May 23, 2012
The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division hosted its second annual Industry Day May 23 at the Kerr McGee Community Center in Ridgecrest, Calif. that was aimed at enhancing Weapons Division-industry collaboration in support of naval aviation and the warfighter.
“We’re here to exchange information and build relationships,” said Rear Adm. Mat Winter, NAWCWD commander, who kicked off the event and talked about the people, organization and mission of the Weapons Division.
About 500 government and industry personnel attended the event.
“I am thrilled to see the increase in turnout that we have here this year,” said Karen Haden, director of NAWCWD Contracts.
WD acquisition officials shared information about opportunities for industry partners and spoke specifically about upcoming NAWCWD acquisitions of $150,000 or more for fiscal 2012 – fiscal 2014.
“NAWCWD is here to provide our warfighters a decisive advantage,” Winter said. “Providing warfighting effects is the name of the game. We provide warfighting effects through our mission that is focused on research, development, acquisition, and test and evaluation.”
Rich Burr, director of NAWCWD Acquisition Operations, was one of the speakers at Industry Day.
“These events are critical to the health of both industry and NAWCWD,” Burr said “It’s great for interacting and building that connective tissue.”
Following presentations that addressed acquisitions, contracts, commercial service agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, and the China Lake High Technology Consortium, the afternoon provided a chance for one-on-one discussions between vendors and NAWCWD acquisition officials. Special topic briefings were also held.
Diane Foucher, NAWCWD contracting officer, talked about various source selection methods. Charlene Haley, NAWCWD patent attorney, discussed the top 10 technologies from the Weapons Division that have commercial potential. Burr gave an overview of Department of Defense acquisition policy trends.
Derrick Hu, deputy director for the NAVAIR Office of Small Business Programs, led the “Meet Your Small Business Advocate” session.
“There are opportunities for you,” Hu said to the industry attendees. “We want to hear from you. Talk to us.”
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