TPP – TECH BRIDGE – NAWCAD - NAVAIR
February 19-20, 2025. Naval Aviation Systems Command (NAVAIR) will hold an Industry Day/Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) NAVAIR’s Mission Integration and Special Programs Office (MISPO/PMA-298) is hosting a series of TIMs within the framework of an Industry Event to provide opportunities for Industry to learn about the technology needs of the NAVAIR enterprise with the potential for follow-on briefings regarding technologies that industry has developed. While considering attendance in the Industry Event, it is highly encouraged for industry to send Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) at the working level, as the majority of the briefs will be highly technical and targeted toward seeking solutions to close capability gaps.
This Industry Event will consist of the following:
DAY ONE of the event will be held at the Collateral SECRET classification level and will be in-person only in Southern Maryland on or near the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. TIM events will follow in the afternoon.
DAY TWO of the event will be at the Collateral SECRET classification level with several TIM sessions at SECRET or higher targeting specific solutions to fill capability gaps within the Warfighting Integrated Framework. Day 2 will be in-person only in Southern Maryland on or near the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.
REGISTRATION: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/fWWQEgdgSY
Registration for attendance for either day will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration for DAY 1 will close when full but No Later Than (NLT) 1500 Eastern Time (ET) on 02/14/25. Please limit attendance for DAY ONE to no more than two representatives per company for each Small Business and no more than two representatives per division for Large Businesses with a maximum of five attendees total for each Large Business.
Registration for DAY 2 will close when full but NLT 1500 ET on 02/14/25 in order to finalize the Schedule of Sessions for DAY 2 and to notify potential attendees of their selection or non-selection for these meetings.
For additional information on the Industry Day and TIMS, please visit SAM.GOV announcement at: https://sam.gov/opp/fe508f542d994fd7bf092a6aa63be181/
To help industry participants register for the TIMs, here are preliminary descriptions of key topics and their relation to the Naval Aviation North Stars:
1. Force Employment Session
2. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Capability Session
3. Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Session
4. Long Range Fires (LRF) Session
5. Defend the Force (DTF) Session
For this Industry Day, the kick-off is limited to three people per company, and all are required to validate SECRET clearance or above to attend both the kick-off and the TIMs. Because of the small group framework, industry is asked to submit no more than two names per topic area. It is highly encouraged to send SMEs at the working level, as the briefs will be highly technical and targeted toward solutions to close warfighting capability gaps.
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday 11 March & Wednesday 12 March 2025-
PEO(U&W)’s Industry Event 2025- will be “in-person only” on or near the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. This Industry Event will consist of the following:
DAY ONE - Tuesday 11 March 2025 - Government Briefs to Industry (SECRET clearance required)
DAY ONE of the PEO(U&W) Industry Event 2025 will consist of SECRET level briefings and panel discussions/Q&A from government representatives and one SECRET//NOFORN Threat Brief. This opportunity is open to military, government and industry U.S. Citizens with a final SECRET clearance. Only contractors or sub-contractors performing a current DoD or Federal Intelligence Community contract with a current DD254 will be allowed to attend. A current DD254 authorizing access to national intelligence information will be required to attend the Threat Brief at the classification level of SECRET//NOFORN.
DAY TWO - Wednesday 12 March 2025 - PEO(U&W) Networking with Industry (No clearance required)
DAY TWO will consist of UNCLASSIFIED, in-person meetings between Industry and representatives from various PEO(U&W) entities and is open to the public who have registered in advance for these meetings. Meetings will be in the "speed networking" format, will be a maximum of 10 minutes in length and must be requested in advance via the registration site. Attendees interested in registering for these meetings will be asked during the registration process to choose their top five choices, in priority order, from 15 available PEO(U&W) entities.
