Spring 2008 - Tec
Transcription
Spring 2008 - Tec
2008 Volume 1:1 TMI’s Process Improvement: 6 Certified as Raytheon Six Sigma Specialists Tec-Masters, Inc. INSIDE VIEW... A View From the Bridge .............................. 2 Advanced e-Teaching Technology................................................... 2 Raytheon Six Sigma & TMI: Training & Transforming ............................... 3 Process Improvement: CMMI Level 2 Appraisal Successful........... 4 European Space Agency (ESA) Collaboration ............................................... 5 PFRMS: Maintaining the Flow DS & ORG Tool Kits ....................................... 6 Lawton Operations: SETA Contract and Field Artillery School ............................ 7 5-Year Contract Awards: National Transit Institute, Rutgers University & TMI ............... 7 Multimedia Department Supports Alaska Training Range Evolution Plan (ATREP) ...... 8 TMI Presents at 38th Annual AAMU Business | Industry Cluster.......................... 9 Pictured left to right: Kim Green, Raytheon Six Sigma Spartan and Six Sigma Project Coach; Bob Lewis, TMI Quality Manager; and Marvin Carroll, TMI President and CEO. Six Sigma Specialists Certificates were presented to Bob Lewis along with five other Tec-Masters employees who successfully completed the Six Sigma Specialist Training. TECTEC-MASTERS, INCORPORATED INCORPORATED is committed to our corporate quality policy, “Quality Is The Key to Customer Satisfaction.” One key to maintaining that commitment has been our ongoing participation in the Raytheon Six Sigma Program. Six Sigma improvements are well underway at Tec-Masters with the recent completion of the TMI RDSIS Accounting Project and the certification of several key TMI personnel as Six Sigma Specialists. Kim Greene, Raytheon Six Sigma Spartan and Principal Software Engineer for Integrated Defense Systems, served as the Subject Matter Expert (SMI) and coach for the TMI RDSIS Accounting Project and subsequent follow-on projects. The focus of this effort was the implementation of improvements to the TMI Accounting System and the integration of a new online contracts database to support instant information exchange. (Continued on Page 3) “Home Court Advantage”—National Child Advocacy Center Teams With TMI ........ 10 Systems & Logistics Directorate Army & Marine Corps Support ................. 10 TMI Human Resources............................... 11 Mid-Atlantic Operations SeaPort-E Multiple Award Contract ......... 12 TMI Staffers Honored With “Silver Snoopy” Awards ............................ 13 Item Unique Identification (IUID).............. 14 Missile Defense Directorate: BMDS FBS-T Radar Digital Signal Injection System ................. 15 TMI — Ava Awards Winner........................ 15 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 The View… from the bridge… “A PATH FORWARD” Tec-Masters is a company whose name has always been synonymous with “teamwork.” Why? Because we recognize that the strength of our team is only as viable as each component part, each member of the Tec-Masters’ team— each of you. The intrinsic value Dr. Marvin P. Carroll President & CEO represented here is the fact that when we move forward to approach any business opportunity or challenge, if we do so utilizing the strength that lies in a “pooling” of diverse talents, abilities, and ideas, then the collective value and strength of the whole is increased. In other words, what Tec-Masters has to offer “as a team,” increases in value to the customer when our efforts are combined, because it yields the “best of the best.” This is no small feat in this day of all things hyper-technical. We can more successfully pursue the work with a “team” approach if we understand, recognize, and embrace the power of diversity within the team structure. Our individual responsibility as integral parts of the “quality is the key to customer satisfaction” equation, becomes clear, because this is the performance banner under which TMI operates as a whole. As a matter of perspective and approach, consider that our relationships with key individuals (team members) at all levels of work and play has a broader application— they qualify us as individual business developers. Additional opportunities are as close as a helping hand, a pleasant greeting, casual conversation, or unexpected kindness. Consequently, let us expand our thinking to encompass an enlarged role that can be instrumental in propelling Tec-Masters forward into NEW business ventures. Our continued efforts to spark creativity and increase productivity pays homage to our corporate motto, “Where Technology Meets Imagination.” Challenges may lie ahead, but rewards are sure to follow if we continue to pursue the Path Forward. “The Best Kept Secret” TMI’s Advanced eTeaching Technology W hat is the best kept secret in the field of eTeaching? If you’ve got questions, Tec-Masters’ eTeaching system has answers. TMI has access to some of the most advanced eTeaching technology currently in the market, and we are able to access this technology with high levels of server stability wherever Internet access exists. TMI offers a wide variety of collegiate level academic and corporate training courses that are attractive to users for a variety of reasons. One primary incentive is the personalized approach and the real-time interaction process provided by access to an “actual” tutor who “resides” on the other side of the computer monitor, versus a “virtual” tutor who resides “somewhere” in cyberspace. TMI’s application of technological advances in eTeaching provides users with a range of flexibility in environments that is adaptable to individual lifestyles and is conducive to learning. It enhances the avenues of access to academics and corporate training and allows students to excel and advance, by utilizing teaching and learning tools that are available when they are. Tec-Masters' eTeaching offers easily accessible online interactive internet service that provides live teachermoderated electronic whiteboards. Our whiteboards are the key to the communication gap that is seen in so many other online educational assistance sites. The whiteboard allows users and teachers alike to not only type and respond, but to also provide a diagram or drawing that will help visual learners. However, from a technical perspective, the strength of the system is its virtually mistake-free hardware. Hosted by Tec-Masters, Inc., this system allows hundreds, even thousands of users to seamlessly access courses at the same time. Although students are attracted by the flexibility and ease of internet access, real praise often comes from those teachers who utilizing the system as administrators. Most teachers site the huge reduction in paperwork— sometimes even the complete elimination of paperwork, as reason enough to embrace eTeaching. TMI’s eTeaching system also allows teachers to post and store students’ grades and course feedback, both with real-time accessibility. Tec-Masters is able to structure individual eTeaching systems to meet both individual and organizational