US Navy Discriminates Against Blind Americans

Baltimore March 5, 2007 - Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said:

"The fact that a blind person was not permitted to tour the USS. John F. Kennedy like other members of the public is a stain upon the good reputation of the United States Armed Forces. Members of the military are charged with defending the rights of all Americans, and for them to trample upon those rights instead is unacceptable. At the very least, United States Navy officials owe Mika Pyyhkala an apology for their conduct in this matter. The National Federation of the Blind will pursue all available legal remedies under the laws of the United States and the state of Massachusetts. Our intention is to send, loud and clear the message that the blind will not tolerate discrimination against us in any aspect of life. If we allow the claim that we cannot visit an aircraft carrier that is open to the public, based on the patently fallacious justification that our doing so would be unsafe, to be made with impunity, we will next be told that we cannot visit a restaurant, or a school, or a park. Blind people work, play, and move about in the world as well as anyone, and we will not stand for being treated like small children."

The Boeing Company Provides $5M for the National Archives Experience

Washington March 5, 2007 - The Foundation for the National Archives announced today that The Boeing Company has awarded a $5 million gift to expand the "National Archives Experience" to a national audience and share the National Archives' rich resources with Americans across the country.

The gift will enable the National Archives to complete its center for educational outreach, which will be known as the Boeing Learning Center. In addition, the gift will fund the launch of an expanded traveling exhibition program, beginning with the critically acclaimed "Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives." The gift also will enable the development of an interactive educational website for online visitors worldwide.

"For more than 90 years, Boeing has been dedicated to taking Americans beyond our horizons, opening up new worlds, and allowing them to experience the rich diversity of a global community," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "We decided that this gift to the Foundation was an important step in enabling millions of Americans to similarly experience and learn from all of the history and human drama found in the documents and images of the National Archives. By expanding the reach of the National Archives beyond their horizons through the Internet and traveling exhibits, many people will experience these national treasures for the first time."

The "National Archives Experience" is a multi-million dollar initiative begun in 2003 that transformed the visitor experience at the National Archives' Washington, DC building, and included a renovation of the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the new award-winning Public Vaults permanent interactive exhibition, the state-of-the-art William G. McGowan Theater, the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery for special exhibits, and more. The Boeing Company gift supports Washington D.C.-based elements of the "National Archives Experience" and significantly expands these components to reach a national and international audience. The gift will make the rich resources of the National Archives and its new Boeing Learning Center accessible to Americans nationwide who are unable to travel to Washington, D.C.

Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein said, "The Boeing Company has presented the National Archives with a wonderful opportunity to reach out beyond our walls, for which we are deeply grateful. With this gift we will be able to take major steps towards our goal of helping to strengthen the civic literacy of the American people so that they can more readily appreciate the history of our democracy and their place in it."

"We are profoundly grateful to The Boeing Company for this generous gift and for supporting our vision of expanding the educational resources of the National Archives," said Tom Wheeler, President of the Foundation for the National Archives. "Not only is The Boeing Company a leader within the aerospace industry, it is also a leader in corporate citizenship, with a wonderful history of community building. The Boeing Company's support for the "National Archives Experience" exemplifies its commitment to creating communities that understand their past and can take an active role in shaping their future."

When complete, the Boeing Learning Center will include a Learning Lab and ReSource Room offering interactive visitor programs, teacher training, student lab activities, distance learning, and Internet initiatives. The Center staff will train educators in the effective use of primary sources in the classroom with facsimile documents, instructional videos, sample lesson plans, and other tools. The staff will engage walk-in visitors, of all ages, with hands-on activities to enhance civic literacy and promote an understanding of the American stories found in the records of the federal government.

The Boeing gift also supports the traveling exhibition program, including sponsorship of the national tour of "Eyewitness: American Originals" from the National Archives. The 3,000-square-foot exhibition presents first-hand accounts-in the form of letters, diaries, photographs, audio and film recordings-of some of the most dramatic moments in US history. It recently completed its six-month debut in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery at the National Archives in Washington, DC and begins a two-year national tour with six major venues that began February 2, 2007, at the Jimmy Carter Library in Atlanta, GA.

