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BGI, LLC Receives Lockheed Martin Elite Supplier Award

2018 Lockheed Martin Elite Supplier awarded to BGI for excellence in providing F-35 training and simulation support at Lockheed Rotary and Missions Systems in Orlando, FL.

 

Akron, OH (August 8, 2019) – BGI, LLC (BGI) has been awarded Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) “Elite Supplier” status for 2018, presented by the Training and Logistics Solutions (TLS) Line of Business (LOB) for excellent performance. The RMS Elite Supplier status award is a new initiative introduced  last year to identify Lockheed Martin’s top-performing suppliers. During the initial evaluation period spanning 2018, BGI was cited for demonstrating perfect or best-in-class quality and delivery performance for F-35 Subject Matter Expert (SME) support in addition to having an outstanding customer-focused approach when meeting RMS TLS LOB requirements. “Steadfast professionalism, incredible work ethic, all-In attitudes all around, and comprehensive F-35 systems and tactics employment knowledge for USAF, USN, USMC, and foreign partner F-35 combat/training squadron flight simulator training tasks. BGI provided near-herculean support to 3FR2 Ops, enabled LM to field a high quality product on-time, and were a key interface and source of technical advice to both our LM Aeronautics and F-35 Joint Program Office Training Integrated Product Team customers” stated the LM F-35 Training/Logistics team.
BGI previously received the Lockheed Martin Simulation Training & Support Small Business of the Year Award in 2005 and 2007. BGI draws from a deep well of tactical aviation and simulator program expertise gained from military and private sector experience to create new simulator capabilities complimenting RMS’s foundation of programmatic and engineering excellence. Supporting the LM team since 1997, BGI has provided over 40,000 fighter flight hours of on-demand pilot and maintenance SME expertise – both on-site and world-wide – to 11 countries (Japan, Romania, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, Australia, Netherland, and Israel) and counting. Often asked for by name and integrated at every program milestone level, BGI is recognized by LM employees, government representatives, and end-users as the SMEs of choice to deliver quality training systems support. BGI CEO Phil Dismukes states: “We are grateful to be part of the team delivering high quality integrated operational and technical expertise to the warfighter. These training devices are critical to the overall execution of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter missions and operations around the world. This award recognizes BGI commitment to our mission statement.”

 

BGI Attends AFWERX Fusion Xperience in Las Vegas

Tom Ritzman, Phil Dismukes and Chris Cross at AFWERX Fusion Xperience in Las Vegas

BGI is attending and participating in the AFWERX FUSION XPERIENCE. CEO Phil Dismukes along with VP of Growth and Integration Chris Cross and VP Corporate Technology Tom Ritzman are in attendance. This two-day showcase and conference is hosted by AFWERX in collaboration with the United States Air Force. This annual flagship event brings together industry, individual innovators, academia, investors, as well as, military and government team members. The goal of this event is to present, contract, and fund innovative solutions for Air Force areas of interest and facilitate an environment of connection and collaboration. The AFWERX FUSION XPERIENCE 2019 is centered around Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), one of the top focus areas of the Air Force and across the Department of Defense, it is held at the Enclave in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 23-24. BGI is one of 120 teams to present our innovative solutions as part of an open showcase to attendees, including top Air Force leadership and other military decision makers and operators. Concurrently, there will be live demos, keynote speakers, and panel discussions. This event is intended to be collaborative through the open and transparent nature of this event.

 

Cybersecurity May Soon Become a Factor in Contractor “Suitability”

The focus on cybersecurity in the supply chain remains a priority in order to deliver “uncompromised” within the Department of Defense. Ensuring that contractors and subcontractors adhere to the requirements of the DFARS clause that specifies the details of this cybersecurity should be a priority for any company that does business with the DoD. Earlier this year, the Undersecretary of Defense, Ellen Lord, drafted correspondence directing DCMA to research ways to determine industry cybersecurity readiness. In March, she stated that cybersecurity standards for contractors are being derived from the NIST security controls, which will include metrics that will be utilized by third party auditors. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has previously stated that cybersecurity would become a key measurement for DoD to evaluate companies.

