Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Government, VAR and IT Consulting

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. Opens DoD Cyber Collaboration Facility

HANOVER, Md. -- Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, has a nearly 20-year history of developing and supporting complex training systems for the Department of Defense (DoD). CESI, an industry leader in the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) industry, holds large prime contracts to develop and field constructive, virtual, and cyber simulation systems that are used around the world. Responding to significant growth in their cyber training and operations business over the past five years, they are opening a new CESI Hanover Facility Supporting the National Capital Region (NCR) collocated with By Light Professional IT Services, LLC (By Light), in Hanover, Maryland.

CESI is the prime contractor for the Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE) and Joint Cyber Training Enterprise (JCTE) programs, where they build and operate the largest cyber range in the world, specifically focused on ensuring readiness for the DoD's Cyber Mission Forces (CMF). In their execution of the $957 million Cyber Training, Readiness, Integration, Delivery and Enterprise Technology (Cyber TRIDENT) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract, CESI has teams in Orlando, FL; Fort Gordon, GA; and in the Fort Meade, MD, area. CESI is committed to providing United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), the service cyber components and all other DoD customers with highly skilled cyber operations engineers, cyber planners, cyber training content developers, and mission rehearsal support teams at the customer's point of need. The new facility will allow CESI to better serve its core customer base at Fort Meade and the NCR.

"Opening CESI Hanover allows us to be closer to our core customer while providing a local home for our existing staff of highly skilled cyber operations engineers. The facility will enhance our ability to deliver both enterprise cyber training tools and a highly skilled staff of operational cyber professionals to support USCYBERCOM's critical mission," says CESI Vice President of Cyber Programs, Stephen Lopez.

Cyber TRIDENT provides the management, integration, maintenance, and evolution for the PCTE platform and provides a holistic, on-demand, standardized training platform that enables the end-to-end planning, preparation, execution, and assessment of training events for the CMF and the entire DoD cyber workforce.

"By Light is committed to bringing our customers the services they need where and when they need them. The facility, collocated with By Light's Global Networks and existing Cyber Divisions, provides world-class professional support for the important work of USCYBERCOM, the military services, and the Cyber National Mission Forces by allowing greater integration and collaboration within the By Light enterprise and among our cyberspace operations and cybersecurity training customers," says By Light Chief Executive Officer Bob Donahue.

The new facility was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, where By Light and CESI executives welcomed local staff and VIPs from DoD and Fort Meade.

About CESI:

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, is a premier integrator and provider of modeling and simulation and cyber training solutions. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and other support in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) and cyber domains. CESI designs, builds, and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications, and processes that enable converged training for the integrated multi-domain force. As a full spectrum LVC and cyber developer, integrator, and services provider, we deliver open-source solutions that empower our warriors.

Learn more at https://coleengineering.com/.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government.

For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

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Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Government, VAR and IT Consulting

By Light Awarded $934,188 Army National Guard Contract

MCLEAN, Va. -- By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a prominent provider of IT services and simulation solutions, is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with Warhorse Training Solutions to deliver advanced systems and upgrades to the Army National Guard. The contract, valued at $934,188, aims to enhance the existing vocational recruiting capabilities and introduce new third-generation Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) experiences.

By Light will develop and deliver 123 Generation 3 Vocational Recruiting Experiences, featuring portable and user-friendly designs that can be effortlessly set up on any table surface, making them ideal for deployment at various event scenarios. These systems come equipped with a 24-inch full HD touchscreen display, a mini-computer, and a built-in soundbar, providing multiple immersive experiences. Furthermore, they offer the flexibility to incorporate additional MOS experiences in the future.

Included in the contract is the Lead Generation Retrofit Kit for the existing 85 Gen1 Vocational Recruiting Systems previously supplied to the Army National Guard. This upgrade will bring these systems up to par with the latest functionality found in the Gen2 systems, facilitating faster and easier downloads of leads captured during events.

Additionally, By Light will enhance the Gen1 Vocational Recruiting Systems by introducing supplementary MOS experiences to expand the capabilities of each system, offering multiple MOS experiences on a single kiosk. It will provide prospective Soldiers with an opportunity to learn about various job opportunities offered by the Army National Guard, broadening their awareness of available options through use of familiar technology that resonates with young adults.

