10/21/2014 05:18 PM CDT
An airman visits the children's ward to distribute gifts at the Leonardo Guzman Regional Hospital in Antofagasta, Chile, Oct. 11, 2014. The airman is assigned to the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
#DOD CONTRACTS
NAVY
Power Ten Inc., Kirkland, Washington (M00264-15-D-0001); Innovative Decisions Inc., Vienna, Virginia (M00264-15-D-0002); ManTech Systems Engineering, Fairfax, Virginia (M00264-15-D-0003); Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (M00264-15-D-0004); Logicon FDC-Northrop Grumman, Reston, Virginia (M00264-15-D-0005); and Group W. Inc., Fairfax, Virginia (M00264-15-D-0006), are each being awarded a multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the U.S. Marine Corps Combat and Development Command, Operational and Analysis Division, in support of research and innovative technical analysis professional services. The cumulative ceiling amount value for all six contracts combined is $70,177,521. Each contractor will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work will be performed at the contractor facilities in Kirkland, Washington; Vienna, Virginia; Fairfax, Virginia; McLean, Virginia; and Reston, Virginia. Work is expected to be completed Oct. 21, 2015. If options are exercised, work will continue through Oct. 21, 2017. No contract funds will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will be obligated as task orders are issued. Task orders will utilize either operational and maintenance or research development, test and evaluation funding depending on the scope of the effort. The contracts were competitively procured through solicitations via the Federal Business Opportunities Government Point of Entry website, with 19 offers received. The Regional Contracting Office-National Capital Region, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Information Systems Sector, Communications Division, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $36,992,663 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Service Software Support Activity (SSA) engineering services for test systems software management, development, and software support; SSA engineering services for the Common Data Link Management System, Next Generation Command and Control Processor and related programs; and software engineering, development, test, and integration support for Common Link Integration Processing software development. This is one of two contracts awarded. Each awardee will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $40,290,269. Work will be performed at the contractor's facilities in San Diego, California (50 percent), and at government facilities in San Diego, California (50 percent). Work is expected to be completed Oct. 20, 2015. If options are exercised, work will continue through Oct, 20, 2017. No fiscal 2015 funding is currently associated with this award. Funding will be obligated via task orders. The types of funding to be obligated include: aircraft procurement (Navy); ship construction (Navy); operations and maintenance (Navy); research, development, test and evaluation; foreign military sales; and Navy working capital fund. This contract was competitively procured through full and open solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central web site. Two proposals were received and both were selected for award. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-15-D-0038).
Computer Sciences Corp., San Diego, California, is being awarded a $28,191,335 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Service Software Support Activity (SSA) engineering services for test systems software management, development, and software support; SSA engineering services for the Common Data Link Management System, Next Generation Command and Control Processor and related programs; and software engineering, development, test, and integration support for Common Link Integration Processing software development. This is one of two contracts awarded. Each awardee will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $31,129,232. Work will be performed at the contractor's facilities in San Diego, California (50 percent), and at government facilities in San Diego, California (50 percent). Work is expected to be completed Oct. 20, 2015. If options are exercised, work will continue through Oct, 20, 2017. No fiscal 2015 funding is currently associated with this award. Funding will be obligated via task orders. The types of funding to be obligated include: aircraft procurement (Navy); ship construction (Navy); operations and maintenance (Navy); research, development, test and evaluation; foreign military sales; and Navy working capital fund. This contract was competitively procured through full and open solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central web site. Two proposals were received and both were selected for award. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-15-D-0039).
General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is being awarded an $18,863,859 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2100) for reactor plant planning yard services for nuclear-powered submarines and support yard services for the Navy's moored training ships. The contractor will furnish, fabricate, or acquire such materials, supplies and services as may be necessary to perform the functions of the planning yard for reactor plants and associated portions of the propulsion plants for nuclear powered submarines.
Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (95 percent), and Charleston, South Carolina (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $10,024,032 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.
Tapestry Solutions, a Boeing Co., San Diego, California, is being awarded a $14,074,384 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of Navy Tactical Mobile (TacMobile) Systems engineering, test and integration. The TacMobile program is an Acquisition Category III program of record that implements an evolutionary acquisition approach to meeting operational requirements through sequential integration of mature commercial-off-the-shelf and government-off-the-shelf capabilities into a functional whole. This contract contains options, which if exercised, will bring the contract value to $70,933,134. Work will be performed in Charleston South Carolina (66 percent); Patuxent River, Maryland (32.5 percent); and Jacksonville, Florida (1.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by Oct. 20, 2019. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated via incremental funding modifications issued to the contractor. This contract was competitively procured as a full and open solicitation via the Federal Business Opportunities website via the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with three offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-15-C-0001).