Sikorsky HAWKWORKS(TM) @ Schweizer Aircraft to Hire More Than 100 Employees

Stratford CT March 5, 2007 - Sikorsky HAWKWORKS(TM) @ Schweizer Aircraft will hire more than 100 employees by the end of the year to support BLACK HAWK completions for international military sales. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. of Hartford, Connecticut, USA.

The Military Derivatives Completion Center, located at Schweizer Aircraft in Horseheads, New York, is a new 100,000-square-foot facility. It is designed to support BLACK HAWK completions for international military sales. The expansion will require hiring of aircraft assemblers, aircraft inspectors, and engineers. Specific skill sets needed include electrical hydraulics, airframe structures, final assembly, avionics checkout, and flight line operations.

"The company's helicopter business continues to grow, and the need is great for additional employees. These are exciting times as the Schweizer and Sikorsky team continue working together to expand aircraft production in Chemung County," said Jack Yusko, Schweizer Human Resources director.

UBS, DRW, and NSA Announced as Sponsors/Patrons of 2007 TopCoder Open

Glastonbury CT March 5, 2007 - TopCoder(R), Inc., the leader in online programming competition, skills assessment and competitive software development, today announced the sponsor group for the 2007 TopCoder Open (TCO). DRW Trading Group (DRW) will join returning TopCoder premier sponsor UBS(R) and patron National Security Agency (NSA). Thousands of professional programmers, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists and talents from an array of fields and disciplines began registering February 19, 2007 to compete online with the goal of advancing to the world-renowned TopCoder Open onsite finals June 26th through 29th.

This year, the finals are being held at The Mirage, Las Vegas, NV. Finalists will compete in algorithm, component design and component development divisions as well as the newly featured Marathon Match and TopCoder Studio graphic design events to earn a share of $260,000 in cash prizes.

"We are pleased to announce this great group of new and returning sponsors and patrons," said Rob Hughes, President and COO of TopCoder, Inc. "This year's Open has the added excitement of new events like the Marathon Match which rewards long term performance and the TopCoder Studio competition which highlights the field of graphic arts."

TopCoder competitions offer sponsors a powerful branding platform within the TopCoder global community of over 105,000 members that provides a unique opportunity to build valuable relationships and to hire some of the best developers in the world.

Harris Awarded $33.5M Follow-on Production Contract for Military Tactical Communications System

Melbourne FL March 5, 2007 - Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has received a four-year, $33.5 million follow-on contract from ViaSat, Inc. for additional hardware for integration into the Multifunctional Information Distribution System terminals that provide US military forces with secure, jam-resistant digital tactical communications. The follow-on award brings the overall value of the contract to Harris to $140 million.

Harris is providing an enhanced voice card, power supply assemblies, processor modules, and the chassis for each of the terminals, as well as comprehensive environmental testing of the completed assemblies for ViaSat's Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT), which provides US military forces with voice and data transmission capabilities based on the Link-16 protocol for digital tactical communications.

Most US Air Force and NATO fighter aircraft today have only voice or limited data communications capabilities that can connect with only selected aircraft. MIDS provides interoperable data communications that link fighter aircraft to airborne controllers, surveillance radars, collection assets, and ground-based command and control nodes. The MIDS LVT Link-16 protocol provides combat aircraft with integrated information from the battlefield, including threat and targeting data in near real-time. All US-allied nations are strong potential customers for the MIDS application.

"The MIDS program combines the very best of Harris Corporation's proven expertise in communications systems integration, and highlights the success of the strong, long-term relationship we have with ViaSat," said Sheldon Fox, vice president and general manager of Department of Defense Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems Division. "The ViaSat/Harris team continues its commitment to providing superior, interoperable, tactical communications solutions to the warfighter."

The ViaSat/Harris team is under contract to the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) for full-rate production of various models of MIDS, which are installed in military aircraft such as the US Navy F/A-18 and the US Air Force F-16, and also used in ground-based applications in shelters, vehicles and weapon systems such as the Patriot.

F-35(R) 'CATBird' Avionics Test Bed Transitions to Lockheed Martin for Final Systems Installation

Fort Worth March 2, 2007 - The Cooperative Avionics Test Bed, a modified 737 designed to validate the F-35 Lightning II's(TM) avionics suite, flew today from Mojave, Calif., to Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth plant to prepare for airborne mission systems testing later this year. The Lightning II's avionics package will be the most advanced, comprehensive and powerful of any fighter in the world.

