Palo Alto @ MindSay 
CSU [Colorado State University] regional biocontainment lab first to start research [on the West Nile virus]
“The Rocky Mountain Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at Colorado State University has formally received ‘select agent’ research approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it the first lab of its kind in the country to begin studying these highly regulated bioterrorism agents. The university is among the world's leaders in researching West Nile virus, drug-resistant tuberculosis, yellow fever, dengue, hantavirus, plague, tularemia and other diseases. The new facility provides the university with improved and safer equipment to research ways to protect the United States from bioterrorism and emerging diseases such as avian influenza. Researchers will investigate and develop new treatments and vaccines to protect against these agents.” (High Plains Journal; 23May08) http://www.hpj.com/archives/2008/may08/may26/CSUregionalbiocontainmentla.cfm?title=CSU%20regional%20biocontainment%20lab%20first%20to%20start%20research
Evolva SA [Basel, Switzerland] Subsidiary Signs $22.8 Million Antibacterial Contract with US Army Research Office, Builds Out US Operations
“Genetic Chemistry Inc. (Palo Alto, [California] USA), a subsidiary of Evolva SA (Basel, Switzerland) announced today that it has signed a contract with the US Army Research Office (ARO), working in conjunction with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), to discover novel therapeutics against the gram negative bacterial pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei (a CDC [Center for Disease Control] category B bioterrorism agent that causes the disease melioidosis). Over the contract period funding could amount to $22.8 million.” (Fierce Biotech; 23May08) http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/evolva-sa-subsidiary-signs-22-8-million-antibacterial-contract-us-army-research-offic
CSWAB [Citizens for Safe Water Around Badger] Leverages Limitations on Open Detonation of Deadly WWII Munitions on Saipan [Mariana Islands]
“EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] Region 9 has agreed to prohibit open detonation of chemical, radiological, and biological munitions that might be found on Saipan, the largest island and capital of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a chain of 15 tropical islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The prohibition is the direct result of intervention by concerned community members. The designated detonation area is located on Marpi Point, a public lands property on Saipan that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. CNMI plans to clear nearby tropical rain forest lands and grant them to over 500 indigenous individuals and families for new homesteads.” (Pacific Magazine; 22May08) http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/05/22/cswab-leverages-limitations-on-open-detonation-of-deadly-wwii-munitions-on-saipan
Is Milwaukee [Wisconsin] Prepared For A Bio-Terrorism Attack?
“The federal government is quietly monitoring the air in Milwaukee for evidence of a bio-terrorism attack, but 12 News’ Kent Wainscott uncovered some holes in the government’s secret safety net, including late detection time, delayed response and a lack of funding for response initiatives.”
(WISN; 22May08; Kent Wainscott)
http://www.wisn.com/news/16363828/detail.html?rss=mil&psp=news
E. coli Outbreak in [North Bergen] New Jersey?
“Over the course of two hours on a recent Friday, 20 people arrived, one by one, for emergency care at the Palisades Medical Center here. Each separately complained of various gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea. A coincidence? Or the harbinger of a brewing epidemic, potentially threatening a larger swath of the Garden State? Fortunately, the onslaught of patients was actually part of a disaster drill conducted by the medical facility that also involved the Hudson Regional Health Commission, the public health agency serving parts of Northern New Jersey. The purported scenario was an E. coli outbreak at a local restaurant, and the patients were actually volunteers from a nearby high school pretending to be ill. […] That early warning of developing threats to public health can give public health professionals a valuable head start in recognizing and managing disease spread and epidemic outbreaks, as well as possible bioterrorism, a surge in criminal assaults and even tainted street drugs.” (Yahoo Finance; 22May08)
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080522/neth065.html?.v=49
THV [News] Extra: Past, Present, and Future of Pine Bluff [Arkansas] Arsenal
“Big changes are coming to the Jefferson County communities of White Hall and Pine Bluff; some are even considering it an economic crisis. That's because more than 1,000 jobs are about to be cut at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. […] The deadly chemical weapons are what have grabbed the public's attention about the Pine Bluff Arsenal. Workers are on a mission to store and destroy them. They handle VX rockets and landmines. Just a pin drop of the chemical is deadly within minutes. The Army also stored and destroyed GB rockets there.” (Today’s THV; 21May08; Melissa
Dunbar-Gates)
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=66186&catid=2
Pueblo [Colorado] Chemical Depot builds new plant to neutralize chemical weapons
“East of Pueblo, construction is underway on a new multi-billion dollar processing plant at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. When completed the Department of Defense will use it to destroy 2,600 tons of chemical weapons currently stored in igloos at the depot. The project is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs to Pueblo.” (KOAA; 21May08; David Ortiviz) http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1331637897
Nerve agent destruction passes 90 percent mark [Newport Chemical Depot, Indiana]
“A billion-dollar project to destroy a deadly nerve agent stored in western Indiana is entering its final stages now that workers have eliminated more than 90 percent of its cache of the Cold War-era chemical weapon. By late August, Army contractors expect to destroy the last of the 1,269 tons of VX nerve agent the Newport Chemical Depot once housed, said Jeff Brubaker, the Army's onsite manager.” (Chicago Tribune; 21May08; Rick Callahan)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-nerveagent,0,4373714.story
Taming toxic waste
“Deleting e-mails and recycling newspapers are most people's biggest concerns when it comes to getting rid of waste. But what if you're a world leader and have a stash of forbidden deadly chemicals on hand? Or what if terrorists suddenly swoop down and let loose with toxic nerve agents? Who you gonna call? Well, Queen's University [Ontario, Canada] researchers Stan Brown and Alexei Neverov, specialists in catalytic chemistry, may be just the pair. The two have developed a method for rapidly and safely destroying toxic agents, ranging from chemical weapons to pesticides.”
