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| Magazine Stories • Issue 14, Spring/Summer 2012 |
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COVER STORIES...Avion Solutions
Providing Serious Solutions to Today’s Tough Problems  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 that provides serious
solutions for today’s tough problems."
Entering its 21st year of business, Avion is known for developing automated software programs that streamline daily operations of the soldier. These operations include Automated Tool Room, ARMS Room, Aviation Life Support Equipment, and Biometric Finger-Vein Reading Identification Systems. Many of these have been developed for and tested by Special Operations Forces. Avion is an employee-owned, small business that employs engineers, former military aviation experts, logisticians, analysts, and computer systems professionals to provide technical expertise for U.S. Army rotorcraft weapons systems, and Unmanned Aerial Systems and associated subsystems. In addition, the company 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. With the strength of its employee base, Avion is continually recognized by its customers and related organizations for outstanding technical services and ongoing corporate commitment to excellence, including Top 15 Best Places to Work in Huntsville/Madison County for 2009, 2010, and 2011; awarded the 2011 Small Business Contractor of the Year in Government Contracting; and the Aviation Engineering Directorate Weapons Systems Award for Contractor Excellence in 2010. Avion is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company with more than six locations across the country. Avion Solutions: Innovation That Matters…Experience You Can Trust Contact Info: Building Products that Help on Earth, in Space, and Beyond
AZ Technology’s history is rich with major research projects and technology transfer. Early projects included an experiment on the Long Duration Exposure Facility and the development of the Optical Properties Monitor, as well as the Space Portable Spectroreflectometer with NASA, which was used on the exterior of the Russian Space Station Mir, and the development and ongoing application of specialized coatings for the exterior of the ISS and satellites. As a woman and veteran-owned small business, Lynn continues to build on past successes in the custom development and production of materials and coatings/paints with tailored optical (UV, visible, NIR, FIR), electrical conductivity, thermal emittance, and solar absorption properties. Originally developed for space and other harsh environments, many of AZ’s coatings are designed to be low out-gassing and space stable, and to meet toxicity and flammability requirements. AZ Technology has been providing Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) measurements to developers, manufacturers, and suppliers of building materials desiring LEED and other Green certifications. "The SRI is a number that summarizes how a surface reflects the sun’s energy and how it sheds any energy it is unable to reflect," Lynn states. "With our advanced instrumentation, the measurement process for SRI is reasonably simple, fast, and can be performed on almost any materials from tiles, masonry, cement, and marble to painted surfaces, roofing, and composites." As AZ Technology continues to grow, so does its reach into the global market. Customers include Russia, China, and Mexico. "We’re opening a lab in St. Petersburg, Russia, we sell instruments to China and Israel, and coatings to Japan and Argentina," Lynn explains. "These countries are active in the ‘green’ market." Behind all of AZ Technology’s success are its employees, four of whom are from the original team. "Our staff understands how critical it is to get it right the first time," Lynn comments. "You just can’t go out onto the ISS or go to Mars to fix it. Our coating team members are experts and advise NASA and other space agencies around the world on issues that crop up. Everybody here at AZ is committed to making this company successful." AZ Technology was recently recognized by the state of Alabama for its outstanding work. In March, AZ Technology received a 2012 Governors Trade Excellence Award for exporting. AZ Technology: Space Science for a ‘Greener’ World. Contact Info: A Top 100 Accounting and Business Advisory Firm
In addition, Decosimo’s technology industry specialists understand the complex economic and business environment in which technology companies operate. In planning and completing an audit, Decosimo recognizes continuing industry pressures, including:
Satisfied Client, Paul Brashier, CFO of Synapse Wireless, says, "I’ve worked with Decosimo as an audit and tax client for five years. I appreciate Decosimo’s ability to evaluate a transaction from a business perspective and understand its substance. At a time when many approach audit and advisory work using a cookie-cutter mentality, Decosimo takes the time to develop a deep understanding of the business and its strategy." Contact Info: Forging Partnerships through International Business
Deitra Crawley, Esq. says, "With statistics showing that 95% of the world’s consumption of goods occurs outside the United States, and with exports from Alabama totaling $17.9 billion to 197 countries in 2011, I believe that it’s imperative for Alabama businesses to expand their vision to include markets across the globe." Since relocating from Washington, DC to Huntsville two years ago, Deitra has ascertained that numerous companies in Alabama have the products and services attractive to the international consumer. "I think the international market, which is growing here in Alabama, offers opportunities for job creation and sustainment, new investments, profitability, and survival in a changing economy," she states. Deitra explains, "As more and more businesses across the U.S. turn to international trade, those companies are discovering that they don’t have to be a large corporation to be a game player. My philosophy on how small and medium-sized companies participate in successful international trade transactions is based upon solid business practices and strong business relationships." According to Deitra, "Clients must diligently seek sound business opportunities, understand the new market, be prepared to dedicate resources, be creative in leveraging resources, and take calculated risks. To forge a trusting partnership with international clients, Alabama companies must arm themselves with knowledge in international protocol, perform due diligence, know the rules, change corporate culture to embrace social responsibility and corporate citizenship, build an effective compliance program, and adopt best practices that can be implemented fluidly within and outside the business entity. Additionally, companies must be contract savvy, have a strategy (i.e. direct commercial sales vs. foreign military sales), and rely on available resources." Deitra spent nearly two decades in the nation’s capital lobbying, consulting, and advising the commercial and government sectors – both domestic and foreign – on regulatory practices, government contracts, corporate and business law, international trade, and best business practices. As an Auburn University and George Washington University Law School graduate, Deitra comments, "I have a passion for meeting and connecting with people of other countries and I employ this strong personal interest to help small- and medium-sized businesses be successful in the international markets. As a legal consultant and business connector in international trade, I’m able to assist forward-looking businesses in finding and realizing growth areas, making informed decisions, navigating U.S. and in-country regulations and requirements, integrating compliance into business culture, ensuring contractual protections, mitigating risks in investment, and identifying new investment opportunities. I am happy to show clients how they can overcome challenges associated with exploiting the international market." Deitra’s passion for business success in the international market has led to her involvement in the International Service Council of Alabama (ISC), where she’s a board member. ISC is a nonprofit organization promoting global peace and understanding through citizen diplomacy. Since 1965, ISC’s mission has been to establish and nurture international contacts with visitors and residents from around the world to enrich Alabama’s education, commerce, and global awareness through a variety of programs, events, and volunteer opportunities. "I’m committed to shaping the U.S. foreign policy, one handshake at a time. I believe it can benefit us culturally and economically," Deitra says. Contact Info: • Deitra Crawley Serves as CEO/President of Phernam International Corporation Deitra Crawley serves as CEO/President of
Phernam International Corporation, an Alabama company that is a woman-owned,
HUBZone small business pursuing SDB and 8(a) certification. Phernam
International strategically identifies investment opportunities for both
domestic and foreign entities, conducts research and development, and offers
professional and managerial training. Core competencies are cyber security,
business and analytical, logistics, information technology, software
engineering, systems engineering, and export compliance. A Premier Marketing and Business Development Company
With personnel supporting several companies leading the way in aerospace, aviation, and military programs including Elbit Systems, IAI, and Aerojet, and other clients in six states as well as Israel, GAI has grown into one of the premier marketing and business development companies in the world. GAI’s focus is on developing new markets and channels on behalf of its clients and leveraging new and emerging technologies in order to establish new areas of opportunity in both the commercial and government sectors. With 35 years of expertise in various scientific disciplines, GAI is uniquely positioned to assist both small and large businesses with their marketing and business development requirements. "Being based in Huntsville and with field offices near bases such as Hill AFB, Warner Robins, NAVICP, and Tinker AFB, it gives us a unique perspective and coverage that most business development firms simply cannot offer," states President and CEO Michael Guest. "We are very proud and fortunate to have started in Huntsville and have been here long enough to see the development of the region as a world-class scientific community. The contributions Huntsville has made to our nation’s defense and space program are unparalleled and we consider ourselves blessed to have seen the impact first-hand." Having surpassed the previous years’ gross revenue in each of the last three years, GAI continues to thrive. "As the economy continues to recover from recession, the importance of marketing services will continue to grow and we are well-positioned to capitalize on the need in that reemerging area," Guest says. Contact Info: Providing Senior Leadership with a Clear Path Forward
CEO Alicia Ryan, a seasoned strategist and business analyst, founded LSINC in 2008 because she felt there was a lack of companies devoted to helping senior leaders develop strategies for the future. In just four short years, LSINC has gained an outstanding reputation for expertise in leadership consulting with federal government, commercial, and international clients. "LSINC represents the synchronization of leadership and strategies," Ryan says. "Our company practices servant leadership and delivers premium leadership consulting services. We leverage the integration of strategists, engineers, business analysts, and subject matter experts to give leaders a clear understanding of where they are, where they want to go, and the roadmap that will get them there." LSINC’s unique StrataSync™ methodology helps leaders define a path for future growth by providing the relevant market intelligence needed to make well-purposed decisions. The alignment of the leader’s vision with corporate strategies results in Strategy Assurance™, the state in which leaders can move forward into new markets and business environments with complete confidence. StrataSync™ is comprised of proprietary tools and processes that examine, coordinate, and communicate the current and desired state of an organization’s leadership, capabilities, products and services, and defines the strategic direction needed to achieve the desired objective. Robert Lightfoot, acting associate director for NASA, says LSINC was instrumental in providing an excellent framework and strategic guidance as the agency worked through a significant transition in direction. "The best part was LSINC’s unique ability to listen and adapt its framework to our needs," Lightfoot states. "They then mirrored back to us a set of actions with which we could achieve the goals we wanted to reach. This allowed our leadership to really get focused and move forward." Whether it’s a federal agency or commercial firm, LSINC takes the same approach with every client. "We look at the cause and the impact of change, and then connect the dots to identify the opportunities," Ryan states. "We then show our clients how and where ‘shifts in thinking’ will empower the opportunity for them. We pay close attention to the client, understand what they are saying, and provide results, analysis, and recommendations in a way that will be easily understood and used to achieve their ultimate goals." While the approach may be the same, the LSINC team is diverse. Drawing on its varied subject matter