Ben Wham, PE

With repairs underway on the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the US Army Corps of Engineers has laid out a tentative timeline for reopening of the Federal Channel and Port Of Baltimore. In the meantime, numerous states, including Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, are considering waiving IFTA licensing requirements in an effort to limit the impact to supply chain operations throughout the region. FourKites data shows that as of April 4, 2024, 92 vessels and more than 2,000 individual loads had current or upcoming voyages in or around the Port of Baltimore, adding an estimated 6 days to the total journey time of shipments due to travel through the Port of Baltimore. FourKites' experts and data were recently cited on this evolving situation, in the latest print edition of Logistics Manager Magazine. Read the full article below: https://4kites.cc/3X7nmYE #supplychain #commerce #trade #baltimore #global

7

VA Seeks Contractor for Social Media and Survey Data Analysis Tool U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a contractor to develop and maintain a software solution for analyzing social media and survey data. NAICS Code:541519 - Other Computer Related Service Key Features: Analyze and visualize social media data and survey results. Integrate data from various sources, including social media platforms, surveys, and government databases. Display data on a map (geospatial visualization). Allow filtering by demographics, entities, activities, and themes. Generate reports on social media research. Be delivered as a subscription service. Be easy to use for data acquisition and analysis. Project Phases: Initial Operational Capability (IOC): Deliver, install, and configure the system within 30 days. Full Operational Capability (FOC): Train VA staff on using the system and ensure at least 5 users are proficient. Contractor Responsibilities: Develop and deliver the software solution. Integrate the system with VA's existing infrastructure (or host it securely). Provide training for VA staff. Offer ongoing technical support. Integrate new data sources as needed. https://lnkd.in/en3w4cBb #software #dataanalytics #socialmedia #socialmediaanalysis #SourcesSoughtNotice #SmallBiz #GovCon #VOSB #SDVOSB #VetsFirst #VAVetsFirst #SetAside #MarketResearch #RequestForInformation

3

New SDVOSB Self-Certified Ruling: What Government Contractors Need to Know "Significant changes are coming to the landscape of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) due to new federal regulations. The elimination of self-certification for SDVOSBs marks a pivotal shift aimed at increasing transparency, uniformity, and opportunities within government contracting. For small businesses looking to navigate this new terrain, understanding these changes and their implications is crucial." Not a bad idea to stay up to date on the upcoming changes coming to SDVOSBs. Click the link below to read up on what's to come: https://lnkd.in/gx6CGDim #GovernmentContracting #APEXAccelerator #SmallBusiness #SDVOSB

2

Don't miss out on the Army's upcoming RS3 and ITES-3S recompetes! Our team of government contracting experts can evaluate your company's capabilities, past performance, and competitive landscape to determine if these contracts align with your strengths. Let us help you craft a winning proposal strategy. #govcon #captureplanning #proposalwriting

1

We are excited to share that WorkersFirst Clinics attended the Virginia Talent Pipeline Project (VTPP) second “Signing Day” Ceremony. This significant event recognized the efforts of 57 defense employers who hired over 1,200 new workforce members into critical roles within the Defense Industrial Base. At WorkersFirst Clinics, we are dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the workforce that powers our nation's defense. Events like these highlight the essential role each individual plays in national security, a sentiment echoed by leaders like CMC Jeff Hiscocks, PEO Team Submarines, who said, "It doesn’t matter what your position or title is, you are contributing to national security." By attending this event, WorkersFirst Clinics reaffirms our dedication to enhancing talent acquisition and retention by supporting companies with our comprehensive occupational health services. We are proud to be a part of this initiative and to support the defense workforce in Hampton Roads and beyond. Together, we are building a stronger future for our nation. #WorkersFirstClinics #VirginiaTalentPipeline #SigningDay #DefenseWorkforce #OccupationalHealth #HamptonRoads #NationalSecurity #PutYourWorkersFirst

54

Hey contractors, let's talk strategy. Winning federal contracts requires more than just luck—it requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of the federal procurement process. At GCExperts, we specialize in helping contractors develop winning strategies that lead to success. Ready to take your contracting game to the next level? Let's connect! 📈🔍 #ContractingStrategy #FederalSuccess