(CBC News; 22May08; Georgie Binks)
http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/05/09/f-science-queenstoxicwaste.html
U.N. [United Nations] nuclear agency helping China minimize threat of 'dirty bomb' at Beijing Olympics
“The U.N. nuclear agency said Friday it is helping China minimize the threat of a terrorist targeting the Beijing Olympics with a radiological ‘dirty bomb,’ although officials stressed they have no intelligence pointing to such an attack. Anita Nilsson, head of nuclear security for the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, said agency experts were assisting the Chinese authorities with simulated exercises designed to test their response.” (USA Today; 23May08; William J. Kole) http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-05-23-2920776148_x.htm
National Guard performs hazmat exercise at Coliseum [Bloomington](Illinois)
“U.S. Cellular Coliseum was the site of a practice session Wednesday, but the professionals weren’t using hockey sticks or footballs and wore very different kinds of protective gear. Twenty-two members of the Bartonville-based Illinois National Guard 5th Civil Support Team were being evaluated during a formal training exercise simulating a hazardous event at the Coliseum. Guardsmen were clad in hazardous materials suits, and an array of emergency trucks and trailers filled a lot northwest of the building. In Wednesday’s scenario, a ‘dissident group’ attacked people attending a volleyball match the night before, said Lt. Col. Larry Ritter, from U.S. Army North in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.” (Pantagraph; 22May08; Greg Cima) http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/05/22/news/doc48342ca5094f3713593696.txt
Response force trains for attacks [Mead, Nebraska]
“Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) attacks on United States soil require aid from specially trained national guard men and women. Special disaster training was administered last week on the National Guard's training ground near Mead. The men and women who respond to CBRNE attacks are validated members of the CBRNE enhanced response force package (CERFP).” (Bellevue Leader; 21May08; DeManda Arkfeld)
http://www.bellevueleader.com/site/tab8.cfm?newsid=19710158&BRD=2712&PAG=461&dept_id=557010&rfi=6
China’s Nonproliferation Practices [Patricia McNerney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Security and Nonproliferation]
“The Government of China has come to recognize that it has a fundamental security interest in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. In many ways, it has demonstrated its interest in becoming a responsible nonproliferation partner. It is now a party to many international nonproliferation instruments, including the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and is also a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Zangger Committee. China has adopted export controls similar to the Australia Group control lists on chemical and biological related items, and has enacted missile-related export controls. And, the Government of China has approved a series of new laws and regulations designed to establish comprehensive national export control regulations.” (U.S. Department of State; 20May08) http://www.state.gov/t/isn/rls/rm/105084.htm
Al Qaeda now tougher to defeat: U.S. defense chief
“The United States' initial military success against al Qaeda and other Islamist extremists has yielded a diffuse organization of independent elements that are now more difficult to defeat, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday. […] Gates also said the threat of those groups using chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or cyber weapons is growing.” (Reuters; 21May08; Kristin Roberts)
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSB65044320080522
CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2008 - Neither rainy May skies nor unseasonably cool temperatures stopped cyclists from beginning the 480-mile "Road 2 Recovery" ride from Walter Reed Army Medical Center here to Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., today. Through bicycling, the Road 2 Recovery organization assists veterans with mental and physical rehabilitation.
About 20 cyclists, including six wounded warriors from Walter Reed and three from Fort Bragg, N.C., gathered at the Mologne House on the Walter Reed campus for well-wishes before heading south.
The journey is more than just the physical challenge it represents for many of the recovering soldiers, Army Col. Patricia D. Horoho, commander of Walter Reed Health Care System, said.
"This event really is symbolic of the road that our warriors in transition take from the point of injury on the battlefield through the entire journey of healing to the triumph of full recovery," she told those gathered to see the cyclists off. "This is truly a testament of their courage and commitment to take control of their lives as they continue the healing journey."
