New federal per diem rates provide bump for hotels
The federal government’s fiscal 2024 per diem reimbursement rates — released Aug. 16 by the General Services Administration — will largely benefit Virginia’s hotels, but not necessarily its restaurants. The continental United States (CONUS) rates — dictating lodging allowances and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) for federal employees while traveling — will be effective Oct. [&[...]
Starting small
Randal Wimmer became a multi-millionaire based off a contract proposal he wrote at his kitchen table and at a Northern Virginia Starbucks. A Navy veteran, Wimmer started his own government contracting firm, McLean-based Analytic Strategies, in 2003. It took three-and-a-half years and a lucky business connection for the company to win its first subcontract — […]
Poll: Nation thinks NoVa should get FBI HQ
Nearly two-thirds of surveyed voters think a new FBI headquarters to replace the agency’s crumbling Washington, D.C., home should be built in Virginia. That’s according to a national survey released in late April by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. More than a decade in the works, the move is being handled by the U.S. General […]
Gray promoted from Navy Region Mid-Atlantic commander
After less than a year as the Norfolk-based commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Christopher “Scotty” Gray is being promoted to lead the Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C., pending U.S. Senate confirmation. Gray, who will be promoted to vice admiral after approval by the Senate, was relieved by his successor, […]
Port cranes: Cause for concern?
The Port of Virginia may have as many as 30 Chinese ship-to-shore cranes that have come under scrutiny from Pentagon officials over national security concerns. Five more cranes are scheduled for delivery next year. Manufactured by state-owned company Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., known as ZPMC, the cranes are a possible security risk, according to […]
Va. bankers say they’re not worried by SVB collapse
Last weekend was pretty tense for bankers, even for those leading institutions quite distant and different from Silicon Valley Bank, which Friday became the second largest bank to fail in U.S. history. Federal regulators shut down SVB after a run on the bank. By Sunday, regulators also shut down New York’s Signature Bank, which became […]
Va. to receive $6.22M to expand broadband
Virginia is receiving $6.22 million in “Internet for All” federal grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced Thursday. “As we continue to compete in the 21st century, it is crucial that we close the digital divide in Virginia,” U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said […]
Technomics to add 150 jobs in Arlington
Government contracting firm Technomics Inc. is investing $1.7 million to expand its Arlington headquarters and add 150 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Tuesday. Technomics is an employee-owned consulting firm that specializes offers a variety of analytics services for federal and international government clients. The company will lease an additional 10,000 square feet at 1225 South […]
SWVA projects recommended for $10.6M in federal funds
Eight Southwest Virginia economic development projects totaling $10.6 million have been recommended for federal funding under Virginia’s Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grant program, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith announced Friday. Referred to the federal Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Enforcement for approval, the projects include $2.347 million to [...]
On the cusp
Once again, Virginia is a significant factor in this year’s national electoral playing field, in which Democrats are jockeying to stay in power and Republicans are anticipated to make midterm gains. Three congressional districts in the commonwealth — all held by Democratic female incumbents — are considered vulnerable to the GOP by differing degrees. The competitive races […]
White House taps Va. HBCU presidents for advisory board
The presidents of Virginia State University and Norfolk State University are on the list of intended appointees to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Biden administration announced on March 31. Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah, Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston and Janeen Uzzell, CEO of the […]
Peraton receives $254M State Department award
Herndon-based Peraton Inc. has been awarded a five-year, $254 million contract to support the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service’s cybersecurity operations. The federal contractor announced the award Thursday. Under the contract, Peraton will provide cyber support, including incident management, threat analysis and penetration testing. Peraton will also help the department [...]