Newsletter: March/April Newsletter

Our guest speaker was Senator Frank Wagner, who will provide us an invaluable insight into this year's legislative session with his legislative update.  Senator Wagner was born at USAF Base, Ruislip, England and educated at the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a B.S. in Ocean Engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1973 until 1982. He is President of Davis Boatworks.  He was a member of the House of Delegates from 1992 until 2001.  He has been a member of the Senate since 2001.

 

Senator Wagner is a member of the following committees: Commerce and Labor, General Laws and Technology, Rehabilitation and Social Services, and Transportation.  Senator Wagner’s Senate homepage is

Capt. Jerry Reina, USN, Commanding Officer, Norfolk Ship Support Activity (NSSA) was our guest speaker.  Capt. Reina brought the membership up to date on NSSA, which is the largest RMC in the Navy.  Their budget in fiscal year 2010 was $1.1 billion. In addition to their regular RMC responsibilities, NSSA provides assistance to other RMCs with technical administrative contracting officers, shipboard specialists, project managers, and quality assurance experts.  

 

Due to the continuing resolution, the Navy expects to either descope or cancel four availabilities on the east coast.  The new name will be NSSA RMC. They are establishing a QA council to review trends inside and out of the RMC.  Capt. Reina considers communication to be the most important part of their business, and he wants to hear from VSRA members – good and bad news.

 

Over the next few years, the RMC will be adding 300-400 military personnel to establish an Intermediate Maintenance Activity.

The April speaker had not been determined.  Please check back for an update.

At the February meeting, the Board of Directors approved one new member company. This brings our total membership to 198 member companies. The new company is Clarus Fluid Intelligence.

Clarus Fluid Intelligence provides comprehensive monitored flush services for all U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels with diesel and hydraulic lubrication systems.  For more information, go to their website at www.clarustechnologies.com.

WHEN:           Wednesday, April 6, 2011

WHERE:         Virginia Beach office of Troutman Sanders, 222 Central Park Ave, Suite 2000 (20^th Floor).

COST:             $60.00 per person

 

This is a 1/2 day seminar sponsored by the VSRA Human Resources Committee.  It is exclusively offered only to VSRA members and will cover a variety of topics essential to the HR professional.

 

Presenters and topics include:

Christopher Abel, Troutman Sanders, LLP - Electronic Communication Monitoring/Social Networking Issues

Tammy Colvin, TASC - ERISA Compliance

John Di Dio, Professional Personnel Services, Inc. - Affirmative Action Plans

Victoria McCoy - Strategic Evaluations/Planning

 

The seminar price is $60 per person, and includes a light breakfast and lunch. For directions, please go to http://www.troutmansanders.com/virginia_beach. The parking garage is open to all visitors.

 

Please register on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org for above seminar. Online registrations are preferred; however, phone reservations can be accommodated. For questions/help registering please call our office at 757-233-7034.

Did you know you can share articles, resources and regulatory information on our website without having to use a password? Members can upload documents and links FREE! This is a great way to promote your company by helping other members access important industry infomation! Just login to the website at www.VirginiaShipRepair.org and click on Resources/Publications at the top. Contact us if you have more ideas for improvement!

A very successful National Ship Repair Industry Conference (NSRIC) was held 2/28 - 3/3.  The presentations that were made on Navy and Industry day at NSRIC11 are now available on the SCA website!  To view them, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

(http://www.shipbuilders.org/membership/events/NationalShipRepairIndustryConference/NSRIC11PresentationsInformation/tabid/616/Default.aspx)

A JINII Planning Meeting was held February 9, 2011 in conjunction with ASNE Day 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. The agenda included Contract Governance Update; Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Command (CNRMC); Total Ship Readiness Assessment (TSRA) Process; Budget/Continuing Resolution Discussion; RAPIDGate Industry Impact Discussion and Response; Navy Top Issues Discussion; JPS Action Items/Industry Top Ten Review and Discussion and the local Navy Travel Clause. 

 

CNRMC has established a comprehensive plan for contracting and depot work integration for non-nuclear shipboard maintenance and modernization. All work must go through the Naval Support Activity (NSA) for assignment to the lead maintenance activities (LMA), such as naval shipyards and MSMO contractors. LMAs are responsible for all availability work coordination and integration. NSAs shall assign industrial production work based on cost, scheduling, and capability. This may be an LMA or an alternate provider.   The expectation is that this will consolidate RMC processes to manage and execute MSMO contracts. It will also allow the Navy to manage their portfolio of contracts on each waterfront, search for duplicity, and consolidate into common instruments.

 

This command was stood up in Norfolk on May 15, 2010. The vision is for the Global RMC Organization to operate in a consistent manner utilizing increasingly common processes; have a centrally monitored business, manning, and operations plan and enable each RMC to be responsive tot their assigned ships. CNRMC will report to NAVSEA 04. Southwest and Southeast Regional Maintenance Centers will report to CNRMC. NSSA will report to Commander, Norfolk Naval Shipyard but will report process and execution to CNRMC. The Northwest and Hawaii RMCs will continue to report to their respective shipyard commanders.