experts, engineers, and analysts, the collaborative project team is independently structured for each client and the approach is customized for each project based on the organization’s specific needs. This process allows LSINC to take advantage of the various experiences and perspectives of the collective team to give leaders an accurate overall picture. LSINC supports leaders in developing a direction and path forward for their organization that is structured, but still agile enough to adapt to day-to-day challenges that can affect the overall strategy of an organization. "Today’s dynamic environment is filled with resource realignments, economic downfalls, budget cuts, contract cancellations, and other issues," Ryan notes. "There is a continual need for leaders to react quickly and adjust their tactics using ‘structured agility’." By assessing external market environments, analyzing an organization’s capabilities, and reviewing leadership styles, LSINC helps leaders develop strategies that create an alignment, keeps them on course and prepares them for navigating future opportunities and challenges. "LSINC has been honored to assist a number of highly-capable leaders in the Huntsville community and beyond," Ryan says. "We do this through detailed examination of their business, analyzing their leadership, listening to their wisdom, and then developing a strategy that synchronizes these areas into an achievable and successful path. Our greatest satisfaction is when the clients we serve achieve their objectives. We look forward to seeing you enjoy that same success." LSINC Acquires Inergi and Expands Services to Include Product Development... Recognizing a natural synergy and the opportunity to strengthen its market position, LSINC acquired Inergi, Inc., in June 2012 and is now offering its commercial and government clients a broader menu of intelligence and product development services. The acquisition positions LSINC as a full-spectrum company with the ability to address Intelligence and Strategy, Product Development, Engineering Services, and Strategic Communications. Through acquisition of Inergi’s product development team, LSINC will now provide turnkey product engineering, rapid prototyping, technical documentation, and product strategy services that can turn new product ideas into reality more quickly – and economically – than traditional development channels. By marrying product development with its strategic consulting and business intelligence services, LSINC can perform the early analysis needed to identify a product’s market potential, evaluate the competitive landscape, recommend internal corporate changes needed to capitalize on the opportunity, and take a product from idea to reality through outstanding industrial design, mechanical engineering, and product strategy expertise. LSINC’s Senior Leadership Team... Alicia Ryan, CEO, with more than 20 years of experience and service as a leader and strategist for a diverse group of senior leaders in industry and government. Patti Yancey, CFO and Partner, has served for 12 years in a variety of executive management positions for a diverse group of companies. Her more than 25 years of financial experience provides a solid foundation of strength and leadership. Davis B. Lee, an LSINC Partner, is the Chairman and CEO of Davis Lee Companies, LLC. He is an entrepreneur at heart and brings a wealth of business acumen to LSINC. Scott Miller, Chief Engineer, who provides more than 15 years of technical expertise to determine the best approach for a customer’s positioning strategy. Austin Boyd, Vice President of Sales, who’s 35 years of government service, business development, executive leadership and entrepreneurial experience position him to lead LSINC’s sales and business development efforts. David Engen, Director of Operations, who’s 35 years of federal service developed strengths in process improvement, building consensus, and human capital development. Dana Gillis, Director of Strategy, with more than 25 years of government service and experience as a leadership mentor and strategic planner. LSINC Capabilities
Contact Info: Experience. Depth. Dependability.
Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. is one of the Southeast's leading law firms. With offices in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, the firm serves a variety of local, national, and international business entities, as well as charities and individuals. Maynard Cooper is proud to be a Sustaining Member of the North Alabama International Trade Association. Maynard Cooper's International Trade Regulation group assists clients from both defense and non-defense sectors in all areas of international trade compliance, including export controls (ITAR and EAR), economic sanctions, trade embargoes, anti-boycott restrictions, foreign direct investment, and anticorruption programs. In addition, the firm’s Government Contracts group assists clients with many issues, such as Joint Ventures, Teaming, Bid Protests, False Claims Act, Foreign Military Sales, Security, OCI, Government Receivable Securitization, SBA Status Requirements, ANC issues, IG Complaints, Contract Disputes, and Mergers & Acquisitions. The IP group at Maynard Cooper provides clients with patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, and intellectual property portfolio development services, as well as helps clients negotiate IP rights with the government. The firm also offers interdisciplinary expertise in technology transfer and licensing, biotechnology, confidentiality and security issues, data protection, sponsored and collaborative research agreements, and IP-related due diligence. No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers .Contact Info: Employee Owners Growing Through Integrity, Responsiveness, and Innovation
nLogic’s customer base includes MDA, U.S. Army PEO Missiles & Space, U.S. Army AMRDEC, U.S. Army SMDC, U.S. Army AMC, USASAC, and USSOCOM. Core competencies include systems engineering, software development, modeling & simulation, test & evaluation, logistics, cyber security, and information technologies. nLogic has operating locations in Huntsville, AL; Arnold Air Force Base, TN; Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA; Fort Greely, AK; and Colorado Springs, CO. The company is well positioned to continue this growth into foreign military sales and direct commercial sales. Employees have established nLogic nAbles, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to award a monetary grant to a worthy community cause. The most recent local nonprofit organization receiving support was Still Serving Veterans. In 2011, nLogic received a Boeing GOLD "Performance Excellence Award" and was nominated as Boeing "Supplier of the Year" Award. nLogic was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the "Fastest Growing Companies" in the U.S. and was a finalist for 2011 "Top Small Company Workplaces" award. Contact Info: A Company On The Move
Phoenix Products, Inc. (PPI) is pleased to announce the arrival of Rob Penrod as President. "Rob brings 25 years of aircraft manufacturing experience to the company and is part of our continuing effort to broaden our market presence in the aerospace community," says Owner and CEO, Peggy Wilson. Headquartered in McKee, KY near Blue Grass Army Station and the Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) located there, PPI is no stranger to the aerospace community. The company’s patented Blackhawk Transmission Drip Pan serves fleet-wide on U.S Army and Air Force Blackhawk Helicopters, bringing substantial benefits in Operations and Maintenance cost. PPI began international sales of the product in 2009 and is currently working with three international customers for export in 2012. "PPI is a company on the move," Penrod observes in reviewing the company’s ongoing efforts to leverage its experience and broaden its footprint in the DoD marketplace as he details the company’s recent investments: Upgrade from ISO 9001:2008 to an AS9100C Quality Management System Installation of an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system Erection of dedicated composites manufacturing facilities Acquisition of Automated Test, Control, and Data Acquisition Design and Manufacturing capabilities located in Huntsville "PPI is a small company with an amazingly diverse portfolio," Penrod continues. "That portfolio includes a number of ongoing and recently completed efforts for the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WR-ALC), production for a wide variety of machined and composites components for SOFSA, the Defense Logistics Agency, and a number of OEM Prime Contractors. Penrod observes that the Huntsville office, now known as PPI Test Systems, brings an entirely new capability to the company. Located on Dunlop Boulevard just minutes from Redstone Arsenal’s Gate 7, PPI Test Systems is a National Instruments Alliance Partner and supports a diverse DOD and commercial customer base. The office also operates National Instrument’s regional training center, providing training to Federal and Commercial customers from all over the Southeast. PPI Test Systems produces a 1553 Bus Module, designed for the NI compact Read Input Output (cRIO) platform which continues to generate sales domestically and abroad, with exports to a dozen international customers in the last year. PPI continues to upgrade the module’s capabilities and performance. Penrod is enthusiastic about the possibilities saying, "I am really excited to be here. Peggy has assembled a strong staff and made the kind of commitment many small businesses are just afraid to make. That commitment will benefit our customers, and the local community. We are making a real difference." Phoenix Products, Inc., operating under CAGE 042G6 (McKee, KY), and 67AF1 (Huntsville) is a Woman Owned, 8(a), HUBZone, Small Disadvantaged Business. Contact Info: More than Just an Airport
The Port of Huntsville consists of three main operating entities which include Huntsville International Airport (HSV), the International Intermodal Center, and the Jetplex Industrial Park. The Port of Huntsville is the marketing name used to encompass this multifaceted transportation complex that combines cargo movement and passenger travel with business and industry. The mission of the Port of Huntsville, situated on nearly 7,000 acres of land, is to provide a multimodal transportation system to a diverse customer base, stimulating the economic growth and development of the Tennessee Valley Region. As a result of the success of the Port of Huntsville, the complex’s economic impact includes 7,692 direct jobs with multiplied employment impact at 24,293. Direct payroll is $474 million with a total multiplied payroll of $942 million. HSV is served by AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and U.S. Airways, directly, or through their affiliates with nonstop service to 11 destinations. Air cargo carriers include Atlas, Cargolux, Federal Express and UPS with domestic and international destinations. HSV experienced more than 1.2 million passengers in 2011, and services a 50-mile radius market area. Huntsville International is in its final phase of a 5-year, $100 million capital improvement plan with construction of baggage claim expansion and renovation. Completed projects include a new checkpoint security area, public waiting area, flight information display systems, concessions, a 1,300 space parking deck expansion, a new baggage claim area, and a 219-foot tall control tower. HSV was ranked 16th in the nation for international air cargo in 2010, and in 2011 handled more cargo than ever before. More than 206 million pounds of cargo moved through the airport, which represented a 32 percent increase over 2010. Direct Panalpina international 747 air cargo service is available to South America, Europe and Asia, as well as Mexico. Huntsville’s International Air Cargo Center consists of nearly 300,000 square feet of building space, including more than 5,000 square feet of cold storage, an additional 10,000 square feet which is temperature controlled, and one million square feet of ramp area. HSV features two parallel runways, 12,600 feet and 10,000 feet. Currently, a $70 million airfield expansion is underway in order to accommodate servicing Group VI aircraft in 2012. The International Intermodal Center, located in the Port of Huntsville Global Logistic Park, provides a single hub location specializing in receiving, transferring, storing, and distributing international and domestic cargo via air, rail, and highway. The combination of rail, air and highway modes of transportation, coupled with the onsite service of U.S. Customs, USDA, freight forwarders, and brokers makes the Intermodal Center attractive to local and regional industrial companies. Complementing the Port of Huntsville complex, the Jetplex Industrial Park sits on nearly 4,000 acres and includes Foreign Trade Zone #83. The park is home to more than 60 companies including The Boeing Company, International Truck and Engine, and LG Electronics and employs close to 7,000 people. Jetplex Industrial Park is one of the fastest growing global logistics high technology communities in the United States. The Jetplex Industrial Park is divided into six areas, including large tracts with runway access that meet diverse business requirements and offers commerce and industry the competitive tools necessary in today’s global economy. Contact Info: QinetiQ North America, Huntsville Mobilizing the power of people and technology to deliver exceptional service. That’s QinetiQ North America, Huntsville.
