BRAC RTF - News

GoldenLEAF Grant Funds 3D Systems for Area High Schools

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:37:43 +0100

Date: 2008-12-10
Description: FAYETTEVILLE, NC (December 10, 2008) � Fayetteville Technical Community College is the recipient of a $200,000 grant from the GoldenLEAF Foundation to expand the All American Center for Workforce Innovation virtual network to eleven public high schools in the region. The grant request was developed by FTCC and the BRAC Regional Task Force. �Eleven public high schools in the BRAC region will receive a portable 3D theater system as a result of the generous funding from the GoldenLEAF Foundation,� said Dr. Larry Keen, president of Fayetteville Technical Community College. �FTCC and the BRAC Regional Task Force have worked together to bring this innovative 3D learning tool to our public high schools.� Each school superintendent will select one public high school to serve as a pilot for the portable 3D theater system in the following counties: Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland. Systems should be in place in Spring 2009. �Students training in a high technology classroom learn faster, absorb more information and stay motivated to continue with their education. Interactive 3D technology will be an important component in creating a skilled workforce for higher paying, high tech jobs in the future.� said Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC Regional Task Force. The systems are capable of projecting 2D images or interactive 3D stereoscopic presentations. �Our high schools will benefit from this technology by creating a hands-on, stimulating learning environment that will open doors to exciting career possibilities for these students,� said Dr. Keen. The pilot high schools will have access to a large image repository residing at FTCC via the Internet. Images can be used in a number of instructional settings to include science and math applications. Training for teachers and instructors in using i3D content will be provided by FTCC as part of the grant. The hub for the 3D technology is located at FTCC's Advanced Visualization Center, which is dedicated to delivering leading edge interactive 3D and virtual reality solutions for economic and workforce development. In September, the BRAC Regional Task Force provided funding to equip area community colleges with a portable i3D theater system. �Developing the workforce to meet the needs of defense and homeland security businesses is crucial with the 2011 move of U.S. Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command to Fort Bragg,� said Dordal. The 3D technology at FTCC and the portable 3D theater system were developed by Navigator Development Group in Enterprise, AL. As funding becomes available, the BRAC Regional Task Force would like to provide systems to every public high school and middle school in the 11 counties.
Fayetteville, NC (910)
Link 1: i3dtrain.com/

