ORBIT Communication Systems and Inmarsat sign MOA for Global Xpress ® government aero terminals opportunities — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, Press Releases, Satellites, space
3 July, 2014 – Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services and ORBIT, a leading provider of satellite communication, Earth observation, tracking & telemetry and communication management systems, have entered into a Memorandum of Arrangement (MOA) regarding the manufacture of aviation terminals for Global Xpress (GX) serving the government market. GX is the next generation of global mobile broadband services operating in Ka-band, strengthening Inmarsat’s position as the world leader in global mobile satellite communications.
Inmarsat and ORBIT will work closely to identify specific opportunities in which ORBIT’s technical offering is best suited to driving the uptake of GX by end-users requiring airborne satellite broadband connectivity. Under the arrangement, ORBIT will provide airborne tracking and communication GX antenna terminals, addressing further prospects identified in the government market, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and fixed and rotary wing platforms.
“We are delighted to be announcing this new collaboration with ORBIT,” said Andy Start, President, Inmarsat Global Government. “Global Xpress offers significant opportunities in the Government aviation market, providing the world’s first global high-speed broadband service, which is capable of supporting the most advanced, bandwidth hungry applications virtually anywhere in the world.”
“ORBIT is proud to be part of this important alliance with Inmarsat. Inmarsat’s selection of ORBIT’s products is a vote of confidence in our Ka-Band VSAT antennas solutions and excellent rapport with the Government sector worldwide”, said Ofer Greenberger, the Chairman of ORBIT -CS, Inc., and CEO of ORBIT-CS, Ltd.
Lockheed Martin testing facility paves the way for more radio connections to MUOS COMMUNICATIONS satellites — Press Releasee
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, Lockheed Martin, logistics, Press Releases
SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 30, 2014 – The number of end users connecting to the U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) will grow as radio terminal providers begin using a testing facility that simulates the satellite network. A team from Harris recently used the lab to connect the AN/PRC-117G Falcon III radio to MUOS systems developed by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]. It’s one of several terminals that are well under way in testing their connections with the constellation.
Many terminals—from hand-held radios to satellite links on ships, planes and ground vehicles—can easily integrate this new type of signal, and Lockheed Martin’s facility helps developers test those connections. While some terminals are new products, the lab also helps existing terminals connect. Enabling access for radios in inventory means more users can use MUOS without the cost of all new gear.
“MUOS provides a leap in capability that can save lives and improve missions, so naturally we want as many users to connect as possible,” said Dave Helseth, Lockheed Martin director of Systems Engineering, Integration and Test for MUOS. “Over 55,000 currently fielded terminals could be upgraded for full MUOS capability as early as 2016. Our simulation lab helps providers quickly complete their integration work and move forward with government certification.”
According to Harris, the Department of Defense uses more than 30,000 AN/PRC-117G terminals. With a MUOS update, all could be ready for MUOS connections pending government certification. Additionally, the General Dynamics AN/PRC-155 manpack radio is the terminal program of record and offers more connections.
MUOS delivers secure, priority-based voice and high-speed data to mobile users using an advanced waveform similar to commercial cell phone technology. The radio testing facility incorporates a full ground station, satellite payload, radio instrumentation and simulators that emulate radio links in challenging conditions, such as rain, forest canopy and urban canyons.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator. The Navy’s Program Executive Office for Space Systems and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
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LDRA Verifies the Little Bits of Safety-Critical and Security-Critical Applications — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, development program, Events, IT, logistics, Press Releases
Screenshot 1: LDRA and MPLAB X with a PIC18F target, where the serial port is used to pull the data from the target Screenshot 2: C8051 microcontroller running on a Keil uVision simulator to produce the unit test coverage using LDRA
Although Internet of Things (IoT) is capturing much of the media’s attention for its scaled-down, connected systems, other industries such as avionics, defense, industrial control, smart energy, medical, and automotive now also take advantage of new, highly functional, low-power controllers that have little tolerance for the overhead of most verification technologies and tools. LDRA recognizes that size, weight, and power are always a consideration and has developed different methods of connectivity between the host and the target to ensure that data can be pulled from even the smallest 8-bit and 16-bit microcontrollers provided by ARM, Freescale, Microchip, Renesas, Texas Instruments, among others. The LDRA tool suite is therefore capable of providing unprecedented end-to-end application and verification analysis on systems where granular expertise for microcontrollers is needed as well as robust, comprehensive analysis for multicore technologies.
About LDRA
For more than 40 years, LDRA has developed and driven the market for software that automates code analysis and software testing for safety-, mission-, security- and business-critical markets. Working with clients to achieve early error identification and full compliance with industry standards, LDRA traces requirements through static and dynamic analysis to unit testing and verification for a wide variety of hardware and software platforms. Boasting a worldwide presence, LDRA is headquartered in the United Kingdom with subsidiaries in the United States and India coupled with an extensive distributor network. For more information on the LDRA tool suite, please visit: www.ldra.com.
Photo courtesy of LDRA
Airbus Defense and Space adds military leases to its Inmarsat Global Xpress ® strategic agreement — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, logistics, Press Releases, Satellites
13 March 2014
Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has signed a further agreement with Airbus Defense and Space, appointing the international defence systems integrator as a Value Added Reseller (VAR) for Global Xpress (GX) military lease services, serving the Government market in Europe.
The announcement builds upon the strategic GX distribution partnership agreement concluded between the two companies
in December 2013. This new government agreement sets out leasing capacity on military Ka-band spot beams, in addition to subscription services already covered by the original agreement.
Andy Start, President, Inmarsat Global Government, said : “Adding military lease services to Airbus Defense and Space’s GX Value Added Reseller appointment was a natural progression. It positions Inmarsat’s unique global military Ka-band capability ideally to enable Airbus Defense and Space to augment MILSATCOM and support the concentrated, very high bandwidth operational needs of defence forces, for example airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.” Evert Dudok, Head of Communications, Intelligence & Security at Airbus Defense and Space, said: “As the number one military satcom operator in the world, having GX military and commercial Ka band as part of our new Aurora Global offering is a huge asset. This extension
of our GX strategic agreement with Inmarsat further strengthens a long-standing partnership harnessing Inmarsat’s next generation satellites.”
Global Xpress is the first globally available Ka-band broadband satellite network providing very high bandwidth services to a range of land, maritime and aero terminals, delivered through a resilient, secure waveform which is optimised for mobility. Integrated seamlessly with Inmarsat’s current L-band network, Global Xpress will ensure reliable communications in support of mission critical operations in the most challenging environments.
The first of three Global Xpress satellites is set to enter commercial service by mid-year 2014 with the full constellation
scheduled for deployment by the close of the year.
About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations
around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.
About Airbus Defence & Space
Airbus Defense and Space is a division of Airbus Group formed by combining the business activities of Cassidian, Astrium and Airbus Military. The new division is Europe’s number one defense and space enterprise, the second largest space business worldwide and among the top ten global defense enterprises. It employs some 40,000 employees generating revenues of approximately €14 billion per year.
NSC DELIVERS HI-TECH TURRET TRAINER — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, development program, Events, IT, Kuwait, Press Releases, training
SPECIALIST software designed by NSC is helping to train Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior in the use of advanced defensive armament technology.
