Strategic Goals/Objectives
a Living Document as of: 31 December 2015
NCS has recruited 54 new Members in 2015. At present, NCS Membership stands at 245. The makeup of the Membership is as follows:
MS&T Company 120
Government/Academia/Not-for-profit 31
Non-MS&T Company 43
Practitioners 45
Students 6
Total 245
Objective 1—Technology Transfer/Diversification
- Promote tech transfer opportunities & educational events
- Facilitate connection to community resources
- Promote member-provided services
- Enhance collaboration with allied sectors (i.e., medical, digital media,
gaming)
- Engage entrepreneurial community (i.e. GrowFL, Orlando Tech
Association)
14 Jan,Hank Okraski, Chair NCS Education and Workforce Development Committee, visited ETC, an NCS member. After gaining a better understanding of ETC’s capabilities, Hank made two referrals: one to Orange County Public Schools and the other to Dignitas (another NCS member company) highlighting ETC’s disaster management and runway simulation technologies.
15 Jan, George Cheros represented NCS at the Otronicon VIP Reception at the Orlando Science Center. NCS continues to serve on the advisory committee and as an event Sponsor.
23 Jan, NCS received an executed FY 2015 Defense Reinvestment Grant (DRG 15-04) contract. The grant value is $85K and will help NCS fund Outreach & Engagement, I/ITSEC 2015 participation, and support to tech transfer and STEM educational initiatives. Based on an agreement with EFI, the effective date of DRG 15-04 was set at 14 Nov 2014.
3 Feb, an initial planning meeting for a planned MS&T commercialization summit to be hosted by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the MS&T Blue Ribbon Commission was held at the Mayor’s office downtown. Bev Seay, UCF Trustee has agreed to chair the conference which is planned for 16 Sep 2015. The focus of the summit is to explore opportunities for MS&T technology applications in sectors other than defense.
9 Feb, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste attended the Grand Opening of Lockheed Martin’s Innovation Demonstration Center at their Underhill facility. Senator Bill Nelson, Congressman John Mica and Congressman Alan Grayson were all present for the ribbon cutting. The 20,000 sq ft center features advanced simulation technology highlighting air, ground and next generation training and logistics capabilities. It presents an interactive forum showcasing innovative training and logistics solutions for Lockheed customers and community partners. As the largest industrial employer in Central Florida, their Innovation Center will be an ideal site to host VIP orientation visits to help
explain the power of the MS&T Industry in Florida.
25 Feb, a second planning meeting for the Commercialization summit was held at NCS. The planning group agreed to seven (7)focus areas for the conference:
Entertainment
Education
Cyber
Medical
Transportation
Energy
Emergency/Crisis Management
Next steps are to secure keynote speakers and panelists planned for the individual or combined focus areas.
31 Mar, Rockwell Collins hosted an Open House to showcase a number of their technologies at their Orlando offices.
3 Apr, the third planning meeting for the MS&T Commercialization Summit was held at NCS. The plan is to meet bi-weekly until 11 Sep.
10 Apr, the first of what will be weekly (through 11 Sep) conference calls was held to continue planning for the MS&T Commercialization Summit scheduled for16 Sep 2015 at the Orange County Convention Center.
21 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with Manuel Fletcha, Michael Leger and Jiman Sanchez from SimSpace. SimSpace is a Spanish MS&T firm with some exciting new technology they would like to get in front of the major integrators in Orlando. Their intent was to explain their technology and seek NCS help with introductions to Member companies.
22 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste was a guest of the Halldale Media Group at the second day of the 2015 World Aviation Training Conference and Tradeshow (WATS 2015) at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. The focus of the conference is the commercial aviation industry but the opportunities for the Simulation & Training Industry in Central Florida are huge.
16 Jun, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste was one of the participants in the Ribbon Cutting celebration dedicating the new SIMETRI facility and R&D Lab. The success of SIMETRI’s medical simulation business hasoutgrown their previous location.
23 Jun, Brienna L. Henwood, Director of Space Training & Research at the National Aerospace Training & Research Center contacted Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste to ask for introductions to any NCS Member companies that could partner with her organization on targeted future projects. Her request was for introductions to companies that work on immersive, virtual reality visual development. Ideally, she was looking for software development capability that cancreate Space/Aviation/Racing/Ocean adventure-themed visuals that can pair with single to six-player interactive virtual reality systems including Oculus Rift headsets, 360 degree projection screens, and motion simulator platformsfor public audiences worldwide. Gen (Ret) Baptiste introduced her to the President/CEO of five NCS Member companies that have the capabilities she has outlined. Each will follow-up with her to discuss specifics and determine if there is a way forward.