Ground Breaking Ceremony

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:02:19 +0100

Date: 2008-12-08
Description: Construction begins on new FORSCOM, USARC facility at Bragg Story and photos by Spc. Kristina F. Erickson, 22nd MPAD FORT BRAGG, N.C. � Senior Army commanders, municipal and state leaders and invited guests from local civilian communities attended the ground breaking ceremony here Monday for the centerpiece facility of all local projects mandated by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) law. The ceremony marked the beginning of a multi-year construction project to build the future home of the headquarters of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the headquarters of the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC). The scheduled move of the two Commands from Fort McPherson, Ga., to Fort Bragg in 2011 is the cornerstone of the local BRAC plan, which will maximize the military utility of the fort. �Today's ceremony marks an important milestone in the efforts to re-station the headquarters of the United States Army Forces Command and the United States Army Reserve Command,� said Gen. Charles C. Campbell, commander, United States Army Forces Command. The new facility will replace two separate headquarters buildings at Fort McPherson, co-locating the four-star FORSCOM headquarters with the three-star level USARC headquarters. Although sharing one, new approximately700,000-square-feet facility, the two commands will retain separate identities. Scheduled to provide work space for more than 2,700 Soldiers and civilian staff members, the new facility it's scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011. �Today we begin the physical construction of the state of the art command and control facility that will enhance the overall readiness of our Army and of our Nation. It is going to be a wonderful facility,� said Campbell. As the Army's largest Command, FORSCOM is responsible for more than 750,000 Active and Reserve Component Soldiers nationwide, which will add to the significance of Fort Bragg as a Center of military influence and importance. �This modern, combined headquarters will also help to create an even greater level of cooperation and teamwork between FORSCOM and USARC by bringing them together under one roof,� said Campbell. USARC is responsible for the command and control of all the nation's Army Reserve forces, and it provides the logistical, operational and functional oversight to ensure wartime readiness of all Army Reserve units. During the ceremony, Gen. Campbell expressed his gratitude to the many organizations and people involved in the design, development and construction of the new headquarters facility. �We are able to break ground today on this facility, because of the hard work, the diligence, the persistence and the talent of many people in many different organizations,� said Campbell. He went on the thank Garrison command, the Army Corps of Engineers, the BRAC Regional Task Force, local public officials and the state of North Carolina for assistance with the multi-million-dollar construction project and the associated actions involved in the ultimate move of the two headquarters from Georgia to the Tar Heel state. �We must and we will continue to take care of our Soldiers and their Families. This is a covenant that we will keep and will ensure that they (our Soldiers) are properly equipped and led. We should be proud of what's been accomplished thus far,� he said. Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve, and Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Command, also expressed appreciation to the Soldiers here and to the local military and civilian communities, during the ceremony. �On behalf of the 200,000 Army Reserve Soldiers that I represent, thank you for what you're doing for them and for your support,� Stultz said. Army leaders said they anticipate the relocation of these two commands to provide an increase of higher paying jobs into the area, contributing to the quality of life for the whole community, on and off post. The influx of hundreds of Soldiers, approximately 1,700 Army civilian staff members and their Family members could draw thousands of additional people to the 11-county region from defense firms and contractors. Ultimately, this relocation and the business opportunities that will accompany it, promise to bring more opportunities for Army Families and community members. This, in turn, supports two of the tenants of the Fort Bragg Army Family Covenant. The BRAC Regional Task Force, established in North Carolina in 2006, was created to unify planning and to coordinate transition-related actions with federal, state and local agencies to minimize the negative aspects of growth, while maximizing the economic growth potential associated with the movement of military units and personnel into the Fort Bragg area. The RTF is currently working with local communities and regional leaders with respect to schools, transportation, the workforce, infrastructure and medical needs.
Fayetteville, NC (910)
Link 1: www.bracrtf.com/forscom.php

BRAC RTF Releases RFP for Regional Workforce Development Project

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:31:17 +0100

Date: 2008-11-12
Description: BRAC RTF Releases RFP for Region-Wide Workforce Development Project FORT BRAGG, N.C. (NOVEMBER 12, 2008) - The BRAC Regional Task Force has released a request for proposal to develop a regional career exploration and talent acquisition platform for the 11-county BRAC region. "This is a program to connect individuals with higher paying, higher technology jobs. Due to the mission growth at Fort Bragg, our region is growing and jobs are being created by defense contractors, construction companies, service providers, the healthcare industry, and in all levels of education. We want to assist people in identifying potential jobs and getting hired," said Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC Regional Task Force. The purpose of the RFP is to identify a firm that can create an interactive Web-based career exploration and job connection platform for the BRAC region. This project supports a key strategy of a U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act grant-funded Workforce Demonstration Program (WDP). Proposals are due by December 4, and a decision on a contractor is expected by early 2009. The new Web-based platform will allow job seekers and students to compare career fields and earnings potential, assess their own skill levels and preferences, link to educational opportunities in the community colleges and universities and, most importantly, apply for jobs. "We are looking for a comprehensive approach which ties together the region's stakeholder groups: Employment Security Commission, JobLink Centers, workforce development boards, Army Career and Alumni Program, regional community colleges, and others to provide the highest level of outcome for the region," said Dordal. The region has lost more than 16,000 jobs in the last decade due to a decline of traditional industries and agriculture. With the relocation of U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command, an additional 19,200 jobs will be created by 2013. A majority of the jobs will be 6,450 high-wage government civilian opportunities which require a highly-skilled, educated workforce. The second largest segment will be construction with an additional 6,267 jobs followed by professional and technical services with 2,515 jobs. The RFP is posted on the BRAC RTF Web site.
Contact Information: Renee Lane, Fayetteville, NC (910)
Link 1: www.bracrtf.com/active_proposals.php