Huntington Ingalls Inc., Newport News, Virginia, is being awarded a $7,878,466 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2101) for planning and design yard functions for standard Navy valves in support of nuclear-powered submarines. The contract provides for engineering and design services, including material support. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by September 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,878,466 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Nova Group Inc., Napa, California, was awarded a $32,060,100 firm-fixed-price contract with options for designing and building Defense Logistics Agency distribution facilities at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 18, 2017. Bids were solicited via the Internet with two received. Fiscal 2014 military construction funds in the amount of $32,060,100 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (W912BV-15-C-0001).
New South Construction Company Inc. Atlanta, Georgia, was awarded a $10,217,696 modification (P00003) to contract W912HN-14-C-0002 to design and construct a roof fire alarm and fire suppression system for Dock 1, and to design and construct a fire alarm and fire suppression system for the high-bay roof of Building 125, and re-roof all existing out-buildings. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $10,217,696 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Oct. 21, 2015. Work will be performed at Warner Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity.
CLEARING THE SHUTTLE
10/21/2014 04:34 PM CDT
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Jones, left, and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Raime Baker clear the shuttle from an EA-18G Growler on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 19, 2014. Jones and Baker are aviation boatswain's mates. The operation includes strike operations in Iraq and Syria.
Airstrikes Help Ground Forces Take Fight to ISIL, Spokesman Says
By Jim Garamone FORT MEADE, Md., Oct. 21, 2014 - Kurdish forces are in control of the majority of the Syrian city of Kobani despite efforts by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant to take the town, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today. Coalition airstrikes in and around the city on Syria's border with Turkey have been augmented by an airdrop of arms to Kurdish forces fighting the terror group. Air Force planes dropped 27 of 28 pallets to Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in Kobani, Kirby said at a Pentagon news conference. "ISIL forces continue to threaten [Kobani]," Kirby said. "We're continuing to hit targets in and around there to help the Kurdish forces as they continue to fight against ISIL. So it's still a very mixed, contested environment." Credit to Kurdish forces Kirby gave credit to the Kurdish forces that have fought ISIL to a standstill. ISIL is presenting more targets to coalition aircraft and to Iraqi forces, Kirby said. Coalition forces launched seven airstrikes yesterday, and with the weather in the region improving, Kirby said he expects more attacks on the terror group in the coming days. With better weather, "intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms are able to fly a little bit more now," he explained. Iraqi forces make advances In Iraq, there have been strikes in support of forces on the ground in Fallujah, at the Mosul Dam complex and in Bayji. All three are areas ISIL wants to take and hold, and at all three locations, Iraqi security forces are contesting the group. Near Bayji the location of a massive oil refinery -- Iraqi security forces are advancing. "Their advances over the last few days have been slowed by the weather, which is clearing, and so they're moving again, but it also has been slowed by [improvised explosive devices] -- almost 30 IEDs that they found and cleared," Kirby said. "They are taking the fight to the enemy, and those strikes last night are indications that we're trying to support them, too." |
PENTAGON BRIEFING
10/21/2014 04:15 PM CDT
Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby briefs reporters on the latest developments in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, and other defense matters at the Pentagon, Oct. 21, 2014.