"We are excited about our ongoing partnership with the Army National Guard and our continued support in their recruiting efforts," said Cory McAndrew, General Manager at By Light. "Our cost-effective and impactful point-of-need recruiting experiences and upgrades will revolutionize recruitment efforts, allowing prospective recruits to explore different MOS experiences in a fun and interactive manner."

By Light and Warhorse Training Solutions remain committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Army National Guard. This partnership signifies a significant stride towards advancing critical recruiting capabilities and ensuring the readiness of our nation's defense forces.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government. For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

About Warhorse Training Solutions:

Warhorse Training Solutions, LLC headquartered in Spotsylvania, VA is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with extensive expertise in Training Systems, Logistical Support, and Communications-based support. Warhorse Training Solutions provides a combat veterans approach and ensures mission requirements are met before, during, and after development of their services. The goal of the organization is to provide a turn-key solution for our customers to allow the Warfighter to train effective and efficiently.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

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Aerospace and Aviation, Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Software, VAR and IT Consulting

Aero XR Solutions Awarded Seat on $32B Air Force TSA IV Contract in Unrestricted Category

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded Aero XR Solutions "AXR" a prime contract position on the highly coveted Training Systems Acquisition IV (TSA IV) 10-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract in the Unrestricted Pool. AXR Solutions, a dynamic joint venture between Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light company, and Specular Theory, is providing the USAF with unparalleled products and support by leveraging its collective knowledge and experience to deliver state-of-the-art solutions that enhance Warfighter readiness and training effectiveness. 

"AXR Solutions combines CESI's well-established engineering processes, which have been successfully implemented in various Department of Defense (DoD) programs, with Specular Theory's innovative immersive content creation pipeline rooted from the Hollywood Visual effect industry. This unique fusion allows us to deliver adaptive training that users love," explained Bob Donahue, CEO of By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light).

"This award represents a significant milestone for Specular Theory, and we are excited to expand our operations to the large unrestricted pool," said Ryan Pulliam, Cofounder, Specular Theory. "This achievement validates our capabilities and the immense value we bring to the aerospace industry."

For TSA IV, AXR will collaborate closely with the USAF to develop, modernize, and sustain state-of-the-art training systems that address the evolving needs of the Air Force's mission. AXR aims to revolutionize the way the USAF plans, trains, and executes its missions, offering groundbreaking solutions that redefine the boundaries of aerospace innovation. 

Specular Theory's innovative immersive training systems and courseware played a crucial role in securing this significant contract, enabling the JV to leverage XR technologies to drive transformation and deliver exceptional results.

"While we continue to innovate with our current offerings of immersive procedure trainers and lightweight simulators, this opportunity to reach a larger audience across the Air Force is a major win," detailed Morris May, Specular Theory CEO. "This contract award reinforces our position as a trusted leader in XR and showcases our dedication to excellence in every aspect of our partnership with the USAF."

Mike Chandler, Senior Vice President of Business Development for CESI further added, "The collaboration between our two highly capable companies provides the USAF with a 'Ready Now' service provider that offers low-risk solutions for sustaining and operating current Aircrew Training Systems. Moreover, we leverage cutting-edge technologies to transition towards the Air Force ATS 'Future Next' training capability. With CESI's track record and background in the DoD space, this partnership was the perfect combination for us and, more importantly, for the Air Force."

The TSA IV is a multiple award IDIQ contract vehicle with a potential ceiling of up to $32 billion over 10 years. AXR Solutions is one of 18 entities in the Unrestricted Pool, and one of 37 total entities to receive an award.

About By Light

By Light Professional IT Services LLC is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of the government. For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

About CESI

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, is a premier provider of advanced training solutions and services. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, distributed training, and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds, and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications, and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator, and services provider. Learn more at https://coleengineering.com/.

