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| Magazine Stories • Issue 12, Winter 2011 |
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| Stories by title (NP)=Nonprofit Story P=Partner FC=HASBAT Front Cover client BC=HASBAT Back Cover clients |
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COVER STORY A World of Small Businesses!
The Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology (HASBAT) is a nonprofit organization founded to increase opportunities for high-technology small businesses in the Huntsville area…making a world for small businesses. Founded in May 1993 by local small technology companies, HASBAT serves as a principal advocate for small-business concerns within the federal, state and local governments. The organization serves as a beacon on the latest business opportunities, developments, and legislation affecting small contracting firms. "HASBAT represents members with one or two employees upward to 500, but regardless of their size, they provide capabilities, services, and products that are well respected in the community," says HASBAT President Phil Carey. "Many of those small companies provide a dedication, commitment, and sense of community that can’t be replicated by large international or national corporations. We understand the unique value of small businesses. That’s why we work for continued government commitment to small business programs." As part of its focus, HASBAT has developed valuable relationships with the Army Materiel Command (AMC), the Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), the Program Executive Offices for Aviation and Missiles & Space, the Space & Missile Defense Command (SMDC), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), NASA, the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), the U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC), the Army’s Corps of Engineers, and other government agencies in the Huntsville area. Through these relationships, HASBAT creates a world of small business opportunities for its members. "As we enter leaner years where Defense spending will be reduced, we recognize the unique challenges facing all companies providing Defense-related work," Carey states. "Therefore it is incumbent upon HASBAT to be a strong advocate for Small Business in order to portray the vital capabilities of its member companies and tout the agility and cost effectiveness they can deliver to government customers." HASBAT is continually interacting with federal, state, and local officials in an effort to promote a level playing field. This ensures that small businesses can compete for business, demonstrate their capabilities, and establish their credibility with both local government purchasers as well as their affiliates outside the community. In this manner, the stage is set for local small businesses to extend their reach beyond Huntsville to locations throughout the United States and the world. HASBAT proudly notes that one of its Gold Members, Logicore Corporation, recently distinguished itself by securing a task order under the AMCOM Express contract vehicle that had previously been performed by a large business. Not only did Logicore win the contract award, but under the leadership of its CEO Miranda Bouldin, it has excelled at delivering quality logistics services to U.S. Army Warfighters in a seamless fashion, both locally and in overseas locations. This transition of work from a large to a small business has established confidence within AMCOM headquarters that local small businesses are exceedingly capable of successfully assuming the reins of a major task order from a large business and executing their given missions with great precision and effectiveness. In addition to its advocacy for small businesses, HASBAT provides businesses with extended value for their membership. HASBAT holds monthly luncheons with speakers that share their knowledge and experience, and also provides a small business information series. The luncheons are open to all businesses interested in learning about the benefits of a HASBAT membership. HASBAT also provides other member benefits such as a Heritage Club membership at favorable rates. "We are always seeking members with the intent of continuing to be a unified, single voice of advocacy for small businesses in advanced technology," Carey explains. "We’re serious and enthusiastic about our advocacy for small businesses. We believe it should be done in the most professional, respectful and faithful manner so as to nurture relationships between our small business members and their current and potential government customers. HASBAT prides itself on being a valuable asset to the Huntsville community and the Federal Government Agencies for which our members continue to perform their outstanding work."
Contact Info:
Providing Superior Customer Service to Government and Commercial Clients
As one of its core competencies, ATG provides Logistics support for supply/maintenance issues on Army helicopters. In the area of Programmatic support, ATG assists the BLACKHAWK Assistant Program Managers in maintaining control of aircraft density and status of the fleet. Angie also has extensive experience working with large international programs for Foreign Military Sales and Cooperative Development Agreements, such as the Cargo Helicopter’s International Chinook Team. ATG is involved with several AMCOM EXPRESS teams, and is also working with HR Solutions, another U.S. Army contract vehicle. ATG is currently seeking opportunities with NASA and the Department of Homeland Security. "We are excited about the future," Angie explains. "We are constantly seeking candidates, especially Veterans, who can fulfill our customers’ requirements." Angie’s dedication to the Warfighter is the heart of ATG’s focus. "Our sole purpose is to support our customers fully and actively. We place an emphasis on communication and promptly address issues at ground level. Our goal is to exceed our customers expectations." Contact Info: Analysis-Planning-Test
As employee No. 4, Saralyn Dwyer is an example of an employee who has grown with the company. Saralyn joined APT immediately after obtaining her engineering degree. She is now a VP with the company and one of six principal stockholders. Her growth in the company is due partly to her tenure, but more importantly to her success in her chosen specialty, system safety. As a system safety engineer, she has been among the leaders in helping establish Huntsville as a National Center of Excellence in the discipline, and led the development of a new ANSI Standard published in 2009. She helped APT build a team of companies, which was the first local winner of a prestigious MiDAESS contract and is now the program manager for the team. One of APT’s senior safety managers said it best, "When Saralyn gets involved, good things happen." Company President Tom Pfitzer says, "Hard work by Saralyn and others here at APT has helped us attain a higher level of competence and performance as a small business. We now have the infrastructure in place to conduct all of the functions needed to manage larger contracts. In 2011, we intend to apply this capability in seeking contracts such as SETAC, D3I and others." Contact Info: Bevilacqua Research Corporation Innovative Knowledge Management Solutions
The company is best known for its development of the CORE toolset for which it won the Small Business Administration’s Tibbetts award for excellence in innovation in 1998. CORE allows users to create and test algorithms that enhance physics-based calculations with human knowledge for advanced applications such as human behavioral modeling, intelligence analysis, anti-terrorism/anti-drug analysis, CYBER analysis, remote sensing, and other applications where knowledge manipulation is the key to understanding and solving a difficult problem. BRC’s current customer base includes NASA; The Army Corps of Engineers; The Department of the Interior; and several Air Force, Army, and Navy customers, as well as other defense agencies. One of BRC’s largest current contracts is with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Joint Test & Evaluation program. As a prime contractor on this program, BRC supports combatant commands by performing critical joint tests at test sites across the country and overseas. BRC’s newest initiative is the establishment of a CYBER research center at its 10,000 square-foot facility in Huntsville. This facility will be used to demonstrate advanced CYBER-related technologies and to train the next generation of CYBER warriors. Contact Info: Innovative Software Solutions for Mission Critical Systems
CohesionForce has an active Research & Development (R&D) program that is creating state-of-the-art, model-driven software development tools. By leveraging existing open source and commercial technologies, CFI has developed an approach to Knowledge Representation that will help developers create concise models that can be directly translated into executable software architectures. Many of the technologies that CFI is developing have dual use application, which ultimately results in increased capability and lower costs to its customers. CFI incorporates the results of its R&D program in support of the development of weapon platforms for the Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Army. The CohesionForce approach supports disciplined agility by blending a structure that is necessary in the development of sophisticated software programs with the flexibility that is needed to incrementally define, refine, and implement a complex system. Janet says, "CohesionForce will revolutionize the way industry constructs mission-critical systems." Contact Info: Technical Excellence and Innovation
At DESE Research, scientists and engineers provide extensive experience in integration and test and analysis activities. Its experience is in integrating weapon system models ranging from small-scale, cutting-edge technology solutions to large-scale, disparate systems. The breadth of DESE Research’s experience encompasses a range of software models, including Hardware-in-the-Loop databases, and architecture tools applied over a wide variety of NASA and DoD weapon programs from ground combat to short-range tactical missiles, intercontinental ballistic missile defense, space-based systems, and installation infrastructure. The company’s expertise extends beyond integrating existing tools. DESE develops large-scale simulation architectures for engineering design and collaboration. Other areas of experience include IV&V of simulations, threat analysis, systems engineering, design, analysis, and integration for a variety of military systems. Systems engineering projects address Ballistic Missile Defense and Theater Missile Defense system mission analysis; concept definition; effectiveness analysis; and Battle Management/Command, Control, and Communications. Contact Info: Focused, Creative Energy and Effort
Knowledge Vortex provides mission-critical support and expertise in information technology, business consulting, administrative services and project management. Greg Hambright, SVP, Alutiiq says, "Knowledge Vortex is a key part of our BRAC Surge work for AMC. The team is highly capable and professional in supporting U.S. Army programs." Sheila Cloud, VP, L-3 STRATIS states, "Knowledge Vortex responds with commitment and expertise. Their fresh perspective always adds value." Krupa adds, "Every military mission is supported by a host of government contractors that provide much of the equipment, communications networks and intelligence which are all crucial elements to the Mission’s success. When I was on active duty, I was on the receiving end of these contractors’ unwavering support. For that, I’m forever grateful. And I’m grateful now and proud to be part of the Huntsville contracting community, providing focused, effective support to those still serving." Contact Info: Celebrating 20 Years as a Small, Responsive Business
After a distinguished military career, Whipple worked for TRW, which was subsequently purchased by Northrop Grumman. Since Whipple’s founding of LOG+, both of these large defense contractors have been clients. Whipple says, "Large clients like these are the exception. Most of our clients are small businesses." This year, LOG+ is celebrating 20 years as an owner-managed logistics technical services and marketing firm. The company is separated into two divisions, the first serving the DoD, typically the U.S. Army, NASA, and first-tier contractors with logistics technical services. The second division provides support to companies who want to be involved with the Federal Sector in North Alabama. LOG+ makes teaming and match-making available to companies that are new to the area or new to the Federal Sector, as well as assistance with capture planning and proposal writing, including diagnosing Strengths, Weakness, and Other Technical advantages (SWOT) for potential win opportunities.. Whipple’s prominence, hard work and community service were acknowledged by the Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology (HASBAT) this past year through that association’s awarding of their Professional of the Year (POY) Award to Whipple. Subsequently, the Huntsville Association of Technical Societies (HATS) also recognized Whipple with its Fifth Annual Joseph C. Moquin Award – the top POY in Madison County’s technical arena – for 2010. Contact Info: Customer Focused. Quality Solutions
Magnolia River’s Infrastructure Solutions include capacity studies, horizontal replacement and installation, construction management, professional services, modeling, and maintaining the infrastructure system. One of Magnolia River’s recent projects was on Redstone Arsenal (RSA) where it completed more than 30 miles of a turnkey natural gas replacement. "This project shows our direct focus and quality service by our clean, energy efficient installation," Jobes comments. Duane Brandt of Chugach World Services and ISS Program Manager at RSA adds, "Magnolia River has provided RSA, my staff, and myself with exceptional service, quality products/solutions, and always exceeded our expectations." Magnolia River’s newest service is its Energy Solutions. A key focus of this growth area is Engineering-focused Energy Awareness Programs and its current energy clients include Rock Island Arsenal and Yuma Proving Ground. "Our goal is to create behavioral change in terms of energy usage," Jobes remarks. "The program illuminates simple ways to make a huge difference in savings for installations and the environment." Magnolia River is also involved with the North Alabama Energy Initiative which is supported by Mayor Battle, the Huntsville Chamber Technology Committee and the Advanced Defense Technology Cluster. Jobes states, "Our goal is to add Energy as a known core competency to our regional expertise in the fields of aviation, missiles, space, and cyber." Contact Info: Employee Owners Exhibiting Integrity, Responsiveness, and Innovation
Core competencies include systems engineering, software development, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, logistics, and information technologies. Current contracts include Small Business Innovative Research, Army Advanced Technology Objective, Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense, MDA Ballistic Missile Defense System, and Army BRAC Relocation. In a short time, nLogic has become a nationally and locally recognized company. In 2009 and 2010, the company received Gold and Silver Boeing Performance Excellence Awards, respectively. In 2010, nLogic was listed as one of the "Fastest Growing Companies in America" by Inc. Magazine. This year, nLogic is a Finalist in the "2011 Top Small Company Workplaces", a national contest sponsored by Inc. Magazine and Winning Workplaces and is also competing for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce "Best Places to Work" award. nLogic offers generous fringe benefits and many unique opportunities for staff involvement. One special program, nLogic nAbles (a 501C3 nonprofit organization) is funded and directed by the employees and awards a monetary grant to a worthy community cause. Chief Technical Officer Ron Davis states, "nLogic owner-employees are active and enthusiastic towards those we serve professionally and in response to needs within the community." Contact Info: Working Together for Optimum Performance
Since 2005, PPT has been providing systems and software engineering services to both government and commercial aerospace customers. PPT focuses on software engineering analysis, with emphasis on system and software safety, especially for aviation programs. System and Software Integrity is another specialty area, focusing on independent verification and validation, and test and evaluation. PPT also provides Information Technology enterprise solutions and Business Process Engineering expertise. PPT’s primary contracts include AMCOM and the Missile Defense Agency. The company plans to extend its involvement with other local government organizations and the medical industry, as well. Within its corporate culture, PPT strongly encourages and supports community involvement. For all employees, an extra vacation day is given for Volunteer Community Service work. As a company, it supports a variety of groups, such as Hands-On Greater Huntsville, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness, and Feeding America. Reeb states, "Our involvement with HASBAT is a great opportunity to let Huntsville know about PPT and what we represent. As our customers’ needs change, our mission remains the same: provide the best people, processes, and technology to customers and ensure all elements are working together to achieve optimum performance." Contact Info: Your Partner in Success
Qualis was awarded the 2009 Marshall Space Flight Center Contractor Excellence Award for Small Business in Services. For the past three years, Qualis, headquartered in Huntsville, has been ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the United States. Qualis provides services in support of a variety of systems such as armaments, missiles, electronic warfare, C2ISR, aviation and space systems, unmanned ground and unmanned aerial systems. For example, Qualis fields and sustains more than 5,000 robots in theatre in support of the Robotic Systems Joint Project Office, provides systems engineering and test & evaluation for virtually every US Air Force air-to-air and air-to-ground armament, and has supported NASA on every major US human space program. Qualis Corporation employees support the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, Junior Achievement and the FIRST robotics and NASA STARS programs. Employees also serve on Chamber of Commerce and philanthropic boards and committees. Elizabeth Morard, President and CEO, concludes, "Whether you’re an employee, a customer, a partner, or a neighbor, Qualis is committed to your success!" Contact Info: Cool Solutions to Thermal Problems
Headquartered in Boulder City, NV, the company is a high-tech engineering firm specializing in thermal and energy management solutions that has established itself as a recognized leader in the field over the last 25 years. Rocky Research holds numerous patents related to high efficiency HVAC&R (ECU) technologies, complex compounds, light-weight ballistic resistant and endothermic materials, and thermal management methods for computing systems. Rocky Research is also known for providing customized engineering and analytical services based on many core competencies. These specializations include Thermal Management and Heat Transfer, Chemical Analysis, Electrical and Electronic Controls, Product and System Design, and Special Thermal Appliances. Scientist and engineers at Rocky Research design, test, and certify to MIL-SPEC requirements. The Huntsville manufacturing facility is ISO 9001-2008 certified and manufactures numerous high-density electronic products intended for harsh environments utilizing the company’s patented technologies and branded under the ICE® logo as Intelligently Cooled Electronics. "We turn thermal problems into solutions so compact electronics can keep running at peak performance. Rocky Research products can take the heat," McKay comments. Contact Info: Where Technology Meets Imagination…What a Concept!
