Strategic Goals/Objectives
a Living Document as of: 23May 2018
NCS has recruited 14 new Members in 2018. At present, NCS Membership stands at 244. The makeup of the Membership is as follows:
MS&T Company 108
Government/Academia/Not-for-profit 39
Non-MS&T Company 49
Practitioners 39
Students 9
Total 244
Objective 1—Technology Transfer/Diversification
- Promote tech transfer opportunities & educational events
- Facilitate connection to community resources
- Promote member-provided services
- Enhance collaboration with allied sectors (i.e., medical, digital media,
gaming)
- Engage entrepreneurial community (i.e. GrowFL, Orlando Tech
Association)
9 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste was a guest speaker at an Orlando Tech Association meet-up event downtown. This also included a display table with NCS collateral material to inform participants about the Simulation Industry and the new Training and Readiness Accelerator (TReX) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Consortium that was stood-up in Nov 2017. TReX is designed to streamline the acquisition process and expedite the development, demonstration and delivery of prototypes to increase warfighter readiness. One of the goals of this effort by PEO STRI & Army Contracting Command (ACC) Orlando is to attract non-traditional contractors to participate in delivering solutions to DoD. The high tech start-ups of the Orlando Tech Association are that very audience.
9 Mar, George Cheros participated in the Sponsors Luncheon for the 20th Orlando FIRST Robotics Regional Conference at the University of Central Florida. This statewide competition brings together high school students from all over the state of Florida. NCS continues to financially support this effort from our STEM/Scholarship funds.
4 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at an open house at Florida Hospital East’s Medical Simulation Center.
17 May, NCS hosted an event with Industry featuring GLESEC, one of NCS’ newest Member Companies. GLESEC is a 15-year old company with operations in the U.S. and across Latin America. Their Cyber Security core business is in intelligence and operations, risk mitigation and security-as-a-service. This event also served as a launching event for GLESEC operations in Central Florida. The current company HQs is in Princeton, NJ.
Objective 2—Education & Awareness
- Communicate internally/externally to position NCS for growth
- Improve strategic communications with member company senior leaders
- Become go-to resource to build public understanding of meaning & role
of MS&T
-Support workforce development
-- Education at K-12, Post-secondary & Graduate levels
-- Certification programs
-- Teacher STEM training
-- Scholarship programs
- Support/augment mentoring & internship programs
- Broaden public awareness program targets in Florida & beyond, including
DoD decision-makers
16 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste spoke at and then moderated a panel at the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Smart Simulation Showcase Event.
28 Feb, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste gave the luncheon keynote address on Day 1 of the Florida GovCon Summit held at Church Street Station in Orlando.
1 Mar, George Cheros accompanied the Team Orlando Board of Directors on a tour of Full Sail University.
6 Mar, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with Craig Castor, Principal of the Orlando office of Cresa. Cresa is a real estate company with 50 offices across the U.S. Their focus is on support to tenants and he was interested to learn more about the MS&T Industry in Orlando/Central Florida. Cresa has since joined NCS.
15 Mar, TechFest XII was held at Crooms Academy of Information Technology (AOIT). NCS hosted a VR/AR technology display featuring Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS). The purpose of NCS participation is to allow students to interact directly with MS&T Industry professionals and perhaps interest them in pursuing a STEM related degree and a future career in the simulation Industry.
26 Mar, NCS and the Lou Frey Institute for Politics and Government (LFI) at UCF held their annual fundraiser golf tournament at Interlachen Country Club. The best event to date, 122 players participated and we anticipate both organizations will net more than $25,000 to support their scholarship and other education initiatives.