About Specular Theory

Since its founding in 2013, Specular Theory has delivered the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed work in the immersive industry, winning more awards across more categories than any other company in the immersive XR Space. Specular Theory's immersive XR training capabilities now span over 7 aircraft and have won 8 SBIR Phase III sole-source contracts, including an AFWERX TACFI. Their training systems and products cover a range of areas, including academics, procedural trainers,

and lightweight part-task trainers. For more information about Specular Theory and its offerings, please visit https://www.speculartheory.com/.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

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Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Government, VAR and IT Consulting

Cole Engineering Services, Inc., Awarded $500M Simulator Production OTA

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, has been awarded the $500M Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) Production Other Transaction Authority (OTA) award. The program originated in June 2019 with initial concept demonstrations, followed by a formal prototyping phase that included soldier evaluation to refine the fidelity and capability of the initial 19 Army ground and air platforms. The rapid fielding production phase of the RVCT program will begin deployment of the reconfigurable platforms at 14 sites over the next three to five years.

The RVCT includes aviation platforms (RVCT-A), ground platforms (RVCT-G), dismounted infantry collective maneuver training, collective gunnery training, and mission rehearsal capability. The RVCT is a mobile, transportable, modular, and scalable training capability with the minimum hardware necessary to represent form, fit, and function for Soldiers to execute collective tasks. RVCT is the first major production effort being fielded out of the Army's Synthetic Training Environment (STE) modernization priority.

"Team CESI continues to take great pride in developing and delivering systems that are easy for our Soldiers to use, and RVCT has been a tremendous example of working collaboratively with our stakeholders," said Devin Lyders, CESI Senior Vice President, Advanced Training Systems. "We place the Soldier at the center of modernization by conducting multiple formal Soldier Touch Points and more than 100 informal feedback sessions with the direct platform experts, enabling us to find the sweet spot of fidelity with virtualization, form/fit/function, and training realism."

Team CESI's RVCT solution is built upon a modular hardware architecture, which allows RVCT to replicate U.S. Army ground and air vehicles through common configuration items. The combination of high-fidelity physical and virtual control interfaces utilizes real-world system hardware and immerses the Soldier via Virtual and Augmented Reality through the Synthetic Training Environment-Information System (STE-IS) software.

"The collective efforts of RVCT stakeholders over the past few years to continue iteratively improving the platforms has been nothing less than a true collaboration success story," said Eric Carr, CESI's Program Director. "Thanks to the combined agile efforts of the Government, our industry partners, and the CESI/By Light team, we are able to deliver next-generation immersive virtual training platforms that replicate platform fidelity while delivering realistic collective unit training and mission rehearsal that simulates the complex challenges of the future operational environment."

Production of the RVCT systems is taking place at By Light's 125,000-square foot manufacturing facility in Port Orange, FL. Team CESI consists of a robust group of subcontractors and suppliers comprised of nearly 150 teammates and partners who will support the fabrication, integration, and deployment of the RVCT systems.

"Our entire Team is honored to be chosen to field this critical mission-training capability for the United States Army," said Bob Donahue, Founder and CEO of By Light, "and we look forward to continuing to support the achievement of the Army's vision for the greater Synthetic Training Environment."

About CESI:

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a By Light Company, is a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI also designs, builds, and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications, and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator, and services provider.

Learn more at https://coleengineering.com/.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government.

For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Defense and Military, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Government

CENTS® Powers Ecosystem at new Mississippi Cyber Center

MCLEAN, Va. -- On November 9, 2022, Mississippi State University (MSU) and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) opened the doors to the Mississippi Cyber Center, a culmination of efforts made possible through the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI). The newly renovated building on the MGCCC Harrison County Campus is the central location for the first phase of this massive commitment to cybersecurity training and knowledge-sharing. At the technical heart of MCI's Cyber Ecosystem is CyberCENTS®, By Light's comprehensive training platform composed of a high-fidelity cyber range and an integrated knowledge center for hosting work role and industry certification training, academic courses, virtual learning labs, and customized content.

The Mississippi Cyber Center now houses three labs and multiple classrooms with associated equipment. The center will support about 22 Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to include the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Keesler Air Force Base, and Mississippi students of all grade levels.

"Cybersecurity is a critical piece of our shared future, regardless of who you are or what kind of business you are in," said MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw during the Mississippi Cyber Center ribbon cutting. "Through the Mississippi Cyber Initiative, we are creating a statewide network that is using unparalleled collaboration to address these issues head on. I am incredibly excited about the impact of this facility and the unlimited potential of what we can accomplish working together."