30 Jul, Jerry Parrish, Florida Chamber Foundation asked Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste to attend their Innovation Caucus meeting held in Orlando’s Research Park. He also asked Gen (Ret) Baptiste to discuss where the Simulation Industry is headed and potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
3 Aug, NCS in partnership with UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization (ORC) have submitted a proposal to the U.S. Small Business Administration under their Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative. With SBA funding, the intent is to provide MS&T entrepreneurs throughout the State of Florida with education, training/coaching services, and business development programs from existing federal, state and local entrepreneurial development resources along with showcase and networking events designed to connect them with entrepreneurs and industry leaders in medical, digital media/entertainment and advanced manufacturing. These efforts will assist in matching their innovative technology to industry requirements and help to pursue economic growth opportunities within the region and beyond.
14 Sep, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste was one of four panelists featured on the WMFE 90.7 Intersection radio program focused on MS&T applications. Other participants included Robert Abascal, President/CEO, AVT Simulations; Michael Tschanz, Manager, Systems Technology Strategy and Processes, Walt Disney World; Shiva Kalidindi, MD, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Hospital. The program explored the growing use of simulation technologies beyond defense and ran on Tuesday, 15 Sep, one day before the planned “Florida Simulation Summit…you don’t know the half of it”!
16 Sep, NCS co-hosted with Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs a “Florida Simulation Summit…you don’t know the half of it”. The purpose of the conference was to showcase the use of simulation technology in sectors beyond defense. In addition to two keynote addresses, the conference included 5 panel discussions focused on the following: Entertainment; Medical Simulation; Education; Transportation; and an Emerging Technologies Panel (Cyber, Energy and Manufacturing).
Oct 16, George Cheros attended the dedication of Florida Hospital’s Simulation Training Center in Altamonte Springs, FL. The newly established training center uses state of the art simulation equipment and technology to train all first line patient care personnel for the Florida Hospital system. At the meeting, George was able to discuss industry specifics with Florida Representatives Scott Plakon and Bob Cortes. Representative Plakon will also tour the Research Park and UCF/IST R&D labs on 9 Nov.
27 Oct, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with Pamela Andreatta, Ph.D, Director, Human Performance in Healthcare and Jack Stubbs, Associate Director, Human Performance in Healthcare at UCF/IST to discuss their role in promoting advancements in medical simulation.
12 Nov, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste received an invitation to attend a Gaming & Simulation Round Table event at the Science Center hosted by the UK Trade and Investment office from the Consulate in Miami. Panelists included Ben Noel, Executive Director of Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) at UCF; Dr. Roger Smith, Chief Technology Officer for Florida Hospital's Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement; Arthur Alexion, CEO of Bohemia Interactive;
Hans Peterson, VP of Developmentof INDE APPSHAKER; and Darryl Holt, VP & Group COO of Electronics Art Studios. The event was part of Brit Week held in Orlando.
11 Dec, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met Bob Violett, the President BVM Jets at I/ITSEC 2015. Bob is a former Navy A-4 Pilot and has owned a high tech model aircraft manufacturing facility in Winter Springs for 20+ years. Their specialty is high end remote control model aircraft that are replicas of a number of front line military fighters (F-86, F-5, A-4, F-16, etc.). They have also designed a number of small light weight Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) capable of carrying small payloads at very impressive speeds. Bob asked Gen (Ret) Baptiste to visit his manufacturing facility and to facilitate some introductions to targeted NCS Member companies that might benefit from their technologies.
21 Dec, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste joined a conference call with Dr. Ali Ebadian, CEO and David Cherington, VP Marketing of Phiston Technologies. The call resulted from a virtual introduction from Cathy Haverstock in Senator Bill Nelson’s office. Phiston Technologies has developed and produced an array of compact, powerful machines that destroy old data storage media including computer and laptop hard disk drives, solid state drives, flash/USB drives, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray disks, magnetic strip cards, ID badges, PDSs, cell phones and other miniaturized electronic devices. The machines are for sale to companies that want to ensure proper destruction of data and protection of their intellectual property. Their customer list is quite impressive and includes the Senate, Verizon, Amazon.com, Bloomberg Television and many others. They are of course interested in getting their technology in front of MS&T companies in Central Florida. Gen (Ret) Baptiste encouraged them to consider participating with a technology display at the next scheduled Industry Capability Day. Dr. Ebadian also plans a trip to Orlando and a follow-up discussion about the MS&T Industry and NCS.
Objective 2—Education & Awareness
- Communicate internally/externally to position NCS for growth
- Improve strategic communications with member company senior leaders
- Become go-to resource to build public understanding of meaning & role
of MS&T
-Support workforce development
-- Education at K-12, Post-secondary & Graduate levels
-- Certification programs
-- Teacher STEM training
-- Scholarship programs
- Support/augment mentoring & internship programs
- Broaden public awareness program targets in Florida & beyond, including
DoD decision-makers
6 Jan,Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with Col (Ret) Todd Freece, UCF Continuing Education. Todd wanted to explore how the UCF Division of Continuing Education could create solutions to close remaining gaps in workforce knowledge or training and discuss how to better serve the continuing professional education needs of NCS members.
28 Jan, the latest planning meeting for the NCS/LFI scholarship fundraiser golf tournament (planned for 30 Mar 2015) was held at the Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Cantor and Reed offices downtown.