Offering aviation fleet management at a higher level, QinetiQ increases fleet efficiency through a broad spectrum of solutions and services. Through focused logistics, analysis, maintenance, and data management generating, storing, mining, managing, and displaying critical data, QinetiQ provides actionable and near real-time information. Products such as the web-based Program Control System II™ fuse data from multiple sources to improve program and fleet operations, asset and supply chain management, airworthiness processes, and lifecycle enhancement. This toolbox already reduces the "time to decision" for multiple Aviation and Missile System Project Offices. New smart phone applications and movement to cloud-based delivery systems provide even more options and improve the quality of business performance. Shrum explains, "We ensure that our customers are always in front of problems by giving them innovative tools and decisional data to maintain program excellence." QinetiQ continues to exemplify its name…energy today for tomorrow’s success. Contact Info: Our Customers’ Success Keeps Us Going and Growing!
Yulista’s customers’ success has allowed Yulista to keep going and growing! Yulista has experienced significant business growth in North Alabama in the last 10 years. "We’re an Alaskan native-owned company known for our rapid prototyping of new technology and inserting these products into existing military platforms to improve safety and increase performance," says Chip Carter, a retired Army Officer and Yulista employee. Yulista’s core competencies include Rapid Prototyping, Fabrication, Logistics, Systems Engineering, System Integration, System Testing, and Maintenance. "As a soldier, I know how important it is to have high-quality equipment capable of operating in many different environments all over the world," Carter states. "Eighty percent of our work is on Army Aviation platforms. The other twenty percent is on communication, vehicles, unmanned vehicles, and various other systems for the U.S. Army." In 1971, the U.S. government needed land to build an oil pipeline and wanted to stimulate economic development throughout Alaska via the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). One of the corporations founded in 1972 was Calista, the parent corporation of Yulista. The Calista Region covers more than 56,000 square miles with a total population of approximately 20,000 people living in 49 separate communities with two major river deltas, the Yukon and the Kuskokwim. "Our company generates funds that send students to college, builds housing and village infrastructure, and provides dividends to shareholders," Carter says. The three local North Alabama companies are Yulista Aviation, Y-Tech Services, and Yulista Management Services. Yulista Aviation provides aircraft integration and modification, flight training simulators, system testing, and maintenance. Y-Tech provides integrated logistics support, aircraft maintenance, and training/technical material development. Yulista Management Services offers project management, prototyping, integrated logistics support, upgrades to ground vehicles, and specialized tool kits. Yulista offers the ability to modify/modernize existing equipment. "There is a wide range of operating conditions and environments on the battlefield," Carter explains. "We know the military cannot afford to buy new equipment, therefore we find a way to upgrade the current systems as quickly and cheaply as possible. The latest in available technology improvements affords our customers the edge that is needed to win." Yulista Management Services was awarded the Army Aviation Missile Research and Development and Engineering Center’s Prototype Integration Facility (AMRDEC PIF) contract in 2002 with its partner Science and Engineering Services (SES). Since then, it has conducted nearly 4,000 projects for the U.S. Army resulting in 450 new capabilities fielded for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yulista Management Services uses its technical abilities to serve and increase its customer base nationally and worldwide. As a result, Yulista provides support to foreign military sales with trade partners/allies wanting similar military-type upgrades as provided to the United States military. Some of these foreign military customers include Canada, Yemen, Pakistan, Japan, Taiwan, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and Mexico. "Mexico is a good example of where the traditional project timeline (5-10 years) was reduced to less than three years," Carter comments. "This rapid upgrade project allowed Yulista to build and install nine new technologies and deliver three aircraft in less than 12 months. Overall, our Army customer delivered six new helicopters to Mexico in less than 28 months." Yulista focuses on obtaining and sustaining quality standards, and currently holds ISO 9001:2008, AS9100C, and AS9110A Certification, Certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station. Yulista not only focuses on quality, but being at the forefront on quality. Yulista is certified to the highest and latest standard revisions of AS9100C and with AS 9110A it was the first company worldwide to obtain this upgraded certification revision. Contact Info: FEATURE STORIES... Blackhawk Management CorporationWith the Eye of a Hawk...We Understand the Need and Tailor the Solution
Blackhawk is AS9100 certified, specializing in Weapon Systems Sustainment, Information Technology, Logistics and Training. Among its customers are the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Boeing, and various government agencies, including NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We have unbelievable capabilities for a small company,” Linda states. Blackhawk’s Weapon Systems Sustainment is centered on supporting the U.S. Army’s Guardrail Program. This work provides engineering, repair, reset, obsolescence mitigation, User Identification (UID) labeling and manufacturing support for this vital intelligence platform, helping to ensure the program’s stated life expectancy through the year 2025. “The U.S. Army relies on us to sustain aging equipment that comprises the Guardrail system,” states Keith McElroy, Blackhawk’s Weapon Systems Sustainment Manager. BLACKHAWK provides a full spectrum of IT professional services. The company has developed and maintains a five-year plan for the Unclassified but Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet), Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), and Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS). “This plan increases network capability and reliability, and meets future command and control requirements for US Army units at Ft. Hood” according to Tom Moore, Blackhawk’s IT Manager. BLACKHAWK Logistics support covers a very broad range of capabilities. “The company operated 16 Supply Support Activities in Iraq which were considered warehouses in the desert,” states Dean Honchul, Blackhawk’s Business Development Manager. “And, Blackhawk performed logistics engineering support for the International Space Station Program.” Training is also a major Blackhawk competency. According to Jeff Hampton, Blackhawk’s Training Manager, “Our experienced team of trainers, technicians, and managers execute individual and collective training, training development, operations, planning, and exercise support.” We provide expertise in developing tactical scenarios, executing training exercises, and the development of decision support products after action review (AAR) analysis for Live, Virtual, Constructive, Gaming (L-V-C-G) training. We collect data, independently manage analysis, identify lessons learned and validate processes. According to the Brigade Battle Major 1st Brigade 1st Calvary Division, “Blackhawk’s training team taught from experience and not just manuals. Their lessons learned and TTPs were priceless.” In recognition of its contributions, Blackhawk has received many accolades and awards including the regional Small Business Administration “Subcontractor of the Year” Award (nominated by Boeing), and awards from many U.S. Army organizations. “In the future, we look to expand in Huntsville and place an emphasis on Weapon Systems Sustainment and CYBER security,” Linda concludes.