Some of Tec-Masters, Inc. longtime customers include NASA, Fires Center of Excellence, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Multiple Launch Rocket System/Precision Fires Rocket & Missile Systems (MLRS/PFRMS). Tec-Masters has certifications/accreditation for ISO 9001:2008, Six Sigma and CMMI-Level III. "We are organized, effective and understand how to do more with less, which the DoD is pushing," says Broyles. A few examples of Tec-Masters’ expansion includes work for the U.S. Army PEOs in Information Assurance, Information Technology, and Management Information Systems; Creative Multimedia applications for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Navy; and military and industrial training with web-based and live platforms. Broyles comments, "With our continued growth, our goal is still to supply the best customer satisfaction. Tec-Masters’ personnel have a vast array of experience in numerous disciplines. Our portfolio of skills and capabilities will support client satisfaction for years to come." Contact Info: Working with the Perfect Executive
TREQ provides executives with unique solutions and helps them realize their potential and improve their bottom line. Ed uses refined listening and questioning skills to provide results-focused feedback for problems within a company. "We have such broad offerings, contacts, and capabilities that we’re able to design a customized approach for each executive that minimizes time taken from production and maximizes results," Ed explains. Ed helps executives identify their goals and challenges, shares insights, and develops a proposal to apprehend the goals and turn the challenges into opportunities. He uses Strategic Thinking Business Planning, an effective method for developing business plans. "It’s freeing for executives to begin to identify and discuss problems and find solutions," Ed says. A recent example of Ed’s success is when he designed a plan for a company that was struggling to manage its inventory. Working with the company’s leaders, he developed a solution that involved the inventory supplier opening a marketplace in the client’s facility and the client only paiying for what was used. Ed also did systematic problem solving for an engineering firm, turning what would have been an $80,000 liability into an improved and optimized design solution. "The perfect executive always believes there is room for improvement," Ed states. "And TREQ can help in that effort!" Contact Info: Winner of the 2010 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics
Serving U.S. Army customers since 2007, WaveLink offers Army Acquisition Corps Level III certified expertise in program management and a broad array of technical and engineering services support including systems engineering, software engineering, configuration management, data management, information technology, and information assurance expertise. WaveLink’s Vice President, Phil Carey, states "Our staff brings a proven track record of success in managing and supporting Major Defense Acquisition Programs that have been instrumental in the Global War on Terrorism. As a company, we strive to be the ‘strongest link’ on all the corporate and government teams with whom we serve. Central to that goal is a dedication to robust business and working relationships that are built on a solid foundation of trust, candor, loyalty, and forthrightness." The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama recently named WaveLink its winner of the 2010 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics (Small Company Category). "We are very proud of that," says Carey, "as it symbolizes the strong values by which we operate in the marketplace every day." Contact Info: Placing the Customer FIRST!
Action Technologies, founded in 2007, is an SBA certified HubZone, woman-owned, Small Disadvantaged Business. Core competencies include Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Construction Engineering, Network Engineering, Test & Evaluation, Integrated Logistics Planning, Administrative Support, Program Management, and Financial Management Support. Privett has a comprehensive government contracting background and successful management experience in worldwide operations. She comments, "AT was founded with the intent to become a strong provider of outstanding customer service and innovative technologies for Federal Government agencies and commercial customers." AT currently partners with CSC, SAIC, Kratos, AMS, Sigmatech, CAS, LogiCore, Intuitive Research, Belzon, and MSSI. Last year, Privett was selected by Alabama Governor Bob Riley to serve on the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees. Privett hopes to serve her alma mater by bringing new ideas and fresh perspectives to this opportunity. With its strong commitment to a high standard of customer care, Action Technologies develops and maintains open, honest, and close relationships with customers, listening for and anticipating their needs. "We show tireless diligence toward our clients," Privett explains. "Our Credo continually challenges us to put the Customer FIRST!" Company Info: Innovation That Matters….Experience You Can Trust
Mr. Donald states, "Avion prides itself in providing technical expertise, solid business practices and commitment to the soldier, Army aviation, and our customers. Avion continually receives accolades and special awards from customers and related organizations in recognition of its outstanding technical services and ongoing corporate commitment to excellence, including Top 15 Best Places to Work in Huntsville/Madison County for 2009 and 2010 and the Aviation Engineering Directorate Weapons Systems Award for Contractor Excellence in 2010." Avion also supports state, regional and local Government organizations as well as the commercial sector for asset tracking, Inmate Tracking and Control (INTACT) jail software, and fleet data analysis. As an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, with more than six business locations across the country, Avion provides "Innovation That Matters….Experience You Can Trust". Contact Info: Target…Capture…Propose…Win!
BD Solved has two divisions, technical services and consulting services, and offers a range of core competencies from identifying opportunities, leading training workshops, and helping companies see their own potential. Within the consulting division, BD Solved immediately signed three clients to provide proposal management for a major proposal, conduct workshops, and to develop marketing materials. One of the company’s unique services is a Solutions Workshop, in which a client team -- led by Hamby – gathers information about their potential customer and competitors, figures out what the customer needs, and decides how the team can fulfill those needs. Hamby organizes this information for the client to include in their proposal response along with strategies on how to win the proposal. Hamby is a certified Proposal Manager from the Association of Proposal Management Professionals and is a HASBAT board member. BD Solved proudly supports the U.S. military charities Wounded Warrior and Cup of Joe for a Joe. Contact Info: IT Freedom – Taking the Worry Out of YOUR Technology
One goal at Interweave Technologies is to educate clients on the benefits of technology and to be their technology adviser. Miles says, “We’ve been around for more than 20 years. Our clients know that we put their business interests first and foremost.” Interweave Technologies offers a range of services to clients including Huntsville Housing, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Decatur Surgery Center, and Wilson Lumber. Services include maintaining desktop and networking support (including multiple business locations), organizing complex technology infrastructures, and developing disaster recovery systems. In addition, Interweave Technologies currently provides cabling services for government and commercial projects, including construction on Redstone Arsenal. President Ravi Kolli comments, “As businesses grow, so does the stress of maintaining the technologies that support them. We provide a single point of reference to assist with all IT needs…creating IT Freedom so you can have yours.” Interweave Technologies also works with businesses in a consultant relationship to incorporate new strategic business tools, such as electronic medical records. Miles comments, “We are the one place to go for complete computer and cabling needs and support. We move businesses one step closer to IT Freedom.”
Contact Info: Solving Problems…Delivering Results
The company is a successful minority, women-owned 8(a) small business. Since its first government contract in early 2008 where it provides the US Army’s Network Enterprise Center at Fort Gordon, GA, with data and telecommunications support, the growth has been six fold. PROJECTXYZ is also on several AMCOM Express and MIDAESS team. The company recently completed a Decision Support Analysis pilot project for MDA. "One of the strengths of our company is our Board of Advisors," Larry states. "Both Bobby Bradley, former CEO of Computer Systems Technology, and John Stallworth, former CEO of Madison Research, provide us with business acumen and experienced support. They also provide advice on the strategic direction of the company, along with guidance on the acquisition of resources to assist in corporate growth. Kim comments, "We are pleased with our company’s history and are excited about future growth prospects. Personally, it has been a rewarding experience transforming PROJECTXYZ from strictly Healthcare IT Company, to one that supports our military and our Warfighters." Contact Info: FEATURES Advanced Technology in Today’s Windows
When Champion Window was founded in 1953 the company decided to make no "good-better-best" products. Instead, Champion makes only the best. As its own manufacturer, Champion is able to offer clients the latest and highest-quality technology at direct-buy prices and installation is included. Champion offers a lifetime warranty including Seal failure, broken glass and installation, as well as the Good Housekeeping Seal. "You may pay more for Champion," says Bob, "but you’ll get what you pay for. As our slogan says, When You Compare and Choose Champion, YOU Win Every Time." As part of its mission to provide only the best, Champion offers exclusive products on the cutting-edge of window technology. The Champion showroom and home consultations offer clients an interactive demonstration called the Comfort 365 Challenge. The Comfort 365 Window has a 12-layer soft coating on the inside of the panes, which reduces heat transfer in summer and holds heat in winter. Between the glass is argon gas, a common, heavy molecule that acts to slow the transfer of temperature and sound making the windows tighter and quieter. The Comfort 365 also offers low-maintenance, vinyl exteriors in eight color options. "With the Comfort 365 window we can make your home more comfortable while saving on energy costs," Bob says. "Comfort 365 will be energy efficient 365 days a year." Champion’s patio rooms and doors are also made with Comfort 365 glass. Champion doors are made of 20-22 gauge steel, a stronger steel than standard 26-28 gauge. All doors are also foam enhanced with magnetic weather stripping and a steel plate behind the door jam. Champion windows are installed by professional crews. "I’m blessed to have great crews," Bob explains. "They follow the Champion methods and practices and take pride in their installation. They leave no mess inside and no exposed wood on the exterior of the window. We do an exceptional job installing and provide good follow-up service that truly makes a difference." Along with its high-tech, high-quality products, Champion Window has received accolades from within its industry and from professional business organizations. In 2008, the company received the Crystal Achievement Award for Most Innovative Factory by Window and Door Magazine. In 2009, Champion Window of Huntsville was one of four finalists for the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. Also, it is a Green Seal Certified company and an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm for homes built before 1978 that require lead-safe work practices during home improvements "To me, these are recognitions that we stand behind our products and offer our clients peace of mind," Bob states. "They can be assured that we’ll bend over backward to do our job." To see Champion Window’s technology-advanced work, simply tour its display at the upcoming Building and Home and Remodeling Show at the Von Braun Center the first week of March 2011. Contact Info: by Barbara F. Nash, APR for LogiCore Corporation LogiCore is moving to the next level. The next level of Service. The next level of Technology. The next level of Innovation. The next level of Dependability.