needs. For instance, Excelsior College in Albany, New York is using TMI’s eTeaching courseware to develop certificate programs for a large student base located throughout the New York and New Jersey areas. J. F. Drake State Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama (Continued on page 9) Page 2 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 RAYTHEON 6σ AND TMI: TRAINING & TRANSFORMING TECTEC-MASTERS, INC. is dedicated to the process of training and education necessary to transform our corporate quality landscape through our proactive participation in the Raytheon Six Sigma Program. Six Sigma is a knowledge-based set of systematic quality methods and initiatives focused on business process improvement. It provides businesses with the tools to improve the overall functional quality of their core capabilities through the use of six specific steps: VISUALIZE, COMMIT, PRIORITIZE, CHARACTERIZE, IMPROVE and ACHIEVE. Raytheon’s Kim Green (left), and TMIs Amanda Hoot and Lori Diaz, display Tec-Masters’ Certificate of Qualification for the completion of the R6 Sigma TMI RDSIS Accounting Project. Raytheon presented certificates and awards to TMI employees who successfully completed Six Sigma Specialist Training. Sue Khoury, Raytheon Integrated Supply Chain Lead for the Warfighter Protection Center (front left) presents an award to Dr. Marvin P. Carroll, President & CEO of Tec-Masters, Inc., on behalf of the Six Sigma Team for “Outstanding Performance and Improvement.” Also pictured (front row right) is Kim Greene, Raytheon Six Sigma Principal Engineer. Pictured 2nd row left: Vickie Shankwitz, Raytheon Cost Accounting Specialist; Delayna Haraway, TMI Accounts Receivable Administrator; Amanda Hoot, TMI RDSIS Business Manager; Bob Lewis, TMI Quality Manager; and Jack Davis, TMI Process Consultant. Pictured back row left: Roosevelt Conley, TMI Associate Director Business Development; Doug Walker, TMI Senior Contracts Administrator; and Lori Diaz, TMI Missile Defense Systems Exerciser Business Manager. Mr. Billy Lovelady, Manager, Engineering Division, Raytheon Technical Services Corporation, in Huntsville, AL, served as co-sponsor for TMI’s initial Raytheon Six Sigma Training course in August 2005. Thirty-one (31) TMI employees successfully completed “phase one” of the training initiative under the leadership of Raytheon’s Martin Leek, Certified Raytheon Six Sigma Expert, System & Integration Engineering. In July 2006 that group was augmented by eleven additional staffers who completed the rigorous specialist training. In July 2007 Tec-Masters was recognized as a Raytheon Six Sigma Specialist through the work accomplished on the TMI RDSIS Accounting Project, and as a result, TMI is now a Six Sigma Qualified supplier. In September 2007, Raytheon presented certificates and awards to TMI employees who successfully completed the Six Sigma Specialist Training. The initiative was led by Kim Greene, Raytheon Six Sigma Spartan and Principal Software Engineer for integrated Defense Systems served as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and coach for this training initiative. TMI now has a total of eleven certified Six Sigma Specialists: Gerry Borello, RDSIS Program Manager; Tobricy Gardner, Systems Integrator, Lou Rosenthal, Technical Director Radar Systems; Mala Thompson, Senior Specialty Engineer & Manager NASA Programs; Lynne Woods, Senior Administrative Assistant; Roosevelt Conley, Associate Director Business Development; Lori Diaz, Missile Defense Systems Exerciser Business Manager; Amanda Hoot, RDSIS Business Manager; Bob Lewis, Quality Manager; Doug Walker, Senior Contracts Administrator; and DeLayna Haraway, Accounts Receivable Administrator. As Tec-Masters continues to grow, we continue to identify areas of improvement where these tools can be implemented to improve the quality of our products and services. Our goal is to train and certify key employees in the Six Sigma processes and proced ures , thereby, maximizing both customer value and customer satisfaction.Ò Raytheon Six Sigma Principal Engineer, Kim Greene, presents R6σ “Desk Set Award” to TMI President, Marvin Carroll. The award is in honor of TecMasters’ achievement as a Six Sigma qualifier. Page 3 2008 Volume 1:1 Process Improvement Initiatives TMI CERTIFIED AT CMMI LEVEL 2 T ec-Masters, Inc. has successfully completed compliance requirements for two process improvement initiatives. The TMI Missile Directorate concluded its Software Engineering Institute (SEI) “Class A” Appraisal for compliance with SEI Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 2. TMI also concluded our third re-registration audit for ISO 9001:2000 — a clear indication of the continuous improvement of that program. The showcase project for the CMMI appraisal was the Radar Digital Signal Injection System (RDSIS). This milestone is the culmination of more than two years of process improvement initiatives across the entire site. TMI is actively involved with three different process improvement initiatives: ISO 9000, CMMI, and Six Sigma. Viewed individually, these processes might appear to compete for resources, however, they can be simultaneously utilized to yield better products and improve business services and effectiveness across the board. TMI’s quality motto, “Quality is the Key to Customer Satisfaction,” is a corporate performance standard that is prominently posted in every TMI facility for maximum visibility and continual emphasis on the corporate criterion for customer satisfaction—the driving force behind our Quality Policy. Our proactive pursuit of process improvements has been in direct response to industry standards for business operations in all sectors from the automotive industry to NASA programs. As a result, TMI’s ISO effort has become the pathfinder for future improvement initiatives. As a result, we are more competitive and better equipped to meet the ever increasing technological demands of business and industry while remaining cognizant of our customers’ needs. Tec-Masters, Inc. Over the past 10 years, the software community has accounted for one of the largest sectors of government spending. As a result, clauses have been added to major Requests for Proposals (RFPs) requiring that contractors be Capability Maturity Model (CMM) certified to Maturity Level 3. This requirement began with Software CMM, which has now expired in favor of the CMM Integration (CMMI) that covers hardware and software development. How does the CMMI Level 2 rating benefit TMI? 1) It bolsters our recognition in the community as a more mature and dedicated developer; 2) It qualifies us to bid on certain types of contracts that would otherwise be unavailable without the rating; 3) It establishes credibility in our processes and procedures across the site; 4) It provides our customers with much improved program management, engineering, and support practices; and 5) It paves the way for the company to eventually become CMMI Level 3 (anticipated in 2008). Steve Pennington, Anniston Army Depot, (second from the right) is awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for