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Friday, December 31, 2010

5 Main Street Tonawanda, NY : Unknown Medical Alarm

5 Main Street  Tonawanda, NY : Unknown Medical Alarm

NYS Thruway Authority Traffic Data Unavailable: Code 2


New York State Thruway Computers "Condition, Closure and Roadwork data are unavailable at this time Codse 2  Motion Center will not be updating thruway data using thruway authority. Expect delays in reporting.

Exclusive: i-90 NYS Thruway, Milepost 490.5 (*Ripley) Rescue and Recovery

Rescue and Recovery work in progress Right Hand Lane Closed I-90 NYS Thruway Westbound between exit 60 and 61

More NFTA Changes

NFTA Changes

Recently the NFTA - Metro Bus Website had the current and the new schedules available. As of today, when visitors visit the NFTA website, only the new schedules remain. This means that there is no way to compare the original to the new schedules. This means there is no way for Motioncenter to advise you on what routes have changed or how they have changed. Considering the fact that these changes were very poorly communicated, many people will be surprised and frustrated, likely on Monday morning.

Once riders get onto a bus, such as the Niagara Falls bus route, you may or may not see a Rider Alert, but of course you actually have to be ON THE BUS to see this notice.

As the changes are released you will receive more ionformation here on MOTIONCENTER.INFO

Reminder: on New Years Avoid Parking Costs ny using Metro Rail









Just a reminder that Park and Ride lots like the UB Lot (Main Street Campus is an excellent and low cost alternative to parking downtown.

The Park and ride lot is a decent and weather resistant place to pick up a cab if needed. Also there are emergency "Blue Light call boxes on the campus, in case of medical or police emergency.


Getting to know the New Director: (Source: NFTA)


Getting to know the New Director:
(Source: NFTA) -

Kimberley A. Minkel to Lead Transportation Agency
Buffalo, NY . . .

The Board of Commissioners of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today the selection of Kimberley A. Minkel as the agency’s new Executive Director.

Minkel, 45, started at the NFTA in October 2002 as its Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental Quality. She has over 20 years of experience in the environmental and safety regulations business along with experience in compliance managing. She earned a bachelor of science degree from Niagara University in 1988 and an MBA with a concentration in management from Canisius College in 1995.

Henry M. Sloma, NFTA acting chairman said, “Today’s unanimous vote by the Board speaks volumes about the confidence we have collectively regarding Kim’s ability to lead this multifaceted agency. She is a person of integrity, who knows the inner workings of the NFTA, the community and has the necessary qualifications to move the agency forward.”

As director of the authority’s HSEQ department, she has worked to ensure the safety and protection of its workers, riders, the public and the environment. Recently, she oversaw the completion of an award winning environmental project for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport that uses wetland treatment technology for treating spent deicing fluid in storm water runoff. The BNIA is the first airport in the United States to use such a process. This project was awarded the Diamond Award in the Environmental Category by the NY branch of the American Council of Engineering Companies and a very prestigious Honor Award by the U.S. national ACEC.

“I am honored and humbled at being selected to be the new executive director. I am looking forward to working closely with our 1,500 dedicated employees to ensure that the NFTA is doing all we can to provide the highest quality and safest transportation services possible. I am also looking forward to meeting and getting to know more of our elected officials, and regional stakeholders to make certain that we are engaged at all levels going forward, Minkel said.”

Minkel began her career in 1989 at Sevenson Environmental as the Health and Safety Manager, Data Information Manager, and Quality Assurance Officer. She was responsible for managing all field and laboratory data, initiating system audits, and conducted employee safety evaluations. In 1992, she became Manager of Environmental, Health, and Safety for Washington Mills Electro Minerals Corp. Following this, in 1999 she became Manager of Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Compliance at Xerox Corporation. In both of these positions, she ensured compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines and managed employee accidents, including prevention, investigation, and behavior modification programs.

She is a member of many professional organizations, including Western New York Safety Advisory Committee and Who’s Who of Professional Management. In the past, she served on the Board of Directors for the Peace Bridge Authority, the City of Niagara Falls N.F.B. Development Corporation and she is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Buffalo. She has also co-authored several papers dealing with innovative approaches for managing storm water runoff at airports.

Ms. Minkel resides in Lancaster with her husband and two children.

NFTA Holiday (New Year's) Transportation

NFTA Holiday (New Year's) Transportation

Metro Rail Extends Service Dec. 31
Rail service is extended for Friday, December 31, till 2:00 A.M. to accommodate patrons attending the “First Night Buffalo and The Buffalo Ball Drop” The last outbound train will leave Erie Canal Harbor Station at 2:00 A.M. to accommodate patrons attending this event.