Small and medium companies have expressed concerns with the proposed standards, citing the challenges of creating a cybersecurity program. Despite concerns, it appears certain that in some manner, contractor cybersecurity will be a factor of “suitability” for the defense industrial base within the next 18 months.

Contract Award for F-16 Weapons System Support Contract

1 April 2019 – The F-16 WSSC contract is a delivery order under One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services – Small Business (OASIS SB) Lot 1. It was awarded to KT Consulting, Inc. on Apr 1, 2019 as a Firm Fixed Price delivery order. It is funded by the USAF Air Education and Training Command (AETC), with potential value of $60,897,716. WSSC provides formal and continuation training, courseware development and training support to F-16 pilots at Luke Air Force Base, AZ and Holloman AFB, NM. The period of performance includes a one-month phase-in beginning April 2019, a base year and four option years. As a key subcontractor to KT Consulting, BGI will provide instructors, support personnel and services at both locations.

Airpower Symposium and Salute to Team Langley

The Langley AFA Chapter hosted the annual Airpower Symposium and Salute to Team Langley. 2019 proved to be even better than last year as the symposium program is expanded, built on past successes, covered more information on wider relevant topics, and provided more opportunity for cross reference with Air Force leadership and industry partners.

The expanded program this year included an ACC/A6 discussion on Communications, Cyber and Networks; a panel discussion (Microsoft, Oracle, Regent University) on Developing Cyber Professionals; and, an AFA CyberPatriot presentation. The second program for the afternoon included ACC engagements with Industry, open to CEO Phil Dismukes. Topics, in order, were:

  • Future Training Capabilities (e.g. Virtual, Augmented)
  • Networks and Data Access (e.g. AOC, DCGS, Multi-level Security, Wx, etc)
  • Re-invigorating the Electromagnetic Spectrum (e.g. EMS as a Domain, EMS touch points to other domains including cyber)
  • Air Force Adaptive Basing Concept (e.g. deployability and connectivity).

The second day of the expanded program opened with a keynote address by COMACC, General James “Mike” Holmes. The program additionally included:

  • ACC/A3, ACC/A6, Industry Panel on Operationalizing Cyber into Combat Air Forces
  • ACC/A2, ACC/A6, Industry Panel on Operationalizing Cyber into ISR Missions
  • Lunch presentation from Lt Gen (ret) Bruce Wright, new AFA President.

The afternoon held classified sessions with 24th AF/CC discussing Cyber Operations and a classified requirements presentation from ACC/A5.

The SALUTE TO AIRMAN dinner honored several deployed Airman with awards and offered attendees greater opportunity for engagement and social interaction. The speaker was General (ret) Frank Gorenc, former Commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe.  The Symposium was well run and attended and was a jump start for BGI to further engage in the CYBER business.  CEO Phil Dismukes attended, fortifying existing partner relationships while building new frontiers with several CYBER focused company representatives.

Contract Award for MQ-9 Contract Aircrew Training and Courseware Development

1 March 2019 – Headquarters, Air Combat Command, Acquisition Management & Integration Center (ACC AMIC) has awarded the above contract for the MQ-9 CAT/CWD to Crew Training International, Inc. (CTI), on 1 March 2019 in the amount of $241,410,854. The contract was awarded as a Commercial, Firm Fixed Price contract.  The MQ-9 CAT/CWD program provides formal and continuation training, courseware development and training support to Pilot and Sensor Operator personnel at Creech Air Force Base, NV, Holloman AFB, NM, March Air Reserve Base (ARB), CA, Hancock Field Air National Guard Base (ANGB), NY, and other locations that may be required in the future in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.  The period of performance includes a two-month phase-in beginning March 2019, a five-month base year and four option years.  As a key subcontractor to CTI, BGI will provide personnel and services at Holloman AFB, March ARB and Hancock Field ANGB.

