The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association

May 8, 2024

SFPC Meeting

SFPC is Just a Week Away – Don’t Miss Your Chance to Attend

The National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and Christopher Newport University’s Center for American Studies (CAS) jointly present the NDTA-CAS Surface Force Projection Conference (SFPC):  “Ready Now – Contested Joint Force Deployments to and through Strategic Ports,” May 14-17, 2024 at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. With just a week to go, there is still time for you to join us! […READ MORE…]

Dr. Amir Bagherpour: A.I. – It’s Here and Will Change the Government Traveler’s Experience

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the defense and government sectors stand on the brink of a revolution. At the 2024 GovTravels Symposium, Dr. Amir Bagherpour, Managing Director at Accenture Federal Services, delivered a compelling keynote that underscored the transformative potential of AI in enhancing the government traveler’s experience. […READ MORE…]

Your Source

Department of Defense Issues Class Deviation on Cybersecurity Standards for Covered Contractor Information Systems

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, today issued a Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) class deviation relating to the cybersecurity standards required for covered contractor information systems. […READ MORE…]

 

Tee Up for the Scott-St. Louis Golf Classic on July 12

Join the NDTA Scott-St. Louis Chapter for its annual golf tournament on Friday, July 12 at the Orchards Golf Club in Belleville, Illinois. All proceeds support the chapter scholarship fund and other charities. Sponsorship opportunities are available. […READ MORE…]

DLA Distribution San Joaquin Hosts Expeditionary Academy

By John Johnson, DLA Distribution Public Affairs Office

Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, recently hosted a two-week DLA Distribution Expeditionary Academy for members of DLA’s Joint Reserve Force. […READ MORE…]

Editor’s Picks

Congress Faces Another Countdown, this Time FAA Reauthorization

(Federal News Network)  The debate continues in Congress surrounding one of the nation’s busiest airports. D.C.-area lawmakers want to nix an attempt to add flights to Reagan National Airport. Hanging in the balance is a re-authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Marines, Navy Crafting Long-Term Fixes for Amphibious Warship Shortages

(USNI News)  While the long-term future for the amphibious fleet is secured with a Navy commitment to 31 amphibious warships in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, the short-term problem of getting Marines to sea is less settled.

Commentary: Why Increasing the Value of Defense Primes is Good for the Country

(War on the Rocks)  In March 2023, the Department of Defense released a report declaring, “In aggregate, the defense industry is financially healthy, and its financial health has improved over time.” In fact, few people would argue that defense contracting isn’t a lucrative business. But if the defense industrial base, and in particular America’s traditional primes, is so healthy, then why is the government spending so much money to get so little innovation into the hands of servicemembers? 

Safety Practices, Culture Help Carriers Reduce Liability

(Transport Topics)  When a crash happens, it is a carrier’s policies, procedures and routines that could lead to a nuclear verdict.

The Navy is Embedding Info-Warfare Officers into Recruiting Commands

(Defense One)  The Navy is ramping up recruiting for information warfare and cyber operators nationwide to contend with previous retention challenges, the Navy’s IW boss said. It’s part of a new initiative to attract and retain young tech talent.

Florida Man Sentenced for Selling Counterfeit Computer Systems for Fighter Jets

(Task & Purpose)  A Florida man was sentenced to 78 months in prison this week for a scheme selling counterfeit computer software that ended up being used by the Army, Navy and Air Force, among others. Onur Aksoy, 40, was sentenced at the start of May for selling tens of thousands of counterfeit Cisco computer software to several entities in the United States, including parts of the U.S. military’s supply chains.

U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index: Truck Freight Contraction Continues

(U.S. Bank)  The latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index revealed that the U.S. truck freight market contracted significantly during the first three months of 2024. Spending by shippers decreased 27.9% in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2023 and was down 16.8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Meanwhile, shipments dropped 21.6% from a year prior and 7.8% from the fourth quarter of 2023.

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) Supports the Deployment of the Patriot Brigade inside the Arctic Circle

(American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group)  The 838th Transportation Battalion discharged more than 600 pieces of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division equipment off the M/V ARC Integrity.

Survey: Manufacturing Industry Optimism on the Rise, Material Costs and Labor Challenges Become Less Worrisome

(Sikich)  As concerns about a potential recession are subsiding in early 2024 and the economy continues to experience better-than-expected growth, manufacturers’ optimism of business prospects over the next six months has increased, according to a new industry report.

All Aboard. Amtrak Goes Live with Concur TripLink Integration.

(SAP Concur)  Amtrak, the U.S. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, has officially joined the Concur TripLink ecosystem. Investing in the future of rail, with modern fleets and infrastructure, has redefined the rail experience for SAP Concur customers. This new integration offers business travelers flexibility and access to easily shop, book and expense receipts through an integrated experience with SAP Concur solutions.

The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.

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