 

The purpose and function include:

•     Common assessment procedures (ICMP)

•     Incorporate into Class Maintenance Plan (BAWP/AWP)

•     TSRA Focus Areas:

-          Comprehensive review of ships material and operational condition (deficiency identification)

-          Documentation of material and operational deficiencies (validate ships CSMP)

-          Over-the-shoulders maintenance training of ships force (improve ship’s force self assessment)

-          Repair of identified deficiencies

-          Validation of ships systems and equipment configuration

-          Prepare ship for mission

 

At a previous JINII planning meeting, industry was asked to make a presentation on perceived inconsistencies among contractually invoked local travel clauses.  Joe Yurso made this presentation.

 

The following recommendations were made by industry for QA improvements:

•     Increase the number of inspectors

•     Qualify inspectors in more than one area

•     Add inspectors to back shifts and weekends

•     2-hour notification for selected check points

•     Reduce the number of G check points through graduated QA

3/29/11 - TASC Exchange Briefing held at the Virginia Beach Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd,  8:00 continental breakfast. Program: 9:00-11:30 A.M. The topic is “The Ever Changing World of Small Business – Major Changes to 8(a) and the Roll Out of the 8(m) Program”. The event is free, but everyone is asked to register by 3/25/11. To register, go to www.tasc-tgic.org.

 

4/13/11 – VSRF Monthly Meeting held at Colonna’s Shipyard at 11:30 a.m.  This meeting is open to all supervisors and foremen to discuss the information collected on last month’s Supervisor Survey. You must RSVP in order to be included on the pass list.  For additional information, please call 233-7034.

 

4/16/11 – 5^th Annual Lego Shipbuilding Competition held at Nauticus.  For additional information, please call 233-7034.

 

4/20/11 - ASNE Tidewater Section Dinner Meeting held at the Springhill Suites, Newtown Rd., 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. The Guest Speaker is RDML (Sel) David Gale, Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Centers. 

 

Please make your reservations for the dinner meeting no later than noon
the day before it's scheduled at www.asne-tw.org.

 

6/6-9/11 – Mega Rust 2011: U.S. Navy Corrosion Conference held at the Ted Constant Center. Registration for attendance and booths is available at www.navalengineers.org.

 

6/14-16/11 – Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC) held at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story. Registration for attendance and booths will be available March 21, 2011. Please go to www.navalengineers.org to register and for additional information.

The committee met virtually to put together the February/March newsletter and reviewed the 2011 Workforce Development Survey. 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.

 

At the March meeting, Jim Stricker, NOAA discussed funding problems caused by the continuing resolution and the mismatch of budget cycles between NOAA and the Department of Commerce. Capt. Michael Malone, USN, reported that an FFG availability in Mayport was canceled, and USS Gunston Hall was in the queue for cancellation due to the continuing resolution. The committee meets the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Troutman Sanders conference room, 150 Main Street, 16th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.

 

The committee met in March, but the minutes have not been posted. At the January meeting, the committee discussed the proposed total maximum daily loading for PCBs. This proposed rule will affect every facility on the Elizabeth River that has a VPDES or storm water permit issued by DEQ. The concern is that the proposed limits cannot be met. The committee also discussed the proposal to include hexavalent chromium discharges for welding and blasting operations in the NESHAPS for shipbuilding and repair. SBA is investigating and will comment in the future. 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 committee met in February to discuss the VSRA Shipyard Safety Orientation and Safety Seminar.  The first quarter VSRA/OSHA Partnership 2011 meeting will be at 0900 on 2/16/11 at Colonna’s Shipyard. 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.

                                                                                                

At the February meeting, the committee discussed the RAPIDGate system. Effective May 1, 2011 fax submissions to the JPAS system will no longer be accepted. Users should instead use the scan and upload method. The Navy will be conducting an anti-terrorism exercise 21-25 February and may result in additional security measures at the bases. The committee discussed the problems experienced with the Contractor Verification System. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Conference Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

We are pleased to offer the following courses:

 

COST: $100.00 VSRA members; $135.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: May 19, July 14, September 15, October 27, December 29, 2011, 7:30 am – 11:30 am

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

This course includes blood borne pathogen training.

 

COST: $120.00 VSRA members; $150.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: May 18, July 13, September 14, October 26, December 28, 2011, 7:30am - 4:30pm

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

This course includes blood borne pathogen training.

 

Emergency First Responders ~ OSHA Approved/Internationally Accepted

*This certification is OSHA-approved/internationally accepted and is a step beyond the Red Cross certification and is more oriented to industrial environments.* This course provides comprehensive instruction in CPR and First Aid, as well as Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, emergency oxygen administration and conscious choking management skills. Upon successful completion of this course, attendees receive a Certification Card.