Quality Assurance. Pictured left to right: Roosevelt Conley (Business Development); John Bramblett (TMI Multimedia); and Bob Lewis (TMI Quality). TMI’s third process improvement initiative, Six Sigma, provides a comprehensive approach to problem solving, which is very useful in improving the quality of our products and services and providing better customer satisfaction. It is a more precise way of reviewing and measuring the quality of products and processes, and of providing resolutions for the root causes of critical issues. More than 40 TMI employees have successfully completed the formal training, so as our current active projects are accomplished, TMI will attain rankings in the Six Sigma hierarchy. Raytheon has mentored Tec-Masters in all three of these process improvement efforts and has provided training and expert advisors as well. These three initiatives work together in truly synergistic ways by providing complementary functions and features that in turn contribute to better quality products and a more satisfied work force—all of which leads to improved Customer Satisfaction! Ò Page 4 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & SPACE PROGRAMS (AT&SP) TMIS SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION SUPPORT (SDOS) TEAM AND EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA) COLLABORATION ________________________________________ International Space Station (ISS) and Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) Facility Projects A s a member of the Systems Development and Operations Support (SDOS) Team, TMI is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) Facility on board the International Space Station (ISS) and the integration and implementation of scientific investigations using the facility. The MSG project is divided into three parts: (1) Integration of experiment investigations into the facility & ISS; (2) Verification testing of investigation hardware, and; (3) Maintenance and Logistic support of the Flight Unit on ISS, Engineering Unit at MSFC, Ground Unit at MSFC, & Training Unit at JSC. TMI team members Reggie Spivey, Andrew Tygielski, Phillip Bryant, and Chris Butler traveled to Bremen, Germany where they met with officials from the European Space Agency (ESA). The purpose of the trip was to discuss ESA experiments that will operate in the MSG and the future relocation of the MSG flight unit from the US lab module (Destiny) to the European lab module (Columbus). The Columbus module launch in October 2007 and the MSG facility were the first rack transfer from the US Destiny module to the ESA Columbus module as a part of the partner agreement between the US and ESA. The TMI team is currently preparing experiment payloads for launch on additional shuttle missions in 2008. TMI is also supporting advanced fabrication methods for NASA MSFC's In Situ Fabrication and Repair (ISFR)/ In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Space Exploration Technologies and Capabilities Development. Fabrication systems in development utilize layered manufacturing methods whereby complex shape parts are made from powders via layer-by-layer buildup of parts. In this method, metal or plastic powder is spread over a starting plate and a high power laser beam or electron beam traces the outline of parts to fuse the TMI’s SDOS Team (Reggie Spivey, Andrew Tygielski, Phillip Bryant, and Chris Butler) shown with European Space Agency officials in Bremen, Germany. powder into solid form. A new layer of powder is spread on top of the previous fused layer and the process is repeated at each step in height within the build vat to literally grow parts in three dimensions. Complex geometries are made possible that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve since the interior of a part is literally accessible during the build-up process at a given height. This allows parts to be made within other parts such as interwoven lattice structures, spiral wound fluid or gas passages, and enclosed cavities to be incorporated into part designs. Investment cast grade parts with full strength and density are typically produced within a matter of several hours directly from 3D CAD model files. This technology will be used to support NASA's Exploration Vision by building innovative parts on the Earth and perhaps someday on the Lunar and Martian surfaces. This capability may be used to replace failed parts while in-flight or to help build human outposts from materials mined and refined within extraterrestrial environments.Ò Page 5 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 SYSTEMS AND LOGISTICS DIRECTORATE SUPPORTS PFRMS DS & ORG TOOL KITS “Maintaining the Flow” T he Tec-Masters Systems and Logistics Directorate recently completed a major portion of an on-going support project for the Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems (PFRMS) Project Office at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The project entailed the assembly and delivery of tool kits used for maintenance on the MLRS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers fielded by PFRMS transported by ship or C-17’s. As the HIMARS launchers are being fielded to the Warfighter, these tool kits are issued to support organizational and direct support maintenance for the system in HIMARS battalions. TMI support includes the total process of assembly and delivery of Direct Support (DS) and Organizational (ORG) Tool Kits to the customer. The work was accomplished in the MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM) Support Facility at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, which is a Government-owned contractor run facility. The kits displayed (photos left) are “laid out” for issue to the Oklahoma Army National Guard (OKARNG). All hand tools are labeled to government requirements and sealed in plastic. The crates that are visible in the background were also constructed at the MFOM facility. The number of small parts required in the assembly process makes the issue of inventory control on each kit, of key importance, but it is well worth the exactitude of meeting the specification requirements when the soldier sees the level of quality and attention to detail rendered to the tools and kits they receive. Currently, the MLRS community is the only group that receives this caliber of tool kit. The final kits were assembled for the Marine Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. TMI is proud to continue to be a part of this support effort. SECURITY Tool Kits displayed at the Oklahoma Army National Guard HIMARS fielding site at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. to the US Army Active Component, Army National Guard and US Marine Corps (USMC). The HIMARS Launcher is replacing the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Launcher. M270 and M270A1 MLRS launchers are tracked vehicles, similar to tanks. However, with the proliferation of light forces, there is an emphasized need for light weight and high mobility. As a result, the HIMARS launchers are mounted on a truck chassis