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Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

NDIA Names Former Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist its New President and CEO

Sunday, April 3rd, 2022

The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) announced today that David Norquist, a former Deputy Secretary of Defense with 30 years of experience in national security and federal financial management, will be the association’s next president and CEO, effective May 1, 2022.

“David’s exemplary experience and stellar reputation make him the ideal leader for NDIA, and the Board and I could not be more pleased to have him join and lead the executive management team,” said NDIA Chairman Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro. “We’ve selected a strong leader at a time of great challenge in the defense marketplace, With his proven experience and

accomplishments in our industry, the legislative branch, and two of the largest, most complex federal government organizations, David is capable from day one to continue enhancing the industry-government relationship that is essential to supporting the warfighter and the taxpayer. He will also continue NDIA’s strong tradition of nonpartisan leadership.”

As Deputy Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2021, Mr. Norquist was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Defense Department, including managing the Pentagon’s budget and personnel. He also oversaw efforts to reform the military’s acquisition and accounting practices. Prior to this, he served as Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer, making significant progress towards passing a defense-wide clean audit. During the early days of President Joe Biden’s administration, while the Senate considered the nomination of current Secretary Lloyd Austin, Mr. Norquist served as Acting Secretary of Defense and remained as Deputy Secretary of Defense until Dr. Kathleen Hicks was confirmed.

Mr. Norquist began his career as a Presidential Management Fellow and a Program Budget Analyst for the Department of the Army before joining the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense as a professional staff member. From 2002 to 2006, he served as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense in the Office of the Comptroller. In 2006, former President George W. Bush selected him to be the first Senate-confirmed Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Homeland Security. Between his stints in government service, Mr. Norquist was a Partner with Kearney and Company, a certified public accounting firm focused exclusively on the federal government.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve as President and CEO of NDIA,” said Mr. Norquist. “As a nation, one of our core strategic advantages is the innovative character of our defense industrial base. Our long-term national security depends on government effectively capitalizing on that strength and I look forward to assisting in that effort.”

Norquist’s selection came following a thorough and thoughtful search with the support of the executive search firm Russell Reynolds. “We sought a leader with extensive, tested, and proven experience in industry, in the legislative branch and in the executive branch in positions of ever-increasing responsibility and accomplishment,” Punaro said of the search process. “Most importantly, potential CEO candidates had to be committed to NDIA’s high standards of performance and ethical behavior, and have the strategic vision to help our members address current and future challenges in the defense marketplace.”

Executive Vice President James Boozer will serve as acting CEO and President until Mr. Norquist takes over in May.

NDIA Joins in Letter to Congress Seeking Relief on R&D Tax Amortization

Friday, April 1st, 2022

ARLINGTON, VA — The National Defense Industrial Association is among seven associations requesting congressional leadership consider relief and a four-year delay for the research and development (R&D) tax amortization that went into effect January 1, the Arlington, Virginia-based defense association announces.

A March 31 letter from the associations to Congress highlights the negative impact the amortization will have on American technological advances and the ability to compete globally. Stemming from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the bill requires qualifying R&D expenses to be amortized over five years rather than allowing 100% of deductions in the year of the R&D spend.

The letter notes the negative impact this will have on innovative competition as companies can only write off 20% of their expenses per year, particularly as China extended a super deduction for R&D expenses to an additional 100% of actual expenses incurred. This will have a detrimental impact on companies, our warfighters and, ultimately, our national security. Additionally, estimates from an Ernst and Young study show it will also cause job losses, as cited in the letter.

The multi-association letter, available here, requests the delay be included in the final Bipartisan Innovation Act or the next moving piece of legislation. Signing the letter with NDIA were the Aerospace Industries Association, the Center for Procurement Advocacy, the Computing Technology Industry Association, the Information Technology Industry Council, the National Small-Business Association and the Professional Services Council.