"The arrival in Fort Worth of the Cooperative Avionics Test Bed, or 'CATBird,' aircraft is a defining moment for the F-35(TM) program," said Doug Pearson, Lockheed Martin vice president of the F-35 Integrated Test Force. "It is a visible symbol of the progress we have made as a team and moves us one step closer to delivering war-fighting capability to our customers."

The CATBird will integrate and validate the performance of all F-35 sensor systems before they are flown on the first Lightning II aircraft.

"Today's milestone initiates a phase of unprecedented integrated avionics test capability," said Eric Branyan, Lockheed Martin vice president of F-35 Mission Systems. "The rigorous testing performed on board the CATBird will ensure that mature functionality is delivered to the F-35 Lightning II."

During the second-phase modifications in Fort Worth, the F-35 team will install test stations in the main cabin, and instrumentation to monitor and measure the in-flight performance of various installed sensors. Workers also will complete the installation of electrical and cooling support systems. The CATBird will incorporate a high-fidelity F-35 cockpit that will enable pilots to operate and monitor the fighter's integrated sensor suite in an airborne environment.

Major physical modifications to the CATBird were made in Mojave by BAE Systems, with support from Lockheed Martin. Changes to the aircraft included modifying the nose of the 737 to replicate the F-35, the addition of a 13-foot canard to emulate the F-35 wing, the addition of external structure on top and bottom to hold F-35 avionics equipment, and the installation of about 1,500 wiring harnesses to connect and link the various mission system sensors.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 Lightning II with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

Retired Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Brings Additional National Security Experience and Leadership to USNI

Annapolis MD March 5, 2007 - The US Naval Institute (USNI), the professional association of the Sea Services, today announced that Admiral James Loy, currently a senior counselor at The Cohen Group, will join the Board of Directors. Admiral Loy joins a diverse group of accomplished executives and leaders from all avenues of society in service to USNI. The USNI Board of Directors guides the Institute in its mission to preserve and promote Naval Heritage and to foster critical dialogue about the future of national security.

Admiral Loy comes to USNI with a distinguished 45-year career in public service, including a position as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. Prior to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, he served in the Department of Transportation as Deputy Under Secretary for Security & as the Chief Operating Officer of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

"Admiral Jim Loy brings a wealth of experience and leadership to USNI especially in the key arena of Homeland Security," said MajGen (USMC ret) Tom Wilkerson, Chief Executive of USNI.

Admiral Loy retired from the US Coast Guard in 2002, having served as its 21st Commandant. Prior to becoming Commandant, Admiral Loy served as the Coast Guard Chief of Staff and Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area. A career seagoing officer, Admiral Loy has served tours aboard six Coast Guard cutters, including command of a patrol boat in combat during the Vietnam War and command of major cutters in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

His military commendations and civilian honors include the Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal; four Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medals; the Defense Superior Service Medal; the Bronze Star with Combat "V"; the Combat Action Ribbon; the Naval Order of the United States’ Distinguished Sea Service Award, the Seaman’s Church Institute Silver Bell Award, the Navy League prestigious Admiral Arleigh Burke Leadership Award, and the Intrepid Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.

Admiral Loy graduated from the US Coast Guard Academy in 1964 and holds Master's degrees from Wesleyan University and the University of Rhode Island. In addition to being a US Naval Institute Director, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Lockheed Martin, L-1 Identity Solutions, Inc and RIVADA Networks, Inc.

Todd Shipyards Corporation to Overhaul USNS Flint (T-AE 32)

Seattle March 5, 2007 - Todd Shipyards Corporation announced today its wholly owned subsidiary, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation ("Todd Pacific") was awarded a contract (Contract No. N40442-07-C-2003) by the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command to perform mid-term availability work on the ammunition supply ship USNS Flint (T-AE 32).

The overhaul and repair work includes ship’s service turbine generator and reduction gear renewal, steering gear refurbishment, valve work and replacement, and other repairs and preservation work. Flint is expected to arrive at Todd’s Seattle shipyard on May 18, 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in July 2007. The firm fixed priced contract award is $3,273,770 and includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $4,028,936.