and can be airlifted out by C-130 or larger aircraft as opposed to being WIRELESS DEVICES: DOD REQUIREMENTS T he Department of Defense (DoD) requires contractors to protect all classified information to which they have access or custody. Therefore, it is our job to mitigate risks associated with wireless devices in areas where employees are working with classified information or where classified discussions may be held. Per DoD, some wireless devices can be activated remotely and thus become an active listening device, without the device owner’s knowledge. Depending on the device/technology, appropriate security countermeasures may range from ensuring that a wireless device is turned off, to not using the device in classified areas. When in doubt, err towards caution. Wireless devices can include, but are not limited to: Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), cell phones, twoway pagers, and handheld or wireless Global Positioning Systems (GPS). For more information, contact: 12 of 58 total Tool Kits assembled at the MFOM Support Facility Rich Grandey, TMI FSO | Office: 256.721.8777 Email: [email protected] Page 6 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 TMI Lawton Operations NATIONAL TRANSIT INSTITUTE (NTI) AWARDS TWO 5-YEAR CONTRACTS TO TMI FIELD ARTILLERY SCHOOL “CRADLE-TO-GRAVE” SUPPORT T he Tec-Masters presence is making a big impact in the Midwest. TMI currently has offices located on the campus of Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma and additional staff residing at various government facilities at Fort Sill. Since the first SETA contract was awarded to TMI in September, 1991, TMI has developed a strong presence in the Lawton and Fort Sill communities. TMI was awarded the re-compete of the SETA contract in 1997, as well as, the last contract award in 2003. The current contract will end in October 2008 and is scheduled for re-compete within the next 6 months. NATIONAL TRANSIT INS INSTITUTE, TITUTE, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY TEC TEC--MASTERS, INC. PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS: Tec-Masters was recently awarded two progressive contracts with the National Transit Institute (NTI) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. NTI is funded by the Federal Transit Administration, and its mission is to provide training, education, and clearinghouse services in support of public transportation and quality of life in the United States. TMI will provide mission support to NTI in the areas of Computer-Based Interactive Training (CBIT) Program Development and State and Metropolitan Transportation Programming (SMTP). Both task orderbased contracts have a period of performance of five-years, comprised of a three-year base period and a two-year option. TMI supports exercises for soldiers at Fort Sill & other locations TMI’s Lawton office currently provides “cradle to grave” support to the various components of the Field Artillery School. This support includes: needs analysis, development of doctrine, organization design, new equipment requirements, operational analysis using simulations, training simulations, platform instruction, web based, computer based training products, and support to new equipment fielding. In addition, TMILawton provides support to: • The Boeing Company for Doctrine and Training development for the Future Combat System (FCS) program; • Lockheed Martin Corporation for item level and operational level modeling and analysis support for HIMARS, MLRS and their associated warhead variants; • Raytheon Company for radar analysis and precision guided munitions evaluation; • ATK for operational analysis and modeling support of their precision guided munitions program; and • Johns Hopkins University for operational analysis and modeling for Navy equipment and the US Marine Corps. In support of the CBIT contract, Tec-Masters will produce interactive computer-based training applications based on new and existing training and education courses and materials. We will be responsible for all facets of application production using a proven instructional design approach. This includes: initial design document; interface design; storyboards; media development (audio, video, and image); programming; quality assurance; and testing. Under the SMTP contract, Tec-Masters will deliver the National Transit Institute’s 2-day training up to forty times during the period of performance. TMI is also contracted to modify the course to enhance its effectiveness and ensure compliance with FTA Regulations. Dee Wilson, TMI Multimedia Designer, will serve as the technical point of contact for this effort, which will be managed by the Tec-Masters Lawton, Oklahoma office.Ò (Continued on page 14) Page 7 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 TMI MULTIMEDIA DEPARTMENT Alaska Training Range Evolution Plan (ATREP) Interactive Training at Fort Wainwright, Alaska equipment along with the EXCON Software, soldiers will train in a realistic battle environment, while analysts track the soldiers’ actions, collect data, and create an After Action Review (AAR). The course will also provide stepby-step instructions on the use of EXCON software for pre-exercise procedures, conducting and monitoring an exercise, and postexercise procedures. A TMI Multimedia Productions team, recently on location at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, videotaped both interior and exterior scenes that will be used to reinforce teaching points throughout the self-paced training program. Soldiers at Fort Wainwright, Alaska converse with TMI’s Multimedia staffers, Rex Free (2nd from right), and Jerry Schrimsher (far right)) regarding training simulation activities. A well-trained army is the key to a successful mission. Advanced military training technology can be used to prepare soldiers and officers to act when called into a real battle environment. Tec-Masters Multimedia was awarded a contract by PEO-STRI, as part of the Alaska Training Range Evolution Plan (ATREP) Phase 6, to develop an interactive, multimedia, self-paced course to train the Alaska Training Range analyst staff to use the Exercise Control (EXCON) software and related equipment. This real-life battle training will be used to train soldiers at fixed installations or Combat Training Centers (CTC) such as the Alaska Training Range, as well as, at any site of troop deployment with the portable Initial-Homestation Instrumentation Training System (I-HITS). The target audience for this course is the military and civilian EXCON Software Operator/Analyst. The training will focus exclusively on the operation of the EXCON software. Upon completion, the learner will be able to demonstrate the skills required to operate the EXCON software and related EXCON equipment. Computer-based training provides an interactive, self-paced, learning environment. Each learner can decide to complete the entire course from start to finish or select specific topics to review. The course was demonstrated at the I/ITSEC Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida in November 2007, and it is scheduled for release to the government on March 31, 2008.