That means increasing capabilities in advanced and visionary information technology, integrated logistics, and engineering support solutions to government and commercial customers. It means meeting the challenges to minimize down time and maximize operations. It means being creative to get the job done. Moving to the next level is bringing LogiCore many new things. A new headquarters facility in Cummings Research Park, a new designated software engineering department with processes that meet and exceed the CMMI Certification Standards, new staff who are dedicated solely to increase benefits to customer service programs, and the list goes on. But while increasing operations, LogiCore is maintaining focus steadfastly on the company’s central philosophy…increasing value to every customer relationship by first understanding their needs and requirements, then meeting and exceeding expectations. Why? Because to the employees at LogiCore, it’s not just about work, it’s about someone’s life. LogiCore knows that if equipment is down, a soldier suffers. If parts and critical materials don’t get to the proper destination at home or overseas on time, a soldier suffers. If an aircraft can’t fly, a soldier suffers. And LogiCore is there to make sure that doesn’t happen. LogiCore thinks outside the box to find innovative solutions, no matter what. Employees create more capabilities to go farther in supplementing the standard systems while optimizing all the "-ilities" ...Affordability, Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability. How so effectively? With LogiCore, there is no learning curve. The majority of the LogiCore team comes from a background that includes military and/or government experience; they can hit the ground running providing continuity of service, seamless transitions, unmatched technical expertise, and solid knowledge of the battle terrain. Extensive experience and keen understanding of requirements in logistics, maintenance, engineering, supply chain, and product life cycle management allow LogiCore employees to offer fast-paced solutions to meet ever-changing needs. They ask tough questions, get involved in the problems, and find viable solutions at tactical and strategic levels. In short, LogiCore provides the critical "extra link" so soldiers have what they need when they need it, providing an accelerated, more complete level of readiness. Because lives depend on it. So it comes as no surprise that LogiCore was recently named the winner in the medium-sized business category of the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama and was also nominated as the Regional AMCOM Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award. It’s also no surprise that the company translates the same level of dedication to its activities in the local community. Bouldin says the company is moving to the next level, and moving they are. LogiCore is poised to put Service, Technology, Innovation, and Dependability to work for its customers. And Bouldin knows her team will produce reliable results necessary to support the mission, whatever it takes to be ready. Contact Info: We Never Forget Who We’re Working For®
Holly added, "The MEADS tri-national government and industry team, of which Lockheed Martin is a proud member, is committed to successfully completing the MEADS Design and Development program, including flight testing to ultimately field this revolutionary capability. Beyond the D&D program, it is our desire to see this needed capability reach deployment. Lockheed has welcomed German and Italian engineers as the international partners and all are working on the program as an Integrated Product Team (IPT). MEADS is the next-generation system that is being developed to replace Patriot in the United States, Nike Hercules in Italy, and Hawk and Patriot systems in Germany. "MEADS is important to Lockheed and it is critical to defeat any future air and missile threats," Holly explains. "The company proudly contributes the best of their intellectual talent to work on this leading edge system," Holly explains. "This intellectual strength focused with the dedication of the team will provide each of the nations participating in MEADS an unmatched 21st century air and missile defense system capability." MEADS is capable of handling 360-degree threats and is able to meet the needs in an environment where huge strategic lift requirements are unaffordable, and burdensome maintenance and operational costs must be eliminated. Al Jones, President of MEADS, LLC adds, "MEADS, LLC, a joint venture comprised of CSC, CAS, IABG (Germany), and Space Engineering (Italy), leverages the engineering and analytical talents provided by an integrated team of subject matter experts spanning all MEADS program technologies. The MEADS, LLC personnel are colocated with NAMEADSMA, the program management agency. This arrangement allows agency staff, partnered with MEADS, LLC, to seamlessly plan and execute MEADS development program actions which yield key program management efficiencies on behalf of the nations." For the important tri-national project, more than 1,800 people are involved in the development of MEADS. Lockheed has 1,000 employees working on the project. Holly comments, "It is absolutely critical that our international partners are imbedded with us here in Huntsville to continue progress and creatively bring solutions. The people involved are what make the difference." Contact Info: Innovation at its Best!
The success Radiance has enjoyed over the past decade is a direct reflection of its talented, stable, and dedicated staff. As Radiance is a 100% employee-owned small business with large business capabilities, its employees are motivated to share in the growth of the company by capitalizing on their ingenuity. To accomplish this, Radiance encourages employees to pursue opportunities of interest by employing the Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs have allowed Radiance to not only develop innovative solutions for its Government customers, but also to promote the mission and goals of the SBIR program. In doing so, Radiance has repeatedly met the DoD’s increasing demand for innovative technology and, as such, has been recently honored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) with a Tibbetts Award, which is presented to companies that have advanced innovation and economic growth. "Our phenomenal growth and success are directly attributable to our employees…our most important asset," explains Radiance Technologies President George M. Clark, PhD. "The vision for forming this company was to be employee owned, work in a team environment, focus on technology, and be operationally relevant. We wanted all of our employees to be motivated, to share in the growth of the company, and to have the flexibility to pursue opportunities of interest. Based on what we’ve envisioned, Radiance Technologies has been a resounding success." To illustrate Radiance ingenuity, one of the company’s SBIR efforts involves developing defensive measures to effectively counter vehicle- or vessel-borne IEDs. Currently, no widespread weapons application has yet emerged to take advantage of the well-known, extremely powerful bursts of electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency bands that can disrupt and/or destroy sensitive electronics prevalent in almost all sophisticated systems. In response to this problem, Radiance has focused on developing products that overcome the inherent obstacles to developing such a weapon. As such, the Radiance team has developed several small-size, high-power systems, with key technologies patented. "Current laboratory prototypes have functioned for hundreds of tests without failure at military test facilities," Clark states. "These projects can have huge impacts on both military and civilian users. The products are portable and, therefore, can be deployed permanently or within minutes. Moreover, because the products can be built inexpensively, local police and homeland security agencies can afford to purchase and use this technology routinely. These products will have huge benefits for both military and civilian markets." In addition to the company’s numerous technological innovations, accolades such as the Tibbetts award attest to Radiance’s success, which is the direct result of the hard work and dedication of all Radiance employees. By continuing to provide systems engineering, technology development, systems integration, testing, and production, Radiance looks forward to an exciting and even more successful future in supporting America’s Warfighters. Radiance Technologies, Inc.: Creating Innovative Solutions for the Warfighter Contact Info: A Unique, Growing, Distinctive Company
One recent milestone for this growing company was adding its 100th employee-owner! Employee-Owner #1 Program Manager Mark Cash says, "I believe that MTSI represents an opportunity to bring an established and respected small business into the Huntsville community. I met with MTSI leadership and felt that the core values of the company would also provide the Huntsville community with a great place to work. Both of these things have turned out to be true through the five plus years that we have been in business in Huntsville." He continues, "I enjoy working at MTSI because over time, we have built a team that has truly dedicated professionals that are also great people to know and work with. As we have grown, we have been able to maintain many of the characteristics of a smaller company. Also, it is important to know that your customers respect you as an individual and your company. I believe that our customers have great respect for MTSI." Employee-Owner #100, Contracts Administrator Leslie Pensa adds, "I was looking for a successful company and somewhere I would enjoy going to work every day. I love working at MTSI. Every day there is something different with new challenges. It’s an exciting place to work. One of the most positive things about MTSI is working with all these very intelligent and dynamic people. Everyone works hard and even harder on last-minute projects. As a company, MTSI really values its employees and shows it through salary, benefits, and perks. MTSI appreciates me." Kathy Cagle, Recruiting Manager, says, "MTSI is successfully growing locally and nationally. In 2010 we were honored by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce with a ‘Best Place to Work’ award in the Medium Business category. This followed our 2009 award in the Small Business category. And, again in 2011, we are a nominee in the Medium Business category for this award. The MTSI office in Dayton, Ohio, has also won ‘Best Place to Work’ in Dayton this year, confirming that the company is viewed very favorably by all of our employees, throughout the organization, not just in Huntsville." MTSI Award Winners
MTSI’s "Program Operations Group" MTSI’s Program Operations Group is one of the company’s unique, distinctive and growing divisions. The group delivers solutions to customers’ program management needs across the acquisition life cycle. With expertise in Policy Development, Strategic Planning, Organizational Transformation, Economic Analysis, and Budget & Financial Management, the Program Operations Group addresses client strategic, operational, and tactical requirements. Elizabeth Graham, Program Operations Group Lead, states, "We help our clients solve complex problems by understanding and ‘owning’ their challenges, and developing solutions tailored to their needs and environment. To ensure our clients’ success, MTSI has gathered the best people, with outstanding capabilities. MTSI team members support clients by working directly in program offices, developing special studies and analysis for varying clients, and providing subject matter expertise to senior leaders. All this work is focused on delivering a final, successful product to the Warfighter." Four of the clients served by MTSI’s Program Operations Group are the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). "At MDA, our Group supports both the offices in Huntsville and in Washington with budget and financial management expertise," Gordon Fogg, MTSI Program Manager, explains. "We help achieve financial management support throughout all phases of a program. Our job is to help customers meet critical requirements in a very challenging budgetary environment." MTSI plans to expand its work in NASA and Army PEO Aviation. "We think we’re a good fit for these customers," Fogg comments. "As budgets shrink, we can help customers develop strategic solutions that optimize resource allocation decisions and we can successfully implement chosen solutions." Elizabeth Graham concludes, "MTSI has many strategic thinkers that can solve problems and communicate effectively with our customer. We can look at complex problems, break down the problem, put together a solution that makes sense, show the customer the best plan, and execute the action. Our people are highly motivated, skillful and truly amazing." Contact Info: 25 Years of Service to the Community
Founded in 1966 as The Analytical Sciences Corporation, TASC employs more than 5,000 highly-specialized professionals in 40 locations and generates about $1.55 billion in annual revenue. TASC supports more than 300 contracts with customers such as the National Reconnaissance Office, U.S. Army Special Programs Office, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security. The company’s two major customers in Huntsville are AMCOM and the Missile Defense Agency. Cox comments, "TASC designs sophisticated solutions to our customers’ most complex challenges in order to protect America from constantly evolving threats to our national security." Cox continues, "We have a very educated and highly-skilled workforce, with more than half holding advanced degrees. TASC encourages continuous learning through in-house professional development and university instruction. As a result, we provide a very high standard of system engineering and analysis capability across all the engineering disciplines." Throughout its history, TASC has strongly supported nonprofit organizations and encouraged employee volunteerism across the country. TASC has made significant financial contributions to community-based organizations advancing initiatives for veterans and education. TASC employees volunteer their time for causes such as cancer research, wounded veterans, local schools and more. In the Huntsville area, TASC employees are involved in a variety of volunteer efforts that include working to support local nonprofit service organizations, teaching and serving on the advisory boards of local academic institutions, and providing support for the area’s local Chambers of Commerce. Cox serves on the Board of Directors for the local chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). TASC is also a corporate member of AUSA, AFCEA, AFA and ASMDA. Another charitable organization the company supports is the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) through the North Alabama Joint Campaign. Cox notes, "As a new regional headquarters, we are developing priorities to be even more involved in the community, and supporting education is high on that list." To highlight its commitment to its employees, TASC was recently nominated for the "Best Places to Work Award" recognized by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. This nomination, along with 25 years of service to the community, defines TASC’s community and commitment to its customers and to Huntsville. TASC: People putting their best thinking to work for great causes – Peace, Safety and Security. Contact Info: Serving YOUR Total Office Needs with Flexibility and Creativity