Travel Regulation Changes Affect PCS Moves, Travelers
By Claudette Roulo WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2014 - Big changes are happening with the Joint Travel Regulations, and they could affect your next permanent-change-of-station move or how you are reimbursed for temporary duty assignments. As of July 25, Army uniformed and civilian travelers are directed to use their government travel credit cards for PCS moves, Harvey Johnson, the director of the Defense Travel Management Office said today. The Air Force has a similar policy already in place, Johnson said, and the Marine Corps is preparing to implement its own administrative message regarding use of the government travel card for permanent changes of station. "The Navy is conducting a pilot [program] to use the card for PCS, so I believe it's imminent for all the services," he noted. The change applies to both uniformed and civilian personnel in each of the services, Johnson said. "Ultimately, we want to extend this initiative to all federal civilians and uniformed members, because at the end of the day, we believe it's the right thing for our cardholders," he said. Reducing the fiscal burden for movers By using the government travel card, movers no longer are forced to pay out of pocket for moving expenses, Johnson said. The new policy also generates a number of other benefits, including eliminating the need to apply for advance travel pay and reducing the chance of becoming delinquent on a personal credit card. "We want to make sure that people still have it within their budget to continue to travel," he said, "but we've got to travel smarter, more efficiently and try to return money back to the Department of Defense." Every time travelers use their government travel card, their service receives a rebate, Johnson said. A 5 percent increase in usage across the department generates an 11 percent rebate, he said, adding that "services get that money back in their budgets, ... a return on investment that we need during sequestration." Additionally, using a government travel card allows the department to understand how travelers are spending, Johnson said. "And that allows us to negotiate better rates, whether it's with the rental car companies or amenities with hotels," he added. Authorized moving expenses Just about any moving-related expense is authorized, Johnson said. "So, if you think of the big categories, there's air, there's rail, there's rental cars, then you have things like lodging, meals and other travel-related expenses," he said. The Joint Travel Regulations and the Joint Federal Travel Regulations were consolidated into one regulation on Oct. 1, so all travelers now have one volume to refer to for questions about official travel, Johnson said. An extensive list of authorized expenses can be found at Appendix G of the Joint Travel Regulations, he said, which is available athttp://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/travelreg.cfm. Travelers also can call the Travel Assistance Center at 1-888-HELP1GO, which is open 24/7, Johnson added. Incidental expense definition changing An expanded definition of what constitutes incidental expenses during official travel went into effect Oct. 1, he said. The change will save the department about $18 million annually, Johnson said. Per diem payments are made up of lodging, meals and, for travelers in the continental United States, a $5 daily incidental payment. The definition of what qualifies as an incidental expense -- which travelers are expected to pay for from that $5 daily payment -- now includes ATM fees, baggage tips for uniformed personnel and, within the continental United States, laundry expenses, Johnson said. "These were previously expenses that were miscellaneous reimbursable expenses," he noted. The expanded definition will affect only a few travelers, Johnson said, and no one should end up paying out of pocket. For example, only about 13 percent of travelers were claiming ATM fees, he said, and they averaged out to about 76 cents per day, well under the flat $5 daily incidentals payment. "This incentivizes people to plan ahead," Johnson said. "Should you make an ATM withdrawal? Certainly, if it's necessary. Should you make one every day? I would offer there's probably a better way to plan for that." If travelers find their average incidental expenses are in excess of the incidentals payment, they should contact their approving authority to ensure actual expenses are authorized on their travel orders. Mission-related expenses continue to be reimbursable, and should not be confused with incidental expenses, he noted. "So, if my mission calls for ... [me] to do certain things -- make an extraordinary amount of phone calls using the hotel phone, or other mission-type expenses -- they are still reimbursable," Johnson said. Travelers should still ensure that their approving authority has approved such expenses, he added. Behind the policy decision The travel management office used three guiding principles when considering these policy changes, Johnson said. First, do no harm -- reducing costs to the government shouldn't come at the expense of travelers, he explained. Second, Johnson said, "We're looking to fairly compensate travelers for expenses occurred." And third, use data to test and back up recommendations. "I truly believe the data tells the narrative. As you start to look at the data from prior years, ... the picture becomes quite clear on what sort of travel solutions are out there," he said. |
5 Tips for Moms Struggling with Work-Life Balance Florida’s 1st Elected Female Lieutenant Governor Offers Lessons Learned from Experience
Despite the many monumental glass ceilings that have been broken for the equal rights of all citizens in the United States, unique challenges persist for many, including, potentially, half the population, says Jennifer Carroll, the first female – and first black – elected lieutenant governor of Florida and a retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander.
“Challenges from my childhood and military career have taught me many valuable lessons -- when times get tough, get tougher; stay true to who you are and don’t compromise your principles; be willing to walk away from something that’s causing you clear harm,” says Carroll, (www.jennifercarroll.com), who recently released her autobiography, “When You Get There.”
“The perfect worker, wife and mother – these are ‘the big three’ roles that matter most to women, but you really want to make sure your children don’t get lost in this juggling. Your husband and your coworkers are adults; children, on the other hand, are vulnerable.”
Carroll has the following suggestions for women concerned about their role as Mom.