Ò TMI’s Jerry Schrimsher (left) and CUBIC Systems’ Darrell Henry, position a camera to film the simulation exercises at the Combat Training Center (CTC) in Alaska. Darrell Henry reviews footage and prepares minefield simulation exercises at the CTC in Fairbanks, Alaska. The course will provide the EXCON Software Operator/Analyst with an overview of the EXCON process and related equipment. Using MILES Page 8 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 38 th Annual Alabama A&M University Business | Industry Cluster Alabama A&M University (AAMU), in conjunction with local and state business, industry and technology hosted its 38th Annual Fall Conference. Tec-Masters, Inc., as a corporate Cluster member, was a business presenter at the annual event held on November 14—16, 2007 on the AAMU campus. The conference focused on canvassing new memberships, mentoring, faculty exchange, and strategic planning for the two major fundraising annual events scheduled for early Spring 2008: The Black Tie Scholarship Ball and the Scholarship Golf Tournament. During the 38th Session, Tec-Masters facilitated a demonstration to promote e-learning and e-teaching applications that will vastly improve academic performance. The tools demonstrated will be utilized within the pilot programs already in place at Alabama A&M University and North Carolina A&T University. Industry representatives from Tec-Masters, Inc, (Roosevelt Conley), Science Applications International Corporation (Bill Gurley), and Northrop Grumman Corporation (George Reynolds) met with Alabama A&M University President, Robert Jennings prior to the conference to consider a new name for the organization. One that would be more reflective of the Business Cluster’s broad membership base and its ever expanding strategic impact in the academic, business and technological communities in the greater North Alabama region. As a result, the name, “Collaborative University Business Industry Consortium” (CUBIC) was implemented mid-summer 2007. The Consortium will continue to support AAMUs plan for growth, academic and industry internships, mentoring, and scholarship programs for the university student body. The Consortium, a 40-year-old “teaming success” story, is a cooperative partnership between progressive education and business executives, designed to provide quality programs and experience in curriculum development and enhancement, long-and short range planning, contract and institutional research, development of faculty-student exchange programs, internships, co-op services, graduate job placements, and fundraising. Established in 1969, the Consortium developed from a growing sentiment in the 1960’s that business and industry should form mutually beneficial ties with the minority academic community to increase both educational opportunity and a skilled workforce. Currently, the Consortium provides assistance to the university in its production of quality, competitive graduates. More specifically, it helps improve the ability of graduates to compete successfully in the business sector, while simultaneously assisting AAMU in remaining competitive in the higher education arena. Consortium members include: Alabama Power Company; B&D Distributors; Bellsouth; Boeing; CAS, Inc.; CSC; Dese Research; Enfinger Steele Development, Inc., ERC, Inc.; Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority; Jacobs Sverdrup, Marshall Space Flight Center; JR Enterprises; Lowe’s Home Improvement; Madison Research Corporation; NASAMSFC; Northrop Grumman; Redstone Federal Credit Union; Regions; Rolls Royce; SAIC; Stanley Construction Company, Inc.; Tec-Masters, Inc.; Teledyne Brown Engineering; U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Agency; U.S. Army Garrison-Redstone; U.S. AMC (LOGSA); and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (Continued from page 2) has partnered with Tec-Masters to provide online continuing education courses. The various courses, although offered through Drake’s Continuing Education Program and taught by Drake instructors, were developed by Tec-Masters utilizing our established e-Teaching Institute format. According to Dr. Helen McAlpine, President, Drake State Technical College, “The online classroom environment has become extremely popular for its convenience. Our continuing education courses will not only be accessible for our local community, but will also be a viable option for anyone that accesses our site from across the state, country, or the world.” This collaborative effort has produced over 207 classes available through course groups that include small business, desktop computer, home and small business, insurance professional development, Microsoft, web development, and Cisco systems. In these quickly changing times, the human perspective can easily be lost in the haze of technology. However, Tec-Masters believes that leaving the student alone to figure out their problems is not the best way to create true academic champions. That’s why we provide comprehensive real time technical support, available both by phone or email, and highly qualified instructors who are certified experts in their fields of study. Instructors, whether academic or industry, are maximizing the full range of custom options available through TMI’s eTeaching system. As a result, students are receiving innovative benefits and quick efficient solutions to all types of academic problems.Ò Page 9 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 NATIONAL CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER .NCAC & TMI: Partners For Progress T he National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC), headquartered in Huntsville, AL, has teamed with Tec-Masters Inc. Multimedia Productions to produce a DVD for use in preparing children for court appearances. The same distance Rex Free, TMI Video Producer, positions a microphone on one of the actors in the film shot inside the Circuit Courtroom of the Lawrence County Alabama Courthouse. The film will be used to help prepare children for testifying in court trials. (Photo courtesy of the Moulton Advertiser, Staff Writer/Photographer Ginger Granthem) learning and multimedia technology that TMI has developed and used to support efforts for the Navy, Corps of Engineers, and NASA, is now being used in a very progressive venue to assist children who have been victims, primarily of sexual abuse. The “Home Court Advantage” DVD offers the preparation necessary to put at child at ease in the courtroom. The technology employed uses animation of the teaching tools normally used (i.e., pamphlets, handouts, coloring books, etc.) and places them literally in the hands of the user. An ordinary television remote control helps the user navigate through an interactive non-linear instructional DVD designed to help prepare children for what can be a traumatic courtroom experience. “The National Children’s Advocacy Center is proud to partner with Tec-Masters, Inc. in developing this highly informative DVD for child abuse