Kalashnikov-USA Expands Community Support Joining MIA Runway 5K Airport Series Run to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Campaign

Thursday, March 24th, 2022

Miami, Florida  –  Kalashnikov-USA (KUSA) Competitor Cedric Jean-Baptiste joined 400 other participants in the inaugural MIA Runway 5K Airport Series on Saturday, March 19, at Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport (OPF) to make strides against breast cancer. The proceeds from registrations and sponsorships for the series, which totaled $17,500, will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.

“I’m grateful to Kalashnikov-USA for sponsoring me as a runner in this 5K event and donating funds to raise awareness about breast cancer and help with treatment and recovery” said Jean-Baptiste (the_rhundown), a 37-year old racing enthusiast and security manager at a resort hotel. “I’m looking forward to representing the company at other charitable race events in South Florida as a way to giving back to our community” he added.

Kalashnikov-USA is increasingly active with a variety of worthy causes.  Recently, the company donated an emotional-support service dog, as well as training and supplies, to a Marine Corps veteran.  Under the banner of “Kalashnikov-USA Cares” the company plans to continue increasing its charitable endeavors through monthly events such as fundraising races, walks and other activities that benefit our community, especially our veterans.

“Kalashnikov-USA is a growing employer in South Florida. Our skilled workers live and work and raise their children here.  It is only natural that we support those organizations that are working to improve the welfare of our employees, our neighbors and our fellow citizens” said David Garretson, VP of Marketing for the company.  “We look forward to supporting Cedric in future charity races as well as assisting other noteworthy causes, especially those that benefit individuals dealing with difficult challenges” he added.  

Federal Offers Special Edition T-Shirt with all Profits to Support Ukraine 

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – March 22, 2022 – In continuing support of Ukraine, Federal Ammunition will be selling a t-shirt benefiting crisis relief efforts in the war-torn country. This follows the announcement that Federal, along with sister ammunition brands CCI, Speer, and Remington, would be donating a total of one million rounds to the Ukraine armed forces.

“The war in Ukraine has displaced millions of citizens and exposed average people to the horrors of war,” said Jason Vanderbrink, president of Federal Ammunition, Remington, CCI, Speer. “Supporting the relief effort is a crucial element of the global response, and we are proud to do our part,” continued Vanderbrink.

The t-shirt design, available at www.federalpremium.com, features the call out from the Ukrainian President needing ammunition to assist in their country’s defense.

The t-shirts are receiving a tremendous amount of support and are selling out quickly. If the desired shirt in six sizes from 3XL to small sell out, consumers can sign up to receive a notification of when the t-shirt has been restocked.

All profits from the sale of the limited-edition t-shirt will go to support the humanitarian relief efforts through Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund – GlobalGiving.

In addition to Federal’s efforts, Remington Ammunition will also be selling a similar design with all proceeds benefiting the displaced refugees.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Hardcore Hardware Australia Updates Website

Monday, March 21st, 2022

Go check it out.

www.hardcorehardware.com.au

Blackhawk Athlete Zach Rodman Takes First at Utah Tactical Games

Friday, March 18th, 2022

 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – March 17, 2022 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, congratulates tactical athlete Zach Rodman on his first-place finish in the Men’s Elite Division of the Tactical Games Utah. The two-day competition, which hosted close to 200 competitors, took place March 12-13 at the Southern Utah Practical Shooting Range in Washington, Utah.

Rodman, a 15-year veteran of the Kokomo, Indiana, police force and SWAT team, utilized Blackhawk’s T-Series holster and new Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear, including plate carrier, belt, and pouches throughout the competition.

“Zach is off to a great start this season, placing 6th at the Meridian event and then following it up with a fantastic first place finish in Utah,” said Courtney Tiziani, brand marketing manager for Blackhawk. “The Men’s Elite Division is arguably the toughest classification in the Tactical Games, and it’s been no surprise to see Zach and his gear performing at an optimal level.”