Located near Redstone Arsenal’s Gate One, APEX, a company providing local businesses with quality shared office environments, offers fully furnished office spaces with high-speed connectivity, conference rooms with projection equipment, catering services, office equipment and supplies, fully stocked break areas, and professional reception services to take care of all the administrative work such as phone, mail, guest reception, document production, mail-outs, and more. All offices, meeting rooms, and staff support can be available for just one hour, or for a year or more. No more getting stuck in a long term commitment. The on-site staff is dedicated to taking care of the needs of each client. This means that individuals using the facility have staff at their disposal for whenever needs arise, but they have no associated costs unless the staff is actually performing tasks on the client’s behalf. APEX manages hiring, scheduling, leave, payroll and taxes. Also handled is the job of training staff to handle a myriad of different tasks a client might need. No headaches, just great support! Kellie and her husband, Selby, have owned APEX since 1994, and are active members of Office Business Centers Association International (OBCAI). "A few years ago, OBCAI started talking about a new way of working for the younger, more mobile workforce," says Kellie. "The eight-to-five mentality is being replaced with a generation of employees who work outside of the office. These new workers are looking for work environments that are conducive to casual business and creative interaction outside of their living room or the local café." With these trends in mind, Kellie formulated the idea for The Enclave – a Co-working Center here in Huntsville. Now these ideas have come to fruition, and The Enclave is the first such facility in Madison County. The Enclave is a comfortable and casual work atmosphere, and is designed to meet the needs of all types of workers. It offers a room with "hot desks", a conference area, lounge area, production area with office resources, and a media room with a large HDTV, high top tables, couches and a video game system. "The true advantage of The Enclave is that it’s not just a place to sit and work, but a hub of interaction and collaboration," Kellie declares. "Workers have the potential to meet someone and tap into the unique perspectives and creativity that exists in other industries. We’re NOT just providing space, but also access to people and ideas that can re-define your future." APEX Business Centers: There is no way to estimate the potential VALUE of a single good connection. Contact Info: Making Customers for Life
Catina’s roots in the roofing industry run deep. At age seven, Catina put on her first roof with her father. In the same family tradition, Catina’s daughter, Valerie, runs the company alongside her. As the only woman-owned roofing business in the United States that has won the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, Catina is very selective about what the company uses for its products, as well as is a stickler for outstanding customer service. "What sets me apart is that I look for all the little things, I make sure our crews are careful, and that our quality of workmanship can’t be beat," she explains. "In addition, we use the best products with the latest in technological advances and stay on top of all government mandates at local, state, and national levels. Our products are energy efficient and we practice ‘green’ values by recycling all shingles and going as paperless as possible." Hernandez Roofing’s focus is on its customers. To illustrate that point, Hernandez Roofing was the winner of the 2009 Better Business Bureau’s Golden Torch Award that is given to company’s that exemplify outstanding business ethic. Whether its commercial or residential property, the company provides quality workmanship, technical expertise, and roofing shingles to give your roof a whole new life. There are many options to choose from, such as different designs, colors, and styles, including fiberglass (also known as composition), strip, laminated, interlocking, and large format. Hernandez Roofing also uses high-tech products, such as Storm Guard that seals itself if punctured. Currently, Hernandez Roofing is working on a patent product for a new ridge vent that is more efficient. Hernandez Roofing field management are trained and experienced in the technical aspects of roof evaluation and repair. The company is licensed by the State of Alabama, Registrar of Contractors, and bonded and insured for your protection. "As new products come out, we quickly train our employees," she explains. Catina continues, "What sets us apart is giving customers a lifetime preventative maintenance package on roofs for as long as they own the property on top of our 10-year labor warranty. Our commercial and residential Roof Repair and Maintenance Program provide you with many years of additional roof life. Roofs are similar to cars where they need maintenance, just not as much. This is a good package to have as customers know they are covered. Things happen over time, such as nail pops, limbs getting stuck in shingles, etc. We check all these areas and more. We just don’t put on roofs; we also take care of them. Our customers are like family to us. Once you become our customer, we’ll take care of for life." Contact Info: Today’s Answer, Tomorrow’s Solutions
To support the expansion of BCF operations in Huntsville, Bill Smart was hired as the MDA MiDAESS Group 2 Program Manager in September 2009. Bill had a distinguished career of 34 years as a Federal Government civilian professional in weapon system acquisition serving Army project offices, commodity commands, and Program Executive Office organizations. He spent the last 10 years in the MDA. Brady Foster, CEO comments, "We’re pleased to have Bill leading our MiDAESS Acquisition and Program Support Team in Huntsville. His expertise, experience, and awareness of this community provides us with a great advantage and an outstanding leader." BCF has been awarded a MDA MiDAESS Group 2 Small Business ID/IQ prime contract and has 24 team members leading to the awarding of multiple Task Orders (TOs) for the company. Smart explains, "BCF has been extremely successful with the MDA. These TOs are worth approximately $23 million. For these TOs, BCF has drawn on the expertise and incumbency of Team BCF to include teammates AASI, CSC, DMD, DAC, Gray Research, MCR, and SAIC. We’ve also been successful winning facilities work under a Group 4 contract as a team member to prime contractor, CSC. Smart’s plan for the company is to continue building and strengthening corporate relationships that serve and benefit both BCF and the Tennessee Valley area. "With the substantial growth of the company here in Huntsville," he says, "I think it’s important to demonstrate that we are a community-minded business focused on becoming a part of, and contributing to, the growth and enhancement of the entire region." Smart continues, "We cannot rest on the success of these recent contracts. It is critical we leverage our successes and aggressively pursue new strategic partnerships with other small and large businesses in the area for future growth opportunities." BCF Solutions: Continuing Growth, Continuing Success in Huntsville. Contact Info: Global Recruiters of Huntsville The Leader in Professional Transition
GRN of Huntsville has a superior recruiting and placement solution that delivers top talent in Engineering, IT, Sales & Marketing, Business Development, and Project Management. With a new downtown location that provides a physical presence in the heart of Huntsville, GRN of Huntsville is quickly becoming known as a premier recruiter with first-class, business-to-business connections. “GRN of Huntsville started out as a single person office, but our business has quickly expanded over the past year requiring us to rethink strategy and relocate to a larger facility,” David says. “The office is in an ideal location to begin our expansion process. We wanted to be involved in the downtown development, and our historically preserved building on the Court House Square gives our office some unique features and a quality work environment.” The new facility gives GRN of Huntsville room to grow so it can meet a five-year expansion plan of 10 search consultants, five research assistants, and an administration staff. “Our first steps have been going great,” David explains. “Our primary areas of expertise include placing top IT professionals, Engineers, Sales & Marketing, Business Development, and Project Management talent into quality positions.” With these areas as a focus, GRN of Huntsville continues its expansion process by hiring and training Dalene Dubé to run the IT desk and Andy Hilbun to run the Engineering desk. Additional Sales & Marketing, Business Development, and Project Management experts are also being sought. The company also hired an office manager, Megan Bates, to manage the office and assist the Search Consultants with research on candidates and companies. With 30 years of B-2-B acumen and experience in the recruiting industry, the advantages of GRN of Huntsville extend from its small business commitment to provide quick and agile solutions to its hallmark promise of confidentiality. “We have the ability to assist companies with hard-to-fill positions, and the high standard to do so with the utmost respect,” David states. “We never expose or publicize our candidates and clients without their knowledge and consent.” As part of a worldwide operation based in Downers Grove, IL, GRN of Huntsville has technological advantages, such as its proprietary database management system and Consulting & Placement Solutions (CAPSX™). The local office has access to the GRN Chat and Exchange, Interactive Network and a video teleconferencing system that enables people from around the globe to do training, interviewing, and more. Through GRN advances, the company has the contacts to accomplish its recruiting tasks with more than 180 offices across America and Europe. David explains, “GRN’s state-of-the-art computer systems, coupled with a commitment to professional standards and real personal services, are putting our company on the cutting edge of technical recruitment." David concludes, "Our experience in recruiting and our qualified people and systems, support us as we become better known and build relationships in the community. Our commitment is unmatched. We work to exceed the expectations of our clients and candidates.” Contact Info: Financial Expertise for Government Contractors
NeoSystems Corp., which recently expanded into the Huntsville area, enables government contractors to grow by providing strategic back office services. NeoSystems focuses on assisting government contractors with meeting the government’s complex, and seemingly ever-changing accounting and financial management rules and regulations. The firm is headquartered outside of Washington, D.C. with a local office in Research Park. As the government increases the number, frequency, and intensity of audits, it is more crucial than ever for companies to anticipate rather than simply react to these audits. Nearly every government contractor will be audited. In fact, failure to be ready for pre-awards audit could jeopardize new business opportunities. The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), the largest auditor of government contracts, has been adding to its staff and auditing more rigorously, following a recent Government Accountability Office report. From fiscal years 2008 to 2010, DCAA’s staff increased by nearly 15 percent. Approximately 85 percent of its now 4,700 professionals are focused on conducting audits. There are dozens of different types of government audits, including:
When government contractors have effective accounting and financial management systems, they are not only better able to address audits, but also ongoing business tasks, while positioning their company for growth. NeoSystems combines industry expertise with best-in-class software applications to give government contractors more time to focus on growing their business. The firm’s clients benefit from NeoSystems’ long and well established relationship with major software vendors, including Deltek, whose accounting software is used by 89 percent of the top federal contractors, and IBM, whose Cognos software facilitates reporting and planning. In fact, NeoSystems is a Deltek Outsourced Accounting and Premier Partner, as well as an IBM Business Partner. Clients often leverage NeoSystems’ investment in Deltek’s accounting systems, web-based time cards and expense reports, and custom reporting applications, as well as their hardware and network infrastructure to achieve a cost-efficient, highly compliant management system. NeoSystems offers both the Deltek Costpoint® and Deltek GCS Premier® packages in this fashion, providing expert accounting services based on either package, augmented with subsidiary applications. NeoSystems is on top of new accounting rules and regulations pertaining to contractors, helping companies to take a proactive compliance approach in order to sustain and grow their government contracting business. NeoSystems stands by companies as they go through audits, and is well aware of the importance and challenges they may face during government examinations. NeoSystems has the experienced personnel, business systems, and the technical infrastructure to give your company the competitive advantage for winning new business. Grow Ahead, We’ve Got Your Back Office - it is more than our tagline, it is our mission. Contact Info: Helping to Engineer the World’s Future Through Solutions that Span the Globe
The Huntsville division of MJLM, MJLM Engineering and Technical Services (MJLM E&TS) opened in 2003 with only two employees and one AMCOM contract on Redstone Arsenal (RSA). Today the expanding MJLM E&TS Division has more than 90 employees with varying levels of engineering and technical, logistics, production/fabrication, drafting, configuration management and management expertise. Leonard Harris, Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of MJLM, states, "The success of our first contract with RSA led to our exponential growth. Since then, MJLM E&TS has skyrocketed into a national and international Federal Services contracting small business." After the initial success in Huntsville, MJLM E&TS widened its focus to provide an entire arena of engineering services. Its engineers now collaborate and interface with both government and contractor organizations to support their program requirements in research, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, and integration of legacy systems into futuristic technologies. MJLM E&TS is unique in that its engineers are involved in every phase of production, including defining the specifications, design layout of prototypes, development, debug/test, integration and demonstration to verify and validate that the finished end item functions as specified. This engineer-assisted development flow ensures efficiencies in the process and results in the delivery of a fully functional product at a cost savings to the customer. This year, with corporate financial support, MJLM E&TS has established an infrastructure that allows it to take a greater role in participating in Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quality (IDIQ) contracts as the direct awardee. "As a small company, we have set ourselves apart from other similar small businesses with the recent purchase of the DelTek Cost Point accounting tool," Harris explains. "This tool allows us to control all facets of cost, time and expense allocations, material procurements, purchasing, and production/fabrication activities. Additionally, it allows us to accomplish the administrative, managerial, and financial aspects of all our Contracts/Task Orders." MJLM E&TS contractual vehicles include all four domains of AMCOM Express, a GSA Professional Engineering Services schedule, and the SeaPort-e contract. The company is ISO 9001:2008 Certified, U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program Certified, and is obtaining its CMMI Level 3 Certification. MJLM E&TS teams with IRTC, MSSI, SAIC, Stanley, CSC, Torch, Hixardt, and KRATOS in existing contracts or in pursuit of new opportunities. Currently supporting the U.S. military in Huntsville, MJLM E&TS performs as a SETA contractor to PM-AGSE on the Flexible Engine Diagnostic system (FEDS). FEDS is an advanced technology turboshaft engine test system designed to test and verify the flight readiness of engines which have been removed from the aircraft for degraded performance or maintenance. MJLM E&TS designed a new component for the FEDS system and successfully demonstrated a health monitoring system called the Dynamometer Warning System (DWS). MJLM E&TS also has a contract with PD-SSM supporting the Test Equipment Instrumentation Support Program (TEISP) repairing electronic boxes for the Air Force. And, the company is finalizing an engineering support contract with the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge, TN. "MJLM E&TS is committed to helping engineer the world’s future through solutions that span the globe," Harris comments. "We promise dedicated service and exceptional value." Contact Info: Experience, Expertise, and Excellence!