Objective 3—Public Policy
- Spearhead community BRAC mitigation efforts
- Participate at every level (local, state & national)
- Capitalize on influencer outreach to lead advocacy for NCS constituents
& the broader community and region
- Advocate for community planning that supports MS&T growth potential,
including:
-- Facilities
-- Telecom
-- Security
-- Incentives
-- EDU programs
5 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste spoke to a group of UCF Legislative Scholars about the MS&T Industry in Central Florida. These scholars will serve in Legislative offices during the next Florida Legislative Session and participate in a week long orientation program to prepare them for their service and inform them on Regional priorities which includes MS&T.
6 Jan, Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL 7th) & Congressman (Lt Gen (Ret)) Jack Bergman (R-MI 1st) visited NAWC TSD, the Research Park and the UCF Incubator.
8 Jan, George Cheros attended the Orange County Board of County Commissioners Meeting at their Chambers in Orlando. At this meeting the Board approved the annual Grant to NCS.
19 Feb, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste escorted Congresswoman Debbie Wassermann-Schultz (D-FL 23rd) on a tour of the Research Park, a Team Orlando Brief at NAWC TSD/NSA Orlando and a visit to Lockheed Martin’s Innovation Demonstration Center.
20 Feb, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at the Florida Defense Contractor’s Association (FDCA) annual Defense Forum. The following Congressional Leaders spoke to the attendees:
Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL 13th)
Congresswoman Debbie Wassermann-Schultz (D-FL 23rd)
Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL 4th)
Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL 9th)
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL 7th)
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL 25th)
8 Mar, the Army announced the stand-up this summer of a new Army Futures Command. See the link below for the announcement:
The article indicates 30 cities, without naming them, are under review as the future site for the new Command HQs. The location described in the article is very similar to the collaborative environment of the Central Florida Research Park which is home to Team Orlando. Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste wrote to Congresswoman Murphy and the Florida Defense Support Task Force (FDSTF) to ensure they were aware of the announcement and engaged in promoting Orlando as a location that should be considered. Congresswoman Murphy’s staff sent this reply:
Thank you so much for reaching out on this – and what great timing! The Congresswoman had breakfast with Army Secretary Esper yesterday morning in the Pentagon. In their meeting, she asked him about the stand-up of the new Army Futures Command. She also discussed the role of the new cross-functional teams (CFT) – including Secretary Esper’s strong support for the CFT for the Synthetic Training Environment led by Maj. Gen. Gervais out of PEO STRI. Secretary Esper was familiar with Team Orlando’s work, and spoke very positively about the unique ecosystem we have in the Research Park. He told the Congresswoman he plans to visit Orlando later this year, and offered to work with her office on the anticipated timing of his visit. Since then the Congresswoman has written a letter, with input from NCS, to Secretary Esper asking for Orlando to receive serious consideration as the future home for the new command.
The Enterprise Florida staff leads for the FDSTF sent this reply:
We caught wind of this yesterday and are checking with Principi Group to see if Florida has a chance. With NCS input, they drafted a letter from Governor Scott to Secretary Esper promoting Orlando and the Research Park as the perfect location for Army Futures Command.
We still do not know of Orlando is under consideration but the influencers that can promote Orlando as the right location are now engaged.
21 Mar, George Cheros represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at the Florida Defense Alliance semi-annual meeting in Orange Park, FL. He participated on a panel that discussed the impact of the Florida Ranges by describing the Live, Virtual, Constructive Training technology of the future.
22 Mar, George Cheros represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at the Florida Defense Support Task Force (FDSTF) meeting in Orange Park, FL.
22 Mar, NCS planned and executed the bi-monthly MODTF Meeting at the Orlando Economic Partnership downtown.
4 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste was the keynote speaker at the Meridian Club’s monthly luncheon event in Maitland. The presentation included an overview of the MS&T Industry in Florida and MODTF BRAC mitigation initiatives to protect NSA Orlando/Team Orlando from the next round of BRAC.
18 Apr, the Army released the following short list of cities under consideration to be the home for the new Army Futures Command: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Raleigh, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. Unfortunately, Orlando and the Central Florida Research Park did not make the list.