AFA Air Warfare Symposium 2019

This week, BGI will attend the Air Force Association’s 35th annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The symposium is one of the nation’s premier events for defense and aerospace professionals from across the United States and abroad. The Air Warfare Symposium brings together Air Force senior leadership, as well as leaders in industry, academia and government to address the challenges facing the Air Force today and in the future. The BGI team gains detailed insight of global perspectives from attendees with diverse backgrounds and experiences at AFA Orlando. The two days of discussions help to further educate us on the factors transforming the defense market landscape and helps us stay current on the most relevant issues, including:

  • The evolving nature of aerospace and air power
  • Shifts in the legislative arena

Attendees have access to innovative information and ideas, while Symposium sessions provide a breadth of industry insight and forward-thinking outlooks.  The conference provides direct exposure to influential keynotes to address pressing topics and is a terrific networking opportunity for business contacts. BGI CEO Phil Dismukes states, “BGI has attended the AFA Air Warfare Symposium for over a decade.  We find that the professional development and the exposure to key leadership and Air Force direction helps guide us in our role in supporting the warfighter.”

BGI Cyber Team Attends Microsoft Ignite in Washington D.C.

The BGI Cyber team attended Microsoft Ignite in Washington DC to experience and receive training on advanced capabilities for government customers as they develop Cloud strategies to improve efficiencies and productivity.

The two day event, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC offers several different Learning Paths that include over 100 deep dive sessions and workshops and access to over 350 experts in the field. Each of the available Learning Paths is curated with modules and workshops that will provide instruction on the tools and services that attendees can use every day as well as help them prepare to face new challenges.

To find out more about Microsoft Ignite see their event website at: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ignite-the-tour/washington-dc

NIST Workshop on Controlled Unclassified Information

On October 18, 2018, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted a day-long workshop to educate industry and government representatives about the security requirements applicable to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).  Hundreds of attendees, in person and via webcast, learned about the implementation and assessment of CUI.  Defense contractors are familiar with these security requirements through various DFARS clauses, which mandate protective measures for CUI and the ability to respond to a cyber incident involving this information.  Additionally, a heightened focus on supply chain vulnerability (reference MITRE’s August 2018 report, “Deliver Uncompromised”) has amplified the need for strict security controls on contractor IT systems, as well as a more robust oversight by DoD of these systems.

Because of this, we can expect, in the not-too-distant future, that contractor IT systems will be assessed for cybersecurity compliance by a responsible entity, yet to be determined.  The resultant “rating” may be relevant in the contract bidding process, and/or the ability to continue working on existing DoD contracts.

Protecting all contractual information remains a critical factor in protecting the warfighter.  As more and more emphasis is placed on supply chain vulnerability, maintaining strong cybersecurity practices is essential for all contractors that do business with DoD.

BGI Attends 2019 Weapons and Tactics Industry Trade Show at Nellis AFB, Nevada

The Combat Air Forces (CAF) Weapons and Tactics Conference (WEPTAC) is an annual two week event that brings together hundreds of warfighters from the CAF to discuss current issues, to look at future issues, and to provide solutions for joint employment of forces.  New technology is the key area.  Attendance is primarily Air Force personnel, but there has been an increasing amount of participation from the Army, Navy and Marines.  This movement focuses on joint warfighting.  It is hosted by the United States Warfare Center and run by Air Combat Command Directorate of Operations. An independent Industry Trade Show runs concurrently during the second week of the CAF WEPTAC and is open to all defense industry organization including small bushiness who want to showcase their existing and future technologies and capabilities.  It presents an opportunity for the defense industry to meet with warfighters who currently use or potentially will use their products.  They are able to obtain direct feedback from the actual warfighters on what they like and don’t like about existing products technology and hear about products they would like to see in the future.  Industry representatives may participate if invited by the working group chairman.  BGI will be attending both the industry trade show and several of the sessions in the second week.  “Many of our existing relationships in industry and current contracts were the result of attending WEPTAC.  It is the best conference for warfighter integration and exposure,” says CEO Phil Dismukes.