To obtain this goal, CMA employs retired military and DoD civilians who have actual hands-on experience in defense work in the business areas of human resources, manpower, acquisition, and cost estimating. Additionally, staff members hold certifications as professional engineers, contract managers, cost estimator analysts, defense acquisition program managers, and in Lean Six Sigma. CMA invests in young professionals and, purposefully, provides a corporate culture that encourages mentoring and personal growth. Denise states, "CMA has taken an active stance to promote an environment which attracts emerging generations of skilled workers. Our highly experienced senior leadership provides reach-back knowledge and capability, while fostering young innovative thinkers who are prepared to meet 21st Century challenges. This two-pronged approach recognizes the culture of the agencies we support, while providing original solutions that drive efficiency, save money, and improve the performance of our customers." Analyst James Brede is one of the young professionals at CMA. He explains, "CMA’s employment model provides a great opportunity for new consultants to learn and be part of a vibrant company. Analysts with less than five years experience are placed in a leadership role with a senior member on the team as a mentor. This arrangement gives the individual visibility and credibility while providing the customer with innovation and experience." CMA’s core capabilities are manpower optimization, federal acquisitions and contracting, performance based service acquisitions, human resources support, program management, commercial services management and training. In addition, CMA focuses on total force readiness programs and multi-sector workforce analysis. Current contract vehicles include SeaPort-e, GSA MOBIS, ArmyHRsolutions, AMCOM Express Business and Analytical Domain (team member) and MiDAESS (team member). Current and past customers include the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of the Navy’s Manpower Optimization branch, the Headquarters of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Strategic Sourcing Program Office, Department of Homeland Security, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Office of Secretary of Defense, Acquisition Technology & Logistics. CMA is a member of Women in Defense, Association of the United States Army, the NDIA, and the NCMA. It has received awards in both 2010 and 2011 for Business Diversity, as a Top 500 Veteran Owned Business in the United States, and as a Top 50 Woman Owned Business in Alabama. Denise states, "The government makes a lot of business decisions to determine the best way to optimize its infrastructure dollars so it can realign these resources to the Warfighter. CMA contributes in a positive way to these government decisions. We always ask ourselves, ‘Why is this important to the customer? What is the most effective way to perform this task?’ Once we answer those two questions, we have reached our ultimate goal, providing value to our customer." Contact Info: Practical Employment Solutions, Inc. Compliance Tools and Advisement at a Higher Level
Jamie explains that it is becoming more difficult for employers to stay compliant, despite their intent to do the right thing. "The Department of Labor has established initiatives in 2011 with a focus on ensuring that employers are complaint on the front end," she says. "These new laws will require employers to have compliance action plans in place that address issues such as the prevention of injuries under OSHA and classification of workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act." With nearly 17 years of legal experience as both outside and in house counsel, as well as experience as a Human Resources leader for a government contractor, Jamie is uniquely qualified to develop and implement compliance plans. Additionally, Jamie’s experience in day-to-day personnel issues enables her to assist employers to manage difficult employee situations. "I offer neutral investigations of employee related claims, assistance with responses to government agency audits or complaints, employee and supervisor training, and preparation of a wide range of employee policies, procedures, and forms. I have the background and skills to assist employers with these challenging issues, so they can remain focused on running their businesses." Contact Info: SharePoint Allows You to Control and Direct Your World
As a Huntsville-based company, MegaTech has grown to become a global provider of engineering tools, custom software, and IT services for a variety of disciplines. The company focuses on defense and commercial industries and specializes in providing safe and accessible tools for dissemination of permission-based information. "SharePoint is a fine-grained permissions-based security tool," Wyn states. "It provides professionals with access to information at varying levels depending upon appropriate proprietary content or agreements. This web-enabled product creates a secure, collaborative environment that can be utilized in both corporate Internet and intranet environments worldwide." Wyn also uses SharePoint to design custom sites that can be used to transfer audio/video instructions from design engineers to field engineers, or orientation information from employers to new employees. MegaTech provides SharePoint support as a subcontractor to QinetiQ, North America, for 125 engineers. Ed C., Structures Engineer says, "Our support team is working a Crashworthiness AWIS which required background documentation on crash investigations and data analysis by several key investigators, mostly from the Army AeroMedical Research Lab at Fort Rucker and RDECOM at Fort Eustis and other Contractors. Some of the crash investigation reports are substantial with several hundred pages of data. We located several Crashworthiness Databases and Technical reports and demonstrated special search methods to review the extensive literature on this topic. Many man hours of research and engineering time were saved by allowing the team to zero in on the most critical information in a timely manner to allow the Task Schedule to be met." Wyn concludes, "Through SharePoint, MegaTech provides organizations with the tools needed to make decisions, enhance workflow, and collaborate within their companies, as well as with business partners and third parties. SharePoint gives you more control!" Contact Info: Florida Institute of Technology High Tech with a Human Touch
Florida Tech offers masters-level programs in many disciplines including logistics management, acquisition & contract management, engineering management, human resources management, computer information systems, project management, systems management, and public administration. Graduate certificate programs are also available in many disciplines. On-site Resident Administrators are immediately available to assist prospective students in shaping their degree programs to complement their professional progression. Florida Tech is regionally accredited (SACS) and fully approved by the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education. Florida Tech’s main campus is in Melbourne, FL with sites at nine other locations throughout the United States. Florida Tech’s accolades include being ranked as a Tier 1 National University by U.S. News & World Report, ranked by Forbes Magazine as among the top 15% of America’s colleges, and named one of the top technical institutions in the Fiske Guide to Colleges. Florida Tech’s Huntsville site encourages diversity and inclusion while serving the needs of a global work force of adult learners. Courses are conducted after-hours Mondays through Fridays to permit working professionals to advance their careers without impacting ongoing work efforts. Additionally, financial aid is available (e.g., VA benefits, Yellow Ribbon, Chapter 31, Chapter 33, etc.) to qualified students. Contact Info: It’s more than data. It’s your business.
Trident Technologies, LLC excels when it comes to execution, quality, and responsiveness. Trident Vice-President Steve Atkins states, "From the beginning, we have focused on providing top-quality data engineering and other services and solutions for customers while being absolutely responsive to their needs." Trident, a minority-owned, woman-owned SBA 8(a), was founded in 2006 in Birmingham, AL. "We used our experience and relationships in the commercial sector to develop our operating history and capabilities that allow us to succeed in the government sector, " says President and CEO Suzanne Arroyo. "We were fortunate to work for clients such as BBVA Compass Bank, Regions Bank, and Alabama Power early on." The company opened its first office in Huntsville in October, 2008. Trident’s core competencies in data engineering include Data Architecture and Design, Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence, Data Quality Management, Database Administration, and Information Presentation. "We define a data infrastructure and then fully leverage it to produce information that can be acted on," says Allen Perkins, Senior Data Architect. Through its partnership with 3D Research Corporation, Trident has also developed strong capabilities in cyber-security, further strengthening its focus on the value of data. These capabilities include Cyber-Security Design Engineering, Secure Solutions Engineering, Incident Response and Computer Forensics, Certification and Accreditation/Regulatory Compliance Support and Testing, and Vulnerability and Penetration Testing. "3D Research Corporation is our mentor in the SBA mentor/protégé program and has been instrumental in helping us succeed in the government sector. All of their staff have really gone above and beyond to help us," says Arroyo. "We couldn’t ask for a better mentor." With world-class partners, customers and employees, Trident looks forward to continuing to provide top-quality services and solutions for both its existing and new customers, further building on its foundation of world-class expertise. Contact info: World-class Theater Air & Missile Defense
The trans-Atlantic cooperation achieved joint approval for the design and development phase of MEADS in 2004. With the successful completion of the two-year critical design review in 2010, the nations have agreed that MEADS is ready to move forward and expect to conduct the first flight test in 2012. According to Kee, the program is currently funded through 2013. Designed for rapid deployment and tactical mobility, the multi-canister launcher equipped with a BMC41 Tactical Operations Center (TOC), is mounted on a 5t wheeled vehicle that is able to move quickly to keep pace with fast-moving maneuver forces. With its Launcher/Reloader and Certified Missile Round, MEADS has greater firepower, provides eight times more coverage, and requires less manpower than its predecessors. Advanced Surveillance and Multifunctional Fire Control Radars provide 360° coverage and operate in highly stressing jamming environments. The interoperability of the MEADS design allows the system to operate with other current and future systems. And all of the components of MEADS are linked by a communications network with netted and distributed architecture enabling the MEADS units to be organized and configured according to the predicted threats. This deliberate flexibility is the key characteristic of MEADS. The "plug-and-fight" flexibility of its open architecture provides 21st century air defense system-of-system integration capabilities that allow operational mission-tailoring for homeland defense or defense of maneuver forces. MEADS will protect maneuvering forces and fixed installations against attack by current and next-generation threats. In order to oversee MEADS’ development, the tri-national AMD program formed the NATO MEADS Management Agency, over which Kee was appointed General Manager in 2008. Prior to being nominated to his current assignment by the Secretary of the U.S. Army, Greg accumulated more than 24 years of acquisition and project management experience in private industry, a member of the Senior Executive Service with the Department of the Army, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Greg is DAWIA Certified Level III in program management, information technology, lifecycle logistics, business, cost estimating, and financial management. "Our Huntsville office is the only headquarters for a NATO agency outside Europe," Kee explains. "In Huntsville alone, we have nearly 500 people supporting MEADS, both Government and contractor. We have a prime contract with Meads International, a tri-national joint venture comprised of Lockheed Martin-USA, MBDA Italia-Italy, and LFK-Germany." What makes MEADS unique is its trans-Atlantic cooperation. "We’re really seeing the value of international cooperative development," Kee states. "Together with our tri-national industrial team we are committed to the successful completion of the MEADS Design and Development program and the ultimate fielding of the system…a system that will truly provide capability for the future." Contact Info: CYBER Huntsville Initiative (NP) The Dawning of CYBER TOWN – Huntsville, Alabama • Huntsville’s Response to a National Vulnerability
Dr. Rodney Robertson, Executive Director of the Auburn University Research Center and a CYBER Security Expert, says, "The CYBER Huntsville Initiative is working to bring the government, industry, and academia together to build a cyber capability in Huntsville that has a global reputation and global reach. We intend to leverage Huntsville’s vast intellectual capital to help solve the most pressing problem of our time – protecting the national cyber infrastructure. The term "cyber" refers to anything that runs on a computer or in telecommunications, and can therefore be infiltrated and used as a weapon against our nation. "The threat of cyber attack is very real and it is available not only to nations but also to groups of individuals who may or may not be sanctioned by nations, and to criminals, and to terrorists," said Peter Pace at the August 2010 Space and Missile Defense Conference that Mayor Battle attended. "Cyber attack and cyber defense are here to stay. We as a nation are ill prepared for it, as is every other nation." Battle’s vision for CYBER is a plan that builds upon the city’s rich history of leadership and unmatched credentials. With existing cyber technology capabilities and significant, on-going cyber projects of national scope, Huntsville has become home to a workforce base of more degreed professionals and engineers per capita than anywhere else in the country. "What we have here is unique," Battle says. "We have an agile, responsive, and mutually supportive community. We now need to draw upon the existing DoD, Federal, State, academic, and industry capabilities in technology, science, and services to also build Huntsville into a Cyber Center of Excellence, to compliment our Space and Missile heritage and the important global missions we currently have. We can leverage Huntsville’s collective intellectual capital to solve the most pressing problem of our time – protecting the national cyber infrastructure." Battle has organized CYBER into an Advisory Panel of executives and government stakeholders, and a working group of about 65 members to plan realistic strategy for CYBER. "Because this is a mayoral initiative, we have a unique collaboration that is between government, commercial, and academic institutions," Director of Economic Development Joe Vallely says. "I’m not sure another person could bring these three constituents together as Mayor Battle has done. What we are experiencing is our community coming together to develop a field of expertise for Huntsville. We’re pulling together companies that are already doing cyber work and creating a game plan to integrate cyber defense into what we already do. An example would be integrating cyber defense into weapons platforms that are already developed here." Vallely continues, "There is enough cyber work out there that if we can identify opportunities, leverage them with our leadership, and match them up with our unique workforce, we can bring multiple missions to Huntsville. Mayor Battle concludes, "In five to 10 years the cyber workforce industry will become another major force in our nation’s total industry picture, and we want Huntsville to have a part in the industry. Huntsville has been a missile and space town for decades. The time is right to become a Cyber Town!" Anyone interested in joining the initiative can contact Joe Vallely, Director of Economic Development, or Dr. Rodney Robertson, Co-Chair of the Advisory Panel, or visit the CYBER web site. Contact Info: Colonel John Hamilton, Garrison Commander of Redstone Arsenal (NP) Beyond BRAC
Subsequent to Congress passing the BRAC 2005 law, DoD and other Federal agencies decided to station additional organizations on RSA. BRAC served as a catalyst for much greater growth story on RSA, building momentum for expanding efficiencies by creating synergy among the collection of inter-related activities on RSA. The result of this chain reaction is the significant transformation and expansion of RSA. With the construction of new buildings, development of a growing workforce, and the resourcing of rapidly-expanding infrastructure, RSA is working hard to prepare for these many new arrivals. Some of the non-BRAC organizations moving to Huntsville include the FBI and ATF, Army Contracting Command, and Expeditionary Contracting Command. Additionally, the Aviation and Missile Research and Development Center will be expanding within RSA. Col. Hamilton adds, "One area of very visible growth this year is the EUL (Enhanced Use Lease) facility – called Redstone Gateway – being built on Rideout Road at Gate 9. RSA is in a three-way partnership with the Federal government, the city of Huntsville, and a private developer to create an office park offering over 4 million square feet of prime office space that will also facilitate and attract new businesses into Huntsville." Col. Hamilton continues, "All this growth would not work without the relationship between RSA and the local communities. At RSA we often talk about the ‘Big WE,’ which includes RSA and the entire Tennessee Valley. It’s amazing to me how well ‘WE’ have come together and synchronized our efforts to make this growth work today and into the future." The strength of the partnerships between RSA and the local communities reflects the incredible importance of these efforts. In order to make RSA’s expansion successful, priorities like road networks, schools, local workforce development, and additional basic services are needed throughout the area. These requirements will include the need for an educated workforce of professionals including scientists, engineers, senior managers, and acquisition specialists. "Between BRAC moves and other organizations coming to RSA, there will be approximately 7,000 new direct jobs on the Arsenal." Hamilton says. "And growth models tell us that for every direct job created within RSA there will be about three indirect jobs created in the surrounding communities." The future is bright for Redstone Arsenal and the Tennessee Valley Region. The year 2011 brings the final phases of BRAC 2005 growth but that only serves as a milestone in a much longer story of expansion and transformation. Contact Info: Lt. Gen. James H. Pillsbury (NP) Huntsville Welcomes Back a GREAT Leader and a Patriot
