The U.S. Navy awarded the research arm of Chantilly-based federal contractor Perspecta Inc. a potential seven-year, $24.65 million contract to provide telecommunications and engineering standards support to help the branch in its emergency preparedness and national security initiatives, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday.
Under the contract, Perspecta Labs will help the Navy deploy Next Generation Network Priority Services for the branch’s LTE networks and internet protocol multimedia subsystem, according to the DOD.
The contract has a $17.8 million base value to cover a five-year base period and two 12-month options that would extend work through Oct. 5, 2027. The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific obligated $258,000 for the first task order.
Work on the contract is expected be conducted in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, through Oct. 5, 2025.
Perspecta employs more than 14,000 workers and won several big federal contracts last year, including an $824 million, five-year deal with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and a $657 million extension on its Next Generation Enterprise Services (NGEN) contract to continue IT services for the U.S. Department of the Navy.
Reston-based tech and network security company Electrosoft announced Tuesday it has hired Justin Lapington as vice president of finance.
With more than 25 years of experience, Lapington most recently worked with government contractor Preferred Systems Solutions, where he accounted for more than $150 million in annual revenue. In his new position, he will manage Electrosoft’s finance, accounting and contracting operations. He will report directly to CEO Sarbari Gupta.
“Justin brings a depth and breadth of experience not only in finance, but specifically in government contracting, that we believe will be of great value to Electrosoft and the customers we serve,” Gupta said in a statement.
Electrosoft offers cybersecurity, enterprise IT operations and software services for government clients. The company is a small disadvantaged business (SDB) and an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business (EDWOSB), founded in 2001 Gupta.
Newport News-based Huntington Ingalls Industries announced Tuesday that Todd West has been promoted to vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programs for the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, succeeding Chris Miner, who will retire Dec. 1 after more than 37 years with America’s largest military shipbuilder.
“Chris’ passion and commitment have been defining attributes throughout his shipbuilding career,” Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin said in a statement. “He is a trusted leader who is well respected by his peers in Newport News, across the Navy and throughout the shipbuilding industry. As he begins this new chapter, Chris’ legacy will continue to be felt through the people he’s led, the ships he’s helped to build and the relationships he’s forged.”
In 1983, Miner began his shipbuilding career as a test engineer in the Los Angeles-class submarine program and has since held a number of leadership positions. He played an integral role in the company’s reestablishment of its submarine construction program, according to a company statement, and also led delivery of three aircraft carrier refueling and complex overhauls and one Virginia-class submarine.
West will assume Miner’s role on Nov. 1 and will lead the planning and execution of aircraft carrier refueling, complex overhauls and aircraft carrier fleet support. He will also oversee the West Milton, New York research and development facility, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, that supports the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program. He will report to Navy Programs Vice President Matt Needy.
With 35 years of experience, West currently serves as the USS George Washington (CVN 73) program director. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Old Dominion University.
An additional $12 million in federal CARES Act funding will be directed to Virginia’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP) due to high demand for financial assistance with mortgages and rent payments.
First launched in June with $50 million in federal CARES Act funding, the program provides financial assistance through a one-time payment with the opportunity for renewal based on availability of funding, the household’s need for additional assistance and continued eligibility. It recently expanded to include financial assistance for landlords.
The additional funding will allow the Department of Housing and Community Development to continue the program until it can transition to a Community Development Block Grant funding stream through the CARES Act.
“We created this program because people need help to stay in their homes, especially when they are dealing with job and income losses because of this public health crisis and through no fault of their own,” Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement. “We have seen high demand for the financial assistance provided through this program, which proves how much it needs to continue. A global pandemic is the worst time for Virginia families to face losing their homes, and we know that safe and stable housing is critical to helping people stay healthy as we continue to combat this virus.”
Eligible households must demonstrate difficulty in making rent or mortgage payments due to the pandemic. Monthly rent must be at or below 150% of fair market rents, and eligible households must have a gross household income at or below 80% of area median income.
The RMRP program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through approximately 30 local and regional housing-related agencies. The state housing finance agency, Virginia Housing, will manage landlord-initiated applications.
The federal moratorium on evictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which suspends eviction proceedings for households facing eviction due to unpaid rent, is in place through Dec. 31.
Virginia is making $30 million in federal CARES Act funding to improve broadband access in underserved localities.
Eligible projects must be completed by the end of the year, which is within the time constraints for spending the federal funding. This would mean more Virginians could get access to high-speed, broadband service before 2020 ends, according to Northam’s statement. The program launches Oct. 9, and only localities are eligible to apply for funding.
“Broadband is to today’s economy like electricity was generations ago — when you have it, you can get ahead,” Northam said in a statement. “High-speed internet is essential for students to connect to education, business to connect to the wider world and citizens to connect to work. The COVID-19pandemic has made this even more clear, as so much of our lives have moved to virtual platforms.”
Examples of eligible projects include:
Broadband infrastructure capable of delivering a minimum of 25Mbps/3Mbps to Virginians currently unserved, with limited overbuilding of existing infrastructure.