• Pay close attention to your children; listen. Seems obvious, right? As a little girl in Trinidad, Carroll was accosted by a man who persuaded her to accompany him to an outhouse. After he exposed himself to her, she managed to get away, but the experience haunted her while growing up.
“Listen to children when they have something to talk about,” she says. “They may feel too embarrassed to talk about something that happened to them; they may feel like it’s their fault. Be sensitive to their words and behavior, and be open to what they have to say.”
• Devote one day exclusively to family. While advancing her career in the Navy, Carroll often spent several months away from her family. Later in her career, including as Chairwoman of Space Florida and lieutenant governor, time was also a precious commodity, but she always made sure she had it for her three children, Nolan II, Nyckie and Necho. Since Nolan II has been a player in the NFL, Carroll attends games and make Sundays “Football Sunday” for everyone, including her husband of three decades, Nolan.
• Model the behavior you’d like to see emulated. Children have sensitive consistency detectors; they are quick to realize the disconnection between what parents say and what they do. There’s something to be said for people who are able to follow their own advice. Many don’t.
“Proactive efforts outside the home, like civic and humanitarian projects, are a great way of modeling behavior,” Carroll says. “My models as a child were my adoptive parents; I think adoption is one of the greatest loves you can provide and is a great model behavior.”
• Emphasize the importance of loyalty; family is a lifelong relationship. As important as a career may be, you will never forge bonds in a job that are as strong as those within a family. Children are hungry to know they are secure with love and loyalty, so don’t hesitate in reinforcing this message.
“When you have a secure family foundation, you can approach work with greater strength and confidence,” she says.
• Engage them! This is a two-fold effort: Make sure children are engaged in their studies and extracurricular activities, such as sports, study groups, a job or other productive behavior. And talk to them about what they’re doing and also what you’re doing.
“Conversation is an opportunity to connect with your children, to take advantage of teaching moments, and most of all, to enjoy your children!”
About Jennifer S. Carroll
Jennifer Carroll, author of “When You Get There” (www.jennifercarroll.com), is the former lieutenant governor of Florida and a retired decorated lieutenant commander/aviation maintenance for the U.S. Navy. She was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2003 to 2010 and was the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently, she is a Political Analyst for WJXT CHANNEL News4Jax Jacksonville, Florida, and Senior Adviser for Global Digital Solutions, Inc. (GDSI) in West Palm Beach, FL. Carroll holds an MBA, among other academic degrees. She and her husband, Nolan, have three children.
Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Targets in Syria, Iraq
From a U.S. Central Command News Release
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 21, 2014 - U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using fighter and bomber aircraft to conduct four airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Separately, officials added, U.S. and partner-nation forces conducted three airstrikes using fighter and attack aircraft against ISIL terrorists in Iraq.
In Syria, four airstrikes near Kobani destroyed ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL building, and a large ISIL unit. In Iraq, an airstrike destroyed an ISIL fighting position south of the Bayji oil refinery. Another airstrike southeast of Mosul Dam destroyed an ISIL fighting position, and an airstrike north of Fallujah suppressed an ISIL attack.
All aircraft exited the strike areas safely, officials said, and airstrike assessments are based on initial reports.
The U.S. strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the terrorist group ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project power and conduct operations, Centcom officials said.
Face of Defense: Texas Guard Soldier Saves Roommate's Life
By Army Maj. Randall Stillinger
36th Infantry Division
GRAPEVINE, Texas, Oct. 21, 2014 - A Texas Army National Guard soldier saved his roommate's life after the accidental discharge of a weapon in July.
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Pfc. Wil Ledford, 19, of Grapevine, used skills and techniques he had learned just two months earlier while attending the Combat Medic School at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
Ledford, a 2013 graduate of Southlake Carroll High School and a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3-124th Cavalry Regiment in Wylie, said he was in his apartment when he heard a gunshot. He went into the next room, saw his roommate looking down at his leg, and asked, "Did you shoot yourself?"
The matter-of-fact response was a somewhat casual, "Yeah."
Military training kicks in
Ledford's military training instantly kicked in, as the hollow-point round had penetrated the femoral artery in the left leg and blood came out very fast. He described it as a "garden hose shooting red Kool Aid all over the place."
He went for his medical aid bag and placed a tourniquet as high as possible on the leg. The first tourniquet did not stop the bleeding, Ledford said, so he put on a second tourniquet, which worked.