An RFI is expected to be released within the next few weeks via “SAM.gov Contract Opportunities” along with a link to the Eventbrite registration site. Please hold all questions about the Event until the RFI is released and the registration site is active
Tech Bridge–NAVAL: https://navalx.nre.navy.mil/s/tech-bridges/southern-maryland-tech-bridge and https://techport.center/
EDUCATION
The Apprenticeship Maryland Program/Tech Jobs Rule (AMP/TJR) and the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center (FCTC) are seeking local companies to participate in the Youth Apprenticeship Program for the 2025-2026 school year. Apprenticeships will begin between June and September 2025 and we don't want you to miss out! Companies in St. Mary’s County that wish to participate in the upcoming school year should complete the 2025-2026 Youth Apprentice Industry Request Form found here: https://paxpartnership.org/tech-jobs-rule/ and submit it to kawhite@smcps.org. Please check out the AMP/TJR video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2FT6Mc1-00
February 5th, 2025 | 5:00 -Dr. Justin Stine, Assistant Research Scientists at the MATRIX Lab USMSM, will discuss the role of advanced manufacturing in developing miniature sensing devices for biomedical applications, like diagnosing and treating chronic gastrointestinal diseases. He'll also highlight how these systems will benefit from autonomy.
"Advanced Manufacturing for Biomedical Devices and Applications: Toward Device Autonomy" will be presented at the USMSM SMART Building, 44219 Airport Road, California, Maryland 20619. Networking starts at 5:00 p.m. and the presentation starts at 5:30 p.m.
You can learn more about the series and register for our February 5 presentation now!
Evening@SMART is a series of presentations and discussions related to autonomy and AI that highlight research, breakthroughs, cutting-edge tech, and unique perspectives.
(STEM-ING) Next Generation event Saturday, May 31, 2025!
For the last 12 years, NAWCAD and The Patuxent Partnership have collaborated together to host the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - Inspiring the Next Generation (STEM-ING) event. This one-day event, is designed for middle school girls in the local tri-county region to gain more confidence in STEM activities and learn about STEM fields and associated careers. Students will attend 3 STEM related workshops. Every year, STEM-ING hosts new workshops so that returning students can participate in new/different workshops from the previous year.
STEM-ING’s open call for workshop proposals
The STEM-ING Workshop Committee Leads are looking for workshop proposals for the upcoming 2025 STEM-ING event. If you are interested in submitting a workshop proposal, please review the attached template form. Please submit proposals to stemingsomd@gmail.com by Friday, January 31, 2025. Additionally, submitting a workshop proposal does not require that you lead the workshop; however, you are certainly more than welcome to lead the workshop at the 2025 STEM-ING event.
If you have any additional questions on the STEM-ING event or the current call for workshop proposals, please feel free to contact stemingsomd@gmail.com.
DCAIP Department of Defense – DoD College Acquisition Internship Program- To enroll or for more info: https://paxpartnership.org/nadp-naval-acquisition-development-program-non-stem-opportunities/
Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Subscribe to their newsletter here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Je5H45l/Subscribe
Website: https://www.smcm.edu/democracy/
- Wednesday February 5, 2025, 4:45 - 6:30pm - The Color Curtain Project- The Color Curtain Project is a series of culinary experiences and art book presentations that explore the multitudes of relationships shared between Africa and Asia. The Color Curtain Project will present new material that reflects on how we individually and collectively respond to catastrophe. Venue: Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center (SMCM)
College of Southern Maryland, (CSM) Information, news and events: register: https://www.csmd.edu/news/index.html
Registration Ongoing for Community Education Courses; CSM offers a variety of Community Education courses in Fall 2024. Register here: www.csmd.edu/CommunityEducation.
- Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 8:30 am Multigenerational Workforce Forum. SMART Building, USMSM. Discover how Southern Maryland residents can work, learn, and thrive together across generations in a morning of interactive discussions and networking. Workers of all ages will share perspectives on life and work in Southern Maryland, learn from each other, and explore the dynamics of the multigenerational workforce. Free admission, but tickets required. Sponsored by Leadership Southern Maryland, The Patuxent Partnership, USMSM, College of Southern Maryland, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce/Young Professionals Network, Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, KBR, and the MIL Corp. Confirm your free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southern-maryland-multigenerational-workforce-forum-tickets-1120109199769.