Pillsbury has previously lived and worked on Redstone Arsenal (RSA) and he is excited to be moving back with AMC. "My professional excitement remains even after all these years. I enjoy serving soldiers and their families," he states. "My wife, Becky, and I have looked forward to returning to the Tennessee Valley where we have so many fond memories and can be close to friends and family. She intends to again become involved in volunteer work, including Still Serving Veterans and the ARC of Madison County." AMC is the Army’s premier provider of materiel readiness, bringing technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. Its complex missions range from development of sophisticated weapons systems and cutting-edge research, to maintenance and distribution of spare parts. In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision prompted the relocation of the AMC headquarters to RSA. "The announcement for the command relocation was made only four years ago," explains Pillsbury. "In July of this year the transition will be complete. We are ahead of schedule in completion of the transition, as well as with the new AMC facility." The new AMC facility "is spectacular and will be enjoyed by the 1,300+ employees," comments Pillsbury. AMC has been working in temporary facilities since 2003, so the Command is enthusiastic about the new, state-of-the-art headquarters. The facility will allow the AMC to handle more complex issues and to have smoother overall operations from the co-located workforce. Pillsbury notes, "The quality about the Tennessee Valley that is going to strike the AMC workforce is the tremendous support the civilian communities give to the military. The positive atmosphere, the welcoming reception, and the patriotism of the area is going to be a great motivator for the workforce. He continues, "I want to personally thank the leadership of the Tennessee Valley, both the elected officials and the private companies who have worked hard to ensure that BRAC was a success. The U.S. Army Materiel Command will be both a great addition and a good partner in support of our Warfighters." Contact Info: Ronnie Chronister U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) (NP) Providing and Sustaining World-Class Aviation and Missile Systems to the Joint Warfighter
As a member of the Senior Executive Service, Ronnie has served AMCOM since 2008, managing a multifaceted and diverse organization with an annual budget of more than $4 billion and a global workforce of over 11,000 military and civilian employees. AMCOM partners with Program Executive Officers, Warfighters, and industry to develop, acquire, field, and sustain aviation and missile systems and the supporting equipment required to operate them. AMCOM is the Army’s "sustainment manager", providing engineer, logistics, and acquisition personnel and services covering more than 90 major systems. Additionally, AMCOM is the leader in foreign military sales. AMCOM’s mission is to provide and sustain world-class aviation and missile systems and support to the joint Warfighters supporting national security and defense strategies. "While some units are leaving Afghanistan, the need for aviation support will stay the same or increase," Ronnie explains. "AMCOM’s mission is to provide the tactical aviation support our soldiers require." Another AMCOM focus is to support the small-business industry through the AMCOM Express team. Small businesses apply to be a member of the AMCOM Express team and after careful evaluation, some are selected. This privilege provides small businesses with the opportunity to bid on AMCOM contracts. Since 2004, AMCOM Express has awarded close to 45% of its service work to small businesses. In last three years alone $400 million a year has gone to small businesses. Recently, AMCOM Express developed the Small Business Reserve (SBR), which designates certain contracts to only small businesses. Since going through this process 20 of their 25 new tasks have been added to the SBR, which is $675 million out of $779 million worth of work that will be awarded to small business. "We put a lot of effort into making sure we are in balance," Ronnie states. "We are constantly refining, and we will continue to be committed to the small business." With the current changes at Redstone Arsenal (RSA), AMCOM is growing. Some of these changes include Major Jim Rodgers taking command at AMCOM and serving as the Senior Mission Command for RSA, as well as General Ann Dunwiddy (Commanding General, Army Materiel Command [AMC]) moving to RSA next spring and General Jim Pillsbury returning as AMC Deputy Commanding General. In this move, AMC has elected to use AMCOM Express as its contracting mechanism. "The changes create great opportunity," Ronnie says. "We’re excited about where we’re doing as a command and as RSA. At the bottom line of all we do are our soldiers and their families. While small business is important in building support for our soldiers, we keep in mind the real life struggles of our soldiers. We can’t loose the tactical perspective that we have right now while we’re still in this engagement." Contact Info: Who’s Who in Huntsville Technology Magazine and MegaTech Partner to Provide a 2D Barcode Who’s Who in Huntsville Technology Magazine is proud to be partnering with Wyn Cole of MegaTech to offer one free 2D Barcode to all supporters of this current issue. This up-and-coming identification technology is an excellent way for SmartPhone users (with a Scanner application) to scan 2D Barcodes of business colleagues into their phone contact list. Specifically, individuals displaying a 2D Barcode for personal identification can provide their professional contact info and a link to either their web page or a personalized promotional message, all without a single keystroke. This personal identification 2D Barcode can also be placed in print advertisements. 2D Barcodes (also known as QR codes) contain embedded information. Initially developed in Japan by Toyota, the QR code is becoming popular throughout the world. MegaTech has developed a practical system in which this 2D Barcode technology delivers personal contact information and more. This unique system embeds an individual’s contact information and either their web site address or a promotional video message into a 2D Barcode. The 2D Barcode may then be placed on the back of a business card or in an advertisement. In addition to providing one free 2D Barcode for supporters of Who’s Who in Huntsville Technology Magazine, MegaTech can also offer additional barcodes to interested companies, the development of a web-enabled video presenting the featured individual giving a promotional message about their company’s focus and capabilities, the development of the individualized 2D Barcode labels for placement on current business cards, and the development of a database for 20 employees to store the company’s 2D Barcode information. Contact Info: Off to the Races in the 2010-2011School Year!
Robby’s eighth grade students started with blocks of wood, and designed, built, and finished model dragsters that are powered by a CO2 cartridge. One of the "unlimited" cars weighed less than the limit of 1.8 ounces and achieved a measured 60 miles per hour! The students learned about density, speed calculations, static and dynamic measurements, friction, balanced and unbalanced forces, dimensional analysis, momentum, critical thinking, basic woodworking and finishing, and teamwork. The students also learned how to set up the race track and the timing apparatus to measure the times the cars took to run a scale-model quarter mile in a series of competitive heats. These eighth graders created some exceptionally imaginative designs and finishes. Their confidence in their cars’ performance led them to challenge the seniors in rival Pisgah High School to a competition. In a series of hotly contested heats, the Section High eighth graders roundly trounced the seniors. You can see a summary of this exciting program on You Tube by accessing the link located in the contact info at the end of the story. This exciting program is but one example of the many superb learning opportunities provided by HATS STEDTRAIN seed grants: high school level medical training programs; model rocket design, construction, and flight tests; application of high-tech equipment that brings math and science to life at various grade school levels; building and programming robotic vehicles that navigate along a path while sensing lighted vs. dark areas with control arms that search; design and construction of an air cushion vehicle that can support a person; developing and instrumenting a wind tunnel; learning forensic analysis of DNA; monitoring the environment and learning how to improve it; building a model roller coaster that teaches basic principles of gravity, force, acceleration, and momentum at the grade school level; and many, many more. One of the real hallmarks of success in these efforts occurs when students working with the grant materials take the program to their schoolmates – children teaching children new concepts and ideas with both groups learning fundamental principles of technology, communications and teamwork. Such efforts are a real tribute to our outstanding area teachers and their students who do the work and receive and share the benefits of the grants. These projects were possible thanks to the generosity of 2010-2011 corporate, organization, and individual sponsors listed on the HATS web site. At the web site noted below, you will find a list of all the 2010-2011 HATS STEDTRAIN seed grants currently active in Tennessee Valley area schools. Is your school one of them? Volunteers are WELCOME. Help this "unique to the Huntsville area" STEM program continue its 23-year legacy of success. Contact Info: 14th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference & Exhibition (NP) Space & Missile Defense...Providing Capabilities to the Warfighter
The SMD Conference is a growing conference and is expected to be widely attended by more than 7,000 professionals from throughout the United States and our allies around the world. There were more registered attendees for the 2010 conference than any previous year and the exhibit area has been expanded for the 2011 conference to include use of the VBC arena. Event sponsors include the National Defense Industrial Association–Tennessee Valley Chapter (NDIA-TVC), Air Space and Missile Defense Association (ASMDA), and the Air Defense Artillery Association–Huntsville Chapter (ADAA). Speakers at the conference will address current and future space and missile defense issues facing the global defense community and how these technologies and capabilities are provided to the Warfighter. At the 2010 SMD Conference, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle announced the Huntsville CYBER Initiative and the progress of this initiative is one of the advanced areas of Huntsville technology expected to be discussed. Simulators, models, vehicles, and video displays will entertain and inform visitors. Look for exhibits overhead in the form of unmanned aerial vehicles, while robots and other remote controlled products will be moving about at your feet. There will be foreign or "threat" vehicles and weapons appearing with the U.S. military space and missile defense answers to these threats. This conference means more to Huntsville than just "another" conference at the VBC. This is an opportunity for the city to once again put its best foot forward and welcome an international audience to the city and region. Many hotels will be full, car rentals will be sold out, and restaurants will be at capacity the week that the SMD Conference is in town. Every possible exhibit space has been sold for this event. Military, industry, and academia will display exhibits and demonstrations throughout the VBC and there will be daily attractions in each hall, including presentations from local and celebrity authors. These attractions, along with the viewing of all exhibits, are free and open to the general public. You owe it to yourself to visit the VBC during the conference if only to see the exhibits on display in the South Hall and arena. Spend a lunch hour with new and evolving technologies, many of which are designed and/or managed in Huntsville, that are being provided around the world supporting our military men and women protecting our freedom. Admission to the exhibit hall is free during the conference and the requirement for entry is a government issued identification such as a drivers license. Put this event on your calendar. The 14th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference and Exhibition will take place August 15-18, 2011. Come out and be a part of Huntsville! Contact Info: Sponsored by AFA, AFCEA, NMIA and NDIA
General Deptula delivered a presentation covering past and future ISR strategies and made comments about the changes that have and will occur to ISR. He pointed out that ISR needs to be integrated and available to all military branches in support of our Nation’s Warfighters. The General defined the goal of ISR as providing accurate, relevant and timely intelligence to decision makers. "It is the lifeblood of effective decision-making," he said. General Deptula believes that the character of ISR has changed in this, the information age, and that consequently, ISR responsibilities should be part of our national security apparatus. ISR should be effectively and jointly managed. He made note that today, ISR is very important to operations and is foundational to all actions and counter actions. In General Deptula’s opinion, ISR is about synergy, integration and synchronization and ISR kills with knowledge. Because ISR provides us with decision superiority, a coherent ISR strategy is necessary. The challenge for ISR in these times is, in General Deptula’s words, "To counter strategies that have yet to evolve by adversaries who have yet to appear. [We must] restructure ISR to best meet the needs of the information age. If we don’t do it, our adversaries will, and we have too much at risk." This presentation covered a subject of great interest for the Huntsville defense, space, and technology community and over 300 individuals attended. Additionally, many local industry sponsors provided support. Proceeds from this event went to fund scholarship programs benefiting graduating seniors from several Huntsville area high schools. Sponsors
Contact Info:
The Progress of Science
"It’s a new and much needed resource for science and social studies teachers," says Steve Ricks, director of the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative. "The Progress of Science timeline is keeping the state department of education’s AMSTI on the cutting edge of science instruction." The timeline establishes the groundwork for current applications in research, industry and medicine. "As genetics becomes increasingly important to healthcare, industry and public policy, it is imperative that individuals have an understanding of basic concepts," states Lamb. The online format is easily updated to keep pace with the rapidly evolving fields of genetics and biotechnology. The online tool was made possible through the generous support of Wesfam Restaurants, Inc./Burger King. "It is the hope of our family that this will stimulate and encourage budding scientists everywhere to reach out, embrace research and make new discoveries that will improve the future of all mankind," notes Jean Wessel Templeton, Wesfam chief executive officer. Topics presented on the digital timeline are supplemented with background information and links to further resources available on the Web. Articles, animations, interactive activities and classroom curriculums extend a helping hand to students and teachers. Contact Info: American Production and Inventory Control Society (NP) George Smith has Joined an Elite Crowd
The APICS Tennessee Valley Chapter in the Huntsville, Alabama area offers professional development meetings, plant tours, and an array of educational and networking opportunities. According to George, the benefits of APICS are straightforward and simple to understand:
George Smith has joined an elite crowd. Since 1973, APICS has educated more than 90,000 manufacturing professionals on essential terminology, concepts, and strategies related to demand management, procurement and supplier planning, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, sales and operations planning, master scheduling, performance measurements, supplier relationships, quality control, and continuous improvements. George has been impressed to learn that APICS is the global leader and premier source of the body of knowledge in operations management, including production, inventory, supply chain, materials management, purchasing, and logistics.