CRGP Now Online

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:22:20 +0100

Date: 2008-11-07
Description: The final Comprehensive Regional Growth Plan is now available online. The report is in complete chapters from the Executive Summary to individual sections on each of the Tier One counties. Along with the CRGP, audio files of all the speakers who presented at the BRAC RTF Annual Meeting on October 30, 2008 and a sampling of press coverage from this meeting are all online.
Contact Information: Renee Lane, Fayetteville, NC (910) 436-1345
rlane@bracrtf.com
Link 1: www.bracrtf.com/community_impact.php
Link 2: www.bracrtf.com/press_audio.php
Link 3: www.bracrtf.com/brac_in_news.php

BRAC RTF Annual Meeting

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:12:00 +0100

Date: 2008-10-17
Description: FORT BRAGG, N.C. (October 17, 2008) � The Fort Bragg/ Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force will hold its annual meeting, �BRAC 2009: The Way Ahead,� on Thursday, October 30, at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Westmont Drive in Fayetteville. At least 300 citizens, business and community leaders are expected to attend and hear keynote speaker State Senator Tony Rand and remarks by Congressman Bob Etheridge, Congressman Robin Hayes, Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Colonel David Fox and Troy �Gil� Gilleland, Deputy G-1, U.S. Army Forces Command. Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC RTF, will address future BRAC projects and planning such as transforming the All American Defense Corridor into a high-tech defense-based economy. He will also discuss the final Community Impact Assessment report, regional workforce initiatives, transportation issues and education. There will be a BRAC RTF board of directors meeting at 8:30 a.m. prior to the start of the annual meeting. It will be held in the Youth Suite at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. Reservations for each meeting are required by contacting John Bellamy at jbellamy@bracrtf.com or calling 436-1345.
Fayetteville, NC (910)

BRAC RTF Briefing

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:05:41 +0100

Date: 2008-10-16
Description: FORT BRAGG, N.C. (OCTOBER 16, 2008) � The Fort Bragg/ Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force will present the Community Impact Assessment next month in Rockingham. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the Commissioners Chambers located on the second floor of the Richmond County Administrative Office, 125 South Hancock Street in Rockingham. Interested residents, business and community leaders are encouraged to attend this session to learn more about the BRAC impact in Richmond County. BRAC RTF staff will be available to discuss the impact on schools, transportation, housing and other issues and opportunities affecting Richmond County. The full report is available for download at www.bracrtf.com. The BRAC Regional Task Force was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope AFB. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. For more information, go to www.bracrtf.com.
Fayetteville, NC (910)

BRAC Regional Task Force Receives National Award for Active Base Community of the Year

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:07:11 +0100

Date: 2008-08-21
Description: FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Aug. 21, 2008) The BRAC Regional Task Force (BRAC RTF) representing the Fort Bragg region was awarded the 2008 Active Base Community of the Year Award on August 11, by the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). This award recognizes an active defense community whose efforts in building partnerships with a military installation have enhanced military value and the overall economic development of the community. "This award reflects the BRAC RTF's vision to establish a community partnership with Fort Bragg for long term sustainability and support for our military," said Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC RTF. Tom Rumora, chairman of the Awards Committee presented the award at ADC's national conference in Monterey, Calif. Carrie Rice, representing the Fort Bragg Garrison, Tim McNeill, chairman of the BRAC RTF and Paul Dordal, BRAC RTF executive director accepted the award. Less than one year after the BRAC 2005 deliberations had been completed, the BRAC RTF, a partnership of local governments composed of 11 counties and 73 municipalities, was formed to plan for the extensive growth expected in the Fort Bragg region. The comprehensive regional growth plan released by BRAC RTF this summer has been recognized by the Office of Economic Adjustment as a model for other defense communities. The BRAC RTF is helping the region's workforce transition toward a knowledge-based economy by linking the region's employment security commission offices, education institutions and economic development commissions. Beyond planning for upcoming changes, the organization is supporting more immediate needs of the military. It is partnering with Fort Bragg's senior leadership on the Living in the New Normal Initiative, an effort to integrate community support services for children and families coping with trauma and loss. The group also is offering assistance to wounded warriors at Fort Bragg seeking employment after leaving the military. About the BRAC Regional Task Force: The Fort Bragg/ Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope AFB. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. About Association of Defense Communities: The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) is the nation's premier membership organization serving America's defense communities. With 1,200 members nationwide, ADC is the voice for communities and states with a significant military presence. ADC unites the diverse interests of communities, state governments, the private sector and the military on issues of base closure and realignment, community military partnerships, defense real estate, mission growth, mission sustainment, military privatization, and base redevelopment. About BRAC Regional Task Force The BRAC Regional Task Force was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope AFB. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. For more information go to http://www.bracrtf.com.
Contact Information: Renee Lane, Fayetteville, NC (910) 436-1345