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Saturday, March 22, | 7 am to 5 pm - WomenLead Conference Registration. Registration opens Friday, Feb. 7. for the WomenLead One-Daay-Conference in Room 13, Center for Business and Industry, La Plata Campus at 8730 Mitchell Road in La Plata. WomenLead is a celebration of Women’s History Month, designed to empower and energize women entrepreneurs and nonprofit pioneers. The keynote speaker is Mia Williams, a Prince George's County native and the Founder of the Colors of Her Success, a professional networking organization. The conference is open to all. Free admission. Register at WomenLead Conference.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 10:00am–2:00pm – Spring 2025 Career & Internship FAIR at SMCM, Center for Career & Professional Development. This event is a fantastic opportunity to hire interns, graduating seniors, and current students, as well as to inspire students exploring your industry by showcasing the incredible work you do.
Purpose: Hire for your open positions (jobs, internships, and more) and network with students who are exploring career paths.
Location: Michael P. O’Brien Athletics and Recreation Center (ARC) Recreational Courts
Booth/sponsorships, registration and more information found here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/5f6b16f2-78ef-4c5c-82b6-97d4680185ad/employer_preview
SCHOLARSHIPS & CHALLENGES
Del. Brian Crosby 2025-26 SY Academic Scholarship Application!
This scholarship is intended to assist St. Mary's County students in furthering their education and pursuing their career goals. Del. Crosby strongly encourages students who will be first-generation college students and/or those who will pursue a certificate or licensure as part of a technical education to apply.
To apply, you must be a resident of Maryland Legislative District 29B, which covers the southern portion of St. Mary's County, including some areas of California, Lexington Park, Great Mills, Ridge, and others. If you are unsure whether you live in District 29B, you may confirm by using the Lookup option on the Maryland General Assembly's website linked below. You may apply as either a full-time or part-time student, however, you must be taking at least 6 credits per semester to qualify as a part-time student under Md. Code, Educ. § 18-504. If you have applied for this scholarship in the past, you may apply again as long as you remain a qualified student. This scholarship does not automatically renew. Students must reapply each year.
For the application link and more information read here: https://paxpartnership.org/del-brian-crosby-2025-26-sy-academic-scholarship-application/
Applications are open for TPP Pathways Scholarship – The scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan on attending the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and majoring in engineering will be eligible to receive a full scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and books for up to two years, providing they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and remain in good standing. For Scholarship Eligibility Requirements and to apply: https://csmd.academicworks.com/opportunities/3953
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31, 2025
Contact information regarding this scholarship: CSM Foundation at 301-934-7599 or csmfoundation@csmd.edu
American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) Scholarships! ASNE proudly supports future engineers, awarding $4,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students each academic year who have a potential interest in naval engineering. We understand education is expensive, which is why we encourage those qualified to apply!
Are you pursuing an education and career in engineering? Interested in applying your skills to the exciting and broad field of naval engineering in support of our Navy and Coast Guard? Seeking a merit-based scholarship? Look no further! The American Society of Naval Engineer's Scholarship Application is officially open for the 2025-2026 Academic Year!
Application submissions are due February 10, 2025. If you have a question, please read the "ASNE Scholarship FAQs" online or email scholarships@navalengineers.org or visit their website to learn more about our application criteria/process: http://www.navalengineers.org/Education/Scholarships
NASA’s fourth annual Power to Explore Student Challenge kicked off November 7, 2024. The science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) writing challenge invites kindergarten through 12th grade students in the United States to learn about radioisotope power systems, a type of nuclear battery integral to many of NASA’s far-reaching space missions.
