30 countries deliver value-add products made of titanium, nickel and aluminum, and produce best-in-class bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum products. For more information, visit www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoa and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
About the United States Army Research Laboratory
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America’s Soldiers. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army’s premier provider of materiel readiness — technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment — to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC delivers it. For more information, visit www.arl.army.mil, follow @ArmyResearchLab on Twitter and follow the lab on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ArmyResearchLaboratory.
NEW YORK & PITTSBURGH—Lightweight, high-performance metals leader Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is announcing another major milestone in its transformation, further building its value-add portfolio for profitable growth. The Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire RTI International Metals, Inc. (NYSE:RTI), a global supplier of titanium and specialty metal products and services for the commercial aerospace, defense, energy and medical device markets. Alcoa will purchase RTI in a stock-for-stock transaction with an enterprise value of $1.5 billion.
With RTI, Alcoa will grow its value-add businesses and further strengthen its aerospace portfolio. RTI will expand Alcoa’s range of titanium offerings and add advanced technologies and materials, increasing the Company’s position as a leading industrial innovator.
“Alcoa is accelerating its value-add growth engine by acquiring titanium leader RTI,” said Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are combining two innovators in materials science and process technology, shifting Alcoa’s transformation into a higher gear. RTI expands our aerospace portfolio market reach and positions us to capture future growth to deliver compelling value for customers, shareholders and employees.”
“Innovation and scale are critical to winning in both the titanium and aerospace industries today, which is why this transaction is such a natural strategic fit for both RTI and Alcoa,” said Dawne Hickton, Vice Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of RTI International Metals. “We are pleased to have an agreement with Alcoa that delivers immediate value to our shareholders that appropriately reflects the strength of our business. Through this combination of forces, RTI will take its innovative technologies to the next level and deliver even more value-add titanium solutions to meet customer needs. We look forward to continuing to accelerate RTI’s success as a part of the Alcoa team.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Alcoa will acquire all outstanding shares of RTI in a stock-for-stock transaction. RTI shareholders will receive 2.8315 Alcoa shares for each RTI share, representing a value of $41 per RTI share based on Alcoa’s closing price on March 6, 2015. The transaction has an enterprise value of $1.5 billion, including $330 million of RTI cash on hand and up to $517 million in RTI’s convertible notes.
Transaction Benefits
The acquisition will offer Alcoa financial benefits with realized net synergies of about $100 million in 2019, primarily driven by procurement and productivity improvements, leveraging Alcoa’s global shared services and driving profitable growth. Alcoa expects RTI to contribute $1.2 billion in revenues in 2019, up from $794 million generated in 2014, with 65 percent of revenues supported by contracts over the next five years. RTI is expected to reach profitability of 25 percent EBITDA margin in 2019, up from 14.5 percent in 2014.
This transaction is expected to enable Alcoa to capitalize on strong growth in the commercial aerospace sector. Alcoa projects a compounded annual global aerospace market growth rate of 5 to 6 percent through 2019 and sees a current 9-year production order book for commercial jets at 2014 delivery rates.
RTI grows Alcoa’s pro forma 2014 annual aerospace revenues by 13 percent, up from $5 billion to $5.6 billion. RTI is expected to increase Alcoa’s 2014 pro forma aerospace revenues to 37 percent of value-add sales, up from 35 percent. Alcoa’s aerospace business is the largest contributor to Alcoa’s value-add businesses.
Eighty percent of RTI’s revenues in 2014 were from the aerospace and defense industries, with the balance mainly split between other markets including energy and medical devices, complementing Alcoa’s growth markets.
Strategic Rationale
RTI brings proven midstream and downstream capabilities in titanium, the world’s fastest-growing aerospace metal. Spending on titanium aerospace mill products is expected to grow by about five percent annually over the next five years driven by high-growth, next-generation aircraft programs. RTI’s titanium operations span midstream processes such as melting, ingot casting, bloom, billet, plate and sheet production; and downstream extrusions for aerospace, oil and gas applications, high speed machining, and production of integrated subassemblies primarily for aerospace. These capabilities complement Alcoa’s titanium investment casting and forging capabilities, and will enable a value-creating closed titanium scrap loop. RTI will increase the percentage of Alcoa’s non-aluminum downstream revenues to 64 percent of total downstream sales.
RTI will expand Alcoa’s advanced manufacturing and materials technologies. Its high-velocity machining, forming, extruding and parts assembly operations will enable Alcoa to produce some of the largest, most complex aerospace components. Advanced titanium powder metallurgy and processing technology will enable cost-effective production of near net shape aerospace components, as well as medical devices and oil and gas products. RTI will expand Alcoa’s additive manufacturing capabilities, such as 3-D printing, to produce titanium, specialty metals and plastic parts for aerospace, medical and energy applications. RTI also grows Alcoa’s portfolio of cutting-edge materials, including titanium-aluminides, complementing Alcoa’s industry leadership in metallics. Titanium-aluminides are increasingly used to manufacture lightweight, aerodynamic jet engine parts for high-volume, next-generation jet engines.
Timing
The transaction, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, remains subject to customary conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals and RTI shareholder approval. Alcoa and RTI expect to obtain all required regulatory clearances and RTI shareholder approval in order to close the transaction in three to six months.
Greenhill & Co. and Morgan Stanley are acting as financial advisors to Alcoa, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal counsel. Barclays is acting as the sole financial advisor to RTI, and Jones Day is serving as legal counsel.
Additional resources: Go to www.alcoa.com/RTI for more information, photos and b-roll.
About Alcoa
A global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing, Alcoa innovates multi-material solutions that advance our world. Our technologies enhance transportation, from automotive and commercial transport to air and space travel, and improve industrial and consumer electronics products. We enable smart buildings, sustainable food and beverage packaging, high-performance defense vehicles across air, land and sea, deeper oil and gas drilling and more efficient power generation. We pioneered the aluminum industry over 125 years ago, and today, our approximately 59,000 people in 30 countries deliver value-add products made of titanium, nickel and aluminum, and produce best-in-class bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum products. For more information, visit www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Alcoa and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.
About RTI International Metals
RTI International Metals, Inc. is a leading vertically integrated global supplier of advanced titanium and specialty metal products and services to commercial aerospace, defense, energy, medical device and other customers across the entire supply chain. For more than 60 years, RTI has been taking titanium further through advanced manufacturing and engineering processes. RTI delivers a full range of titanium mill products as well as other titanium and specialty metals products and services including extruded shapes, formed and 3D-printed parts, and precision engineered and machined components through our downstream integrated supply chain.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, RTI has locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. To learn more about RTI International Metals, Inc., visit our website at www.rtiintl.com.
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Air Force has awarded Alion Science and Technology a $77 million task order with a 60-month period of performance to provide aircraft and weapons systems research and development for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO). Alion was awarded this contract under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle. These DoD IAC MAC task orders (TOs) are awarded by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge for the enhancement of the DTIC repository and the Research and Development (R&D) and Science & Technology (S&T) community.
“Alion has bought together a team with key capabilities to provide affordable solutions to the F-35’s most pressing challenges and is uniquely qualified to deliver integrated solutions to the JPO that are required to advance F-35 systems into the next generation,” said Terri Walker-Spoonhour, Acting Senior Vice President and General Manager of Alion’s Cyber and Electronic Warfare Group. “Alion has a long partnership with the F-35 JPO and demonstrated strengths in researching and identifying alternatives that affect aircraft and weapons system’s life cycle affordability, approaches to resolve technical or supportability deficiencies and design, as well as integrating and validating solutions.”
Alion will provide research, technical studies, and analysis on weapons systems and platforms, including shipboard and airborne radar and electronic systems; electrical generation systems; weapons control systems; engines; aircraft launch and recovery equipment; support equipment; and other complex machinery. Alion will also provide solution alternatives for weapons systems and platforms as well as avionic and shipboard systems that affect the life cycle, with a focus on affordability and develop approaches that resolve technical or supportability deficiencies affecting weapons system functionality.
ABOUT DOD IAC PROGRAM
The DoD IAC program operates as a part of Defense Technical Information Center and provides technical data management and research support for DoD and federal government users. Established in the 1940s, the IAC program serves the DoD Science & Technology (S&T) and acquisition communities driving innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination for the DoD and broader S&T community.
ABOUT ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
Solving some of our nation’s most complex national security challenges, Alion works side-by-side with our Defense and Intelligence communities as we design and deliver advanced engineering solutions to meet current and future demands. We go beyond the superficial and dive deep into the root of the engineering complexities and bring innovation to reality. With global industry expertise in Big Data, Analytics, and Cyber Security; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Live, Virtual, and Constructive Solutions; Electronic Warfare and C5ISR; and Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing, Alion delivers mission success where and when it matters most. To learn more, visit www.alionscience.com.
Disclaimer. “This material is based upon work supported by the DoD Information Analysis Center Program Management Office (DoD IAC PMO), sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)under Contract No. FA807518D0002.”
Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited. “Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (774 ESS).”
SOURCE Alion Science and Technology Corporation
CONTACT: Press Contact: Donna Charapich | 1.703.269.3473 | dcharapich@alionscience.com
SAN ANTONIO, April 9, 2021 — Apogee Engineering (Apogee), an award-winning small business contractor within the federal market, is marking its 1-year anniversary by adding to its contract with Air Combat Command’s Intelligence Directorate (ACC/A2) to provide requirements analysis, systems engineering, and operational subject matter expertise in the Air Force Cryptologic Office’s (AFCO) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)-Cyberspace and Multi-Domain Innovation Division. In this role, Apogee provides highly qualified staff support to help Sixteenth Air Force (16 AF) fulfill its mission to integrate multi-source ISR, cyberspace operations, electronic warfare (EW), and information operations (IO) capabilities across the conflict continuum to ensure the USAF is fast and fully integrated in both competition and war.
In supporting the Cyber Multi-Domain Innovation Division, the Apogee Team conducts studies, analyses, and evaluations to advance multi-domain requirements definition, capability development, force modernization, and experimentation activities. Apogee also provides assessments and evaluations related to the development of urgent operational capabilities that deliver multi-domain, cross-functional effects to air component commanders and integrate cyberspace operations, ISR, and EW technologies through rapid development of innovative multi-domain operational capabilities and non-kinetic operations planning support.
In its Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) support role, the Apogee Team applies its knowledge and experience with USAF DCO and ISR operations to advise and assist 16 AF staff on ACC, USAF, National Security Agency, and USCYBERCOM cyber-related intelligence and ISR issues. Apogee supports the 16 AF information warfare mission by analyzing and providing technical advice on “ISR for DCO” capabilities and tactics in competition and war.
“As illustrated in President Biden’s Interim National Security Strategic Guidance, the global security landscape is being shaped by the convergence of actors, technologies, threats, and vulnerabilities in the dimensions of ISR, space, cyber, IO, and EW – all overlaid on a digital matrix of next gen communications, big data, and artificial intelligence.” said Frank Varga, Apogee Vice President of Operations. “We look forward to continuing to work side-by-side with Air Combat Command and 16th Air Force develop integrated, multi-domain capabilities to meet the challenges described in the President’s guidance.”
Primary work for Apogee’s ACC and 16 AF support will continue to be conducted at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia and Joint Base San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas.
About Apogee Engineering
Apogee leads the advancement of national security and defense solutions with premier teams of empowered professionals. They value visionary leadership, family-oriented engagement, and a passion for excellence. Apogee specializes in identifying, mitigating, and resolving customers’ most complex challenges. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, with management offices in Dayton, OH, Suffolk, VA, and Tampa, FL, Apogee provides expertise in the following functional areas: Engineering & Science, Research, Training, Tech & Management Services, Cyber, and Analysis with Domains across Air, Cyber, Intel, Space, Science & Technology, and Land & Sea. Learn more at www.apogeeengineering.net
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Vienna, – The Federal Ministry of Defense and Sports has filed a criminal complaint against the alleged fraudulent and deceptive deception against Airbus Defense and Space GmbH (formerly EADS Deutschland GmbH) and Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH at the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Republic of Austria, represented by the Finanzprokuratur, has joined the criminal proceedings against the two Airbus companies as private parties.
The investigation of the “Task Force Eurofighter” set up under the leadership of Generalmajor Hans Hamberger in 2012 is the basis for the presentation of the facts with private stakeholders.
On the basis of the investigations carried out by the “Task Force Eurofighter”, the Ministry assumes in its criminal complaint that the two indicated Airbus companies have confiscated the Republic of Austria since 2002 both about the true purchase price as well as on the true delivery capability and true equipment of the Eurofighter interceptors Intention.
Hans Peter Doskozil, Federal Minister for Defense and Sport: “The report that I have been told states is that the Republic of Austria would not have decided to purchase the Eurofighter in 2003 without the fraudulent deception of Airbus Defense and Space GmbH and the Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH The comparison of June 2007 would never have come about as a minister of defense, I see myself obliged to report to me the known facts of criminal law and to make the damage caused to Austrian taxpayers.
“I am talking about the comprehensive and final cleansing of the Eurofighter purchase, which has been the subject of corruption charges for the last 15 years, and I want to make sure that the cause of the accident is clear, and that taxpayers must be sure that we handle their money with care They will continue to be ready to accept investments in the security of our country, “the defense minister said.
Republic of Austria calls for reparation
Wolfgang Peschorn, President of the Financial Prosecutor: “With regard to damage, causality, illegality and negligence, the Republic of Austria has today joined the criminal proceedings against Airbus Defense and Space GmbH and Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. The damage to the republic is calculated as the sum of the purchase price paid for 15 Eurofighters plus the difference between the operating costs incurred for the Eurofighters compared to the hypothetical operating costs of an alternative aircraft minus the present value of the 15 Austrian Eurofighters.
The damage known to date can therefore amount to up to 1.1 billion euros. In any case, he is at least 183.4 million euros, which the two displayed Airbus companies have put into the purchase price as part of their sly misleading. In addition, there will be the damage from the future costs of the operation of the more expensive Eurofighter, which can not yet be quantified.
Fraud by deception about the true value of the purchase object
The facts show that the two Airbus companies indicated have never informed the Republic of Austria that they have accounted for almost 10 per cent, exactly EUR 183.4 million, of counter costs in the purchase price of EUR 1.959 billion. Even though the Republic of Austria has already clearly stated in the first tender documents of 2001, it is necessary to identify separately the costs for the settlement of the required countertransactions.
The Republic of Austria had to always assume that the purchase price according to the purchase contract of 1.7.2003 corresponds to the true value and quality of the interceptors ordered and the processing of the required counter transactions will have no financial implications. In fact, the fraudulently priced € 183.4 million was used for legal as well as for criminal counter-transaction costs. Both the prosecutor’s office in Munich and the public prosecutor’s office in Vienna have been investigating this issue for some time.
Fraud by deception on the purchase item
The existence of the “task force Eurofighter” suggests that the two Airbus companies of the Republic of Austria have promised and contracted the delivery of a purchase item since 2002, although they were neither able nor willing to contract it. The comparison between the Republic of Austria and the Airbus companies concluded in 2007 does not alter the criminality of these fraudulent acts.
Peschorn: “We assume that the Republic of Austria would not have concluded either the first purchase contract 2003 or the 2007 settlement with the conditions agreed at the time, if these facts had been known.”
Airspace monitoring secured
With the comprehensive presentation of the facts with a private stakeholders, the claims of the Republic are guaranteed in any case, a legal loss of the civil law claims is now excluded. Regardless of the criminal investigation of the past, his first and most important task as defense minister is to guarantee the security of the country, according to Doskozil.
The Minister: “The airspace surveillance by the Austrian Armed Forces is still guaranteed, and our air forces and pilots do an excellent job of providing high-performance interceptors, and I am 100% committed to airspace monitoring by the Austrian Armed Forces.”
However, according to Doskozil, the Eurofighter of tranche 1 used by the German army is very expensive during operation. “We will pay € 80 million for Eurofighter operation in 2017. In addition, we will have to replace our Saab 105 OE by 2020. We are called upon to find new solutions, so I have a special commission under the command of the commander in the Ministry of Defense The Luftwaffe forces, Brigadier Karl Gruber, to examine, by the end of June 2017, all the options for guaranteeing the safety of our airspace as effectively as today, but more cost-effectively. ”
To the “Task Force Eurofighter”
The “Task Force Eurofighter” was established in 2012 to investigate the impact of the Ministry of Defense on whether the Republic of Austria was harmed in the procurement of Eurofighters. The Task Force’s investigations were conducted under the direction of Generalmajor Hans Hamberger in close consultation with the President of the Financial Prosecutor, Wolfgang Peschorn, and in cooperation with the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office, which was already involved in the Eurofighter purchase under the GZ 604 St 6 / 11f has initiated an investigation into suspected corruption and bribery of officials. As external experts, the American law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Skadden), the Austrian hero Berdnik Astner & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Grant Thornton Unitreu Advisory GmbH for forensic investigations and the civil law experts Univ.-Prof. Dr. Christian Rabl and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Andreas Kletécka.
ST. LOUIS, – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has acquired 2d3 Sensing, a wholly owned subsidiary of OMG plc [LON: OMG] specializing in motion imagery processing of critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data generated from aerial platforms.
2d3 Sensing’s software and services are used by the U.S. Air Force and other government and commercial customers. Their products can be found on the ScanEagle and Integrator systems provided by Boeing subsidiary Insitu, and this acquisition will allow further integration of 2d3 Sensing’s video analysis and other capabilities, into Insitu and other Boeing platforms.
“This supports our effort to differentiate our platforms and services with integrated information solutions,” said Steve Nordlund, Boeing Defense, Space & Security vice president, Unmanned Airborne Systems.
2d3 Sensing has approximately 40 employees in California and the United Kingdom.
“Insitu has a long history with 2d3 and by integrating them into the team, we can further leverage the unique capabilities the company offers,” said Ryan Hartman, Insitu president and CEO. “The services they provide highlight ways in which computer vision and image processing technologies can be used to enhance and analyze full motion video data captured and recorded during live missions. We look forward to incorporating such improvements into our unmanned vehicles.”
Boeing did not release the terms of the agreement.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
PALMACHIM AIR BASE, Israel, Jan. 7, 2014 – The next-generation Arrow 3 interceptor, co-developed by Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) MLM Division, has completed its second successful flight test, further demonstrating its ability to enhance Israel’s multi-tier anti-ballistic missile defense strategy.
Arrow 3 is the latest interceptor for the Arrow Weapon System jointly developed by Israel and the United States. It can be launched earlier after threat detection and engage threats at higher altitudes outside the Earth’s atmosphere than previous interceptors.
“This successful flight test, 10 months after the first, is an important milestone in the decade-long partnership between IAI and Boeing in the Arrow program, and a demonstration of the effective solutions that come from global cooperation in the face of evolving threats,” said Bill Dickerhoff, Arrow program director for Boeing.
The flight was conducted by the Israel Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency during a test of Israel’s national missile defense system. It began on Jan. 3 at 7:58 a.m. local time when the Arrow 3 interceptor launched from an Israeli test range and flew in accordance with its mission profile before terminating as planned over the Mediterranean Sea.
The Arrow system is the world’s first operational, national missile defense system. Prime contractor IAI-MLM is responsible for interceptor development and production and system integration. Boeing co-develops and co-produces the Arrow 3 interceptor and provides interceptor components for the in-service Arrow 2.
This Press Release is courtesy BOEING.com
ST. LOUIS, – Boeing [NYSE:BA] is consolidating management of key defense and space development programs into a new organization to enhance its performance on the pre-production development activities that significantly influence its ability to provide customers with the right capabilities at the right time and cost.
“This BDS Development organization is the next step in breaking the cost curve on our programs,” said BDS President and CEO Chris Chadwick. “We expect our customers to see step-function improvements in affordability and schedule performance as we more effectively apply engineering expertise, development program best practices, and program management and integration from across Boeing to our most important development activities.”
BDS Development is patterned on the Airplane Development organization in Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Those groups demonstrate the company’s best-of-Boeing approach to reducing risk and improving the affordability of key development activities.
Six programs now managed elsewhere in BDS will be the first ones overseen by BDS Development:
U.S. Air Force KC-46 aerial refueling tanker.
The Air Force’s presidential aircraft.
CST-100 spacecraft for NASA’s Commercial Crew program.
NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, which will take humans beyond Earth orbit.
Boeing’s 502 small satellite effort.
BDS work on Boeing’s 777X commercial airplane.
Jim O’Neill, formerly president of the BDS Global Services & Support unit, will lead BDS Development while Leanne Caret, the BDS chief financial officer, will succeed O’Neill as president of GS&S.
“Jim’s experience across development, production, and support activities will position us to exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders, while Leanne’s financial insights, and experience leading a variety of programs, makes her ideal to take us to the next level in terms of providing customers with robust, affordable support,” Chadwick said.
Jim Zrust, Boeing’s corporate vice president of Tax, has been named BDS CFO. Zrust will report to Chadwick and Boeing Chief Financial Officer Greg Smith.
“Jim is a proven leader who brings nearly 35 years of business experience and who will help continue to strengthen BDS and position that unit for profitable growth,” Smith said. The leadership changes are effective immediately.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army have proven the capabilities of the High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD) in maritime conditions, successfully targeting a variety of aerial targets at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
“Under windy, rainy and foggy weather conditions in Florida, these engagements were the most challenging to date with a 10-kilowatt laser on HEL MD,” said Dave DeYoung, Boeing Directed Energy Systems director. “As proven at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico in 2013 and at Eglin Air Force Base this spring, HEL MD is reliable and capable of consistently acquiring, tracking and engaging a variety of targets in different environments, demonstrating the potential military utility of directed energy systems.”
In these recent demonstrations, HEL MD used a 10-kilowatt, high energy laser installed on an Oshkosh tactical military vehicle. The demonstrator is the first mobile, high-energy laser, counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) platform to be built and demonstrated by the U.S. Army.
“With capabilities like HEL MD, Boeing is demonstrating that directed energy technologies can augment existing kinetic strike weapons and offer a significant reduction in cost per engagement,” said DeYoung. “With only the cost of diesel fuel, the laser system can fire repeatedly without expending valuable munitions or additional manpower.”
Throughout the two series of demonstrations, Boeing achieved all performance objectives on schedule, successfully engaging more than 150 aerial targets including 60 mm mortars and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The next step will be to install a 50 or 60-kilowatt laser on HEL MD to demonstrate counter RAM and UAV capability at this tactically significant power level.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
LBUQUERQUE, N.M., – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $29.5 million contract to design and develop a beam control system that could provide exceptional accuracy for laser weapons on U.S. Navy warships.
Boeing will begin to design a prototype High Power Beam Control Subsystem (HP BCSS) that’s compatible with High Energy Lasers (HEL) based on solid-state laser (SSL) technology. Boeing’s solution will be compatible with systems other companies are designing for the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) program.
The resulting beam control system will focus and hold a laser on a moving aimpoint long enough to disable the target. Doing that with a ship-based laser is particularly challenging, given the maritime environment and constant movement of an at-sea vessel.
“Boeing innovations in beam control and directed energy technologies are keys to understanding laser weapon system configurations that could yield a capability for the Navy in their maritime environment,” said Peggy Morse, vice president, Boeing Directed Energy & Strategic Systems (DESS).
The Boeing beam control system capitalizes on the company’s work with the U.S. Army’s High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD). In demonstrations at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in 2014, in which Navy program team members participated, HEL MD acquired, tracked and destroyed targets in windy and foggy conditions. Important technical data was collected on energy systems within a maritime environment, which ONR shared with the Army and Boeing. HEL MD has disabled mortars and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) during recent testing.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
FARNBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM, July 11, 2016 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] will deliver 50 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the British Army under an agreement signed between the U.S. and UK governments, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced today. The agreement is also a precursor to potential, significant long-term support opportunities for Boeing.
David Pitchforth, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence UK Limited, said: “This is not only a major boost to the British Army but it will also mean long-term, sustained jobs in the UK as the vast majority of the training, maintenance, repair and overhaul will be done here over the service life of the aircraft. We are working closely with our extensive UK supply chain, including Leonardo Finmeccanica Helicopters (Leonardo), to support initial operating capability of the aircraft in 2022”.
Boeing has a long-standing relationship with Leonardo on the existing Apache programme. Boeing will support UK prosperity through increasing spend with UK suppliers and is in advanced discussions with Leonardo on the AH-64E contract and other opportunities.
To date, Boeing has delivered 149 AH-64Es to the U.S Army, logging more than 60,000 flight hours and 17,000 combat flying hours. The Apache performs across the full spectrum of operations and as a force multiplier for combat commanders and supports the safe return of troops.
Boeing has 2,000 employees across the UK at numerous sites, from Glasgow to Gosport, and the company is experiencing solid organic growth. Today the UK remains a critically important market, supplier base and a source of some of the world’s most inventive technology partners. Boeing’s expenditure with the UK aerospace industry in 2015 was £1.8 billion and the company’s activities worldwide support more than 60,000 UK jobs, in the process enhancing skills, facilitating exports and generating intellectual property. For more information visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @BoeingUK.
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 28, 2014 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] will participate in the annual MSPO International Defence Industry exhibition in Kielce, Poland, which runs Sept. 1-4. The company will highlight several of its defense products and services including the AH-64 Apache and AH-6i combat helicopters, the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker, and unmanned aerial systems such as the ScanEagle, among other programs.
“Boeing products and capabilities can help modernize Poland’s military and strengthen its defense industry and leadership in technology,” said Joe McAndrew, regional director, International Business Development for Europe, Israel & Central Asia. “We look forward to meeting with our customers at MSPO to discuss their defense needs and how we can support their requirements.”
As a partner, customer and supplier, Boeing has actively participated in the Polish aerospace community for many years, contributing to – and benefiting from – its tradition of innovation and excellence. “We are committed to playing an active role in Poland and to developing stronger partnerships in the commercial aviation and the defense sectors,” said Henryka Bochniarz, president, Boeing, Central & Eastern Europe, who will also be present at MSPO.
This year, visitors to the Boeing booth, located in Hall F, will be able to experience the KC-46 Air Refueling Operator Station (AROS). Based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane, the KC-46A tanker is a next-generation widebody, multi-mission aircraft updated with the most advanced refueling technology. Boom operators will control refueling at a console just behind the cockpit, allowing them to work uninterrupted during night-vision and daytime operations.
The AROS features dual, independent controls with high resolution 24-inch 3D displays. A Remote Vision System, which is a 3D display consisting of cameras, a video processor and display, replaces the windows that existing tanker operators use for viewing aircraft refueling operations, making the KC-46 refueling capabilities much more advanced.
Boeing will also feature models of the AH-64 Apache – the world’s most advanced combat helicopter – and AH-6i light attack / reconnaissance helicopter. A full scale model of the ScanEagle unmanned aerial system also will be displayed. Boeing’s subsidiary Miro Technologies will have a demonstration of its GOLDesp advanced software solution for maintenance, supply, repair and operations for total lifecycle management of complex assets for air, land, sea and space.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide.
NOWRA, Australia, – Boeing [NYSE: BA] will train Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopter pilots for the next 25 years through a $A600 million contract that broadens the company’s partnership with Australia’s armed forces.
For the JP 9000 Phase 7-Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) effort, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) teamed with Thales to develop a low-risk solution around the Airbus EC135, one of the world’s most proven helicopters. Airbus and Turbomeca are also part of the BDA-led team.
“This reinforces Boeing as a leading provider of military aviation training in Australia,” said Kim Gillis, BDA’s managing director and vice president. “We will meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force through a balanced program that makes the most of its cadre of instructors supported by flight simulators and computer-based instruction and training aircraft.”
Boeing has provided the Australian Army with helicopter pilot, aircrew and technician training since 2007, meeting or exceeding all the training and maintenance requirements. In addition to training and support, Australia also uses Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets, C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft, among other systems.
“This contract will introduce a modern helicopter training system that will support the next generation of Army and Navy aircrew transitioning to our modern combat helicopter,” said Head of Helicopters, Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems and Guided Weapons Division with the Defence Materiel Organisation RADM Tony Dalton.
“This is another very positive demonstration of how industry is partnering to provide the most comprehensive support for the Australian Defence Force,” said Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins.
“Thales Australia is looking forward to a long and productive relationship with Boeing and the Department of Defence in developing and training the next generation of helicopter pilots.”
Thales is a global leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security Markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.
Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people in 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of AUD $1 billion in 2013.
Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of more than 1,300 employees at 14 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defence projects in Australia.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defence, space and security businesses specialising in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and six Danish defense companies signed agreements today to jointly pursue a range of business opportunities in defense and aerospace-related manufacturing, maintenance, software and simulation integration, and other areas.