Broadband service connection costs for passings or property with high cost for individual connections, no greater than $10,000 per connection. Examples of such connections are for passings with long driveways, on a private road, or that have costs associated with a rail or highway crossing.
Cellular transmission equipment for parts of the commonwealth without cell service.
The State Council of Higher Education in Virginia estimates that 200,000 K-12 students and 60,000 college students in Virginia do not have access to broadband at home.
“Broadband access is a matter of equity, as the pandemic and the rise in virtual meetings and classes demonstrate,” Del. Roslyn Tyler (D-Brunswick), vice chairwoman of the Broadband Advisory Council, said in a statement. “Getting broadband access to rural and urban Virginia helps to ensure that everyone in Virginia moving forward together, and I applaud the governor for devoting CARES Act funding to this critical priority.”
Northam’s current budget proposals include $85 million in investments for broadband infrastructure, which align with his platform for universal broadband access. The CARES Act funding is separate from other broadband funding streams.
“Any part of Virginia without broadband risks being left behind in our increasingly digital world,” Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Herndon), chairwoman of the Broadband Advisory Council, said in a statement. “This initiative will speed up the work of connecting every corner of Virginia, so that everyone has access to opportunity.”
Railway equipment manufacturer Plasser American Corp. will invest $52.6 million to expand its operations in the city of Chesapeake, creating 98 jobs, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday.
Plasser American Corp., which manufactures railway construction and maintenance equipment, will add a 45,000-square-foot, three-story office building and an 82,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The company will also renovate its existing infrastructure and add manufacturing equipment, including an industrial paint booth.
“Plasser American has been a valued employer and corporate partner to Virginia and the city of Chesapeake since the opening of its manufacturing facility 50 years ago,” Northam said in a statement. “Companies like Plasser with deep ties in our commonwealth understand the competitive advantages of the region’s infrastructure, access to The Port of Virginia, and world-class workforce. Growing Virginia’s substantial manufacturing industry is key to rebuilding from this public health crisis, and we thank Plasser American for playing an important role in our ongoing recovery efforts.”
Established in Chesapeake in 1970, Plasser American Corp. is a railway track maintenance equipment manufacturer for the North American railroad and transit system. The company currently employs more than 300 people at its Chesapeake operation and also provides railway inspections and railway repair vehicle services.
“This historical project is our proof of trust in the North American railroad system and confidence in the United States economy,” Thomas Blechinger, president of Plasser American, said in a statement. “I am proud of our company’s development in the United States over the last six decades and here in Chesapeake for 50 years. This milestone is our chance to show our commitment to the region and to support local talent, employees, and suppliers.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the city of Chesapeake Economic Development Authority and The Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia, and Northam approved a $450,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to help Chesapeake with the project. The company could also receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program and the Railroad Industrial Access Program administered by the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and subject to approval by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding and services to support training activities.
“When a company like Plasser American leverages the benefits of The Port of Virginia to expand its operations, it is good news for Virginia because the results are economic investment and job creation,” Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director John F. Reinhart said in a statement. “This is a growing, heavy-equipment manufacturer that will be able to continue its expansion in Chesapeake, in part, because of the investments we are making in our port to increase access to global markets.”
Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that Danish manufacturer Rose Holm will invest $1.35 million to establish its first U.S. facility in Henrico County, creating 10 jobs.
Rose Holm produces threaded bolts for the food and beverage, wind power and heat exchange industries in Northern Europe. The new operation will allow the company to further its wind energy efforts, according to Northam’s office. Virginia successfully competed with Indiana for the project.
“Virginia is all in for clean energy, and we welcome Rose Holm’s decision to locate its first U.S. operation in our commonwealth,” Northam said in a statement. “Our Clean Energy Virginia initiative is driving new investment and new jobs in renewable energy, and now it is bringing a new manufacturing facility to Henrico County. We look forward to a strong partnership with Rose Holm as we work to make Virginia a hub for the East Coast offshore wind supply chain and service industries.”
Established in 1953 by Erik Rose Holm, the privately owned company was taken over in 2010 by Ann Rose Bokkenheuser, who was the third generation to own and serve as the company’s CEO. The company has two Danish production plants that manufacture fastener products year-round.
“We believe that the North American market will expand when it comes to the demand for quality solutions within the highly engineered fastener products portfolio,” factory manager Matthew Barnes said in a statement. “We consider close cooperation with regional partners vital for the growth of Rose Holm, and thus chose Virginia, specifically the greater Richmond region, for its proximity to a long-time and significant customer that calls Henrico County home.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Henrico County, the Greater Richmond Partnership and the Port of Virginia to secure the project for the commonwealth.
“Rose Holm’s decision to establish its first U.S. operation in Henrico County says very clearly that Virginia is a world-class business destination,” Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director John F. Reinhart said in a statement. “This move will bring new jobs and economic investment, and the company will help supply industries already operating in Virginia as well as those in the growing offshore wind industry. This is an example of a manufacturer recognizing the value of the Commonwealth’s many business advantages and assets, and among them is the global gateway offered by The Port of Virginia.”
