Newsletter: October/November Newsletter

RDML (sel) Larry Creevy, N43 Fleet Maintenance Officer, Fleet Forces Command, was our guest speaker at our October meeting, which was held on Tuesday, October 11^th. 

                                                                                

Rear Admiral (Sel) Creevy is currently assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Fleet Maintenance, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He recently completed a successful tour as Executive Assistant to Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command.   He was previously assigned a major acquisition command tour, serving as Major Program Manager, Above Water Sensors Directorate (PEO IWS 2.0). Additional assignments include Deputy Program Manager for the Integrated Combat Systems Directorate; Tomahawk Weapon Control System Advanced Systems Engineer for Cruise Missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Program Executive Office; Platform Integration Manager for the Performance Monitoring, Training and Assessment Program Office; In-Service Radar Chief Engineer for Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS) Above Water Sensors Program Executive Office and Amphibious Ship Integration Program Manager in the Integrated Combat Systems Directorate (PEO IWS 1.0).

 

RDML (Sel) Creevy’s career as a Surface Warfare officer included assignments on USS KISKA (AE 35), USS ANCHORAGE (LSD 36), and two tours on USS PORTLAND (LSD 37) including his command tour. He served on the staffs of Combat Logistics Group One and the U.S. Naval Academy . He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Information Systems Management from George Washington University.

RDML (Sel) Creevy’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, as well as the Battle "E" and campaign and sea service awards.

 

Our guest speaker will be RDML Dave Gale, CNRMC, Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Command. Rear Adm. Gale is a native of Lebanon, N.Y., and joined the Navy in 1976. After service aboard USS DUPONT (DD 941), he was selected for the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training and was commissioned in May 1983.

Ashore, he served on the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet Propulsion Examining Board, in the Aegis Program Office as the DDG 51 Fleet Introduction Officer and Surface Combatant Readiness Officer, and as the Executive Assistant to the Program Executive Officer for Surface Combatants/Aegis Program. He was the Major Program Manager for Fleet Introduction and Surface Combatant Lifetime Support (400F) in the Program Executive Office for Ships; the military assistant to the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, and as the Executive Director and, later, as Deputy Commander Surface Warfare SEA21.

RDML Gale is currently assigned as commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Command.

His education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of New Mexico, a master’s degree in National Resources Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He has been awarded numerous personal decorations including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

 

Our guest speaker for the December General Membership meeting will be Congressman Randy Forbes, who will provide us with a legislative update. Mark your calendars now! This is our Holiday Luncheon, and we invite the members of all VSRA committees to attend and be recognized. Please note the December General Membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 13, which is one week earlier than our usually scheduled meeting.

At the September meeting of the VSRA membership, RDML(ret)  Joe Carnevale, Senior Defense Advisor, Shipbuilders Council of America, addressed the members with a thoroughly researched and sobering analysis of the Department of Defense budget.  His analysis included a recap of the budgets going back to the post-Vietnam War era up to the present.  He focused the audience on the growing gap between spending and revenue, and also addressed the Budget Control Act of 2011 and what impact it can have on FY-12 and future funding. RDML Carnevale’s power point presentation is available on the VSRA website at www.virginiashiprepair.org.

At the September meeting, the Board of Directors approved three new member companies. The new companies are Apex Technologies; Surface Preparation & Coatings, LLC and USI Insurance Services, Inc. 

                                                                               

This brings our total membership to 214 member companies. 

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Surface Preparation & Coatings, LLC is a marine contractor specializing in coatings removal and application.

USI is a growing and diversified insurance and financial services firm focused on providing fully integrated distribution of general and specialty property and casualty insurance and financial services such as employee benefits outsourcing and related consulting.

USI is one of the eight largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States. USI is a nationally focused insurance firm capable of delivering high-quality insurance and financial products and services throughout the United States.

 

Please visit their website at www.usi.biz

At the September General Membership meeting, the following were elected to serve on the Board of Directors:

 

Tom Ackiss, Lyon Shipyard

Dale Baugh, Newport News Shipbuilding

Jeff Brooks, Earl Industries

Bill Clifford, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair

Dave Edwards, WR Systems

Mark Jones, Q.E.D. Systems, Inc.

Gary Lisota, Valkyrie Enterprises

Ken Newman, Metro Machine Corp.

Mike Nowakowsi, Colonna’s Shipyard

Mike Torrech, Tecnico

Thom Violette, Marine Hydraulics International

 

The following were elected to serve as alternates on the Board of Directors:

 

Chuck Baker, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair

Rod Douglas, Metro Machine Corp.