New Year's Eve Weekend Service
Friday December 31, 2010 - Weekday Schedule
Saturday January 1, 2011 - Sunday Schedule


"Due to recent changes in service, we are experiencing capacity issues on some buses. We are making modifications to insure everyone has a safe and comfortable ride. We apologize for any inconvenience during our period of adjustment. Thank you." - NFTA Metro Website


Route Changes as of December 26th 

Route 15 
Starting Dec. 26 Route 15 inbound and outbound trips will operate over Swan Street between Michigan and Emslie Street.

Route 46 Lancaster
Effective December 26, 2010Service is extended to Thruway Mall
  
Effective December 26, 2010Service is extended to Thruway Mall

Route 57 TonawandasEffective December 26, 2010Service is extended to Niagara Falls International Airport
(Editor's Note: You'll notice they took away the last 200 Express shuttle from Main and Niagara)


News and Comment:
Why didn;t the NFTA place more promotion on using Metro during the recent international  hockey tourney?
They set up special routes, but failed to promote them. Seriously, there is more to public relations then posting some information on the website and walking away. (Post - okay the public is informed.) No - Not really.

Why go and change routes without notice to the public (AGAIN?). The public depends on these buses to know where to interview, when they can work for their employers and there does not seem to be any communication to the riders. The whole point of public relations is to be communicating with your stakeholders. (The taxpayers and riders for example.) It is not like communicating would be expensive. NFTA still swaps traffic and transit reports for free advertising - right? So the changes could be advertising on the radio. (I never really liked that because then you have radio stations putting non-employees on the air and taking away from their staffs.

MOTIONCENTER.INFO has become the most effective and comprehensive source for transportation information on the Niagara Frontier. Motion Center doesn't require a six figure salary to do it, just a love and respect for the People of Buffalo and area communities. 






Last City of Toronto garbage truck rolls down the highway to Michigan



The City of Toronto is sending its last load of garbage to Michigan today as its waste disposal contract with the Carlton Farms Landfill expires. Effective January 1, 2011, all of Toronto's waste requiring landfill disposal will go exclusively to the City-owned Green Lane Landfill.

The Green Lane Landfill has been in operation since 1978. In April 2007, the City purchased the site located in Southwold Township in the County of Elgin, southwest of London, about 200 kilometres from downtown Toronto. 

Over the years, the Green Lane Landfill site has evolved from a small waste disposal operation to a modern, state-of-the-art facility with onsite treatment of leachate and a methane gas collection and flaring system. Today it is an environmentally sound solid waste disposal facility that meets or exceeds all provincial legislative and regulatory requirements. By 2013, the landfill gas generated and captured at Green Lane Landfill will be sufficient to produce approximately 10 megawatts of electricity, which is to be used to help offset the need for electricity from non-renewable sources.

“I'm pleased that, from this day forward, Toronto will be fully self-reliant to meet its landfill needs for the long term," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "It makes good business and environmental sense for a city the size of Toronto to have its own disposal facility." 

It is projected that approximately 793,000 tonnes of waste will be disposed of at Green Lane Landfill in 2011. This includes municipal waste the City collects from residents, commercial establishments, schools and its own operations. Green Lane will continue to generate approximately $1.4 million in revenue from private waste haulers and other municipalities that send their waste there. For example, the City of Toronto currently has disposal contracts with the City of Guelph and the Region of York to use Green Lane Landfill.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Border Patrol Canine Foils Smuggling Attempt



Tucson, A.Z. – A canine team assigned to the Tucson Station working at the Highway 86 Checkpoint discovered a hidden compartment on Tuesday. Agents found more than 280 pounds of marijuana inside the compartment with an estimated value of $230,000.
The canine team was working the primary inspection area and alerted to an odor it was trained to detect inside a truck. The truck was sent to secondary and agents uncovered an aftermarket compartment concealed in the bed of the vehicle. Agents seized more than 280 pounds of marijuana and took the truck and driver to the Tucson Station for processing.
“The Border Patrol has made significant gains in securing our border and continues to make it difficult for smugglers to operate,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector Mark Rios. “Border Patrol agents continue to remain vigilant against any attempts being made by smugglers.”
As the Tucson Sector continues to gain effective control of our borders, smugglers are turning to more desperate means of transporting their narcotics into the United States. Checkpoint operations, paired with effective Border Patrol canine teams and technology continue to thwart the flow of illicit contraband from entering our communities.
The Border Patrol continues to rely on the community to ensure that illicit drugs or activity do not reach further into our communities. Should you see suspicious activity please report it to our toll free number at 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