Two pieces of kit that have been cornerstones to Zach’s gear list are the Blackhawk T-Series holster and Foundation Series Tac Nylon. Blackhawk’s T-Series holsters with leg straps are optimally designed to maintain proper holster position and security as competitors navigate unconventional obstacles throughout the Tactical Games. Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear gives competitors some of the lightest weight gear in its class without sacrificing durability or modularity, which is critical to maintaining speed and endurance while wearing heavy plate carriers.

Rodman’s next competition will be June 25 – 26 at the Tactical Games Ohio. The season finale will take place November 5 – 6 at the Tactical Games National Championship at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, Texas.

Watch this video to learn more about how Rodman utilizes Blackhawk’s Foundation Series plate carrier throughout the Tactical Games.

ISOtunes Sport Partners with Abby Casey

Thursday, March 17th, 2022

Carmel, IN – ISOtunes Sport is excited to announce its partnership with outdoor professional Abby Casey.

The manufacturer of innovative hearing protection entered the shooting market last year, and its revolutionary ISOtunes Sport lineup has already garnered a loyal following among hunters and sport shooters. As a well-known woman who’s seen success in both arenas, Abby Casey makes the perfect partner for ISOtunes Sport.  

“As a seasoned hunter and shooter, Abby understands the importance of hearing protection that doesn’t sacrifice environmental awareness,” said Pete Murphy, president of ISOtunes. “She’s a great ambassador for the sport shooting community, and we’re thrilled to have her join the ISOtunes Sport team.”  

ISOtunes Sport products protect and enhance hearing with innovative options for sport shooters who demand safety without sacrificing performance. To browse the full ISOtunes Sport lineup, visit www.ISOtunesSport.com.

SIG SAUER to Host SIG Freedom Days: A First of Its Kind SIG Shooting Experience

Wednesday, March 16th, 2022

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 16, 2022) – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce SIG Freedom Days – the first ever total consumer SIG range and shooting experience hosted by SIG SAUER. The SIG Freedom Days experience will take place May 6 – 8, 2022, at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona and costs $79.95 for a daily pass.

Guests at SIG Freedom Days will have the opportunity to shoot nearly 50 different SIG SAUER firearms including the entire newly released SPECTRE Comp Series of guns, the most popular EDC P365 series, the P320 to include the U.S. Army’s P320-M17 and the U.S. Marine’s P320-M18, the MCX rifle in multiple configurations including the MCX-SPEAR, yet to be released SIG pistols and rifles, and much more.  Additionally, attendees will also get to shoot some of Mossberg’s most popular shotguns and Crossbows from Xpedition Archery.

This event also includes live demonstrations from Team SIG’s professional shooters as well as Jerry Miculek, the greatest competitive shooter of all-time. Learn tips and drills about carry optics from Team SIG Captain and Carry Optics World Champion Max Michel, modern EDC carry tips for women from Lena Miculek, and precision shooting from World Sniper Champion and former Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) Captain Daniel Horner.  Team SIG and Jerry Miculek will also host a daily speed shooting demonstration and interactive contest with SIG prizes. See additional demonstrations from other professionals such as SGM Kyle Lamb (ret.), owner of Viking Tactics and SGM Mike Glover (ret.), owner of Fieldcraft Survival.

Connect with sponsors at SIG Freedom Days including USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association), Black Rifle Coffee Company, XPEDITION Archery, Mossberg, 5.11 Tactical, Fieldcraft Survival, Guns. com and more.

You can also connect with notable people including New York Times best selling author Jack Carr (get autographs in his Terminal List Series books), Justin Melnick with his dog Dita from the popular series “SEAL Team,” and meet MSG Scotty Neal (ret.), from the notable “12 Strong” initiative in Afghanistan.

A SIG Freedom Days daily pass includes the opportunity to shoot 10 stages featuring SIG pistols and rifles (ammunition included), and access to all activities and demonstrations. Additional 5-stage purchase opportunity will be available on-site for $29.95.

To purchase a SIG Freedom Days pass, or learn more about the event, visit the SIG FREEDOM DAYS registration site.