Here's What's Happening This Week 9.16.2026   

TPP Program Updates      

Here are a few programs TPP is busy planning.

More information to come.  

A very successful TPP/ANA Panel-

“PAE Munitions: The Right Weapons, On Target, at the Speed of the Fight”! We had a full house. A big thank you to our sponsor, X Bow Systems!

BOOK NOW BEFORE THE AUDITORIUM IS FULL!

September 30th, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 pm

“Marine Science & Technology Leadership in Turbulent Times.”

by Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, PhD, USN (ret.) Former Acting NOAA Administrator - Author of “Holding Fast In Heavy Seas”

Program at Recital Hall at Dodge Performing Arts Center (PAC) SMCM

·        5:00 -6:30 pm Program  Dodge PAC Recital Hall

·        6:30-7:00 pm Book Signing and Reception

Registration is open:

https://paxpartnership.org/tpp-events/marine-science-technology-leadership-in-turbulent-times/

A TPP program in collaboration with The Steny H. Hoyer Center for the Study of Democracy at SMCM

Here's what the media says about the Gallaudet program:

Baynet:

https://thebaynet.com/rear-admiral-tim-gallaudet-to-discuss-marine-science-technology-leadership-in-turbulent-times-at-st-marys-college/

SMNewsnet.com

https://smnewsnet.com/archives/564510/rear-admiral-tim-gallaudet-phd-usn-ret-to-discuss-marine-science-technology-leadership-in-turbulent-times-at-st-marys-college/

October:

• TPP Annual Meeting October 28, 2026 at TechPort. Registration opens next week!

November:

• NAWCAD Industry Day -Postponed from Nov 4^th to January 2027

December:

• TPP/ANA Panel  
• TPP Holiday Party 

The TPP Newsletter is archived on our website  

here: https://paxpartnership.org/newsletter/.

 NAWCAD- NAVAIR- SOMD TECH BRIDGE            

Central Florida TechGrove- Advanced Acquisition Documentation Analysis Prize Challenge

This challenge seeks intelligent recommender systems that leverage advanced data science, natural language processing, and machine learning to analyze procurement documentation, identify common acquisition requirements, and recommend strategic contract vehicles that improve efficiency and streamline the acquisition process.        

We're looking to streamline this process and help modernize acquisition documentation analysis. If your organization is developing technologies in the following, ...this challenge is for you.

9/22/26 11:59 pm EDT: Deadline for submission 

·         Artificial Intelligence (AI)

·         Machine Learning (ML)

·         Natural Language Processing (NLP)

·         Intelligent Document Processing

·         Automation and Decision Support

·         Advanced Data Analytics

Ready to learn more:

Advanced Acquisition Documentation Analysis Prize Challenge - Central Florida Tech Grove 

Central Florida TechGrove is continuously launching new prize challenges that connect innovators with meaningful government and national security challenges. If you’ve been looking for your next opportunity to innovate, now is the time to get involved. https://centralfloridatechgrove.org/active-prize-challenges/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2026-07-08&utm_campaign=Take+on+Our+Latest+Prize+Challenges 

Friday, October 2, 2026 at 1300 EDT.

NAWCAD SOMD Tech Bridge and the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265) EA-18G Growler Integrated Product Team (IPT) present Commander Michael Mabrey, EA-18G Growler Level 1 IPT Lead, PMA-265, and Rick Tarr, Director of the SOMD Tech Bridge.

•  An interactive conversation 
• This hybrid event: in-person attendance limited to 40 attendees
• Will explore the platform’s current capabilities, its adaptability in rapidly addressing fleet needs, and its future contributions to naval aviation.PMA-265 provides critical current and future capabilities in the form of total life cycle support management (cradle to grave) for the F/A-18A-D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler weapons systems.
• FAR acquisition information will not be shared during this event

Register here: 

https://gtri.webex.com/weblink/register/r4e0dcc71cb3aac2cb8e8ba9c37a5e773

 EDUCATION   

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Information, news, and events: register:  https://www.csmd.edu/news/index.html 

Registration is Ongoing for Community Education Courses at 

www.csmd.edu/CommunityEducation .

• NEWS: CSM students find success and support through the Center for Career Development and Success. Industry Engagement Director Ralph Critten said having a support system to develop professional skills can make a significant difference in helping a student reach their goals.  This year, the CCDS has helped connect 29 students with internships.  

Students can still apply for fall semester internships through HawkJobs.

• The CSM Foundation raised a record-breaking $94,000 at its August 6^th, 35th Annual Golf Classic, creating significant support for scholarships and programs that help students reach their academic goals. The sold-out event welcomed 144 community partners, supporters, and alumni to tee off at Swan Point Yacht and Country Club and enjoy a round of golf in support of student success.  
• Manufacturing Foundations Courses - Three courses. Hands-on training. One workforce certificate: https://csmd.augusoft.net/info/landing/Workforce-Development/

St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM), The National Public Honors College. https://www.smcm.edu/  The general SMCM Events link.  The  Community Hub website lists events and opportunities of interest to the public. Newsletter: The form to sign up for the SMCM general community outreach newsletter:  

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBtVDk7rgZN7R1Zg-_wfjFP6TECRieBRsnJHamjsgBj-LWfg/viewform

The Steny H. Hoyer Center For the Study of Democracy (CSD)

https://inside.smcm.edu/steny-h-hoyer-center-study-democracy

Upcoming Events:

·        ·        “What is Community” Community Hour will be held once a month on Tuesdays from October through May, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Daugherty-Palmer Commons.