EDO Wins Contract to Support Unmanned Surface Vehicle Systems

New York March 5, 2007 - EDO Corporation has received a two-year contract from the US Navy’s Surface Warfare Center to support unmanned surface vehicle systems for Littoral Combat Ship mine-warfare missions. The contract has a value of $11 million with an option to extend it through 2011 for an additional $12 million.

EDO will develop new Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) test models and system prototypes for mine-warfare missions. EDO will also fabricate these models and then analyze their integration into Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission modules. USV systems are used in waters where a high-threat level exists.

"Recent US Navy mine-warfare strategies have highlighted the importance of conducting mine countermeasure operations in the littoral water regions of the world," said James M. Smith, EDO’s chief executive officer. "EDO looks forward to providing engineering and technology expertise in a wide variety of mine-countermeasure systems that will support the Navy’s objective to rapidly assess or neutralize the sea-mine threat."

EDO’s engineering, fabrication, and integration work under this contract will support USV sweep, neutralization, and LCS mission-module integration.

The Littoral Combat Ship is fast and agile, and operates with focused-mission packages that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute missions. When equipped with the appropriate mission package, the LCS will conduct mine-warfare operations with on-board and off-board systems from deep water through the beach. The LCS is the Navy’s focal point to transform mine warfare.

Civil Rights Commission to Examine Covert Wiretapping in the War on Terror

Washington March 5, 2007 - The US Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) has assembled a panel of experts to discuss the authorized use of covert wiretapping in the war on terror. In 2005, it was reported that the President had authorized the National Security Agency to conduct electronic surveillance of international communications into and out of the United States of persons reasonably believed to be in communication with a member or agent of al Qaeda, or an affiliated terrorist organization.

On January 17, 2007, the Attorney General announced that, as the result of a recent Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) order, any electronic surveillance that was occurring as part of the terrorist surveillance program will now be conducted subject to the approval of the FISC. Although this change indicates that warrants will be obtained for future surveillance, significant questions regarding the implications of the program remain. The Commission will examine the constitutional and statutory authority to conduct electronic surveillance; the constitutional limits and due process implications of warrantless phone-taps; and the standards for federal enforcement and resolution of disputed cases. Supporters of this program state that the President has the constitutional and statutory authority to conduct these phone-taps and that they are necessary to ensure homeland security. Critics counter that this program undermines civil liberties and violates the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

The speakers include John C. Eastman, professor, Chapman University School of Law; director, Claremont Institute Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence; David Rivkin, Baker Hostetler; a representative from the American Civil Liberties Union; and Kareem Shora, national executive director, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. A briefing agenda follows:

I. Introductory Remarks by Vice Chair Abigail Thernstrom

II. Briefing: Covert Wiretapping in the War on Terror

III. Questions by Commissioners and Staff Director

When: Friday, March 9, 2007, 1:00 p.m.

Wall Street Historic District Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

New York March 5, 2007 - Today, the Wall Street Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a federal designation that bestows honor and affords protection to one of the nation's most architecturally and historically significant business districts.

The announcement was made this morning at New York City's Federal Hall National Memorial at a press conference hosted by the National Architectural Trust in partnership with the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service. The event featured Carol Ash, incoming commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the agency of which the SHPO is a part, and two distinguished members of Congress: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), who represents the Wall Street Historic District, and Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), the new chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.

"The Wall Street Historic District contains a significant concentration of properties associated with the history of banking and commerce in America," said Carol Ash, acting commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "In cooperation with the National Architectural Trust, the State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to have assisted with listing the district on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The designation recognizes the area's importance and will further its rejuvenation and redevelopment."

In January 2007, the New York SHPO recommended the Wall Street Historic District to the National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, following public input and a public hearing on the proposed nomination. The nomination was based on the District's fulfillment of two National Register criteria: 1) its association with significant historic events and 2) its embodiment of the distinctive characteristics of a time period, type of building or method of construction and its representation of the work of master architects.

"It's an honor to be here, on such a historically significant day for this city, when the Wall Street District is recognized for its tremendous role in shaping our nation's identity," said Rep. Rangel. "Through the ups and downs, one constant will always remain true about Wall Street -- it helps keep America and the world moving forward."