Next, "I just threw him over my shoulder and carried him to his truck," he said, referring to one of several carrying techniques taught to combat medics. He then drove his roommate to an emergency room, which was less than five minutes away.
It wasn't until about 20 minutes later that he fully realized what had just happened, Ledford said.
After several surgeries that included skin grafts and the removal of arteries from his other leg, Ledford's roommate was released from the hospital earlier this month and is expected to be able to walk again in seven to eight months.
Medical career wasn't a goal
Although he had thought about the possibility of a career in medicine, Ledford said, it wasn't really a goal. After scoring well on military entrance tests, he added, he was given a few options and thought that "combat medics sounded the best."
Ledford said he thought he might get a chance to use his medical training in his National Guard unit, but that he never thought that he'd have to use it in his own apartment.
Army Capt. Matthew Colia, Ledford's company commander, said the soldier's actions were extraordinary. "This situation was one that required decisive action, and Private Ledford answered the call of duty," Colia said.
Ledford, who is a mechanic at an auto repair shop in civilian life, said his military training and this experience have prompted him to apply for schooling to become a paramedic.
PENTAGON WELCOME
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, left, hosts an honor cordon to welcome Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon to the Pentagon, Oct. 21, 2014.The two defense leaders met to discuss issues of mutual importance.
Gonzalo (Atlantic Ocean)
This is comparison of NASA satellite imagery before (Oct. 4) and after (Oct. 19) Hurricane Gonzalo passed shows the sediment stirred up (green, blue).
Image Credit:
NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team
NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites captured before and after images of Bermuda and surrounding waters before and after Hurricane Gonzalo struck the island on Oct. 17. The images revealed how Gonzalo stirred up the sediment from the ocean bottom.
The MODIS instrument or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer that flies aboard NASA's Aqua and Terra satellites provided imagery of Bermuda and the stirred sediment. In a comparison of imagery before and after Hurricane Gonzalo passed, the after image showed sediment streaming east and south of Bermuda. The MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite captured a "before" look of Bermuda on Oct. 4 at 17:20 UTC (1:20 p.m. EDT). The MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Terra satellite captured the "after" image from Oct. 19 at 15:00 UTC (11 a.m. EDT).
Whenever a hurricane moves over an area, it stirs up sediment from the ocean bottom. In more shallow areas the mixing of sediment to the surface is more visible on satellite imagery.
Around Bermuda, the ocean is shallow. There are coral reefs and banks that can be seen under the surface when waters are clear. Bermuda's coral reefs are some of the northern-most reefs in the North Atlantic. In the MODIS images a lighter blue area traces the outline of the shallow waters around the reef. The deeper water around it appears dark blue. Run off of sand dirt from the island fans out in tan and light green plumes. The extra nutrients that the run-off and bottom sediment bring to the surface may be feeding surface-dwelling ocean plants, which may also color ocean waters turquoise.
As the sediment settles around Bermuda, the United Kingdom was dealing with post-tropical cyclone Gonzalo's remnants.
Gonzalo's remnants were bringing heavy rains and gusty winds to much of the United Kingdom on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The U.K. Meteorological Service forecast wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph. In some coastal areas, winds could reach 60 to 70 mph. For updated forecasts from the U.K. Met Service, visit: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk.
The Teton Range glow orange after a fresh coat of snow. Robert...
10/21/2014 10:45 AM EDT
The Teton Range glow orange after a fresh coat of snow. Robert Buman captured this gorgeous photo just before sunrise at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
Physician Offers Sun Safety Tips for Wintertime 3 Tips for Preventing, Minimizing and Repairing Damage from Exposure
Don’t pack away the sunblock with your swimsuit and other summer accessories. Winter’s sun is just as dangerous as summer’s, says Adam J. Scheiner, M.D.,www.adamscheinermd.com, an eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon who’s been featured onThe Dr. Oz Show, The Howard Stern Show and The Doctors.
“The snow reflects the glare of the sun – and the damaging UV rays,” he says. “People who like skiing and snowboarding in the mountains are getting 4 to 5 percent more UV damage for every 1,000 feet they ascend above sea level.”
And then there are all those holiday cruises and escapes to warm-weather climates where beaches are packed year-round.
“It’s not OK to lie baking in the sun for hours, even if it’s just one week out of the winter,” Dr. Scheiner says.