The agreements with Danish Aerotech, Falck Schmidt Defence Systems, IFAD, Multicut, Systematic and Terma are key elements of Boeing’s industrial plan related to its F/A-18 Super Hornet offering to Denmark. Just as importantly, they also offer these companies the prospect to expand their businesses and access broader markets through Boeing’s diverse portfolio of products, services and technology.
“We want partners who see our member companies’ potential to grow, not our potential to receive hand-outs,” said Jan Falck-Schmidt, chairman of the Danish Defence and Security Industries Association (FAD). “Boeing is offering knowledge, technology and supply chain opportunities that can help each of our companies, and the Danish defense industry as a whole, win work now and compete for much broader business in the future.”
“The areas of cooperation identified in these agreements draw upon the specialized capabilities of Danish industry to build long-term, sustainable partnerships in both Boeing’s commercial and defense businesses,” said Debbie Rub, vice president and general manager of Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s Global Strike division.
A study released today by the leading Danish economic consultancy DAMVAD shows that collaboration between the Danish defense industry and Boeing in areas of corresponding strengths could result in the creation of more than 10,000 jobs in Denmark and the addition of 6 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP over 20 years.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.
Companies and Areas of Collaboration
Danish Aerotech: Boeing and Danish Aerotech are exploring opportunities for Danish Aerotech to apply its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for a Danish Super Hornet fleet, as well as training its employees on Boeing-specific support and service applications. Additionally, the companies will continue to pursue work opportunities for Danish Aerotech on other Boeing platforms, such as the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft that Danish Aerotech already supports.
Falck Schmidt Defence Systems: Boeing and FSDS are exploring opportunities to apply Falck Schmidt’s expertise in composites to Boeing Space products, in addition to providing technology assistance related to power units and batteries to further certain areas of Falck Schmidt’s business. The two companies are also identifying ways to support ongoing efforts to establish an unmanned systems training center at the Odense airport.
IFAD: Boeing and IFAD are exploring opportunities to networ
k IFAD’s simulation systems with Boeing’s aviation training solutions, including IFAD’s SIM Gateway and Forward Air Controller / Forward Observer Training elements.
Multicut: Boeing and Multicut are exploring parts manufacturing opportunities for both defense and commercial applications. They include a variety of hard-metal machine parts that leverage Multicut’s expertise. The opportunities are made possible in part by Boeing’s assistance starting in 2010 that enabled Multicut to obtain a critical AS9100 aerospace manufacturing certification.
Systematic: Boeing and Systematic are exploring Systematic’s leading software solutions and their application to aerospace and defense platforms and specialties. They include opportunities in the Networked Tactical-Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance field and unmanned systems opportunities for which Systematic’s SitaWare product could be applicable.
Terma: Boeing and Terma are exploring applications of Terma’s expertise in technology and manufacturing related to composites, components and electronic systems across a range of Boeing’s commercial and defense platforms. Opportunities include commercial aerospace manufacturing work; application of Terma’s pylons, pods and applied aerostructures to various platforms; and additional market opportunities for the company’s Electronic Warfare Management System on future international sales of Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
New York – Citigroup Inc. (“Citi”) today issued the following statement regarding the findings of an investigation into the activities of a legacy Banamex unit that provided personal security services:
“In July, we directed an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation into the activities of a legacy Banamex unit that provided personal security services in Mexico. The investigation included in-depth interviews, the extensive review of electronic and paper files, and forensic analysis of computers and electronic media. The investigation uncovered illegal conduct, including fraud in the range of US $15 million, the unauthorized providing of security services to outside parties, and the use of intercepted telecommunications. The unit is being disbanded and security services will be provided by Citi’s global security function. We have also notified and are cooperating with law enforcement and regulators regarding this matter in the U.S. and Mexico.”
In addition, Michael Corbat, Citi’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“While the fraud is not financially material, the conduct of the individuals involved is appalling. Now that this investigation is complete, we intend to hold the individuals who conducted these activities accountable.
“Over the last several months, we have been reviewing our franchise in Mexico and have already made significant changes to strengthen our processes and controls. We will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to make sure that every part of our global franchise lives up to our standards,” Mr. Corbat concluded.
Citi
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.
Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 23 January 2015 – The civilized world will not bow to the threat of terrorism, said John F. Kerry, US Secretary of State. “The 20th century was defined by the civilized struggle to uphold values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” he said. We will not be derailed by criminal anarchists who illegitimately claim a religious cause, he added. Kerry was speaking at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The first step is to defeat Daesh, Kerry said, referring to the rebel group also known as ISIS. They are better armed, better trained and have claimed more ground than any other terrorist group in history, he added. “Daesh represents a threat to individual nation states as well as the entire region.”
Much has been achieved by the coalition of 60 partners formed to defeat Daesh, Kerry said, but the speed of progress is not yet fast enough. To succeed, Iraq also needs to enhance outreach efforts to its Sunni population, he asserted. Referring to Daesh-controlled areas that are languishing, as well as specific atrocities, he said the world needs to see the terrorist group as it is, rather than as it claims to be.
To effectively combat violent extremism over the long term, we need to better understand the underlying conditions, he argued. “We can’t change minds without knowing what’s in them.” This understanding, he emphasized, is not the same as acceptance. There are no grounds of religion, ideology or politics that will ever justify the terrorist atrocities we see around the world, Kerry said.
“Eliminating terrorists we confront today only solves part of the problem.” We need to transform the very environment from which terrorism and fundamentalism arises, he asserted. We need to take the long-term view, identify vulnerabilities early, and do more to counteract and prevent radicalization.
Kerry concluded his address on an optimistic note – citing historic international cooperation in the battle against Ebola, new trade pacts, progress towards an international climate-change agreement, as well as steps towards a peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear negotiations.
A technology company based in California in the US has announced the debut of their latest surveillance equipment that will be cloud-based. This eliminates the potential for criminals to tamper with cameras that are usually installed on premises to record activities in the outside perimeter.
LONDON, UK, – A significant cyberattack across the UK’s critical national infrastructure could have far-reaching and significant economic impacts for Britain according to a study carried out by the Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.
The report, developed in conjunction with Lockheed Martin, Integrated Infrastructure: Cyber Resiliency in Society, models the potential impact of a coordinated and sustained cyberattack on one of the UK’s regional power distribution networks and the likely short and long term costs to the UK economy.
The report outlines a fictional scenario in which a cyberattack is executed by a disgruntled employee of a distribution network operator with the backing of a nation-state adversary. Disruption is achieved by installing rogue hardware in a minimum of 65 vulnerable substations in South East England (this attack footprint is expanded to 95 and 125 substations in increasingly extreme variants of the scenario). This rogue hardware empowers the cyber adversaries to trigger rolling blackouts across the region during the winter season, shutting down parts of the London area and impacting all aspects of the UK economy.
Justin Walker, vice president for Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems business in the UK and Europe, outlined: “As our critical national infrastructure becomes increasingly interconnected, the risk and cost of a potential cyberattack gets exponentially larger each and every day. Through increased collaboration, government, industry, regulators, and the wider technology industry all have a role to play ensuring the UK economy is resilient to cyberattack.”
Simon Ruffle, Director of Technology and Innovation at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Risk Studies added: “By better understanding and quantifying the consequences, both economic and societal, of a severe cyber hazard on our country’s critical infrastructure, we underline the level of responsibility amongst each of the key stakeholders in this value chain. Through hyper-connectivity, we have created fantastic opportunities for smarter infrastructure use that also bring with them a complex set of cyber risks for the foreseeable future.”
The researchers at Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies consulted widely with stakeholders across the UK power industry as well as government and industry regulators throughout this study. The report does not predict an attack or seek to expose weaknesses in the power grid but rather present likely conclusions that are representative of the impact of the scenario.
Key findings from the report include:
By modelling a sustained and coordinated cyberattack on the power distribution network in South-East England, the report underlines the subsequent impact for other key industry sectors including Financial and Professional Services, Retail, Construction, Transportation, Education and Health. In the most conservative scenario, the immediate impact to the UK’s economic output is £12 billion, with the five year GDP impact of £49 billion. In the most severe case, these figures increase to £85 billion and £442 billion respectively. In the latter case, this represents approximately 2.3% of the UK’s GDP over the period.
Scenario variants and rectification timescales range from rapid response (3 weeks until full power restoration), average response (6 weeks restoration) and slow response in the most extreme scenario (12 weeks restoration).
In the most conservative scenario an estimated 9 million people are hit by the blackouts, 800,000 individual train journeys and 150,000 air passenger tickets are impacted daily. In the most extreme scenario these impact rises to 13 million affected, with 1 million and 330,200 rail and air travel tickets cancelled.
Economic losses are in the range of £12 billion to £85 billion across the scenario variants with the overall five year GDP impact (GDP@Risk – the expression of potential GDP lost in the scenario when compared to the baseline economic forecast) ranging from £49 billion to £442 billion.
Financial Services (£1.3 billion losses in the standard scenario), Retail (£1.3 billion), Real Estate (£1.2 billion) and Professional Services (£1 billion) are the most significantly affected industries in terms of immediate economic losses. The remaining £7.2 billion in losses is spread over another 19 industry sectors.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin UK, headquartered in London, is the UK-based arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global security and aerospace company. Lockheed Martin UK specialises in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Lockheed Martin UK employs more than 3,000 people across 21 UK sites, working on a wide range of major programmes spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.
Protecting the integrity of our global information systems is a critical focus for Lockheed Martin’s sustainability efforts – The Science of Citizenship. For more, visit lockheedmartin.com/us/who-we-are/sustainability
About Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies
The Centre for Risk Studies is a multidisciplinary centre of excellence for the study of the management of economic and societal risks. The Centre’s focus is in the analysis, assessment, and mitigation of global vulnerabilities for the advancement of political, business and individual decision makers. The Centre provides an analysis of disruption to the global economy and to business operations from a wide range of catastrophic risks. We invite partners to work with us to deploy leading analytics in their risk management, and to improve resilience of the world’s infrastructure and business activities.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) now offers government and public safety customers expanded cybersecurity services to help protect against cyber attacks, especially as they share information across agencies and work together to solve crimes. The company’s new Cybersecurity Professional Service is a collaborative effort with customers to help them identify and manage cyber risk within their operations by evaluating technology, processes and staff capabilities and recommending solutions to help agencies respond quickly and effectively to potential breaches.
According to a recent survey of businesses and government agencies, the number of cybersecurity incidents detected by respondents climbed to 42.8 million in 2014, an increase of more than 48 percent in just one year. That’s the equivalent of 117,339 incoming attacks each day for a year.
Cybersecurity Professional Services help maintain the integrity of police investigations by protecting against cyber threats to mission-critical radio networks and real-time information sources such as videos of incidents and photographs and fingerprints of suspects that are shared between agencies. The new service comes in addition to Motorola Solutions capabilities that already help prevent breaches such as network security monitoring and software security updates, which enable customers to maintain the most current and effective versions of programs like records management systems.
“Many organizations believe their most sensitive mission-critical information is safe, but it is becoming clear that even public safety and government agencies are prime targets for cyber criminals,” said Kelly Mark, corporate vice president, Motorola Solutions. “Cybersecurity Professional Services builds on Motorola Solutions’ decades-long experience in mission-critical security services and helps customers respond quickly to ever-changing security threats by providing periodic assessments to identify risks and prioritize next steps to maintain secure communications.”
About Motorola Solutions
Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) creates innovative, mission-critical communication solutions and services that help public safety and commercial customers build safer cities and thriving communities. For ongoing news, visit http://newsroom.motorolasolutions.com or subscribe to a news feed.
BALTIMORE – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) completed a successful government customer demonstration of the Highly Adaptable Multi-Mission Radar (HAMMR) system at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates On-The-Move Ground Radar Capability
During the successful live fire demonstration, Northrop Grumman used the HAMMR system, mounted on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) as an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) sensor to detect and track an unmanned aerial vehicle target.
“This first-of-its-kind demonstration validated the sense on-the-move capability in concept for the Department of Defense’s IAMD enterprise and proved that this capability can be developed and fielded to warfighters much sooner than anticipated,” said Mike Meaney, vice president, land and maritime sensors, Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman’s HAMMR is a short- to medium-range X-Band Three Dimensional (3D) radar that utilizes the proven Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) AN/APG-83 F-16 fighter radar in a ground-based, sense on-the-move role. HAMMR provides robust multi-mission 3D performance for air surveillance, weapon cueing and counter-fire target acquisition missions in either a 360-degree or sector-only staring mode. HAMMR delivers the unprecedented ability to provide force protection while operating on the move, significantly increasing warfighter survivability.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
The Department of Defense is participating in the 5th USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo, on Apr 5-8 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC. The expo is designed to inspire the next generation of inventors, creators and innovators. It is a free, family-friendly expo that allows kids and adults to participate in thousands of exhibits, experiments, and stage shows.
The DoD will again be a premier supporter at the 2018 USA Science and Engineering Festival. The Department of Defense (DoD) has been participating in the USA Science and Engineering Festival since 2012. “We’re excited to participate in our fourth USA Science & Engineering Festival and to showcase the many talented STEM professionals within the DoD and their accomplishments,” says Dr. Jagadeesh Pamulapati, director, Laboratories Office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
The hours of operations are Apr 7 from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. and Apr 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The grand finale of the Festival’s year-long science celebration is Apr 8. The Festival Expo features over 3,000 hands-on activities showcasing how STEM Can Take You into the deep blue, into cyberspace, inside the human body, into nature, into outer space and beyond! In all, the Festival Expo expects to draw more than 350,000 people.
Within the Defense Pavilion, the audience will have the opportunity to interact with STEM professionals and mentors within the DoD through a variety of activities including a “Ray Optics Laser System” demonstration, navigating a drone, taking a Virtual Reality Tour, and hearing Lightning Talks to learn about the experiences of DoD Scientist and Engineers.
The Festival features science celebrities, explorers, astronauts, physicists, inventors, and experts in fields like oceanography, climatology, robotics, medical research, neuroscience, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and more. Participating celebrities include:
o TV host and Ocean Explorer Danni Washington
o Explosive Science’s Dr. Kate Biberdorf
o World Champion of Magic Jason Latimer
o America’s Science Teacher Steve Spangler
o Fox TV Xploration Outer Space host, Emily Callandrelli
Featured Lightning talks include:
o “The Engineering Path Less Traveled”
o “Why Do We Have Scientist and Engineers”
o “Do DoD Technologies Behave the Way They are Portrayed in Popular Games?”
The USA Science & Engineering Festival is the nation’s largest science festival and was developed to ignite the next generation’s interest in pursuing careers in science and engineering.
To learn more, visit http://dodstem.us/stem-programs/events-map
2
Science Tech Special
MISSION
The mission of the Department of Defense is to provide a lethal Joint Force to defend the security of our country and sustain American influence abroad.
I am honored to be joined by FBI Director Chris Wray, National Security Division Assistant Attorney General John Demers, and Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman.
Today, the Department of Justice is announcing a criminal indictment of two computer hackers associated with the Chinese government. The charges include conspiracy to commit computer intrusions against dozens of companies in the United States and around the world. As with all American criminal charges, individual defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is significant because the defendants are accused of targeting and compromising Managed Service Providers, or MSPs. MSPs are firms that other companies trust to store, process, and protect commercial data, including intellectual property and other confidential business information. When hackers gain access to MSPs, they can steal sensitive business information that gives competitors an unfair advantage.
The indictment alleges that defendants worked for a group known to cyber security experts as APT-10. These groups are designated as APTs, or Advanced Persistent Threats, because they use malware to gain access to computer networks and exfiltrate data over an extended period of time.
These defendants allegedly compromised MSP clients in at least a dozen countries. The victims included companies in banking and finance, telecommunications and consumer electronics, medical equipment, packaging, manufacturing, consulting, healthcare, biotechnology, automotive, oil and gas exploration, and mining.
The defendants allegedly committed these crimes in association with a Chinese intelligence service known as the Ministry of State Security.
This is not the first time the Department of Justice has accused Chinese state actors and associates of stealing commercial information. Since the indictment of five uniformed members of the People’s Liberation Army in 2014, our Department has repeatedly cast a spotlight on Chinese state-sponsored criminal activity targeting U.S. companies.
More than 90 percent of the Department’s cases alleging economic espionage over the past seven years involve China. More than two-thirds of the Department’s cases involving thefts of trade secrets are connected to China. In the last few months of this year, our Department has announced charges in three cases alleging crimes committed at the behest of a branch of the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
It is unacceptable that we continue to uncover cybercrime committed by China against other nations. In 2015, China promised to stop stealing trade secrets and other confidential business information through computer hacking “with the intent of providing competitive advantages to companies or commercial sectors.” The activity alleged in this indictment violates the commitment that China made to members of the international community.
We want China to cease illegal cyber activities and honor its commitment to the international community, but the evidence suggests that China may not intend to live up to its promises.
For example, the Chinese industrial policy, known as “Made in China 2025,” lists ten strategic advanced manufacturing industries that the nation has targeted for promotion and development. Many of the companies allegedly targeted recently by Chinese defendants operate in sectors identified by that official policy. Whether through computer hackers operating from China, or Chinese nationals recruited to steal trade secrets from companies in other countries, the goal is the same: to dominate production in strategically important industries by stealing ideas from other nations.
Today’s charges mark an important step in revealing to the world China’s continued practice of stealing commercial data. Responding to that conduct requires a strategic approach to the threats that China poses. That is why the Department of Justice recently announced an initiative to address the full range of threats. One tactic is to increase our enforcement efforts. Another is to conduct foreign investment reviews to protect against China improperly acquiring sensitive information. A third is to find ways to better protect our telecommunications networks.
China stands accused of engaging in criminal activity that victimizes individuals and companies in the United States, violates our laws, and departs from international norms of responsible state behavior. Exposing these actions through the criminal justice system is a valuable tool. Faced with the detailed factual allegations released today, and the corroborating statements of other victimized nations, China will find it difficult to feign ignorance.
America and many allies know what China is doing. We know why they are doing it. And in some cases, we even know which individual people are doing it in association with the Chinese government.
The alleged criminals in this case are named Zhu Hua and Zhang Shilong. We hope the day will come when the defendants face justice under the rule of law in a federal courtroom.
Until then, they and other hackers who steal from our companies for the apparent benefit of Chinese industries should remember: there is no free pass to violate American laws merely because they do so under the protection of a foreign state. The Department of Justice and the FBI will continue to use all available tools to respond to China’s economic aggression and the threat that these actions pose to the prosperity and security of the United States and other nations that respect the rule of law.
This time last year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made a commitment to the American people: it should not be easy to impersonate the federal government through spoofing-related phishing campaigns. Today, we announced that we have reached the one-year milestone for Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 18-01: a vast majority of the federal community are meeting critical web and email security enhancements. Throughout the year, the DHS team has been accelerating progress, conducting hundreds of agency exchange meetings and establishing a collaborative, public-facing website to support this cross-government effort and further advance federal website and data integrity.
DHS saw the strongest level of email authentication enforcement through Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) adoption increase by eight times across the federal civilian government—making the Federal government a leader across all sectors in DMARC use and email authentication. BOD 18-01 was also critical step in addressing one of the federal government’s greatest and ongoing challenges, phishing, and we are continuing to take steps to combat this pervasive threat.
While a majority of the federal government anticipates meeting all of the BOD deadlines today, DHS still has work to do to ensure a successful and enduring implementation of these critical security enhancements. Encouraged by progress but always with an eye towards an unflinching adversary, we will not relent in our mission of safeguarding information systems for the Federal IT Enterprise and, most importantly, the American people.
SAN ANTONIO – USAA and Discover Financial Services have entered into an agreement that provides Discover a license to more than 130 USAA patents covering remote deposit capture (RDC) technology, giving Discover the right to continue offering its customers the convenience of easily depositing checks with their mobile device.
“USAA is proud of our record of innovation, including remote deposit capture technology that has made banking easier for our members,” said Nathan McKinley, USAA vice president and head of Corporate Development. “And under the licensing agreement, we’re pleased that Discover customers will benefit as well.”
With multiple RDC license agreements in place, banks have begun to acknowledge USAA’s patent rights. “We look forward to working with more banks to create reasonable licensing agreements that benefit their customers,” McKinley added.
About USAA
Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking, and investment and retirement solutions to more than 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 37,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
The Department of Defense announced today the names of the 72 competitors who will compete on the United States team at the Invictus Games in Sydney, Oct. 20-27.
More than 550 wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women from 18 allied nations are expected to compete. Competitors will participate in 11 adaptive sports, including archery, athletics, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and a new addition this year, sailing – around the iconic Sydney Harbour.
“Participation in the 2018 Invictus Games helps to shine a light on the amazing power and positivity of adaptive sports and reconditioning activities for our wounded warriors, who continue to inspire us with their strength, resilience and personal courage every day,” said Stephanie Barna, performing the duties of undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. “These brave service members and veterans demonstrate what it means to be professional, dedicated, and determined. We are proud to honor and recognize their remarkable achievements and support them as they continue their personal journeys of recovery and healing.”
The Invictus Games, founded in 2014 by the United Kingdom’s Prince Harry, are based on the United States’ concept of the Warrior Games and are designed to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding of, and respect for, those who serve their country and their loved ones.
The Team Captain and Team Co-Captain have not yet been identified.
MISSION
The mission of the Department of Defense is to provide a lethal Joint Force to defend the security of our country and sustain American influence abroad.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Staff Sgt. David Thomas Brabander, 24, of Anchorage, Alaska, died Dec. 11 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, as a result of a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The incident is under investigation.
After a rigorous 10-month selection process involving 25 proposals from 24 states, the Federal Aviation Administration has chosen six unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test site operators across the country.
In selecting the six test site operators, the FAA considered geography, climate, location of ground infrastructure, research needs, airspace use, safety, aviation experience and risk. In totality, these six test applications achieve cross-country geographic and climatic diversity and help the FAA meet its UAS research needs.
A brief description of the six test site operators and the research they will conduct into future UAS use are below:
University of Alaska. The University of Alaska proposal contained a diverse set of test site range locations in seven climatic zones as well as geographic diversity with test site range locations in Hawaii and Oregon. The research plan includes the development of a set of standards for unmanned aircraft categories, state monitoring and navigation. Alaska also plans to work on safety standards for UAS operations.
State of Nevada. Nevada’s project objectives concentrate on UAS standards and operations as well as operator standards and certification requirements. The applicant’s research will also include a concentrated look at how air traffic control procedures will evolve with the introduction of UAS into the civil environment and how these aircraft will be integrated with NextGen. Nevada’s selection contributes to geographic and climatic diversity.
New York’s Griffiss International Airport. Griffiss International plans to work on developing test and evaluation as well as verification and validation processes under FAA safety oversight. The applicant also plans to focus its research on sense and avoid capabilities for UAS and its sites will aid in researching the complexities of integrating UAS into the congested, northeast airspace.
North Dakota Department of Commerce. North Dakota plans to develop UAS airworthiness essential data and validate high reliability link technology. This applicant will also conduct human factors research. North Dakota’s application was the only one to offer a test range in the Temperate (continental) climate zone and included a variety of different airspace which will benefit multiple users.
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. Texas A&M plans to develop system safety requirements for UAS vehicles and operations with a goal of protocols and procedures for airworthiness testing. The selection of Texas A&M contributes to geographic and climactic diversity.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Virginia Tech plans to conduct UAS failure mode testing and identify and evaluate operational and technical risks areas. This proposal includes test site range locations in both Virginia and New Jersey.
Across the six applicants, the FAA is confident that the agency’s research goals of System Safety & Data Gathering, Aircraft Certification, Command & Control Link Issues, Control Station Layout & Certification, Ground & Airborne Sense & Avoid, and Environmental Impacts will be met.
Each test site operator will manage the test site in a way that will give access to parties interested in using the site. The FAA’s role is to ensure each operator sets up a safe testing environment and to provide oversight that guarantees each site operates under strict safety standards.
From the start, the FAA recognized it was important to have requirements ensuring that privacy and civil liberties are protected at the test sites. Among other requirements, test site operators must comply with federal, state, and other laws protecting an individual’s right to privacy, have publicly available privacy policies and a written plan for data use and retention, and conduct an annual review of privacy practices that allows for public comment.
Under the current law, test site operations will continue until at least February 13, 2017.
This Press Release is courtesy of FAA.gov
IRVING, Texas- Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced today that the U.S. Army has selected Fluor as the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) IV contractor to provide regional forward planning support for Africa Command (AFRICOM), to include the countries within Africa, the African Union and African regional security organizations, and Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), to include Central America, South America and the Caribbean. This is part of a new approach by the U.S. Army to align the current LOGCAP IV contractors with the six Department of Defense Geographic Combatant Commands (GCC) that are responsible for effective command and control of U.S. military forces in peace and war.
As one of three contractors selected to work on the LOGCAP IV indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract, Fluor will support future requirements for LOGCAP services in the AFRICOM and SOUTHCOM areas of responsibility. As a result of today’s announcement, Fluor will assign a LOGCAP planner to the AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, and the SOUTHCOM headquarters in Miami, Fla. These planners will provide information and assist with the integration of LOGCAP services by leveraging the expertise of LOGCAP contractors in multifunctional logistics support. This will ensure the highest quality in the delivery of LOGCAP services for the respective Combatant Commands.
“From the work we do through our commercial Energy & Chemicals and Mining business lines to our work serving the U.S. Government, Fluor has extensive experience in Africa and the Americas,” said Bruce Stanski, president of Fluor’s Government Group. “Regionally aligning LOGCAP IV will provide an improved rapid response capability for contingency operations and increase mission efficiencies. We look forward to planning alongside AFRICOM and SOUTHCOM to meet their logistics and life support services requirements.”
Established by the U.S. Army to fulfill the Department of Defense’s global mission during contingency events, LOGCAP provides the military with additional capabilities to support the logistics requirements of its deployed forces rapidly through use of civilian contractors.
Fluor provides the U.S. Government logistics and life support services in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Jordan and the Philippines; military construction around the world; disaster relief and recovery services throughout the United States; and nuclear decommissioning and operations at government-owned sites.
About Fluor Corporation
Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) is a global engineering and construction firm that designs and builds some of the world’s most complex projects. The company creates and delivers innovative and integrated solutions for its clients in engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, maintenance and project management on a global basis. For more than a century, Fluor has served clients in the energy, chemicals, government, industrial, infrastructure, mining and power market sectors. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Fluor ranks 136 on the FORTUNE 500 list. With 40,000 employees worldwide, the company’s revenue for 2014 was $21.5 billion. For more information, visit www.fluor.com or follow us on Twitter @FluorCorp.
ORLANDO, Fla., – The German Federal Ministry of Defence has chosen the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) as the basis for Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem (TLVS), a next-generation network-based tactical air and missile defense system. It will replace Patriot air defense systems initially fielded in the 1980s.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will share in development of Germany’s TLVS with its MEADS International partner MBDA Deutschland.
“Lockheed Martin is fully committed to the success of TLVS,” said Rick Edwards, president of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “It reflects our continuing commitment to international partnerships and ongoing support for the German government’s leadership role in European missile defense.”
MEADS has been developed through MEADS International, a cooperative venture between MBDA and Lockheed Martin. The TLVS program ensures seamless continuation of this successful development partnership. Lockheed Martin companies in Dallas, Texas; Huntsville, Alabama; Orlando, Florida; and Syracuse, New York, are expected to support the German program.
“With this decision in favour of MEADS, Germany has opted for a powerful, state-of-the-art, long term ground-based air and missile defence system sufficient to meet the threats both of today and of the future,” said Thomas Homberg, managing director of MBDA Deutschland. “It is now our shared responsibility, together with the armed forces, to provide a solid basis for the introduction of the system.”
In 2013, at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, MEADS became the first air and missile defense system to demonstrate a dual intercept of targets attacking simultaneously from opposite directions. MEADS is designed to significantly reduce operation and support costs by covering a larger area with less manpower and equipment, and less demand on airlift. Once in theater, MEADS elements emplace more quickly and can be repositioned without shutting the system down.
“We are honored that MEADS will provide the foundation for Germany’s next-generation air and missile defense system,” said Mike Trotsky, vice president of air and missile defense at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Only MEADS has demonstrated the advanced network capabilities and 360-degree defense that are now essential requirements for air and missile defense systems.”
For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/meads.html.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully completed a delta Critical Design Review (dCDR) with the U.S. Space Force for the Enhanced Polar System Recapitalization (EPS-R) Control and Planning Segment (CAPS) program.