During the next two years Virginia will invest $1.7 million to expand the Network2Work workforce development initiative, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday.
The commonwealth will partner with the Virginia Community College System to pilot the Network2Work model in the Shenandoah Valley, Hampton Roads and greater Richmond regions. Network2Work was established by Piedmont Virginia Community College in 2017 to connect job seekers with local job networks and support services.
“People across our commonwealth are facing unprecedented and far-reaching impacts of the ongoing COVID-19pandemic, and challenging times like these call for innovative solutions,” Northam said in a statement. “Network2Work uses a proactive approach to workforce development, leveraging community-based networks to connect job seekers with the skills and resources they need to find employment despite barriers that might include lack of child care, transportation or other necessities. With the expansion of this program, we will get more Virginians back to work, help employers secure the talent they need to thrive, and put our economy in a strong position to rebound from this crisis.”
The program works with employers to post jobs through an app-based database and works with “connectors,” well-respected individuals at the center of social networks in the local areas, to help identify and refer job seekers who are a good match for available positions. Program staff then help job seekers chart pathways to securing a job through work skill, life management and health resources.
“Our framework is built on a simple premise: a community thrives when its residents thrive,” Ridge Schuyler, who first developed the Network2Work model and will lead efforts to expand the program, said in a statement. “With this exciting expansion, we will be able to help more Virginians realize their full potential by providing them with the connections and support services they need to be successful in the workforce and in their communities.”
The more than 70,000 families that live within the three pilot sites will be the focus of the program’s expansion, including families whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
“I have been proud to witness the program’s growing impact, which served 19 job seekers in its first year and has now reached more than 900 [since 2017],” PVCC President Frank Friedman said in a statement. “Our employer network has grown from four to over 90 employers, offering a total of over $9 million in income to our program participants. We look forward to building on this strong foundation and sharing what we have learned with others to help improve the well-being of families across the commonwealth.”
Cyber intelligence company Cyveillance, a Reston-based business unit of LookingGlass Cyber Solutions Inc., has been acquired by Baltimore-based cybersecurity firm ZeroFOX, the companies announced Tuesday.
Under the acquisition, ZeroFOX will absorb Cyveillance’s more than 130 employees and more than 100 customers.
“Our merger with the Cyveillance team fulfills our strategic vision of accelerating our position as the definitive worldwide leader in digital risk protection,” ZeroFOX CEO James C. Foster said in a statement. “The addition of Cyveillance allows us to further scale our digital risk protection services and expand our threat intelligence capabilities, complementing our renowned AI and remediation capabilities, to address the entire digital threat lifecycle.”
Cyveillance was founded in 1997 and acquired by LookingGlass in 2015. The company provides monitoring and analysis of online data sources to protect client information, infrastructure and employees from physical and online threats.
ZeroFOX, which provides protection against cyber threats on social media and other web platforms, currently has offices in Baltimore, Chile, the United Kingdom and India — so the acquisition will add the company’s second mid-Atlantic office.
“With decades of threat intelligence tradecraft experience and a state of the art 24-7 cybersecurity center, Cyveillance brings a best-in-class data collection and vetting advantage over all other TI [threat intelligence] providers,” Cyveillance General Manager James Carnall said in a statement. “This enriched intelligence delivered within the ZeroFOX Platform will enable customers to achieve a new level of protection that is years ahead of the competition.”
Founded in 2013, ZeroFOX has raised more than $150 million in funding through Intel Capital, NEA, Highland Capital Partners, Redline Capital Management, Hercules Capital, Comcast Ventures and Core Capital.
The city of Richmond has extended the deadline for its Richmond Recovers Grant Program, giving small businesses and nonprofits until Oct. 19 to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney’s office announced Tuesday.
The city allocated $3 million of its federal CARES Act funding to the program, which has $1.68 million left to award. Grant amounts range based on a qualifying organization’s number of current active full-time employees.
“This grant program is providing much-needed financial relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have lost revenue due to COVID-19,” Stoney said in a statement. “We will continue our efforts to make more financial resources available to help our Richmond businesses.”
The first wave of grant awards from the program was split among 123 applicants who will receive a total of $1.32 million in grant funding. Grant funds can be used to reimburse the costs of employee wages (including the cost of benefits), rent, mortgage and utilities for commercial workspaces as well as working capital. Of the 123 approved grant recipients, 42 are restaurants and nine are nonprofit organizations.
The Department of Economic Development is working with grant applicants to ensure all required information is submitted.
“Nearly 500 grant applications were started using our online application portal, and 300 of those applications had sufficient information for an initial review. We are modifying our eligibility criteria while we continue to follow up with applicants by email and telephone to get all of the information that we require to make decisions on the grant awards,” Leonard Sledge, director of Richmond’s Department of Economic Development, said in a statement. “We have also decided to extend the application deadline to allow more applications to be submitted.”
Program guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application can be found through RVAStrong.
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