The UK-based simulation, training and consultancy expert is providing the security force with a virtual environment in which the crews of its Desert Chameleon armoured personnel carriers can familiarise themselves with aspects of the vehicles’ Remote Multi-purpose Turret System (RMTS)©.
Developed by ADWS Global Ltd, the RMTS© has been designed to deliver maximum protection to those responding to incidents or conducting surveillance or counter-insurgency operations. It does so through the integration of enhanced optical and thermal sensors and an advanced firing system.
Replicating the look and feel of the turret’s control consoles and harnessing commercial off-the-shelf technologies, NSC’s simulator allows for the safe and cost-effective training of the RMTS’s weapon system and accurate student assessment.
The innovative set-up’s ability to inject virtual scenarios into an authentic sensor display is key to its delivery of an immersive learning environment, according to Chris Williams.
“As a means of training individual gunnery skills, it is important that any solution provides a high level of detail and fidelity,” said NSC’s head of simulation.
“The simulation has to look and feel like the real thing; factors such as the behaviour of ballistics and slew of the turret have to be authentic to the platform it is modelled on.
“Our software delivers that level of immersion and is a step beyond more traditional tactical and procedural training.”
NSC’s support to Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior builds on an 18-year working relationship with the Gulf state.
Since 1996, the Surrey-based company has assisted Kuwait’s Armed Forces in developing its military leaders of the future through the provision of computer-assisted decision-making exercises at the Mubarak Al Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College.
ABOUT NSC
NSC is a world-class provider of cutting-edge simulation and analysis-driven training. Since its formation in 1991, the company has forged a reputation for developing and delivering innovative solutions for military and civilian customers around the globe. From operational-level education for senior commanders to individual and collective training for the most junior recruits, Camberley-based NSC’s software and training solutions are used worldwide.
www.nsc.co.uk
JTRS Compliance awarded to AN/PRC-148B (MBITR2) Radio — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, Press Releases
SAN DIEGO – The Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) announced today that the Thales AN/PRC-148B (MBITR2) Radio operating Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) software version 1.01.1C has received Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Compliance.
The JTNC Technical Assessments for Compliance and Certification (TACC) is part of an evolving process to ensure end-to-end joint service interoperability and security. The TACC is comprised of JTNC Technical Assessments for Compliance (TAComp) and JTNC Technical Assessments for Certification (TACert).
As a JTRS Compliant product, the AN/PRC-148B (MBITR2) radio has successfully completed the JTNC TAComp, which serves as preliminary characterization of the system’s compatibility with the Department of Defense (DoD) network objectives. The completion of the JTNC TAComp process helps prepare Program of Record (POR) and Non-Developmental Item (NDI) Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for participation in Service-level test events (e.g., Network Integration Evaluations or similar Joint or Service sponsored test events) executing the JTRS Waveforms.
The JTNC TACert serves as comprehensive characterization of the system’s capability with the DoD network objectives, and the completion of the JTNC TACert process indicates POR and NDI SDRs’ readiness to operate in a DoD or Service’s network architecture. SDRs awarded JTRS Compliance are expected to enter the JTNC TACert process within two years of receiving the JTRS Compliance award.
“The TACC process supports the NDI acquisition strategies of the DoD and the Services in building tactical networks that are interoperable and secure using radios running JTRS waveforms”, said Mark Compton, JTNC’s director. “It is open to vendors porting JTRS waveforms onto their products, directly supporting the Department’s Better Buying Power focus on promoting effective competition and incentivizing innovation.”
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ABOUT THE JTNC
As part of the Department of Defense, and under executive management of the Army’s Program Executive Office, Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T), the JTNC ensures interoperable, secure and affordable waveform and wireless communications in support of Service, Multi-Service and Coalition forces. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the JTNC executes its mission by recommending standards, conducting compliance and certification assessments in accordance with DoD policies, and maintaining a DoD Waveform Information Repository (IR). For more information, visit www.jtnc.mil.
Forensics Europe Expo 2014 offers unique opportunity for both buyers and providers across the forensics sector — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, logistics, Press Releases, security, Trade Shows and Events
29-30 April, Olympia, London
Press Release – 04th February 2014
Taking place on the 29th and 30th April at Olympia, London, Forensics Europe Expo 2014 is set to be this year’s premier international forum dedicated to the entire forensics sector and its supply chain. Last year, the event introduced over 3000 buyers and specifiers to the latest forensic products, equipment and services as well as providing a definitive source of education and best practice together with unparalleled access to training and networking opportunities.
Organised by Clarion Events, Forensics Europe Expo will once again be co-located with Counter Terror Expo 2014, ensuring maximum marketing exposure before, during and after the event and creating an invaluable cross-flow of information. Supporting the exhibition, Forensics Europe will also feature a high level conference programme designed to attract hard-to-reach decision makers and thought leaders from both the public and private forensic arena, making the event an ideal platform for the launch of new products and cutting edge technologies.
President of The Forensic Science Society, Dr Ann Priston, commented: “As the largest professional body of forensic practitioners in the UK, it is fitting that we should be represented at Forensic Europe Expo which will not only offer valuable insights into the latest developments in forensic science but also provide an important networking opportunity for those working in areas where forensic science is having a real impact.
“Our role at this year’s event is particularly significant as we have just been granted a Royal Charter and we will be exhibiting under our new name, The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, and we have chosen to launch at the Expo because it is such a high profile industry event.
“The Workshop programme is certain to feature some fascinating insights into new areas where the expertise of scientists is driving standards in investigation and furthering knowledge. In particular, digital forensics is likely to be widely covered at this year’s exhibition. This is a fascinating and fast-moving field, involving the fight against cyber crime and other challenges that our virtual world is now presenting to law enforcers.”
Another key supporter of Forensics Europe Expo is The Forensic and Policing Services Association (FAPSA). Allan Scott, MD of The Evidence Partnership, one of the founding members of FAPSA, said:
“Clarion Events have been supportive of our aims of giving SMEs a voice in the forensic and policing market whilst also ensuring that quality is maintained. We’re confident that the event will enable us to explain our ethos and our full range of services to prospective members and show how smaller organisations can make a significant contribution in the criminal justice arena.”
Philip Hunter, Event Director, Clarion Defence & Security added: “Forensics Europe Expo has already established its place as the leading event for the entire forensics sector. With an exciting new programme of content, this year’s show promises to offer the best opportunities yet for important new collaborations and business relationships to be established.”
For more information or to book your stand, please contact a member of the Forensics Europe Expo team:
T: +44 (0) 20 7384 7797 or email forensicseuropeexpo@clarionevents.com
Visitor registration is now open. Please register for your free exhibition only pass or conference delegate pass at www.forensicseuropeexpo.com/register
Niinja.co: New fast powerful search engine for military spending data — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, Press Releases
CHICAGO, Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — What does the U.S. Department of Defense spend money on? Niinja has the answer. Niinja, the new B2G marketing research tool for products purchased by the DoD, launches on December 4, 2013 at http://Niinja.co. Niinja will assist current and prospective government suppliers by answering the following questions: Which agency or military branch uses products like this? Which competitors provide similar products? Where are they located? What is the selling price? With 6.8 million items stocked by the Defense Department and 2.6 million supplier companies in the database, Niinja facilitates public transparency of military cataloging data to promote competition in the federal logistics market, specifically encouraging small business participation.