Students are invited to write an essay about a new nuclear-powered mission to any moon in the solar system they choose. Submissions are due Jan. 31, 2025. To learn more about the challenge, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/power-to-explore/
To apply for National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) scholarships!
Submit an application for an NDTA Foundation scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year! Applications may be submitted through April 15 via e-mail at ndtahq@ndtahq.com for our four academic scholarship programs for members and their children:
- Program A – for currently enrolled college students
- Program B – for soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an accredited institution
- Program C – for currently enrolled, distance learning college students
- Program D, The Denny Edwards Graduate Scholarship – for graduate (master’s degree) students
NDTA offers all scholarship winners a unique opportunity to join our Industry Connect Program (ICP). The ICP links interested students with an industry mentor to help them bridge to the future. More information can be found here.
NDTA is excited about the education and development of our Nation’s future logistics and transportation leaders! Providing scholarships and the ICP helps us promote learning and professional development. To learn about scholarship qualification details and how to apply, go to https://www.ndtahq.com/foundation/, call us at 703-751-5011 or send us an email at ndtahq@ndtahq.com. Read student testimonials from previous scholarship recipients to learn about the impact it has had on their studies.
They look forward to hearing from you soon!
RESOURCES
Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) is accepting applications for the Executive Program Class of 2026. The Executive Program's nine-month educational program cultivates the regional knowledge and community leadership capacities of senior executives who live or work in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Participants convene monthly from September through May for behind-the-scenes exposures and discussions of Southern Maryland’s most significant issues: defense, education, environment, healthcare, public safety, and more. Cohort members build valuable relationships—peer-to-peer, business-to-business—all in the context of great fun and learning while strengthening regional collaboration. Application deadline is April 15th:
https://www.leadershipsomd.org/programs/executive-program/.
To nominate a colleague:
https://www.leadershipsomd.org/programs/nominations/
The International Trade administration (ITA) is your U.S. government resource for competing in the global marketplace. To download the 2025 Defense Export Handbook , and more information can be found here: https://paxpartnership.org/defense-export-handbook/
Saturday February 8th, 2025 - The Southern Maryland VEX IQ tournament - Vex IQ is a robotics program for elementary and middle school students. The event is in need of volunteers to serve as Judges.
The judges play a very important role in the tournament. You will interact with teams of elementary and middle school students who have worked hard all year to create a robotic system to compete in a game. Judges work in teams to evaluate engineering notebooks, interview teams, observe teams on the playing fields, and ultimately deliberate to determine which teams will receive judged awards.
There is no required background and all training, and a catered lunch is provided on the day of the competition.
Location: Great Mills High School Cafeteria-Judging Time Commitment: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm - Awards Ceremony ~ 4:00 pm. (judges are invited to stay for awards ceremony where we get a chance to show our appreciation of your efforts)
If you are interested and available, please respond to caskinner@smcps.org
Please also feel free to share this opportunity within your networks.
February 11, 2025 |5:00pm, Washington, DC & 2 :00pm, Los Angeles, CA
Join senior leaders from the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, Australian Government, and Aerospace Industries Association for an AUKUS webinar covering recent defense trade reforms that seek to bolster the trilateral partnership and better facilitate defense trade between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
What is the AUKUS Exemption: This webinar follows a key interim final rule published by the Department of State known as the ‘AUKUS Exemption,’ or the ‘§ 126.7 exemption’, designed to facilitate billions of dollars in secure, license-free defense trade. Under this exemption, the vast majority of commercial defense trade for both AUKUS and non-AUKUS programs is eligible for transfer between AUS-UK-US.
