VENTURA, Calif. –
Nearly 200 industry representatives converged on the Ventura Beach Marriott Dec. 14 to learn more about conducting business with the Navy, specifically Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD).
The event served as an opportunity for current and future partners to hear directly from the command’s newest leadership, including Commanding Officer, Capt. Ray Acevedo, and Division Technical Director, Paul Mann.
“We have a host of leadership and organization changes,” opened Acevedo. “Given the changes and those coming down the pipe, we wanted to have this event. It’s not a one-part team but rather a collaboration as we move in a bold new direction; fleet focused in everything we do.”
During the event, attendees received insight from NSWC PHD’s Deputy Technical Director, Small Business Deputy, Chief of Contracting, and technical department representatives who shed light on command operations, the acquisition process, technology forecast, and other industry-specific information needed to conduct business with the Navy.
Science and Technology Innovation Lead, Mark Jue, provided background information on trending topics such as augmented reality, an in-house materiel laboratory, a geographic information system known as Raptor, and open ocean swarm tactics. He also announced an opportunity for industry to test their latest innovations during Coastal Trident, a local maritime exercise scheduled for May 2018.
“If you have a technology you believe is of use to the Navy and would like to test it out, this would be an opportunity,” said Jue. “It’s a way to rapidly bring technology concepts to the fleet in a way that has not been done before.”
Following Jue, focused briefings were provided, discussing detailed requirements for several NSWC PHD priority areas of mission support, including the Self Defense Test Ship, advanced radars, and professional services.
The forum concluded with a question and answer session, during which attendees could provide insight to potential barriers hindering the contracting process.
“The fact that we held this event today, despite the ongoing fires,” said Mann, “is testament to how important this is for us. This is not just a job, it’s a mission and we think it’s really important. If there are barriers to doing business with you, we need to know so that we can get you working on fleet mission.”
Mann ended by expressing his appreciation for all in attendance, saying, “It is a high honor and privilege to serve with you. PHD is open for business and we are growing.”