3 Feb, Florida State Representative Colleen Burton asked Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste to visit and speak at the Lakeland Aerospace Academy. This is follow-up to her listening to Gen (Ret) Baptiste speak about community BRAC mitigation efforts during the Central Florida Legislative Delegation meeting held at Disney on
17 Dec 2014.
12 Feb, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and Brian Holmes, NCS Board Member/ Treasurer met with Jonathan Baety and Victoria Castaneda from Conrad Santiago & Associates, a private practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. They were interested in NCS Membership and also sponsoring the NCS-LFI Fundraiser Golf Tournament in March 2015 and the 2015 NCS Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony planned for May. Update: Conrad Santiago & Associates has since joined NCS and they have committed as a Tee Sponsor for the Charity Golf Tournament on 30 Mar. Discussions continue with regards to sponsorship of the NCS Hall of Fame Ceremony in May.
11 Mar, NCS is preparing to administer the M&S Certification Program Beta Examination to interested students from six (6) local high schools (University, Lyman, Hagerty, Timber Creek, Crooms Academy of Information Technology and Orlando Tech Center) in late March. Those students who pass the examination will be awarded an entry level M&S certificate that will position them for internships and post secondary education leading to potential employment in the MS&T Industry.
19 Mar, Harrison Donnelly Editor, Military Training Technology magazine contacted NCS and offered to publish an article featuring NCS in the July 2015 edition. This article will replace a recurring article entitled “Command Profile” reserved to highlight various institutions, usually military commands that play an important role in the military training field. Obviously, NCS is an organization rather than a military command, so the article will be re-titled, but contain information about the NCS mission,organization and current programs, as well as, if desired, the NCS perspective on one or more key issues in the military training field.
23 Mar, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste and George Cheros met with Tom McThenia and Max Minch, Attorneys with GrayRobinson, Attorneys at Law. Tom wanted to introduce Max who is new to the firm with U.S. Navy and government contracting experience.
30 Mar, NCS in partnership with the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at UCF held its annual Charity fundraiser at Interlachen Country Club. The tournament was one player short of sold out and generous contributions from sponsors allowed 12 Wounded Warriors to participate in the event.
2 Apr, George Cheros and Hank Okraski, NCS Board Member and Chair NCS Education & Workforce Development Committee visited Timber Creek High School and Corner Lake Middle School to present their STEM Technology Program Coordinator an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset for use in their STEM classes.
7 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with the CEO of DiSTi and Dr. Lee Lacy who has just move from L-3 Mobile to join DiSTi. Discussion centered on the role of NCS and how we support the MS&T Industry. DiSTi has been a Member in the past but did not renew their Membership. With Dr. Lacy’s help we hope to recruit them back to NCS. Update: DiSTi has re-joined NCS.
8 Apr, Aaron Gorovitz with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Cantor & Reed, Attorneys at Law organized a meeting for Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste, Bob Holmes, UCF Foundation and Dr. Euliano. Dr. Euliano was interested to learn more about the MS&T Industry and potential investment opportunities. He is also a veteran and very involved in addressing the needs of military retirees and homeless veterans.
9 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with David Barham and Chris Chambers, President/CEO, Serious Simulations. Mr. Barham is the principal investor in the new startup and wants to better understand the simulation market and the support that NCS provides to NCS Member companies. Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste is also assisting them with proposed language for inclusion in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) highlighting how virtual training could be applied to prepare DoD and other Government Organizations to deal with infectious disease containment.
13 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste represented the NDIA local chapter and presented a scholarship to Cadet Sean Sheldon during the annual USAF ROTC Detachment annual awards ceremony at UCF.
15 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste was invited by Tom McEvoy, Dean Crummer Graduate School at Rollins College to meet with him and tour the campus. He was also interested in how to forge a relationship with NCS. One initiative will be to host a lunch and learn for the Graduate Students and feature Gen (Ret) Baptiste to talk about opportunities in the MS&T Industry in Florida.
15 Apr, George Cheros and Hank Okraski, Board Member and Chair NCS Education & Workforce Development Committee visited University High School to present their STEM Technology Program Coordinator an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset for use in their STEM classes.
17 Apr, Lt Gen (Ret) Baptiste met with Chris Rolle, BB&T Bank and MG (Ret) Mike Repass, CEO Able Global Solutions. Gen (Ret) Repass is recently retired from U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill AFB, FL and has established his own company in Orlando. He was interested to learn more about NCS and its support to the MS&T Industry.
20 Apr, Steve Painter, Vice Chairman NCS Board of Directors and Hank Okraski, Board Member and Chair NCS Education & Workforce Development Committee visited Hagerty High School and presented a $1,000 STEM scholarship to Robert F. Burke. Robert is the first of five local High School students selected to receive the NCS scholarship this year. They also presented Hagerty an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset for use in STEM classes and then went on to Lyman High School and Crooms Academy for Information Technology (AOIT) to present their STEM coordinators an Oculus Rift as well.