George has encouraged his peers to join APICS, citing many of the educational benefits:
George Smith is a passionate advocate of APICS. If you are interested, visit the APICS web site or contact APICS today.
Contact Info: Women's Business Center of North Alabama (NP) Growing Local Businesses
The Women’s Business Center of North Alabama (WBCNA), a nonprofit 501c3 organization, was established to assist women and men start and grow their businesses and generate economic growth for the region. This WBCNA goal is accomplished by serving as the premier source for information and access to resources, facilitating self-discovery and personal development, and providing a coaching process to support, nurture, and advocate the development of their business. WBCNA services include start-up assistance and nurturing, business coaching and training, access to financing, networking opportunities, referrals to other resources, and a ready-made network of contacts. In 2010, the Government Procurement Assistance Center (GPAC) was developed to assist small business owners who wish to do business with the government. The services offered include the same as the basic start–ups, as well as CCR registration assistance, NAICS Codes identification, online training, certifications (8a, HUBZone, MBE, WBE, DBE), and assistance with Capabilities Statement development and review. Collaborative partnering is common with the WBCNA and many organizations within the Huntsville/Madison County area. The Huntsville Association of Small Business in Advanced Technology (HASBAT) is one of those organizations working closely with WBCNA to provide complimentary services to local businesses. Key HASBAT members providing coaching or support to the WBCNA include Jan Eiras of Quadras Corporation, Bill Whipple of Logistics Plus Associates, and Tamela Gibbs of Wavelink. These individuals are local entrepreneurs and experts who support the WBCNA by providing knowledgeable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and funds so the WBCNA can continue its mission. Contact Info: A Summer Lights Celebration
The American Cancer Society invites you to join in a celebration to honor friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members who have battled cancer. This annual gala, A Summer Lights Celebration, will be held on August 20, 2011, and will be in "celebration of birthdays". This year’s gala honorees, Susy Thurber and Gil Aust, will share their story on their battle with cancer. This event will benefit the American Cancer Society by raising funds to help all of us "celebrate another birthday". Contact Info: Huntsville Recognized as an Advanced Defense Technology Cluster (ADTC) sponsored by The Small Business Administration
The ADTC Initiative recognizes the depth and range of technical assets in the region and supports their adaptation to emerging customer requirements across multiple federal agencies. The Initiative will provide government customers and prime contractors with visibility into the technical capabilities of regional small businesses and provide small businesses with insights into federal customer requirements. This combination of capabilities and needs will provide new procurement opportunities for regional firms, improved solutions for the end-user, diversify and grow the regional economy, and further establish the technological preeminence of North Alabama. At the outset, the Cluster will focus on six technology areas:
To further energize this initiative, the Chamber has created a Technology Committee with six subcommittees focused on the same technology areas. Contact Info: Project Manager Excellence Awards
The following Project Managers were honored: Jochen Floesser, PMP and W. Sean Southern, PMP. Northrop Grumman – Intelligence Systems Division. Floesser and Southern serve as Deputy Program Managers for a program under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This effort catalogues navigation and coastal geospatial products from the 21 coastal districts around the country and links them into an integrated geodatabase that is accessed by USACE staff and the public. John H. Merritt IV, PMP. Northrop Grumman – Intelligence Systems Division. Merritt is the Project Manager for a contract to provide Gorgraphic Information Systems (GIS) products, including Ground Control Survey, Aerial Imagery Acquisition and data production for the National Capital Region’s Naval District in support of the Naval Facilities & Engineering Command. Tara Okonski, PMP. DRS Technologies, Inc. Okonski’s dedication to Project Management and her accomplishments in pursuit of continuing education opportunities in her career makes her an invaluable member of the DRS team. She has a reputation for business integrity that is clearly conveyed in all of her projects and is highly committed to customer satisfaction. Ray Rickard. Emerson Network Power – Avocent Division. Rickard’s most recent project was the Avocent to Emerson Transition for which he was recognized by executive management for his leadership through this difficult effort. He is a strong communicator and highly skilled at establishing an accurate baseline with the input of key stakeholders and project staff. The award for 2010 Project of the Year was presented to Avocent for its Avocent to Emerson Acquisition Transition project. This was a highly complex venture that involved the infrastructure and applications suite of the business. A unique element of this project was the transition of the corporate IT programs for product sourcing, financial reporting, and shipment consolidations. It was praised that this was the fastest transition conducted in Emerson Corporate history and a trouble-free implementation without project escalations or missed milestones. PMI-NAC appreciates the participation by member companies in this very successful inaugural ceremony and has begun preparations for the 2011 Project Excellence Awards. PMI-NAC remains dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of Project Managers so that their employers consider Project Management indispensable to the execution of company strategies and business success. To serve its members, PMI-NAC offers certification training classes, professional development seminars, monthly luncheons, networking events with area professionals and valuable community service opportunities. 2011 will be an exciting year for PMI-NAC! Contact Info:
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Angie Biekert, President of Applied
Technologies Group (ATG), says, "In challenging situations, ATG is
predictably strong." ATG is a woman-owned, emerging small business founded
in 2006 to serve government/commercial clients with Logistics, Programmatic,
and Technical Services. ATG’s customer centric and service oriented
employees are supporting our Warfighters worldwide. "I realized long ago
that I had a passion for the Warfighter," says Angie. "Having worked with
our troops for years, we base our every decision on serving them and keeping
them safe." 
Since its founding in 1990 as an
engineering services company, APT Research, Inc. (APT) has grown to nearly
100 employees and is based on the concept of employee ownership. As owners,
employees have opportunities to earn stock options as the company grows.
With a projected 50% increase in revenue to $17 million, 2011 will be a
great year for APT growth!
Founded in 1992, Bevilacqua Research
Corporation (BRC) has grown to more than 125 employees serving customers in
seven states. From its roots as a high-technology modeling & simulation
company, concentrating in new forms of artificial Intelligence, BRC’s core
competencies have expanded to include test & evaluation, Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), civil and structural engineering,
survivability engineering, Information Technology (IT), CYBER technology,
and classic technical support.
CohesionForce, Inc. (CFI) is an
advanced technology and services company with core competencies in Systems &
Software Engineering, Test & Evaluation, Configuration & Data Management,
Process & Project Management, and IT Security with a concentration on
software engineering technology and services. CFI is a Native American,
woman-owned, small disadvantaged 8(a) business that has been in business
since 1998 with President/CEO Janet Philips at the helm. "The vast majority
of our work is in developing software for our government-related customers,"
Cristina Hinkle, Director of Business Development, states. "Our focus is on
creating next-generation technology for our public servants and
Warfighters."
Established in April of 1982, DESE
(Defense Energy Space and Environment) Research, Inc. is a family-owned
business. Wallace (Wally) Kirkpatrick founded the company and since its
founding, a Kirkpatrick family member has continued to oversee the company.
Today, Wally’s son, Michael Kirkpatrick is president.
Knowledge Vortex, a service-disabled
veteran, woman-owned, small disadvantaged business, brings diverse
commercial, government, and military experience to its clients, including
the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Army, Redstone Arsenal, Army Materiel
Command, and the U.S. Intelligence community. Founder/President, Elisa Krupa
has a background in commercial and government information technology work in
Huntsville and Washington, D.C. She’s a U.S. military veteran with combat
mission experience and a personal understanding of the importance of
responsive, effective support to the Warfighter. "In combat situations,
there’s no room for error. You have to be fully present, focused, and in the
moment," Krupa says. "Our name, Knowledge Vortex, illustrates that kind of
focused, creative energy. For us, the mission of our client is at the center
of that vortex."
William (Bill) Whipple, President of
Logistics Plus Associates (LOG+), states, "It has been my pleasure to keep
LOG+ a small, vibrant firm. As a small business, I’m allowed to be
personally involved with the logistics and marketing our customers and
clients require."
Dale Jobes, Vice President of
Government Solutions, states, "Magnolia River offers an integrated approach
in the evaluation, replacement/installation, and management of resources in
local, state, federal, and commercial areas. Our experienced team and strong
track record make us the premier partner for projects dealing with
infrastructure, GIS, and energy management." 
To avoid an organizational conflict of
interest, nLogic was spun-off from Torch Technologies in July 2009 as an
employee-owned company focused on operating with the highest ethical
standards, integrity and professionalism. President/CEO Tim Thornton
comments, "Our company was founded from an employee-led buy-out that was the
catalyst for nLogic achieving competitive excellence in the aerospace and
defense industry." 
PPT Solutions (PPT) Founder Jim Reeb,
states, "In my experience, having the right people, processes, and
technology has been the key to creating a good strong solution." Hence, the
name PPT Solutions. Reeb believes that a healthy small business attitude
helps a company relate to employees and connect with clients. Reeb was
inspired to bring that small business feel to the software engineering
community and to PPT.
Qualis Corporation is a woman-owned
small business that supports the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and
NASA in 17 states, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. With a high number of U.S.
military Veterans and advanced educational degrees, Qualis employees provide
systems engineering, test and evaluation, specialized logistics, and
acquisition and program management services. "We’re known for our technical
services and resources for customers in all high-tech endeavors," states
Roger Herdy, Senior Director of Technology Development. 
Trey McKay, General Manager of Rocky
Research’s Huntsville operations, states, "We’re a very unique company. Our
research and development in thermal and energy management, coupled with our
manufacturing facility here in Huntsville and augmented by our talent for
packaging high-density electronics to survive in harsh environments, places
us in a singular position to support both current and future military,
space, industrial, and commercial thermal and energy management
requirements."
John Broyles, Director of Systems and
Logistics for Tec-Masters, Inc., states, "Our guiding principle is the fact
that quality is the key to customer satisfaction." Tec-Masters’ long,
successful history with its customers is directly related to the quality and
versatility of Tec-Masters’ personnel. Broyles continues, "Many of our
employees have been here for 20 years and contributed to numerous programs.
This rare collection of entrepreneurs established our relationships with
clients, which in time led to our repeat wins on many contracts and the
expansion of our services to those clients."
Ed Carpenter of TREQ states, "The
perfect executive is open to ideas and is on a continuous learning journey.
They love to talk about their business. I like to listen and help."
Ethics and integrity reside at the
heart of WaveLink, Incorporated, a Huntsville, Alabama based Woman Owned
Small Business with over 100 years of combined corporate leadership
experience in the fields of aviation, rocket, and missile program management
and technical support. "Our commitment to marketplace ethics is borne out in
WaveLink’s Mission Statement, which calls for the company: "To deliver
dependable technology and professional support with the highest integrity,"
says President and CEO Tamela Gibbs.
President and CEO of Action
Technologies (AT), Chasidy Privett, states, "Our company’s credo is ‘Put the
Customer FIRST!’ As an employee-owned company, our team is motivated to
directly and positively meet the challenges confronting our clients. Our
experienced engineering staff, using the latest technologies, turns problems
into successes." 
Chad Donald, Executive Vice President
of Avion Solutions, Inc., describes Avion as "a highly regarded aerospace
corporation delivering a broad range of high quality Specialized
Engineering, Software Development, Logistics and Technical Services to the
U.S. Army Aviation community." Entering its 19th year of business, Avion is
recognized for its outstanding track record in supporting our Soldiers and
providing rewarding careers for innovative technical professionals that
strive for excellence. The veteran and employee owned, small business
company employs engineers, ex-military aviation experts, logisticians,
analysts, and computer systems professionals to provide technical expertise
for Army rotorcraft weapons systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems and associated
subsystems.