The DoD buys nearly everything, from aircraft parts to packaged foods, clothing, office supplies, and more. All catalog information is organized into a government dataset called the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS). This dataset contains insightful market information such as item names, National Stock Numbers (NSN, FSC & NIIN), manufacturer part numbers, vendor location and contact information, purchase price, shipping and packaging data, purchasing agencies, and more. Yet despite the government’s provisions, it can be difficult for market researchers to extract meaningful information. The reason for this is two-fold: the sheer size of the government-provided dataset and the outdated user interface for accessing FLIS online (WebFLIS). The potential for an improved military procurement search engine is evident.
Niinja does three main things: simplifies FLIS queries to a single search box, tracks changes in item prices over the previous year, and displays competing companies on a map. Additionally, Niinja offers hover-based tooltips for information about logistics-specific abbreviations. Finally, Niinja searches FLIS data in a fundamentally different way from anyone else, quickly providing relevant search results.
“Niinja is launching at a time when government information transparency and ease of access are on everyone’s mind. Government transparency can occur only when publicly released government data is presented in an understandable format. A dataset like FLIS, with millions of records, requires visualization tools to condense data for easier comprehension,” says Kabir Mehta, Niinja’s software architect and founder of its holding company, Vital Axiom.
The cost of an annual Niinja subscription is $99 per user. A free trial of Niinja is offered. Affordable pricing aligns with the company’s mission to make federal logistics data accessible to small businesses and the public. To sign up, visit http://Niinja.co.
About Vital Axiom:
Vital Axiom is a Chicago-based modern user experience software company. Vital Axiom was founded to provide business owners the information and tools necessary to perform competitively in the government contracting space. Vital Axiom builds custom software for both public and private sectors with a focus on extracting meaning and extrapolating trends from complex datasets. The Vital Axiom team brings together experienced professionals in the fields of government logistics databases, enterprise-level software development, and government contracting. For more information, visit http://www.vitalaxiom.com.
Leidos Awarded Contract By Defense Health Agency — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, IT, logistics, medicine, Press Releases
Health, National Security, and Engineering Solutions Company to Provide Support for the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line
RESTON, Va., Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a health, national security, and engineering solutions company, was awarded a prime contract by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to provide consultative, analytical, decision making, managerial, and implementation support services for a Nurse Advice Line (NAL) that will support the Military Health System (MHS). The single-award firm fixed-price contract has a one-year base period of performance, four one-year options, and a total contract value of approximately $178 million if all options are exercised.
The NAL program is designed to advance the DHA’s goals of improving the availability and quality of care for its beneficiaries while reducing the overall cost of care. NAL beneficiaries will receive around-the-clock access to nurse advice line services where customer calls will be triaged using patented nurse triage algorithms to determine the most appropriate and effective level of care.
Under the contract, Leidos will provide NAL services to more than nine million eligible TRICARE beneficiaries in all 50 states, making it one of the largest and most complex programs of its kind. The scope of work includes call center services, nurse triage services, medical appointing services and administrative support delivered by an expert team of customer service representatives, registered telehealth nurses, and appointment clerks. This team of professionals will provide TRICARE beneficiaries clinical advice and urgent care support based on nationally recognized algorithms, protocols, and guidelines; and enable eligible military enrollees to schedule, cancel, and reschedule appointments through the MHS Composite Health Care System and the Coast Guard’s Epic electronic health record system.
“We are proud to have been selected to work with DHA to provide nurse advice line services to millions of military beneficiaries across the United States. Improving the availability, quality, and cost effectiveness of healthcare for our military service members and their families are national priorities, and we are honored to support these important goals,” said Steve Comber, group president, Leidos Health.
The company, formerly named Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), changed its name to Leidos, Inc. on September 27, 2013 [in connection with the spin-off of its former technical, engineering and enterprise information technology business, which has assumed the company’s former name]. Leidos has submitted a change-of-name agreement to the U.S. government to recognize the name change, which is currently under review by the responsible Defense Contract Management Agency contracting officer.
About Leidos
Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in national security, health, and engineering. The Company’s 23,000 employees support vital missions for our government and the commercial sector, develop innovative solutions to drive better outcomes, and defend our Nation’s digital and physical infrastructure from ‘new world’ threats. Leidos is headquartered in Reston, Va. and had approximately $6 billion in revenues for fiscal year 2013, on a pro forma basis, following the spin-off of the company’s technical, engineering and enterprise IT business on Sept. 27, 2013. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in Leidos’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2013, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
Lockheed Martin Establishes Continuous Monitoring Lab and Workshops to Support Department of Homeland Security — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, Lockheed Martin, logistics, Press Releases, security
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is inviting government organizations interested in learning how to strengthen their network security to its new continuous diagnostics and mitigation (CDM) lab and associated workshops.
Established to support the Department of Homeland Security’s CDM program that is designed to defend government networks from threats, the lab demonstrates commercial cyber security products and Lockheed Martin integration services. The lab, located in Lockheed Martin’s NexGen Cyber Innovation & Technology Center, was created to allow customers to experience CDM offerings and envision how products and services can be implemented to mature their network resiliency.
“Lockheed Martin’s CDM lab makes tangible the many benefits of Lockheed Martin’s cyber defense tools and will increase the speed and efficiency of government cyber security implementation,” said Greg Boison, director of homeland and cyber security for Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions business. “By using the Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain® with an intelligence driven defense approach, our methodology provides unique benefits and assurance to customers proven in defense of our own enterprise systems.”
Lockheed Martin CDM workshops are scheduled for Nov. 14 and 20 and are available to government attendees ranging from chief information security officers to security operations center managers and cyber analysts. During the three-hour workshop sessions, customers will learn how to integrate continuous asset cyber situational awareness, improve decision support, increase speed in remediation of policy issues and vulnerabilities, and realize affordability. Workshops are limited to government attendees. To register, click here.
Under CDM, advanced cyber security tools and services will ensure that unclassified government networks will be constantly scanned for threats, defended from attacks and audited for performance. Federal, state and local agencies as well as tribal and territorial governments can implement CDM. Lockheed Martin was one of 17 contractors awarded a role on the program, which has a potential ceiling value of $6 billion and can be procured under the General Service Administration Federal Systems Integration and Management Center IT Schedule 70. The blanket purchase agreement with Lockheed Martin has a one-year base period with four, one-year options.
As a leading provider of cyber security solutions, Lockheed Martin takes an intelligence driven defense approach to protecting our nation’s most critical assets. The company has invested in continuous monitoring technology and partnerships with members of the Lockheed Martin Cyber Security Alliance. Beginning in 2009, Lockheed Martin leveraged advances within its NexGen Cyber Innovation and Technology Center and the Lockheed Martin Cyber Security Alliance to implement a comprehensive continuous monitoring solution.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.
For additional information, visit our website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/cyber
First military band type approval for GX terminals — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, Press Releases
23 October 2013. Inmarsat (LSE: ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced that L-3 Global Communications Solutions (L-3 GCS), a specialist in the supply of deployable satellite communications solutions and turnkey systems, has received type approval from Inmarsat for its range of military Ka-band terminals, authorizing their use over the Global Xpress (GX) network.
This marks an important milestone in the development of GX, the first globally available high-speed broadband network, which is on schedule to achieve full global coverage by the end of 2014. L-3 GCS’ type approval covers its industry leading family of terminals, which are used extensively by military and other government customers in the US and across the world. The specific devices covered by the Ka-band type approval announced today are the Panther .6m, Hawkeye III Lite 1.2m, and Hawkeye III 1.6m, 2.0m and 2.4m terminals.