Defense Business Association Hosts First Meeting

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:13:07 +0100

Date: 2008-03-14
Description: SPRING LAKE, N.C. -- The All American Defense Business Association held its first meeting on March 12, at the Spring Lake Family Resource Center. Over 25 representatives from defense businesses across the region attended the meeting. The guest speaker was Gil Gilleland, SES, Deputy G1, Forces Command, who presented an update on the movement timeline of soldiers, civilians and others from Fort McPherson, Ga. to Fort Bragg. Gilleland also gave a progress report on the new Forces Command and U. S. Army Reserve Command headquarters construction project. Gilleland said that in the summer of 2010, FORSCOM will start the process of hiring and assigning civilian replacements at Fort Bragg to replace civil service employees who decide not to relocate from Atlanta. These new hires should be in place by the following summer. Gilleland estimates about 60 percent of the positions will require a bachelor degree or higher and a majority of these jobs are in the operations and support areas. He said that the federal government will not cover the estimated $50 million in transition costs of moving civilian personnel from locations other than Fort McPherson. The new headquarters building that will house Forces Command and the U. S. Army Reserve Command is in Phase I and, by April, four design-build contractors will be selected to move on to Phase II of this project. The solicitation calls for design services, site demolition and preparation, construction of utility infrastructure. The complex will house over 650,000 square feet of office space and associated communications buildings. The initiative of forming a county-wide association of defense businesses was developed over a year ago by Phyllis Owens, executive vice president of economic development at the Cumberland County Business Council (CCBC). The BRAC Regional Task Force has worked with the CCBC to organize a larger regional association of defense businesses. Defense business representatives interested in attending future meetings of the All American Defense Business Association should contact Steve Wilkins at the BRAC Regional Task Force at 910-436-1344.
Contact Information: Paul R. Dordal, Brigadier General, USAF (ret) , BRAC Regional Task Force, Executive Director
Fayetteville, NC (910) 436-1345
pdordal@bracrtf.com

BRAC Regional Planning Exercise

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:10:06 +0100

Date: 2008-04-01
Description: RALEIGH -- Nearly 100 business and community leaders representing local, state and federal governments, private industry and education met on March 25 at RDU Center for a day-long BRAC regional planning exercise. The session was sponsored and conducted in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton and the BRAC Regional Task Force (BRAC RTF). Those invited to attend included representatives from the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), Fort Bragg, Fort McPherson and Pope AFB, defense contractors, county economic development organizations, major utilities, education, healthcare, regional planning and local, state and federal governments. This highly collaborative planning forum focused on how our region and state will respond to the unprecedented mission growth and economic opportunities in the Fort Bragg region. �Involvement in this forum helped to forge the direction of planning for the long-term sustainability of Fort Bragg with regards to the mission, economy, environment, and community and to understand the relationship between local, state and federal organizations and agencies working on these issues,� said Paul R. Dordal, BRAC RTF executive director. Topics for discussion included regional planning and sustainability, expanding defense related businesses in North Carolina, and workforce transformation opportunities. �Through discussion, we have tied together these diverse elements related to managing growth and identifying opportunities for the future success of the region and North Carolina,� said Dordal. The BRAC RTF was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 contiguous counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military, the communities, state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC.
Contact Information: Paul R. Dordal, Executive Director
Fayetteville, NC (910) 436-1345
pdordal@bracrtf.com