The impact on properties in the Wall Street Historic District will now be considered during planning for federal, federally licensed or federally- assisted projects because of the listing. In addition, property owners in the District may be eligible for federal tax benefits, and properties in the District may qualify for federal historic preservation grants when funds are available.

The site of the morning event -- Federal Hall National Memorial -- was ideal because the building showcases the quality of the District's architectural treasures. Built from 1833 to 1842, the former Customs House exemplifies high-style Greek Revival architecture and serves as a prime example of the rich diversity of architectural styles in the Wall Street Historic District. In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated on the site of Federal Hall National Memorial.

"I am proud to represent Wall Street today," said Rep. Nadler. "It has a rich heritage as a center of commerce, economy, community planning, politics and government. And its architecture is world-renowned. Today is a day to celebrate all that Wall Street represents to our nation."

Although the Wall Street Historic District is the site of New York City's earliest settlement, New Amsterdam, almost nothing other than the street pattern survives from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries because of the Great Fire of 1835. Yet, the District is rich in architectural treasures from that moment forward. It includes significant buildings from as late as 1967, and a world-class collection of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century styles such as French Second Empire, Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts. More commonly recognized, the District contains a world class collection of early skyscrapers representing revival styles as well as early modern styles such as Art Deco, Moderne and the International Style.

"It's possible that no single area tells the story of America's progression from a primarily rural nation to a diverse industrial society as well as the Wall Street Historic District," said Steven McClain, emcee of the press conference and president of the National Architectural Trust. "The buildings of the District tell us who we are as an industrialized nation. As an organization committed to the preservation of American architecture, we commend the National Park Service for listing the Wall Street Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, and we are proud to help celebrate this momentous occasion."

Statement on Intelligence Reform Progress and Priorities

Washington March 4, 2007 - The following statement was released by Chad Kolton, Director of Public Affairs for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence:

"The Intelligence Community has strengthened the quality of intelligence provided to policy-makers through initiatives like the DNI's Mission Managers concept. Among the most experienced seniors in the Intelligence Community (IC), Mission Managers have highly developed analytical and collection management skills and they focus on the topics of highest interest to our policy-makers. The Mission Manager approach allows the IC to have focused efforts on identifying collection gaps and addressing resources to cover those gaps to ensure analysts have the required information to support policy decision makers. One of new DNI Mike McConnell's top priorities is to build on initiatives like Mission Managers by improving penetration of our hardest intelligence targets."

Former Department of Defense Official Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $100,000 in DOD Intelligence Funds

Washington March 2, 2007 - A former Department of Defense (DOD) official pleaded guilty in US District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of theft and embezzlement of public money, Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher for the Criminal Division announced today.

John Taylor was a civilian DOD employee who worked as an intelligence contingency funds officer and admitted today that he stole over $100,000 in intelligence contingency funds from DOD. He was assigned to the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade as part of the US Army Intelligence and Security Command at Camp Zama, Japan, which is located approximately 25 miles southwest of Tokyo. In this role, Taylor was responsible for budgeting, disbursing and accounting for intelligence contingency funds, funds reserved for the official duties of government intelligence agents. Taylor was also required to manage classified bank accounts and supervise agents engaged in classified intelligence-gathering activity.

As part of his plea, Taylor admitted that, from 2003 through January 2006, he used his official position to steal at least $106,000 in DOD funds designated for intelligence-related activities. Taylor embezzled the money by withdrawing cash from a government bank account whose funds were intended for intelligence agents. To conceal his acts, Taylor falsified DOD accounting vouchers and forms.

Theft or embezzlement from the United States carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing was set for June 8, 2007.

The case is being prosecuted by James A. Crowell IV and John P. Pearson of the Public Integrity Section, which is headed by Acting Section Chief Edward C. Nucci. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Criminal Investigation Division of the US Army, in support of the Justice Department's National Procurement Fraud Task Force and the International Contract Corruption Initiative.

The National Procurement Fraud Initiative was announced by Deputy Attorney General Paul J. McNulty in October 2006, and is designed to promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of procurement fraud associated with the increase in contracting activity for national security and other government programs. As part of this initiative, the Deputy Attorney General has created the National Procurement Fraud Task Force, which is chaired by Assistant Attorney General Fisher.