Peter Hadinger, President of Inmarsat’s US Government Business Unit, said: “Global Xpress is powering ahead and is on course to achieve full global coverage by the close of 2014. Military customers in the US and other countries have shown significant interest in the capabilities of GX and so we are delighted that the first of many GX-capable military grade terminals are now type approved. This will now allow those government users to augment their use of WGS and other national systems with our GX High Capacity Beams and the exact same SATCOM terminal. To have achieved this in less than 12 months, when L-3 GCS was appointed as a GX launch partner, is testament to their commitment to Inmarsat’s game-changing service.”
“L-3 GCS is particularly honored to have been the first type approved terminal partner for Global Xpress. Having our military Ka- band terminals type approved means our valued customers will now have access to the super-fast, on-demand, global coverage of the GX service with their current ARSTRAT certified terminals,” said Bill Harrington, Vice President of Engineering and L-3 lead for Inmarsat GX programs.
About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.
Soldier’s Network Delivery Update: 2,300 HMS Manpack Radios Now Delivered by General Dynamics to Keep Soldiers Safer and Better Informed — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, General Dynamics, IT, Press Releases, production program, Rockwell Collins
Letters signed by more than 112 Soldier Network suppliers associated with the production of PRC-155 Manpack radio and 60 members of Congress expresses support for soldiers and the American workforce that builds them.
TAUNTON, Mass., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — General Dynamics C4 Systems and Rockwell Collins have delivered more than 2,300 secure, two-channel AN/PRC-155 Manpack radios to the U.S. Army under a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract awarded in November 2012. The contract ordered 3,726 PRC-155 radios to be built by General Dynamics C4 Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The PRC-155 radios have completed extensive government testing and are on schedule for distribution to soldiers as part of the Army’s Capability Set (Cap Set) 13, an integrated suite of networked communications equipment, and Cap Set 14, scheduled for the first quarter of 2014. The two-channel Manpack radio is the only NSA-certified, two-channel radio that can operate using multiple government-owned waveforms to simultaneously connect soldiers on foot, in vehicles, in aircraft and helicopters to the Soldier’s Network.
“These radios are deployed and successfully connecting soldiers with their commanders and higher headquarters using legacy and next-generation communications waveforms, which keep soldiers continuously connected to the Soldier’s Network and never alone,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. “By authorizing additional LRIP production now, the Army can continue to meet fielding requirements and ensure that every soldier is connected with this lifesaving radio, on schedule.”
“With the AN/PRC-155 Manpack networking radio, soldiers can be confident they will have access to lifesaving voice and data communications,” said Phil Jasper, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Rockwell Collins. “The hundreds of Iowa employees involved with this effort look forward to delivering the balance of these radios, making our soldiers more capable and more secure.”
The PRC-155 Manpack radio allows soldiers using the AN/PRC-154A Rifleman radio to connect to the Army’s backbone network, the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2. The PRC-155 Manpack also bridges networks – legacy to future, lower to upper echelons and unclassified to classified guard – allowing everyone, from the command center to the soldier on the edge of the battlefield, to stay connected to the Soldier’s Network.
General Dynamics C4 Systems and Rockwell Collins manufacture the AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack radios. The radios built under the current LRIP sustain hundreds of skilled technical jobs in Arizona and Iowa. More than 100 PRC-155 Manpack radios are built each week in support of the Soldier’s Network that engages more than 300 small business and 7,000 workers nationwide.
General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). More information about General Dynamics C4 Systems is available online at www.gdc4s.com. For more information about the General Dynamics family of HMS tactical networking radios, visit www.gdradios.com.
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by 19,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
Primordial Awarded $462,924 Contract to Integrate Ground Guidance® software with XPlan — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, development program, Events, IT, logistics, Military Aviation, Press Releases
Primordial’s Ground Guidance® software provides on- and off-road routing for mounted and dismounted soldiers, accounting for terrain, weather, enemy activity, and equipment load
Saint Paul, MN – September 4, 2013 – Primordial today announced that it has secured a $462,924 contract through the US Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) for integrating its best-in-class Ground Guidance® off-road routing software with XPlan.
XPlan, a successor to PFPS, is a next generation mission planning platform. Currently, there are more than 14,000 fielded laptops running PFPS. Integrating Ground Guidance with XPlan will provide automatic off-road route planning and terrain analysis capabilities to its customers, allowing soldiers to plan fast and concealed on- and off-road routes before and during missions.
“We’re bringing state of the art tools to the tactical level,” says Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Briggman, US Army Product Manager. “Integrating Ground Guidance with platforms like XPlan provides greater autonomy to small units while increasing their ability to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.”
Ground Guidance provides a suite of mission planning and routing capabilities, including fast and concealed routes, multi-modal routing for mounted and dismounted solders, visibility and vulnerability analysis, alternate and randomized routes, chokepoint and ambush location detection, and load analysis. Military small unit leaders face complex tradeoffs when selecting equipment and routes. Ground Guidance provides decision and planning tools to optimize mission efficiency and safety.
“The integration of Ground Guidance into XPlan provides soldiers unprecedented routing capabilities within the latest mission planning tools,” says Randy Milbert, president of Primordial. “Our software provides soldiers with a tactical advantage for operating in both familiar and unfamiliar terrain.”
Primordial began this effort in June 2013 as one of several integration efforts to provide Ground Guidance capabilities to individual soldiers and small military units.
About Primordial
Founded in 2002 and based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Primordial is a leader in off-route planning and terrain analysis software for the United States military and consumer applications. Primordial’s flagship product, Ground Guidance®, is patented software that determines the best path through off-road terrain by analyzing vegetation, terrain, threats, and man-made features. Primordial’s customers include the United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, DARPA, General Dynamics, Rockwell Collins, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. For more information, please visit http://primordial.com.
TACPOD™ Completes Air Force Flight Testing — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, development program, Events, IT, Press Releases
Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems
Austin TX — 28 August 2013 12:01PM CST
For immediate release
Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems recently completed successful flight testing of its TACPOD™ mid-tier aerial communications relay node on a US Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft. The US Government flight testing marks the culmination of Ultra’s development and production contract to support Beyond Line of Sight Command and Control (BLOS C2) for the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. An earlier TACPOD configuration completed similar flight testing in December 2011.
“TACPOD fielding will provide a substantial capability for the warfighter to share meaningful information to the tactical edge,” according to Ultra’s TACPOD Project Manager, Bryan Jimenez. “This successful flight test series demonstrates the capability of TACPOD and its readiness for the next phase leading to fielding.”
The Tactical Airborne Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence Pod (TACPOD) is a robust non-invasive approach to providing tactical information exchange to tactical edge users on a variety of manned and unmanned aircraft. The TACPOD system’s small size, standard weapons mount interface, modularity, scalability, and plug and play capability provides unprecedented mission adaptability.
The TACPOD system establishes a network that extends Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight communications for voice, video and data. It connects forces throughout the battlefield on the ground, in convoys, command centers, ships and aircraft. Using its Battlefield Integrated Gateway for Tactical Exchange (BIGTEX)™ software, TACPOD relays, bridges, translates, distributes and manages current and legacy voice, video and data. From the lower altitudes of the mid-tier aerial network to the upper-tier aerial network, TACPOD provides persistent communications relay and tactical data link gateway services over widely dispersed and austere environments.