No matter how comfortable or cool the temperature feels, don’t be fooled!
“Earlier this year, the surgeon general predicted 9,000 people will die from melanoma this year. That’s preventable,” Dr. Scheiner says.
“If skin cancer doesn’t scare you, think with your vanity. Sun exposure is the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, discoloration, age spots and festoons, among other disfiguring problems.”
Dr. Scheiner shares tips for preventing, minimizing and repairing sun damage:
• Prevention: You’re not just exposed when you’re skiing, hiking, or taking a beach vacation.
“Anytime you go outside, you’re exposing yourself to damaging UVB and UVA rays, and the result is cumulative. A little bit here and a little there adds up,” Scheiner says.
Simply driving a car can result in serious sun damage. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found more skin cancers on the left side of patients’ faces – the side exposed while driving – then the right. Scheiner says he’s seen truckers and others who spend years on the road with severe wrinkling on the left side of the face.
“Always wear sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. I recommend a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, preferably higher,” he says. “You can also protect yourself from UVA rays, which cause deeper damage, by applying UV-protective film to your car windows. Also, wear clothes with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of at least 30.”
• Minimizing: Good nutrition and topical products can help minimize signs of damage, such as wrinkles and age spots, Dr. Scheiner says.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants -- carrots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables; spinach and other green leafy vegetables; tomatoes; blueberries; peas and beans; fatty fish, and nuts. An American Society for Clinical Nutrition study found that women ages 40 to 75 who consumed more vitamin C, an antioxidant, had fewer wrinkles.
Use exfoliate creams to remove dead skin cells. Prescription creams including Avita, Avage, Renova and Retin-A have been shown to reduce wrinkles and age spots caused by sun exposure.
• Repairing: Lasers can resurface facial skin by stripping away the outermost layers. Some “non-ablative” lasers also stimulate collagen formation, which helps smooth wrinkles.
“I use RESET® Laser Skin Resurfacing, which reverses the damage and removes many pre-cancers and even active skin cancers,” Scheiner says. “RESET uses an advanced Dual Pulsed Erbium Laser, and my proprietary healing protocol. “
The RESET® treatment Dr. Scheiner has vaporizes the old skin and causes the collagen in the underlying layers to tighten.
The No. 1 best thing you can do for your skin starting today is to start making application of a broad spectrum, UVB/UVA sunscreen part of your daily routine.
“Apply it to all areas of the skin that can be directly exposed to the sun,” he says. “The best scenario is preventing sun damage in the first place.”
About Dr. Adam J. Scheiner
Adam J. Scheiner, M.D. is world-renowned in laser eyelid and facial plastic surgery for his groundbreaking treatment for Festoons. The Tampa-based oculoplastic surgeon wrote the medical text on the condition and shared his treatment for Festoons on Dr. Oz and The Doctors TV shows. Dr. Scheiner is author of the new book, The True Definition of Beauty.
Hubble Sees Turquoise-Tinted Plumes in Large Magellanic Cloud
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The brightly glowing plumes seen in this image are reminiscent of an underwater scene, with turquoise-tinted currents and nebulous strands reaching out into the surroundings. However, this is no ocean. This image actually shows part of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a small nearby galaxy that orbits our galaxy, the Milky Way, and appears as a blurred blob in our skies. The NASA/European Space Agency (ESA) Hubble Space Telescope has peeked many times into this galaxy, releasing stunning images of the whirling clouds of gas and sparkling stars (opo9944a, heic1301, potw1408a). This image shows part of the Tarantula Nebula's outskirts. This famously beautiful nebula, located within the LMC, is a frequent target for Hubble (heic1206, heic1402). In most images of the LMC the color is completely different to that seen here. This is because, in this new image, a different set of filters was used. The customary R filter, which selects the red light, was replaced by a filter letting through the near-infrared light. In traditional images, the hydrogen gas appears pink because it shines most brightly in the red. Here however, other less prominent emission lines dominate in the blue and green filters. This data is part of the Archival Pure Parallel Project (APPP), a project that gathered together and processed over 1,000 images taken using Hubble’s Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, obtained in parallel with other Hubble instruments. Much of the data in the project could be used to study a wide range of astronomical topics, including gravitational lensing and cosmic shear, exploring distant star-forming galaxies, supplementing observations in other wavelength ranges with optical data, and examining star populations from stellar heavyweights all the way down to solar-mass stars. Image Credit: NASA |
Turning Back Time: Repairing Water Infrastructure
By Marguerite Huber
I am about to turn 25 years old—the quarter century mark! Yikes! While I may start to feel “old” when I consider that number, I am in considerably better shape than some of the pipes and sewer mains that make up the country’s water infrastructure, some components of which are more than four times my age.