“The successful completion of this milestone demonstrates our team’s commitment to agile processes,” said Rob Fleming, vice president, strategic force programs, Northrop Grumman. “Extensive collaboration between the Northrop Grumman and customer teams was a large part of the design review success. The final design review content was shaped in cross functional working group meetings in the preceding weeks leading up to and resulting in a high quality dCDR event that met 100 percent of the exit criteria within 13 months of the contract’s authority to proceed.”
With the completion of dCDR the program is now ready to move to the development, integration and test phase.
EPS-R CAPS facilitates military satellite communications in the Earth’s North Polar Region by providing continuous coverage for secure, jam-resistant, strategic and tactical communications. CAPS is the ground segment providing command and control, and mission planning for all four of the EPS/EPS-R payloads with a single software baseline.
In addition to the ground segment, EPS-R will also include two eXtended Data Rate (XDR) payloads developed by Northrop Grumman which will serve to provide coverage in the region until the Protected Tactical SATCOM and Evolved Strategic SATCOM polar variants become operational in the 2030s.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
LONDON, Nov. 15, 2021 — Digivault, a leading digital asset custody provider and Asset Reality, the world’s first end-to-end solution for recovering, managing and realizing seized crypto assets, today announced a new partnership aimed at making the digital asset ecosystem safer by assisting global law enforcement agencies and victims of cybercrime with asset recovery.
Soaring crypto prices and bullish market sentiment have increased participation to more than 221M users worldwide however, the industry remains vulnerable to hacking and phishing events that top billions of dollars in losses annually. Storing digital assets securely represents an important last line of defense given the difficulties associated with asset recovery once a breach has occurred.
With these factors in mind, Digivault and Asset Reality have teamed up to combine their unique industry capabilities to support law enforcement agencies to alleviate harm and losses for victims. Investigating and recovering crypto assets is a highly complex task. As part of the partnership, Digivault will support Asset Reality’s law enforcement clients by providing their best-in-class, secure storage for seized digital assets.
Digivault, as part of the Nasdaq listed EQONEX Group (Nasdaq: EQOS) was purpose-built to deliver the industry’s most secure, compliant custody solution for digital asset holders. In May 2021, it set the standard, as the industry’s first standalone FCA registered custodian. It also conforms to all institutional-grade security certification standards.
Launched in 2020 by an experienced team of crypto asset recovery practitioners, Asset Reality was created to support law enforcement agencies as well as public and private sector clients in navigating the complex asset recovery process including investigations, managing and realizing seized digital assets, including cryptocurrencies.
Speaking on the partnership, Digivault CEO Robert Cooper said, “Digital assets and the technology infrastructure that support it, represent tremendous opportunities for the financial industry and investors. We built our business to deliver on that opportunity by working with regulators to lift industry standards and set new benchmarks for security for our clients in storing their assets.”
“This partnership with Asset Reality reflects our deep commitment to not only solving for security threats, but also working across the industry to provide solutions that can help victims of crime and law enforcement work through the recovery process with peace of mind.”
Asset Reality Co-Founder Aidan Larkin said, “The rapid development of the digital asset space has created unforeseen challenges for global law enforcement agencies, who are grappling with different levels of regulation, unscrupulous players and a community of new users who may be unaware of risks. Whilst blockchain analysis tools have helped build trust in blockchains, public and private sector clients are now struggling with managing seized assets like cryptocurrencies”.
“It was through the lens of this emerging challenge we could see that a specific solution for the industry simply didn’t exist. By combining our in-house, experience in crypto investigations and asset forfeiture with strategic partnerships across industry leaders in investigations, analytics and custody, we are marching forward in Asset Reality’s mission to make crypto safer and fairer. Partnering with companies like Digivault and benefitting from the expertise they bring to the table, makes our mission much easier”.
As part of the partnership, Digivault and Asset Reality will also work together to drive greater awareness of industry threats, and advocate for sensible industry compliance standards.
“We seek out partners that share our ethos and focus, so together we can play a critical role in driving the industry forward. Digivault, as part of the EQONEX group, delivers a crucial component in our efforts to help victims of crime and law enforcers, and we are excited to extend our efforts to jointly educate and advocate for ways to enhance the industry,” said Hugo Elliott, co-founder Asset Reality.
About Digivault
Digivault provides digital asset custody that integrates physical and virtual security, giving institutions tangible solutions in a rapidly evolving world. We deliver a powerful custodian that combines multiple layers of protection, eliminating the need for trust in a single person or group of people. As part of a Nasdaq-listed company, we are accountable to the SEC, meaning increased regulation. However, we eliminate the need for trust through our processes and technology, providing our clients with peace of mind. For more information visit: www.digivault.com
Digivault operates to the highest industry security standards, using FIPS140-2 validated hardware security modules (HSMs). Digivault’s wallets are Cyber Essentials Plus accredited (a Ministry of Defense designed accreditation) and was recently certified under the ISO27001 standard. Both Helios (Warm Solution) and Kelvin (Cold Solution) are penetration tested to CREST standards of certification.
Follow Digivault on social media on Twitter @Digivaultglobal and on LinkedIn
About EQONEX
EQONEX is a digital assets financial services company focused on fairness, governance, and innovation. The group encompasses cryptocurrency exchange EQONEX as well as an over-the-counter trading platform. It also offers a front-to-back integrated trading platform, Access Trading, a securitization advisory service EQONEX Capital, market leading hot and cold custodian Digivault, and asset manager Bletchley Park.
For more information visit: https://.group.eqonex.com.
Follow Eqonex on social media on Twitter @eqonex, on Facebook @eqonex, and on LinkedIn.
About Asset Reality
As the multi trillion crypto industry continues to grow, law enforcement, regulators and the industry have no way to deal with seized or illicit crypto assets. Asset Reality’s team of experienced crypto asset recovery practitioners has launched the world’s first end to end solution for recovering, managing and selling seized crypto assets. In partnership with the world’s leading blockchain analysis companies and digital custodians, their platform will save time, reduce risk and dramatically increase revenue from the sale of seized assets. Part of the Techstars 2021 Programme, Asset Reality builds solutions to make crypto safer for all.
ARMONK, NY: IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it is bringing its market-leading Security Intelligence technology, IBM QRadar®, to the cloud, giving companies the ability to quickly prioritize real threats and free up critical resources to fight cyberattacks. The new services are available to clients through a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) model, with optional IBM Security Managed Services to provide deeper expertise and flexibility for security professionals.
According to the 2014 IBM Cyber Index, organizations globally deal with an average of 91 million potential security events every year, creating vast volumes of data that need to be stored and analyzed. Cloud-based threat monitoring and analytics provides the simplicity of a hosted deployment, combined with advanced analytics capabilities and the proven expertise from a security services provider needed to monitor today’s hybrid IT environments. The two new cloud-based services are:
IBM Security Intelligence on Cloud – helps organizations determine if security-related events are simple anomalies or potential threats. Built as a cloud service using IBM QRadar, enterprises can quickly correlate security event data with threat information from over 500 supported data sources for devices, systems, and applications. This is complemented by more than 1500 pre-defined reports for use cases such as compliance, vulnerability management and security incident response. Also, the integration of QRadar with IBM’s recently announced cloud-based X-Force Exchange gives security teams volumes of historical and real time threat intelligence.
Intelligent Log Management on Cloud – designed to simplify security and compliance data collection and reporting needs. Powered by IBM QRadar® technology, Intelligent Log Management uses analytics and a hosted, multi-tenant technology to rapidly deliver comprehensive compliance with powerful real-time correlation and anomaly detection capabilities. Through support for more than 400 platforms, security managers can also capture logs from nearly any device in their security operation.
“Organizations are facing a security data tsunami that can overwhelm even the most sophisticated enterprise’s security program,” said Jason Corbin, Vice President, Product Management and Strategy, IBM Security. “Security leaders are telling us they want increased visibility through the cloud and control throughout their hybrid IT environments. The option of doing predictive analytics via the cloud gives security teams the flexibility to bring in skills, innovation and information on demand across all of their security environments.”
Next Generation IBM Managed Services for Cloud Security
These new offerings are backed and delivered through IBM’s next-generation platform of managed security services, handling over 15 billion security events per day for over 4,000 clients around the world. IBM Security experts, located in ten global security operations centers (SOCs), are available on demand 24×7. These IBM analysts and engineers help clients detect and protect themselves from security risks often before software fixes are released to the market—giving IBM clients an additional edge when it comes to safeguarding their computers, networks and corporate “crown jewels.”
The unique IBM capabilities consolidate diverse security environments across existing platforms, as well as private, public and hybrid clouds under a “single pane of glass”— helping customers transform and optimize their overall security operations. This approach helps businesses better integrate security threat intelligence, big data and analytics with customized services. Also, clients can experience improved threat response times, while potentially reducing overall security costs by an average of 55 percent. This also significantly improves threat detection, helping clients automatically triage up to 95 percent of their security events.
For more information, please visit http://www.ibm.com/security.
About IBM Security
IBM’s security platform provides the security intelligence to help organizations holistically protect their people, data, applications and infrastructure. IBM offers solutions for identity and access management, security information and event management, database security, application development, risk management, endpoint management, next-generation intrusion protection and more. IBM operates one of the world’s broadest security research and development, and delivery organizations. For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/security, follow @IBMSecurity on Twitter or visit the IBM Security Intelligence blog.
New Delhi, – Teams from five leading Indian universities recently presented design concepts supporting the disaster relief operations here as part of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] C-130J Super Hercules Roll-On/Roll-Off University Design Challenge.
Lockheed Martin launched the Indian University design challenge in November 2014. The company provided research grants for each university team to work with local industry partners and mentors from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop design specifications for proposed modules that could be used on C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a fleet of five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
Lockheed Martin provided each team with engineering, technical and business development expertise. The company will award three of the teams a second-year grant in 2016 to develop a prototype of their module and additional mentoring to develop a go-to-market strategy. At the end of the design challenge, Lockheed Martin representatives will work with each team to explore options with government and industry to mature the prototype for global markets.
Teams participating in the challenge are from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, IIT Chennai, Delhi Technological University (DTU), University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), and Birla Institute of Technological Studies (BITS) Pilani-Goa Campus.
“Lockheed Martin has supported the Indian Air Force C-130J fleet since 2008. We are proud of the IAF’s accomplishments in setting new operational records and in multiple humanitarian operations in the past few years. The Super Hercules Roll-On/Roll-Off University Challenge provides new opportunities to develop unique solutions and increase the versatility of the global C-130 fleet, which spans 16 nations around the world,” said Abhay Paranjape, director of Air Mobility Business Development for India at Lockheed Martin.
During this recent round of presentations, students met with Indian Air Force C-130J pilots, engineers and load masters to understand how typical roll-on/roll-off missions are managed for disaster relief operations. The C-130 has a built-in ramp that allows cargo or mission system modules to be literally rolled-on and off, allowing for cargo areas to be reconfigured anywhere in a matter of hours without requiring major design modifications.
In continuous production longer than any other military aircraft, the C-130 Hercules has earned a reputation as a workhorse ready for any mission, anywhere, anytime. To date, almost 2,500 C-130s have been delivered to operators around the world. The IAF is contracted to receive an additional six C-130Js through a Foreign Military Sale with the U.S. government. Indian Air Force C-130Js played an active role in recent disaster relief operations including the Uttrakhand floods and Nepal Eearthquake.
As a part of its larger commitment to enhance the growth and development of India’s innovation and entrepreneurial pursuits, Lockheed Martin has successfully run the India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP) since 2007 in partnership with the Indian Department of Science and Technology, Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas.
Lockheed Martin’s urban unmanned aerial system programme with DTU has been equally successful, and forms the basis of its future collaborative research and development efforts in India.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 23 January 2015 – Haidar Al Abadi, Prime Minister of Iraq, today made an urgent appeal to the international coalition to provide more arms, air strikes and military training to help his troops combat the “barbarians” of ISIS. Abadi, speaking at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, described ISIS, also known as Daesh, as the best-funded and most organized terrorists the world had ever seen.
In the face of falling oil prices, Abadi added: “Our economy cannot sustain two major spendings – one to sustain our society and two to sustain this awful war.”
The Prime Minister said that Daesh’s momentum had not only been halted but reversed. In the past two to three weeks he had noted an increase in airstrikes against Daesh and better coordination between coalition and Iraqi troops. However, Abadi said Daesh had developed and grown in power due to the situation in Syria.
This war must be stopped, he said, but added: “I am pessimistic because I cannot see a plan to save Syria.” Referring to the role of Iran, Abadi said “they have been very helpful” but he denied that any Iranian soldiers were fighting on Iraqi soil.
Since his government took power in September, Abadi said it has recruited Sunni tribes in the fight against Daesh and carried out a purge of corrupt officials in both the army and judiciary. He announced plans to diversify Iraq’s economy – 85% of which is currently fuelled by oil – towards agriculture and petrochemicals.
Abadi added that he is trimming state bureaucracy and encouraging foreign investment: “We are moving from a state-dominated system to a more vibrant mixed economy.” He said that with large reserves of oil and an educated workforce, the economic fundamentals of Iraq remain strong.
More than 2,500 participants are taking part at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland from 21 to 24 January 2015.
The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today issued a policy statement on the sharing of cybersecurity information that makes clear that properly designed cyber threat information sharing is not likely to raise antitrust concerns and can help secure the nation’s networks of information and resources. The policy statement provides the agencies’ analytical framework for information sharing among private entities and is designed to reduce uncertainty for those who want to share ways to prevent and combat cyberattacks.
“The Department of Justice is committed to doing all it can to protect the security of our nation’s networks. Through the FBI and the National Security and Criminal Divisions, the department plays a critical role in preventing and prosecuting cybercrime,” said Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole. “Private parties play a critical role in mitigating and responding to cyber threats, and this policy statement should encourage them to share cybersecurity information.”
“Cyber threats are increasing in number and sophistication, and sharing information about these threats, such as incident reports, indicators and threat signatures, is something companies can do to protect their information systems and help secure our nation’s infrastructure,” said Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “With proper safeguards in place, cyber threat information sharing can occur without posing competitive concerns.”
“Because of the FTC’s long experience promoting data security, we understand the serious threat posed by cyberattacks,” said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “This statement should help private businesses by making it clear that antitrust laws do not stand in the way of legitimate sharing of cybersecurity threat information.”
In the policy statement, the federal antitrust agencies recognize that the sharing of cyber threat information has the potential to improve the security, availability, integrity and efficiency of the nation’s information systems. The policy statement also emphasizes that the legitimate sharing of cyber threat information is very different from the sharing of competitively sensitive information such as current or future prices and output or business plans, which may raise antitrust concerns. Cyber threat information is typically technical in nature and covers a limited type of information, and disseminating that information appears unlikely to raise competitive concerns.
The joint Department of Justice/Federal Trade Commission “Antitrust Guidelines for Collaborations Among Competitors” provide an overview of the agencies’ analysis of information sharing as a general matter. The agencies consider whether the relevant agreement likely harms competition by increasing the ability or incentive to raise price above or reduce output, quality, service or innovation below what likely would prevail in the absence of the relevant agreement.
Previous antitrust analysis on cyber threat information sharing was issued in October 2000, when the Antitrust Division issued specific guidance in a business review letter to Electric Power Research Institute Inc. Under the Justice Department’s business review procedure, an organization may submit a proposed action to the Antitrust Division and receive a statement as to whether the division will challenge the action under the antitrust laws. In that letter, the Antitrust Division confirmed that it had no intention of taking enforcement action against the company’s proposal to exchange certain cybersecurity information, including exchanging actual real-time cyber threat and attack information. In that matter, the division concluded that as long as the information exchanged was limited to physical and cybersecurity issues, the proposed interdictions on price, purchasing and future product innovation discussions should be sufficient to avoid any threats to competition. The legal analysis in that matter remains current.
This news is courtesy of www.justice.gov
NEW YORK- L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced effective today that it has acquired Data Tactics Corporation. The business, renamed L-3 Data Tactics, is a specialized provider of Big Data analytics and cloud computing solution services, primarily to the U.S. Department of Defense. Headquartered in McLean, Va., Data Tactics employs approximately 200 people, including more than 150 data scientists, engineers, architects and developers, most of whom possess U.S. government security clearances. Its highly tailored solutions are used by the U.S. military and government agencies, including public safety and law enforcement organizations. The business is expected to generate sales of approximately $50 million for the year ending December 31, 2014.
“Data Tactics adds key capabilities in Big Data analytics to L-3’s portfolio, a very attractive and specialized domain that immediately enhances L-3’s existing National Security Solutions business and supports its growth as a solutions integrator for the national security and international markets. It also creates adjacent opportunities for L-3’s ISR business,” said Michael T. Strianese, L-3’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This acquisition supports our strategy of providing differentiated technologies and solutions that enable market share gains and distinguish L-3 from our competitors.”
Founded in 2005, Data Tactics provides solutions that address the future of national security needs, including sense-making from large volumes of data, cloud computing, ultra large-scale data management and analytics, cybersecurity, as well as advanced research, software development and integration capabilities. The business also offers several proprietary solutions, including its Big Data Engine platform that provides a high-speed analytics and cloud computing platform to a broader customer set, including select commercial markets. Additionally, Data Tactics is currently a prime contractor on several national security programs aimed at providing next-generation solutions in Big Data management and analysis.
“Data Tactics will immediately add synergies to our business and enable us to pursue new opportunities in data analytics, data engineering and secure cloud solutions,” said Les Rose, president of L-3’s National Security Solutions Group. “The addition of Data Tactics’ talented workforce and differentiated technologies to our existing portfolio will also enhance solutions and efficiencies for our customers.”
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, platform and logistics solutions, and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2013 sales of $12.6 billion.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.L-3com.com.
NEW YORK – L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced today that on October 13, 2015 it acquired ForceX, Inc., which the company has renamed L-3 ForceX. L-3 ForceX will be incorporated into L-3’s Integrated Sensor Systems (ISS) sector within the Electronic Systems business segment. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, but the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive.
Based in Nashville, Tenn., L-3 ForceX is an industry leader specializing in ISR mission management software and geospatial application technology programs, offering an array of advanced products, including cueing system software, hardware and video algorithms, and wide-area sensor integration solutions and software. The company’s proprietary processing, exploitation and dissemination (Tactical PED) capability provides an integrated tactical operational picture, allowing users to make critical decisions in real time. The business also provides training courseware, materials and turnkey classroom training solutions for its customers and currently supports several key Department of Defense ISR initiatives and classified programs. Its customer base includes the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command, the Naval Surface Warfare Center and a variety of DoD agencies. The business also has existing relationships with several defense prime contractors as well as numerous L-3 business units. L-3 ForceX is a highly customer-focused business that is expected to accelerate the overall growth prospects of the ISS sector.
“We have been strategically repositioning our portfolio by adding new capabilities that are aligned with our customers’ priorities, and we are pleased to announce this acquisition, which furthers this objective,” said Michael T. Strianese, L-3’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “ForceX complements L-3’s core business, enhancing our product and system capabilities to compete in new markets, and expands our customer base.”
L-3 ForceX is expected to add approximately $30 million in sales for the year ending December 31, 2016. Goodwill and other intangible assets from this acquisition are expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 45,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aerospace systems and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2014 sales of $12.1 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s website and is readily accessible.
NEW YORK– L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced today that it acquired the assets of MITEQ, Inc. on January 21, 2015 for $41 million, subject to customary adjustments. The business will be combined with L-3’s Narda Microwave-East business located in Hauppauge, N.Y., and the new organization will be called L-3 Narda-Miteq.
The Miteq business develops and manufactures specialized RF microwave products and solid-state SATCOM components that complement the existing Narda product line. The combined L-3 Narda-Miteq business will employ approximately 700 people, providing products for the U.S. military, government agencies, prime contractors and commercial customers. The Miteq acquisition is expected to generate approximately $60 million in sales for the year ending December 31, 2015.
“Miteq adds key products, technical capabilities and other synergies, strong engineering talent and new customers to L-3’s Advanced Communications sector within our Communication Systems segment,” said John S. Mega, president of L-3 Communication Systems. “Together, Narda-Miteq is a stronger and more scalable supplier that creates cross-selling opportunities and helps us build strategic partnerships with our expanding customer base.”
Miteq offers a broad product line of active and passive RF microwave components and low-power SATCOM products for space and military applications. The RF microwave product line includes low-noise and power amplifiers, mixers, solid-state switch assemblies, synthesizers, oscillators and multipliers. SATCOM products include components for airborne and Earth Station systems, as well as solid-state power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, uplink power control units and frequency converters.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aerospace systems and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2013 (revised) sales of $12.6 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s website and is readily accessible.
NEW YORK– May 9, 2016– L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced today that it has reinstated the name of its Madison, Mississippi-based aerospace sustainment and support services business to L-3 Vertex Aerospace.
“The L-3 Vertex Aerospace name stands for our legacy of delivering sophisticated and customer-focused services and support that provide consistent, measurable value,” said Mark Von Schwarz, president of L-3 Aerospace Systems, which includes the L-3 Vertex Aerospace business. “Vertex Aerospace goes well beyond providing logistical support, specializing in targeted technical services that require comprehensive expertise and an unwavering commitment to helping our military and government customers successfully complete their missions.”
L-3 Vertex Aerospace is widely known as a premier provider of specialized aerospace sustainment and support services and as a pioneer in the field of contractor logistics support and aerospace services. Its unique expertise is sought after for a broad range of programs, from aircraft maintenance programs that support thousands of mission and training sorties daily, to supply chain management and quick-reaction field teams that rapidly deploy globally to fulfill exacting customer needs.
“The name Vertex Aerospace resonates with our customers and employees because it has long been synonymous with our hard-earned reputation for expertise, competitiveness and total commitment to our customers,” said John E. ‘Ed’ Boyington, president of L-3 Vertex Aerospace. “We work with our customers as true business partners, so we understand their specific requirements and tailor our solutions to achieve successful outcomes. Our dedication to building and maintaining long-term customer relationships is both our legacy and our future.”
As one of four sectors within the L-3 Aerospace Systems business segment, L-3 Vertex Aerospace comprises the business areas that were previously called Logistics Solutions, which include aircraft and base maintenance programs, Contract Field Teams, Army Fleet Support and Flight International.
L-3 Vertex Aerospace, based in Madison, Mississippi, is a worldwide provider of aerospace sustainment & support and aviation & aerospace technical services for the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies and foreign governments. Its workforce of 7,300 professionals at 136 locations offers integrated logistics support, contractor logistics support, component repair and overhaul, in-house component repair, supply chain management, repair station support, pilot services and contract field services. L-3 Vertex Aerospace also provides turnkey customized solutions, contractor-operated and -maintained base supply services, supplier and vendor base services, and quick-reaction global deployment team support services.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide and is a leading provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms. L-3 is also a prime contractor in aerospace systems. The company reported 2015 sales of $10.5 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s website and is readily accessible.
NEW YORK- L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced today that its Coleman Aerospace business has been awarded a new, competitively won contract from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to provide Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target vehicles for use in tests of missile defense systems. The initial value of the award is approximately $73 million, with additional options valued at more than $400 million over the next five years.
In support of MDA, L-3 Coleman will develop and manufacture the MRBM targets and provide integrated logistics support, including inventory storage and maintenance, pre- and post-mission analysis, launch preparation, launch execution, and engineering services. These targets are an essential part of MDA’s test plan to verify the effectiveness of its missile defense systems.
“We are proud to be the winner of this critical competitive contract from MDA. L-3 Coleman has over 21 years of successful target system delivery performance, providing high-quality targets at an industry-leading value. Most recently, L-3 Coleman successfully demonstrated our Extended Long Range Air Launched Target (E-LRALT) in the FTI-01 integrated live-fire demonstration in October 2012. This was one of the largest, most complex mission flight tests ever attempted. We are extremely pleased to continue our work with MDA by applying the E-LRALT proven technology to the MRBM program,” said Steve Kantor, president of L-3’s Electronic Systems Group. “This contract for target vehicles will enable MDA to continue to assess the performance of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems.”
L-3 Coleman developed the first successful air-launched ballistic missile target in 1999 and has accomplished a long list of firsts in successful air launches. The business has air launched single-stage, two-stage and three-stage targets for MDA. In addition, L-3 Coleman has launched from C-17 and C-130 cargo aircraft at remote and diverse locations and azimuths over the Pacific Ocean.
L-3 Coleman Aerospace, based in Orlando, Fla., provides ballistic missile targets and launch services for the Missile Defense Agency, as well as engineering and analytical services for other government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA and their industrial partners. To learn more about L-3 Coleman Aerospace, please visit the company’s website at www.coleman-aerospace.com.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 48,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, platform and logistics solutions, and national security solutions. L-3 is also a leading provider of a broad range of electronic systems used on military and commercial platforms. The company reported 2013 sales of $12.6 billion.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.1-3com.com
NEW YORK- L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced today that it has completed the previously announced sale of its National Security Solutions (NSS) business to CACI International Inc for $550 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. NSS provides enterprise and mission information technology services, intelligence operations support and operational infrastructure support.
“The completion of the divestiture of NSS reflects our commitment to sharpening our focus on our core defense electronics, ISR and communications businesses where we have leading positions and global reach,” said Michael T. Strianese, L-3’s chairman and chief executive officer. “As a result, we are even better positioned to drive organic growth and margin enhancement while continuing to deliver the innovative solutions that help our customers meet their goals efficiently and affordably.”
The proceeds from the sale will provide L-3 with additional flexibility to continue focusing on a disciplined and balanced capital allocation strategy to drive shareholder value and enhance the market-leading products and systems the company provides to customers.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide and is a leading provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms. L-3 is also a prime contractor in aerospace systems. The company reported 2015 sales of $10.5 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com. L-3 uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding L-3 is routinely posted on the company’s website and is readily accessible.
MONS, Belgium – NATO detected and monitored four groups of Russian military aircraft conducting significant military manoeuvers in European airspace over the Baltic Sea, North Sea/Atlantic Ocean, and Black Sea on 28 and 29 October 2014. These sizable Russian flights represent an unusual level of air activity over European airspace.
Eight Russian Aircraft Intercepted over North Sea / Atlantic Ocean on 29 October 2014
At approximately 3:00 a.m. CET on 29 October, NATO radars detected and tracked eight Russian aircraft flying in formation over the North Sea. F-16 aircraft from the Royal Norwegian Air Force were scrambled, intercepted and identified the Russian aircraft, which included four Tu-95 Bear H strategic bombers and four Il-78 tanker aircraft. The formation flew from mainland Russia over the Norwegian Sea in international airspace. Six of the Russian aircraft then turned back to the north-east towards Russia, while two Tu-95 Bear H bombers continued south-west, parallel to the Norwegian coast, heading to the south-west. The Russian aircraft continued over the North Sea, and Typhoon fighters from the United Kingdom were scrambled in response. While over the Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal, the two Russian aircraft were intercepted and identified by F-16s from the Portuguese Air Force. The Russian aircraft turned back heading north-east, flying to the west of the United Kingdom. NATO aircraft from the United Kingdom and Norway were standing by and NATO assets on the ground and in the air tracked the Russian aircraft throughout. At present, the two Tu-95 bombers appear headed back to Russia, but as of 4 p.m. CET the aircraft were still airborne.
The bomber and tanker aircraft from Russia did not file flight plans or maintain radio contact with civilian air traffic control authorities and they were not using on-board transponders. This poses a potential risk to civil aviation as civilian air traffic control cannot detect these aircraft or ensure there is no interference with civilian air traffic.
Four Russian Aircraft Intercepted over Black Sea on 29 October 2014
During the afternoon of 29 October, NATO radars detected and tracked four Russian aircraft flying over the Black Sea in international air space, including 2 Tu-95 Bear-H bombers and 2 Su-27 Flanker fighter jets. Fighters from the Turkish Air Force have intercepted the Russian aircraft and NATO is continuing to track them in international airspace. As of 4 p.m. CET the aircraft were still airborne
Multiple Russian Aircraft Intercepted over Baltic Sea on 29 October 2014
During the afternoon of 29 October, NATO radars detected and tracked a number Russian aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea in international airspace, including 2x MiG-31 Foxhound, 2x Su-34 Fullback, 1x Su-27 Flanker and 2x Su-24 Fencer jets. Portuguese F-16 Fighters assigned to the Baltic Air Policing Mission were scrambled in response and the Russian aircraft returned to Russian airspace.