The determined and competitive nature
BD Solved President Donna Hamby presents to her clients gives her the edge
to win and to teach clients how to be successful. Hamby founded the company
in January 2011. She has 12 years of experience in the contracting field,
working for both small and large companies. During that time, Hamby did
everything from graphic design and editing to department and proposal
management to marketing and business development. The company’s goal is to
help clients learn to address their potential customers’ needs in a way that
makes that potential customer say, "This is the company I want working for
me!"
Interweave
Technologies recognizes that every business has custom requirements for
technology solutions that solve their strategic and growth issues.
Interweave Technologies Business Development Director Joni Miles states, “We
give companies the freedom to focus on their business and business growth
requirements by providing services that develop, manage, and maintain
complete technology solutions that take into account their current, short
term and long term business goals and strategies.” 
PROJECTXYZ, Inc was founded in 2002 by
CEO Kimberly Lewis to provide healthcare information technology services to
a wide variety of clients. In 2007, after the sale of Madison Research, her
husband, Larry Lewis, left a distinguished career there and joined
PROJECTXYZ as President and expanded the company’s expertise into the
Government arena. Current services include Application Support and
Development, Enterprise Technology Integration, Software Development, and
Program Management support.
Champion Window Division Manager, Bob
Zarzaur, states, "Our Champion Window business has been in Huntsville for
seven years now. Even with the not-so-great economy, we’ve experienced the
best September and November we’ve ever had. To me, this indicates the
products we offer are what people are looking for. We offer a high
performance, top-grade product at a mid-grade price."
"We are serious about expanding
services and capabilities to meet growing demands of logistics and mission
capability," says President and CEO Miranda Bouldin. "We intend to do
whatever it takes to keep the Warfighter equipped at all times at the
highest levels of readiness possible." 
Lockheed Martin is joining forces with international
partners to continue work on the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defense
System (MEADS) under one roof in its Huntsville facility. U.S. Army Major
General (Ret.) and Vice President of Lockheed’s Missile Defense Systems,
John Holly, comments, "MEADS will usher in a new era of 21st century air and
missile defense. It will provide capabilities beyond any other fielded or
planned air and missile defense system." 
From inception, Radiance Technologies, Inc. has enjoyed
tremendous growth and success. With twelve consecutive years of growth and
three consecutive years among Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing privately
held small businesses, Radiance, now with more than 400 employees, has grown
from a single office in Huntsville to offices in eighteen states and three
foreign countries.
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a unique,
growing, and distinctive company that continues to soar to new heights.
General Manager Tim King states, "I am very excited with the growth that
MTSI has experienced in the past year. We have expanded and diversified our
client base, we have continued to increase the quantity and quality of our
professional staff, and we are providing critical and unique services for
current and future clients."
TASC™ Huntsville headquarters is celebrating its 25th
year of providing advanced system engineering, integration, and
decision-support services to the intelligence community, Department of
Defense, and civilian agencies of the federal government. In addition to its
quarter century of service in the region, the Huntsville location is also
celebrating its establishment as a regional headquarters for the company.
"TASC was formed in 1966, and through a series of acquisitions and sales, we
became a division of Northrop Grumman in 2001," Missile Defense Director and
Regional Manager Michael Cox explains. "In late 2009, the company was sold
to comply with new federal organizational conflict of interest rules. TASC
is proud to be a newly-independent, non-conflicted partner to the
government. The celebration of our 25th anniversary in Huntsville, along
with the official establishment of a Regional headquarters here, are both
important milestone events for TASC."
APEX Business Centers Owner Kellie Andrews, says, "The
Baby Boomer generation defined importance of the job by how much square
footage an employee occupied in the office. Today, the importance of the
American worker is defined by their unique skills and quality of work,
whether or not they ever enter an office. As the needs of the U.S. worker
continually change, "officing" industries such as APEX Business Centers
evolve to meet those needs. Originally, the industry provided single,
private offices and someone to answer a phone. Today, services include
everything from customized offices with the latest in cutting-edge
technology to virtual office and co-working spaces."
Hernandez Roofing’s motto of making customers for life
has been at its foundation for more than 18 years. Owner Catina Porter lives
by this motto by offering residential and commercial customers in the
Tennessee Valley top-quality customer service and high-tech products. "Once
you become a Hernandez Roofing customer, we want to take care of you,"
Catina states. "Just call us and we’ll be there to help."
BCF Solutions, Inc. (BCF) was founded in 2003 in Chantilly,
VA and is led by CEO Brady Foster and President/CFO Chand Gupta. Operations
in Huntsville include support from two Divisions, the Defense and Space
Division under the leadership of Director Adam Mungo, and the Earned Value
Management Division under the leadership of Director Bob Wasser. Execution
responsibility for the Missile Defense Agency Engineering and Support
Services (MiDAESS) Group 2 work is managed by Program Manager Bill Smart. In
Huntsville, BCF provides core capabilities in Acquisition and Program
Management, Facility Planning and Management, Cost Estimating and Analysis,
and EVM/Scheduling. Other products and services BCF provides in other
locations in the United States and overseas include the design, test,
fabrication and engineering services for portable physical security
product/product suites; clinical research trials for the drug industry;
project controls support (schedules, cost estimates, EVM, risk analysis) for
National Science Projects, and Quality Assurance for the Nuclear Industry.
BCF customers in Huntsville include the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the
Army’s Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), and NASA Marshall Space Flight
Center. BCF is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association, the
Project Management Institute, and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of
Commerce.
David
McElhaney, managing partner (and Linked-In guru) of Global Recruiters
Network (GRN) of Huntsville states, “It’s not what you know and it’s not who
you know, but Who Knows YOU.”
Has your company anticipated and planned for its next
government audit? Kept track of the myriad of changes in voluminous
government accounting and financial management requirements? Do you have the
people and systems necessary to anticipate and address these changes, and to
capitalize on growth opportunities?
McConnell Jones Lanier and Murphy (MJLM), LLP is named
for its four senior partners who started a professional services firm
specializing in management consulting, assurance, internal audit
outsourcing, tax, and financial planning services. Founded in 1993 to serve
companies in the public and private sectors, this Houston-based company is a
Minority-Owned, Certified SBA 8(a) business. 
Since May 2005, Cline-Morin Associates (CMA) has provided
management consulting services with an emphasis on experience, expertise,
and excellence to its Federal clients. President/CEO Denise Cline founded
this woman-owned, service-disabled, veteran-owned small business to give
value to each federal government agency it serves. "Our goal is to provide a
definite value for every dollar spent with us," Denise explains.
Practical Employment Solutions (PES) is a woman-owned,
small business consulting firm providing legal guidance on high-level
compliance issues and day-to-day personnel matters to small- and mid-size
businesses. Jamie Brabston, J.D., Corporate Compliance Consultant states, "PES
assists government contractors and other employers with employment law and
compliance issues before government audits, investigations, or litigation
occurs. The consulting services offered are intended to address compliance
issues in an affordable manner so that small business owners will be
motivated to be proactive rather than reactive about compliance."
MegaTech, Inc. President and Founder Wyn Cole says,
"SharePoint shrinks the world. It makes available to anyone with proper
privileges, access to documents, videos to show implementation, distribution
of documents, ability to enhance collaboration for people during writing and
design processes and workflows. It’s the best overall global tool for
business development and education."
Since 1975, Florida Institute of Technology (Florida
Tech) has been providing high-quality, graduate degree programs to the
Huntsville community, including Redstone Arsenal personnel (military,
government, and civilian). Originally based solely on Redstone Arsenal,
Florida Tech has recently expanded operations to include the Progress Center
(across from Bridge Street just outside Gate 9) to better serve the
community. Led by its Site Director, Dr. Timothy White, Florida Tech’s staff
of 18 faculty and four administrative staff handle a current enrollment of
more than 450 students each semester and see over 200 of them graduate
annually with their Master’s degrees.
The NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS)
currently under development to meet the needs of the tri-national Air and
Missile Defense (AMD) program for German, Italian, and U.S. forces, is on
its way to becoming the newest and highest standard for Theater Air and
Missile Defense. A more powerful and flexible mobile surface-to-air missile
system than its predecessors, MEADS is designed to replace the Hawk and
Patriot systems worldwide. "None of these nations can afford to develop
independently in these times, but together, their cooperation has leveraged
the capabilities of all three nations, reducing operational costs by more
than 50%," says Greg Kee, General Manager of the NATO MEADS Management
Agency. 
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle states, "The CYBER
Huntsville Initiative (CYBER) is about the future of Huntsville. CYBER is a
workforce development project to establish a center of cyber expertise in
Huntsville. The timing is right for the collaborative efforts of local
government, industry, and academia to leverage the unique capabilities of
our city and respond to this national vulnerability."
Colonel John Hamilton assumed command of the Garrison at
Redstone Arsenal (RSA) in October 2010. Since then much of his effort has
been on preparing the Arsenal for rapid growth in the coming years. He
states, "Our focus at Redstone Arsenal is on where we are going beyond BRAC.
Since passage of BRAC in 2005, which directed the movement of certain
Commands to RSA, the Arsenal has spent several years focused on executing
the BRAC movements. The law requires us to be done with these moves by the
end of September 2011, and we are on schedule to execute those moves. BRAC,
however, is just the beginning of growth in the years ahead!"
Lieutenant General James H. Pillsbury assumed the duties
as the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s (AMC) Deputy Commanding General and
Executive Director for Conventional Ammunition on December 8, 2008. Prior to
this assignment, he served as AMC’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistic and
Operations, G-3, and as the Commander of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile
Life Cycle Management Command. 
Ronnie Chronister, Deputy to the Commanding General of
the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), says, "While we are
still at war our focus is the tactical support of our soldiers. Our job at
AMCOM is to make sure our Warfighters have the parts and support they need.
The lives of these soldiers and their families are literally in our hands."
In its 23 years, the Huntsville Association of Technical
Societies Science, Technology, Education, and Training (HATS STEDTRAIN)
Program has provided 350 cash seed grants totaling $330,000 for hands-on
Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) projects to Tennessee Valley
area K-12 classrooms. Among its 38 school year grants for 2010-2011, the
grant to Section High School teacher Robby Saint in Jackson County has
produced one of the most interesting and exciting results in recent years.
The 14th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference and
Exhibition (SMD Conference) will take place August 15-18, 2011 at the Von
Braun Center. The theme for this year’s event is Space & Missile
Defense...Providing Capabilities to the Warfighter. 
On Thursday, March 10, 2011, the Tennessee Valley Chapter of
the Air Force Association (AFA), the Armed Forces Communications &
Electronics Association (AFCEA), the National Military Intelligence
Association (NMIA) and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
sponsored a professional development luncheon at the Von Braun Center, North
Hall. The guest speaker was one of our nation’s foremost thinkers about 21st
century warfare, Lt. General David Deptula, USAF (retired) who spoke about
Joint ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). General Deptula
is a former first Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance (ISR) at Headquarters U.S. Air Force and is currently CEO of
MAV6, LLC, a high technology company providing increased situation awareness
capabilities.
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has launched
The Progress of Science, a digital timeline that provides an exciting,
visual way to interact with biotechnology history. "This online tool
showcases major milestones in the fields of genetics and biotechnology over
the past 10,000 years," says Dr. Neil Lamb, director of educational outreach
at HudsonAlpha. The timeline, available at timeline.hudsonalpha.org, places
these important discoveries in cultural and historical context.
George Smith was ambitious, smart, and passionate
about operations and supply chain management, but was not sure where to go
to take his career to the next level. He was interested in ways to improve
his job and business by reducing waste, streamline processes, and increase
customer service. Then he found APICS. George was able to bring his
Recently, the Small Business Administration (SBA)
recognized Huntsville as an Advanced Defense Technology Cluster (one of only
three nationally) as part of its "Innovative Economies" pilot program. With
the recognition, SBA provided a $600,000 grant to support Huntsville
organizations helping small high-tech companies across Northern Alabama
create new high-tech jobs. SBA Administrator Karen Mills notes, "This
support will help expand the opportunities and role small businesses play in
regional collaborations, enhancing the ability to create jobs locally and
compete on a national and global scale". The Von Braun Center for Science &
Innovation penned this proposal with support from the Huntsville/Madison
County Chamber of Commerce, UAHuntsville, Alabama A&M University, Women’s
Business Center of North Alabama, Biz Tech, and the Defense Acquisition
University. 
In November 2010, the North Alabama Chapter of the
Project Management Institute (PMI-NAC) held the inaugural Project Management
Excellence Awards to honor outstanding project managers and award the 2010
Project of the Year. Following dinner at the Jackson Center in Cummings
Research Park, guests were enlightened by Event Emcee and Keynote Speaker
Gary Huckaby, a nationally recognized author, consultant and orator.
Afterward, honored guests were recognized for their achievements. PMI-NAC
also honored 17 dedicated volunteers for their contributions in service
throughout the year.