16 – 19 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros travelled to Washington D.C. to meet with Legislators and their staffs. Congresswoman Murphy’s staff helped to coordinate the Office calls and the agenda. In addition to updates on the MS&T Industry in Florida, the discussions reviewed potential M&S language for inclusion in the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The following offices were visited:
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-Fl 07th)—Co-chair Modeling &
Simulation Leadership Caucus in the House
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL 23rd)
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL 25th)
Congressman Francis Rooney (R-FL 19th)
Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL 04th)—Co-chair Modeling &
Simulation Leadership Caucus in the House
Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL 14th)
Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL 18th)
Congressman Charley Crist (D-FL 13th)
Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA 03rd)—Co-chair Modeling & Simulation
Leadership Caucus in the House
Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL 15th)
Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL 21st)
Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL 17th)
Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-FL 06th)
Congressman Daniel Webster (R-FL 11th)
Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL 8th)
Congressman Robert Wittman (R-VA 01st)
Congressman Scott Taylor (R-VA 02nd)—Co-chair Modeling & Simulation
Leadership Caucus in the House
6 – 8 May, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) U.S. Capitol Summit in D.C. The event brought Industry and other civic leaders from around the State together to engage Members of the Florida Delegation in the House and key Staff Members in the White House. NCS participation ensured Aerospace, Defense and the MS&T Industry in Florida were included in the conversations and agenda. The following Congressional Members, White House staff and representatives from other agencies participated in the Summit:
Ray Starling, Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture,
AgriculturalTrade and Food Assistance
Alex Herrgott, Associate Director on Infrastructure & also serves on the
Councilon Environmental Quality
Mercedes Schlapp, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for
StrategicCommunications
White House Speaker to discuss Tax Reform (missed his name?)
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL 25)
Congressman Daniel Webster (R-FL 11)
Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL 4)
Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL 13)
Congressman Matt Gates (R-FL 1)
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL 7)
Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL 9)
Congressman Al Lawson (D-FL 5)
Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL 18)
Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL 22)
Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL 8)
Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL 2)
Congressman Carlos Curbelo (R-FL 26)
Congressman Dennis Ross (R-FL 15)
Speaker from the National Manufacturers Association (missed her
name?)
Brendon Del Torro, National Republican Congressional Committee
17 May, Army Secretary Esper recently approved locations for each of the eight Cross Functional Team (CFT) HQs that will report to Army Futures Command. The Synthetic Training Environment CFT will move to Orlando. According to the Army, the decision places the CFT at the location most suitable to support their current efforts…..the Synthetic Training Environment CFT will collocate with PEO-STRI in Orlando, FL. The CFT headquarters will begin relocating this summer; the exact timeline is TBD. The HQs will consist of a combination of approximately 32 Military and Department of the Army Civilians but will continue to draw on subject matter experts from around the Army to support their effort.
31 May, NCS planned and executed the bi-monthly MODTF Meeting at the Orlando Economic Partnership downtown.
Objective 4—Collaboration
- Sponsor events, conferences & meetings
- Broaden NCS presence on relevant Boards & involvement with EDOs,
EDU organizations, military associations & international counterparts
- Collaborate with other industry associations
- Continue to support Team Orlando
January New Members:
Trevor Huth—practitioner
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce—reciprocal
Sidney Fooshee—practitioner
Game Sense Sports
9 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros attended the PEO STRI Program Administrative Lead Time (PALT) meeting with Industry.
10 Jan, NCS in partnership with Team Orlando hosted a quarterly Industry Capability Day featuring the technology of 10 selected companies.
12 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at the annual Combined Professional Association’s (CPAG) Defense Forum. Senior leaders from the four service commands gave a forecast to Industry participants of their simulation & training requirements for 2018 and beyond.
18 Jan, NCS hosted an after action review with 2017 I/ITSEC booth partners to review lessons learned and start the planning for I/ITSEC 2018.