Contact Info: Inside Thunderdome The U.S. Army at Fort Hood needed a secure network for its base and Blackhawk was the subcontractor on the contract. “After our secure network was in place at Fort Hood, the base sent in its ‘red’ team of hackers,” President/CEO Linda Anderson states. “Usually, the hackers are into the network within a few hours, but after four days, the ‘red’ team couldn’t get into the network we developed. Based upon our success at Fort Hood, several Blackhawk employees were sent over at the start of the Iraq war to set up the Army's communications center, nicknamed 'Thunderdome'.” Gideon ServicesProviding What Matters Most
In 2009, Gideon Services became incorporated and moved into its current facility in Cummings Research Park. "Our move into Research Park is a propelling factor for us; helping create a presence here," Stephen remarks. "We are surrounded by other leading companies, which has led to valuable partnerships for Gideon Services." The company’s first major contract was with AMRDEC to provide IT support. This contract soon led into a spin-off serving clients in Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and other locations. Additional customers for which Gideon Services provides support are the Defense Information Systems Agency, United States Navy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Army, United States Air Force, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of Veterans Affairs, and NASA. A recent milestone Gideon Services reached in September 2011 is obtaining its 8(a) certification. "Along with this certification, we are now moving forward with ‘industry technology partnerships’ to expand our skill sets by broadening the range of products/services available to clients," Paul Jr. states. "Some of our current partnerships include Cisco, VMWare, and Citrix." "Gideon Services offers customized Logistics and IT programs developed through assessment of the clients’ needs and utilizing industry partnerships to provide efficient and quality solutions," Stephen says. He continues, "Gideon Services interfaces with government agencies and companies to provide integrated logistics and IT support, program management, procurement and software development." Paul Jr., concludes, "We want our clients to understand that we have integrity and that servicing them is more important than making a buck." Gideon Approved as General Services Administration (GSA) Participating Dealer Gideon Services, a defense firm, has recently been approved as a Participating Dealer for the General Services Administration, under Contract No. GS-07F-0316N. As a leading provider of logistics support and supply chain management services, Gideon Services will be servicing a range of Government clients as a part of the DRD Technologies Inc./Tactical Gear Command GSA contract. According to Paul Gunn Jr., Executive Vice-President, "We are pleased to be chosen as a part of the contracting team by DRD and Tactical Gear Command on this important logistics effort." According to D. R. Dobbs, President of DRD Technologies Inc., "Gideon’s capabilities will be augmenting our logistics supply chain support efforts as an integral part of our GSA contract, now one of the largest in the Federal Supply Schedule system." Contact Info: Global Recruiters of Huntsville THE Premier Placement TEAM for Clients and Candidates
MAC continues, "Global Recruiters uses an interactive training system that focuses on each office, yet connects to a network of 180+ offices around the country. The corporate office provides training via closed-circuit television, customized for individual offices or linked to others in the corporate network. Additionally, corporate conducts ‘live’ meetings here in Huntsville for the staff and regional seminars nearby. Finally, we provide directed training based upon specific, relevant needs. This allows the Global Recruiters of Huntsville TEAM of professionals to successfully help our clients hire the best of the best." George Mink, who manages the IT desk, agrees with David that the Global Recruiters training is top-notch. "I have a sales and technology background," George states. "I graduated from UAH and have experience in engineering, test and software development, and electronics. Because of my Global Recruiters training, I’m able to help people in these fields further their careers and improve their lives." Dwight Potter, who manages the Business Development, Sales & Marketing, and Project Management, adds, "My 20 years of experience in sales and corporate finances helps me direct the best candidates to my clients in manufacturing and business development opportunities. My training has been beneficial as I serve as liaison for clients." Robert Holt, who manages the Finance and Human Resource desks says, "I’ve worked all aspects of this business including cold calls, networking, and follow-up. What’s important to me is listening to the client or candidate, finding out what is needed for the position. The two-week, structured training environment incorporating video-teleconferencing and real-life situations in the office was full-blown, high-end, and solid training, allowing me to learn many new intricacies about filling positions. Here at Global Recruiters of Huntsville, we all work together as a TEAM to find that perfect match for companies and candidates." David concludes, "The bottom line in our training is to grow and educate our TEAM members to benefit our clients. We take the individual talents of our staff and make them better recruiters." Get ‘In’ with LinkedIn Global Recruiters of Huntsville believes in giving back to the community. That’s why Managing Partner David (MAC) McElhaney offers FREE training in the use of the social media tool LinkedIn. "We’ve been hosting the LinkedIn class for two years with nearly 1,000 people taught," MAC states. Now, along with the LinkedIn class, MAC has co-authored a book with Donnie Thompson titled, Want to Stand Out? Then You Have to Get ‘In’…A How-to Manual. This user’s guide is an expansion of MAC's long-running LinkedIn class curriculum. The e-book is posted on the Global Recruiters of Huntsville web site for free to anyone who signs up for the Global Recruiters of Huntsville’s newsletter. You can also send MAC a book request via his e-mail listed below. "Networking is a strategic key in this community to conducting business, and the entire Global Recruiters of Huntsville TEAM is involved in networking," MAC says. "I wanted to share our skills on LinkedIn with everyone, because I truly believe that what’s important is not what you know, and it’s not so much who you know, but who knows you." Contact Info: A New Financial Approach THAT WORKS
According to Shari, there’s a common misconception people have about financial advisors. "Everyone thinks all financial advisers are created equal and are only there to sell them a one-time product," Shari states. "Investor’s Resource is an independent company that customizes complete financial solutions. Our role as a new generation advisor coordinates all the data and assets together, connects it all with our knowledge, and turns it into an innovative and more effective decision-making process for each client." The firm and its advisors take a holistic approach that encompasses active management of a client’s entire range of finances, utilizes customized technology, and implements highly specialized financial planning for individuals and business owners. "The technology implemented in our office has fantastic capabilities, as it allows us to monitor and actively manage all assets and investments at virtually any institution," Managing Director Ron Wicks says. "Clients don’t have to move their money because our system creates a consolidated view and complete "big picture" of all their finances. This is especially valuable for clients who have investments in employer 401(k) institutions such as Fidelity and TSP program. The Investor’s Resource software provides near real time alerts that can be set on client accounts. "We can specifically tailor alerts for each client and receive daily notices on what’s happening in the details of their accounts," Shari comments. If the alert warrants action, we talk to the clients to make an informed asset management decision." Shari’s expertise in the industry began in 1989, and she founded Investor’s Resource in 2000 when she aligned with Raymond James, to provide infrastructure that enables financial advisors to be independent, yet benefit from Raymond James’ expertise, conservatism, and integrity. "Raymond James has become the leading mid-market investment banking, mergers and acquisition company," Shari says. "The Investor’s Resource team of advisers is in the top 5% of the nation with Raymond James and part of the National Leaders Council." Investor’s Resource has continued to grow through all the market’s cycles. "The biggest indicator of trust is for our clients to recommend family and friends to do business with us," Shari states. "We are your trusted partner for life and we have the tools, technology, and experience to assist you." Shari concludes, "Investor’s Resource is more about a commitment to clients, not the commodities. Individuals, corporate executives and business owners have seen the distinguished value of Investor’s Resource for many years and we plan to continue to build and grow our level of client service." Entrepreneur Door Sponsored by Investor’s Resource with The University of Alabama HuntsvilleEntrepreneur Door is a connection between businesses and students that provides aspiring students with entrepreneurial opportunities. "This program is an academic experience for undergraduate and graduate students to explore their entrepreneurial talents," President Shari Burnum explains. "The program provides a ‘meet up’ between business owners who are interested in giving back to the community and students seeking an entrepreneurial experience. It’s not a job or an internship; it’s a way to develop the energy of young entrepreneurs and to assist them in taking their first step. Investor’s Resource is proud to be the founding sponsor of Entrepreneur Door!" Contact Info: Innovation. Quality. Commitment.
Tabatha Holt, another MJLM E&TS Program Manager, leads her own professional team in supporting the RESET effort of the Joint Attack Munitions Systems (JAMS). The JAMS contract provides SME Field Teams to perform installation site visits for the sustainment and refurbishment of all major field equipment. MJLM SMEs are tasked to provide recommendations and input into the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive management program such as JAMS. MJLM engineers and technicians ensure the timely development, production, and sustainment of the HELLFIRE programs, in addition to many other RESET efforts, such as the MLRS, PATRIOT, and TOW. A recent award for MJLM, monitored by Allison Rhen, is the 8(a) STARS II Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) specifically dealing with Information Technology (IT) Services-related requirements. The intent of the STARS II contract vehicle is to allow federal agencies quick and direct access to award-winning 8(a) businesses. Under STARS II, MJLM is considered a Constellation II Prime Contractor, which means MJLM offers technical proficiency and competitive pricing while maintaining ISO 9001:2008 certification. The award of the 8(a) STARS II GWAC also indicates that MJLM has been pre-determined as a reliable and capable contractor to government agencies. Contact Info: Providing Leading-edge Technical Services
