The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
February 12, 2020
YOU’RE INVITED: Category Management Virtual Event
Please join us for the next government-wide category management virtual event!
What: A learning and information session for industry, hosted by the Office of Management and Budget and the Government-wide Category Management Program Management Office.
Many of the data tools and dashboards used for government-wide category management—previously available only to government users—are now available to the public! These are the same tools and dashboards the federal acquisition workforce uses, and we’ve recently made several improvements to make it even easier […READ MORE…]
By Sharon Lo Managing Editor, Defense Transportation Journal and The Source
The 2020 GovTravel Symposium is just two weeks away—taking place 24-26 February at the Hilton Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. If you are still undecided about whether or not to attend or simply want to prepare for this year’s event, we have put together this recap of last year’s conference. The perspective GovTravels provides is unparalleled by any other event and we hope you will make it a priority to attend. […READ MORE…]
US Space Force: Funding, Personnel, & Working with Commercial Industry
By Sharon Lo Managing Editor, Defense Transportation Journal and The Source
During last week’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump touted the creation of the US Space Force as one of the key accomplishments of his administration. Here is what you should know about the newest branch of our armed forces.
Establishment
In June 2018, President Trump directed the Pentagon to establish a US Space Force. However, the service wasn’t officially established until the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was passed by Congress […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Picks
Used Ships Could Solve Sealift Readiness Issues
(DOD News) The aging vessels used to move personnel, equipment and supplies around the world pose a readiness concern, according to the Commander of US Transportation Command.
The Military’s Contractor Cyber Standards Are Officially Here
(FedScoop) The Pentagon has issued the final standards under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Version 1.0 marks the first step towards implementing the new cybersecurity standards into all Department of Defense contracts.
DOD Budget Proposal Includes $7.8B in Cuts, Transfers from Defense Agencies
(Federal News Network) The 2021 budget the Pentagon will roll out next week will include $5.7 billion in program reductions across the dozens of agencies that make up the Defense Department’s “fourth estate,” and $2.1 billion worth of additional functions that DoD wants to move from Defense agencies to the military services.
Global Logistics 2020: Mixed Feelings Permeate Operations
(Logistics Management) Last year was another extremely turbulent period of time for the global transport and logistics industry. With 2019 in the rearview mirror, here’s what should be on your radar for 2020.
The Air Force and Navy Have Stealth Fighters So Why Not Also Stealth Tankers?
(The National Interest) Key point: Washington needs to ensure its stealth fighters can have the range they need to reach enemy targets. But that won’t work if its tankers aren’t stealthy and give the game away.
Can Warfighters Remain the Masters of AI?
(War on the Rocks) The Department of Defense is engaging in a dangerous experiment: It is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) equipment and technologies while simultaneously underinvesting in preparation for the workforce will need to understand its implementation.
Interview: Why AAR’s Chief Sees Lots of Runway
(Aviation Week) Labor shortages, the MAX crisis, technological enablers and lucrative opportunities: John Holmes, the President and CEO of aircraft maintenance powerhouse AAR Corp., discusses all this and more.
OOIDA to Senators: Congress Contributes to Dysfunction in Trucking
(Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association [OOIDA]) OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh recently voiced concerns of truckers at the “Keep on Truckin’: Stakeholder Perspectives on Trucking in America” hearing before the US Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety.
Intermodal Finishes the Fourth Quarter Down
(Intermodal Association of North America [IANA]) Total intermodal volumes dropped 7.4 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report.
Freight Constraints in China, Could Rail Freight Be an Option?
(Crane Worldwide Logistics) Wuhan, the epicenter of the Coronavirus outbreak, is not only a very important hub on the New Silk Road, it is also the most important transportation hub for China as most Passenger and Cargo Trains go through the city as a central point. With current constraints on Wuhan and other cities, Crane provides insights into options for freight shipping out of China.
United Airlines to Become Only Major U.S. Carrier To Own and Operate a Flight Training Academy
(United Airlines) United Airlines has further expanded its innovative Aviate pilot program by signing a purchase agreement to become the only major U.S. carrier to own a flight training academy.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.