19 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacob’s 2018 Economic Summit. Following the Summit there was a TechMatch event that gave companies from Central Florida an opportunity to display their technologies and network with other participants.
23 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste spoke with Ximena Pauvif-Machado from the Consulate General of Canada’s office in Miami about hosting an event with U.S. & Canadian Industry in advance of I/ITSEC 2018. Two options were discussed: a dedicated event similar to an NCS Membership Night or a dedicated event on the margins of the Florida Simulation Summit in Sep 2018. In either case, the Consulate will cover the costs and/or sponsor the Simulation Summit which requires approval (expected in Feb 2018) from the Canadian Government.
24 Jan, NCS held its bi-monthly Board of Directors Meeting.
24 Jan, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste participated in the bi-monthly Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) Board of Directors Meeting.
25 Jan, NCS hosted an economic forecast for 2018 featuring Jason Edwards, Managing Partner and Chief Economist of Edwards Financial Services.
25 Jan, NCS planned and executed the bi-monthly MODTF Meeting at the Orlando Economic Partnership.
February New Members:
Rebecca Leis—student
Mary Lee Carter—practitioner
CM-Labs
Franz Plescha—practitioner
Cresa
13 Feb, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with Tim Greef, CEO, National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL), the Consortium Management Firm that manages the Training & Readiness Accelerator (TReX) for ACC-Orlando and PEO STRI. He was accompanied by Gary Frost, the newly hired Executive Director, TReX.
13 Feb, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste represented NCS and the MS&T Industry in Central Florida at the Orlando Inc. (Regional Chamber of Commerce) Board of Directors meeting.
March New Members:
Lindsey Spalding—practitioner
GLESEC
12 Mar, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros attended the Army’s PALT update to Industry.
12 Mar, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros met with Sergio Heker, CEO GLESEC. An information security firm based in New Jersey, he wanted to update NCS on progress in moving toward the opening of a second location in Orlando.
13 Mar, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste participated in a telephone survey led by Curley & Pynn to discuss the impact of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) in Central Florida.
14 Mar, George Cheros met with Orange County Convention Center personnel to finalize the relocation site for the NCS Hall of Fame Wall of Honor and a date for the 2018 Induction Ceremony. We have decided on Tuesday, 12 Jun 2018 as the date for this year’s event.
22 Mar, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste represented NCS and the MS&T Industry at the Orlando Economic Partnership Board Meeting/Reception hosted by the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center. At that event UCF President John C. Hitt was recognized for his more than 25 years of service as the University’s President.
26 – 28 Mar, the Corridor held its annual Talent Forum that helps recruit top talent from around the nation to support growth of our high tech industries. NCS sponsored two Member Companies, Leidos and General Dynamics Mission Systems to participate. In addition Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros participated on alternate days to tell the broader story of the simulation industry in Florida and job opportunities for students from the 50 Colleges and Universities represented.
29 Mar, George Cheros participated with representatives from UCF Constituent Relations in a site survey of the Resource Square 2 building (P V). The purpose was to facilitate additional planning for a ceremony scheduled for 30 Aprthat will commemorate the naming of the Partnership Complex in honor of UCF President John C. Hitt.
29 Mar, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste spoke with Stan Schneider, CEO Real Time Innovations (RTI). Stan wanted to discuss potential participation by Gen (Ret) Baptiste on an advisory board RTI is standing up.
5 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros represented NCS and the MS&T Industry in Florida at a community celebration in honor of UCF President John C. Hitt. President Hitt will retire on 30 June after more than 25 years as the University’s President.
10 Apr, NCS hosted an event with Industry featuring Real Time Innovations (RTI). At the event RTI demonstrated its Connext DDS Connectivity Framework in use by a number of major simulation companies and also in a number of real world weapon systems.
12 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste spoke with Michael Zaharios, FHTCC. He is looking at ways to provide more support to veteran entrepreneurs via the FHTCC’s Virtual Entrepreneur Center database.