• The Systems Architecture, Integration, and Engineering (SAIE) Team led by Senior Systems Engineer, Jeff Cornelius The SAIE team started with systems engineering and architecture development for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) implementation and integration efforts. Due to the successful development of the CBM architecture, AMCOM expanded support to include development of a U.S. Army aviation and missile logistics architecture. CBM is a process whereby maintenance is performed based upon evidence of need as opposed to traditional methods such as scheduled or corrective maintenance which enhances the operational readiness of a weapon system. "This maintenance is performed on critical parts," Cornelius says. "For example, we change the oil in our cars every 3,000 miles, which is scheduled maintenance. CBM is relative to the moment and is maintenance based on condition or need. CBM provides decisive and critical operational readiness." MTSI supports CBM implementation for programs such as Apache, Kiowa, Blackhawk, and Chinook helicopters, the HELLFIRE and Patriot missile systems, and other stand-alone systems. MTSI’s success in AMCOM CBM architecture development led to its adoption as the de-facto architecture by the Army Materiel Command (AMC), due to its applicability to other weapons systems. "Our architecture was so successful that AMC adopted the architecture as the standard for CBM," Cornelius states. "It’s scalable to where the Army can add additional weapon systems. With this success, MTSI has drawn interest from new customers and we’re examining adopting this architecture inside our own company." At the foundation of MTSI’s success is its staff. The SAIE team is diverse, hand-selected, and carefully crafted to include many disciplines across a wide variety of skill sets in order to develop these architectures. SAIE offers customers a successful group of software systems engineers, systems integrators, and program analysts. "Our myriad of skills is what makes us so marketable," Cornelius explains. "Because of the integrated structure of our team, all members are familiar with the work, our Army customers’ requirements, and contribute to the architecture development regardless of their education and experience. This cross-training gives us a great opportunity for the expansion of the architecture." • Karen Cole Represents MTSI’s Aviation and Missile Group MTSI’s Aviation and Missile group focuses on collaboration with Team Redstone and provides direct engineering team support to AMCOM’S Integrated Material Management CENTER (IMMC), PEO Missile and PEO Aviation. In addition, the group supports the technical analysis side of Conditioned Based Maintenance (CBM). "We work as a collaborated team with AMCOM, ARMDEC, Aviation & Missile Platform Project Management Offices, as well as both PEO Aviation and PEO Missile headquarters," Cole says. "In our industry, we continuously look at new technologies, evaluate their performance through demonstrations, gather new ideas from conferences, and bring this information and our findings back to the customer. Our ultimate goal is to reduce the soldier’s burden, improve maintenance concepts, and increase system reliability. Through analysis, another one of our goals is to enable and support projects that can be implemented by the Platform PMs to reduce life cycle cost as we move into a rapidly declining budget environment." Cole states, "Our team is a dynamic group. Every staff member gives more than 100% in doing their jobs well and in responding to what the customer directs them to do. The staff’s experience, motivation, and dedication set the SOA team apart. This team tackles high visibility strategic issues that some people haven’t been able to do in their entire career. Three areas the team focuses on are striving for customer satisfaction; fostering collaborative efforts that result in improved efficiencies within the current budget restraints; and resolving issues at the strategic level, providing advisement, strategic planning, analysis, research for tools, and finding new technology that could positively affect the supply chain." • Jeff Elder, Technical Director of MTSI’s Lethality Team, Came to MTSI for Personal Advancement and Challenging Work "I came to MTSI because of its excellent reputation, its technical experience, skilled and disciplined personnel, and for an opportunity for career enhancement," Elder explains." The group Elder leads, the MTSI Lethality Group, is comprised of individuals with expertise in mechanical engineering, mathematics and physics, and computer software engineering. Some members of this group have worked together for more than 20 years. This is a diverse group specializing in the development of focused and technically detailed software to simulate complex events. The Lethality Group develops mathematical equations and conceptual models, then writes computer simulations designed to solve the equations. Some of the computer simulations the group developed have been accredited by the Department of Defense Tri-Services to support major system procurement decisions. The Lethality Group focuses on Model & Simulation and Test & Evaluation for kinetic energy weapons programs. "The kinetic energy weapons programs we support focus on the development of defensive weapons designed to destroy threat targets using high-speed impact," Elder says. "Also, our group simulates events to predict the effectiveness of these defensive weapons attacking ground and air targets, mobile and stationary." According to Elder, his group members are all experts in the discipline of kinetic energy weapons lethality and weapons effectiveness. "Our group’s capability was recently sought after by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to conduct a detailed lethality study," Elder says. The group’s expertise and its work with the Office of the Secretary of Defense have also attracted other contract work supporting the U.S. Air Force, National Labs, the U.S. Navy, and the Missile Defense Agency." Elder concludes, "It’s critical to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Because of the technical complexity of the problems we work, the advancements in our technical field are measured in relatively small steps. In development of models and simulations in this technical discipline, this Lethality group has made significant advances in techniques that are state-of-the-art. We are nationally recognized leaders in this field. And, we are all excited to work at MTSI – a great company!" Contact Info: Project Management Institute - North Alabama Chapter (PMI-NAC) NONPROFIT STORIES... sponsored by Global Recruiters of HuntsvilleMoving Forward in Madison County
The event featured keynote speaker Lieutenant General Retired Robert Elder, USAF, US STRATCOM Joint Functional Component Commander for Space and Global Strike. Elder was the first commander of Air Force Network Operations and led the development of the cyberspace mission for the Air Force. He also served as the Air Operations Center commander and Deputy Air Component Commander for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and as the Commandant of the Air War College. During Elder’s presentation, he discussed Huntsville’s unique and applicable capabilities to address CYBER issues. According to Elder, "CYBER is changing and we must be more proactive. Not only is it changing the way of war, but also our way of life. One effect in CYBER warfare is influencing/affecting perceptions in CYBER Space. Four years ago, the President initiated the CYBER Security initiative that will create connections and add value to the network in the CYBER industry. Huntsville is right on track with these initiatives." In addition to the CYBER Luncheon, the Huntsville Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association, Chapter 198, sponsored a Technical Symposium in late April 2012. This classified event was held at the Software Engineering Directorate on Redstone Arsenal. The featured keynote speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Paul Williams USAF, AFSPC 26 NOS/CC at Gunter AFB. He discussed "Providing Mission Assurance: A View from the Trenches". After his presentation, three panels of knowledgeable experts from education, industry, and government further explored this topic. The next CYBER event will be the 4th Annual North Alabama CYBER Security Summit held on June 7, 2012. This full day, educational CYBER event will be held at the Von Braun Center and is sponsored by the North Alabama Chapter of the Information System Security Association (NAC-ISSA) and by CYBER Huntsville. The agenda includes an exhibition of companies, nationally recognized speakers, separate management and technical training tracks, and concludes with a networking reception. This annual CYBER Security Summit builds on the great learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities from years past, with an expanded focus on both technical and management perspectives for all types of attendees. Contact Info: Mobilizing the Community to Pursue Regional and National Energy Opportunities
"The significance of the Energy Huntsville initiative is that it has become a very important extension of the City of Huntsville’s economic development activity," says Jay Newkirk, of Carina Technology and Energy Huntsville Chairman. "Also, since it is an all volunteer organization, it has rallied a large number of our community’s leaders who are working together to support each other and their companies’ growth in the energy sector, which is stabilizing and diversifying our technology base." Energy Huntsville does this by raising awareness, identifying opportunities, and providing the networking environment that facilitates the development of successful teams and solutions. The primary structure for Energy Huntsville involved bringing together organizations and professionals from four demographic areas of industry, academia, government and utilities. In less than one year, Energy Huntsville has grown from a few people in the Mayor’s office to nearly 100 organizations and an equal number of representatives from those entities who are in a position to influence their organizations to move toward "Technology Transferring" their products and services into the growing "Energy Sector." One of the primary drivers for the extraordinary growth of Energy Huntsville is that the U.S. Army has a very aggressive objective to run itself, its Garrisons, and Army Bases around the world more efficiently. According to the U.S. Army’s Energy Initiative Task Force (EITF), a Multi Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), once awarded, will allow the EITF and other government agencies to procure $7 billion of reliable, locally generated, renewable and alternative energy through power purchase agreements or other contractual equivalents. The Army’s Assistant Secretary for Installations Energy and Environment made a decision to assign the responsibility for contracting the MATOC to the U.S. Army’s Corps of Engineers Engineering and Support Center (CEHNC) located in Huntsville. CEHNC is also assisting the EITF in developing renewable energy project opportunities for future competition under the MATOC. Other national energy related programs managed by CEHNC include the Army Metering Program, the Energy Engineering and Analysis Program, Energy Savings Performance Contracting, and Utility Monitoring and Control Systems. Therefore, the Army organization that is among the most active in achieving the Army’s energy conservation and energy security goals is located right here in Huntsville. In fact, the CEHNC and some of its key professionals are members of Energy Huntsville. Activities Energy Huntsville has supported include Solar Demonstrations, Car Charging System Demonstrations, the Alabama Sun Shot – Rooftop Solar Challenge, and the City of Huntsville’s Initiative to Investigate Steam Driven Electricity Generation from Waste Material. Event participation during the year included the Small Business Technology Transfer Summit, the 2011 Energy Forum, the SMDC Technology Program Conference, and the Resiliency and Redundancy Summit. Contact Info: Calling All Aspiring Entrepreneurs
There is a growing interest in entrepreneurship on campus, and the UAHuntsville Entrepreneurship Club hosts networking events with regional entrepreneurs and plans ways to launch new ventures on campus. In addition, the UAHuntsville ICELab is all about innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship and pulls together teams of students to help inventors, entrepreneurs, and established businesses explore new market opportunities, design creative new business models, and develop commercialization strategies. The new Entrepreneur Door program is the latest addition to the lineup of UAHuntsville and community programs designed to foster young entrepreneurial aspirations. The program will focus on students who have a business concept and match them up with a successful, local business owner/entrepreneur to help them learn the ropes and even "open a few doors". For further information on how to with a team of students on a business concept, join the UAHuntsville College of Business mailing list for event announcements, or to support Entrepreneur Door as a business mentor, please contact UAHuntsville College of Business Administration. * Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC Contact Info: Huntsville Won the Race to the Moon. Can it Win the GreenPower Race?