Paul Fields, Earl Industries

Jimmy Jones, Q.E.D. Systems, Inc.

Kim Kimball, Lyon Shipyard

Jim Loulies, Valkyrie Enterprises

John Pyron, WR Sytems

Ray Wittersheim, Tecnico

 

We thank you for your service to the Virginia Ship Repair Association!

At the September General Membership meeting, the following were elected to serve on the Board of Directors:

 

Mickey Boyer, UHP Projects

Linda Hyatt, Marine Hydraulics International

Viki Rodriquez, Colonna’s Shipyard

Chris Stuart, Top Guard Security

 

At the October meeting of the VSRF Board of Directors, the following were elected to serve as officers for the 2011-2012 year:

 

Frank Jemmison, Chairman

Viki Rodriquez, Vice Chairman

Linda Hyatt, Treasurer

 

We thank you for your service to the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation!

 

The VSRA 16^th Annual Safety & Health Seminar was held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. This year’s theme was “Safety – “Everyone is Responsible.” The seminar was a great success due to the diligent efforts of the 10 members of the Safety Seminar planning committee led by John Davis of Crofton Diving Corporation. 161 participants representing over 30 of our VSRA member companies attended. This year’s seminar was sponsored by the following companies: 3M Occupational Health & Safety, Advance Safety Equipment Company, Air Systems International, Inc., BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Crofton Diving Corporation, DXP Enterprises, J. C. Renfroe & Sons, Inc., Norfolk Physical Therapy, OBBCO Safety & Supply, Inc., Red Wing Brands of America, Inc., Signal Administration, Inc., and Tecnico Corporation.   Over 20 sponsor representatives attended providing attractive displays and freebies to our seminar participants. Many thanks to the 9 Keynote Speakers and Presenters whose presentations provided attendees timely and beneficial information vital to safety in the ship repair industry. We wish to thank the following individuals – our two Keynotes – Angelo Costa (OSHA) and Jodi Satches (Bollinger Shipyard, Inc.), and the following presenters – Steve Schall (Norfolk Physical Therapy), Janice Lawrence (3M Occupational Health & Safety), James Sammons (Signal Administration), Ray Ellis (Air Systems International, Inc.), Ed Willwerth (Marine Chemist’s Association), Mark Steigerwald (MSA – The Safety Company), and Robert Polite (OSHA). Additional highlights of the event were the “Jeopardy Game,” and numerous prize drawings which included 2 flat screened TV’s, BlueRay DVD players, Nikon cameras, IPod, and many more.   Plans are already underway for next year’s 17^th Annual Safety & Health Seminar. If you are interested in participating in the planning committee, please contact Sylvia Bell at SBell@VirginiaShipRepair.org          

Mark your calendars now for the VSRA Contracts Seminar.   Each seminar is only $50 for Members and $100 for Non-Members. We thank your sponsors for providing the refreshments for the social hours, which begins at 4:30 P.M.

                                                                                                       

Theme:            Contract Claims Seminar

Instructor:       Daniel R. Weckstein, Vandeventer Black LLP

When:              Thursday, November 2, 2011, 3:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Where:             Kaufman & Canoles, 150 West Main St., Suite 2100, Norfolk, VA 23510

                        Parking is available in the City Garage on Plume St.

Sponsor:          Food and beverages sponsored by Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc.

 

By : Jeffrey F. Estes, CPA, Partner at McPhillips, Roberts & Deans, PLC

On May 20, 2011, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) issued a memorandum instructing Field Audit Officers to discontinue all DCAA-initiated annual financial condition risk assessments or financial capability audits as separate assignments or in conjunction with any other assignment (i.e., progress payment audits or pre and post award accounting system audits). These functions will now be performed by Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) from its newly formed “Financial Capability Group”. This group will perform all financial analysis for the Department of Defense, including pre-award financial analysis, post award financial surveillance, and monitoring of contracts receiving financing payments (progress payments). However, under special circumstances, DCAA Field Audit Officers may be engaged in financial capability audits if requested by the contracting officer. 

 

What does this mean to Federal government contractors? The audit reports mentioned above assist the Federal government in awarding new contracts and evaluating progress payments on existing contracts so this change may affect a contractor’s future cash flow. So far, in practice the questions and the support requested from DCMA mirror that from DCAA with one exception: DCMA requires contractors to convey their answers and support to the Financial Capability Group located in the DC area either by regular mail or e-mail. In contrast, DCAA generally visits the contractor’s place of business to examine the books and records. 