Seven Russian Fighter Jets also Intercepted on 28 October 2014
During the afternoon of 28 October, NATO radars detected and tracked seven Russian combat aircraft flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. The aircraft were detected at approximately 2:30 p.m. CET on 28 October and included 2x MiG-31 Foxhound, 2x Su-34 Fullback, 1x Su-27 Flanker and 2x Su-24 Fencer jets.
The Russian aircraft were flying in the Gulf of Finland and were intercepted by German Typhoon fighter jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission in order to identify the aircraft and protect Allied air space. The Russian aircraft continued into the Baltic Sea and were subsequently intercepted by Allied fighters from Denmark as well as fighters from Finland and Sweden, which are not members of NATO. The Russian fighters continued to the Kaliningrad Oblast. The Russian aircraft had filed a flight plan with air traffic control authorities, were using transponders, but did not maintain radio contact with civilian air traffic control.
NATO jets were on standby throughout the duration of both Russian flights and Russian aircraft were continually tracked using Allied assets on the ground and in the air. NATO has conducted over 100 intercepts of Russian aircraft in 2014 to date, which is about three times more than were conducted in 2013.
Scrambles and intercepts are standard procedure when an unknown aircraft approaches NATO airspace. However, such flights pose a potential risk to civil aviation given that the Russian military often do not file flight plans, or use their on-board transponders. This means civilian air traffic control cannot detect these aircraft nor ensure there is no interference with civilian air traffic.
NATO Allies protect their airspace on a 24/7 basis. Allied air defence efforts are focused on stopping unauthorised incursions into NATO airspace and on preventing acts of airborne terrorism.
VANCOUVER, BC and ATLANTA, April 13, 2021 /CNW/ – Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (“Liberty” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FRANKFURT: LD2), a leading concealed weapons detection company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a license agreement with Battelle Memorial Institute (“Battelle”) to develop next-generation checkpoint screening solutions.
Liberty has licensed the millimeter wave-based, High Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) body scanner and shoe scanner technologies as part of its ongoing relationship with Battelle. HD-AIT will enhance security screening at airports today by providing a next-generation technology platform for threat detection. The HD-AIT technology received early-stage funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), while the shoe screener received an R&D Magazine 100 award in 2020 and is currently in testing and evaluation.
Both the body and shoe scanner technologies were developed by researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), one of eight U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories managed by Battelle.
“The aviation security market needs new technologies that can address emerging threats while also offering efficient passenger throughput. We will continue the development of HD-AIT by leveraging the experience of our multi-disciplined engineering team as we see many parallels to the development of our HEXWAVE platform, a contactless security solution for concealed weapons detection in high-volume foot traffic areas,” said Liberty CEO Bill Frain.
This licensing agreement will enhance Liberty’s growing portfolio of security solutions, addressing the need for advanced technology at aviation checkpoints as well as for other commercial applications.
“The Liberty Defense team provides the leadership, engineering skills, and experience in the security industry that we seek to bring technologies to the defense of our nation. We look forward to teaming with Liberty to advance the development of these important platforms,” said PNNL’s Commercialization Manager Kannan Krishnaswami.
“Liberty is committed to protecting communities and preserving peace of mind through next-generation security solutions. The Battelle solutions are an ideal complement to our current technologies. We look forward to working closely with their team to deploy these solutions,” added Frain.
Battelle is a global research and development organization committed to science and technology for the greater good, serving the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 22,000 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including eight national laboratories for which Battelle has a significant management role on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the United Kingdom. With approximately $6 billion in annual revenues, Battelle has been a source of mission-ready solutions for decades that protect people, secure the homeland, and save lives.
On Behalf of Liberty Defense
Bill Frain
CEO & Director
About Liberty Defense
Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: SCAN, OTCQB: LDDFF, FRANKFURT: LD2) provides advanced security solutions for concealed weapons detection in high volume foot traffic areas. Liberty has secured an exclusive license from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a technology transfer agreement, for patents related to active 3D radar imaging technology, which is packaged into Liberty’s HEXWAVE product. HEXWAVE is discrete, modular and scalable, and provides layered defense with stand-off detection capability. This is intended to provide a means to proactively counter evolving threats. HEXWAVE uses active 3D radar imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect metal and non-metal firearms, knives, explosives and other threats. Liberty is committed to protecting communities and preserving peace of mind through superior security detection solutions. Learn more: LibertyDefense.com
DENVER, – Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] will work to enhance how the Navy exchanges C4ISR data throughout the space, air, surface, subsurface, and unmanned sensor domains under a contract with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific. This IDIQ contract has a ceiling value of $35 million over five years.
“For the Navy, every platform is a sensor, and every sensor must be networked,” said Dr. Rob Smith, vice president of C4ISR for Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions. “We’ll leverage our more than 30 years developing and fielding signals intelligence systems to increase the Navy’s intelligence sharing capability across the full spectrum of maritime and littoral missions.”
Lockheed Martin co-developed the Navy’s Distributed Information Operations-System, which addresses the Navy’s need for network-centric intelligence to improve interoperability and enhance battlespace awareness. For that effort, Lockheed Martin connected disparate Navy signals intelligence systems facilitating tactical data exchange and allowing commanders to better understand their operational environment.
Building upon those capabilities, Lockheed Martin will to continue to enhance the Navy’s signals intelligence collection, data fusion, and intelligence processing and dissemination capabilities. This could involve integrating and deploying capabilities that monitor the status of all sensors registered in the network; then displaying the input from those sensors in support of real-time planning. Network integration of sensors will be designed to accomplish cross-cueing, cooperative sensing and, where feasible and prudent, automated target recognition or classification. The workscope for this contract also includes analyzing ways to enhance the Navy’s use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surface combatant land attacks.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
HERNDON, Va., – The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) became the first intelligence agency to host an operational capability within Amazon Web Services’ Commercial Cloud Services (C2S) environment after Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] deployed the interactive map for NGA’s Map of the World to the C2S environment.
The Map of the World initiative acts as an interface for NGA’s most comprehensive and accurate geospatial intelligence data. Designed for both novice users and geospatial-intelligence experts, it serves as a platform to explore constantly-updated content and link natural and man-made features on, above and beneath the Earth to intelligence observations. Users can search for objects like bridges or railroad depots and know where the objects are located, as well as intelligence embedded within each object.
This cloud deployment is an early step in the transformation of the Intelligence Community’s infrastructure and will not only cut costs and increase efficiencies for the enterprise, but will also provide the entire Intelligence Community access to the Map of the World, which is the single integrated environment where all analysts can examine data, record observations and share all known information about a threat.
“Deploying geospatial mission applications and software to a commercial cloud environment allows the Map of the World to operate with more agility and efficiency,” said Jason O’Connor, vice president of Analysis & Mission Solutions with Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions. “This accomplishment demonstrates the power of what can be done by leveraging cloud technologies with mission driven software. It shows how we can further enhance geospatial capabilities in the intelligence and DOD community.”
Lockheed Martin’s Geospatial-Intelligence Visualization Services (GVS) program helped NGA and the Intelligence Community achieve this milestone by migrating the Map of the World’s interactive map and helping the community determine the processes to use the cloud environment. The deployment also consisted of the system’s accreditation in-compliance with ICD-503 guidelines which establish policy for the intelligence community’s security risk management for IT systems.
The Total Application Services for Enterprise Requirements (TASER) GVS contract vehicle, which was originally awarded in 2012, conveys geospatial visualization context and analytic capabilities to warfighters, intelligence officers and policy-makers through classified and unclassified computer networks.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
RiYaDh, Saudi Arabia, – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) recently celebrated the opening of the Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) Expanded Repair Capability center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marks the start of operations at the first Sniper ATP support center located outside the United States.
The Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability center provides sustainment support for Sniper ATPs. Due to its in-Kingdom location, the center helps expedite repair times, improving fleet readiness. It also generates in-Kingdom employment opportunities and expands the local manufacturing base.
“We are proud to partner with AEC to enhance in-Kingdom technical capabilities through work performed at this center,” said Alan Chinoda, chief executive for Lockheed Martin in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “As the sustainment hub for targeting systems in the Kingdom, the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability will also help ensure fleet readiness.”
“This Expanded Repair Capability center at AEC is a result of Lockheed Martin’s recognition of AEC’s capabilities in products and services according to the highest international quality standards,” said Mohammed Al-Khalifah, senior vice president at AEC. “By working with technology leaders like Lockheed Martin, AEC can expand its manufacturing and repair base and service the needs of customers in our region. This center reaffirms and demonstrates our commitment and outstanding capabilities of our workforce, the majority of whom are Saudi Nationals.”
Lockheed Martin and AEC established the Sniper ATP Expanded Repair Capability in cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Program. The center is part of an existing offset agreement between the Saudi Arabia Economic Offset Committee and Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin and AEC have previously collaborated on various defense products and systems that led to the transfer of technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
About AEC
AEC was created under the Saudi Economic Offset Program and is the leading company in the region capable of providing sophisticated systems exceeding the most demanding international standards. AEC is involved in a number of important national defense, telecom and industrial projects. Currently more than 74 percent of AEC employees are Saudi nationals working in a variety of challenging technical and professional positions. AEC’s Charter includes the full value chain of services for advanced Electronic Products and Systems for a variety of customers.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky – employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia,– Today the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) took major steps to enhance global security and stimulate economic progress in the United States and the Middle East. KSA has expressed its intent to procure more than $28 billion worth of Lockheed Martin integrated air and missile defense, combat ship, tactical aircraft and rotary wing technologies and programs.
“At Lockheed Martin, we are proud to be part of this historic announcement that will strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Marillyn Hewson. “We are especially proud of how our broad portfolio of advanced global security products and technologies will enhance national security in Saudi Arabia, strengthen the cause of peace in the region, and provide the foundation for job creation and economic prosperity in the U.S. and in the Kingdom. These agreements will directly contribute to His Majesty’s Vision 2030 by opening the door for thousands of highly skilled jobs in new economic sectors.”
The announcement includes:
Letters of Offer and Acceptance and a Memorandum of Intent covering government-to-government sales of Lockheed Martin programs to include integrated air and missile defense systems, multi-mission surface combatant ships, radar systems, surveillance systems, tactical aircraft and rotary wing programs.
A Letter of Intent, between Lockheed Martin and Taqnia, to form a joint venture to support final assembly and completion of an estimated 150 S-70 Black Hawk utility helicopters for the Saudi government. The program supports work for more than 450 U.S. jobs including in Connecticut at Sikorsky and throughout the U. S. supply chain and also supports KSA’s Vision 2030 by creating an additional 450 jobs in the Kingdom, developing local capabilities through technology and skills transfer, thus enhancing the U.S.-Saudi global security partnership.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Lockheed Martin and Saudi Arabian Military Industries for the parties to work together to build defense capabilities in the KSA to support Vision 2030 and provide for localization efforts associated with Multi-mission Surface Combatants and Aerostats.
Once fully realized, the programs in this announcement will support more than 18,000 highly skilled jobs in the U.S. and thousands of jobs in Saudi Arabia as part of maintaining and modernizing these platforms over the next 30 years. These programs help the Saudi government realize its Vision 2030 objective of building its domestic technology capabilities and skilled workforce.
About Lockheed Martin:
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
HERNDON, Va., – When consumers rely on packages to be accurately and promptly delivered, a precise in-shipment tracking system is important. When the Department of Defense (DOD) does the same with weapon systems, passengers, cargo and other mission-relevant supplies, the level of importance is greatly amplified.
Lockheed Martin will continue sustainment and operations for the Integrated Data Environment / Global Transportation Network Convergence (IGC) program which provides the DOD with near real-time enterprise access to logistics and transportation data used to track assets in motion, in storage and in theater to provide end-to-end supply chain visibility. This $26.8 million award is a follow-on to the 2008 IGC development and sustainment contract where Lockheed Martin was responsible for system design and implementation as the enterprise service provider.
“Situational awareness is an integral focus for any mission and part of that effort is the awareness of asset locations and deliveries,” said Angela Heise, vice president of Enterprise IT Solutions with Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions. “We’re using actionable logistics information to provide decision-making support for Joint Force Commanders.”
IGC is the United States Transportation Command’s program of record for in-transit visibility and the program of record for the Defense Logistics Agency’s asset visibility system. The system creates the greatest opportunity of a distribution network that ensures consistent access to authoritative logistics data, business rules and reliable information. IGC provides warfighters with the best information technology tools for supply and transportation while eliminating redundancies to streamline the support of informed and agile decision making.
IGC integrates more than 950 transaction types from 67 external DOD transportation, logistics and supply system interfaces and over 250 commercial transportation carriers into a single integrated data model to provide complete, consistent, and authoritative data in near-real time. IGC processes and loads nearly 3.5 billion transactions per month into two active, unclassified and classified environments in support of over 6,000 end users. More than 17,000 business rules have been implemented to accurately integrate data and develop a single version of truth from numerous data sources.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
BETHESDA, Md., – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has completed the separation of its Information Systems & Global Solutions (IS&GS) business segment and merged it with a subsidiary of Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS). The transaction concludes Lockheed Martin’s portfolio reshaping strategy announced last year and was finalized through a tax-efficient Reverse Morris Trust transaction.
The merger creates tangible value for both businesses. It will enable Lockheed Martin to reinforce its heritage in aerospace and defense and deliver more value to stockholders. As for the newly combined company, it will offer a broader and more affordable portfolio of capabilities and services to customers.
“This strategic transaction enhances our competitive posture in our core aerospace and defense markets and increases the value we deliver to our stockholders,” said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson. “As we position our company for the future, this action will enable us to focus our business growth strategy, align our technology investments and increase the value we deliver to customers worldwide.”
The closing of the merger followed the expiration of the exchange offer and the satisfaction of certain other conditions. As part of the transaction, Lockheed Martin received a $1.8 billion special cash payment, which the Corporation will use to repay debt, pay dividends, and/or repurchase its stock. As a result of the exchange offer, Lockheed Martin reduced outstanding shares of its common stock by 9,369,694 shares, or approximately 3% of the outstanding common shares. Lockheed Martin stockholders who participated in the exchange offer received an approximately 50.5 percent stake in Leidos (approximately 77 million shares of Leidos common stock). The special cash payment, plus the shares of Leidos common stock to be received by participating Lockheed Martin stockholders (valued based on Leidos’ August 15 closing price adjusted for the $13.64 per share Leidos special dividend to be paid), results in an aggregate transaction value of approximately $4.6 billion.
Preliminary Results of Exchange Offer
Lockheed Martin stockholders had an opportunity to exchange their shares of Lockheed Martin common stock for shares of Abacus Innovations Corporation (Abacus), a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin created to facilitate the transaction, which automatically converted into the right to receive shares of Leidos common stock at the close of the transaction. The final exchange ratio for the exchange offer was set at 8.2136 shares of common stock of Abacus for each share of Lockheed Martin common stock. Each share of Abacus common stock was converted in the merger into one share of Leidos common stock. As a result, Lockheed Martin stockholders who tendered and did not properly withdraw their shares of Lockheed Martin common stock in the exchange offer received approximately 8.2136 shares of Leidos common stock (subject to the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares) for each share of Lockheed Martin common stock accepted for exchange.
Pursuant to the exchange offer, which expired today at 8:00 a.m. EDT, Lockheed Martin accepted 9,369,694 shares of Lockheed Martin common stock in exchange for the 76,958,918 shares of Abacus common stock owned by Lockheed Martin, which represent all of the outstanding shares of Abacus.
Because more than 9,369,694 shares of Lockheed Martin common stock were validly tendered and not properly withdrawn in the exchange offer, the exchange offer was oversubscribed and all shares of Abacus common stock owned by Lockheed Martin were distributed in the exchange offer. As a result of the oversubscription, it was not necessary to distribute shares of Abacus common stock to Lockheed Martin stockholders as a pro rata dividend. Earlier today, Lockheed Martin announced a preliminary proration factor of approximately 8.01 percent.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Bethesda, Md., July 20, 2015 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft, for $9.0 billion. The price is effectively reduced to approximately $7.1 billion, after taking into account tax benefits resulting from the transaction.
“Sikorsky is a natural fit for Lockheed Martin and complements our broad portfolio of world-class aerospace and defense products and technologies,” said Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO. “I’m confident this acquisition will help us extend our core business into the growing areas of helicopter production and sustainment. Together, we’ll offer a strong portfolio of helicopter solutions to our global customers and accelerate the pace of innovation and new technology development.”
The acquisition is subject to customary conditions, including securing regulatory approvals, and is expected to close by late fourth quarter 2015 or early first quarter 2016. The transaction will have no impact on the company’s previously stated commitments to return cash to shareholders through dividends and to reduce outstanding share count to below 300 million shares by the end of 2017.
Lockheed Martin and United Technologies Corporation have agreed to make a joint election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code, which treats the transaction as an asset purchase for tax purposes. The election generates a tax benefit with an estimated present value of $1.9 billion for Lockheed Martin and its shareholders.
The Corporation plans to align Sikorsky under the Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training (MST) business segment. MST and Stratford, Conn., based Sikorsky currently partner on a number of critical programs, including the VH-92 Presidential Helicopter, Combat Rescue Helicopter and the Naval MH-60 Helicopter.
Separately, Lockheed Martin will conduct a strategic review of alternatives for its government IT and technical services businesses, primarily in the Information Systems & Global Solutions business segment and a portion of the Missiles and Fire Control business segment. The programs to be reviewed represent roughly $6 billion in estimated 2015 annual sales and more than 17,000 employees.
“As global security market dynamics shift, this review will strengthen our competitive posture, enabling sustained, profitable growth and positioning Lockheed Martin to deliver value for customers, shareholders and employees,” Hewson said.
Lockheed Martin is a leading IT and technical services provider around the globe, and with a series of recent wins in the U.S., Europe and Australia, the business is well positioned for the future. However, following recent shifts in market dynamics, Lockheed Martin will explore whether the businesses can achieve greater growth and create more value for customers and shareholders outside of the Corporation. The strategic review is expected to result in a spin-off to Lockheed Martin shareholders or sale of these components.
The IS&GS programs that are not included in the strategic review are mostly focused on defense and intelligence customers and will be realigned into the Corporation’s other four business segments following completion of the review.
For more information and updates on the Sikorsky Aircraft acquisition, visit: lockheedmartin.com/sikorsky.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
DENVER, – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is upgrading the battle command system that directs flying operations for all airborne assets of the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, including fighters, bombers, tankers, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters and cruise missiles.
The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to update the Air Tasking Order Management System (ATOMS), which allows commanders to deploy air assets, execute air tasking orders and direct joint U.S. air operations through centralized planning.
ATOMS is replacing part of the Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS), which has been referred to as the “engine of the air operations center.” The Air Force Command and Control Air Operations Suite (C2AOS) – Command and Control Information Services (C2IS) is providing the next generation of TBMCS replacement applications such as ATOMS to provide the automation necessary to plan, direct and control all theater air operations, and to coordinate air activities with ground and maritime elements.
“Since developing TBMCS in 1995, we’ve ensured that the system provides the tools needed for coordinated air operations,” said Dr. Rob Smith, vice president of C4ISR Systems for Lockheed Martin. “This effort provides the warfighter with additional system to system interoperability to support their continually evolving mission.”
Lockheed Martin will update over 250 air tasking requirements, which will improve interoperability between ATOMS and other management systems, such as legacy Air Force and Army air management systems. Lockheed Martin will also enhance net-enabled warfare capabilities, which will allow the Air Force to better manage remote guided and controlled weapons through the system.
Lockheed Martin is commemorating 20 years of supporting TBMCS. Operationally deployed in 2000, TBMCS is used by all air wings of the United States military to plan and execute airborne missions, maintain automated airspace deconfliction, and enable synchronized air battle management.
MARINETTE, Wis., — The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led industry team launched the nation’s seventh Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Detroit, into the Menominee River at the Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC) shipyard.
The ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Barbara Levin, christened Detroit with the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow just prior to the launch.
“It is a privilege to serve as the sponsor of the future USS Detroit and to participate in the major milestones along the way to her assuming her place as part of the great U.S. Navy fleet”, said Mrs. Levin. I also look forward to an ongoing relationship with her courageous crews and their families throughout the ship’s lifetime.”
Following christening and launch, Detroit will continue to undergo outfitting and testing before delivery to the Navy in 2015.
“It is an honor to continue supporting the U.S. Navy with these capable and flexible warships,” said Dale P. Bennett, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training business. “The Lockheed Martin-led team’s LCS design is lethal, survivable, and affordable.These ships will help the Navy achieve its goal to increase forward presence, and can be upgraded or modified quickly to meet future missions.”
The U.S. Navy awarded the contract to construct Detroit in March 2011. The ship is one of five LCS currently under construction at Marinette Marine.
“On behalf of Marinette Marine, we are incredibly proud to build these ships for the U.S. Navy,” said Jan Allman, MMC president and CEO. “We continue to streamline our processes and leverage the craftsmanship and skills of our employees in producing these high quality vessels for our warfighters.”
The Lockheed Martin-led industry team is building the Freedom-variant ships, and has already delivered two ships to the U.S. Navy. USS Freedom (LCS 1) completed a successful deployment to Southeast Asia in 2013. USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) will deploy to Southeast Asia in 2014. Milwaukee (LCS 5) will be delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2015. Detroit (LCS 7) was christened and launched on Oct. 18, 2014. Little Rock (LCS 9), Sioux City (LCS 11) and Wichita (LCS 13) are under construction. Billings (LCS 15) will begin construction this year.
Earlier this year, the Navy funded Indianapolis (LCS 17) and LCS 19, which is yet to be named.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
About Marinette Marine
Founded in 1942, Marinette Marine Corporation (MMC) is located on the Menominee River flowage into Green Bay. The largest shipyard in Wisconsin and the Midwest, MMC has delivered more than 1,300 vessels for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and commercial customers, including the technologically advanced Littoral Combat Ship Freedom class for the U.S. Navy. In 2008, MMC along with several sister shipyards also based in the Great Lakes region, became part of FINCANTIERI SpA, the largest shipbuilder in the western Hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world. FINCANTIERI operates in the United States through its subsidiary Fincantieri Marine Group, serving both civilian and government customers. Over the past five years, FINCANTIERI invested more than $100 million in both capital infrastructure and its resources to support MMC’s transformation into what is now one of the best shipyards in the United States. Employing approximately 1,400 employees, today MMC is a state-of-the-art, full service new construction shipyard.
About Gibbs & Cox
Gibbs & Cox, the nation’s leading independent maritime solutions firm specializing in naval architecture, marine engineering and design, is headquartered in Arlington, Va. The company, founded in 1929, has provided designs for nearly 80 percent of the current U.S. Navy surface combatant fleet; approaching 7,000 naval and commercial ships have been built to Gibbs & Cox designs.
DALLAS, Nov. 9, 2016 – Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) first modernized Tactical Missile System (TACMS) missile completed a successful first flight test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
The missile was launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher at a target area more than 130 kilometers away, precisely hitting the target with a proximity sensor-enabled detonation. All test objectives were achieved.
“This was a successful test that proves that the new Modernized TACMS retains the extreme precision this product line is known for,” said Scott Greene, vice president of Precision Fires/Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “With Modernized TACMS, we are taking existing missiles from inventory and giving our customer an essentially new missile.”
As part of the U.S. Army’s TACMS Service Life Extension Program inventory refurbishment effort, the modernized missile includes updated guidance electronics, and added capability to defeat area targets without leaving behind unexploded ordnance. The missile was produced at the Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Production Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas.
The TACMS (formerly ATACMS) modernization process disassembles and demilitarizes previous-generation submunition warheads that do not comply with the international Convention on Cluster Munitions, replacing them with new unitary warheads. The modernization process also resets the missile’s 10+ year shelf life.
Additionally, the TACMS platform provides flexibility to quickly integrate novel payloads and new capabilities as required by the warfighter.
With unsurpassed performance and an unwavering commitment to production excellence, TACMS is the only long-range tactical surface-to-surface missile ever employed by the U.S. Army in combat. TACMS missiles can be fired from the entire family of MLRS launchers, including the lightweight HIMARS.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
The President’s Budget includes $612 billion of national defense discretionary funds, a $26 billion, or 4.5 percent, increase from the 2015 enacted level, to provide the resources needed to sustain the President’s national security and defense strategies. The Budget reverses the decline in national defense spending of the past five years and proposes to transition enduring overseas contingency operations (OCO) costs to the base budget, to fully fund and account for the costs of keeping the Nation secure. Discretionary national defense function spending has fallen by 18 percent since 2010 as the military has ended its ground combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and adjusted to the sequestration cuts of 2013 and flat base budget funding levels of 2014 and 2015. This spending — which comprises all base and OCO funding for DOD, as well as funding for certain programs in DOE, DOJ, and other Departments and agencies — peaked in 2010 at $714 billion, and has since decreased $128 billion, to the 2015 enacted level of $586 billion. Accounting for the effects of inflation, the decrease over this period is even steeper, at 24 percent.
Part of the decrease reflects the declining costs of OCO-funded operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as highlighted below. However, sequestration also reduced the base budget significantly in 2013, and the Bipartisan Budget Act essentially straight-lined the defense base budget in 2014 and 2015. These levels required sharp cuts to training, maintenance, and modernization. Combined with a continued demand for U.S. forces to respond to emergent crises while preparing for a widening spectrum of future challenges, reduced budgets contributed to degraded levels of readiness throughout the military, and delays in fielding equipment and technology that will be critical for future security. Going forward, defense base budgets at or near the sequestration level would undermine the military’s capacity and capability to respond to contingencies, deter aggression, project power, and decisively win against potential adversaries — leaving it insufficiently prepared to protect and advance U.S. interests.
The President’s Budget provides $561 billion in base discretionary funding for national defense (of which $534 billion is for DOD), which is $40 billion, or eight percent, above the 2015 enacted level. The Budget makes strategic investments to sustain and advance U.S. global leadership while ensuring the Nation’s long-term fiscal health. It provides for the training, maintenance, and support needed to restore military readiness over the next several years, and for investment in recapitalization and modernization needed to ensure America’s continued technological edge. Along with these funding increases, the Budget provides savings (detailed below) through critical reforms that slow growth in compensation and divest unnecessary overhead, infrastructure, weapons, and end strength. The Budget also increases outyear projections for defense spending across the 2017 to 2020 period to accommodate select investments in key capabilities, such as space security, nuclear deterrence, power projection, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. These targeted increases will further enhance the U.S. military’s ability to execute the defense strategy as the Nation continues to adapt to a changing threat environment. The Budget presents a responsible alternative to current law, since risks to the Nation would grow significantly if sequestration-level funding returns, if proposed reforms are not accepted, or if uncertainty over budget levels continues.
DOD’s OCO request is $51 billion, which is $13 billion, or 21 percent, below the 2015 enacted level. It provides the funding needed to combat diverse terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); to ensure a responsible transition in Afghanistan, where the United States and international partners will train, advise, and assist Afghan-led operations; and to counter Russia’s aggressive actions and reassure allies and partners in Europe. The OCO budget includes certain costs that will endure past these current contingencies, and thus the Budget proposes to transition enduring OCO costs to the base budget, as described later in this chapter.
The President’s Budget also provides $53.4 billion for the Department of State and Other International Programs (State/OIP), including $46.3 billion in base funding and $7.0 billion in OCO, which is a $4.0 billion, or eight percent, increase from the 2015 enacted level, excluding emergency Ebola funding. This funding will make strategic investments that will help provide not only for a stronger and safer America, but also for a more stable and prosperous world. The Budget supports sustainable security and shared prosperity at home and abroad through critical investments in diplomacy and development, from life-saving humanitarian assistance to counterterrorism programs aimed at defeating terrorist organizations. It provides strong support for U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities abroad, security partnerships, global engagement, and development programs that advance economic growth, health, education, and democratic governance. The Budget advances American leadership and engagement at a time when diplomacy is most needed to confront the many challenges facing the world today.
2.7.1
Advancing National Security Priorities
Degrading and Defeating ISIL and Responding to the Syria Crisis. As part of the U.S. effort to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL, support security and governance, continue efforts in Iraq, support regional partners, and bring stability and promote the conditions for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict in Syria, the Budget proposes $8.8 billion in OCO funds for DOD and State/OIP. ISIL poses an immediate threat to Iraq, Syria, and American allies and partners throughout the region as it seeks to overthrow governments, control territory, terrorize local populations, and attack the United States and coalition partners throughout the world. The ongoing conflict in Syria also continues to threaten regional stability and has displaced over 10 million people. The Budget provides funding for military operations, diplomacy, governance, and humanitarian and security assistance programs to address these challenges. This includes $5.3 billion for DOD to continue Operation Inherent Resolve, which includes conducting airstrikes, collecting intelligence, as well as training, advising, and equipping the Iraqi security forces and properly vetted members of the moderate Syrian opposition. For State/OIP, the Budget provides $3.5 billion to strengthen regional partners, counter ISIL, provide humanitarian assistance, and strengthen Syria’s moderate opposition to advance the conditions for a negotiated political transition.