The MGCCC Cyber Ecosystem contracted By Light to provide a Platform as a Service (PaaS) early in 2022 after proposing a hybrid cyber range solution (on-premises and cloud) using its Virtualized Cyber Classroom Environment (VCCE®). The on-premises component allows the MGCCC ecosystem to network a library of virtual machines with devices at Layer 2; Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL), such as laptops, forensic kits; Industrial Control Systems (ICS); and Internet of Things (IoT). The dedicated cloud component to the Cyber Ecosystem provides 24/7, web-based access for self-paced coursework and remote learning environments.

By Light is one of only a few U.S. companies able to provide end to end services as a sole vendor for a hybrid range of this scale.

"CyberCENTS is the foundational tool that enables MGCCC's cyber experts to prepare, tailor, deploy and track individual and collective education, training, and exercise events, preparing students to defend against current and emerging cyber threats," said Gary Morton, By Light VP of Engineering.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI Level 3 certified systems integrator that provides secure, turn-key systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other US Government Agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government.

For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

About CyberCENTS®:

By Light's CyberCENTS division has provided high-fidelity Government and commercial cyberspace operations products and solutions since 2000. Our engineers and developers are among the best and the brightest, to include pioneers of the first Department of Defense (DoD) cyber range, known today as the Cyberoperations Enhanced Network and Training Simulators (CENTS®). Using a team approach reinforced by onsite experts, we deliver operational support, technical and managed cybersecurity services, and training to the DoD, Intelligence Community, Government agencies, commercial customers, and universities.

For more information, visit https://cybercents.com/.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

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Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Government, Software, VAR and IT Consulting

Synergetics’ OpenFLIS Receives Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) from the FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board (JAB)

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- The Joint Authorization Board (JAB), consisting of the Chief Information Officers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), General Services Administration (GSA), and Department of Defense (DoD), has given Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) as a JAB MODERATE system to Synergetics Inc of Fort Collins, Colorado, and their product OpenFLIS™. This authorizes Synergetics as one of only 52 government-wide FedRAMP cloud service providers.

OpenFLIS™ is a low-code Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that hosts one or more data products per Federal customer (tenant) in a dashboard experience. OpenFLIS™ consolidates data from multiple sources, transforms it, and leverages Microsoft Azure's Deep Learning (DL) capabilities for search and discovery.

Designed for microservices deployment, OpenFLIS™ offers mission owners:

a. Central control of their users' accesses and capabilities, powering zero-trust

b. Syncing data products, introducing cross-compatibility and integration of systems

c. Artificial Intelligence (AI)--powered search with Natural Language Processing (NLP), pruning the cost of training

d. Views and APIs configured to model business needs on the fly, minimizing code changes

e. Compliance with Federal cloud migration directives and FedRAMP, uplifting mission owners

f. Maintenance of independent components, reducing breaking changes

g. Analytics that capture patterns and insights, informing decisions

h. Custom reporting and alerting, supporting the KPIs Federal PMs are responsible for

OpenFLIS™ is poised as the successor to several products that are key to the National Stock Number (NSN) supply chain, a market that supports millions of daily users and transacts $400 billion annually and growing according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

OpenFLIS™ is the newest addition to a portfolio of Synergetics intellectual property residing at the trust center of DoD logistics and delivering accuracy on eligible parts, products, and vendors. These products are relied on by all US Government agencies that purchase NSNs and over 95 countries.

Federal Agencies are encouraged to use this FedRAMP P-ATO as a key element of their Full Agency Authority to Operate (ATO).

Learn more: https://synergetics.com/openflis/

About Synergetics Incorporated:

Synergetics is a longstanding Colorado SaaS company focused on Federal modernization initiatives. Synergetics' software solutions have been trusted for 27 years by a variety of Government agencies including but not limited to the Department of Defense (DoD), the National Institute of Health (NIH), the US Geological Survey (USGS), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Learn more at: https://synergetics.com/

Related link: https://synergetics.com/

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Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Government, VAR and IT Consulting

Cole Engineering Services to develop U.S. Army’s Next Gen Soldier Virtual Trainer

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light Company, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to prototype the United States Army's Soldier Virtual Trainer (SVT). This prototype project award will extend upon the U.S. Army's Synthetic Training Environment (STE) modular open systems architecture to deliver an immersive SVT capability that empowers Soldier-led training at the Point of Need.

