The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
May 19, 2020
RESOURCES:
New this week on www.ndtahq.com/covid-19-update/
- Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment Capabilities
- Defense Pricing and Contracting (DPC) COVID-19 Guidance Provided for the Contracting Community (UPDATED)
Recommended articles
- The Miner’s Canary: COVID-19 and the Rise of Non-Traditional Security Threats
- Trump Picks Ex-Drug Company Executive to Lead Accelerated Coronavirus Vaccine Effort
- Our Nation’s Defense Supply Chain Imperative
- Coronavirus Not Slowing Russian, Chinese Space Activities, US General Says
- Stats: Half of Americans Won’t Fly for 60 Days After “All Clear”
- Gartner Describes Three Pre-Vaccine Scenarios for Supply Chain Leaders
Partner News
MG Stephen E. Farmen’s Message to SDDC Industry Partners
MG Stephen Farmen, USA, Commander of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), recently released a video message thanking the command’s industry partners.
He emphasized the close nature of the relationship between industry partners and the command, referring to them as the fourth component and calling them teammates. This sentiment, he said, was especially clear now, as everyone joined together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. […READ MORE…]
Maritime Administration to Host Virtual National Maritime Day Celebration
On Friday, May 22, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) will commemorate the 87th National Maritime Day during a virtual program to be hosted on the agency’s YouTube channel. The theme of this year’s program, “Resilient Sealift for a Resilient Nation,” reflects the U.S. maritime industry’s unwavering support of the nation, especially during challenging times such as these. The event will feature remarks from several government and industry leaders including Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby and Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. […READ MORE…]
WEBINAR: Impact of COVID-19 on Maritime Shipping & Global Logistics Networks
Join the NDTA Washington DC Chapter this Thursday, May 21 from 12:00-1:00pm EST, to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maritime shipping and global logistics networks.
Guest speakers will be Eric Ebeling, President and CEO, American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier, and Chris Heibel, Vice President, American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier (bios). Topics addressed will include: How is this industry dealing with surviving the immediate impact of the Pandemic, with the drastic changes experienced by maritime shipping and attendant global inter-modal networks, since the crisis began only a few months ago? What changes may occur of a short-term nature or long-term structural changes? What can be expected from the Department of Defense as maritime shipping undergoes change? […READ MORE…]
The Motorcoach Industry’s Call to Action
By Sharon Lo, Managing Editor, DTJ & The Source
More than 600 motorcoaches from across the country descended upon Washington, DC, on May 13 to call attention to the importance of their industry to the economy and in keeping America moving. Buses have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet have remained largely overlooked by federal relief funds.
According to a report by the American Bus Association (ABA), between 80 and 95 percent of motorcoach trips have been canceled or are simply not being booked due to the pandemic. March through June is generally the industry’s busy season when approximately half of all revenues are earned. However, regular group travel customers—schools and colleges, summer camps, marching bands, sports teams, senior’s groups, tours, conferences, scheduled and commuter services, and the US military and government—have virtually disappeared since the onset of the pandemic. […READ MORE…]
Editor’s Picks
FMCSA Publishes Final HOS Rule, Granting Flexibility to Drivers
(Transport Topics) The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has published its long-awaited final rule on changes to hours-of-service regulations in a move intended to increase flexibility for truck drivers.
ICYMI Force Projection: Port Diversification Generates Strategic Readiness
(US Army) If and when America goes to war, we will fight by, with, and through seaports. These critical nodes at home and abroad are key to projecting the nation’s decisive military force.
Navy Using ‘Digital Twins’ to Speed Innovation to the Fleet
(Federal News Network) The Navy has started to build virtual replicas of the systems that comprise the IT networks aboard its warships, starting with the ships in the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt strike group. The basic idea is to let developers build and test new ideas on those “digital twins,” letting them get new technology out to the fleet more quickly, and without the risk of breaking mission-critical systems.
Boeing-Built X-37B Launches in Second Mission for U.S. Space Force
(Boeing) The Boeing-built X-37B autonomous spaceplane recently launched on top of a uniquely configured United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The X-37B’s sixth mission is the first to use a service module with additional payload capability to support a variety of experiments for multiple government partners.
Agility DGS Selected for U.S. Army Transport Contract in Europe
(Agility) Agility Defense & Government Services (DGS) is among the companies chosen for a position on a new U.S. Army contract to manage movement of troops, equipment, and related material throughout Europe.
(Norfolk Southern) Despite economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to CEO James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern is well-positioned to safely and successfully weather the unprecedented situation.
Savi Teams with Department of Defense Leaders & Partners to Equip First Responders for Success
(Savi) Savi has announced it has successfully delivered the first of two multi-million-dollar orders of the Savi Portable Deployment Kit (PDK) III to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to help first responders deployed to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Army Awards Crowley as Third Party Logistics Provider in Europe
(Crowley) Crowley Solutions has received a multi-year award from the U.S. Army 409th Contracting Support Brigade-Theater Contracting Command to provide transportation of personnel and cargo and procurement of material handling equipment (MHE) under the Third Party Logistics Europe Wide Movement (3PLEWM) contract.
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.