1

🚨 Attention DoD Contractors! 🚨 Did you know? All DoD prime- and sub-contractors planning to bid on future contracts will be required to obtain a CMMC certification prior to contract award. 🛡️ Don't let this requirement intimidate you! Two-14 experts are here to ensure your company is compliant and bid-ready. Whether you're just starting or need to update your current cybersecurity measures, we've got you covered. 📞 Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate the complexities of the CMMC certification. Let's get you prepared to secure those contracts with confidence! 🔗 www.two14aviation.com #CMMC #Cybersecurity #DoDContractors #DefenseIndustry #Compliance #Two14Experts #SecureYourSuccess

2

This morning, Gina Sims Director, DoD SBIR STTR Program Office, hosted Army SBIR|STTR Program , Department of Navy SBIR/STTR Programs, AFWERX and #DARPA experts on the “DoD: Success Stories” panel at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference & Expo at Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in Maryland. They highlighted how to partner with DoD for success in the SBIR/STTR programs, and particularly emphasized the importance of small businesses networking with potential DoD partners to improve their chances for success towards transitions. Key takeaways: -The best place to start is SBIR.gov to look at open AND closed/traditional topics. Figure out what DoD is looking for to see how to interlace your idea. Target which agency aligns with your product. Sign up for their listserv to find out when new topics come out.  -Think about where in DoD you want to target, but also look outside of those areas and think about how to adapt your product to other areas (including non-SBIR/STTR topics), and network to uncover resources to find the match. -Don’t get bogged down in the differences between agencies, look for the similarities because the authorities are the same across the federal government. -Leverage the sole-source authority the SBIR/STTR program offers for Phase III awards achieving transition and/or commercialization.  -Network, network, network; go to specific military/DoD/Service events if you’re interested in working with a particular defense area and meet the acquisition professionals who will likely become your future customer so you can learn their current and future needs. Photo Description: (left to right) Tylar Temple– PM Army Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Jennifer Thabet, J.D., PMP – Program Director Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Small Business Program Office (SBPO), Daniel Carroll – AFWERX Division Chief, Brian Shipley – Acting Director, Department of Navy SBIR/STTR Programs; Gina Sims, Director, Defense SBIR/STTR Program Office (moderator) Photo Credit: Defense SBIR/STTR Program Office #sbir #sttr #dodinnovates #departmentofdefense #dodsbir

81

2 Comments

There is a lesson to be learned from GAO's recently sustained protest challenging a USACE decision to convert a sealed bid procurement into a negotiated procurement. What happened?  Last year, USACE issued an IFB under FAR 14 to replenish sand and repair a dune and berm system. Although Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company’s bid was the lowest, it far surpassed the Corps’ IGCE and the project’s total funding. Soon after, the agency canceled the IFB, citing unreasonable pricing and public interest. It also announced its intent to convert the acquisition method from FAR 14 to a FAR 15 negotiated procurement. Great Lakes protested and USACE initiated corrective action. Despite increasing the IGCE, USACE canceled the IFB again citing high prices, bids that were more than 25 percent above the IGCE, and bids that exceeded available funding. The CO noted in their D&F that converting to a negotiated procurement was in the government’s best interest.  Great Lakes protested again. In its decision, GAO could only consider USACE’s third reason, that it lacked sufficient funds to complete the project. That reason was entirely valid, GAO wrote — but USACE’s decision to convert the procurement was not: While agencies can cancel solicitations due to insufficient funds, converting them is not permitted. GAO sustained the protest and recommended USACE rescind that decision. -- Judgment Zone is an ongoing series in which VAO examines recent rulings on bid protests and claims appeals. Subscribers can access more here: https://lnkd.in/guRdQkns #federalcontracting #govcon #procurement #governmentcontracting

14

Leveraging the unique capabilities of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the North Atlantic Division and the Baltimore District are one step closer to reopening commercial shipping operations in Baltimore. Weeks after a cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, tragically killing six and shutting down one of the nation’s busiest commercial port operations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has validated plans to open a bypass channel, working with ERDC and the Association of Maryland Pilots. While narrower and shallower, the bypass channel will soon allow large commercial vessels to enter and exit the port, while not interfering with vital salvage operations. But before the first ship makes the transit, the new route and the placement of buoys were tested by ERDC’s Ship/Tow Simulator, part of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. United States Department of Defense US Army US Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Atlantic Division Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Association Of Maryland Pilots Port Of Baltimore State of Maryland Keith Martin #keybridgeresponse2024 #baltimore #commercialshipping #navigation #emergencyresponse #simulation #shipping #port #portoperations #cargo #cargoshipping #cargoship #engineer #engineers #engineering #maritime #industry #industrial #shipping #science #innovation #technology #research #researchanddevelopment #PowerofERDC