Ensuring a Responsible Transition in Afghanistan. The Budget continues to support long-term national security and economic interests in Afghanistan and help sustain political, economic, and security gains in the country as the United States draws down its forces, assistance levels gradually decline, and the Afghans assume greater responsibility for securing their country. The Budget includes resources to reinforce Afghanistan’s security and development by supporting military training and assistance, as well as health, education, justice, economic growth, governance, and other civilian assistance programs necessary to preserve the gains of the last decade, strengthen diplomatic ties with the international community, and promote stability. The Budget also facilitates the transition of the U.S. military from a combat mission to a mission of training, advising, and assisting the Afghan National Security Forces and maintaining a limited counterterrorism capability to continue targeting the remnants of al Qaeda.
Countering Russian Pressure and Aggressive Action. In response to the Russian Federation’s aggressive acts and attempts to constrain the foreign and domestic policy choices of neighboring countries, the Budget includes proposals for political, economic, and military support to NATO allies and partner states in Europe. To increase resilience within the governments and economies most targeted by Russian pressure, the Budget provides an additional $117 million in foreign assistance funds directed specifically toward countering Russian aggressive acts in Ukraine, and $51 million for countering Russian pressure and destabilizing activities in Moldova and Georgia. This assistance will support efforts to bolster democracy and good governance, increase the capabilities of security forces, strengthen the rule of law and anti-corruption measures, and promote European Union integration, trade, and energy security. In addition, through a $16 million investment in U.S. international media activities, the United States will seek to engage vulnerable populations in periphery countries, expand U.S. support to freedom of press and independent journalism in the region, and advance America’s foreign policy interests. Building on the $1 billion sovereign loan guarantee provided in 2014 and the forthcoming $1 billion sovereign loan guarantee in 2015, the Budget includes funding that could support an additional loan guarantee providing up to $1 billion in financing in 2016, if conditions warrant, to help Ukraine continue on its path of economic recovery, reforms, and normalized access to international financial markets in the wake of destabilizing Russian actions and violations of Ukrainian sovereignty. To bolster security and reassure NATO allies and partner states in Europe, the Budget provides $789 million to continue the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI). ERI funding will enable the Unites States to continue increased military exercises, training, and rotational presence in Europe, enhance U.S. preparedness to reinforce NATO allies through the prepositioning of equipment, and build the capacity of partner states in Europe to operate alongside the United States and NATO in strengthening regional security.
Strengthening Government-wide Efforts to Combat Terrorism. The Budget provides $2.5 billion for the Counterterrorism Partnerships Fund to support a sustainable and effective approach for combating terrorism, with a focus on enabling and empowering partners facing terrorist threats. The $2.1 billion proposed for DOD would increase partner capacity-building, facilitate partner counterterrorism operations, and enhance DOD’s counterterrorism activities. The $390 million proposed for State/OIP would enable the Department to bolster global counterterrorism partnerships, as well as address underlying conditions conducive to terrorism.
Countering Violent Extremism. The Administration has developed a strategy to address recent domestic terror incidents and the emergence of groups attempting to recruit Americans to take part in ongoing conflicts in foreign countries. As part of this effort, DOJ’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) initiative is an Administration priority and supports the United Nations’ efforts to address foreign terrorist fighters. Additional resources are provided to support community led-efforts, including $4 million to conduct research targeted toward developing a better understanding of violent extremism and advancing evidence-based strategies for effective prevention and intervention; $6 million to support flexible, locally-developed CVE models; $2 million to develop training and provide technical assistance; and $3 million for demonstration projects that enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies nationwide to partner with local residents, business owners, community groups, and other stakeholders to counter violent extremism.
Rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific Region. The Budget supports the Presidential priority of advancing security, prosperity, and human dignity across the Asia-Pacific region. Recognizing that security in the Asia-Pacific region underpins regional and global prosperity, the Budget aligns resources and activities to strengthen U.S. alliances, to forge deeper partnerships with emerging powers, and to pursue a productive relationship with China. Building on the President’s successful November 2014 trip, the Budget provides resources to help deepen U.S. trade in the region as the United States leads the way in negotiating the high-standard Trans-Pacific Partnership with 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, which will boost American exports and create jobs at home by promoting strong rules to protect labor, the environment, and intellectual property. To promote universal and democratic values, the Budget expands education and cultural exchanges and strengthens regional cooperation with organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In pursuit of security cooperation, the Budget enhances and modernizes U.S. defense relationships, posture, and capabilities with a focus on maritime security. DOD funding remains consistent with the priorities identified in the 2012 Defense Strategic Guidance and the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review. To address security, development, and economic challenges, the Budget prioritizes advancing regional and country capabilities. These investments are critical to the Administration-wide effort to promote regional security and economic cooperation.
Investing in Adolescent Girls’ Education, Safety, and Health. In collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and building on ongoing U.S. efforts that currently support more than a million adolescent girls worldwide every year, the Budget provides $250 million in new and reallocated funds to broaden opportunities for adolescent girls around the world. This new, expanded Let Girls Learn initiative — building on USAID’s initial funding and programs — will improve access to quality education and health care, and help address violence and other barriers to education that adolescent girls face. The Budget also continues support for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) interventions to reduce HIV infections in young women, and expands USAID’s programs in support of adolescent girls’ education, including expanded investments in educating adolescent girls in Afghanistan. These and other investments will deepen the United States’ commitment to adolescent girls, helping girls and young women thrive and play a fuller role in their respective societies and economies.
Maintaining Technological Superiority. Technological superiority enables the United States to project power to dangerous environments, defend against threats in all domains, and continuously adapt, innovate, and prevail as new threats arise. Maintaining this superiority is becoming increasingly challenging as potential adversaries have accelerated their investments in modernizing their militaries, and as disruptive technologies have proliferated, resulting in growing threats where U.S. access had formerly been assured. The Budget makes needed investments in DOD and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) procurement, and research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) to address this challenge and maintain technological superiority. Base budget funding for DOD’s procurement and RDT&E accounts — which took disproportionate reductions under sequestration to achieve rapid savings in recent years — and funding for NNSA increase to $190 billion, a $22 billion, or 13 percent, increase compared to the 2015 enacted level. With this funding, the Administration is prioritizing investments in cybersecurity; missile defense; nuclear deterrence; space; precision strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and air and sea capabilities for projecting power and operating in denied environments. In addition, DOD recently announced in November 2014, the establishment of a broad, Department-wide initiative to pursue innovative ways to sustain and advance U.S. military superiority for the 21st Century and improve business operations throughout the Department. The Defense Innovation Initiative will pursue breakthrough technologies and new concepts of operations to enhance the U.S. military’s dominance even as the diffusion of disruptive technology to potential adversaries makes the future operating environment more challenging. Scientific discovery and applied research are central to all these efforts, and thus the proposed funding for DOD’s RDT&E accounts includes $12 billion for science and technology investments in areas including quantum information science, cognitive neuroscience, nanoscience, synthetic biology, autonomy, cybersecurity, and countering weapons of mass destruction, among other investments.
Strengthening Space Security. Space capabilities are vital to U.S. national security and the ability to understand emerging threats, project power globally, conduct operations, support diplomatic efforts, and enable global economic prosperity. It is also the shared interest of all nations to act responsibly in space to help prevent mishaps, misperceptions, and mistrust. The Budget supports a variety of measures to help assure the use of space in the face of increasing threats to U.S. national security space systems. The Budget also supports the development of capabilities to defend and enhance the resilience of these space systems. These capabilities help deter and defeat interference with, and attacks on, U.S. space systems.
Transitioning Overseas Contingency Operations Spending.
Since 2001, the Nation has financed the incremental costs of overseas conflicts, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan, outside of the base budget. From 2001 to 2009 these funds were designated for the “Global War on Terror” (GWOT), and from 2009 to the present these funds have been designated for “overseas contingency operations” (OCO). Following the institution of statutory budget caps in the Budget Control Act of 2011, funding designated as OCO/GWOT has remained flexible and separate from base budget constraints, which has enabled the United States to fully fund wartime costs principally associated with these major combat operations.
As the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan ends, it is time to reconsider the appropriate financing mechanism for costs of overseas operations that are enduring. As the chart below shows, the Administration’s transitions in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a $129 billion, or 69 percent, reduction in OCO costs, from their peak of $187 billion in 2008 to the Administration’s 2016 request for $58 billion. Beyond 2016, some costs currently funded in the OCO budget will endure. The United States will continue to provide support to its Afghan partners, counter terrorism abroad, maintain a strong forward presence in the Middle East region, and ensure U.S. military forces are ready to respond to a wide range of potential crises. The Nation’s fiscal and defense policies must fully plan and account for these costs, and the transition must be accomplished in a manner that protects the defense strategy. Accordingly, early this year the Administration will propose a plan to transition all enduring costs currently funded in the OCO budget to the base budget beginning in 2017 and ending by 2020. This plan will describe which OCO costs should endure as the United States shifts from major combat operations, how the Administration will budget for the uncertainty surrounding unforeseen future crises, and the implications for the base budgets of DOD, the Intelligence Community, and State/OIP. This transition will not be possible if the sequester-level discretionary spending caps remain in place. The Administration continues to support the replacement
Addressing Cyber Threats. Cyber threats targeting the private sector, critical infrastructure, and the Federal Government demonstrate that no sector, network, or system is immune to infiltration by those seeking to steal commercial or Government secrets and property or perpetrate malicious and disruptive activity. Addressing these threats requires a comprehensive approach that brings all elements of government together with private industry, academia, and the public, while also protecting individual privacy. The Budget identifies and promotes initiatives and priorities, including the deployment of intrusion detection and prevention capabilities and enhancement of Government information sharing capabilities with the private sector so that they can be more vigilant and better protect themselves against emerging threats. It also makes investments in cyber research and development to strengthen U.S. cybersecurity defenses and make cyberspace inherently more secure. In addition, the Budget includes funding to enhance U.S. capabilities to respond to cyber threats and incidents once they have occurred, begin building a civilian cyber campus to better share information on cyber threats and incidents with those being targeted, improve the ability to share evidence of cyber-crimes with other nations, and maintain efforts to increase the Nation’s cyber workforce.
As cybersecurity challenges continue to impact Federal agencies, the protection of the Government’s information and information systems has become critical to protecting national infrastructure. The Budget funds key investments to enhance the Federal Government’s cybersecurity posture. These include Continuous Diagnostics and Monitoring of Federal systems, the EINSTEIN intrusion detection and prevention system, and Government-wide testing and incident response training to mitigate the impact of evolving cyber threats. These resources will allow the Government to more rapidly protect American citizens, systems, and information from cyber threats.
Modernizing Military Compensation. The Budget continues to provide a robust compensation and benefits system that honors the service of the Nation’s men and women in uniform and their families. For 2016, the Budget provides a 1.3 percent increase to basic pay, a 1.5 percent increase in the Basic Allowance for Housing, and a 3.4 percent increase in the Basic Allowance for Subsistence. In addition, the Budget proposes to modernize the TRICARE Program and continues to pursue commissary operational efficiencies and revenue generating enhancements. These proposals will ensure that DOD continues to recruit and retain a high quality All-Volunteer Force, while addressing costs in a responsible and balanced manner. In addition to these proposals, the Administration looks forward to reviewing the report from the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, and working with the Congress to ensure a strong and sustainable military compensation and retirement system.
Promoting Defense Reforms. The defense strategy depends on investing every dollar where it will have the greatest effect, which the Budget will accomplish through critical reforms that divest unneeded force structure, slow growth in compensation, and reduce wasteful overhead. To direct investments toward a ready, technologically superior force, the military must shed unnecessary force structure now that ground combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan have ended. Venerable weapons systems, such as the A-10 aircraft, have performed decades of service, yet would now face survivability challenges against a technologically advanced adversary. Therefore, the Budget reproposes the retirement of this and other systems, and directs the money saved toward investment in the most capable, versatile, and survivable systems to perform their missions. The Budget also reduces overhead and waste by continuing the initiative to reduce DOD’s major headquarters’ operating budgets by 20 percent, pursuing acquisition reform through the Better Buying Power initiative, and proposing another round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) to free resources currently consumed by maintaining unneeded facilities. The need to reduce unneeded facilities is so critical that, in the absence of authorization of a new round of BRAC, the Administration will pursue alternative options to reduce this wasteful spending.
Suitability and Security. It is critical to the safe and effective operation of the Federal Government to ensure that Federal employees continue to be good stewards of sensitive information and worthy of the public trust their positions require. In order to protect against threats from individuals within the Government, and drive increased efficiency of the security clearance processes, the Administration is pursuing several reforms in the personnel security, suitability, and credentialing mission space.
Following the Washington Navy Yard shooting, the President directed OMB to conduct a comprehensive review of Federal procedures for background investigations and security clearances. The Performance Accountability Council delivered a Report to the President (120 Day Report), which was approved in March 2014. The Report established a set of recommendations to increase the availability of critical information, reduce risk inherent in the system, and increase oversight and accountability. The Administration established an interagency Program Management Office focused on implementing the Report’s recommendations. The immediate and meaningful progress to date includes:
Continuous Evaluation. The Administration is committed to shifting security and suitability evaluations to a continuous evaluations approach, allowing agencies to gather real-time information that may be relevant to these clearances. In the past year, initial pilots have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of more frequent investigations of cleared personnel. The Budget provides funding in DOD and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to expand these initial pilots and move to making “Continuous Evaluation” a Government-wide practice. While agencies transition to Continuous Evaluation, the Federal Investigative Standards has already established a new five-year re-investigation requirement for all individuals with a security clearance.
Improved Access to Law Enforcement Records. The National Defense Authorization Act-mandated Records Access Task Force report provided recommendations for improving information sharing among State, local, and Federal law enforcement entities when conducting background investigations. The Budget continues to invest in improving agencies’ information technology (IT) systems to enhance data sharing between the Federal Government and State and local entities.
Access to Classified Information. The Director of National Intelligence issued a requirement for all agencies to validate whether each individual identified as eligible for access to classified information still required eligibility. Through this process, the Administration achieved its objective to reduce the total number of security-cleared individuals by 10 percent. This reduction will allow agencies to better deploy resources to priority activities, such as completing periodic reinvestigations for the most sensitive populations.
2.7.2
Honoring America’s Commitment to Veterans
The Budget includes $70.2 billion in discretionary 2016 resources for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a 7.8-percent increase over 2015. The Budget also includes an advance appropriation request of $63.3 billion for 2017 medical care, a 5.5-percent increase over the 2016 request. This funding will ensure continued investment in the five pillars the President has outlined for supporting the Nation’s veterans: providing the resources and funding they deserve; ensuring high-quality and timely health care; getting veterans their earned benefits quickly and efficiently; ending veteran homelessness; and helping veterans and their families get good jobs, education, and access to affordable housing.
Implementing the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. On August 7, 2014, the President signed into law the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Veterans Choice Act). The Budget supports implementation of the Veterans Choice Act and the Administration’s goal of providing timely, high-quality health care for the Nation’s veterans. The Veterans Choice Act provided $5 billion in mandatory funding to increase veterans’ access to health care by hiring more physicians and staff and improving VA’s physical infrastructure. It also provided $10 billion in mandatory funding through 2017 to establish a temporary program (Veterans Choice Program) improving veterans’ access to health care by allowing eligible veterans who meet certain wait-time or distance standards to use health care providers outside of the VA system. The Veterans Choice Program provides a measure of short-term relief from the pressure of escalating health care requirements as current patients in the VA system elect to receive their care through the program. These investments, together with the Budget request of $70.2 billion, will provide authorities, funding, and other tools to enhance service to veterans in the short term while strengthening the underlying VA system to better serve veterans in the future. However, more resources will be required to ensure that the VA system can provide timely, high-quality health care into the future. In the coming months, the Administration will submit legislation to reallocate a portion of Veterans Choice Program funding to support essential investments in VA system priorities in a fiscally-responsible, budget-neutral manner.
Speeding the Processing of Disability Compensation Claims. VA has made tremendous progress reducing the veteran disability claims backlog. The Budget provides additional funding to continue investment in the Veterans Claims Intake Program and paperless claims, helping provide faster and more accurate benefits claims processing decisions. The Budget also includes funding to hire additional employees to address the growth in related claims and improve the VA’s timeliness in resolving appeals. Further, the Budget funds efforts to ensure consistent, personalized, and accurate information about services and benefits, especially in the delivery of compensation and pension claims processing.
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., – Dangerous frontline operations call for a safe and efficient method to locate and evacuate wounded personnel. To address this critical need and help save lives, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Kaman Aerospace (NYSE: KAMN), and Neya Systems demonstrated the first ever collaborative unmanned air and ground casualty evacuation using the unmanned aerial system (UAS) Control Segment (UCS) Architecture and K-MAX® cargo helicopter on March 26.
During the demonstration, a distress call led ground operators to send an unmanned ground vehicle to assess the area and injured party. The ground operators used control stations that communicated with one another using the UAS control segment architecture. Upon successful identification, the ground operators requested airlift by unmanned K-MAX of one individual who was injured. From the ground, the K-MAX operators used a tablet to determine the precise location and a safe landing area to provide assistance to the team. The injured team member was strapped into a seat on the side of the unmanned K-MAX, which then flew that individual to safety.
“This application of the unmanned K-MAX enables day or night transport of wounded personnel to safety without endangering additional lives,” said Jay McConville, director of business development for Unmanned Integrated Solutions at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training. “Since the K-MAX returned from a nearly three-year deployment with the U.S. Marine Corps, we’ve seen benefits of and extended our open system design incorporating the UCS Architecture, which allows rapid integration of new applications across industry to increase the safety of operations, such as casualty evacuation, where lives are at stake.”
“Neya is continuing to develop advanced technologies for human robot interfaces for complex platforms and multi-robot missions,” said Dr. Parag Batavia, president of Neya. “Our and Lockheed Martin’s use of the unmanned aircraft system control segment architecture greatly sped up integration of our respective technologies, resulting in a comprehensive capability that can be ultimately transitioned to the warfighter very efficiently.”
While deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps from 2011 to 2014, unmanned K-MAX successfully conducted resupply operations, delivering more than 4.5 million pounds of cargo during more than 1,900 missions. Manufactured by Kaman and outfitted with an advanced mission suite by Lockheed Martin, unmanned K-MAX is engineered with a twin-rotor design that maximizes lift capability in the most challenging environments, from the mountainous Alps to the Persian Gulf. Its advanced autonomy allows unmanned K-MAX to work day and night, in all-weather, even when manned assets are unable to fly. Lockheed Martin continues to extend and mature the K-MAX helicopter’s onboard technology and autonomy for defense operations, as well as demonstrate its use for civil and commercial applications.
With five decades of experience in unmanned and robotic systems for air, land and sea, Lockheed Martin’s unmanned systems are engineered to help our military, civil and commercial customers accomplish their most difficult challenges today and in the future.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
Kaman Aerospace is a division Kaman Corporation , which was founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman. Headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, The company produces and/or markets widely used proprietary aircraft bearings and components; complex metallic and composite aerostructures; safe and arm solutions for missile and bomb systems ; and support for the company’s SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters and K-MAX medium-to-heavy lift helicopters.
Neya Systems, LLC is a small business unmanned systems company in Wexford, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2009, Neya focuses on developing interoperable solutions to the world’s hardest robotics problems. Neya Systems, LLC, is a 2014 INC 5000 Listee, and in 2015 was named by Fast Company magazine as one of the Top-10 Worldwide Most Innovative Companies in Robotics. For more information, visit http://www.neyasystems.com.
We’ve formally reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission about privacy. We’ve agreed to pay a historic fine, but even more important, we’re going to make some major structural changes to how we build products and run this company.
We have a responsibility to protect people’s privacy. We already work hard to live up to this responsibility, but now we’re going to set a completely new standard for our industry.
As part of this settlement, we’re bringing our privacy controls more in line with our financial controls under the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. Our executives, including me, will have to certify that all of the work we oversee meets our privacy commitments. Just as we have an audit committee of our board to oversee our financial controls, we’ll set up a new privacy committee of our board that will oversee our privacy program. We’ve also asked one of our most experienced product leaders to take on the role of Chief Privacy Officer for Products.
To implement this, we’ll have to review our technical systems to document any privacy risks and how we’re handling them. Going forward, when we ship a new feature that uses data, or modify an existing feature to use data in new ways, we’ll have to document any risks and the steps we’re taking to mitigate them. We expect it will take hundreds of engineers and more than a thousand people across our company to do this important work. And we expect it will take longer to build new products following this process going forward.
Overall, these changes go beyond anything required under US law today. The reason I support them is that I believe they will reduce the number of mistakes we make and help us deliver stronger privacy protections for everyone.
As we build our privacy-focused vision for the future of social networking that I outlined earlier this year, it’s critical we get this right. The next focus for our company is to build privacy protections as strong as the best services we provide. I’m committed to doing this well and delivering the best private social platform for our community.
REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced that Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA), which provides IT career training to eligible active-duty U.S. service members, is expanding from three locations to nine and will be servicing 12 military installations.1 Launched in November 2013 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, MSSA helps active duty U.S. service members develop the career skills necessary to meet the IT industry’s high demand for cloud developers, cloud administrators, and database and business intelligence administrators. Upon successful completion of the program, participants gain an interview for a full-time job at Microsoft or one of its hiring partners.
MSSA will now be offered at the following bases and locations:
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina
Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia
Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington
Jacksonville, Florida, serving the community near Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport
San Diego, California, serving the community near Naval Station San Diego, Naval Air Station North Island and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Three additional Army installations
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will serve as the new designated academic partner for MSSA expansion delivery, providing the infrastructure to deliver Microsoft curriculum and coursework that trains service members on in-demand areas of IT, including cloud development, cloud and database administration, and business intelligence administration. In the Jacksonville and San Diego areas, hosting MSSA courses outside the walls of military installations will allow service members who have already separated from the U.S. military to join in the training, as space allows.
Embry_crop“The skill sets of our servicemen and servicewomen, combined with the IT training they receive in a program like MSSA, position them to strongly compete for high-paying, long-term careers in technology,” said Chris Cortez, vice president of Military Affairs at Microsoft. “Expanding the program not only to East Coast military bases but also to additional installations will allow us to significantly increase our impact in this time of troop transition, when many service members are seeking new, promising career paths. With our many IT industry partners, we can collectively place service members for roles at some of the today’s top companies, getting them excited for a career in technology.”
In its first two years, 17 MSSA cohorts, or classes, have successfully completed the program. Ninety-one percent of MSSA participants graduate, and of those graduates, three-quarters are employed or have gone on to pursue more schooling. Eighty-one companies have hired MSSA grads, and the average starting salary for graduates is more than $70,000.
Microsoft is on track to achieve its goal of hiring about a quarter of the service members it trains through MSSA and is collaborating closely with its hiring partners to open up opportunities for all who complete the program. More information can be found at http://military.microsoft.com.Program details vary by base. For more information, current and former service members may visit their Base Education Center.
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., – Interceptors equipped with a next-generation system that can defeat multiple complex missile threats with just one launch would make U.S. missile defense capabilities even more effective. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has begun work in Sunnyvale, California, to define the concept for a Multi-Object Kill Vehicle missile defense system for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.
A kill vehicle keeps people safe by destroying an incoming missile before it reaches its destination. It is the part of an interceptor that strikes an incoming warhead, using force of impact alone to limit effects on the ground. All of today’s major U.S. missile defense systems use the hit-to-kill force-of-impact technology pioneered by Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale.
“We will devise and explore the most effective solutions for destroying more than one warhead with a single interceptor, an important step in changing the cost curve for missile defense engagement,” said Doug Graham, vice president of missile systems and advanced programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. “Our talented engineers will use out-of-the-box Silicon Valley thinking to create an ultra-high-performance system that will operate outside of the atmosphere while traveling thousands of miles per hour.” Engineering experts at the company’s Huntsville, Alabama, facility also will contribute to the Multi-Object Kill Vehicle concept.
Such a system could thwart an attack involving a single missile that releases a group of objects that includes the warhead plus decoys that are warhead look-alikes.
Under the $9.7 million contract, Lockheed Martin will develop a system concept for use on the interceptors used by the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) element of the nation’s ballistic missile defense system. The company will consider advanced sensor, communication and divert-and-attitude control technologies and approaches, and will identify methods for reducing technical risks. This approach not only will expand the defense of the United States against potential missile attacks, but also will require fewer interceptors to do so.
As the proven world leader in systems integration and development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, Lockheed Martin has developed systems, such as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot Advanced Capability-3, that have achieved more than 100 successful intercepts in combat and flight testing since 1984 – more than any other company.
For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
DENVER, – Using a 10-ton crane, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] engineers and technicians gently lowered the system module of the U.S. Air Force’s first next generation GPS III satellite into place over its propulsion core, successfully integrating the two into one space vehicle.
Click here for a high-resolution version of the GPS Integration image.
GPS III space vehicle one (SV 01) is the first of a new, advanced GPS satellite design block for the Air Force. GPS III will deliver three times better accuracy, provide up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities and extend spacecraft life to 15 years, 25 percent longer than the satellites launching today. GPS III’s new L1C civil signal also will make it the first GPS satellite interoperable with other international global navigation satellite systems.
The systems integration event brought together several major fully functional satellite components. The system module includes the navigation payload, which performs the primary positioning, navigation and timing mission. The functional bus contains sophisticated electronics that manage all satellite operations. The propulsion core allows the satellite to maneuver for operations on orbit.
“The final integration of the first GPS III satellite is a major milestone for the GPS III program,” said Mark Stewart, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Navigation Systems mission area. “This summer, SV 01 will begin Thermal Vacuum testing, where it will be subjected to simulated harsh space environments. Successful completion of this testing is critical as it will help validate our design and manufacturing processes for all follow-on GPS III satellites.”
Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to build eight GPS III satellites at its GPS III Processing Facility near Denver, a factory specifically designed to streamline satellite production.
The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Air Force Space Command’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
LAS VEGAS – Municipalities may enhance situational awareness and predictive policing efforts now with the Real-Time Crime Center Starter Kit from Motorola Solutions Inc. (NYSE:MSI). With 90% of police departments set to increase their use of predictive policing tactics in the next five years, Motorola’s system integration and professional consultation services will help public safety officials implement that strategy.
The Real-Time Crime Center solution takes inputs from multiple data sources such as video, sensors, alarms, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records and combines them with data analytics and mission-critical radio networks to deliver one, unified operational view. The starter kit will utilize Motorola’s Real-Time Intelligence Console (RIC) as the backbone for a system that will integrate video and other solutions with an agency’s existing system, including dispatch platforms, to help identify and distribute information to first responders. By sharing the right information at the right time, agencies can shorten response time, proactively deploy resources and increase situational awareness.
KEY FACTS
The Motorola Real-Time Crime Center Starter Kit package consists of the RIC platform including software licensing for a RIC console position and connections to support interfacing with a CAD platform and up to two video management platforms.
The starter kit will give customers the ability to connect up to 100 existing cameras back into the RIC, integrating feeds from multiple video management systems on to one screen and selecting the most relevant video for improved incident management.
The RIC provides an aggregated, user configurable console view that integrates multiple disparate public safety systems and third-party applications into a unified public safety workflow.
Motorola’s professional services help guide departments through Real-Time Crime Center visioning, training and needs assessments. Design and planning also will assist departments in preparation for the organizational transformation ahead and can demonstrate measurable improvements to their communities.
SUPPORTING QUOTES
David Thomas, solutions vice president, Motorola Global Solutions and Services
“For most police departments, the focus and field of expertise is crime-fighting and crime prevention, not implementing and managing technology. The Real-Time Crime Center Starter Kit from Motorola Solutions allows agencies to implement predictive policing tactics and leverage existing technology to provide relevant and timely intelligence to improve closure rates, help stop a crime in action and proactively identify potential incidents before they occur.”