Homes, apartment buildings, and businesses in nearly every neighborhood and city across the country are connected to miles and miles of pipes carrying wastewater and drinking water. That’s a lot of pipes to take care of!
Aging water infrastructure: fixing old, leaking sewer pipes in downtown Washington, DC.
The estimated costs of fixing old, leaky, and cracked pipes through the traditional methods of digging them up and patching or replacing them could cost water utilities in excess of $1 trillion dollars over the next 20 years. Innovative, lower cost technologies that could provide alternatives would have enormous impact, but how do utilities know where to turn before they make investments in long-term solutions?
To answer this question, scientists and engineers from EPA’s aging water infrastructure research program reported on innovative and emerging technologies in their study, Innovative Rehabilitation Technology Demonstration and Evaluation Program (Matthews, et. al., 2014). They and their partners conducted field demonstrations to test these new technologies, such as those that aim to repair existing pipes “from the inside out,” under real-world conditions.
EPA’s work with industry partners gathered reliable performance and cost data on technologies that line the inside of the aging pipes to fill in the holes and cracks, prolonging their life. They shared what they learned with water and wastewater utility owners, technology manufacturers, consultants, and service providers.
They tested two types of liner technologies. One was a cured-in-place method that essentially is a pipe-within-a-pipe. The second was a spray-in-place method that uses a computer-controlled robot to apply a new pipe liner.
The researchers provided reliable information on the performance and cost of the emerging technologies. Stakeholders can benefit from the work: water and wastewater utility owners can reduce the risk of trying out unproven technologies by using technologies that have undergone evaluation; manufacturers and developers will realize the opportunity to advance technology development and commercialization; and consultants and service providers will have the information they need to compare the performance and cost of similar products.
Overall, these innovative technologies can be efficient and economical alternatives to full-blown replacements of water infrastructure. I hope I have similar options when I pass the century mark myself!
About the Author: Marguerite Huber is a Student Contractor with EPA’s Science Communications Team.
Literature Cited: Matthews, J., A. Selvakumar, R. Sterling, AND W. Condit.Innovative Rehabilitation Technology Demonstration and Evaluation Program. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 39:73-81, (2014).
Monday, October 20, 2014
New Round of Negative Advertising in Superintendent Race
AFT/CFT release misleading, negative smear ad against challenger Tuck
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Los Angeles–The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and their California partner CFT, released a new ad this morning, adding to the growing pile of negative and inaccurate ads being hurled at State Superintendent candidate Marshall Tuck. The blatantly false ad wrongly accuses Tuck of being a ‘Wall Street Banker’ who would privatize California’s failing public schools. The Truth: Tuck is committed to public education and has spent more than a decade working in, opening, and turning around public schools in some of Los Angeles’ toughest neighborhoods. Tuck was 22 and 23 when he worked in an investment firm. Now 41, he has focused his career in education. This summer, the San Jose Mercury called the ‘banker’ smear a “hack cliche.” “This ad is no more than the latest childish attempt by Tom Torlakson’s Sacramento allies to distract voters from the fact that Tom Torlakson is on the wrong side of kids,” said Cynara Lilly, campaign manager. “Tom and his friends are once again resorting to distortions and mudslinging because they can’t defend that schools in California rank 45th in the nation.” The ad comes on the heels of a dishonest mailer recently sent to Californians by the incumbent himself. Read the fact check, here. AFT’s over-the-top smear is the latest attempt by incumbent Tom Torlakson’s deep-pocketed allies who, like Torlakson, are relying on distortions, to distract voters from the incumbent’s lackluster record. It’s no surprise that every major newspaper in California has rejected Torlakson and endorsed Marshall Tuck for State Superintendent. Watch the attack here, and read more about Marshall’s plan to turnaround schools here.
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LAKERS WAIVE APPLING AND TYLER
EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Keith Appling and center Jeremy Tyler, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.
Appling, a rookie from Michigan State, saw action in two games this preseason, scoring two points with three rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes.