professionals. Preparing children to testify in court is one of the most difficult aspects of our work, and this DVD provides an outstanding mechanism for addressing this challenge.” Chris Newlin NCAC Executive Director According to Bill Stackhouse, TMI scriptwriter, “The objective of this program is to attempt to alleviate that part of the trauma associated with the unknown by developing a childfocused training tool which will allow the child to take a virtual tour of a courtroom. During this tour the child will receive a brief introduction to (Continued on page 11) | Systems & Logistics Directorate| LOGISTICS ARMY & MARINE CORPS W ho is the TMI Systems and Logistics Directorate and what do they do? The Logistics Directorate group performs Army and Marine Corps logistics efforts, electrical, software and system engineering activities, programmatic support, information technology/information systems activities, configuration management and data management. We support PMs under Marine Corps Systems Command, PEO Missiles and Space, PEO Simulation Training and Instrumentation, and PEO Ammo. Among these are: USMC Expeditionary Fire Support System, Army Mortars, Army Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems, Non Line of Sight Launch System, Lower Tier, Cruise Missile Defense Systems and Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor. We build maintenance shelters, write Technical Manuals, develop computer architectures, review and correct specifications, develop software and hardware, perform test, perform maintenance, field systems, provide training, and support soldier needs in the field for tools. They manage databases of sensitive Army information and monitor Life Cycle Contractor Support databases. They develop budgets and schedules, and they support Milestone Decision Reviews locally and in Washington D.C. This dedicated group of approximately 50 personnel live in places near Huntsville, AL, Lawton, OK, and Camp Lejeune. They work in places like Nevada, White Sands Missile Range, Sealy, TX, Minnesota, Arkansas, Tennessee and when warranted Germany, Korea, Egypt, Israel and UAE. During the past several months, twenty of them received awards or commendations from the Government. Tec-Masters, Inc. Logistics personnel are currently supporting the PFRMS PMO with the Life Cycle Contractor Support (LCCS) sustainment contract and the alpha contracting process for the LCCS II contract. The LCCS II contract will start in CY08 as the base with 4 one year options. The LCCS contract is a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract providing a “one-stop shopping” approach for sustainment of the HIMARS Fire Control System (FCS) and launcher module (LM) and the M270A1 FCS. The Prime Contractor, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control – Dallas (LMMFC-D) is the Product Support Integrator (PSI), and Partnership Agreements between the government depots and the PSI have been established. The contract will include Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) options, a cost plus contingency CLIN, a transition plan, and procurement of Program Management Office owned, contractor maintained Fly-Away (Continued on page 11) Page 10 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 HUMAN RESOURCES TMI is pleased to announce that several new employees have joined our organization. We hope each new member of the Tec-Masters Team will find their employment a challenging and rewarding experience. Employees who have recently become a part of the Tec-Masters Team include: William Fronek Susan Landers Ray Blauser Marty Conner David Gerhrdt Veronica Sexton Scot Burnham Angelique` Harris Rita Conrad Olivia Rettke Rashanda Kennamore Gerald Borrello Robert Schmidt James Watts Mary Remer Marla Rex Dawn Parks Joshua Hogue Thomas Dollman Nelson Barnes Stephanie Haynes Joseph Binkowsky Woodrow Simon Tyrone Matheney (Continued from page 10) the various people who may be encountered during the trial (i.e., judge, clerk, bailiff, court reporter, prosecutor, defense attorney, etc.).” Utilizing the DVD format places the child in a safe familiar environment before moving into an actual courtroom. The primary target audience for the DVD is abused children who may have to appear to testify against their abusers. The video will also be used to train and prepare non-offending family members, court officials, therapists, social workers, victim’s advocates and courtroom participants. John Pooley Danny Bost Chad Jameson Lori Diaz Kimberly Krug Tal Miller James Capps Christopher Bailey “We’re here to serve.” This, according to Tec-Masters Human Resources (HR) Manager, Angelique` Harris. “We are currently working to develop a HRIS system that will simultaneously increase productivity and streamline processes and procedures. This is a critical part of our growth process since TMI is an ISO 9001:2000 and CMMI Level II certified company, HR Angelique` Harris must reflect that in our TMI HR Manager internal processes as well.” For all HR needs, please contact Angelique Harris or Betty Battles, Benefits Coordinator. “My present vision is that Tec-Masters Human Resources Department will becomes a strategic partner in the overall corporate process. We desire to be proactively involved in all phases of the organization." Angelique` Harris — [email protected] Betty Battles — [email protected] LOGISTICS DIROCTORATE (Continued from page 10) package. This LCCS strategy focuses on customer service and transparency to our soldiers, less infrastructure, and lower total costs. The HIMARS Performance Based Logistics program (with the support of TMI personnel) won the 2006 Secretary Of Defense Performance Based Logistics award for system level. TMI personnel were awarded a Program Executive Office (PEO) commanders coin for their participation in the success of the HIMARS PBL program in a ceremony led by BG Cannon.Ò Moulton, Alabama resident, Anne Nelson, portrays youth in court room scene. The project, suggested four years ago by a Madison County (AL) district attorney, was underwritten by Tec-Masters, who also provided the technical staff for the project’s implementation. Tim Pierce (director and producer), Bill Stackhouse, (scriptwriter), and Rex Free (video producer), worked “on site” at the Lawrence County (AL) Courthouse over the course of several days to complete the filming. The production crew also included actors from Huntsville and Birmingham, AL and Nashville, TN. Officers from the Moulton “Prosecutors have an ethical obligation to prepare children for court. This DVD will assist prosecutors in helping children understand the court process--a process that is foreign and frightful for many children. I highly recommend this important tool." Victor Vieth, Director NAPSAC's National Child Protection Training Center Police Department and the Moulton Circuit Court also helped provide everything from uniforms and props to technical expertise regarding processes and procedures. The NCAC will make the “Home Court Advantage” DVD available nationwide to attorneys, court officials, counseling services and child advocates and other child services professionals. The DVD is currently available through the NCAC at their website located at: www.nationalcac.org.