 

At first, DCMA’s approach may seem like an efficient way to streamline these engagements thus potentially decreasing the time spent interacting with government auditors. However, DCMA’s approach may likely deprive the contractor an opportunity to explain certain facts and circumstances before DCMA issues its report. Therefore, before submitting information to DCMA, contractors should ensure the information is accurate, complete and easy to follow. 

BY: Caroline Taylor, RN

How often have we all heard the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” attributed to one of our greatest icons of American wisdom and common sense, Benjamin Franklin? Having spent an entire career in the field of medicine, I can say, without hesitation, that although many things have changed since Mr. Franklin’s time, prevention is still the most cost-effective means of saving businesses billions of dollars in lost productivity due to absenteeism during the flu season. Without fail, the influenza virus will strike Hampton Roads like a giant invisible hammer that will vex managers and business-owners across the region as they scramble to operate at maximum capacity minus many workers on sick leave. One of the problems that we have to confront is the mindset that we need to wait until the first frost appears on the grass to be thinking about preparing for flu season. The real truism to influenza virus prevention, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and those of us who have worked closely with this cycle for many years, is that if the vaccination is available, it can be administered effectively at any time. 

 

Preparing your workforce for flu season as early as possible puts your business on the leading edge of prevention while adding a key linchpin to your company’s wellness program. Many companies today are utilizing health care plans that give employees the option of off- or on-site vaccinations. Mobile health care services that bring the vaccination to your workplace are the quintessential common sense approach to proactive prevention. Schedule a day or a series of days, depending upon the size of your workforce, where they can receive their flu vaccination at your place of business. Recently, Partnership for Prevention, a Washington, D.C.-based national organization dedicated to disease prevention and health promotion, released a report that touts the benefits of worksite influenza vaccinations based on extensive research. The importance of convenience should not be underestimated, the report concludes. According to the CDC, an annual flu vaccination offers the best protection against getting the flu and can reduce the number of days missed to absenteeism by 18 percent and the number of less effective workdays by 18 percent. 

 

To fully appreciate the value of preventing such an infectious and dangerous virus, consider its impact on our population. Over 226,000 people die or are hospitalized each year because of the flu and its complications. Flu and complications from influenza kill more people each year in the United States than all the other diseases we have vaccines for combined and as much as 20 percent of our population gets the flu each year. Even if you don’t choose to bring vital medical services to your workplace, it’s important to educate your employees on prevention and provide them with the tools and guidance needed to foster good health and wellness practices. 

 

It just makes sense to take a pre-emptive strike approach in protecting the health of your employees and your business when it comes to preparing for flu season, especially when there are cost effective choices that can improve overall health and minimize loss. 

 

Each year there are several programs that your company can volunteer to help with for a small investment of time. We are always looking for Ship Repair representatives to meet and greet students at Career Days across Hampton Roads. This is a great opportunity to get your company name in the marketplace and help us promote the Industry! We are also seeking Technical Advisors to mentor one of our many Lego Ship Repair Design teams. These middle school students use Lego CAD software to build a ship or ship parts while they learn about occupations in our Industry. For more information about volunteering, please contact Michelle Tomaszewski at MTomaszewski@VirginiaShipRepair.org.

VSRA sponsorships offer member companies an inexpensive but effective way to support VSRA while publicizing your company’s name and branding. The following opportunities are being offered for 2012:

                                                    

Website

            $800 Home Page for 60 Days

            $250 Workforce Job Page for 60 Days

            $250 OTraining Home Page for 60 Days

Annual Safety Seminar

            $1,500 Platinum

            $750 Gold      

            $500 Silver

            $250 Bronze

Annual Standards of Conduct Seminar

            $750 Premier

            $500 Supporting

Annual Contract Seminar

            $500 Premier

            $250 Supporting

Annual Human Resources Seminar

            $500 Premier

            $250 Hosting

Day on the Hill

            Venue – In-Kind

            $500 Industry Education

Annual Golf Tournament

            $5,000 Platinum

            $2,500 Gold

            $1,800 Silver

            $750 After Event Social

            $750 Beverage Cart

            $750 Lunch

            $500 Hole Sponsor

            $400 Longest Drive

            $400 Closest to the Pin

LEGO Ship Repair Competition

            $500 Premier

            $250 Supporting

            Team: 30 Volunteer Hours

Tradesmen Equipment Grant

            $500 Supporting

Tradesmen of the Year Award

            $1,000 Senior

            $1,000 Junior

            In-Kind Awards (e.g., hotel certificates, equipment, etc.)