The US Air Force awarded Ultra a contract to provide the TACPOD BLOS Employment Quick Reaction Capability in March 2012. The project will conclude with delivery of multiple, complete TACPOD systems, each incorporating a two-pod mission set, along with ground support and ancillary equipment.
“TACPOD represents a continuation of our commitment to deliver solutions that help customers integrate, share and act on time-critical information,” says Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems President John McAlonan. “We look forward to fielding TACPOD, providing an affordable persistent communications and interoperability capability to the joint warfighter across a wide spectrum of missions.”
Ultra Electronics, Advanced Tactical Systems specializes in designing, manufacturing and supporting tactical command and control systems, subsystems and products for defense and homeland security applications worldwide. Their products and services are used on aircraft, ships, submarines, vehicles, air operations centers and other key locations throughout the world.
Advanced Tactical Systems is part of Ultra Electronics, an internationally successful defense, security, transport and energy company with a long, consistent track record of development and growth.
3 Steps for Successful Agile Implementation of Government Operations and Maintenance Projects — Article
Filed under: Business Line, development program, Editorial, Events, GAO, IT, logistics
By Peter Schmidt, MBA, PMP, ACP, CPL
Vice President Client Services, ESI International
Established software systems account for 68 percent of overall federal IT investments and present the single greatest opportunity for agencies to ensure they continuously deliver IT value. Working within a few guidelines, Agile methods are very effective for delivering rapid and flexible modifications to established systems. However, agencies’ use of Agile for operations and maintenance (O & M) of established systems has been uneven and ad hoc at best. An examination of the reasons behind previous Agile shortfalls, and a three-step approach to implementation will provide a framework for federal agencies’ IT project success.
What went wrong?
The failure of many agencies to conduct the appropriate annual operational analysis (OA) is partly to blame for limited successes with Agile in the management of embedded infrastructure. When conducted at all, OA is performed only partially or infrequently. According to the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) IT report titled “Agencies Need to Strengthen Oversight of Billions of Dollars in Operations and Maintenance, ” agencies often rely on a highly structured budget submission process, referred to as Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC), in lieu of OA. As a result, agencies do not routinely gauge the need to modify or terminate an existing investment. Nor can they recommend modifications or redesigns to forestall potential obsolescence.
Steps for sustainable change
Following are steps agencies can take to achieve sustainable transformation and tangible benefits through an Agile approach to O & M investments.
Step 1: Obtain executive support and understanding of the benefits of Agile
Finding a champion tops the list of steps to successful Agile implementation and execution. The most common barriers to executive support are (1) their lack of time to oversee a project, (2) their need for more information to make an informed decision and (3) their fear of losing control. Today, one might be hard pressed to find agency IT or operations executives who haven’t heard of Agile. Most know what Agile is, but much fewer know how to make it work in government environments. A good way to overcome the first two barriers is to set up an executive level briefing that shows why Agile is the right approach. To overcome an executive’s skepticism or reluctance to cede control, uncover the source of concerns by conducting one-to-one conversations.
Step 2: Conduct Rigorous Operational Analysis
When one or several executives have offered their support, the team can begin to identify the right systems or processes for applying Agile to O&M. Conducting thorough OA will help to
• Determine where in the system lifecycle the operating investments are currently situated,
• Gauge to what extent investments are improving administrative efficiency or citizen services,
• Determine whether investments are continuing to help the agency fulfill its strategic goals,
• Identify which steady state and mixed cycle investments are good candidates for Agile methods.
Such an integrated process will encourage development and operations teams to collaborate on building and managing a system throughout its lifecycle. Improved collaboration between development and production teams reduce cost and risk while simultaneously raising customer satisfaction by delivering upgrades at the optimal times. Conducting routine OAs will close the loop started with the CPIC process by giving development and operations teams shared visibility and accountability for a system’s performance after its release.
The Office of Management & Budget’s (OMB) guidance on OA suggests that agencies should address 17 key factors which can help identify systems in need of enhancements or updates, as well as:
• Areas for innovation in customer satisfaction, strategic and business results, and financial performance,
• Identification of whether there is a need to redesign, modify or terminate the investment,
• Recommendations to redesign or modify an asset in advance of potential problems.
Demand for service delivery and administrative efficiency is rising and sequestration cuts are leaving few budgets untouched, so making the right judgment call on whether to enhance or retire a system is more crucial than ever. Why? Because as systems reach their retirement or disposal phase, the cost of running them escalates rapidly over time.
Step 3: Prepare the organization for Agile
The next step is to assess the readiness of the organization, project manager, team and stakeholders to adopt Agile practices. This should be measured in the following areas:
• Innovation – How much do the organization, project manager, team, and stakeholders value innovation and creativity over organizational stability?
• Independence – To what extent can people make independent, product-related decisions without consulting other groups within the organization?
• Risk tolerance – How much are people willing to accept and work with uncertainty?
• Resource allocation – To what extent are people able to devote resources full time to one investment rather than divide people’s time among multiple investments?
• Flexibility – How able is the organization to accept multiple approaches to documentation and measuring progress?
• Customer focus – How much can customers and the organization partner with each other?
Regardless of an organization’s Agile maturity, teams with the right skill set will help ensure the success of an Agile O&M effort. Findings of a recent survey of participants of an ESI International Agile for Government Executives workshop corroborated this: participants cited the lack of teams with the right skill set as a critical barrier to implementing Agile in agencies.
Improvement with Agile
The high sunk-cost of the existing infrastructure and the budget-driven need to operate systems for a longer period point toward the need for better, more agile approaches to managing the O&M function. Agile methods are a well-recognized approach to managing these challenges more effectively and should be the standard for any government agency looking to realize the benefits of improved operational efficiency.
About the Author
Peter Schmidt, MBA, PMP, ACP, CPL is Vice President Client Services at ESI International. For any questions or comments, Mr. Schmidt can be reached at pschmidt@esi-intl.com or visit ESI International’s website http://www.esi-intl.com.
[1] Agencies Need to Strengthen Oversight of Billions of Dollars in Operations and Maintenance Investments, GAO-13-87, Oct 16, 2012
[2] Ibid
Overview of the Virtualization and Cloud Market Vendor Landscape for Small and Medium Businesses
This executive summary evaluates virtual infrastructure and management, end user computing, and cloud service provider solutions from leading vendors, to enable senior decision makers in SMB organizations to decide which vendors in the market offer the best virtualization and cloud solutions.
GPS Source Receives D3 Contract Award — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, logistics, Military Aviation, Press Releases
Pueblo West, Colorado, August 2013 – GPS Source received an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum value of $16,613,430 for the procurement of defense advanced global positioning system receiver distributed devices (D3). The Army Contracting
Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., was the contracting activity (W15P7T-13-D-C116).
GLI-FLO was developed by the defense contract engineering firm, GPS Source. GLI-FLO is a DAGR Distributed Device (D3) that can replace the Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) role currently required of the DAGR or other GB-GRAM devices inside a fixed vehicle platform. Designed as a single, secure
access point to multiple devices requiring PNT data on a fixed vehicle platform, it saves space, weight and power (SWaP).