Ò Page 11 2008 Volume 1:1 Tec-Masters, Inc. “Silver Snoopy” AWARDED TO TMI STAFFERS Phillip Bryant was recently presented with a NASA Silver Snoopy Award for the exceptional support he provides to the design, development, fabrication, assembly, test, verification and operations of the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG). The award is a sterling silver “Snoopy” lapel pin that has flown on a Space Shuttle mission, plus a certificate of appreciation and commendation letter for the employee, both signed by the presenting astronaut. Of all the SFA Awards, the Silver Snoopy best symbolizes the intent and spirit of Space Flight Awareness. An astronaut always presents the Silver Snoopy because it is the astronauts' own award for outstanding performance, contributing to flight safety and mission success. It is always a special honor to receive this award. Fewer than one percent of the space program workforce receive it annually. The MSG hardware was launched to the NASA Astronaut, Richard R. Arnold, II, presents award to TMIs Philip Bryant. International Space Station (ISS) via the UF-2 Space Shuttle mission on June 5, 2002. The MSG facility was developed for NASA by the European Space Agency. Mr. Bryant spent over six months in Europe during the development of this hardware providing technical expertise and thus becoming the technical expert on the MSG for NASA. His experience and technical capabilities with the MSG have been invaluable. He is currently the MSG Engineering Unit lead technician and is looked to for guidance whenever there are issues with the flight hardware during on-orbit operations. Mr. Bryant helped to enable the MSG to become a tangible system of quality hardware and software that to date has processed 13 experiments with over 3,000 hours of run time. The MSG continues to achieve highly successful results and much of the credit is due to Mr. Bryant. Andrew Tygielski received the Silver Snoopy Award for his exceptional work as the Lead System Engineer (LSE) for the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) project. The MSG flight hardware was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) via the UF-2 Space Shuttle mission on June 5, 2002. This facility Commander Barry E. Wilmore (USN) presents the award to TMIs Andrew Tygielski has accumulated over 3000 hours of operational time and completed science activities with 13 experiments. Mr. Tygielski's contribution to these accomplishments has been immeasurable. He has an excellent working relationship with our extended team at JSC, namely the Payload Engineering and Integration (PE&I) organization. His knowledge of verification and the PE&I process has proven invaluable to the success of MSG. Mr. Tygielski continually works with the PE&I organization to suggest beneficial process improvements in order to increase efficiency. He attacks with a vengeance, every task that he is assigned and then suggests areas that he could provide support in for other team members. Mr. Tygielski’s dedication to his customers is priceless to the MSG team. He always holds himself accountable to his customers and is committed to their satisfaction. The MSG continues to achieve highly successful results and much of the credit is due to Mr. Andrew Tygielski. Richard R. Arnold, II was the astronaut who presented the award to Mr. Bryant. Mr. Arnold was selected as an Educator Astronaut by NASA in May 2004. In February 2006 he completed Astronaut Candidate Training that included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in Shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and water and wilderness survival training. Upon completion of his training, Mr. Arnold was assigned to the Hardware Integration Team in the Space Station Branch working technical issues with JAXA hardware. He will continue to work various technical assignments until assigned to a spaceflight. Barry E. Wilmore (Commander, USN) presented the award to Mr. Tygielski. Commander Wilmore was selected as a pilot by NASA in July 2000 and reported for training in August 2000. Following the completion of two years of training and evaluation, he was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office. Commander Wilmore currently represents the astronaut office on all propulsion systems including the space shuttle main engines, solid rocket motor, external tank, and also serves on the astronaut support team that travels to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, in support of launch and landings. Commander Wilmore will serve in technical assignments until assigned to a space flight.Ò Page 13 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 LAWTON OPERATIONS—FIELD ARTILLERY (Continued from page 7) Tec-Masters opened its Oklahoma City office in 2003 to provide support to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC-ALC). One of the major components of TMI-Lawton’s support efforts includes collaborative initiatives with the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Langston University to conduct Research projects for the OC-ALC engineers. During the three years that TMI-Lawton has been involved in this program, we have conducted a total of 38 research projects valued at $3.8 Million. In addition, TMI-Lawton also supports the OC-ALC by providing needs assessments, equipment identification, and equipment installation and training. In 2004 TMI established an office at Fort Leonard Wood, TMI personnel supporting a Fort Sill experiment Missouri to provide support to the Military Police School, Engineer School and the Chemical School. These three TRADOC schools have the same type missions and similar support requirements as the Field Artillery School. In 2006 we were awarded the contract to support the TRADOC Systems Analysis Command (TRAC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Teamed with DRC, TMI currently has two employees on-site at the TRAC facility. As funding is made available, additional task orders will be issued providing the opportunity for further growth in the Leavenworth area. The impending Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative includes the relocation of the Air Defense School to Fort Sill. This realignment has initiated a significant change in the Fort Sill landscape in terms of support requirements and the number and type of defense contractors. It is an opportunity for growth fueled by a need for support for not only the Field Artillery School, but also the Air Defense School using the current SETA contract. TMI has made the contract available to other companies who are currently providing support to the Air Defense School at Fort Bliss. Our goal is to assist the Air Defense School in their transition into Fort Sill over the next two years. This will give TMI an opportunity to develop relationships and experience in the Air Defense subject matter. The success of TMI west of the Mississippi is based on our people. We have been fortunate over the years to recruit and retain highly qualified, ethical people who have a strong commitment to the soldier, the marine and the airman. We have built our reputation on two simple rules: 1) the work we do is paramount to the defense of our country and to the survival of our fellow citizens in uniform; and 2) our relationship with our employees and fellow contractors is built on the principle of “do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.” For many, this is probably a statement of the obvious; for others, it is lost in the fog of competition over the dollar in the business world. For Tec-Masters, it means a commitment to an unimpeachable standard of quality product and performance that supports the Warfighter and brings satisfaction to the customers we serve.