Jeff Blizzard

On Friday, September 20, 2024, the Department of Defense awarded fourteen Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grants from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, totaling approximately $100 million. DCIP is a competitive program for states, territories, and communities to undertake infrastructure enhancements to support military value, the training of cadets at independent "covered educational institutions," installation resiliency, and/or family quality of life that benefits their local installations. The City of Copperas Cove, Texas was awarded $10,308,877 to undertake a project to construct road improvements for better installation access and to reduce traffic congestion, increase safety and security, and improve surface deployments. This project will support the facilitation capabilities for future larger-scale enhancements, such as a regional multi-modal transportation hub, which will benefit both Fort Cavazos and the community at large, enhancing readiness, resilience, and quality of life for service members, families, and surrounding communities. Read the full press release, here: https://lnkd.in/g_2MQDC5

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

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ESF-16 Countering Disinformation in Emergency & Disaster Response This is a call for the development of an entirely new ESF to respond to the geometrically growing and unstoppable national security threat of disinformation, misinformation and lies Even using the term "Countering Disinformation" will generate negative responses from both from within and external the EMHS domain Title the new ESF-16 whatever it needs to be titled but the absolute necessity for this function cannot be minimized or denied & must be quickly embraced This is NOT the skill set of those working in ESF-2 or ESF-15 The new ESF-16 needs to be resourced with highly training professionals having and deploying the skills necessary to effectively operate in a counter-information environment EMHS is certainly years, maybe even a decade, behind the dark side. It will take a significant, and even risky, leadership commitment, fiscal investments, personnel resources and years of sustained effort to get this up to the capabilities needed to operate successfully Unfortunately I don't see this happening anytime soon It's not that we can't solve the problem of countering disinformation in emergency and disaster management & response, we cannot even understand the scope of the problem nor is it likely that EMHS will have the capability for the rapid creation of the necessary response https://lnkd.in/gGPWk6X7

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#ICYMI: The White House recently released updated climate adaptation plans from several federal agencies, highlighting a comprehensive government response to climate change. To train, fight, and win in this increasingly complex environment, the United States Department of Defense has taken broad steps to address climate-related risks at every level of the enterprise. These efforts align with President Biden's whole-of-government approach to climate change, including a directive for federal agencies to develop climate adaptation plans and report annually on their progress. Building on these efforts, DoD's 2024-2027 climate adaptation plan, set to be released later this summer, outlines further steps to ensure the department can operate under changing climate conditions. Stay tuned for more updates on our commitment to addressing climate change and ensuring national security! #SustainTheForce

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🔆 🔸 DRFP ALERT 🔸 🔆 WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK AND WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! See the latest RFI, which has been updated to a DRFP here: https://lnkd.in/gqjSAdH5 #DRFP #ArmyDigitalOdyssey #ArmyModernization #InformationSharing

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📣 Potential for some good changes in Army procurement. [Industry Article] Young Bang Details Army Efforts to Modernize Acquisition Processes To take advantage of the capabilities industry has to offer, the Army is embracing more flexible acquisition methods and moving away from strict adherence to traditional approaches. The Army recently released a directive calling for the adoption of a hybrid model, which he said “encourages all different types of things, encourages creativity, but doesn’t want us to default to firm-fixed-price.” https://lnkd.in/e_HQDZy6 #GovCon #SmallBusiness #Accounting #GovernmentContracting #GovernmentContractor #FederalContracting #FederalGovernment #DoD #Army #Procurement #Acquisition

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#cost_analysis come work interesting acquisition programs in a growing cost organization

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📺 This week's episode is now available On Demand Presented by National Contract Management Association (NCMA) 📌 John Tenaglia, Principal Director, Defense Pricing and Contracting at the United States Department of Defense (DoD) discusses the ongoing efforts to enhance the DoD's acquisition process, emphasizing the need for both effective contracting practices and the integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. He highlights the importance of improving interactions between DoD contracting professionals and technology providers. 📌Kraig Conrad, CAE, CTP, CEO at National Contract Management Association (NCMA) outlined several key aspects of the World Congress and its ongoing initiatives. He emphasized the event's mission to reinvigorate participants by providing engaging workshop simulations and introducing innovative content. The goal is to inspire attendees to embrace existing regulations while also exploring new ideas. 📌Jeff Koses, Senior Procurement Executive at GSA discussed the transition from the first to second generation of the Federal Advisory Committee focused on acquisitions policy. The first generation's success led to a decision to continue with a new focus, aiming to establish consistent policy guardrails and standardized operating practices to foster technology growth. More: https://lnkd.in/emMz8x7J #FedGovToday #DefenseAcquisition #DoD #TechIntegration #NCMA #ContractManagement #FederalAcquisitions #GSA #AcquisitionPolicy