The SVT combines and integrates several individual Soldier training capabilities: Weapon Skills Development, Joint Fires Training, and Use of Force. Each SVT capability is integrated and delivered through the SVT Core, which provides common hardware and biometrics powered by the STE-Information System (STE-IS) software.

"Team CESI is proud to build upon our continued trust in delivering STE capability through a deep understanding of our customer's challenges and assembling partnerships that enable those challenges to be overcome and delivered," said Brian Serra, CESI Vice President, Acquisition Initiatives and Engagement. "We take tremendous pride in leading strong teams and passionately believe that one of our greatest strengths is emboldening our partners to collaboratively deliver systems that create the best training for our Soldiers."

Team CESI comprises industry leaders with robust experience delivering to the U.S. Army; InVeris Training Solutions, Overmatch, Dignitas Technologies, and Fidelity Technologies.

"Team CESI is pleased to be chosen to develop an SVT system that combines advanced mixed reality technology with proven training capabilities to ensure our Soldiers maintain overmatch, continuously improve skill development, and enhance Soldier Lethality," said Devin Lyders, CESI Senior Vice President, Advanced Training Systems. "Our collective capabilities, resources, and resident experience provides the Government with an innovative approach to technology migration and a cohesive STE-centered solution that leverages resources to accelerate development and feedback of SVT prototypes."

About CESI:

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light Company, is a premier integrator and provider of modeling and simulation and cyber training solutions. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training, and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains. CESI designs, builds, and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications, and processes that enable converged training for the integrated multi-domain force. As a full spectrum LVCG developer, integrator, and services provider, we deliver open-source solutions that empower our warriors. Learn more at https://coleengineering.com/.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government. For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Aerospace and Aviation, Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles

Raytheon Chesapeake Depot reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)

RICHMOND, Va. -- Raytheon Chesapeake Depot in Chesapeake, Virginia has been reapproved as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

Raytheon Chesapeake Depot is one of 37 STAR public and private sector worksites recognized by VOSH. This facility provides electronic overhaul and repair services for the AEGIS missile defense system. There are 123 full-time employees in two buildings with approximately 50,000 square feet of workspace and warehousing. This site is one of two Raytheon VPP STAR worksites in Virginia and one of 79 Raytheon VPP STAR worksites in the nation.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia's employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant's management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia's VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the .Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs.

For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/.

Related link: https://www.doli.virginia.gov/

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Business, Defense and Military, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Government, Sports and Activities

We Are G.A.M.E. Alum Haley Jones Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy

TORRANCE, Calif. -- On May 25, 2022, Haley Jones, one of the most distinguished We Are G.A.M.E. (Getting Athletes Mentoring and Education) alumna, graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy (AFA), concluding her storied collegiate basketball career.

Jones's dreams of playing college basketball fell into place when she (along with her sister, Dakota) met Allen and Joyce Thigpen, the founders of We Are G.A.M.E. The Jones sisters were raised by an amazing single mother. Dakota is also graduating this May, having completed her master's degree in public health from New York University.

When she met the Thigpens, Jones was in 8th grade and the nonprofit was getting off the ground. Allen Thigpen offered to come alongside the sisters as prospective college student-athletes. That connected Jones with other students who had dreams of not just playing basketball in college, but also playing at the highest division-level possible. At the same time, the Thigpens offered access to the academic resources necessary to bring that dream to life.

Throughout high school, Jones played for the West High School Warriors in Torrance, California. During her four-year career there, she led the team to a California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) Division I title, was honored as Player of the Year for the Division, and earned the girls' basketball Player of the Year title from The Daily Breeze, a local publication.

Upon graduating high school, Jones enrolled at the Air Force Academy. Donning her jersey with the AFA Falcons was the realization of her dream of playing Division 1 (D1) basketball, something she and We Are G.A.M.E. worked toward throughout her high school education.