 

 

COST: $375.00 VSRA members; $495.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: March 31-April 1, October 20-21, 2011, 7:30am - 3:30pm

LOCATION: Tecnico Corporation, 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324

 

This course is designed for supervisors with more than five years of experience. Course learning centers on leadership demands, behavioral management, tracking professional goals, and developing stronger workers through career development and goal setting. The course delivers 16+ hours of lecture, video, hand-on activities, the Kouzes & Posner Leadership Challenge System and text-based assignments over a two-day period. Students spend four hours developing leadership communication patterns using job safety analysis, inspection and investigation scenarios to apply what they learned to real world examples.

 

 

COST: $500.00 VSRA members; $600.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: March 31 and April 1, 4, and 5; October 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2011, 8:00am - 4:00pm

LOCATION: Tecnico Corporation, 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324

 

This course weaves Leadership and Management applications throughout the National Safety Council course.  Supervisors will learn about the labor market, their own leadership and management strengths and how to effect change on the waterfront.  Passing students receive the National Safety Council Supervisors Certification. This course will be for 4 weeks, only on Friday.  The course dates are Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6, and Feb 13 2009.  This course is for supervisors with 5 years or less experience.

 

 

COST: $275.00 VSRA members; $375.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: May 5-6, 2011, 8:00am - 4:00pm

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

Standard Items Update uses on-line capabilities along with text copy to overview Standard Items and hone-in on pertinent changes for 2000-2012. After a general overview, the instructor covers the material MOST relevant to the students in class. Little time is wasted in covering areas that students don't need. So, every class is different, but they meet all needs of the students and companies who send them! There are only 15 slots for this course, so please don't delay in signing up those employees who need this training!

 

 

COST: $320.00 VSRA members; $425.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: April 13-15, June 1-3, October 12-14, November 30-December 2, 2011, 8:00am-4:30pm 

LOCATION: Metropolitan Labs, 330 County St., Portsmouth, VA 23707

                                                                                            

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. Recent changes to the NAVSEA NBPI Exam have resulted in lower pass rates. In order to better prepare your workers, VSRA is offering a 1-1/2-day pre-course specifically to address exam standards and increase inspector-level knowledge. Each attendee will receive a current copy of NAVSEA Standard Items 009-32 and 009-04.

 

 

This course is approved by NAVSEA.

COST: $750.00 VSRA members; $900.00 Non VSRA members

DATES: April 25-29, June 13-17, October 24-28, December 12-16, 2011, 7:00am - 5:00pm

LOCATION: MARMC Building LF-18, Norfolk Naval Base

 

Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. A score of 80% or higher is required to be eligible for the certification. Students passing the exam will receive a four-year certification and a laminated wallet card from SSPC. Test results will come directly from SSPC. VSRA strongly recommends taking the NBPI Prep Course prior to attending.

 

Due to changes with the SSPC, all documents related to this course need to be submitted to the SSPC representative, Jeannine Bodack. Her email address is: bodack@sspc.org, phone: 877-281-7772 x 2204, fax: 412-281-9995. These documents must be submitted two weeks before the first day of class. Please go to the SSPC website http://www.sspc.org to view the current required documents.

 

 

This training is certified by NAVSEA

COST: $850.00 VSRA Members; $950.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: May 23-27, November 14-18, 2011, 8:00am – 4:00pm

LOCATION: AmSec, LLC, 2829 Guardian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

 

Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. This course delivers 35+ hours of lecture, video, hands-on lab work and text-based assignments over a five day period. A score of 70% or higher on the comprehensive exam is required for successful completion. The course covers all NAVSEA requirements and skill sets in depth. Upon successful completion of this course, the attendee will receive a NAVSEA Cableway Certification Card.

 

 

COST: $400.00 VSRA Members; $475.00 Non-VSRA Members

DATE: April 5-8, September 20-23, 2011, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

LOCATION:  Metropolitan Labs, 330 County St., Portsmouth, VA 23707

 

This course is directed to rising welders and shipfitters, or workers who need a familiarity with blueprint terminology, symbols and design features specific to ships. The course provides 28 hours of instruction with take-home activities, 3 quizzes and a final exam.  Attendees will receive critical drawing analysis experience, as well as hands-on blueprint activities.  For a complete course outline please contact the VSRA office.

 

 

Please register on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org for above seminars. Online registrations are preferred; however, phone reservations can be accommodated. For questions/help registering please call our office at 757-233-7034.

 

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

 

Refund & Cancellation Policy: VSRA offers courses at a greatly reduced rate to our members. Cancellations must be made within 4 business days of the course date to receive full credit contingent on slots being filled. Late cancellations will be given a 50% credit towards future training or 100% if open slot is filled. No-shows WILL BE CHARGED the course fee, and no refunds will be made. Substitutions are welcome; however, please contact the VSRA office as soon as possible. If VSRA has to reschedule or cancel a course, we will work with your company to place employees in a future training course.