FORSCOM/USARC headquarters construction project has been announced

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:02:07 +0100

Date: 2008-04-14
Description: FORT BRAGG, N. C. � The four finalists for Phase II of the FORSCOM/USARC headquarters construction project has been announced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers located in Savannah, Ga. Construction firms selected for Phase II of the project are: A joint venture between Archer Western Contractors owned by the Walsh Group of Chicago, Ill. and Caddell Construction Company Inc. of Montgomery, Ala.; M. A. Mortenson Company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn.; Hensel Phelps Construction Company headquartered in Greeley, Col.; and Gilbane Building Company headquartered in Providence, R.I. These firms will submit Phase II proposals to include technical design and price information. The award will be made some time later this summer with groundbreaking this fall. Construction should be completed by early summer 2011. The anticipated cost range is $250,000,000 to $500,000,000. Details of this Design-Build Request for Proposal include design services, site demolition and preparation, construction of utility infrastructure and approximately 650,000 square feet of Command Headquarters office space and associated communications buildings. The FORSCOM/ USARC headquarters complex will replace the two existing U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U. S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) Headquarters at Fort McPherson, Ga., and relocate these command headquarters to Fort Bragg as directed by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions approved by Congress in November of 2005. For more information on this announcement or other military construction opportunities, please contact the North Carolina Military Business Center, 1-877-245-5520 or 910-323-4587.
Contact Information: Paul R. Dordal, Executive Director
Fayetteville, NC (910) 436-1345
pdordal@bracrtf.com

Fayetteville Technical Community College To Hold Grand Opening

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:58:24 +0100

Date: 2008-05-29
Description: FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. � May 29, 2008 � Fayetteville Technical Community College will hold a grand opening on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Harry F. Shaw Virtual College Center to announce the Advanced Visualization and Interactive Digital Center (i3D Center) and the All American Center for Workforce Innovation. The i3D Center is a world-class visualization center focused on learning how to create, build, and deliver real-time, photo-realistic interactive 3D objects to present content to any person at any time and at any location. The Center will serve as a regional experience and discovery center and represents the establishment of North Carolina as the leader in i3D education and content development. The Fort Bragg/Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force (BRAC RTF) has established the All American Center for Workforce Innovation at Fayetteville Technical Community College to virtually connect the educational and training resources necessary to create a world-class workforce within the eleven counties surrounding Fort Bragg. The goal of the Center is to strengthen the resources, build collaborations, and network the region to nurture a workforce ready to compete for high-tech, high-skilled, high-wage employment. Through a partnership of all educational institutions, efficient and effective delivery of instruction will prepare individuals for careers in healthcare, education, construction, and skilled trades as well as emerging homeland security and defense industries. Additionally, the Center will promote innovative, targeted programs to support workforce development and facilitate implementation within our eleven counties. In the next few months, the Center will also host a virtual education and employment platform that will allow individuals to assess their career interests, connect with education and training, and identify matching employment opportunities. FTCC and the BRAC RTF are partners in the All American Center for Workforce Innovation. The technology to deliver training and education programs across the region on a virtual platform are now in place with the new i3D Center at FTCC. Recently, funding was approved to extend the i3D capabilities to the campuses of the other regional community colleges. The BRAC RTF will continue to work with FTCC and the network of regional community colleges to develop programs to fill the training and development gaps. Fayetteville Technical Community College was established in 1961 and provides affordable vocational, technical, general education, college transfer, and continuing education programs to meet the needs and desires of its students and the community.
Fayetteville, NC

Moonlight Communications Wins International Telly Awards

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:56:12 +0100

Date: 2008-06-24
Description: Moonlight Communications Wins International Telly Awards (FAYETTEVILLE, NC) Moonlight Communications, a Digital Media Production Company based in Fayetteville and owned by Jan Johnson & Pat Wright, has garnered 4 Telly Awards for their digital media productions. The following programs were honored: "The All American Defense Corridor", introducing the area to military contractors for the BRAC Regional Task Force; �Legacy� a 30-second commercial for In The Woods Log Homes; �After the Dust Settles� a 30-minute documentary about historic preservation and teardowns; and the �After the Dust Settles�Trailer� designed to promote the documentary. The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. The 28th Annual Telly Awards received over 14,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents. Moonlight Communications is honored to represent its clients with award-winning productions.
Contact Information: Jan Johnson / Pat Wright, Moonlight Communications
                                  221 Hay Street
                                  Fayetteville, NC    28301
                                  (910) 486.9036
Link 1: www.Moonight1.com