Fast forward to Jones's senior year, which news publications called a "dream season" for the Falcons. It started with an opener against the University of Denver. Although they trailed by 13 points at the half, the Falcons bounced back to win 79-62, thanks in part to Jones's four steals and six points.

The Falcons went on to secure a total of 19 wins overall - including 11 in the Conference - during the season, the most in school history since the team went D1 in the mid-90s. They were also invited to their first postseason tournament (the Women's National Invitational Tournament) and secured their first postseason win.

During the second round, the Falcons faced off against UCLA. Jones was the Falcons' leading scorer with 10 points and leading rebounder with 12 rebounds, marking her fifth double-double of the season. Unfortunately, the Falcons would fall to the Bruins, ending Jones's career with the AFA.

She can look back with pride, though, knowing she collected 614 rebounds during her time as a Falcon, the fifth-most of any player in the D1 era. 276 of those came during her senior year, the second-most of any player in a single season.

After graduating, Jones will begin her first duty assignment in Oklahoma. She then plans to tackle the challenge of becoming an Air Force pilot, a notable undertaking as only 7% of Air Force pilots are currently women.

About We Are G.A.M.E.:

We are G.A.M.E., Inc. is made up of a T.E.A.M. (Those Empowering Athletes by Mentoring) of community members strongly committed to empowering student-athletes with the tools and skills needed to successfully tackle the world of college athletics. The T.E.A.M. serves a population of students in need of support, advice, and, most of all, life guidance.

By identifying student-athletes in the ninth grade or earlier, the nonprofit aims to positively influence their lives. The mentors at We Are G.A.M.E. want to see young athletes develop to their fullest athletic potential but ensure that the students also focus on education. The mentors work with students and their parents to create a game plan to pursue academic excellence as well as athletic success.

Learn more at https://www.wearegame.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WeAreGAMEinc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAGamePlan

Related link: https://www.wearegame.org/

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Business, Defense and Military, Free News Articles, Government, VAR and IT Consulting

By Light Awarded $2M Army National Guard Contract

MCLEAN, Va. -- The Army National Guard awarded a $2M follow-on contract to By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light) and its teaming partner Warhorse Training Solutions. Under this contract, By Light will provide 44 additional Recruiting Experiences to attract and educate young men and women about critical Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) while providing recruiters with valuable personnel leads. This contract also provides one year of maintenance and support for the existing 85 Recruiting Experiences fielded across the United States.

The new Recruiting Experiences consist of 44 interactive kiosks offering vocational and vehicle operator experiences. The first group of 22 kiosks features 4-in-1 Virtual Recruiter Touch Screens that allow players to engage in simulated vocational experiences, such as Air Traffic Controller, IT Specialist, Allied Trade Welder, or Combat Medic via intuitive touchscreen displays.

The second group of 4-in-1 Virtual Recruiter Vehicle Operator kiosks consists of 22 hands-on interactive Vehicle Operator Stations that invite players to sit and operate various vehicle controls to engage in four simulated experiences: Firefighter, Motor Transport Operator, Horizontal Construction Engineer, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator.

The Recruiting Experiences include scoring and leaderboard features that promote a fun and competitive environment, helping to attract and retain groups of potential recruits while allowing the recruiter ample time to engage in one-on-one conversations with individuals. Additionally, the kiosks all have the capability to capture player contact information data that can easily be retrieved by recruiters using an improved and simple lead-generation data retrieval system.

"With U.S. Army and National Guard's average cost of $110 per lead, the ROI for these experiences is realized very quickly," says Cory McAndrew, General Manager for By Light's Port Orange, FL, facility. Port Orange houses By Light's modeling and simulation integration center, where technology experts develop training solutions and provide support to industry in the areas of engineering and manufacturing services.

About By Light:

By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is an ISO 9001, 20000-1, and 27001 registered and CMMI-Dev Level 3 rated systems integrator that provides secure, turnkey systems by incorporating exceptional engineering, project management, telecommunications, and cyber capabilities to safeguard mission success. Founded by industry professionals with extensive knowledge in the DoD, DISA, and other U.S. Government agencies, By Light successfully implements technical solutions that integrate commercial best practices to meet the needs of government. For more information, visit https://bylight.com/.

Related link: https://www.bylight.com/

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