Annual Holiday Luncheon

            $1,000 Beverage Sponsor

            $750 Raffle Sponsor

Full package details are available on our website at http://www.virginiashiprepair.org/membership.asp

Every three years, VSRA conducts a workforce, wage and training survey. While wages increased over the 2008 results, turn-over decreased, and hiring remained nearly the same. A new question added this year focused on temporary/non-temporary wages. However, due to confusion over the wording of the question, a follow-up survey will be released in the Fall on this particular area. The complete report for the 2011 version can be viewed on our website at http://www.virginiashiprepair.org/labormarketinfo.asp. You must be a Member and logged in to view the document. Please refer any suggestions, comments or questions to Michelle Tomaszewski.

10/19/11 - TASC Luncheon held at the Norfolk Airport Hilton, 11:30 A.M.   To register, go to www.tasc-tgic.org.

 

10/19/11 – Joint ASNE/SNAME Tidewater Section Dinner Meeting is held at the Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd., 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. The Guest Speaker will be Mr. Mike Petters, CEO Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). He will address HII and the shipbuilding outlook. To register, go to www.asne-tw.org.

The Communications Committee met on September 12, 2011. The Newsletter is posted on the VSRA Website. The committee meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at QED Systems, Inc. at 4646 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. The next meeting is October 10, 2011.

 

The next upcoming seminar of the Contracts Committee 2011 Mini-Seminar Series will be the Bid Protest Seminar on September 22, held at the offices of Kaufman and Canoles at 3:00 PM. The fourth and final seminar in this successful series will be the “Contract Claims Seminar” on November 2, 2011. 

 

The committee meets on odd-numbered months on the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707. The next meeting is on November 10, 2011.

The Quality Assurance Committee met on August 24, 2011. An update was given regarding the VSRA Audit Database. They are behind in conducting audits. The committee reviewed actions from SSRAC and changes to NAVSEA Standard Items requirements. The committee meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Q.E.D. Systems, Inc., 4646 North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. The next meeting is Wednesday, September 28, 2011. 

 

The Safety Committee met on September 8, 2011. There was discussion of the preliminary 009-74 FY-13 requirement. Subpart “F” changes were addressed including Lock/out Tag-out. The Safety Seminar Committee is planning the 2011 VSRA Safety Seminar scheduled for September 28, 2011 at the Ted Constant Convention Center. John Davis of Crofton Diving is the Chair for the committee. To date, there are 126 signed up for the seminar. The committee meets the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707. The next meeting is October 13, 2011.

 

The Security Committee met on September 13, 2011. RapidGate continues to be the Hot Topic. On August 9^th, the committee met at the Portsmouth Renaissance with 125+ members and guests in attendance for a RapidGate brief by Mr. David Shutter with NSSA and his Security Team, also Gina Dara from Regional Security. Approval is taking time for different installations. Company and individual approvals are taking time. There has been a conflict regarding the deadline of October 1st for green badges. There have been issues with kiosks up and running, computers going down with no one from RapidGate to assist. There are concerns because time is running out for employees to be badged. The RapidGate deadline for Naval Station Norfolk has been extended to October 31. Minutes from the September 13th meeting are posted on the website for viewing. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707. 

 

We are pleased to offer the following courses:

 

COST: Member: $185.00        Non-Member: $260.00

DATES: Nov. 4^th (5p.m. to 9p.m.) and 5^th (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), 2011

LOCATION: VSRA 150 Boush Street Suite 802 Norfolk, VA 23510

 

COST: Members: $320.00      Non Member: $425.00

DATES: October 12-14, 2011 (7:30am – 3:30pm)

LOCATION: 9727 Avionics Loop, Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA 23511

In order to better prepare your workers for the NBPI Course VSRA offers a 3 day pre-course specifically to address exam standards and increase Inspector knowledge. 
This course will review coating documents such as SSPC PA-2, NSTM Chapter 631 and NSTM Chapter 634 for Non-Skid and others.  It will also provide a thorough review of SI 009-32 and applicable sections of 009-04. Each attendee will receive a current copy of NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32 and 009-04.  However, they should read over these instructions prior to class in order to maximize their study time during the course.

COST: Member: $750.00        Non Member: $900.00

DATES: October 24-28, 2011 (7:30am – 3:30pm)

LOCATION: 9727 Avionics Loop, Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA 23511

Passing students receive a four-year certification and a laminated wallet card from SSPC.  Test results will come directly from SSPC.

 

COST: Members $120.00       Non Member $150.00

DATES: October 26, 2011 (7:30am – 3:30am)

LOCATION: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707

 

COST: Members $100.00       Non Member $135.00

DATES: October 27, 2011 (7:30am – 11:30am)

LOCATION: United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707

 

 

**Please note, you must be logged in to receive the discounted VSRA price for seminars.**