BRAC RTF awarded $400,000 grant for Working Lands Protection Strategy

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:51:54 +0100

Date: 2008-06-27
Description: FORT BRAGG, N.C. (June 27, 2008) -- The Fort Bragg/ Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force is the recipient of a $400,000 grant from the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (NCADFPTF). This grant will establish a regional Working Lands Protection Strategy in the 11-county BRAC region. �The continued viability of the region's working lands will help maintain the operational readiness of Fort Bragg. The installation can continue to perform its mission, lessening the problems posed by suburban encroachments and other land uses that are incompatible with the Army's training and operational objectives,� said Paul Dordal, executive director of the Fort Bragg/ Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force. Each Working Lands Protection Plan will be tailored to the specific needs and desires of each county in the region and will depend upon the adoption of Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) ordinances in each county � programs to encourage the preservation of farmland. Currently, six of the 11 BRAC-impacted counties -- Bladen, Cumberland, Moore, Lee, Sampson and Scotland -- have adopted VAD ordinances. �Farm and forestland preservation and its many benefits are best served by maintaining the viability of the family farm. The WLPS will aid in the preservation of the region's natural, cultural, and historic resources by strengthening the agricultural economy,� said Dordal. The Working Lands Protection Strategy will build upon the ongoing efforts of the Regional Agriculture Sustainability Program which seeks to create new jobs and opportunities in agriculture, agricultural technology, and related services. The program is funded by a 2007 Tobacco Trust Fund grant and was created to help farmers in the transition from tobacco to other commodities to serve the imminent population growth in the Fort Bragg region. The BRAC Regional Task Force (BRAC RTF) was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. For more information go to www.bracrtf.com.
Fayetteville, NC Link 1: www.bracrtf.com

BRAC RTF Presents Talent Development Program at Workforce Innovations Conference

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:47:35 +0100

Date: 2008-07-14
Description: FORT BRAGG (JULY 14, 2008) -- The Fort Bragg/ Pope AFB BRAC Regional Task Force (BRAC RTF) has been selected to present at a major workforce conference convening in New Orleans this week. Steve Wilkins, Program Director for Workforce, is representing the BRAC RTF at the Workforce Innovations 2008 Conference and will moderate a Globalization and Innovations Economy session called "Talent Trumps All: Virtual Solutions to Talent Development in the All American Defense Corridor". Assisting in the presentation are: Geoff Cramer, President and CEO of Futures, Inc., Research Triangle Park; Bob Ervin, Vice President for Learning Technologies, Fayetteville Technical Community College; and Sean O'Brien, Vice President for Learning Management, Navigator Development, Enterprise, Ala. In this session, participants will experience innovative, high tech solutions for regional workforce development. The All American Center for Workforce Innovation (AACWI) established by the BRAC RTF at Fayetteville Technical Community College will link our region's eight community colleges, five universities and K-12 systems together in a high tech virtual network using Web-based and interactive 3D technologies. The program will create a network of talent development solutions among the full range of workforce and economic development stakeholders across the 11-county Fort Bragg BRAC region. This presentation will demonstrate the AACWI's virtual technologies and describe a collaborative program that will soon be the basis for transforming the region's workforce to meet the future needs of defense and other high technology companies. Workforce Innovations is the premier annual conference promoting collaboration among leaders from workforce development, business, economic development, education, community-based organizations, and philanthropy. Nearly 4,000 workforce, business, education and economic development professionals from across the country will attend this conference. The BRAC Regional Task Force was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope AFB. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. For more information go to www.bracrtf.com.
Contact Information: Renee Lane, Communications Outreach Coordinator
Fayetteville, NC (910) 436-1345
rlane@bracrtf.com
Link 1: www.bracrtf.com

Congressman Hayes Hosts Fayetteville Meeting

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:43:22 +0100

Date: 2008-08-27
Description: Congressman Robin Hayes will host a Military Children's School Investment Act/Impact Aid event on August 27, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Jack Britt High School, 7403 Rockfish Road in Fayetteville. Congressman Hayes will discuss the bill and has invited the following individuals to make remarks: Paul R. Dordal, Executive Director of the BRAC Regional Task Force, Dr. William C. Harrison, Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools and Tony Shivers from the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. City, county, school and chamber officials from Cumberland, Hoke and Scotland counties will also be invited.
Fayetteville, NC Link 1: www.bracrtf.com/documents/HayesMilitaryChildrensSchoolInvestmentAct.pdf