52

2 Comments

A win for civic infrastructure and resilient communities: In a Seismic Shift, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Elevates Nature-Based Solutions Now, when the Army Corps provides a final set of planning options — what they call “alternatives” — to communities, those alternatives must include “a fully nature-based solution alternative” if feasible. And that alternative needs to use the “same level of rigor and detail as the other solutions proposed.” If a fully nature-based solution isn’t possible, then effort needs to be made to integrate nature-based features with traditional grey or concrete solutions, creating a hybrid green-grey option. American Society of Landscape Architects US Army Corps of Engineers #civicinfrastructure #nature #resiliency #climate https://lnkd.in/eCpzBwat

15

Guam's Military Buildup: Delays and Strategic Implications — Undersecretary of the Navy Erik K. Raven emphasizes the importance of Guam as a strategic hub for the Indo-Pacific and discusses the revised timelines for military construction projects on Guam. https://lnkd.in/dkWCNtQ2 #Guam #Military #IndoPacific

3

#USMC BRASS CANNOT EVEN PROVIDE SAFE DOMESTIC HOUSING FOR #Marines & #Families Do they acknowledge that #mold in #military barracks and #militaryFamily housing is cause grave & mystery illnesses? As a civilian, I know first hand that guerilla lawfare and failures to properly mitigate #waterdamage can cause what the doctors call terminal illnesses. #Facebook has many support groups for #mold & #mycotoxin survivors- and many of the groups are wailing walks of desperation pain and impending death. Mold sickness and excess deaths are a national health crisis that #Military #Insurance #contractors & #legislators #lawyers and other officers of the courts know about- and seem to profit by. Let’s fix that. US Congress U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division USMC Special Operations USMC War College (MCWAR) AMAC Foundation Newsmax Media, Inc. Restoration Industry Association National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) National Crime Agency careers Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SocialMedia.org Start with #WEF depop ops strategists? #CrisisOfAccountability & dereliction of duties …. #KidsMatter too

Two bits of good news for retiring Soldiers! 1️⃣ 👉 US Army Human Resources Command has eliminated the backlog of Active Component retirement applications. The AC Retirements and Separations Branch is now processing all separation actions as they are received in IPPS-A. HRC aims -- at a minimum -- to complete processing of officer and enlisted retirement requests within 12 months and 18 months, respectively, of the desired retirement date. The pilot program for requesting retirement up to 24 months before the retirement date continues unchanged. 2️⃣ 👉 HRC's Gray Area Retirements Branch previously eliminated its backlog of retirement applications for nonregular retirements. This means that there will be no lag in starting retired pay for Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers if their submitted retired pay application has no errors and is submitted 90 days to 9 months before their age of eligibility. #soldierforlife #retirementplanning

96

10 Comments

Curious🤔about what it takes to work in some of the nation’s most secure sectors? The DOE “Q” Clearance is a top-tier security credential that provides access to vital national security areas. Discover what it's like to hold this highly classified clearance in our latest blog 🔍 Here’s a glimpse of what we cover : 🔹 What DOE “Q” Clearance is and its significance🔒⚛️ 🔹 The rigorous background checks and strict eligibility criteria🛡️ 🔹 The process for obtaining and maintaining clearance and much more💼 Read our in-depth guide to get the complete insider's view 👇 https://lnkd.in/gXZUQFHp #DOEQClearance #SecurityClearance #ClearedRecruitment

6

As the deadline for all Defense Community Infrastructure Program proposals approaches (June 17), please remember that the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has resources available to help with: 🔹 Program Eligibility: Understand the criteria and requirements for participation. 🔹 Frequently Asked Questions: Get answers to common questions and clear up any uncertainties. 🔹 Examples of Previously Funded Projects: View information about previously funding project designed to better installations and their surrounding communities. These resources are designed to help you navigate the application process with ease and confidence. The Notice of Funding Opportunity FAQ document below is an example of available resources. Visit the OLDCC website today (https://lnkd.in/gmfFHJv) to access these valuable resources! #infrastructure #nationalsecurity #onecommunity

7