Now there is a new buzz in the Huntsville area. John Stingel of the Huntsville Center for Technology applied for and received a grant to build a moon rover to be carried by the Spirit of Alabama lunar lander (also under development at the Huntsville Center of Technology) for the Google X-Prize competition. Building the moon rover provided a real world, systems-engineering experience for the students. This moon rover team has also been selected as the first and only American team to compete in October in the GreenPower final race in Great Britain. The experience gained by these students in building the computer-controlled moon rover is being applied to build the electric race car electronics and electronic hardware. HATS STEDTRAIN is proud of the moon rover team and their accomplishments and we thank all our sponsors noted on the HATS web site for their generous support. Contact Info: Preserving America’s Rocket Propulsion Base Story by Dr. Dale Thomas, associate director, technical, Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA
In the past, NASA and the Department of Defense have developed their own separate launch systems. This has happened for several reasons: different mission requirements; different objectives; adequate independent budgets and independent control over their space launch design, development, and operational systems; and most importantly, cost drivers on each other’s launch systems. The current economic climate, concern about the national debt, a shortage of new liquid and solid propulsion programs, and the end of the space shuttle and Constellation programs have put even greater pressure on space programs and new propulsion technology development. The industry is in dire need of a single entity to maintain and steward the nation’s national rocket propulsion assets and encourage industry, academia, Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA to collaborate where appropriate to reduce launch costs, support the launch industrial base, and keep the United States a leader in space. The National Institute for Rocket Propulsion Systems will serve as a multi-agency, industry and academia Institute that will work to preserve and advance the nation’s rocket propulsion industrial base to ensure that it continues to serve its vital role in national security, space exploration, economic growth and education. The Institute will be an integrated solution provider and a resource for collaboration between all sectors of the U.S. propulsion industrial base to support policy development options, identify technology requirements, and offer solutions that make best use of available national resources to meet future demand. Currently, multiple Redstone Arsenal organizations in Alabama are working closely with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in the establishment of the Institute, and this collaboration is already bearing fruit. As one example, Marshall and the U.S. Army Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space are studying procurement strategies for a raw material used by both organizations’ solid rockets that will smooth the vendor’s production demands and reduce costs. In March, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) tasked the institute to lead the development of a national rocket propulsion strategy that will provide comprehensive recommendations for assuring the long-term health of this vital national capability. This strategy will be provided to the OSTP in the fall of 2012. The Institute will be a focal point for multi-agency organizations that policymakers can look to for comprehensive information about all issues affecting the propulsion industry. The Institute has already reviewed more than 40 industrial base studies and identified six major challenges facing the rocket propulsion industrial base since the formulation phase began a year ago. These key challenges include:
The Institute’s mission is to foster a vibrant rocket propulsion community, providing affordable propulsion systems for the nation’s defense, civil, and commercial needs. The Institute is steadily gaining partners from multiple national government, industry, and academic partners, and initially will be co-located at the Marshall Center, drawing on the capabilities of the entire industrial base from across the nation. Contact Info: How Huntsville is Inspiring The Next Great Americans
The foundation receives thousands of requests for Super Citizen kits from teachers across the country who desperately want (but do not have funding) to teach the program’s core concepts: Character Education, Financial Literacy, Career Development and the civics-based learning that makes up the program’s foundation. "What started out as a school program has quickly become a movement," says LLF founder Patti Yancey. "It’s a movement of educators, volunteers, and donors who believe, like we do, that these lessons must be taught despite budget cuts." In 2011, LLF embarked on The Next Great Americans Tour, a nationwide bus tour that uses high-energy theatrical performances by Lady Liberty Live to excite students and raise awareness for the cause. "The tour performances are incredible," says Rachael Rainwater who performs as Lady Liberty Live on the tour. "It’s amazing to see the students’ faces as they realize that they will be our Next Great Americans." This past April, the foundation kicked off its 2012 Alabama-focused initiative at the Liberty Launch at EarlyWorks Museum. And though the night featured Grammy Award winners and sports legends, the real stars were the educators, volunteers and donors who are making this historic mission possible. Since the Launch, LLF has been tirelessly delivering donated kits to 5th grade classrooms in North Alabama and is currently seeking partners to help reach every school in the state. Contact Info: Building Relationships and Promoting American Values Worldwide
USASAC’s mission is to build partner capacity, support Combatant Commanders’ engagement strategies and strengthen U.S. global partnerships. Each sale of equipment to overseas customers comprises the same "total package" of quality materiel, training and simulators, publications, technical assistance, maintenance support, facilities, and other services that AMC provides to U.S. Army units. USASAC leads the Army’s Security Assistance Enterprise (SAE) in executing its mission, leveraging all of AMC’s Life Cycle Management Commands (LCMCs), as well as other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies and U.S. industry for support. Many of those organizations, also located in Huntsville, AL, include the Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) and its Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD), Army Contracting Command (ACC), and the Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, among others. The number of SAE employees located at Redstone Arsenal and funded through FMS work is nearly 500. Major General Frank D. Turner assumed command of USASAC in September 2011 after commanding the Office of the Program Manager-Saudi Arabian National Guard (OPM-SANG) Modernization Program. The relationship between the U.S. and the Saudi Arabian National Guard dates back to 1973. "I served in Saudi Arabia for just over two years and have tremendous respect for what has been built between our two governments and militaries," Turner states. "The relationship we have with Saudi Arabia is a model of success. Our military relationship with their Guard is the result of 39 years of respect and trust. And, it has benefitted both countries not only militarily, but also diplomatically and economically." "Security Assistance programs are very effective, with low cost tools that promote regional stability and interoperability with our foreign partners," says Turner. Security Assistance is a group of programs, authorized by law, that allow the transfer of military articles and services to eligible foreign governments through formal contracts or agreements between the U.S. Government (USG) and an authorized foreign purchaser. These articles or services may be sold from DoD stocks, or the DoD may procure them on behalf of eligible foreign countries. The goal is to field a total package that provides a complete, coherent capability required by the foreign military. During Fiscal Year 2011, FMS sales totaled $13.5B, and through the first half of this year, nearly $16B have already been sold. Turner believes USASAC’s presence on Redstone Arsenal, along with other organizations in the SAE, will benefit North Alabama as foreign military leaders visit to see the systems they intend to purchase or to coordinate FMS execution. Security Assistance programs will remain an essential element of our national security and foreign policy objectives because when we assist other nations in meeting their defense requirements, we contribute to our own security. USASAC conducts quarterly FMS meetings for industry representatives that focus on current Security Assistance activities around the globe and recent changes to Security Cooperation and FMS policies. Contact Info: The Voice of Information Security
NAC-ISSA President, Ben McGee, is proud of the opportunities NAC-ISSA provides to local CYBER professionals and the important work these CYBER warriors are doing for the country. "As a chapter of thought leaders in CYBER security, we provide an environment for CYBER security professionals to regularly network and to share ideas and techniques that are making a difference in protecting our nation’s networks from our adversaries," McGee says. Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)® is the community of choice for international CYBER security professionals dedicated to advancing individual growth, managing technology risk, and protecting critical information and infrastructure. The primary goal of the ISSA® is to promote management practices that will ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information resources. ISSA® facilitates interaction and education to create a more successful environment for global information systems security and for the professionals involved. Members include practitioners at all levels of the security field in a broad range of industries such as communications, education, healthcare, manufacturing, financial, and government. Contact Info: The Regional Resource for International Trade The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) is a business-driven, nonprofit membership organization with the mission to promote economic growth through international trade education, training, and networking. NAITA began in 1983 and has grown to become the regional resource for international trade development. NAITA is managed by the Madison County Commission International Trade Development Center. In 2011, exports accounted for 13.8 percent of the U.S. GDP, making the strength of U.S. exports vital to the health of the U.S. economy. A record level of exports was shipped from Alabama to the world, nearly $18 billion in goods exported to 197 countries. Exports from the Huntsville/Madison County metro area ranked second in the state with $2.5 billion in 2010, and North Alabama topped the state in total exports with $4.6 billion in 2010, bringing more high-paying jobs for our citizens and greater tax revenue to support the growth of our infrastructure. NAITA facilitates continuous growth of exports from the region through timely business education events, including country-specific aerospace and defense trade programs, such as the recent Israel Ministry of Defense Procurement Briefing held this May. Additionally, recent programs have focused on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) to foreign governments and other organizations, making companies aware of global business opportunities in light of shrinking U.S. defense budgets. NAITA hosted two recent events featuring Major General Del Turner, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC). First was the NAITA Annual Meeting, followed by USASAC FMS – Today & Tomorrow focusing on Foreign Military Sales in the Middle East, the geographic area of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), one of 10 combatant commands in the United States military. NAITA’s next program with USASAC is planned for October 1, 2012. Exports, especially in the technology arena, must comply with U.S. Export Control regulations. NAITA works with North Alabama companies to provide continuous education on export control issues through a quarterly Export Controls Roundtable, periodic training seminars, and one-on-one assistance. To emphasize the importance of these regulations and to update the businesses on recent and expected changes, the NAITA Export Control Update Conference will be held October 15–17, 2012 in Huntsville, featuring Mr. Kevin Wolf, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration. Global supply chain and logistics are also critical to a company’s competitiveness. NAITA and its Export Alabama Alliance trade partners will host the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Summit in Huntsville on August 21, 2012. Gerald Kolasch, COO of Total Airport Services and NAITA President notes, "We’re going to bring seasoned businesses to the table, and the smaller companies can learn from their experience with global supply chain management." Each year, NAITA events include the Annual Meeting focusing on the State of the Global Economy, World Trade Day recognizing area companies successful in trade, Conversation on Trade allowing members to interact with elected officials, and the Trade Education Tour across North Alabama to educate businesses and elected officials on trade. Potential members are encouraged to join NAITA to take advantage of discounts on upcoming training programs and to benefit from networking with others experienced in international trade. Contact Info: Conference Features the Assistant Secretary of Commerce The Huntsville/Madison County business landscape is filled with high technology, which puts our businesses on the radar for U.S. Export Control regulations. Prior U.S. government authorization is often required for exports of defense and dual-use