Robert Horton, CEO of GPS Source, said that “The GLI-FLO contract award is an important milestone in GPS Source’s initiative for the defense market. Getting this award was a complicated process, but it helps fulfill our vision of continual innovation in GNSS Signal Availability, especially for the Warfighter.”
Mr. Horton commented further, “We look forward to continuing to provide manufacturing and engineering support services to the Department of Defense.”
About GPS Source, Inc.
GPS Source, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures GPS and Digital Wireless Network Systems. Their solutions support dynamic mission communication and enable GPS equipment to acquire signals in otherwise denied environments, such as in the cargo compartment of the C-17 Heavy Lift aircraft, aircraft maintenance hangars, train tunnels, etc. GPS Source designs and manufactures GPS/GNSS signal distribution devices. They create solutions that bring that provide PNT and GPS inside for the defense, aerospace, the commercial and public sectors. GPS Source, Inc. is a veteran owned small business and an AS9100 certified company. For more information, please visit www.GPSSource.com.
3SDL introduces T3dE3 at DSEI — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, Events, Finland, IT, logistics, Press Releases
Whitepaper advises show visitors how to ‘Deliver Effect and Control Risk’
14th August 2013: Malvern based defence and security acquisition and procurement specialist, 3SDL, will be introducing its latest whitepaper ‘How can you control risk when buying new technology?’ which outlines comprehensive service offering ‘T3dE3’ on stand S10-465 at DSEI 2013.
The paper was produced to introduce procurement managers to 3SDL’s approach to minimising the risks involved in buying new technologies used in all areas of defence and security operations. The concept ‘T3dE3’ is a shortened acronym derived from the first letters of the main services 3SDL offers to combat risk – Trials, Testing, Training, Exercises, Experimentation, Evaluation and Demonstration.
Utilising some, or all, of these service areas can mean the difference between successfully procuring technology which is fit for purpose, or wasting significant amounts of (often public) money – as 3SDL Managing Director, Matt May, explains, “Procurement managers need to be absolutely certain that the equipment or services they buy will meet their organisation’s objectives. Acquiring new products and services in this field can be extremely costly – not only in monetary terms, but also in human terms. Wrong decisions can mean the difference between life and death.”
Trials, Testing, Exercises and Demonstration
Before any orders can be placed, the person tasked with procurement needs to understand what options are available in the marketplace. This initial research can be extremely time-consuming – which is where working with an independent procurement specialist like 3SDL comes into its own.
3SDL’s expertise cuts through sales pitches to evaluate the claims made by the manufacturer/service provider by testing performance in a real-world scenario. This approach also brings significant benefits to suppliers – after-all, independent testimony that their product/service actually does what they say it will do is the best sales tool available!
Evaluation
Once the initial testing and trials period has been successfully completed, the findings need to be effectively evaluated and presented to support the procurement manager’s business case. This stage of the process is vital in ensuring all stakeholders are on board with the decision – it also offers an opportunity to identify any issues which may not have been obvious in the initial test, trials, exercises and demonstration stage.
Training
Initial and ongoing training are incredibly important if organisations are to maximise the effectiveness of the new technology/service purchased and minimise the risk that it might not be used to its fullest potential.
All of the above obviously come at a cost, but 3SDL is adamant that this cost should be built into the budget from the very beginning to control the risk of incurring additional spend down the line.
Matt May continues, “Trying to cut costs in procurement is a sure fire way of increasing spend in the long term. Implementing strategic activities at the outset of the project, and investing in staff training throughout the life-cycle of the technology, can protect organisations against costly mistakes. This is particularly important in the public sector where every penny must be accounted for, especially against the backdrop of the current financial climate.”
3SDL has experienced phenomenal growth over the past 12 months thanks to an increase in opportunities from within the UK as the MoD looks to outsource more projects to private companies, as well as securing a significant number of international contracts. Current clients include the UK MoD, the Finnish Navy, the Swiss Army and Air Force, US NAVAIR and the Defence Systems Innovation Centre in Australia.
Established in 2005, this innovative company has seen turnover increase every year and was recently named as one of the Accelerate 250 – a business community made up of the 250 fastest growing companies in the UK.
Visit www.3sdl.com to find out how your organisation can use T3dE3 to deliver effect and control risk.
People, Technology and Processes Awarded a GSA Schedule IT 70 — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, logistics, Press Releases
August 8, 2013
Lakeland, FL – People, Technology and Processes (PTP) announced today it was awarded General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule Number GS-35F-478AA for General Purpose Commercial Information Technology Equipment, Software and Services (IT 70). PTP’s base contract is for five years through August 1, 2018, with three five-year option periods.
PTP will be providing labor services under SIN 132-51 in areas including Automated Information System Design & Integration Services, IT Backup and Security Services and Automated News, Data and Other Information Services.
PTP’s schedule can be accessed by all federal agencies as well as state and local governments and many wholly owned US Government corporations.
PTP is pleased to have been awarded a GSA Schedule. Victor Buonamia, Chief Executive Officer for PTP states, “Attaining a GSA schedule is a milestone for PTP and provides us an opportunity to offer services to an important customer.”
For more information, please contact our schedule contracts administrator, Mary Durbin, at (813) 498-0486, ext. 800 or at mary.durbin@ptp-llc.com.
About PTP
People, Technology and Processes LLC (PTP) is an Information Technology services and solutions provider headquartered in Lakeland FL. We are a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and an employer of veterans and Wounded Warriors. We are currently supporting U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) with expertise in Knowledge Management, Data Sharing and User-Defined Operating Picture development. From gathering requirements, choosing the software and hardware, engineering reporting and geospatial systems, and working closely with the
warfighters, PTP has aided our forces in Afghanistan to great effect. We will continue to apply this high level skill and achieve similar results in the future.
JOINT TACTICAL NETWORKING CENTER AWARDS JTRS CERTIFICATION TO HARRIS CORPORATION’S AN/PRC-152A(V)(C) SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, development program, Events, Harris Corporation, IT, logistics, Press Releases
SAN DIEGO – The Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) announced today that the Harris Corporation, Melbourne, Fla., has received Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Certification for the AN/PRC-152A(V)(C) operating Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) software version 1.01.1C. This designation indicates that the AN/PRC-152A radio has undergone extensive testing and has met the minimum criteria for SRW 1.01.1C interoperability with other tactical communication platforms and communication security.
JTRS Certification is part of the JTNC Technical Assessments for Certification and Compliance (TACC) process, an evolving initiative to ensure end-to-end joint service interoperability and security. The rigorous process verifies and validates that software-defined radios operating JTRS Waveforms have undergone technical assessments to mitigate development and government procurement risks. Achieving JTRS Certification means a device is ready to operate in a Department of Defense (DoD) or Service network architecture and environment.
“The JTNC TACC process supports the non-developmental item (NDI) acquisition strategies of the DoD and the Services in building tactical networks that are interoperable and secure using radios running JTRS waveforms”, said Mark Compton, JTNC’s director and assistant program executive officer for Command, Control and Communications-Tactical (PEO 3T). “It is open to vendors porting JTRS Waveforms onto their products, directly supporting the Department’s Better Buying Power (BBP) focus on promoting effective competition and incentivizing innovation.”