America is doing its best to bolster that courage, said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communication and public liaison.
"We hope you feel embraced by the American people, who every day are trying to find ways to communicate one message to you," the deputy assistant secretary. "That message is: America does support you."
The riders are sure to feel that embrace as they make their way south. Bicyclists are expected to join them at different stages of the ride, including some stars in the cycling community.
"We're very excited about the ride," said John Wordin, founder of Road 2 Recovery. "It's going to be an interesting challenge [for the veterans]."
Wordin said the idea for the program originated in September, when he was invited to do a ride with veterans from the Palo Alto, Calif., Veterans Affairs facility who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. The facility had started a cycling program as a regular part of the patients' mental rehabilitation, he said.
"By participating in cycling, it helps speed up their recovery process," Wordin said. "There have been a lot of studies done on physical activity, and there are two things it does.
"One is it decreases depression," he said. "The second thing is, by doing a physical activity it helps develop your muscles."
Army 1st Lt. Ferris Butler, soon to be promoted to captain, is walking proof of that.
"I sat in a wheelchair for 15 months, so getting strength back in my legs to the point where I was just able to stand under my own weight was important," he said. "Riding a bike is no impact, and it's just an amazing way ... to get in shape. It just really expedited my therapy."
Butler was injured in a bomb blast on Dec. 21, 2006, in Iraq's Sunni Triangle. He lost his left leg below the knee after an attempt to save it failed. He also lost half of his right foot to the explosion.
He said that, not only is biking a great way to shape up physically, but also just getting out of the hospital for awhile is a big lift.
"It's just so good to get out of the hospital, just leave this place for a week or even a day," Butler said. "I don't know if I have the expectations of making the 480 miles, but we'll see. I've got goals for each day, and I'm just going to take it one day at a time.
"This is just a stepping stone for me," he added.
Though he only recently received his three-wheeled bike and didn't get a lot of road training in, Army Spc. Justin Clark said he's planning on finishing the whole ride.
"If I don't, I'll be kind of frustrated with myself," he said in halting speech. "But if I make it one mile, it's more than I would have done by not doing it at all."
Clark suffered a traumatic brain and spinal cord injury when he was electrocuted and fell south of Baghdad in 2004. He can't remember exactly where the accident happened. His fiancee, Audrey Proctor, has one reason for making the ride with Clark: "Because he wanted me to do it," she said. "That was pretty much it."
She said she's confident the challenge is manageable for both of them, she added.
If the 80-mile-a-day average turns out to be too strenuous for any of the riders, two "sag wagons" will be available for cyclists who need to ride for a bit. Cyclists can continue cycling when they're ready.
The Road 2 Recovery ride concludes in Charlotte on May 25 with a few special events, which include a celebratory lap around the Lowe's Motor Speedway. The riders will be welcomed by cheering fans gathered for the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race that will be run later that evening.
A tour of the garages will be followed by the opportunity to take in the race from catbird seats in the one of the corporate suites.
Road 2 Recovery is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems, Inc., Bethesda, Md., is being awarded a $36,893,216 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee/cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract with provisions for firm-fixed price orders to provide Joint Medical Information Systems information assurance technical support services, including, but is not limited to, Network Operations, Network Security, Computer Network Defense, Security Life Cycle Management, Identity Management, Public Key Infrastructure Implementation and Engineering Support, Security Policy and Standards Guidance and Development, Secure Wireless Network Infrastructure Support, Secure Network Infrastructure Systems and Applications, Governance, Certification and Accreditation, Risk Management, Security Engineering, Cryptographic Repair, Crypto Modernization, and Cross Domain solutions that Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston and Naval Network Warfare Command support. This contract includes four one-year option periods, which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated amount of $189,865,750. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and work is expected to be completed by May 2009 (May 2013 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competitive procedures via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, with six offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6801).
Communication and Ear Protection*, Enterprise, Ala., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $25,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research Program under Topic N02-151, entitled "Passive Noise Reduction Technology to Improve Speech Intelligibility and Reduce Noise for Pilot and Deck Crew Helmet Mounted Systems." The contractor will provide services and materials for engineering tasks, including research and development, prototype and testing of the hearing protection devices. Work will be performed in Enterprise, Ala., and work is expected to be completed in May 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $451,714 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using the SBIR Program Solicitation under Topic N02-151 and 16 offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-D-0013).