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Know what the VA gives ratings for and how they calculate things! Last week I posted the VA's BDD program... this week a bit more detail on how to understand your conditions and what to expect from your ratings. - Know what you claimed in your BDD or VA claim, figure out how those ailments are covered, and understand how percentages are calculated by the VA. - How the VA comes up with ratings: https://lnkd.in/e6e8GXUJ - Look for your ailments and understand how ratings are derived for each. - Example: I have sleep apnea and could have chosen between two treatment options: CPAP or mouth guard. Either could have fixed the problem and both were medically relevant. I chose the CPAP machine because it did the best job even though it’s a nightly pain... AND... this treatment option also gives validity towards a 50% VA rating, while the mouth guard might only be categorized as "persistent daytime hypersomnolence (daytime sleepiness)" or "documented sleep disorder breathing". - I'm not advocating for making things up or for overstating injuries! - I advocate for each of us to be informed on how ratings are determined and ensuring we get what we should get. - Know your body, know the system, and make smart decisions! - This info can also help with supplemental claims, appealing previous denials, and all VA benefit rating issues. I'm not an expert but these are just a few nuggets I learned on the way out. #military #veterans #militaryretirement #retirement #militarytransition #transition #VAclaim #VA #BDD

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Herkimer Oneida Organizations Active in Disaster (HOOAD) is urgently seeking assistance from the community to report debris removal needs by calling 211. While HOOAD cannot guarantee assistance for every reported need, identifying a strong and clear demand significantly increases the chances of bringing in the necessary support teams. Community input is essential in demonstrating the urgency and scope of the situation to mobilize resources effectively. Trained volunteers are essential when operating chainsaws and other equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. However, local volunteers will be utilized whenever possible to support the recovery efforts. Interested volunteers are encouraged to email [email protected] for more information on how they can help. In addition to debris removal, residents can call 211 to report other unmet needs resulting from the tornado. This includes: - Housing: Assistance with finding temporary or long-term shelter. - Food: Access to emergency food supplies and meals. - Medical Needs: Help with obtaining necessary medications or medical equipment. - Referrals: Connections to various local services and support organizations. - Financial Assistance: Information on financial aid for disaster recovery. - Mental Health Services: Support and counseling for those affected by the disaster.

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Want to know what the DC3oE and I are up to? Here's an article and associated audio of an interview I gave to Federal News Network where I talk about contracting for modern software development and the DC3oE initiatives, challenges, and trajectory.

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The Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) is essential for outlining prevention needs across military units. Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, SgtMaj Troy E. Black, underscores the importance of this survey in collecting key data on unit climate, harassment, and discrimination. The insights from DEOCS feed into the Comprehensive Integrated Primary Prevention Plan (CIPP), which addresses specific needs at each installation. The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW) then carries out this plan within local communities, aligning with the DoD's mission to prevent harmful behaviors and enhance organizational climate. This collaborative effort ensures that prevention strategies are effectively tailored and implemented to foster safer and more inclusive environments. #IPPW #PreventionStrategies #OrganizationalClimate #PrimaryPrevention #DoDMission

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We are thrilled to announce that the General Services Administration (GSA) is planning to establish the Open Government Federal Advisory Committee (OG FAC) and has a call out for nominees! The OG FAC will advise on Open Government initiatives that increase the public's access to data, advancing equity, and transparency. For more information please check out the just released Federal Register Notice https://lnkd.in/euX4G8MV. The need for institutionalizing open government and transparency initiatives at the federal level has never been greater. We believe that the OG FAC will play a crucial role in improving the delivery of government services and benefits by providing expert advice, increasing public engagement, and making government records more accessible. We are seeking to form a diverse pool of advisors  to serve on the committee, providing advice on a wide range of issues. We envision and encourage a cross-section of society to apply. If you're interested in serving on the OG FAC, please submit your nomination letter to Arthur Brunson, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), General Services Administration, Office of Government-wide Policy, 1800 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20405, or email it with the subject line "OG FAC Nomination" to [email protected]. Open Government Partnership #Transparency #OpenGov #opengovernment #FederalGovernment

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Exciting Developments in U.S. Military Maintenance Operations   The United States Department of Defense is embarking on a transformative journey with the Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF), aiming to shift maintenance operations closer to potential conflict zones. This initiative, starting in the Indo-Pacific Command, seeks to build an international maintenance ecosystem with trusted allies and vendors. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and regional capabilities, the DoD aims to enhance readiness and reduce dependency on stateside repairs, addressing the logistical challenges posed by long over-ocean lines of communication. Versar Global Solutions stands ready to support the RSF initiative and the Department of Defense throughout INDOPACOM and beyond. #DefenseLogistics #MilitaryMaintenance #GovCon #INDOPACOM

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The United States Department of Defense unveiled the DoD Housing Feedback System (DHFS), a significant step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in privatized military housing. This new system empowers active-duty Service members and their families to provide feedback on their current housing, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed promptly.    Why DHFS Matters: 🔹 Empowerment: Submit feedback on housing conditions and receive prompt responses from landlords. 🔹 Transparency: Enhances communication, ensuring concerns are addressed swiftly. 🔹 Support: Access official housing resources, including maintenance requests, dispute resolutions, and the Tenant Bill of Rights.   "The Department of Defense has a moral obligation to ensure that the spaces where our Service members and their families live are healthy, functional, and resilient. This new feedback system aligns with Secretary Austin's priority to Take Care of Our People,” said Deborah Rosenblum, Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.    To access the DHFS and help us enhance the quality of military housing, visit https://www.dhfs.mil/.   #TakeCareOfOurPeople #SustainTheForce #MilitaryHousing

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