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ABOUT THE JTNC
As part of the Department of Defense, and under executive management of the Army’s Program Executive Office, Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T), the Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) develops, sustains, and certifies Joint Tactical Networking applications and waveforms for the Warfighter; thus enabling secure, interoperable and affordable battlefield networking systems. For more information, visit www.jtnc.mil.
Montie Design Ranked in Top 50 Area Companies in Web Traffic and User Engagement — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, development program, Events, IT, logistics, North Carolina, Press Releases, States
National Rankings List Innovation and Commercialization Firm at Number 42
MORRISVILLE, N.C.–Innovation and commercialization firm Montie Design is generating enough buzz about its expertise in taking products from concept to marketplace to merit a place in the top 50 of greater Raleigh area companies in terms of user engagement and website traffic.
The rankings, from AreaStartups.com, lists Montie Design at number 42, joining such high-profile companies as Channel Advisor, iContact, SAS, Global Knowledge Training, and Bandwidth.com as online destinations for customers and prospects interested in securing top-quality products and services.
The list is compiled monthly using data to measure overall traffic and engagement. The founders of Area Startups provide the rankings to promote information about companies in each major startup geographic area across the U.S., track their progress, and deliver relevant news and job listings in the various coverage areas.
Paying special attention to achieving excellence in functionality, operability, value and aesthetics regardless of market or industry, Montie Design staffers have helped turn over 750 exciting product ideas into reality. The team is active in the product design and engineering market sector, utilizing a combined 140 years of knowledge and experience helping clients realize products that are economical to manufacture, elegant and robust.
In addition to serving customers in a myriad of industry sectors, Montie Design produces its own Montie Gear line of outdoor equipment, including a slingshot; ultralight knife; multi-purpose tree hook archery rest for sturdy support of a bow, crossbow, or rifle with a sling; a camp rack designed to hold pots, lids, serving bowls and utensils off the ground to dry after cleaning; and the popular X-Rest and AR-Rest shooting supports for hunters and recreational shooters.
All equipment in the Montie Gear line is heirloom quality, Troublesome Gap tough. Located near the peak of Hap Mountain overlooking Spring Creek, North Carolina, Troublesome Gap is a rugged mountain area where Montie Gear prototypes are tested and evaluated.
About Montie Design
Montie Design is an innovation and commercialization firm with core competencies in mechanical engineering and industrial design. Active in the product design, defense, and technology sectors, we leverage years of industry leadership and extensive technical capabilities to help clients take products from concept to marketplace that are economical to manufacture, elegant and robust. Montie Design is a North Carolina company headquartered in the Research Triangle region with clients across the country and overseas. We are dedicated to economic development throughout our home state and furthering excellence in design and engineering. For more information, visit www.montie.com.
SOCOM Deploys Lemko Corp’s Advanced SwarmNet™ Capability Via Harris Corp’s Upgraded KnightHawk™ Systems to Provide Highly Mobile Tactical Network Solution — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Harris Corporation, IT, Press Releases
Lemko and Harris offer the most advanced 3G/4G ruggedized communications solution evaluated by OSU UML to equip military for Global War on Terror
ITASCA, Ill., June 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — SOCOM deploys Lemko Corporation’s advanced SwarmNet™ capability via upgraded KnightHawk™ systems provided by Harris Corp. Lemko Corporation, the leader in Re-Engineering Mobility for Internet Economics, enabled SOCOM to deploy an advanced SwarmNet™ capability which allows individual KnightHawks™ to operate autonomously as a complete‚ self-contained cellular network or in a scalable network with hundreds of ODC (On Demand Cellular) nodes for increased coverage and capacity.
Lemko’s SwarmNet™ equipped Harris’ KnightHawk™ is a ruggedized and highly mobile tactical cellular edge network solution that provides a private commercial cellular network suitable for austere locations and enables high speed broadband connectivity to permit the use of smart apps at the tactical edge. The previous KnightHawk™ network solution deployed by SOCOM provided limited coverage that confined devices to a specific area. The upgraded KnightHawk™ systems equipped with Lemko SwarmNet™ can now ad hoc network together to provide a canopy of coverage that subscriber devices, sensors, etc. can move throughout experiencing the same level of hand-off and network performance expected from a tier one commercial carrier. Lemko SwarmNet™ also provides full voice, data and SMS capability.
Lemko’s SwarmNet™ capability creates the most survivable network solution available. When an ODC node is part of a “Swarm” (multiple ODC nodes) and becomes isolated, that ODC node will continue to operate and provide coverage for subscribers attached to it. As the isolated ODC comes back in contact with the larger Swarm it will Ad Hoc reconnect (SWARM) with the other ODC nodes and subscribers can freely move throughout the entire SwarmNet™ network without changing anything on their device. Lemko’s patented CLR function allows subscribers to continue to operate on other ODC nodes even with the Node containing their HSS/HLR function is not available on the network. Additional Lemko SwarmNet™ benefits include:
- Flexible Interconnect: Lemko SwarmNet™ can use virtually any IP to interconnect Node and is especially optimized for interconnect between ODC’s or for reach back using satellite. Because the Lemko SwarmNet™ is survivable, opportunistic or high latency interconnect and reach back can be tolerated even in when using 4G LTE.
- In-band Interconnct: SwarmNet™ ODC can be equipped with in-band interconnect with enables ODC’s create their own IP cloud.
- Connectivity to Commercial and Other Networks: While the Lemko solution can provide safe secure broadband communications at the warfighter level, as an enclave, Lemko SwarmNet™ also supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) solutions by implementing a Node2 signaling gateway that provide a signaling bridge to commercial carriers. Lemko’s SwarmNet™ connects with other networks such as SINCGARS, P25, tetra, or VoIP gateways to provide seamless communications. It even makes Blackberries work.
- Encryption: The Lemko solution supports full end to end security and encryption and can include FIPs 140-2 ODC security as well as protection for data at in use, on the move and at rest.
- Value: Lemko’s value proposition includes cellular economics that significantly reduces costs while providing highly secure broadband communications on a device that requires little training to unburden, protect and empower the War Fighter.
- Multiple Form Factors: Lemko’s SwarmNet™ capability is available on the Harris KnightHawk™ as well as other man-portable, mounted, fixed and aerial form factors and supports 2G GSM EDGE, CDMA (including EVDO), 3G WCDMA UMTS HSPA+ and 4G LTE
About Lemko Corporation
Lemko is a Distributed Mobile Wireless Network software company with ultra-low cost Internet based architectures that drive down the cost per GB MHz POP. Lemko is the industry leader in Re-Engineering the Mobile Network for Internet Economics and provides quick deployments of 2G, 3G and 4G LTE cellular systems powered by a virtualized and distributed EPC and IMS core. The company’s market leading solutions are available in multiple form factors including macro network, small cell, enterprise access point, On-Demand Cellular (ODC), M2M, cellular on wheels (COWs), man-portable and are deployed with enterprises, carriers, government, and military private network operators. Lemko is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, USA.
Additional information is available at www.lemko.com.
ANSYS and US Army Partner To Increase Efficiency of Simulating Government Defense Technology — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, development program, Events, IT, logistics, Press Releases
eam develops flexible platform to host complex government code
PITTSBURGH, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The US Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) can now increase the access to and scalability of complex government simulation code that is often used to design and analyze defense-related technology thanks to the customizability of the ANSYS (NASDAQ: ANSS) Application Customization Toolkit.