Tyler, a three-year NBA veteran with Golden State, Atlanta, and New York, appeared in three preseason games for the Lakers, averaging 2.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 9.4 minutes per game.
Both players were originally signed to the Lakers training camp roster on September 23.
The training camp roster (attached) currently stands at 17.
#DOD CONTRACTS
NAVY
DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an $83,373,932 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract to provide organizational, intermediate, depot-level maintenance and logistics services for 53 T-34, 54 T-44, and 288 T-6 aircraft in support of the Chief of Naval Air Training. Support to be provided includes labor, services, facilities, equipment, tools, related support equipment, direct and indirect material. Work will be performed in Corpus Christi, Texas (50 percent); Whiting Field, Florida (39 percent); Pensacola, Florida (8 percent), and additional locations within the continental United States (3 percent); work is expected to be completed in September 2015. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; five proposals were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-15-D-0003).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $7,730,824 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-02-C-3002) to provide updates to the non-recurring effort required to develop a Common F-35A Air System, including the Air Vehicle and the Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment system, for the government of Israel under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (70 percent), and Fort Worth, Texas (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2017. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $2,576,941 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Jacobs Technology Inc., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was awarded a $45,000,000 modification (P0002) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract W52P1J-13-D-0041 to provide support functions to the Army Sustainment Command Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP), and the Army Contracting Command-Rock Island LOGCAP and reachback divisions. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is Oct. 20, 2015. Army Contracting Command - Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Defense Research Associates, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, has been awarded a $23,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity for the Collision Warning Using Existing Sensors (CUES) program. Contractor will commercialize the technology matured under previous efforts by incorporating collision warning capability into fielded aircraft sensor suites without sustaining aircraft modifications. Based on the progress of previous efforts, this effort will continue to implement and integrate the methodologies, technologies, and tools to assist the Air Force and other Department of Defense entities in design, development, acquisition, and sustainment of trustworthy systems. Initial work will continue the technology maturation of the Electro-Optical Small Sense and Avoid System, as part of a multi-spectral sensor suite, in order to address various performance and operational needs. Work will be performed at Dayton, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 24, 2020. This award is the result of a competitive Small Business Innovation Research acquisition with one offer received. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,000,000 are being obligated for task order 0001 at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-15-D-1797).
Feds Feeds Families Program Closes Out Record-breaking Year
By Amaani Lyle
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2014 - Defense Department and other federal employees nationwide met and exceeded goals to answer the call and assist food-insecure households through this year's "Feds Feed Families" food drive, the Pentagon's team lead for the drive said.
Howard Ferguson said in a DoD News interview Oct. 17 that the voluntary campaign brought donations from federal employees and local farmers' markets in excess of 3,188,075 pounds of food items to needy families from June 1 to Sept. 30.
"The previous total in 2012 yielded more than a million pounds, and 2013 brought in more than 1.9 million pounds of food," Ferguson said. Ferguson explained food banks and pantries across the nation distribute the food to their partnering organizations, and he noted that 1 in 6 employed households struggle to get their next meal.
"A lot of folks associate hunger with poverty," Ferguson said. "Although there's a connection, there's a lot of working people that are still hungry and don't know where their next meal is coming from."
'Participate and make a difference'
Ferguson said he is proud to have coined the mantra "Participate and make a difference" for the food drive. "It's not a number associated with it; it's an effort," he said. "So whether that is a can of food or 200 cans of food, just participate and make a difference -- I'm glad we have a workforce across the federal government that cares about those who are food-insecure."
Ferguson noted that understanding the impact of hunger instills the motivation to help.
"Giving is alive and well," Ferguson said, noting that each year, DoD has expanded its engagement across the workforce. "Bottom line: we care as a department and as a federal workforce," he said. "I think we're willing to answer the call and help our fellow citizens."
Ferguson said the interest in giving overcomes budget or socio-economic status. "It's one of those easy things to sell and promote and get people involved."
DoD has been involved in the campaign since 2009. The Agriculture Department led the effort at the national level for all federal agencies in 2013 and 2014.
"More than 50 federal agencies have participated throughout the civilian and military workforce," Ferguson said. "It's just been amazing, the generosity that has come forth. Every year, it's been getting better and better."
DEFENSE DISCUSSIONS
10/20/2014 03:42 PM CDT
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel meets with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi at the Pentagon, Oct. 20, 2014, to discuss matters of mutual importance.
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