This news is courtesy of www.motorolasoulutions.com
BADEN, SWITZERLAND—March 13, 2017 — GE Power (NYSE: GE) has signed a multiyear service agreement (MYA) with Centrais Elétricas de Sergipe S.A. (CELSE) for a new combined-cycle power plant in northeastern Brazil. The agreement includes operations, maintenance, repairs and digital solutions as well as GE’s first order in Latin America for its OpShield cybersecurity solution. The solutions in the agreement will help improve the plant’s performance and availability and enable safe operational technology connectivity. The 1,516-megawatt (MW) Porto de Sergipe plant is expected to meet an estimated 15 percent of the energy needs of northeastern Brazil. It will be Latin America’s largest gas power plant when it begins operating in January 2020.
“GE has the power generation services and digital expertise we need to reliably and securely operate the Porto de Sergipe plant for years to come,” said Eduardo Maranhão, CEO of CELSE, a new independent power producer in Brazil. “We are pleased this project incorporates the latest digital technology and security solution into our multiyear agreement with GE to help us ensure that our Porto de Sergipe plant operates at the highest levels of reliability and availability to support our power purchase agreements.”
The agreement will cover:
Long-term plant maintenance including scheduled maintenance on the gas and steam turbines, auxiliary components, generators and control systems.
Plant operation and maintenance (O&M) services.
Digital solutions including Asset Performance Management and Operations Optimization, which run on GE’s Predix* platform—the operating system for the Industrial Internet.
OpShield cybersecurity solution, a specialized internet-connected sharing firewall that helps protect critical infrastructure by monitoring and blocking malicious activity directed at plant assets.
GE’s solutions are expected to help the plant achieve better reliability and performance. The cybersecurity solution, with the ability to demonstrate security actions and activities, will help improve operational reliability, reduce risk in business continuity and meet regulatory compliance for NERC CIP.
“Our Fleet360* platform of total plant solutions will help CELSE get the most value out of its investment in building the Porto de Sergipe plant,” said Ramon Paramio, region general manager of GE’s Power Services in Latin America. “The project is particularly noteworthy because it includes end-to-end services tailored to help meet CELSE plant’s availability, heat rate and output targets.”
This agreement follows an announcement GE and CELSE made in October 2016 for the original equipment order, valued at more than $900 million, for the turnkey combined-cycle plant project. The plant, which is being built in Barra dos Coqueiros in the state of Sergipe, will include three of GE’s 7HA gas turbines as well as a steam turbine, heat recovery steam generator and transmission technology. GE also is supplying the entire power island engineered package and remaining balance of plant such as cooling towers, foundations, roads and buildings.
GE employs more than 13,000 people in Brazil, where the company has been present for 96 years. Its equipment already is responsible for supplying more than 33 percent of all energy produced in the country, exceeding 47 gigawatts.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the “GE Store,” through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com
About GE Power
GE Power is a world leader in power generation with deep domain expertise to help customers deliver electricity from a wide spectrum of fuel sources. We are transforming the electricity industry with the digital power plant, the world’s largest and most efficient gas turbine, full balance of plant, upgrade and service solutions as well as our data-leveraging software. Our innovative technologies and digital offerings help make power more affordable, reliable, accessible and sustainable.
Several companies, working closely with NASA, ended 2013 with an impressive string of achievements to build on in 2014 as the American aerospace industry continues to develop and demonstrate commercial human spaceflight capabilities with the potential to support both commercial and government customers.
The year will be pivotal for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program (CCP) as the agency looks to announce one or more awards by August for Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contracts that would lead to operational crewed flights to the International Space Station. NASA intends to use new commercial systems to fly U.S. astronauts to and from the station within the next three years.
NASA’s industry partners are pursuing ambitious milestones this year as CCP moves forward. The partners are Blue Origin of Kent, Wash.; The Boeing Company of Houston; Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) of Sparks, Nev.; and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, Calif.
Milestones planned by the companies include sophisticated software demonstrations, a free flight to evaluate a vehicle in a simulated space environment and launches to test the first of a new generation of launch abort systems. The goal of CCP is to develop a new generation of U.S. human transportation systems capable of delivering humans to low-Earth orbit from American soil.
“Our partners have steadily moved pieces from the drawing boards and computer screens to factory floors and test stands across the country,” said Kathy Lueders, acting manager of CCP. “The new year offers exciting opportunities for these companies to demonstrate the reach and potential of their hard-earned innovations.”
Blue Origin test-fired its BE-3 engine in 2013. It plans this year to review its assembly of a sub-scale propellant tank and conduct a review of the space vehicle’s subsystems design.
With the completion of a detailed design review in 2013, Boeing continued to develop its spacecraft, the CST-100, confirming in this review the service module propulsion system was ready to move into the next phases: production and integration with the CST-100 spacecraft.
Boeing’s certification plan for the CST-100 detailed several aspects of its development and operation, including plans for testing components and systems along with the spacecraft as a whole — a plan that takes the spacecraft through development to the launch pad and on to mission operations.
“Boeing’s goal is to develop a safe and reliable commercial space transportation system and these reviews are vital to meet that goal,” said Gennaro Caliendo, NASA’s Integration Team lead for Boeing. “They help ensure that the spacecraft and its myriad systems will work together to accomplish challenging missions, which require the utmost attention to detail.”
NASA worked with a team of engineers and designers from SNC in 2013 to review detailed certification and systems safety plans for its Dream Chaser Space System.
“The roadmap to understanding how safe and reliable a crew transportation system is takes a lot of details and dedication from all parties involved,” said Cheryl McPhillips, NASA’s Partner Integration Team lead for SNC. “When building a system that is to be trusted enough to carry humans into space, the most important part is building in safety from the start. SNC has made significant progress with its Dream Chaser to date.”
SNC plans to build on that progress in 2014 with wind tunnel tests and further advancement of its innovative main propulsion and reaction control systems, and a second free flight test of the Dream Chaser.
SpaceX’s first commercial satellite launch on an upgraded Falcon 9 rocket gave NASA engineers an opportunity to review the vehicle’s performance in flight following the Sept. 28 liftoff and ascent of the Falcon 9 v1.1 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The company anticipates using the upgraded rocket to launch humans to destinations in low-Earth orbit.
“With the upgrade from version 1.0 to a 1.1, SpaceX introduced a number of new systems including new engines, new software and new avionics,” said Derek Hassmann, NASA Partner Integration Manager working with SpaceX. “The overall conclusion is that SpaceX is on the right track. The goal really isn’t to judge their design, but to see how they cope with anomalies, see how they track their processes and control their hazards and how they’re able to deal with the unexpected.”
The 2014 calendar for SpaceX includes increasingly detailed reviews of the company’s integrated systems and progress on its ground systems. SpaceX will conduct two flights to test the Dragon’s launch abort systems, powered by two SuperDraco thrusters that will push the Dragon into the sky instead of pulling the spacecraft up as previous launch abort systems have done.
Milestones achieved by CCP’s partners are continuing to push commercial spacecraft and transportation system designs closer to reality. The successes of NASA and American aerospace companies are ushering in a new generation of space transportation capabilities, which will enable new opportunities for humans to live and work in space.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.nasa.gov
Governments across the globe are facing new and increasingly grievous threats to cybersecurity, with vulnerabilities poised to harm citizens and national economies. Microsoft has long been publicly committed to building a safe and trusted digital environment, working to address the unique security needs of governments worldwide.
Microsoft has taken this commitment a step further with the signing of its newest Government Security Program (GSP) agreement with the NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Agency.
A program designed by Microsoft to help governments evaluate and protect existing systems, and create, deploy, and maintain more secure infrastructure, the GSP fosters partnership and trust. It is open to government agencies regardless of a commercial contract with Microsoft, and is an important part of what we consider to be our duty as global citizens.
Microsoft currently has GSP agreements with over 40 agencies from more than 25 governments worldwide. In each of these cases, we have found that supporting an open dialogue and collaborative environment is the most effective way to increase transparency, reliability and integrity in our collective desire for improving cybersecurity.
GSP participants use the program’s capabilities to meet information assurance needs. For example, participants can gain deeper understanding of Microsoft products and services for evaluation and certification. The program can also help participants with compatibility and deployment planning, particularly for Windows 10 or cloud migration scenarios. Additionally, many GSP participants are interested in the cybersecurity threat and vulnerability services that we provide through the GSP, which help protect their citizens, economies and infrastructure.
This signing is the latest step in our 12-year cybersecurity relationship with NATO, and is a first for the parties using the GSP’s newly-expanded capabilities. Through this agreement, the NCI Agency will gain access to technical information and documentation about Microsoft products and services, as well as information about internet safety, threat intelligence, online training tools, and guidance to help mitigate the effects of cyberattacks across the region.
“NATO is facing new and increasingly dangerous threats to cybersecurity across the world and these threats could affect national economies and citizens. To avoid it, NCI Agency strongly believes in rapid and early information sharing on threats and vulnerabilities with leader companies worldwide, such as Microsoft. Trust is the key to success,” said Koen Gijsbers, NCI Agency General Manager.
The agreement is a natural extension of the commitment we made to enhance the transparency of our software code and continue building trust with governments around the world. Opening the Transparency Center in Brussels earlier this year provided an important cornerstone element of our long-standing GSP approach.
An information exchange between trusted organizations – both public and private – is essential to detecting and disrupting cybersecurity threats. As threats continue to evolve, Microsoft’s work with the NCI Agency and other GSP agencies around the globe will allow us to use our resources and tools so that we can create and promote more secure computing infrastructures and safer digital environments around the world.
The Navy will christen its newest Expeditionary Fast Transport, the future USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
The future USNS Burlington, designated T-EPF 10, will be the first ship in naval service to honor Burlington, Vermont’s largest city. The first Navy ship Burlington (PF-51) was named for Burlington, Iowa and served during WWII.
The principal speaker is U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont. Mrs. Marcelle Pomerleau Leahy, Senator Leahy’s wife of 55 years, will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.
“This ship honors Burlington, Vermont, a city that embodies American values and its patriotic, hardworking citizens for their support and contributions to our Navy,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Burlington, like the other ships in the EPF program, will provide our commanders high-speed sealift mobility and agility. I am thankful for this ship and her crew who will serve our nation for decades to come, and I am thankful for our industrial force teammates whose service makes this great ship possible.”
With an all-aluminum shallow-draft hull, the EPF is a commercial-based catamaran capable of intra-theater personnel and cargo lift providing combatant commanders high-speed sealift mobility with inherent cargo handling capability and agility to achieve positional advantage over operational distances.
EPF class ships are designed to transport 600 short tons of military cargo 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. The ship is capable of operating in shallow-draft ports and waterways, interfacing with roll-on/roll-off discharge facilities, and on/off-loading a combat-loaded Abrams main battle tank (M1A2).
The EPF includes a flight deck for helicopter operations and an off-load ramp that will allow vehicles to quickly drive off the ship. EPF’s shallow draft (under 15 feet) further enhances littoral operations and port access. This makes the EPF an extremely flexible asset for support of a wide range of operations including maneuver and sustainment, relief operations in small or damaged ports, flexible logistics support, or as the key enabler for rapid transport.
The EPF program delivered its ninth ship late last year, USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9). Puerto Rico (EPF 11) and Newport (EPF 12) are currently under construction at Austal’s shipyard.
The Navy will commission its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Omaha (LCS 12), during a 10:00 a.m. PST ceremony Saturday, February 3, at the Broadway pier in San Diego, California.
The future USS Omaha, designated LCS 12, is the eleventh littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the sixth of the Independence-variant design. It is the fourth warship named for the Nebraska state capital. The first ship was a propeller-driven sloop-of-war. The second ship was a light cruiser, and the third Omaha was an attack submarine.
Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Mrs. Susie Buffett, an Omaha philanthropist and daughter of Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., will serve as the ship’s sponsor. In a time-honored Navy tradition, she will give the order to, “man our ship and bring her to life!”
“Omaha and her sister ships represent an investment in our Nation, the result of the partnership between the Department of the Navy and our shipbuilding industry. American craftsmen in Mississippi, Alabama, around the country have made USS Omaha possible” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “The LCS fills a unique mission for the United States Navy and as these remarkable ships continue to be produced out of our shipyards, they represent an increase in our readiness and lethality.”
LCS is a modular, reconfigurable ship, designed to meet validated fleet requirements for Surface Warfare (SUW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Mine Countermeasures (MCM) missions in the littoral region. An interchangeable mission package is embarked on each LCS and provides the primary mission systems in one of these warfare areas. Using an open architecture design, modular weapons, sensor systems, and a variety of manned and unmanned vehicles to gain, sustain, and exploit littoral maritime supremacy, LCS provides U.S. joint force access to critical areas in multiple theaters.
The LCS-class consists of the Freedom-variant and Independence-variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom-variant team is led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered ships, e.g. LCS 1). The Independence-variant team is led by Austal USA (for LCS 6 and follow-on even-numbered ships). Twenty-nine LCS ships have been awarded to date: 11 have been delivered to the Navy, 15 are in various stages of construction, and three are in pre-production states.
The ceremony can be viewed on the Navy Live blog at http://navylive.dodlive.mil.
Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. For more information about the Littoral Combat Ship class: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1650&ct=4
Additional information about the future USS Omaha (LCS 12) can be found online at: https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/o/omaha–lcs-12–iv.html
UXBRIDGE, England, — Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is broadening its network of cyber research capability globally with the creation of a Cyber Innovation Centre (CIC) based in the South-West of England. The centre continues Raytheon’s investment and growth in the UK and will provide development and test capability against current and emerging global cybersecurity threats. The centre is expected to open soon, housing over 100 cyber specialists who will work with a wide range of governmental and commercial customers to solve their complex cybersecurity challenges.
Operating as a research, development and innovation hub, the CIC will enable Raytheon to work with its partners on projects and demonstrations while extending the company’s deep cyber expertise to other international locations. The facility joins Raytheon’s global network of cyber centres and will focus on cyber and information assurance projects utilising the company’s decades of experience, nation-scale capability and global partnerships.
“The new facility marks a significant investment of financial and intellectual capital for Raytheon in the UK, and continues the growth and capability expansion of our intelligence and security business,” said Richard Daniel, chief executive, Raytheon UK. “Our end-to-end cyber capabilities include cyber defence solutions to address insider threats, counter intelligence, data analytics and secure information sharing. Raytheon’s CIC will partner with field experts, academia and prime contractors to provide leading software development and vulnerability research services to help customers become resilient and operate with confidence in cyber space.”
Raytheon will provide its expertise in detecting internal and external threats to information technology systems and deliver rapid threat response, advanced persistent threat defence, as well as business processes to address cyber threats. While providing a broader global cybersecurity capability, the centre is expected to have a benefit to the UK by helping to develop a workforce with high-demand skills and expertise in the growing cyber sector.
“The cyber threat extends globally and the opportunities for innovative solutions are global as well,” said Lynn Dugle, president, Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services business. “The UK Cyber Centre expands Raytheon’s network of global cyber capability and innovation centres while tapping into UK’s strong talent pool as we defend some of the world’s most sophisticated networks against very complex threats.”
About Raytheon UK
Raytheon UK is a subsidiary of Raytheon Company. It is a prime contractor and major supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and has developed strong capabilities in mission systems integration in defence, national security and commercial markets. Raytheon UK also designs, develops and manufactures a range of high-technology electronic systems and software at facilities in Harlow, Glenrothes, Uxbridge, Waddington and Broughton.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2013 sales of $24 billion and 63,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems; as well as cyber security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
Davos, Switzerland, 23 January 2020 – While certain cyberattacks focus on specific organizations, the majority target the largest number of internet users possible. Such attacks are often relatively easy for cybercriminals to undertake and can cause serious harm. The impact of indiscriminate malicious activity online can be significant and carries an estimated global price tag of $6 trillion in 2021.
The World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity brought together a group of leading ISPs and multilateral organizations to develop new ways to protect and prevent these attacks from reaching consumers. Following a year of development and testing, four actionable principles were identified as successful in preventing malicious activities from getting “down the pipes” to consumers, set out in the report: Cybercrime Prevention: Principles for Internet Service Providers.
BT, Deutsche Telekom, Du Telecom, Europol, Global Cyber Alliance, Internet Society, Korea Telecom, Proximus, Saudi Telcom, Singtel, Telstra, ITU endorsed these principles, protecting up to 1 billion consumers in 180 countries in the process.
“Cybersecurity is becoming a public safety issue,” said Amy Jordan, Delivery Lead, Platform for Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, World Economic Forum. As more and more devices are connected and physical infrastructure becomes increasingly connected, no one company can do it alone. The community needs to come together, and these principles can accelerate and scale impact.”
In the report, each principle is considered from the perspective of the challenges it is seeking to address, as well as providing demonstrable evidence from service providers of the benefits of implementation. Further, more technical detail on how each principle could be implemented is also provided in related recommendations.
“This initiative represents a fantastic example of the World Economic Forum’s ability to convene public and private sector stakeholders to share and implement industry best practice that helps not only the organizations involved, but the users of the internet at large,” said Kevin Brown, Managing Director, BT Security.
“EUROPOL wholeheartedly supports the adoption of these principles by Internet Service Providers worldwide because they have the potential to significantly limit the harm caused by malicious cybercrime actors,” said Catherine de Bolle, Executive Director of EUROPOL.
“The World Economic Forum’s ISP Principles are a superb collection of actionable measures that providers can use to reduce malicious activity online,” said Joseph Lorenzo Hall, Senior Vice President, Strong Internet, Internet Society.
“By adopting these best practice principles and working with governments in a public-private partnership to create a supportive policy framework, we will collectively boost trust in the digital economy and significantly reduce cybercrime,” said Stefaan De Clerck, Chairman, Proximus Board.
“As a nation, and as the digital enabling company, we are exposed to all sorts of attacks, which forced us early on to heavily invest and build world class cyber capabilities to become fully resilient. Guided by these four principles we encourage other ISPs to leverage them in defining their strategies and gain confidence by joining other global partners.” said Nasser Suliaman AlNasser, Saudi Telecom Group (stc) CEO.
It is recommended that ISPs adopt the following key principles:
1. Protect consumers by default from widespread cyberattacks and act collectively with peers to identify and respond to known threats.
2. Take action to raise awareness and understanding of threats and support consumers in protecting themselves and their networks.
3. Work more closely with manufacturers and vendors of hardware, software and infrastructure to increase minimum levels of security.
4. Take action to shore up the security of routing and signalling to reinforce effective defence against attacks.
The World Economic Forum, will now use its Platform for Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity and Digital Trust to drive adoption of the Principles and seek to initiate a dialogue between public- and private-sector stakeholders on how governments can incentivize uptake and establish clearer policy frameworks and expectations. By working collaboratively, ISPs will be better placed to protect their customers and defend their own networks than if they work alone.
About the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2020
This year’s meeting brings together nearly 3,000 global leaders from politics, government, civil society, academia, the arts and culture as well as the media. Convening under the theme, Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World, participants will focus on defining new models for building sustainable and inclusive societies in a plurilateral world.
The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced new measures to help get small business loans into the hands of veterans by setting the borrower upfront fee to zero for all veteran loans authorized under the SBA Express program up to $350,000. This initiative will start on January 1 and continue through the end of the fiscal year.
“Our nation’s veterans are highly-skilled and highly-trained leaders in their communities,” said Acting SBA Administrator Jeanne Hulit. “This initiative will set fees to zero for SBA Express loans to veterans up to $350,000, and is part of SBA’s broader efforts to make sure that veterans have the tools they need to start and grow a business. As we honor our veterans and thank them for their service and sacrifice, let’s continue to identify ways to support them when they come home.”
Of all SBA loans that go to veterans, 73 percent are $350,000 and below. The SBA Express Loan Program, which supports loans under $350,000, is SBA’s most popular loan delivery method, with nearly 60 percent of all 7(a) loans over the past decade being authorized through the program. Since the program’s inception, it has also been one of the most popular delivery methods for getting capital into the hands of veteran borrowers.
Building on SBA’s recent announcement that for the current fiscal year, fees on loans for $150,000 and under are set to zero, this policy announcement means that veteran borrowers will no longer have to pay an upfront fee for any loan up to $350,000 under the SBA Express program. This new initiative will go into effect January 1 and extend for the duration of the fiscal year. This will make the loans cheaper for the borrower, another way SBA is looking to serve small business owners as they look for ways to access capital.
Today’s announcement comes during SBA’s National Veterans Small Business Week, an initiative on the part of the U.S. Small Business Administration to reach out to veteran entrepreneurs and business owners. During Veterans Small Business Week, SBA staff all across the country have been working with partner organizations on educational efforts, mentoring, and trainings to make sure veterans have the tools they need to start or grow their business.
SBA provides veterans access to business counseling and training, capital and business development opportunities through government contracts. In FY 2013, SBA supported $1.86 billion in loans for 3,094 veteran-owned small businesses. And since 2009, the dollar amount of SBA lending support to veteran-owned firms has nearly doubled.
This Press Release is courtesy SBA.gov
PHOENIX- A new partnership will help more wounded veterans get access to and information about a potentially life changing assistance dog. PetSmart for Patriots is a joint endeavor between PetSmart and Canine Companions for Independence, in support of Canine Companions’ Wounded Veterans Initiative to help partner assistance dogs with the military veterans who need them. Since 1992, Canine Companions has placed 102 assistance dogs with military veterans, with the number of dogs placed tripling since 2008. Many of those dogs have been placed with men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and returned with spinal cord injuries, limb amputations and deafness.
“This program is very personal to me–as a combat veteran, I know how hard it is to come back and transition to civilian life. It is that much harder to transition when you’ve been injured,” said Bruce Thorn, PetSmart Senior Vice President of Store Operations and Services. “To be able to have a service dog who loves you unconditionally and is able to help you live a better life, is priceless.”
PetSmart is teaming up with Canine Companions not only financially, but also to raise awareness of assistance dogs among veterans. In the next 6-12 months, veterans with disabilities will be able to visit any PetSmart store and learn about Canine Companions and what they need to do to get their own assistance dog. In addition, a number of patriotic themed services in PetSmart stores will roll out in the summer of 2014 to honor the nation’s brave men and women in uniform. A portion of proceeds from special Grooming packages, PetsHotel® services and Training activities will benefit Canine Companions.
Through Canine Companions, veterans with a wide array of physical disabilities, including non-visible injuries, may qualify to receive highly trained assistance dogs completely free of charge. Thanks to PetSmart’s efforts, more veterans will learn about this life-changing program and may ultimately benefit from it. Many veterans who are not in a wheelchair or are not amputees think that they don’t qualify for an assistance dog. There are veterans who have been through a traumatic brain injury and/or have a non-visible injury (like a back injury) who can still greatly benefit from an assistance dog.
“Canine Companions is pleased to team up with PetSmart to help expand the reach of our Wounded Veterans Initiative and ensure that all dog lovers – whether they’re veterans or not – are aware of the important work that assistance dogs can provide,” said Corey Hudson, CEO, Canine Companions for Independence and a Navy veteran. “Over 50,000 servicemen and women in the U.S. military have been wounded since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hearing loss is the most prevalent service-related disability for military veterans and an assistance dog can significantly improve these veterans’ lives.”
The program officially launched at a Canine Companions graduation ceremony today in Oceanside, Calif. The ceremony included an official kick off of the program by Thorn, as well as an inspiring speech by Calvin Smith, a Marine veteran who graduated from Canine Companions’ program in 2009. Smith, who was wounded during his second tour of duty in Iraq, attended with Canine Companions Service Dog Chesney, a black Labrador with the ability to respond to over 40 commands. The ceremony capped off with 10 persons with a variety of disabilities, including a Navy veteran, receiving their new assistance dogs.
PetSmart for Patriots is one of several national programs PetSmart runs under its community relations program, PetSmart Gives Back. PetSmart supports organizations that make communities a better place to call home and enrich people’s lives through the power of pets. Its other programs include:
PetSmart Promise – which supports homeless families in keeping their pets
PetSmart Paws for Hope – which promotes healing through therapy dogs at hospitals
P.U.P. (Pop Up Park) – which is a portable community dog park
About PetSmart
PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information (http://www.petsmart.com). The company employs approximately 54,000 associates and operates more than 1,314 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and over 196 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day CampSM day care services and pet adoption services. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities®, PetSmart has helped save the lives of more than 5 million pets since 1994. PetSmart Charities, Inc. and PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc. (“PetSmart Charities”) are independent, nonprofit organizations that save the lives of homeless pets and reduce shelter intake through spay/neuter efforts. In 2012, nearly 450,000 dogs and cats found homes through PetSmart Charities’ adoption centers in all PetSmart stores and by sponsoring community adoption events. PetSmart Charities is the leader in granting money to help pets in need, with more than $28 million given in 2012 throughout North America.
About Canine Companions for Independence
Canine Companions for Independence provides highly-trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has five regional training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information, visit http://www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.petsmart.com
WASHINGTON –– Following the success of Operations Blue Lotus and Four Horsemen, which stopped nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl during their two-month run and led to 284 arrests in those two months, today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the next phase of its surge campaign to target and prevent fentanyl from entering the United States. The next two Operations, “Artemis” and “Rolling Wave,” will consist of multidisciplined interagency jump teams at strategic locations with an enhanced focus on disrupting the supply chain used in the development and movement of fentanyl.
Operation Artemis, led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will leverage intelligence and investigative information derived from Operation Blue Lotus to target the fentanyl supply chain and interdict items required in the production of fentanyl. This work will be supported by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Concurrently, Operation Rolling Wave will surge inbound inspections at Southwest Border checkpoints, covering every sector and leveraging predictive analysis and intelligence sharing.
HSI will continue surging resources to Ports of Entry, where 90 percent of fentanyl is trafficked primarily in cars and trucks, while also increasing its coordination of operations to target the fentanyl supply chain under Blue Lotus 2.0. CBP will run a parallel intelligence and analysis operation, Operation Argus, to provide trade-focused analysis in support of Blue Lotus 2.0 and Artemis.
“The intelligence and investigative work being conducted by DHS Agencies and with our federal partners to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain is unprecedented,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “These operations build on the success of Operations Blue Lotus and Four Horsemen, which from March through May prevented nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl from entering the United States and yielded invaluable insights into criminal networks. Cartels have been producing synthetic drugs for years, and the DHS workforce is unwavering in its dedication to stopping them. In the past two years, DHS seized more fentanyl than in the previous five years combined, and these operations are an example of how we are broadening that effort.”
These operations build on a tremendous amount of work across DHS:
DHS has initiated major investigative and enforcement operations targeting fentanyl, its chemical precursors, and the supply chain.
HSI and CBP previously established Border Enforcement Security Taskforce (BEST) units at CBP’s international mail facilities (IMFs), express consignment hubs, land border ports of entry, and international airports.
DHS investment in non-intrusive inspection technology (NII), including the deployment of Multi Energy Portals (MEP) in the cargo environment that are significantly expanding our ability to screen traffic through Ports of Entry.
“The men and women of CBP, together with our partners, are working on the front lines of the fight against fentanyl – aggressively targeting and disrupting drug trafficking organizations at the source,” said CBP Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller. “The new operations will build on the successful pairing of law enforcement partnerships and technological advancements to keep these devastating drugs out of our communities.”
“The incredible efforts and outcomes of Homeland Security Investigations special agents during Operation Blue Lotus was just the beginning of this ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director Tae D. Johnson. “HSI is continuing this fight against transnational criminal organizations head-on, utilizing every investigative resource available, together with our partners to disrupt and dismantle these illicit narcotics supply chains.”
HSI has also deployed additional dedicated teams to every Special Agent in Charge (SAC) office throughout the country performing fentanyl investigation operations, including work to identify transnational criminal organization networks and to target dark web vendors. HSI is also bolstering support for ongoing initiatives including Operations Hydra, which uses computer-based analytic tools to go after TCO chemical supplies; Pelican Bones, which includes a focus on financial tools used by criminal organizations; and Chain Breaker, which targets equipment needed to manufacture pills; as well as additional personnel deployed at express consignment facilities.
In addition to their disruption of fentanyl smuggling, these operations are also designed to continue to improve interagency cooperation and strengthen regional partnerships, shared intelligence, and coordinated operations.
DHS will announce the results of the operations in the coming weeks.
ANNAPOLIS, Md – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has signed its first non-exclusive agreement to manufacture niobium-based connectors (NiobiCon™) specifically designed for harsh environments.
NiobiConTM is a new way of making electrical connections underwater that enables power transfer and data exchange without using seals, oil or moving parts. This technology was developed to address the inefficient recharging of unmanned vehicles in underwater environments. When the niobium connector enters in contact with the water, it creates its own thin isolating layer, which gets scraped off when the connection is made. Once disconnected, the layer instantly regenerates.