DON’T MISS! USMSM Southern Maryland College & Career Pop-Up Open House

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm
USMSM SMART Building, Grand Hall -Admission: Free

Featured Keynote: Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed, Intentional Design Group LLC

Featured Employer Panelists: 

• Dr. Theresa Shafer, Chief Technology Officer, (NAWCAD), 
• Cindy Greb, Director, St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development 
• Jeremy Hawker, MSN, RN, Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, MedStar St. Mary's Hospital 
• Denise Clark, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center
• Featured Leadership Panelists: 
• Dr. Sybol Anderson, Executive Director, Leadership Southern Maryland
• Adrienne Somerville, Author, TEDx Speaker, Founder & President, Carolyn E. Parker Foundation 
• Kevin Lowndes, Chief of Teaching and Learning, Charles County Public Schools 
• Ellen Flowers-Fields, Vice President, Continuing Education & Workforce Development, CSM
• Ashley Dawson, Senior Coordinator of Centers for Leadership and Learning, AASA

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usmsm-southern-maryland-college-career-pop-up-tickets-1992776064854

RESOURCES & EVENTS   

September 22^nd, 2026 | 5 pm- 7 pm  Join St. Mary’s Young Professionals for an evening of good food, local brews, and even better company!

FREE Ledo Pizza, Raw & grilled oysters available to sample, Local craft brews available for purchase- plenty of opportunities to mix, mingle & meet new people

Venue: Everyday Saint Brewhouse, 22760 Washington St, Leonardtown, MD 20650 Register here: https://5mrww.share.hsforms.com/2HsCCsycZRuaBHK7mnS8AcQ

September 24, 2026 | 8:00 am – 9:00 am Southern Maryland SHRM (HRASM)  presents Talent Acquisition: Winning the Talent War! Attracting, Hiring and Retaining Top Talent.

Attendees explore talent acquisition strategies and practical approaches HR and business professionals can use to compete for and retain today’s talent.

Location: SMX (formerly Smartronix), 44150 Smartronix Way, Hollywood, MD

Free but registration is required. For more details and to register, click HERE.

October 22, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT Southern Maryland Government Contractors' Conference. In-Person. An opportunity for local CPAs and small business owners to attend a local event to gain knowledge of current developments.  The agenda is in the link: https://macpa.org/catalog/events/21643729-2026-southern-maryland-government-contractors-conference-2026-22-10

The Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). 

Our latest podcast episode of Voices of Care is up for viewing!

You Asked. We Listened. Now Let’s Connect.

Making the Net Work: The Collaboration Collective
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 |8:30 am – 12:30 pm at the CSM La Plata Campus
Register here by Sept. 15
Join for a one-of-a-kind networking experience created with one purpose in mind: connection. Throughout the event, you'll explore collaboration from two perspectives: strengthening partnerships within similar service areas and building cross-sector connections that create new opportunities to better serve our communities.

Registration:https://secure.touchnet.net/C20376_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=4&SINGLESTORE=true  Contact: nonprofit@csmd.edu or     301-934-7544

Join the YMCA today as a Founding Member by visiting our membership trailer onsite and take a hard hat tour of the facility.

Founding Members will receive:

• First choice at exclusive YMCA swag
• Priority access one week before the grand opening
• Recognition on our Founding Member recognition wall inside the YMCA
• Frequent updates from the Executive Director

Link here: https://ymcachesapeake.org/membership

To learn more, contact:

Jenifer Lehn, Executive Director jlehn@ymcachesapeake.org

Pax River Naval Museum (PRNAM) Join today:   https://www.paxmuseum.com/membership 

Event Calendar: https://www.paxmuseum.com/events-calendar

Flight Simulators open Tuesday to Sunday, 12-4 pm, and 10-4 pm on Saturdays.  The museum is seeking adults (18+) to supervise the simulators on weekends.  Email dan.dickey@paxmuseum.org for more information! 

CALL FOR Adult Volunteers for the Flight Sims Team email

dan.dickey@paxmuseum.org

Apollo 13 Join PRNAM on Saturday, October 3rd for the return of  Film on the Flight Line! Doors open at 7 pm, and guests are welcome to bring blankets and chairs.

There will be a Q&A session prior to the film with members of their aviation and aerospace community at 7:30 p.m., and the film will start at dusk.

They are also selling concessions during the event.

In case of inclement weather, they will be showing the film inside of our Test & Evaluation Hall. TICKETS https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-on-the-flight-line-apollo-13-tickets-1993557517199?aff=oddtdtcreator

Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Southern Region, stay informed here: https://www.sbdchelp.com. Check out their NO-Cost online Training & Workshops! https://www.marylandsbdc.org/training  

July small business courses found here:   

https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events?reset=1  

TEDCO Leading innovation to market- find funding/explore resources https://www.tedcomd.com/

Newsletter Link: https://www.tedcomd.com/subscribe-tedcos-newsletters

Events calendar: https://www.tedcomd.com/events  

COMMUNITY NEWS & ACTIVITIES