Headquarters Building Contractor Announced

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:37:15 +0100

Date: 2008-09-22
Description: FORT BRAGG, N. C. (SEPT. 22, 2008) - Hensel Phelps Construction Co. located in Chantilly, Va. has been awarded the design-build contract for the new U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters building at Fort Bragg, N. C. The contract award was made to Hensel Phelps on September 20 and totaled $288,538,000. Construction should be completed in early summer 2011. "Selection of a building contractor and a project completion date reinforce the 2011 deadline for the FORSCOM and USARC moves to Fort Bragg," said Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC Regional Task Force. The headquarters project includes design services, site demolition, and preparation, construction of utility infrastructure and approximately 700,000 square feet of Command Headquarters office space and associated communications buildings. The FORSCOM/ USARC complex will replace the two existing headquarters buildings at Fort McPherson, Ga., and relocate these commands to Fort Bragg as directed by the Base Realignment and Closure actions approved by Congress in November, 2005. Link to the Federal Business Opportunities announcement. About BRAC Regional Task Force The BRAC Regional Task Force was established to unify the BRAC regional planning efforts of the 11 counties and 73 municipalities surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope AFB. BRAC RTF serves as the liaison between the military; the communities; state and federal agencies designated to provide community assistance for BRAC. For more information go to http://www.bracrtf.com.
Contact Information: Renee Lane,                                  Communications Outreach
                                  Fayetteville, NC                                     (910)436-1345
                                  rlane@bracrtf.com
Link 1: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=fff918dba81bcb6b68b7732d4aba3112&tab=core&_cview=1
Link 2: www.bracrtf.com
Link 3: www.bracrtf.com/images/forscom.jpg

Education Growth Site Visit Held

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:27:20 +0100

Date: 2008-09-10
Description: FORT BRAGG, N.C. (SEPT. 10, 2008) � A high-level federal delegation led by the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment met on Tuesday at the Fort Bragg Officers' Club with regional school superintendents to understand the impacts of Fort Bragg growth on area schools. The Economic Adjustment Committee (EAC) Senior Leadership Group met at the Army post for an Education Growth Site Visit, which is one of several scheduled at military bases around the country to discuss on-the-ground knowledge of issues surrounding mission growth, improve communications among all partners, and identify any gaps/lags in capacities. The visiting delegation included Keith Eastin, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Installations and Environment; Patrick O'Brien, Director of the Office of Economic Adjustment; Bill Evers, Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, U. S. Department of Education; John Roberts, Special Assistant to President Bush; and Kathy Facon, Chief for Education Partnership Branch, Department of Defense. The group also toured Highland Elementary School in Harnett County and held a roundtable discussion with Harnett County School Superintendent Dan Honeycutt, Principal Terry Blalock, area classroom teachers, and parents of military-connected students representing several school districts. School superintendents from Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Richmond, and Robeson counties attended today's meeting as did N. C. Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. June Atkinson. Dr. William C. Harrison, Cumberland County superintendent and Dan Honeycutt, Harnett County superintendent presented to the EAC a county-specific overview that included enrollment projections, building plans and budget and funding information. �The purpose of this EAC visit was to improve understanding and communication about local school impacts, of which construction, expansion, and renovation are obviously among the most important,� said Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC Regional Task Force who also attended yesterday's meeting, school tour and roundtable. Officials on this visit were hoping to gauge the true effects of anticipated student growth, which can be influenced by several factors, including location, timing, and magnitude. �I believe our efforts and challenges here in the region were documented,� said Dordal. �In the 11-county region, the BRAC impact on school construction and administrative costs total over $500 million -- this is needed to accommodate more than 6,600 additional students in the next five years. What our Federal partners take away from this trip will help in future discussions about appropriate federal, state, and local roles in responding to growth at Army installations, including those roles for school-related capital projects,� said Dordal.
Fayetteville, NC