Who Should Attend: This is a unique opportunity for companies, compliance professionals, and country managers involved in the AUKUS landscape to hear directly from the leaders involved in shaping the defense trade between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Speakers:
Chris Deeble, Australian Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Australia Department of Defense
Michael Vaccaro, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Defense Trade Controls, U.S. Department of State
Philip Johnson, Chief of Staff, Export Administration, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce
Dak Hardwick, Vice President, International Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association
Questions, click below:
· Patrik Kjos -IA Office of Aerospace
· Doug Hartley -U.S. Embassy - Canberra
· Jason Sproule -Aerospace Defense Team
Registration: Click here
Human Resources Association of Southern Maryland (HRASM)dates to watch!
St. Mary’s County Library Announces Perks Partners - St. Mary’s County Library is excited to announce a partnership opportunity for businesses! Through our Perks Partners program, the Library will spread the word about your business through our network, including social media, in-library messaging, and email messaging. In return, your business will offer a 10% discount to library card holders. “Our combined monthly reach within our community is over 80,000, including email, social media, and website visitors,” said Library Director Michael Blackwell, “and we believe this will be a great way to enhance communication, benefitting businesses and library users.” Perks Partners are welcome to sign up on the Library website: https://www.stmalib.org/about-us/perks-partners/
St. Mary’s County Library Announces PLA Digital Literacy Workshop and PLA Digital Literacy Navigators Grants January 27, 2025 – Leonardtown, Md. – St. Mary’s County Library has been selected among over 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy using Digitallearn.org resources, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T. St. Mary’s County Library has received approximately $14,000 to hold classes, drop-in sessions, and one-on-one sessions for the St. Mary’s County community.
Read more here: https://paxpartnership.org/st-marys-county-library-announces-pla-digital-literacy-workshop-and-pla-digital-literacy-navigators-grants/
The Maryland Soft Landing Exchange Program is now accepting applications from Maryland businesses interested in exploring international markets.
Consider applying if you’re ready to:
· Expand export capabilities
· Test out a new global market at a reduced cost
· Network and receive guidance from mentors in key markets
Apply now for this dynamic program, which can connect your business to partners in Australia, Japan, Ireland, France, Netherlands, and the UK. Learn more and apply here https://marylandcommerce.formstack.com/forms/grant_application_maryland_soft_landing_exchange_2025
The Maryland Association of Community Colleges newsletter found here: Read the latest article on “Middle-Skill Careers Offer a Path to the Middle Class” here: https://mailchi.mp/mdacc.org/middle-skills-opportunities
Pax River Naval Museum (PRNAM) Become a PRNAM member today: https://www.paxmuseum.com/membership
Event Calendar: https://www.paxmuseum.com/events-calendar
The PRNAM flight simulators are open on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm unless posted otherwise.
Interested in joining our simulator team? The museum is seeking adults (18+) interested in supervising the simulators during the weekends. Email dan.dickey@paxmuseum.org for more information!
INCOSE SOMD https://www.incose.org/ Is running monthly "Systems Engineering Forums! Anyone with an interest in systems engineering is welcome to participate. We are looking for engineering-themed opportunities to get more engaged. For details or to share please contact INCOSE.
Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Southern Region, stay informed and follow on social media and here: https://www.sbdchelp.com Check out their NO-Cost online Training & Workshops! https://www.marylandsbdc.org/training
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Tri-County Council (TCC) - Business Engagement Specialist Team (B.E.S.T.) monthly Business News/Updates newsletter! Email: BESTeam@tccsmd.org to request to subscribe. More here: https://southernmarylandjobsource.org/ Check out the most up-to-date Hot Jobs!
https://tccsmd.org/wp-content/uploads/Featured-Hot-Jobs-8-20-2021.pdf
COMMUNITY NEWS & ACTIVITIES
St Mary’s College of Maryland https://www.smcm.edu/ Check for events here: https://inside.smcm.edu/events?page=1
· February. 4, 2025, | 11 am - 6 pm, Symmetrical Bodies, the latest project from Susan R. Johnson, professor of art at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, will be the subject of an exhibition in the College’s Boyden Gallery. The exhibition runs through March 7. The “Symmetrical Bodies project draws inspiration from the ideal of bodily symmetry, an unattainable perfection and beauty that contrasts with the reality of human diversity,” The gallery, located on the upper level of Montgomery Hall.
