VSRA News

Sequestration Impact Survey - Please HELP!

PLEASE HELP US ASSESS THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF SEQUESTRATION!!!

The Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011 mandated the Pentagon find $489 billion in savings in the next decade, an amount reflected in the FY13 budget currently before Congress. Under sequestration, that figure could double if President Obama and Congress fail by the end of this year to cut an additional $1.2 trillion in government spending over the next decade. If sequestration cuts were imposed, defense spending would be reduced by another roughly $500 billion in additional cuts over the next ten years starting January 1, 2013. The cuts would occur across the board at the Program element level. This takes any flexibility away from making selective cuts where they might have the least impace. The fate of the potential $500 million in additional cuts can not yet be determined, and there is no consensus on the outcome.

PEO Ships to Speak at Joint ASNE / VSRA Dinner

ASNE March Dinner Meeting

Presented by the Tidewater Section of ASNE

& the Virginia Ship Repair Association

When: Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Where: Marriott Springhill Suites ~ 6350 Newtown Road, Norfolk

How: RSVP by NOON, Tuesday the 20th@ www.asne-tw.org

Pay on-line with credit card or pay at the door

Questions: Mike D’Amato @ 757-226-1114 // michael.damato@hii-amsec.com

W R Systems, Ltd. Appoints Dave Edwards as President and COO

WR Systems, Ltd. (WRSystems) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Edwards as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Edwards joined the Virginia-based company in 1996; he replaces Founder Raymond Yu, who retired in November 2011.

Edwards was the chief architect of the company’s Engineering Services Division (ESD), which now employs more than 200 employees in the Norfolk location. Collectively, WRSystems has become a major supplier to the US Federal Government, and supports the US Navy and other departments with high-tech marine electronics, communications, sensor technologies, program management and field-based support, on a 24-hour basis.

Edwards recently led the company’s diversification strategy into the commercial maritime market. By leveraging existing ties with major commercial maritime shipping companies, Edwards seized a market opportunity to develop groundbreaking sensor technology that helps ship owners meet ever-tightening environmental air pollution regulations. ‘Our Emsys™ offering has shown the wider maritime community the strengths that WRSystems and its team of professionals have to offer. Using a “second generation” laser sensor, we have moved the emissions monitoring market forward by years’.

The Emsys project is part of a wider diversification effort that allows the company to expand and operate in new global markets. By establishing a global partner network, a foundation has been laid for the company’s growth as an International player. WRSystems plans to build on the successful reputation generated by Emsys by introducing future commercial maritime products and services.

Edwards credits the team for WRSystems’ success. ‘Recruiting the very best professionals is only part of the picture. Our team is formidable and is empowered with the tools to succeed. The next few years are going to be pivotal in the growth of the organization. This appointment is truly an honour and I thank the Board of Directors of WRSystems for the confidence they have placed in me’.

W R Systems, Ltd., Named 2012 Best Places to Work in Virginia

W R Systems, Ltd., was recently named as one of the 2012 Best Places to Work in Virginia. The annual list of “Best Places to Work” was created by Virginia Business and Best Companies Group.

Governor Control Systems Awarded ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Governor Control Systems, Inc. (GCS) has been awarded ISO9001:2008 certification by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).

GCS achieved certification following in-depth assessments of all aspects of its business by LRQA. Audits of the GCS locations clearly showed how company-wide implementation of best practices has resulted in improved overall processes and led to successful certification. 

The technical expertise, progressive training and customer focus of GCS is a natural fit with the ISO Quality Management System and therefore assured smooth implementation of the ISO 9001:2008 accreditation.

ISO 9001:2008 is the latest revision of the ISO Quality Management System standard recognized worldwide.

About Governor Control Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1998, Governor Control Systems, Inc. (GCS) is a privately held company specializing in the design, installation, service and repair of rotating and reciprocating equipment control solutions. Headquartered in Florida, USA, with branches in Louisiana and Virginia, GCS offers a comprehensive range of products for the service, repair, and system upgrades of engine and turbine control and monitoring equipment. GCS is part of the MSHS Group of companies, providing turn-key solutions for prime movers in the power generation, industrial and marine markets.

W R Systems, Ltd., Awarded Contract for USS PONCE (LPD 15) Bridge

W R Systems, Ltd., (WRSystems), of Norfolk,VA, has been awarded a contract with Military Sealift Command (MSC) for the design, installation, commissioning, and testing of new electronic equipment of the bridge onboard USS PONCE(LPD 15).  The USS PONCE bridge electronics transition team, led by WRSystems, consists of:  J&L Marine Electronics –Portsmouth,VA; Delphinus Engineering Inc. –Norfolk,VA; Raytheon Inc –San Diego,CA; S&S Metals & Plastics –Jacksonville,FL; and BB&G Inc. –Chesapeake,  VA.

USS PONCE, a ship originally built in the 1970s as an amphibious transport ship, is undergoing necessary overhauls to serve as an Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) in the US Central Command area of responsibility.  As an AFSB, USS PONCE will be commanded by a US Navy captain and manned by a combined crew of officers, enlisted Sailors, and Military Sealift Command civilian service mariners.  The upgrades to the USS PONCE bridge electronics package are critical to the ship’s objectives for the equipment specifications, installation, commissioning, testing, training, and demonstration trials needed to meet the new International Maritime Organization (IMO) compliance regulations.  The contract is a single award with a Period of Performance from February 3, 2012, through June 15, 2012.

Defense Contractor Incentives Bill Moves Forward in Richmond

By: Keith Walker <http://www2.insidenova.com/staff/91631/> | Inside NoVA
February 23, 2012

Del. Luke Torian’s House Bill 406 recently passed the Virginia Senate on a 38-to-1 vote with one abstention and is now on the way to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s desk.

Admiral Harvey Focuses on Shipyard Jobs

Top Admiral In Hampton Roads Urges Focus On Jobs

(NORFOLK VIRGINIAN-PILOT 11 FEB 12) ... Meredith Kruse

VIRGINIA BEACH - The Navy's top admiral in Hampton Roads had jobs on his mind Friday - not his own (he will retire this summer) but some 8,000 that local shipyards will look to fill over the next five years.

That represents "an enormous opportunity" to build the region's industrial base while placing young people on a path to stable employment, said Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., the head of Fleet Forces Command. But it won't happen unless the area's leaders work together to create the necessary workforce training programs, he told members of the Navy League's Hampton Roads Council.

Navy Cancels Plan to Move Carrier to Mayport

ALERT: Forbes, Wittman, Rigell Applaud Navy's Decision to Call Off Plans to Move Carrier to Mayport, Florida
Lack of Strategic Need, Budgetary Pressure, and Calls for Accountability by Hampton Roads Lawmakers Prompt Decision to Keep Carrier in Virginia

W R Systems Press Release

W R Systems, Ltd. (WRSystems), has been awarded a key contract to provide its state-of-the-art Digital Electromagnetic Log speed system to Bath Iron Works, Inc., headquartered in Bath, ME, for subsequent installation onboard the US Navy’s Guided Missile Destroyer continuation program. The contract is a multi-year requirements contract, Class Standard Equipment, for which WRSystems has already received one system order.

The Digital Electromagnetic Log, or DEML (pronounced dē′ mul), is a Navy Program of Record system that is critical to the ship’s navigation suite. It accurately measures the speed of the vessel as it traverses the high seas, and replaces the out-dated analog electro-magnetic log system. Employing state-of-the-art digital technology, the DEML is able to provide highly accurate speed-through-water to critical navigation and combat systems.  To date, there are over 100 DEML systems installed on US Navy ships.