BRAC Regional Task Force Hosts Relocation Fair

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:03:05 +0100

Date: 2008-09-10
Description: FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. (SEPT. 10) � The BRAC Regional Task Force with representatives from 11-county BRAC region today kicked off a two-day Relocation Fair at Fort McPherson in Atlanta for personnel at U. S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) and U. S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM). In addition to representatives from each county, the N. C. Department of Commerce, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Picerne Military Housing and the N. C. Military Business Center are participating in two, full-day sessions at USARC and FORSCOM, respectively, to inform possible newcomers about many of the amenities, educational programs, housing and entertainment available within the counties and region. �We want to make this Relocation Fair a memorable event for these potential newcomers and show them what North Carolina hospitality is all about,� said Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC Regional Task Force. �Fort McPherson personnel are looking forward to the Relocation Fair and possibly relocating to our area. This is our chance to roll out the Welcome mat and make a good impression.� Personnel from USARC and FORSCOM are expected to relocate to Fort Bragg by 2011 as part of the BRAC actions passed by Congress in 2005. The Relocation Fair theme is �Welcome to North Carolina� and will feature a North Carolina barbeque lunch for over 800 personnel catered at Fort McPherson by Fuller's Bar B Que from Lumberton. Eric Locklear, Fuller's Bar B Que owner, and his staff will make the trip to Fort McPherson from Lumberton. Companies sponsoring the barbeque lunch event are: Booz Allen Hamilton, Fayetteville Public Works Commission, Fayetteville Regional Association of REALTORS, Greenfield Associates, Home Builders Association of Fayetteville, Reed-Lallier Chevrolet, Stanley Associates and Tom Keith & Associates. The Fayetteville Symphony Brass Quintet will play during lunch and feature pieces such as �A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square�, �Take the A Train�, and �Largo�. Musicians are Dr. Tim Altman, trumpet; Dr. Sheryl Linch-Parker, trumpet; David Lewis, French horn; Kelly Hardee, trombone; and Brad Pino, tuba.
Fayetteville, NC (910)

Seven community colleges receive 3D donation from BRAC Regional Task Force

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:40:03 +0100

Date: 2008-09-16
Description: Generous support from the BRAC Regional Task Force has resulted in seven community colleges within the region taking delivery of an entirely new method of instruction using a Portable 3D Theatre system. �Providing seven Portable 3D Theatre systems to our regional community colleges is a very big step in expanding the reach of the All American Center for Workforce Innovation,� said John Harbison, deputy director of the BRAC Regional Task Force. �The 3D technology will be an important component in transforming the regional workforce through the creation of higher skill/ higher wage jobs. �Our community colleges will benefit from this technology by creating a hands-on, stimulating learning environment so that students and faculty can better communicate their ideas and innovations," he said. With interactive 3D capability, professors can teach using visual learning objects, immersive learning modules and simulation based learning. An i3D Education Symposium was held last week at Fayetteville Technical Community College where the portable systems were delivered to: Bladen Community College, Central Carolina Community College, Montgomery Community College, Richmond Community College, Robeson Community College, Sampson Community College and Sandhills Community College. The symposium was structured as a training session for representatives from each of the community colleges so they could learn how to use the portable system, which is configured to present traditional 2D images or 3D stereoscopic presentations. �School officials were able to learn how to use the system and all of its components,� said Dave Brown, senior developer for NavTech/Navigator Development Group Inc., a service disabled veteran-owned small business. NavTech designed the portable theatres and its parent company Navigator provides 3D content builders for FTCC's Advanced Visualization and Interactive Design Center. Each fully integrated audio, visual and computer solution system is designed to be user friendly. �It's built so that any professor can check it out of the library, roll it to their classroom and set it up within 10 minutes to teach class using 3D images,� he said. In addition, the colleges will have access to a Web site where they can request specific 3D content from FTCC. �Because students have the added benefit of realistic learning experience with 3D, they will be able to understand the subject matter faster and remember it longer,� said David Patterson, director of Interactive Solutions for Navigator. �Studies have shown learning is improved using visuals.�
Contact Information: Lee Ann Smith,                                  116 S. Main Street, Suite 214
                                  Enterprise AL , AL    36330
                                  1-334-347-7612
                                  lsmith@ndgi.com
Link 1: www.i3dtrain.com