EVENTS: Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center (SMCM) https://www.smcm.edu/dodge-performing-arts-center/coming-attractions/
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, | 4:45 - 6:30pm - The Color Curtain Project is a series of culinary experiences and art book presentations that explore the multitudes of relationships shared between Africa and Asia. More here: https://inside.smcm.edu/events/color-curtain-project-feb-5
Saturday, February 8, 2025, | 7 – 8pm - The world-renowned The King's Singers are coming back to St. Mary's College of Maryland for another night of a cappella perfection! Tickets on Sale Now! Last year we had a sold out crowd, make sure to get your tickets early!
COSMIC Symphony -
If you’d like to be notified of the latest COSMIC news and concert updates, sign-up for their newsletter.
Song & Dance will feature the 2024 Young Artist Competition winner, Ellyanna Tyson, and a classical program including Tchaikovsky’s overture from Romeo & Juliet and several of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances.
· Feb 22, 2025 | 3:00pm- Chesapeake Church, 6201 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD 20639- FREE CONCERT
· Feb 23, 2025 | 3:00pm -Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, SMCM-47855 College Dr, St. Mary's City, MD 20686-FREE CONCERT
Historic Sotterley - Information & to register for events here: https://www.sotterley.org/events.
Historic St. Mary’s City, (HSMC) - See all events & register here: https://www.hsmcdigshistory.org/events/.
Email: hsmcc.groups@maryland.gov; 301-994-4371 / 301-994-4372
St. Mary’s County Library Newsletter sign up: https://www.stmalib.org/newsletter-sign-up/
St. Mary’s County Museum Division - Please visit
https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate/Museums/
Sign up for their newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/8818922c0fdc/march2024?e=5cb0e4248f
For more information on hours of operation, programs, events, admission prices, and more, follow our museums on Facebook at:
· St. Clement’s Island Museum: Facebook.com/SCIMuseum
· Old Jail Museum & Visitor Center: Facebook.com/TheOldJailMuseum
· Piney Point Lighthouse Museum: Facebook.com/1836Light
· U.S. Colored Troops Interpretive Center: Facebook.com/USCTCenter
Baby it's cold outside!
Wrapping Arms Round Many, Inc. (WARM), established in 2009, is a faith-based 501(c)(3) charity that collaborates with local houses of worship and other organizations to provide safe overnight shelter and meals to homeless adults from November through March. Join their e-mail list: warmsecretary1@gmail.com
Collaborate with WARM or volunteer for other tasks – meetings are open to the public at 5 pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Church of the Ascension, 21641 Great Mills Rd, Lexington Park, MD - Questions? Contact WARM at: warmsecretary1@gmail.com - 240-587-5032
St Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen is grateful for those who assist in building a better quality of life. The following is list of needs:
Chunky Soup, Hot Chocolate Packets, Ketchup Bottles, Olive Oil (large sizes preferred), Vienna Sausages, Peanut Butter (creamy preferred), Instant Oatmeal Packets, Parmesan Cheese, Canned Tuna and chicken, Canola Oil (48 oz), Chicken, Beef and Vegetable Broth, Chili seasoning packets, Canned soups, Crackers (Saltines, Ritz, etc...), Graham Crackers, Juices - 64oz bottles or individual boxes, Mayonnaise (30oz), Microwave Popcorn, Pepperoni, Shredded Cheddar/Mexican Cheese, String Cheese, Hamburger and tuna Helper, Cheese slices, Lunch meats.
Drop-off Monday-Saturday between 8:30am and 1:00pm 20331 Point Lookout Rd., Great Mills. Rear door: 301-863-5700, contact stmcaring@gmail.com
Check the website for information on monetary donations www.stmaryscaring.org