equipment and technology. The North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) works closely with companies across the region to ensure awareness and compliance with the regulations. The trade association primarily emphasizes the U.S. State Department’s ITAR (defense) and the U.S. Commerce Department’s EAR (dual-use). The ITAR and the EAR have their own rules, definitions, and idiosyncrasies, and NAITA provides a forum to learn about the rules and to discuss best practices for compliance. Mr. Kevin Wolf, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, will provide the keynote address for the NAITA Export Control Update Conference, October 15–17, 2012, at the Embassy Suites in downtown Huntsville. Kevin Wolf is at the forefront of President Obama’s Export Control Reform Initiative, which seeks to increase regulatory efficiency and protect U.S. national security, while enabling American businesses to be more globally competitive. Corporate practitioners, attorneys, and other federal government representatives will complete the lineup of speakers in an interactive conference highlighting regulatory compliance issues. Contact Info: Co-Presented by the North Alabama Chapter – Information Systems Security Association (NAC-ISSA) and CYBER Huntsville NAC-ISSA and Cyber Huntsville will host the 4th annual North Alabama Cyber Security SummitSM on Thursday, June 7th, 2012 at the Von Braun Center (VBC) in Huntsville, AL. This year’s theme is "Next Generation CYBER: Developing Capabilities and Minimizing Vulnerabilities". The Summit has grown every year starting from only 125 attendees the first year to a sellout crowd of 350 at the Jackson Center in Cummings Research Park last year. This Summit is the year’s preeminent CYBER security event in the Tennessee Valley and will be a great opportunity to network with peers, showcase solutions, and discuss the latest technological developments with industry leaders. With the move to the VBC, the Summit has expanded its offerings to include separate management and technical tracks, a number of industry recognized speakers, and exhibits from local and major security vendors. Attendees will benefit from a diverse offering of educational sessions, industry panel discussions, and keynote presentations from world-class speakers. Jeff Wright, NAC-ISSA’s Chair of the Summit’s Planning Committee, is anticipating that this year will be a different scope and scale compared to previous years. "CYBER security has become an issue of national importance," says Wright. "The move to the VBC allows increased space to highlight leading technology and solution providers, and also provides our attendees with an expanded slate of speakers. Our partnership with CYBER Huntsville is an important step towards broader community involvement and we anticipate continued grow for the Summit." This year’s conference is geared not only for technical experts, but also managers and senior executives. Contact Info: On February 4, 2012, the North Alabama Chapter of the Project Management Institute held the annual Project Management Excellence Awards to honor outstanding Project Managers and recognize the 2011 Project of the Year. The Keynote Speaker was Major General Heidi V. Brown, Director for Test for the Missile Defense Agency. The chapter honored dedicated volunteers and instructors for their service to PMI-NAC. Posthumously, Teri Madak received the Lifetime Volunteer Award, and in her honor, the "Teri Madak Volunteer of the Year" Award for 2011 was given to Sherry King and Wendy Terrell. The following project managers were honored by their employers and PMI-NAC for their outstanding contributions to the success of their businesses in 2011:
The award for 2011 Project of the Year was presented to FPMI Solutions, Inc. for its Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee Resource and Information Center (ERIC), Tom Swerdzewski, Project Manager. In March of 2010, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) awarded FPMI with a contract to provide human resources support services. GAO had an overwhelming need for a human resource support center capable of supporting its more than 3,600 employees located throughout the United States. In response to this need, FPMI implemented its multi-faceted human resources customer support center known as the Employee Resource and Information Center (ERIC) located in Madison, AL. ERIC served as a single point of contact for all GAO headquarters and field office managers, supervisors, employees, and potential new hires to obtain human resource products and services. GAO employees contacted ERIC via e-mail, fax, or telephone and received immediate response to inquiries and requests regarding staffing, benefits (FEHB-Health Benefits, FEGLI-Life insurance, TSP- Thrift Savings Plan), employment verifications, SF-75 requests for preliminary data, debt management, time and attendance, leave and earnings statements, payroll inquiries, etc. The other Project Excellence Award competitors were Radiance Technologies, Inc. for its Academic Field Based Research, Keith Adkins, Project Manager, and Portal Dynamics, Inc. for its Anniston Army Depot – Depot Total Asset Visibility System Support Project, Shelena Coffield, Project Manager. PMI-NAC appreciates the leadership of Michele Biletski who chaired this year’s event and looks forward to the 2012 Project Excellence Awards which will be chaired by Maria del Carmen Carrillo. The chapter and its leadership remain dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of project managers so that they and their employers recognize project management as indispensable to the success of the organization’s mission. PMI-NAC offers certification training classes, professional development seminars, monthly luncheons, networking events with area professionals, and valuable community service opportunities. 2012 has already proven to be an exciting time for PMI-NAC chapter and the chapter looks forward to many more great events this year. Contact Info: Serving Our Country...and Our Heroes In 2006, a small group of Marines, some retired, active and reserve, got together in Huntsville, AL. These veterans had a deep desire to continue contributing to their country, even after completing their military service. Today, the Semper Fi Community Task Force (SFCTF) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization composed of dedicated representatives from all services, their families, and community friends. SFCTF depends on donations from businesses, civic organizations, and individuals for its funds. Each year in November, SFCTF hosts its signature event, "Heroes Week". Thirty Wounded Warriors representing all service branches are invited, along with their spouses and care givers, for a week of relaxation and recognition. "Heroes Week" gives our community the chance to show their deep appreciation for the sacrifices of these service members, their spouses, and caregivers. Guests are honored at a Veterans Day Breakfast and Parade, Marine Corps Ball, fishing tournament, parade of boats, and numerous lunches and dinners hosted by community groups and businesses. The week also gives the families a chance to take a break from the stresses of recovery and rehabilitation, and receive the appreciation and acknowledgment they so richly deserve. A smaller group of warriors comes back to Huntsville two weeks later for a "Heroes Hunt", sponsored by Camp Outamong’em, SFCTF, local land owners, and vendors. These hunts are specifically designed for the disabled and offer the opportunity for the troops to get back in the woods and enjoy a hobby that they loved before their injuries. It is therapeutic for the troops and for their hosts. SFCTF also acts as a conduit for companies, civic organizations, community groups, local churches, and individual citizens who want to offer their resources to support wounded warriors and active duty military families. To donate, volunteer and learn more, please visit the web site below. Contact Info: Submitted by: Debbie McLemore-Baugh, Out-going Chair, Tennessee Valley Chapter Advancing Logistics, Engineering, Technology and Management The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to the art and science of logistics, engineering, technology and management. SOLE was formed in 1966 and among its founding fathers included Dr. Wernher von Braun, former Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, and one of the leading figures of rocket technology. The Tennessee Valley Chapter was among the first Chapters formed with more than 90 chapters across 50 countries throughout the world today. Chapters conduct technical meetings, symposia and workshops, all designed to provide opportunities for professional advancement through networking across industry, defense and academia. SOLE advocates promoting logistics, technology and engineering disciplines to the next generation and works very closely with educational institutions throughout the world. The Society has fostered the development and implementation of logistics oriented courses and graduate and undergraduate curricula at many institutions, and has a formal partnership with the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). SOLE founded the Logistics Education Foundation (LEF) to provide financial support to the educational activities and programs to include annual scholarship and doctoral dissertation awards programs, grants, publication of technical/educational material (e.g., monographs), and other financial assistance to individuals and organizations furthering logistics education. The SOLE emblem’s meaning as defined by the founding fathers believed that the logo should have colors to express the applications of logistics elements and technology on the land, at sea, in the air and in the new frontiers of space with gold symbolizing the land; blue, the sea; white, the air; and black, the outer reaches of space. These symbols highlight the requirement that logistics be considered and involved in the planning of every product or program from A to Z, from alpha to omega, or from the beginning to the end. Contact Info: Providing a Holistic Approach to Helping Veterans Still Serving Veterans (SSV) is an Alabama-based 501 (3)(c) nonprofit Veterans service organization that empowers Veterans, Wounded Warriors, and their families to transition into meaningful new careers and post-military lives with all the benefits and services that they have earned. Since 2007, SSV has helped more than 5,000 Veterans and Wounded Warriors secure over $62 million in additional benefits, services, and salaries. In 2011, SSV opened 655 new cases, secured more than $9 million for Veteran clients, and helped 131 Veterans get hired. So far in 2012, SSV has helped 70 Veterans into new careers. Still Serving Veterans is expanding its services through an initiative called the Community Blueprint Network. This program provides central coordination for Veterans service organizations in local communities and SSV has been designated as one of eight pilot sites throughout the country. As part of SSV’s holistic approach to helping Veterans, the organization is raising community awareness of the issues facing our modern day warriors by hosting a screening of the 2012 Academy award nominated Best Documentary "To Hell and Back", on June 14 at the Monaco Theater in Bridge Street Towne Center. This film highlights the horrors of combat facing our Veterans in Afghanistan and the trials and critical challenges they face as returning Veterans and Wounded Warriors. The public is encouraged to view this free documentary by reserving a seat at the SSV web site noted below. Expanded community re-integration support for Veterans and Wounded Warriors is critically needed. Traditional military support systems can’t handle the overwhelming needs. Our heroic Veterans and Wounded Warriors served selflessly on our behalf, so please be a part of helping them. If you would like to be part of the healing process, please volunteer your time, your financial support, and actively assist our Veterans in finding meaningful employment. Contact Info: Capabilities for a Global Threat The 15th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference & Exhibition (SMD Conference) will take place August 13-16, 2012, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL. The theme for this year’s event is: Capabilities for a Global Threat. The SMD Conference is widely attended by more than 6,000 professionals from throughout the United States and our allies around the world. 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). This year’s SMD Conference will continue to emphasize the following goals:
New features at SMD Conference this year are:
Confirmed speakers include Dr. Simon "Pete" Worden (Brig. Gen., USAF, Retired); LTG Richard P. Formica, CM of USA SMDC; the Honorable Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense (AT & L); General Mieczyslaw Bieniek, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation; Dr. Dale Thomas, MSFC Associate Director, Technical Issues; LTG Patrick O'Reilly, Director, Missile Defense Agency; Dr. Uzi Rubin, Rubincon LTD; There will be exhibit displays throughout the entire VBC and 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. Contact Info:
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AZ Technology (AZ) is an old-fashioned
technology company building products that help on earth, on the
International Space Station (ISS), and beyond. Founded in 1990 by the late
Don Wilkes, who spent 18 years working at NASA, AZ Technology was launched
from a small, one-man home business. In 2002, Don turned the reigns over to
his daughter, Lynn Leeper, who is carrying on the company’s traditions of
precision and uniqueness. "My father was an electronics tinkerer and he was
always working on his experiments in our basement," Lynn recalls. "Our
specialty is in measuring and impacting how light interacts with surfaces so
the transfer and buildup of heat can be controlled. With the recent changes
in the space program, we’ve begun to expand our services worldwide and
extend our work from primarily outer space into the ‘green’ market."