“NiobiConTM is a patented technology that has global commercial and defense applications,” said Alan Lytle, vice president, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman. “It is an innovative wet-mateable connector technology we have developed that will not only improve reliability and cost-effectiveness, but also revolutionize the industry. We are excited to take the first step in developing solutions for specific future applications.”
Northrop Grumman has entered into an agreement with iCONN Systems LLC, which specializes in the manufacture of connectors for harsh environments as their first non-exclusive licensee. They will work with potential customers to develop more reliable interconnects for both commercial and defense applications.
“iCONN Systems is excited to design, develop and manufacture interconnects with Northrop Grumman’s patented technology introducing true wet-mateable connector products,” said Rich Regole, CEO, iCONN Systems, LLC.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is developing new, advanced unmanned systems to support the Department of Defense’s capability to deploy global persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and strike capabilities in a faster and more cost-effective way.
The next-generation Tactical Exploited Reconnaissance Node (Tern) program is one example of several in progress focused on addressing various customer challenges. Designed to operate off small-deck U.S. Navy vessels, Tern would enable greater mission capability and flexibility without the need for establishing fixed land bases or deploying aircraft carriers.
Currently under the joint leadership of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Office of Naval Research, Tern aims to improve aviation capabilities from smaller ships substantially beyond the current levels.
“Being competitively selected to execute Phase II of the Tern program allows us to further demonstrate how our system could advance the Navy’s mission,” said Chris Hernandez, vice president, advanced systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “Our Tern solution taps into the company’s proven expertise and experience in developing and deploying operational unmanned systems in harsh and challenging environments at sea.”
Tern seeks to develop a semi-autonomous, long-range, persistent ISR/strike asset that could safely and dependably deploy and recover from small-deck naval maritime vessels with minimal ship modifications.
“Our goal is to provide the surface combatant with an innovative, game-changing system that addresses the need for a highly flexible, robust and affordable unmanned ISR/strike capability,” said Ralph Starace, manager, advanced systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
DULLES, Va. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded a contract by NASA to execute the preliminary design and development of the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO). It is to be deployed in lunar orbit as the first crew module of the NASA Gateway, a space station orbiting the moon providing vital support for long-term human exploration of the lunar surface and deep space. This award is a follow-on to the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships 2 (NextSTEP-2) Appendix A contract. A subsequent modification will be definitized for the fabrication, assembly, and delivery of the HALO modul. The HALO design is derived from Northrop Grumman’s highly successful Cygnus spacecraft, a human-capable vehicle that delivers supplies, spare equipment and scientific experiments to the International Space Station with 13 successful missions to date.rnrn“The success of our Cygnus spacecraft and its active production line helps to enable Northrop Grumman to deliver the HALO module,” said Steve Krein, vice president, civil and commercial satellites, Northrop Grumman. “HALO is an essential element in NASA’s long-term exploration of deep-space, and our HALO program team will continue its work in building and delivering this module in partnership with NASA.”rnrnBuilding off of Cygnus’ heritage pressurized cargo module, Northrop Grumman added command and control capabilities, including environmental control and life support systems, which, when coupled with NASA’s Orion spacecraft capabilities, can sustain up to four astronauts for up to 30 days as they embark on, and return from, expeditions to the lunar surface. By leveraging the active Cygnus production line, Northrop Grumman has the unique capability of providing an affordable and reliable HALO module in the timeframe needed to support NASA’s Artemis program.rnrnThe HALO module represents a critical component of NASA’s Gateway serving as both a crew habitat and docking hub for cislunar spacecraft, or spacecraft that navigate between the Earth and the moon. HALO will feature three docking ports for visiting spacecraft, including the Orion spacecraft and other lunar support vehicles.rnrnFrom the first lunar lander to the space shuttle boosters, to supplying the International Space Station with vital cargo, Northrop Grumman has pioneered new products and ideas that have been put into orbit, on the moon, and in deep space for more than 50 years. As a part of NASA’s Artemis program, we are building on our mission heritage with new innovations to enable NASA to return humans to the moon, with the ultimate goal of human exploration of Mars.rnrnNorthrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
MCLEAN, Va. – The U.S. Navy has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) to continue development and improvement of combat systems trainers with a task order valued up to $33 million, if all options are exercised.
The task order was awarded under the SeaPort-e indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity multiple award contract. Under the direction of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, Newport, R.I., Northrop Grumman will provide designs, prototypes and products for new and updated training systems that offer enhanced training realism while being more affordable and easier to operate. The company will also conduct system analysis and development, technology refresh, product assurance and performance evaluation. The training capabilities will be used to prepare sailors for important operations such as navigation, sensor control and weapons launching.
“Northrop Grumman is pleased to extend its decades-long partnership with the Navy in the creation and enhancement of command and control (C2) training systems solutions that are higher performing, less expensive, and easier to build and operate,” said Jack Dorsett, vice president of C2 systems, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. “We accomplish the objectives without losing fidelity – these systems provide realistic training that allows our sailors to train as they fight.”
For more than three decades, Northrop Grumman has helped NUWC Division Newport accomplish key objectives by applying innovative approaches in the design and implementation of training systems used for warfighter readiness on critical combat systems. Continuing the modular open systems approach, using commercial off-the-shelf components for actual tactical equipment and reusing trusted legacy software have significantly cut costs, added flexibility and ease of use, and delivered the needed training realism. In addition, these efforts have enabled the training systems to cost-effectively keep pace with combat system advancements.
Northrop Grumman continues its leadership in naval training systems with this task order. Recent awards include being selected in 2013 for the maintenance of trainers located at the seven Submarine Learning Centers around the globe. Under the Navy’s PC-based Open-architecture Reconfigurable Training System program, the company has developed 33 trainer applications, with the most recent for the AEGIS Ashore Assured, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence training subsystem. Northrop Grumman has provided training systems and services to the Navy since 1984.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.northropgrumman.com
LONDON – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) called for more robust global partnerships to provide a collective defence against increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks in a keynote address yesterday by Kathy Warden, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Information Systems, during Information Assurance 2014 (IA14), the U.K. government’s flagship event for cyber security and information assurance.
IA14, hosted by the Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG), the information security arm of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), took place 16-17 June at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. The theme for this year’s conference was: Cyber Security, Underpinning a Leading Information Economy.
In her remarks, Warden outlined the need for diverse partnerships and for accessing innovation from all quarters. “No one government or company can effect change alone – it is the product of a diverse set of people and organisations, ideas and solutions coming together.” Warden highlighted the value of partnerships across academia, industry and government because, “we all have a role to play and those roles must all play together.”
Warden noted that even in today’s constrained fiscal environment, “academic partnerships provide the opportunity to access and co-develop education, research and make investments in support of tomorrow’s cyber defenders.” Furthermore, she called for continued investment in strategic academic research from both the public and private sectors to accelerate the pace at which innovations enter operational environments and commercial marketplaces. Warden, in reference to growing academic partnerships in the U.K., said, “we are looking to expand these academic research relationships and are in talks to do so with universities here in the U.K.”
“Partnerships among corporations are also necessary,” said Warden, emphasizing that “large companies must partner with small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate and combine the latest innovations, approaches, techniques and people necessary to defeat the latest threats. Forming partnerships with SMEs increases the diversity of the technologies and approaches in our solutions.”
Fundamental to preserving our freedoms in cyberspace, added Warden, are government partnerships. Warden went on to explain that the laws and regulations governing cyber information exchange “need to reduce the barriers for companies to share with the government, and among themselves, while also limiting the liability in doing so. Corporations must work with international governments to collectively craft these regulations and policies to facilitate information exchange.”
She also emphasized the importance of investing in education and training to create the innovators of tomorrow. “All of this technology comes ultimately from people. And if we aren’t adequately educating the next generations of innovators, we will all lose in the end.”
Warden pointed to the numerous public/private partnerships Northrop Grumman has established to directly address this issue. These include a national youth cyber education programme in the U.S.; the Cybersecurity Research Consortium, an industry/academic cyber research partnership with Carnegie Mellon, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue and the University of Southern California; and the Cync Programme with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. These examples are “indicative of the diverse efforts we are sponsoring across all areas of education, training and attracting new innovators into cybersecurity to ensure we have the right people available to defend the cyber space of tomorrow.”
On the education front, Warden announced that Northrop Grumman and its association partner would begin collaboration with the Cyber Security Challenge U.K. to extend the U.S. national youth cyber education programme, CyberPatriot, to the U.K.
Finally, Warden called on the U.K. to maintain its role in providing leadership in creating the partnerships necessary to secure cyberspace that spans so many sovereign boundaries. She commended the U.K. government for already leading many of these discussions, pointing out that “the citizens of cyberspace are looking for your continued engagement and perseverance in ensuring that all of our allies and partner nations can and will cooperate in the face of significant cyber threats to our industries and critical infrastructure.”
To view the speech and more information about the company at IA14, go to: http://www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/Cybersecurity/Pages/PressKit_061714.aspx
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernisation to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
CANBERRA, Australia — Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) continues its efforts to partner with leading Australian companies to develop the company’s global supply chain in Australia. To date, Northrop Grumman has contracted with more than 15 different Australian small and medium enterprises in either a first tier subcontractor role or lower tier supplier role.
Australian small and medium enterprises have been contracted to support Northrop Grumman on a variety of missions, providing subcontractor support on U.S. Government and U.S. military aircraft programs, cutting-edge space studies, critical cybersecurity initiatives and logistics. In total, the company has awarded Australian companies contracts totaling more than $14 million to date.
Most recently, Northrop Grumman issued requests for information and rough order of magnitude pricing solicitations to 10 Australian small and medium enterprises in support of High Altitude Long Endurance programs. These solicitations, for work in the areas of composites, sheet metal, and machined parts and tubing, included over 900 parts for bid.
The work includes both aircraft part manufacturing and post-delivery sustainment activities, with a potential total value of more than $115 million over the life of the program. Northrop Grumman will continue its solicitation process to find best-value Australian suppliers and will leverage the recent acquisitions of M5 Network Securities and Qantas Defense Services to further expand its Australian supply chain.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
BETHPAGE, N.Y. and BALTIMORE – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has expanded its Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) Capability Block 1 (CB-1) solution team with the addition of proven structure supplier CPI Aero, Inc. based in Edgewood, New York.
Following the proposal submittal for NGJ-LB in January, Northrop Grumman is moving forward with CB-1 execution by selecting CPI Aero, Inc. to provide the NGJ-LB pod structure and assembly, advancing on the U.S. Navy’s speed to fleet path.
“The addition of CPI Aero to our NGJ-LB team will help provide rapid fleet capability to the Navy,” said Paul Kalafos, vice president, surveillance and electromagnetic maneuver warfare, Northrop Grumman. “They have extensive experience in providing aircraft and pod structural components for several Department of Defense customers and we are proud to have them on our team of EW engineering and mission experts, helping the Navy maintain its warfighting edge through advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) capabilities.”
“Our leading structures and assembly experience is used by the Navy’s EA-18G, E-2D, MH-60S and CH-53K systems, and we have a well-established record providing these components on-time, efficiently and with consistent high quality,” said Doug McCrosson, president and CEO, CPI Aero, Inc.
CPI Aero, Inc. is also the current supplier of record for pod structure and assembly for the Navy’s ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band program.
Northrop Grumman is the AEA integrator for the Navy’s current EA-18G Growler electronic warfare system. The NGJ-LB will fly on the EA-18G Growler, providing advanced AEA capabilities. Northrop Grumman has been working closely with the Navy to build and demonstrate survivable and capable carrier-based solutions for over 50 years. Starting with the AN/ALQ-86, to the current AN/ALQ-99, AN/ALQ-218 and AN/ALQ-240 for EA-18G and P-8, Northrop Grumman is helping define the future of naval electronic warfare through artificial intelligence, cognitive solutions, software defined and hardware enabled multi-function technologies and open architecture systems.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
LINTHICUM, Md. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has licensed its air-flow-through (AFT) cooling technology, used to improve the cooling of high-power electronics, to GE Intelligent Platforms (NYSE:GE).
AFT technology improves the air cooling of advanced electronic modules by incorporating a novel heat exchanger design that helps protect the modules. AFT is capable of 175 watts of cooling per module and meets the electronic industry’s VMEbus International Trade Association (VITA) 48.5 standard. The VITA standards organization is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
“This innovation opens the door to developing more powerful, rugged electronic systems across the military and commercial electronics fields,” said Tom Jones, vice president and general manager, Advanced Concepts and Technologies, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. “This improvement is a key method of cooling electronic modules that can serve a wide variety of applications.”
Advanced electronic devices generate heat, which can lead to damage or failure if not managed properly. AFT utilizes a central channel with heat fins to isolate electronic components from the cooling air. Air is forced past the heat fins to remove heat without the risk of exposing the electronics to contaminants in the air, a potential problem in other systems.
The efficient flow of cooling air is aided by the use of Northrop Grumman’s patented ruggedized, self-aligning, sliding air seals at the inlet and outlet of the modules. The removable electronic modules and seals are easily replaced in the field.
Traditionally, electronic devices such as personal computers have been cooled by a process known as direct forced air (DFA), in which a fan blows air directly over the circuit board and the electronic devices. AFT technology transfers heat into the cooling air more efficiently than the DFA approach, which enables much higher power densities and improved product reliability. Northrop Grumman expects this technology to benefit a broad set of military and commercial products that conform to the VITA 48.5 standard.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
MCLEAN, Va. – March 24, 2015 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has entered into a partnership with Center Centre, the user experience design school based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to build strong mentoring connections, a pipeline of new User Experience (UX) talent and augment innovative approaches within the UX profession.
Center Centre is the first school of its kind and Northrop Grumman is their first corporate partner for the program launch.
Northrop Grumman UX professionals will engage in direct mentoring relationships with the participating students, giving them the opportunity to network, intern and participate in emerging skills workshops with their mentors. Students will also work on real world projects for the corporation.
“UX is a key technology focus at Northrop Grumman. The projects that the students at the Center Centre will work on will help them understand the UX needs of our customers,” said Neil Siegel, vice president and chief technology officer, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. “We look forward to this collaboration and the opportunity to participate in improving the students’ UX skills.”
UX brings user-centered design into the product development lifecycle. Northrop Grumman incorporates UX design technology into solutions to create easy-to-use and intuitive systems for customers.
“The Center Centre partnership augments our pipeline of UX talent and expertise that will ultimately help us to meet our customers’ needs,” said Milou Carolan, vice president, human resources, Northrop Grumman Information Systems.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
SAN DIEGO, — The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a $306 million contract to continue logistics and sustainment services on the high altitude, long endurance (HALE) RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted autonomous unmanned aircraft intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system.
This contract comes on the heels of Global Hawk winning the Dr. James G. Roche Sustainment Excellence Award for the second year in a row.
The new agreement continues an existing contract for Global Hawk maintenance, inventory management, parts procurement and other tasks necessary to ensure the availability of the Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system. This includes the aircraft as well as mission control elements and forward operating location support.
“In a turbulent world, Global Hawk’s unparalleled reliability has made it an indispensable asset to the U.S. Air Force,” said Mick Jaggers, director, Global Hawk, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “Our team takes great pride in supporting the warfighter with an aircraft system that is ready and available whenever and wherever it’s needed. We look forward to continuing this relationship with the Air Force.”
Northrop Grumman’s HALE unmanned aircraft series have exceeded more than 130,000 total flight hours supporting diverse global missions. Carrying a variety of ISR sensor payloads, Global Hawk supports antiterrorism, antipiracy, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, airborne communications and information-sharing missions.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. –– The U.S. Navy awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a production contract for the new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Sensor Module (ISM). Northrop Grumman’s AN/WSN-12 ISM is a next-generation sensor that significantly improves maritime navigation in Global Positioning System (GPS) denied environments for surface ships and submarines.
Northrop Grumman to Produce New Maritime Navigation Sensor for U.S. Navy
The Northrop Grumman-built AN/WSN-12 Inertial Sensor Module provides accurate positioning data with or without GPS for Navy ships and submarines. (Photo Credit: U.S. Navy)
“The new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System will deliver more precision and performance for the warfighter while occupying the same footprint as its predecessor.” said Todd Leavitt, vice president, naval and oceanic systems, Northrop Grumman. “This allows upgrades to be made on existing systems where space is at a premium.”
The new AN/WSN-12 ISM is a key component of the U.S. Navy’s AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System (INS), upgrading the Northrop Grumman built AN/WSN-7 INS. The WSN-7 is on nearly every ship in the U.S. Navy and has been the program of record for more than two decades. Surface ships and submarines rely heavily on the positioning data provided by GPS for navigation, for safety at sea and to fire weapons. The AN/WSN-12 ISM provides highly accurate positioning data with or without GPS, a key component to establishing Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) maritime solutions. The first ISM will be fielded later this year.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded contracts from the U.S. Navy, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and Huntington Ingalls Industries to provide integrated bridge and navigation systems and steering gear systems to modernize Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers (DDGs).
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised options for the acquisition and testing of five integrated bridge and navigation systems (IBNS) valued at $11 million. General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and Huntington Ingalls Industries jointly exercised options for six steering gear systems valued at $30 million.
“Northrop Grumman is a major partner on the Navy’s DDG modernization program,” said Bill Hannon, vice president of Maritime Systems, Northrop Grumman. “The new IBNS and steering gear systems will keep the technology of our nation’s front-line surface combatants highly capable and affordable.”
The systems to be installed include radar systems, navigation software, ship control software, chart servers, network interface boxes, flat panel displays, global positioning systems, and ship control display systems. The contracts also cover engineering services.
Back fit installation of the IBNS systems by the Navy will be conducted at the home ports of the vessels during their modernization windows. For the new build ships, steering gear systems and IBNS systems will be installed at the shipyards of Bath Iron Works and Huntington Ingalls Industries. Deliveries will begin in 2015 and are expected to be completed by 2021.
Northrop Grumman has been supplying comparable systems for the Arleigh Burke-class DDGs since the program began during the 1980s.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
LINTHICUM, Md. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) introduced its Scalable Agile Beam Radar – Global Strike (SABR-GS) for the U.S. Air Force’s B-1B Lancer at the 30th Anniversary B-1 Reunion held at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
Northrop Grumman’s SABR-GS is a full performance, multi-function, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the B-1. Developed as an affordable, low risk radar retrofit solution, SABR-GS offers advanced operational capabilities and greater system reliability than the legacy passive ESA. Large synthetic aperture radar maps, advanced image processing and sensor integration provide a significant advantage in situational awareness and give the B-1 powerful new capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. Open architecture standards have been used to integrate data from other onboard sensors, enabling continued innovation and affordability for the life of the system.
As a derivative of the AN/APG-83 SABR, SABR-GS takes advantage of hardware, legacy modes and advanced operating modes proven on the F-35, F-22 and F-16 aircraft. Nearly three times the size of the F-16 SABR system, SABR-GS offers unprecedented target area detail and digital maps under all weather conditions.
“By developing SABR-GS, we’ve enabled capabilities now critical to the mission – a significant milestone for SABR technology and the B-1,” said Paul Kalafos, vice president, surveillance systems business unit, Northrop Grumman. “By leveraging the successes of the SABR for the F-16 fighter, we have activated cost savings for the U.S. Air Force’s B-1 program, proven that SABR AESA technology is scalable and extended the survivability of the aircraft for the next 25 years.”
The development of SABR-GS took place under a $21 million risk reduction contract awarded in 2011 by the Air Force B-1 Systems Program Office. Northrop Grumman has demonstrated in flight, the advanced B-1 AESA and advanced sensor and fusion processing, readying the radar for the engineering, manufacturing and development phase.
The completion of this contract follows the successful Radar Modernization Improvement Program (RMIP), in which Northrop Grumman modernized the radar receivers and processors of the B-1. SABR-GS will replace the APQ-164 radar antenna currently deployed on all B-1 bombers.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Jan. 27, 2015 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) provided invaluable assistance for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Excellent rating from the Command Cyber Readiness Inspection (CCRI) conducted on the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center (MDIOC) networks at Schriever Air Force Base.
The CCRI evaluates a site’s compliance with information assurance and network defense policies and configuration standards for technologies as dictated by the Department of Defense (DOD) security technical implementation guide.
“The network must be operationally capable at all times as its compromise would negatively affect the warfighter’s mission,” said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager, integrated air and missile defense division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. “Collaboratively and aggressively, Northrop Grumman and the MDA pursued the readiness and we are gratified with the validation of a successful security posture.”
The CCRI is a five-day comprehensive, graded inspection involving all cybersecurity areas including physical security, administration, training, network configuration, network operations, organizational culture and leadership management.
The MDIOC is the DOD’s premier missile defense center for integration, deployment and operation of the nation’s ballistic missile defense system (BMDS). As the MDA’s prime contractor at the center, Northrop Grumman leads a world-class team to conduct BMDS-level modeling and simulation, ground and flight tests, war games, exercises, mission-critical operations and related analysis.
Northrop Grumman also manages and operates the MDA’s computer emergency response team at the MDIOC to defend MDA networks and computing enclaves against cyberattacks. The team was reaccredited and recommended for another three-year authority to operate as one of 23 DOD tier 2 computer network defense service providers.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
LINTHICUM, Md. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), together with military partners at Northern Edge 2019, successfully displayed advanced capabilities in air-to-air, air-to-surface and maritime tactical scenarios that address key warfighting gaps in advanced strike; intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR); and electronic warfare.
Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Advanced Capabilities at Northern Edge 2019
Northrop Grumman’s reconfigurable flight test aircraft significantly reduces the technology development process, bringing advanced capabilities to warfighters faster, more affordably and reliably.
“Northrop Grumman is developing agile and affordable technologies that address the advanced strike, ISR and multi-domain command and control needs for our customers,” said Tom Jones, vice president and general manager, airborne C4ISR systems, Northrop Grumman. “Using reconfigurable flight-test aircraft outfitted with advanced sensors and cognitive artificial intelligence capability at events such as Northern Edge speeds up the development process significantly.”
Northern Edge is the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s biennial joint training exercise, held May 13-24 at the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and the Gulf of Alaska. It involves all U.S. military services and agency partners, as well as virtual participants from stateside and overseas bases. The exercise is designed to enhance air warfare and interoperability among the services in a highly contested environment.
Celebrating 10 years of participation at Northern Edge this year, Northrop Grumman has consistently demonstrated leading technology capabilities at the joint military-industry exercise. Innovative solutions tested at earlier Northern Edge exercises include auto target recognition and combat identification; advanced electronic protection and attack; cognitive mission computing; maritime search and track; long-range surface-to-air missile detection; and infrared search and track.
Northrop Grumman also demonstrated Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) gateways and multi-level secure live, virtual and constructive training. Many of these capabilities are now fielded on U.S. platforms, providing a significant warfighting advantage to Air Force, Navy and Marine aircrews.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information.
ORLANDO, Fla., – The Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) two contracts for continued development of an open-architecture controller for the U.S. Army’s Modular Active Protection System (MAPS) program.
As a critical element of the MAPS program, the controller processes information from multiple sensor and self-defense systems that can be used to protect the vehicle. It enables autonomous or semi-autonomous detection and defeat of a variety of inbound threats.
Under the MAPS Demonstrator Controller Software – Phase 2 contract, Lockheed Martin will continue software development for a rapid counter-measure capability that protects vehicles against incoming threats. Under the MAPS Controller Hardware contract, Lockheed Martin will develop a controller compliant with MAPS architecture and safety requirements. Lockheed Martin recently delivered several prototype controllers to TARDEC for evaluation under a previous contract.
“We are developing a controller that enables the U.S. Army to implement active protection systems that are free of the restrictions imposed by proprietary technologies,” said Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control/SOF CLSS at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Not only does the controller provide ample processing power, but its open-architecture design allows the Army to interchange sensors and self-defense systems as technology advances or new threats emerge.”
For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky – employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
RESTON, Va., April 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — ORock® Technologies, Inc., a high-performance hybrid cloud service provider built on OpenStack and certified by FedRAMP and the Department of Defense, together with Intel and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced the availability of ORockCloud with Hardened Security, a joint technology offering that provides commercial and federal organizations a next-gen solution to address mission-critical workloads and high performance computing (HPC) applications with greater security, faster performance and predictable latency. ORockCloud with Hardened Security, a verified Intel Select Solution, delivers a bare metal experience in a multi-tenant environment for organizations that are seeking greater system performance from boot through runtime with their computationally intensive workloads, artificial intelligence (AI) and HPC applications in the cloud and extended to on-premises and the edge. ORock has recently been named an Intel Select Solutions provider launching HPC-optimized Intel Select Solutions on 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, with near-term plans for 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors.
Hardened Security Solution Offers Customers Security, Performance and Predictability
The ORockCloud with Hardened Security solution represents a collaboration of leading-edge technologies from Intel, Lockheed Martin and ORock Technologies that combines hardware, software and firmware that isolates critical data. By protecting shared resources such as cores, cache, memory and devices, the solution mitigates cyber threats and simplifies the enterprise’s acceleration of the broad deployment of HPC workloads, with more predictable performance and security.
Integrated security is the foundation of ORock’s technology innovations given mission-critical workloads demand a layered yet seamless security approach. The solution integrates Lockheed Martin’s Secure Runtime Environment (SRE) with 2nd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors to isolate an enterprise’s runtime environment to ensure confidentiality, integrity and high availability for critical data. ORockCloud with Hardened Security offers a minimum of 325 security controls across managed, operational and physical security layers, providing organizations added protection and control when running mission critical HPC workloads.
Consistent performance for advanced HPC workloads in the cloud, on-premises and at the edge requires higher memory bandwidth and efficient use of processor cores and cache. The combination of sophisticated technologies from ORock, Intel and Lockheed Martin allocate compute resources and capabilities from system power on through virtualized boot and anchors a secure runtime environment for applications running in ORock’s OpenStack cloud environment.
Predictable latency provides consistency for mission-critical workloads operating in the cloud or in virtualized environments, akin to running bare metal with no resource competition. Companies can expect cache consistency and significantly faster performance with this solution.
“Lockheed Martin, Intel and ORock Technologies will transform an organization’s ability to better defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks,” said Adam Miller, Advanced Programs Director at Lockheed Martin. “With Intel’s computing platform experience, this partnership extends to ORock Technologies’ secure cloud platform for organizations to accelerate their operations and expand rapidly without sacrificing Quality of Service.”
“We are delighted about the Hardened Security solution and the manner in which it protects, increases performance, and provides the predictability that public and private sector organizations require for their mission-critical workloads,” said Gregory Hrncir, Co-Founder, CEO and President, ORock Technologies. “ORockCloud with Hardened Security is a unique cloud computing offering that balances high-performance computing with next-gen software and hardware focused on high performance, security and scale. With increased processing power across an integrated IT estate, organizations can now realize a bare metal experience in a virtualized environment and achieve real-time performance for mission critical and no fail workloads that demand it.”
“We are in a new era of cloud computing which requires disruptive technology to power high performance computing workloads while keeping them secure to the silicon root level against sophisticated attacks,” said Jeremy Rader, General Manager of Enterprise Strategy & Solutions, Data Platforms Group at Intel. “Collaborating with Lockheed Martin and ORock Technologies, an Intel Select Solutions provider, to develop a compelling solution that offers tremendous benefits around security, predictability and cloud computing will help customers protect their most critical workloads.”
To learn more, visit ORockCloud with Hardened Security.
About ORock Technologies
ORock Technologies delivers hybrid cloud and IaaS solutions designed for secure, compliant data operations. ORock helps leading organizations protect their most sensitive data, control costs and minimize vendor lock-in while enabling a range of IT modernization, application hosting, migration and edge computing initiatives. ORock’s private fiber optic backbone network and enterprise-grade open source cloud feature the latest HPE Gen10 secure hardware and a flat-rate OPEX billing model with no data egress fees. These solutions support hybrid, private and multi-cloud capabilities while providing superior security, performance, predictability and control. Learn more about ORock.
Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Contact:
Claudia Cahill
ORock Technologies
571-386-0201
ccahill@orocktech.com
“In the wake of a massive data breach affecting Experian’s computers holding 15 million files of T-Mobile customers and applicants, we question why the firms are offering credit monitoring instead of paying to place credit, or security, freezes on all three of each victim’s credit reports. Only the security or credit freeze, available in any state, stops new account identity theft.Potential victims should freeze all of their “Big 3” credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Reports indicate Experian lost data for 15 million customers and applicants of the wireless phone company T-Mobile, including names, addresses and birth dates and social security numbers, among other information breached from the consumer files.