General Electric Co., Aircraft Engines Business Group, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a $24,681,174 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0088) to exercise an option for the Fiscal Year 2008 Lot 12 procurement of seven F-414-GE-400 spare engines for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Mass., (50 percent); Madisonville, Ky., (22 percent); Hooksett, N.H., (13 percent); Albuquerque, N.M., (6 percent); Rutland, Vt., (5 percent); Dayton, Ohio, (2 percent); Evandale, Ohio, (1 percent); and Bromont, Canada, (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Jun. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Communication & Power Industries, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., is being awarded a $12,757,800 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for major repair/remanufacture of Traveling Wave Tubes (TWTs) and new TWTs for the AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Countermeasures System. The AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Countermeasures System performs deception jamming of missile seekers and noise jamming of targeting radars. It can track multiple emitters and provides ship protection from radar-directed anti-ship missiles as well as confusing targeting radars on hostile platforms. The TWTs are integral parts of the jammer. Work will be performed in Palo Alto, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by May 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with a minimum of four proposals solicited and one offer received via Federal Business Opportunities website and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Acquisition Department's website. The NSWC Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-GR15).
Lockheed Martin-MS2, Liverpool, N.Y., is being awarded a $10,061,579 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the production and support of Multi Function Towed Arrays for the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Antisubmarine Warfare Combat Systems. MFTA is the next generation passive and active sonar receiver. It affords several enhancements to the AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array System (TACTAS) allowing greater coverage, increased capability/reliability, and reduced obsolescence. MFTA significantly contributes to the capability of surface ships to detect, localize, and prosecute undersea threats, and is a critical sensor to a combat systems suite. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., (60 percent); Baltimore, Md., (20 percent); Cleveland, Ohio, (14 percent); and Phoenix, Ariz., (6 percent), and work is expected to be complete by Dec. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with one proposal solicited and two offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-6282).
Vision Systems International*, San Jose, Calif., is being awarded a $6,235,379 firm-fixed-price, definitive-contract for the stand-up of an organic repair depot for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System. The repair depot shall be established to provide Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane with in-house repair capability for failed Display Units. Work will be performed in Crane, Ind., and work is expected to be completed by April 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The solicitation was posted on Federal Business Opportunities website and the NSWC Crane website, with one proposal solicited and one offer received. NSWC Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-C-JQ41).
C. Martin Co., Inc., Las Vegas, N.V., was awarded on May 8, 2008, a $12,609,094 firm-fixed price incentive fee contract for installation support services. Work will be performed in Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, and is expected to be completed by Jun. 1, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 21 bids were solicited on Jun. 27, 2007, and three bids were received. Department of the Army, Installation Contracting Command, Dugway, Utah, is the contracting activity (W911S6-08-C-0003).
AAI Corp., Hunt Valley, Md., was awarded on May 8, 2008, a $45,386,253 firm-fixed price contract for two SHADOW unmanned aerial vehicle systems and associated support equipment. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Md., and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Aug. 16, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0023).
Laughlin-Thyssen, Inc., Houston, Texas, was awarded on May 9, 2008, a $23,448,135 firm-fixed price contract for construction of a channel improvement project. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 4, 2008. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-C-0020).
Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on May 9, 2008, a $22,022,448 firm-fixed price contract for re-stationing of 31st Air Defense Artillery including construction of primary infrastructure and site development. Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 1, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sept. 21, 2007, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (@912BV-08-C-2002).
MWH Construction Inc., Broomfield, Colo., was awarded on May 9, 2008, a $15,000,000 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of three company operation facilities. Work will be performed at Fort Sill, Okla., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 5, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six bids were solicited on Dec. 18, 2007, and five bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0019).
K&S Associates, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on May 8, 2008, a $10,170,000 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of squadron operations facilities. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Mar. 3, 2008, and six bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-08-C-0017).
Turner Denny Construction Co., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on May 9, 2008, a $5,811,295 firm-fixed price contract for an information systems server farm addition. Work will be performed at Fort Lee, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two bids were solicited on Dec. 21, 2007, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-05-D-0054).
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
April 9, 2008 - Wounded veterans recovering in some California Veterans Affairs facilities hear some of their visitors long before they see them. Blue Star Riders is a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who visit with veterans recovering at the Palo Alto, Livermore, Martinez and San Francisco Veterans Affairs facilities at least once a month, said Richard Hamilton, the group's founder and president.
"(Blue Star Riders) are dedicated to supporting our troops and veterans, as well as honoring all wounded troops and fallen heroes," said Hamilton, a former Marine and Vietnam veteran.
Members of the group visit with as many veterans as possible during each of their visits. "If there is family present, we ... ascertain whether there is anything they need," he said.
Often, when veterans move to California from military medical facilities on the East Coast, their families have used up many of their resources or are unable to get around, Hamilton explained. Blue Star Riders help in any way they can, including providing transportation, he said.
The group also sends requested items to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, in Germany.
Blue Star Riders is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
The group hopes its affiliation with America Supports You will increase awareness that hospitalized veterans would enjoy having visitors, Hamilton said, and that the affiliation will "bring a focus on the families of our wounded active military and their sacrifices while attending to their loved ones, and their need for support."