Decosimo, a Top 100 accounting and business
advisory firm, helps its Huntsville technology clients create
results-oriented business strategies and provides insights for staying ahead
of business needs and achieving market-leading results. Decosimo’s assurance
professionals understand the GAAP reporting requirements of technology
companies and ensure companies are compliant with regulatory or investor
requirements. The firm’s financial accounting professionals help clients
measure performance, identify and analyze business processes and risks, and
determine how these factors influence financial reporting. Decosimo’s tax
professionals provide tax planning, as well as IRS audit support and
assistance complying with federal and state tax rules and regulations.
Guest Associates, Inc. (GAI) was founded in
1977 by Fred K. Guest, a former aerospace engineer with a background in
rocket propulsion. He worked for several years with prime contractors such
as Boeing, TRW, and SAIC before deciding to open his own consulting company.
Leadership
has never been an easy undertaking, but today’s executives have the added
difficulty of traversing a rugged business landscape fraught with economic
challenges, regulatory pressures, and volatile market fluctuations. LSINC is
a woman-owned, small business (WOSB) that provides leaders the intelligence
and strategic consulting services needed to create a clear strategic
direction.
nLogic was established as an
employee-owned company in September 2005 to provide high-caliber government
technical services offered at the best value. This company conducts business
with a commitment to its customers and offers clients financial stability
with outstanding project control at an affordable rate. Tim Thornton,
President/CEO, states, "In 2011, we experienced revenue growth of 44% with
the addition of new customers and operating locations, and the expansion of
our core competencies."
As its name implies, QinetiQ (pronounced
"kinetic") has energized the technical community to bring faster solutions
to market, while remaining fully focused on the operational needs of its end
users. "As one of the top-rated government contractors, QinetiQ’s goal is
always to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations with quality
deliverables and unmatched service," says David A. Shrum, Executive Vice
President and General Manager for QinetiQ North America, Huntsville. "It’s
the service that we are not obligated to give that our
customers value the most." 
With the eye of a hawk, Blackhawk Management
Corporation (BLACKHAWK) understands the needs and tailors the solutions for
its clients. Blackhawk was founded in 1990 and is currently under the
command of Linda Anderson, President/CEO. Linda joined Blackhawk in 1998
when she was working at a NASA facility in support of its Space Station
Logistics Contract. “In 2003 I decided to buy Blackhawk, and nine months
later the company doubled in size and has continued to be successful,” Linda
says. “Blackhawk currently has eight locations across the United States,
Iraq, and Afghanistan.” 
Gideon Services provides what matters most to
its customers…quality logistics and IT services with the utmost integrity.
Brothers Paul Jr, (Executive Vice President) and Stephen Gunn (President and
CEO), founded Gideon Services on Veteran’s Day 2008. "The name of our
company has a special meaning to my brother and me," Stephen explains. "Just
as Gideon in the Bible overcame obstacles in battle with a dedicated and
chosen force, my brother and I (a U.S. Marine Corp. Veteran – one of ‘The
Few and The Proud) successfully overcome challenges for our clients. Through
the exhibition of integrity, diligence, and excellence in all of our
business relationships, we show our care for our clients and we fulfill our
contracts. These same values have quickly become a trademark of Gideon
Services, a Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Business, 8(a) Certified
Logistics and IT company." Paul Jr. adds, "It’s been a dream of ours to
become a leading logistics and IT company. Gideon Services delivers tailored
solutions nationwide and abroad that are cost-effective, innovative, and are
often beyond our clients’ expectation."
Global Recruiters of Huntsville is connected,
well-trained, and respects confidentiality when providing placements and
candidates. Managing Partner David (MAC) McElhaney, states, "Global
Recruiters of Huntsville is the PREMIER service organization delivering
superior placements for clients and qualified candidates for job openings.
We’re a professional, well-trained team specializing in recruiting and
placing top talent in the areas of Information Technology, CYBER Security,
GIS/Geospatial, Engineering, Project Management, HR, Finance, Business
Development, Sales & Marketing, and Biotechnology."
The new generation of complete financial
integration THAT WORKS comes from Investor’s Resource. "We believe we’re
delivering a more effective approach for financial advice and leading a new
generation of financial advisors," President Shari Burnum explains. "We
offer clients an independent perspective, customized plans, advanced and
proven technologies, and complete financial solutions."
Innovation, quality, and commitment are at the
heart of McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy Engineering and Technical Services
(MJLM E&TS). MJLM E&TS Liaison Officers (LNO) and Subject Matter Experts (SME)
are currently supporting a C-RAM mission in Kuwait and Afghanistan providing
logistical support. Chester Andrews, C-RAM Program Manager, states that
MJLM’s Liaison Officers ensure that Left-Behind Equipment (LBE) is properly
received, inventoried, and processed for shipment back to the Continental
United States (CONUS) via MILAIR. Additionally, this team of professionals
maintains effective lines of communication with the unit as equipment is
turned in for RESET and responsible for oversight of all equipment until it
reaches CONUS.
Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a
unique, growing, and distinctive employee-owned company providing
leading-edge technical services in systems engineering and ballistic missile
aerospace engineering capabilities with small company responsiveness and
flexibility. The company works hard to protect its reputation of providing
quality technical and programmatic support through honest, ethical, and fair
business practices. 
CYBER is on the move in Madison County!
Recently in Huntsville, many industry, government, and military leaders
gathered at the CYBER Challenges and Opportunities Luncheon to discuss these
issues from a Warfighter’s view. The event was sponsored by a number of
local professional associations including the Air Force Association, the
Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association, the National Defense
Industrial Association, the Women in Defense, and CYBER Huntsville.
Corporate sponsors were COLSA, General Dynamics Information Technology,
Lockheed Martin, Manpower, PeopleTec, Radiance Technologies, Raytheon, SAIC,
SPARTA, and Torch Technologies.
Energy Huntsville was launched in June 2011 by
Huntsville’s Mayor Tommy Battle as a technology subcommittee within the
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. The Mayor’s vision was to
create a volunteer organization made up of community leaders and technology
professionals who could work together supporting the area’s economic growth
to create local jobs in the energy sector. The objective was to mobilize the
community to pursue regional and national energy opportunities that leverage
the area’s technologies and talent enhancing Huntsville’s reputation as a
center of excellence for energy technology and solutions.
To further Huntsville’s young and emerging
entrepreneurial spirit, the College of Business Administration at
UAHuntsville is firing on all cylinders with a new program. The new
Entrepreneur Door was recently established to assist early stage,
student-driven start-ups in a matchmaking process with a business leader who
might serve as the first customer or first investor. Dr. Caron St. John,
Dean of the College of Business, says, "This is not an internship or a pure
mentoring relationship. This is a new type of business incubation that
allows the student to start the business, with an interested advocate who
has sufficient knowledge to be the voice of the customer or provide some
other relevant expertise." While housed in the Business School, Entrepreneur
Door was collaboratively formed by the UAHuntsville Business Department and
Investor’s Resource*, a local independent firm located in Madison, AL. 
Started in 1988, the HATS STEDTRAIN Program is
possibly the oldest, continuous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEM) program in the United States. The 392 grants totaling $370,000
awarded for hands-on science and technology projects in K-12 grades
throughout the North Alabama/Tennessee Valley area have directly affected
nearly 12,000 students. Many of these students have taught peers and other
grades, so it is estimated that more than 100,000 area students have
benefited from this all-volunteer, educational program. And, there have been
truly notable successes, including the first team from Alabama to
participate in The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) Finals. This team,
from Westlawn Middle School, was led by their dedicated teacher Ms. Bobbi
Murphy, her husband and colleagues from NASA.
The health of the U.S. rocket propulsion
industrial base has been in distress for decades, threatened by industry
downsizing, a shortage of new propulsion programs, and the ability to
attract and retain fresh talent. The nation is at a critical juncture facing
further erosion of our rocket propulsion capabilities and the challenges of
sustaining this capability in a time of dwindling federal budgets.
It is only fitting that a town teaming with
awe-inspiring, all-American technology, aerospace and defense industries is
also the home of a nonprofit foundation that is committed to making sure
today’s youth understand their important roles in America’s future. The
Liberty Learning Foundation (LLF), with the help of passionate donors, is on
a mission to place locally produced Super Citizen Program Resource Kits in
every school in Alabama and across the United States.
Since
its inception in 1965, the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC)
has focused on building relationships and promotion of American values
worldwide. USASAC is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel
Command (AMC) and is responsible for managing Security Assistance programs
including Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Known as the Army’s Face to the
World, it serves as the primary entry point for foreign governments to
procure U.S. Army materiel and services.
The North Alabama Chapter of ISSA (NAC-ISSA) is
a nonprofit organization founded to connect CYBER security professionals
locally in the Tennessee Valley. Officially recognized by ISSA® on April 17,
2003, NAC-ISSA has grown to more than 170 information security
professionals, managers and practitioners and is now the #4 chapter in the
South, as well as #16 worldwide out of over 150 chapters. NAC-ISSA provides
educational forums, publications, and professional networking opportunities
which enhance the knowledge, skill, and professional growth of its members
and our local community. The Chapter holds monthly meetings that include
demonstrations and presentations by leading industry professionals. In
addition to the monthly meetings, NAC-ISSA hosts a CYBER Security SummitSM
each summer, and proceeds from the Summit are allocated to a scholarship
program for students majoring in the information systems security field at
either the undergraduate or graduate level.