First, this breach of 15 million records through an Experian server is completely outrageous, since credit bureaus are subject to very high security standards but losing Social Security Numbers — the keys to new account identity theft – makes this breach much worse. That’s why placing security freezes is the only way to guarantee consumers peace of mind.
Worse, Experian, which lost the data, has offered its own branded “Protectmyid” credit monitoring. While reports indicate that T-Mobile is not happy and will offer an alternate credit monitoring service, that doesn’t solve the underlying problem:credit monitoring tells you only after you’ve been victimized. Only the freeze blocks a thief from obtaining new credit accounts in your name. Placing a freeze on all three of your credit reports prevents new account financial identity theft but credit monitoring does not.
We will have further comments on this developing story. We will also be asking the CFPB, FTC, Department of Justice and state attorneys general to investigate how Experian, subject to very high standards for the security of its own credit reports, had such a sloppy system for protecting T-Mobile customer data. How can all of the 200 million consumers with Experian credit reports trust that Experian really is protecting them?”
Statement of PIRG Consumer Program Director Ed Mierzwinski on Letter to Regulators Urging Investigation of Experian/T-Mobile Data Breach
“The breach of 15 million T-Mobile customer and applicant records by a subsidiary of the national credit reporting agency Experian is troubling. Our group letter from over 25 national and state consumer privacy organizations asks the CFPB and FTC for a full investigation. Here are just a few of the questions we raise:
If the server holding the T-Mobile files was subject to fewer security protections than the full Experian credit reporting database, why? If it was subject to the same protections as the credit reporting server, doesn’t this raise the troubling possibility that the server holding highly sensitive credit and personal information of over 200 million Americans is vulnerable to a data hack by identity thieves?
Since credit monitoring, which has been offered to victims by the firms, doesn’t stop new account identity theft, Is there any authority for the CFPB to require the nationwide CRAs to provide free security freezes to affected consumers?”
T-Mobile CEO on Experian’s Data Breach
I’ve always said that part of being the Un-carrier means telling it like it is. Whether it’s good news or bad, I’m going to be direct, transparent and honest.
We have been notified by Experian, a vendor that processes our credit applications, that they have experienced a data breach. The investigation is ongoing, but what we know right now is that the hacker acquired the records of approximately 15 million people, including new applicants requiring a credit check for service or device financing from September 1, 2013 through September 16, 2015. These records include information such as name, address and birthdate as well as encrypted fields with Social Security number and ID number (such as driver’s license or passport number), and additional information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessment. Experian has determined that this encryption may have been compromised. We are working with Experian to take protective steps for all of these consumers as quickly as possible.
Obviously I am incredibly angry about this data breach and we will institute a thorough review of our relationship with Experian, but right now my top concern and first focus is assisting any and all consumers affected. I take our customer and prospective customer privacy VERY seriously. This is no small issue for us. I do want to assure our customers that neither T-Mobile’s systems nor network were part of this intrusion and this did not involve any payment card numbers or bank account information.
Experian has assured us that they have taken aggressive steps to improve the protection of their system and of our data.
Anyone concerned that they may have been impacted by Experian’s data breach can sign up for two years of FREE credit monitoring and identity resolution services at www.protectmyID.com/securityincident. Additionally, Experian issued a press release that you can read here, and you can view their Q&A at Experian.com/T-MobileFacts.
T-Mobile’s team is also here and ready to help you in any way we can. We have posted our own Q&A here to keep you as informed as possible throughout this issue.
At T-Mobile, privacy and security is of utmost importance, so I will stay very close to this issue and I will do everything possible to continue to earn your trust every day.
Sincerely,
Statement From Experian
Unauthorized Acquisition of Personal Information
On Sept. 15, 2015 Experian discovered an unauthorized party accessed T-Mobile data housed in an Experian server.
Experian’s consumer credit database was not accessed in this incident, and no payment card or banking information was obtained.
Based on Experian’s investigation to date, the unauthorized access was an isolated incident over a limited period of time. It included access to a server that contained identifying information for some organizations and, primarily, personal information for individuals, including some current customers, and also consumers who applied for T-Mobile USA postpaid service or device financing, which require a credit check, from Sept. 1, 2013 through Sept. 16, 2015.
Records containing a name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, identification number (typically a driver’s license, military ID, or passport number) and additional information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessment were accessed. No payment card or banking information was obtained.
Experian notified appropriate federal and international law enforcement agencies and has taken additional security steps to help prevent future incidents.
We continue to investigate the theft, closely monitor our systems, and work with domestic and international law enforcement. Investigation of the incident is ongoing.
Experian is notifying the individuals who may have been affected and is offering free credit monitoring and identity resolution services for two years. In addition, government agencies are being notified as required by law.
Although there is no evidence at this time that the data has been used inappropriately, Experian strongly encourages affected individuals to enroll in the complimentary identity resolution services.
We face a critical juncture in Ukraine. There is no real ceasefire; indeed, there was a significant increase in fighting along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine in mid-January, with Russian/separatist forces launching attacks on the Donetsk airport and other areas. Instead of a political settlement, Moscow currently seeks to create a frozen conflict in eastern Ukraine as a means to pressure and destabilize the Ukrainian government. Russians continue to be present in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in substantial numbers and have introduced significant amounts of heavy weapons. This could be preparation for another major Russian/separatist offensive.
Russian success would fatally undermine Ukraine’s stability and embolden the Kremlin to further challenge the security order in Europe. It might tempt President Putin to use his doctrine of protecting ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in seeking territorial changes elsewhere in the neighborhood, including in the Baltic States, provoking a direct challenge to NATO.
Maintaining Western sanctions are critical but not by themselves sufficient. The West needs to bolster deterrence in Ukraine by raising the risks and costs to Russia of any renewed major offensive.
That requires providing direct military assistance—in far larger amounts than provided to date and including lethal defensive arms—so that Ukraine is better able to defend itself. The U.S. government should provide Ukraine $1 billion in military assistance as soon as possible in 2015, followed by additional tranches of $1 billion in FY 2016 and FY 2017.
Additional non-lethal assistance should include: counterbattery radars, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic counter-measures for use against opposing UAVs, secure communications capabilities, armored Humvees and medical support equipment.
Lethal defensive military assistance should include light anti-armor missiles, given the large numbers of armored vehicles that the Russians have deployed in Donetsk and Luhansk and the abysmal condition of the Ukrainian military’s light anti-armor weapons. Other NATO members should provide military assistance as well. Of particular use to the Ukrainian military would be equipment and weapons from NATO members who operate former Soviet equipment compatible with the arms currently in the Ukrainian inventory.
Assisting Ukraine to deter attack and defend itself is not inconsistent with the search for a peaceful, political solution—it is essential to achieving it. Only if the Kremlin knows that the risks and costs of further military action are high will it seek to find an acceptable political solution. Russia’s actions in and against Ukraine pose the gravest threat to European security in more than 30 years. The West has the capacity to stop Russia. The question is whether it has the will.
By: Steven Pifer, Strobe Talbott, Ambassador Ivo Daalder, Michele Flournoy, Ambassador John Herbst, Jan Lodal, Admiral James Stavridis and General Charles Wald
“In this interconnected, digital world, there are going to be opportunities for hackers to engage in cyber assaults both in the private sector and the public sector. Now, our first order of business is making sure that we do everything to harden sites and prevent those kinds of attacks from taking place…But even as we get better, the hackers are going to get better, too. Some of them are going to be state actors; some of them are going to be non-state actors. All of them are going to be sophisticated and many of them can do some damage.
This is part of the reason why it’s going to be so important for Congress to work with us and get an actual bill passed that allows for the kind of information-sharing we need. Because if we don’t put in place the kind of architecture that can prevent these attacks from taking place, this is not just going to be affecting movies, this is going to be affecting our entire economy in ways that are extraordinarily significant.”
– President Obama, December 19, 2014.
Since the start of his Administration, when he issued the Cyberspace Policy Review — the first top-to-bottom, Administration-wide review of cybersecurity — President Obama has led efforts to better prepare our government, our economy, and our nation as a whole for the growing cyber threats we face.
That’s why in 2011 he issued his Cybersecurity Legislative Proposal, calling on Congress to take urgent action to give the private sector and government the tools they need to combat cyber threats at home and abroad. It’s why he issued the International Strategy for Cyberspace to make clear to nations abroad the foreign policy priority cybersecurity issues have become. And when Congress failed to pass comprehensive cybersecurity legislation, the Administration pressed forward, issuing an Executive Order to protect critical infrastructure by establishing baseline cybersecurity standards that we developed collaboratively with industry.
Today, at a time when public and private networks are facing an unprecedented threat from rogue hackers as well as organized crime and even state actors, the President is unveiling the next steps in his plan to defend the nation’s systems. These include a new legislative proposal, building on important work in Congress, to solve the challenges of information sharing that can cripple response to a cyberattack. They also include revisions to those provisions of our 2011 legislative proposal on which Congress has yet to take action, and along with them, the President is extending an invitation to work in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to advance this urgent priority for the American people.
Specifically, today’s announcements include:
Cybersecurity Legislative Proposal
Enabling Cybersecurity Information Sharing: The Administration’s updated proposal promotes better cybersecurity information sharing between the private sector and government, and it enhances collaboration and information sharing amongst the private sector. Specifically, the proposal encourages the private sector to share appropriate cyber threat information with the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), which will then share it in as close to real-time as practicable with relevant federal agencies and with private sector-developed and operated Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs) by providing targeted liability protection for companies that share information with these entities.
The legislation also encourages the formation of these private-sector led Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations. The Administration’s proposal would also safeguard Americans’ personal privacy by requiring private entities to comply with certain privacy restrictions such as removing unnecessary personal information and taking measures to protect any personal information that must be shared in order to qualify for liability protection. The proposal further requires the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, in consultation with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board and others, to develop receipt, retention, use, and disclosure guidelines for the federal government. Finally, the Administration intends this proposal to complement and not to limit existing effective relationships between government and the private sector. These existing relationships between law enforcement and other federal agencies are critical to the cybersecurity mission.
Modernizing Law Enforcement Authorities to Combat Cyber Crime: Law enforcement must have appropriate tools to investigate, disrupt and prosecute cyber crime. The Administration’s proposal contains provisions that would allow for the prosecution of the sale of botnets, would criminalize the overseas sale of stolen U.S. financial information like credit card and bank account numbers, would expand federal law enforcement authority to deter the sale of spyware used to stalk or commit ID theft, and would give courts the authority to shut down botnets engaged in distributed denial of service attacks and other criminal activity. It also reaffirms important components of 2011 proposals to update the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a key piece of law used to prosecute organized crime, so that it applies to cybercrimes, clarifies the penalties for computer crimes, and makes sure these penalties are in line with other similar non-cyber crimes. Finally, the proposal modernizes the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by ensuring that insignificant conduct does not fall within the scope of the statute, while making clear that it can be used to prosecute insiders who abuse their ability to access information to use it for their own purposes.
National Data Breach Reporting: As announced yesterday, the Administration has also updated its proposal on security breach reporting. State laws have helped consumers protect themselves against identity theft while also encouraging business to improve cybersecurity, helping to stem the tide of identity theft. These laws require businesses that have suffered an intrusion to notify consumers if consumers’ personal information has been compromised. The Administration’s updated proposal helps business and consumers by simplifying and standardizing the existing patchwork of 46 state laws (plus the District of Columbia and several territories) that contain these requirements into one federal statute, and puts in place a single clear and timely notice requirement to ensure that companies notify their employees and customers about security breaches.
White House Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection
On February 13, 2015, the White House will host a Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection at Stanford University, to help shape public and private sector efforts to protect American consumers and companies from growing threats to consumers and commercial networks.
The Summit will bring together major stakeholders on cybersecurity and consumer financial protection issues – including senior leaders from the White House and across the federal government; CEOs from a wide range of industries including the financial services industry, technology and communications companies; computer security companies and the retail industry; as well as law enforcement officials, consumer advocates, technical experts, and students. Topics at the Summit will include increasing public-private partnerships and cybersecurity information sharing, creating and promoting improved cybersecurity practices and technologies, and improving adoption and use of more secure payment technologies.
The Summit is also the next step in the President’s BuySecure Initiative, which was launched in November 2014, and will help advance national efforts the government has led over the last two years with executive orders on consumer financial protection and critical infrastructure cybersecurity. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and small group workshops, participants will build on efforts in the public and private sectors to further improve cybersecurity practices at a wide range of companies.
Grants to Historically Black Colleges for Cybersecurity Education
As the President stated in Executive Order 13532, “Promoting Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability at Historically Black Colleges and Universities” in February 2010, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have made historic and ongoing contributions to the general welfare and prosperity of our country. Established by visionary leaders, America’s HBCUs, for over 150 years, have produced many of the Nation’s leaders in business, government, academia, and the military, and have provided generations of American men and women with hope and educational opportunity. Recognizing that HBCUs serve as engines of opportunity, innovation, and economic growth, Vice President Biden will travel to Norfolk, VA on Thursday to announce that the Department of Energy will provide $25 million in grants over the next five years to support a cybersecurity education consortium consisting of 13 HBCUs and two national labs.
This program, part of the President’s jobs-driven training initiative, will help to fill the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. job market at the same time that it helps to grow the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula for HBCUs. The participating schools include two-year colleges, four-year colleges, and research institutions in seven states, plus the Virgin Islands.
After many months of principled diplomacy, the P5+1 -- the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and Germany -- along with the European Union, have achieved a long-term comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran that will verifiably prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and ensure that Iran's nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful going forward.
This deal stands on the foundation of the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA), achieved in November of 2013, and the framework for this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), announced in Lausanne on April 2, 2015 that set the requirements for the deal with the P5+ 1 and Iran, alongside the European Union announced today.
Now, with this deal in place, the U.S., our allies, and the international community can know that tough, new requirements will keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Here's how:
Blocking the Four Pathways to a Nuclear Weapon
Building a nuclear bomb requires either uranium or plutonium. But thanks to this deal, Iran’s four possible ways to leverage those fissile materials are blocked.
Under the framework for an Iran nuclear deal Iran's uranium enrichment pathway to a weapon will be shut down
The Uranium pathways at Natanz and Fordow
Iran would needs two key elements to construct a uranium bomb: tens of thousands of centrifuges and enough highly enriched uranium to produce enough material to construct a uranium bomb.
There are currently two uranium enrichment facilities in the country: the Natanz facility and the Fordow facility.
Let’s take a look at Iran’s uranium stockpile first. Currently, Iran has a uranium stockpile to create 8 to ten nuclear bombs.
But thanks to this nuclear deal, Iran must reduce its stockpile of uranium by 98%, and will keep its level of uranium enrichment at 3.67% -- significantly below the enrichment level needed to create a bomb.
Iran also needs tens of thousands of centrifuges to create highly enriched uranium for a bomb. Right now, Iran has nearly 20,000 centrifuges between their Natanz and Fordow facilities. But under this deal, Iran must reduce its centrifuges to 6,104 for the next ten years. No enrichment will be allowed at the Fordow facility at all, and the only centrifuges Iran will be allowed to use are their oldest and least efficient models.
Under the framework for an Iran nuclear deal
The Plutonium pathway at the Arak reactor Iran's uranium enrichment pathway to a weapon will be shut down
The third way Iran could build a nuclear weapon is by using weapons-grade plutonium. The only site where Iran could accomplish this is the Arak reactor, a heavy-water nuclear reactor. Right now, this reactor could be used in a weapons program, but under this deal, the Arak reactor will be redesigned so it cannot produce any weapons-grade plutonium. And all the spent fuel rods (which could also be source material for weapons-grade plutonium) will be sent out of the country as long as this reactor exists. What’s more, Iran will not be able to build a single heavy-water reactor for at least 15 years. That means, because of this deal, Iran will no longer have a source for weapons-grade plutonium.
A covert pathway to building a secret nuclear program
The previous three pathways occur at facilities that Iran has declared. But what if they try to build a nuclear program in secret? That’s why this deal is so important. Under the new nuclear deal, Iran has committed to extraordinary and robust monitoring, verification, and inspection. International inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will not only be continuously monitoring every element of Iran’s declared nuclear program, but they will also be verifying that no fissile material is covertly carted off to a secret location to build a bomb. And if IAEA inspectors become aware of a suspicious location, Iran has agreed to implement the Additional Protocol to their IAEA Safeguards Agreement, which will allow inspectors to access and inspect any site they deem suspicious. Such suspicions can be triggered by holes in the ground that could be uranium mines, intelligence reports, unexplained purchases, or isotope alarms.
Basically, from the minute materials that could be used for a weapon comes out of the ground to the minute it is shipped out of the country, the IAEA will have eyes on it and anywhere Iran could try and take it:
Under the framework for an Iran nuclear deal Iran's uranium enrichment pathway to a weapon will be shut down
What Iran’s Nuclear Program Would Look Like Without This Deal
As it stands today, Iran has a large stockpile of enriched uranium and nearly 20,000 centrifuges, enough to create 8 to 10 bombs. If Iran decided to rush to make a bomb without the deal in place, it would take them 2 to 3 months until they had enough weapon-ready uranium (or highly enriched uranium) to build their first nuclear weapon. Left unchecked, that stockpile and that number of centrifuges would grow exponentially, practically guaranteeing that Iran could create a bomb—and create one quickly – if it so chose.
This deal removes the key elements needed to create a bomb and prolongs Iran’s breakout time from 2-3 months to 1 year or more if Iran broke its commitments. Importantly, Iran won’t garner any new sanctions relief until the IAEA confirms that Iran has followed through with its end of the deal. And should Iran violate any aspect of this deal, the U.N., U.S., and E.U. can snap the sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy back into place.
Trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential to the stability of our communities, the integrity of our criminal justice system, and the safe and effective delivery of policing services.
In light of the recent events in Ferguson, Staten Island, Cleveland, and around the country, the Administration announced new steps to strengthen the relationships between local police and the communities they are supposed to protect and serve. One of the primary actions was the creation of a task force to improve community policing.
This afternoon, President Obama signed an Executive Order to create the Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and announced the members of the new task force.
What will the Task Force on 21st Century Policing do?
The task force will examine how to strengthen public trust and foster strong relationships between local law enforcement and the communities that they protect, while also promoting effective crime reduction.
The task force will engage with federal, state, tribal, and local officials; technical advisors; young leaders; and nongovernmental organizations to provide a transparent process to engage with the public.
LISTENING SESSIONS
The task force will also convene listening sessions where they will hear testimony, including proposed recommendations for consideration, from invited witnesses and also receive comments and questions from the public.
The first session will be held in Washington, D.C. in mid-January. Subsequent listening sessions and additional outreach details, including the online public comment process, is forthcoming.
THE TASK FORCE'S INITIAL REPORT
The President's Executive Order directs the task force to prepare a report and recommendations to be presented to the President. An initial report will be due to the President in March.
Who's on the task force?
The Task Force on 21st Century Policing will be chaired by:
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, who also serves as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Police Association
Laurie Robinson, professor of Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason University and former Assistant Attorney General for DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs
The task force will also include other law enforcement representatives, community leaders, academics, and youth leaders, including:
Charles Ramsey, Appointee for Member and Co-Chair, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Charles Ramsey is the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), a position he has held since 2008. Since 2010, he has served as President of the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the Police Executive Research Forum. Commissioner Ramsey began his law enforcement career in 1968 as a cadet with the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Over the next thirty years, he held various positions with CPD, including Commander of the Narcotics Division, Deputy Chief of the Patrol Division, and Deputy Superintendent, a role he held from 1994 to 1998. In 1998, he was named Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC), where he served until early 2007. In 2007, Commissioner Ramsey served on the Independent Commission on Security Forces of Iraq, leading a review of the Iraqi Police Force. In addition to his current role at PPD, he also serves as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. Commissioner Ramsey received a B.S. and M.S. from Lewis University.
Laurie Robinson, Appointee for Member and Co-Chair, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Laurie Robinson is the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason University, a position she has held since 2012. She served as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) in the U.S. Department of Justice from 2009 to 2012. Prior to that, Ms. Robinson served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for OJP and Acting Assistant Attorney General for OJP. Previously, she was a member of the Obama-Biden Transition Team. From 2003 to 2009, Ms. Robinson was the Director of the Master of Science Program in Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. From 1993 to 2000, she served her first term as the Assistant Attorney General for OJP. Before joining DOJ, Ms. Robinson spent over twenty years with the American Bar Association, serving as Assistant Staff Director of the Criminal Justice Section from 1972 to 1979, Director of their Criminal Justice Section from 1979 to 1993, and as Director of the Professional Services Division from 1986 to 1993. She is a Senior Fellow at the George Mason University Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, and serves as co-chair of the Research Advisory Committee for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Vera Institute of Justice. Ms. Robinson received a B.A. from Brown University.
Jose Lopez, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Jose Lopez is currently the Lead Organizer at Make the Road New York (MRNY), a Brooklyn-based non-profit community organization focused on civil rights, education reform, and combating poverty. He became Lead Organizer of MRNY in 2013. Mr. Lopez began his career in 2000 as Youth Organizer with Make the Road by Walking, which later merged with the Latin American Integration Center to form MRNY in 2007. He continued to serve as Youth Organizer with MRNY until 2009, when he became Senior Organizer. Since 2011, Mr. Lopez has represented MRNY on the steering committee of Communities United for Police Reform, a New York City organization advocating for law enforcement reform. From 2001 to 2004, he was an active contributor to the Radio Rookies Project, an initiative of New York Public Radio. He received a B.A. from Hofstra University.
Bryan Stevenson, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Bryan Stevenson is Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to directing the EJI since 1989, he is a Clinical Professor at New York University School of Law. He previously has served as a visiting professor of law at the University of Michigan School of Law. Mr. Stevenson has received the American Bar Association's Wisdom Award for public service, the ACLU's National Medal of Liberty, and the MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Award Prize. Mr. Stevenson received a B.A. from Eastern College (now Eastern University), a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and an M.P.P. from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Brittany Packnett, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Brittany Packnett is currently Executive Director of Teach For America in St. Louis, Missouri, a position she has held since 2012. From 2010 to 2012, she was a director on the Government Affairs Team at Teach for America. Ms. Packnett was a Legislative Assistant for the United States House of Representatives from 2009 to 2010. From 2007 to 2009, she was a third grade teacher in Southeast Washington, D.C., as a member of the Teach For America Corps. Ms. Packnett has volunteered as Executive Director of Dream Girls DMV, a mentoring program for young girls, and was the founding co-chair of The Collective-DC, a regional organization for Teach For America alumni of color. She currently serves on the boards of New City School, the COCA Associate Board, the Urban League of Metro St. Louis Education Committee, and the John Burroughs School Board Diversity Committee. Ms. Packnett received a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.A. from American University.
Susan Rahr, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Susan Rahr is Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, a position she has held since 2012. From 2005 to 2012, she served as the first female Sheriff in King County, Washington. Ms. Rahr spent over thirty years as a law enforcement officer, beginning as a patrol officer and undercover narcotics officer. While serving with the King County Sheriff’s Office, she held various positions including serving as the commander of the Internal Investigations and Gang Units, commander of the Special Investigations Section, and Police Chief of Shoreline, Washington. Ms. Rahr received a B.A. from Washington State University.
Tracey Meares, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Tracey Meares is the Walton Hale Hamilton Professor of Law at Yale Law School, a position she has held since 2007. From 2009 to 2011, she also served as Deputy Dean of Yale Law School. Before joining the faculty as Yale, she served as a professor at The University of Chicago Law School from 1995 to 2007. She has served on the Committee on Law and Justice, a National Research Council Standing Committee of the National Academy of Sciences. She was appointed by Attorney General Holder to serve on the inaugural Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Science Advisory Board. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Joyce Foundation. Ms. Meares began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Harlington Wood, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She later served as a trial attorney in the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice. Ms. Meares received a B.S. from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from The University of Chicago Law School.
Constance Rice, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Constance Rice is a civil rights attorney and Co-Director of the Advancement Project, an organization she co-founded in 1999. In 2003, Ms. Rice was selected to lead the Blue Ribbon Rampart Review Panel, which investigated the largest police corruption scandal in Los Angeles Police Department history. In 1991, Ms. Rice joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and in 1996, she became Co-Director of the Los Angeles office. She was previously an associate at Morrison & Foerster, and began her legal career as a law clerk to Judge Damon J. Keith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Ms. Rice received a B.A. from Harvard College and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Roberto Villaseñor, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Roberto Villaseñor is Chief of Police for the Tucson Police Department (the TPD), a position he has held since 2009. He joined the TPD in 1980, and has served as Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and as Assistant Chief from 2000 to 2009. Chief Villaseñor was named Officer of the Year for the TPD in 1996, and has been awarded the TPD Medal of Merit three times. He also received the TPD Medal of Distinguished Service. Chief Villaseñor is the incoming President of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police and a Board Member of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). He received a B.S. from Park University and an M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University.
Sean Smoot, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Sean Smoot is currently Director and Chief Counsel for the Police Benevolent & Protective Association of Illinois (PB&PA) and the Police Benevolent Labor Committee (PBLC), positions he has held since 2000. He began his career with PB&PA and PBLC as a Staff Attorney in 1995, before becoming Chief Counsel of both organizations in 1997. Since 2001, Mr. Smoot has served as the Treasurer of the National Association of Police Organizations, and has served on the Advisory Committee for the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Rights Center since 1996. From 2008 to 2009, he was a policy advisor to the Obama-Biden Transition Project on public safety and state and local police issues, and was a Member of the National Institute of Justice and Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Session on Policing and Public Safety from 2008 to 2011. Mr. Smoot served as Police Commissioner of Leland Grove, Illinois from 1998 to 2008. He received a B.S from Illinois State University and a J.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Law.
Cedric L. Alexander, Appointee for Member, President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
Cedric L. Alexander is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Public Safety in DeKalb County, Georgia, a position he has held since late 2013. Dr. Alexander is also the National President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. In 2013, he served as Chief of Police for the DeKalb County Police Department. Prior to this, Dr. Alexander served as Federal Security Director for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport from 2007 to 2013, and from 2006 to 2007, he was Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. From 2005 to 2006, Dr. Alexander was Chief of the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in Rochester, New York, where he previously served as Deputy Chief of Police from 2002 to 2005. Before joining RPD, Dr. Alexander was a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center from 1998 to 2002. He began his career as a Deputy Sheriff in Florida from 1977 to 1981, before joining the Miami-Dade Police Department, where he was as an Officer and Detective from 1981 to 1992. He received a B.A. and M.S. from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, and a Psy.D. from Wright State University.
Ron Davis, Director of DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, will serve as the Executive Director of the task force under the direction of the co-chairs.
Today, President Obama provided an update on the U.S. mission to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group, ISIL. Watch his remarks at the Pentagon here:
ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) was formerly al Qaeda’s affiliate in Iraq, and has since gained territory on both sides of the Iraq-Syrian border by taking advantage of sectarian strife and the Syrian civil war. Although ISIL calls itself the “Islamic State,” the President has emphasized that the terrorist group is neither Islamic nor a state.
"ISIL is a terrorist organization, pure and simple," he has said. Here's what the President had to say today on why we will ultimately prevail against ISIL:
Our main objective is to degrade and destroy this group through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy that looks like this:
The Four Pillars of the U.S Strategy Against ISIL
1. A systematic campaign of airstrikes against ISIL
Working with the Iraqi government, the U.S. is expanding our efforts beyond protecting Americans and humanitarian missions, so that we're hitting ISIL targets as Iraqi forces go on the offense. We are pursuing terrorists wherever they are, which means the President will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria as well as Iraq. As he has said, "If you threaten America, you will find no safe haven." As of today, we've launched more than 5,000 airstrikes against ISIL.
2. Increased support to forces fighting ISIL on the ground
The U.S. has sent a small contingent of service members to support Iraqi forces, including Kurdish fighters, with training, intelligence, and equipment. These American forces do not have a combat mission, but are providing the support needed for Iraqi forces to go on the offense. In Syria, we have ramped up our military assistance to the Syrian opposition, while pursuing the political solution necessary to solve Syria's crisis once and for all.
3. Drawing on our substantial counterterrorism capabilities to prevent ISIL attacks
Working with our partners, we are redoubling our efforts to cut off ISIL's funding, improve our intelligence, strengthen our defenses, counter ISIL's warped ideology, and stem the flow of foreign fighters into and out of the Middle East.
4. Providing humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians displaced by ISIL
We cannot allow innocent communities to be driven from their homelands. The U.S. continues to provide much-needed assistance to Sunni and Shia Muslims who are at grave risk, as well as tens of thousands of Christians and other religious minorities.