As a joint project pursued under a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA), ANSYS and ARDEC enabled the integration of legacy government code, such as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) in-house code, using the ANSYS® Workbench™ platform and its Application Customization Toolkit (ACT). The highly-configurable ACT extension brings increased ease-of-use, scalability, interoperability with ANSYS Workbench components and customization to traditionally challenging government simulation code used to design and analyze government technology.
Due to the complexity of many government simulation tools used to simulate defense technology, the number of engineers who can successfully employ these powerful tools is limited. To bridge this usability gap, ANSYS and ARDEC created the extension to host LLNL’s in-house code within the flexible ANSYSWorkbench environment. This new user interface allows government entities to retain the power of their legacy simulation technology while further streamlining simulation pre-processing in an easy-to-learn environment.
“By combining the configurability of ACT with the power of traditional government solvers, we’re not only reducing overall simulation time for ARDEC but also broadening this extension’s reach so other government entities can take advantage of these tools as well,” said Robert Terhune, ARDEC liaison to ANSYS.
“We are excited to partner with ARDEC to address difficult simulation problems facing this entire industry,” said Shane Moeykens, strategic partnership manager at ANSYS. “ARDEC and ANSYS have taken on this task to not only make these tools more scalable, but to bring a truly unique customization capability to this sector so it can continue to efficiently develop cutting-edge defense technology.”
ACT is the tool for customizing the ANSYS® Mechanical™ interface within Workbench and is available as part of the ANSYS Customization Suite product – this also includes the Workbench Software Development Kit. The first version of this ANSYS and ARDEC user-environment extension was released in April 2013 and will be distributed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Much of LLNL’s funding for its in-house code has been provided by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
About ANSYS, Inc.
ANSYS brings clarity and insight to customers’ most complex design challenges through fast, accurate and reliable engineering simulation. Our technology enables organizations ― no matter their industry ― to predict with confidence that their products will thrive in the real world. Customers trust our software to help ensure product integrity and drive business success through innovation. Founded in 1970, ANSYS employs about 2,500 professionals, many of them expert in engineering fields such as finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, electronics and electromagnetics, and design optimization. Headquartered south of Pittsburgh, U.S.A., ANSYS has more than 70 strategic sales locations throughout the world with a network of channel partners in 40+ countries. Visit www.ansys.com for more information.
ANSYS also has a strong presence on the major social channels. To join the simulation conversation, please visit: www.ansys.com/Social@ANSYS
ANSYS and any and all ANSYS, Inc. brand, product, service and feature names, logos and slogans are registered trademarks or trademarks of ANSYS, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All other brand, product, service and feature names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
People, Technology and Processes Awarded Contract By the Department of the Army, U.S. Forces Afghanistan — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, IT, logistics, Press Releases
Company to provide modeling, simulation and analysis support to U.S. Forces Afghanistan
April 8, 2013
Lakeland, FL – People, Technology and Processes (PTP) announced today it was awarded a subcontractor position on a Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) contract for the Department of the Army, U.S. Forces Afghanistan. PTP will provide knowledge management, modeling, simulation and analysis support to U.S. Forces Afghanistan to increase shared awareness and understanding, Command and Control, data fusion, coordination and collaboration across the Combined/Joint Operations Area. PTP will support to the U.S. Forces Afghanistan as they redeploy $48Billion worth of equipment and supplies back to the U.S.
PTP is pleased to be working on this effort with SAIC. Victor Buonamia, Chief Executive Officer for PTP states, “We’re pleased that the Army has shown its confidence in PTP by expanding our responsibilities in theater. This is good news for PTP’s continued growth, but more importantly we look forward to providing critical support to US Forces in Afghanistan throughout the drawdown.”
About PTP
People, Technology and Processes LLC (PTP) is an Information Technology services and solutions provider headquartered in Lakeland FL. We are a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and an employer of veterans and Wounded Warriors. We are currently supporting U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) with expertise in Knowledge Management, Data Sharing and User-Defined Operating Picture development. From gathering requirements, choosing the software and hardware, engineering reporting and geospatial systems, and working closely with the warfighters, PTP has aided our forces in Afghanistan to great effect. We will continue to apply this high level skill and achieve similar results in the future.
KUWAIT PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES – Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Countries, Events, IT, Kuwait, logistics, Press Releases, training
SIMULATION training specialist NSC is to help hone the skills of senior commanders in Kuwait’s Armed Forces for a further three years.
Building on a 17-year working relationship, the UK-based wargaming expert will continue to assist the Gulf state in developing its military leaders of the future through the provision of computer-assisted decision-making exercises at the Mubarak Al Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College.
NSC, which has supported training programmes at the highly-respected facility since it was set-up by the British Military Mission in Kuwait in 1996, will utilise its innovative technologies to train officers from the region’s Armed Forces and other agencies for a wide range of operationally-relevant scenarios.
In addition to allowing Kuwait’s military to simulate the defence of its borders and critical national infrastructure, the arrangement will see NSC’s experienced team working closely with directing staff at the College to devise bespoke exercises that reflect the ever-changing nature of peacekeeping and peace enforcement.
Responsible for the development and introduction of computer-based services to the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, the company is well-versed in preparing commanders for the rigours of operations.
NSC’s Joint Operations Command and Staff Training System (JOCASTS) – the training and analysis solution deployed at the Mubarak Al Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College – is also routinely used by British Armed Forces to expose commanders and headquarters staff to the challenges of modern deployments.
Delivering a mix of virtual incidents and live feeds, JOCASTS can be customised to feature specific threats and actions and provides realistic strategic training for staff officers in the conduct of joint and combined operations within complex environments.
Jeremy Spurr, Managing Director of NSC, said: “We are very proud of our long-standing association with the Kuwait Armed Forces and have first-hand experience of their determination to develop highly-capable and professional military leaders of the future.
“Through our continued support of the excellent directing staff at the Mubarak Al Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College, NSC is focused on providing world-class training that will preserve this operational advantage and ultimately enhance the national security of the State of Kuwait.”
SEA CHANGE IN MILITARY TRAINING — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, development program, Events, IT, logistics, Press Releases, security, training
SIMULATION experts from NSC have answered a call-to-arms to provide the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory with a synthetic environment in which to explore means of improving maritime marksmanship.
Employing game-based technology, NSC has been awarded a contract to develop a ship-mounted general purpose machine gun (GPMG) simulator for use in trials to investigate novel training methods for Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel.
The innovative system – the first in the UK to utilise the latest version of Virtual Battlespace 2 – puts users’ fingers on the trigger of a deactivated GPMG as action unfolds on a three-metre radius curved screen.
With compressed air providing realistic haptic feedback and hidden electronics tracking the weapon’s every move, operators are exposed to engagements in an immersive surround sound, high-definition environment. The portable simulator is capable of replicating scenarios ranging from defending against attacks from small, fast-moving vessels and supporting anti-piracy missions to port-based security taskings.
Environmental factors are also accounted for with weather conditions, solar glare, surface reflections and spray all affecting visibility and weapon performance.
ABOUT NSC
NSC is a world-class provider of cutting-edge simulation and analysis-driven training. Since its formation in 1991, the company has forged a reputation for developing and delivering innovative solutions for military and civilian customers around the globe. From operational-level education for senior commanders to individual and collective training for the most junior recruits, Camberley-based NSC’s software and training solutions are used worldwide.
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