Ò ITEM UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION (IUID) TECTEC-MASTERS, INC. has developed a turnkey method that allows suppliers to meet the Department of Defense’s new mandatory Item Unique Identification standards (IUID). The IUID program was established to identify and track tangible DoD assets. Suppliers of these assets are required to encode IUID data into a 2-D Data Matrix symbol and directly apply it to specific tangible items to help facilitate item tracking in DoD business systems. The data can then be used for management, financial, accountability, and asset management purposes. Working at its Moores Mill Facility, Tec-Masters has developed a turnkey capability to manufacture these high-tech “labels” through the use of several cutting edge technologies. Methodology includes the use of a Trotec Speedy 100 Laser Engraver for making the labels, a fixed-mount Microscan Quadrus Verifier to ensure that the labels meet ISO standards, a hand-held Microscan MSQ Quadrus Imager, Bartender Pro software for laser markers, and the Lockheed I-Guides IUID software package to interface with the DoD registry. Tec-Masters is responsible for developing IUID labels for U.S. Army weapons systems including the U.S. Army’s Combat Vehicle Systems (CVS), the Expeditionary Fire Support Systems (EFSS), the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Mortar Weapons Systems (MWS). Originally initiated in 2002, the Item Unique Identification, or IUID, program has been growing rapidly in scope. As of January 1, 2006, IUID became a mandatory requirement on all Government Furnished Property in new contracts. Page 14 Tec-Masters, Inc. 2008 Volume 1:1 MISSILE DEFENSE DIRECTORATE BMDS FBX-T Radar Digital Signal Injection System -RDSIS TecTec-Masters, Inc. has completed development of a real-time digital signal injection capability for the BMDS Radar. The RDSIS is a radar signal processor injection driver that receives waveform and beam position commands from the radar system, and, using these commands and a simulated threat scenario, computes and injects simulated radar returns in the form of In-Phase and Quadrature (I&Q) data directly into the BMDS Radar signal and data processor. This unique approach will provide a test capability to exercise the complete signal and data processing functionality from beginning to end in a real-time, tactical configuration. This approach, among other capabilities, provides the capability to assess radar system performance under extreme object loading conditions and assesses radar system reaction to conventional and unconventional threats. The RDSIS supports the primary radar operational functions such as single beam search, multiple beam searches, multiple frequency search, verification, track initiation, track, and discrimination. It will accommodate all narrowband, mediumband and wideband waveforms available in the BMDS Radar. Receiver hardware effects including automatic gain control, noise injection, and channel-to-channel amplitude and phase errors. Real-time antenna pattern models are provided for the transmit sum beam, the receive sum and difference beams, and for the simultaneous receive sum beams. The RDSIS antenna models reflect the impact of the wideband array architecture transmit/receive (T/R) module outages, and array error effects for both the mainbeam and sidelobes. Environmental effects models for atmospheric absorption, atmospheric refraction, lens loss, and cloud and precipitation attenuation are also included. The RDSIS utilizes scattering center based radar cross section (RCS) models to generate radar return signals for threatening objects and debris, and will also have the capability to use statistical characterization models to generate radar return signals for debris. The RDSIS will model object dynamics in terms of position, velocity, acceleration, yaw, pitch, roll, body axis rates, and ballistic coefficient. Raytheon is currently utilizing the RDSIS for radar performance and acceptance testing. TMI continues to work with Raytheon to identify and provide enhancement to the RDSIS capabilities. Although the current RDSIS effort is specifically geared toward the BMDS radar, the RDSIS has been designed to accommodate the commonality among the X Band Radars (BMDS, THAAD, XBR, SBT etc.). This allows the RDSIS to be easily adapted to sup- 2007 AVA AWARDS “And the Winner Is…” E ach year the Ava Awards, an international audio visual awards competition, recognizes outstanding creative achievement by creative professionals who are involved in the concept, writing, direction, shooting, and editing of audio visual materials and programs. TMI’s Multimedia Department was recently awarded “top honors” from a field of contenders that included over 1,700 national and international entries. TMI Multimedia was recognized for a video production completed in early 2007 in collaboration with the National Child Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL. The video, “Home Court Advantage,” is a training and teaching tool used to prepare children for court appearances. (See Page 10). TMI garnered awards in four (4) categories and also received the distinction of an “Honorable Mention in a fifth category. Award categories included: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Platinum — Video/Film/Directing (below right) Platinum — Governmental/Judicial Gold — Video/Film/Writing Gold — Video/Film/Cinematography Honorable Mention — Video/Film/Editing The Ava Awards is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), an international organization consisting of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production and free-lance professionals. Among the annual competitors are video and film production companies, web site developers, producers, directors, advertising agencies, and corporate and governmental communication departments.Ò Page 15 “QUALITY IS THE KEY TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION” TEC-MASTERS, INCORPORATED Corporate Headquarters: 1500 Perimeter Parkway Suite 215 Huntsville, AL 35806-3520 www.tecmasters.com Dr. Marvin Carroll President & CEO 1.800.849.9472 PH: 256.830.4000 FX: 256.830.4093 TMEye Contact: Dede Booker-Lacey 256.830-4000 | [email protected] TMEye
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