CBP Officers Intercept Man Suspected of Raping a Minor




Newark, N.J.— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Newark Liberty International Airport apprehended a U.S. citizen from Paterson, NJ, suspected of raping a minor, as he returned on a Continental Airlines flight from Lima, Peru, Wednesday, Dec. 29.
Leonardo Quintero, 20, was the subject of an active warrant posted Dec. 18 by the Clifton Police Department for aggravated sexual assault and the kidnapping of a minor. He is suspected of forcing a 12-year-old New Jersey girl to consume alcohol and raping her. He is also suspected of videotaping the assault and repeating his attack when he drove her home.
Quintero attempted to evade arrest by fleeing to Lima, Peru but returned voluntarily at the behest of his family.
“CBP officers continue to maintain the highest standards of interagency cooperation and enforcement,” said New York Director of Field Operations, Robert E. Pérez. “This is another example of the excellent working relationships that exist between CBP and multiple other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.”
Upon completion of all CBP processes, Quintero was released into the custody of the Clifton Police Department.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Citizen of Dominican Republic sentenced to 25 months for illegally reentering the US after deportatio


HARTFORD, Conn. - A man from the Dominican Republic was sentenced Wednesday to 25 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. This sentenced was announced by David B. Fein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Marino Avalo, 47, also known as "Jose Ventura" and "Carlos Irizarry," a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Avalo was deported to the Dominican Republic in January 1993 and again in March 1995, both times after having been convicted of an aggravated felony involving the distribution of cocaine. Avalo again illegally reentered the United States and was found in Connecticut on June 16, 2010, after he was arrested for using someone else's name to apply for a driver's license.
Avalo has been in custody since June 16, 2010.
On Oct. 5, 2010, Avalo pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful presence in the United States following deportation.
Avalo again faces deportation after he completes the sentence imposed today.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Jonathan S. Freimann.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Careers with the Federal Protective Service Update

Open Positions

For the most current information on FPS opportunities, please visit USAJOBS.

ICE arrests 3, seizes 28,000 rounds of ammunition in Tucson


TUCSON, Ariz. - Three men are facing federal weapons smuggling charges after they were arrested with more than 28,000 rounds of ammunition by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tuesday in Tucson.
Nogales-based HSI special agents investigating a weapons smuggling operation identified a Tucson residence in the 1500 block of West Aztec Court believed to be tied to the scheme. Agents set up surveillance on the house and observed a white minivan leave the residence and proceed southbound toward Nogales, Ariz. HSI agents then coordinated with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to conduct a traffic stop based on probable cause developed by the DPS officer.
The van's occupants consented to allow a search of the vehicle, which revealed 9,240 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. As a result, Alejandro Ruiz-Escalante, 23, and Christian Gallegos-Arizmendi, 19, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested on federal weapons smuggling charges.
"Weapons smuggling along the Southwest border clearly contributes to ongoing public safety challenges in Mexico," said Matt Allen, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Arizona. "One of my top priorities is working with law enforcement partners like DPS to stem the flow of weapons and ammunition south of the border."
Based on information developed from the traffic stop, agents applied for and received a search warrant for the Tucson residence. The ICE Arizona Special Response Team served a search warrant on the property late Tuesday evening. Inside, agents discovered and seized an additional 19,750 rounds of ammunition, one .223 semi-automatic rifle and two .22 caliber rifles.
HSI agents arrested Jesus Lopez, 35, a U.S. citizen with an extensive criminal history and outstanding warrants for domestic violence and drug possession, at the residence. Lopez is also facing federal weapons charges. All three suspects had their initial appearance in federal court in Tucson Wednesday.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The 9,240 rounds of ammunition recovered from the van included:
  • 4,000 rounds of .223 cal
  • 2,240 rounds of 7.62 cal
  • 1,000 rounds of 9 mm
  • 1,000 rounds of .38 super
  • 500 rounds of .45 cal
  • 500 rounds of .40 cal
The 19,750 rounds of ammunition recovered from the residence included:
  • 4,000 rounds of .223 cal
  • 6,000 rounds of 7.62 cal
  • 3,000 rounds of .38 super
  • 2,750 rounds of .45 cal
  • 3,500 rounds of 9 mm
  • 500 rounds of .40 cal

ALERT ALERT ALERT Milltown Crossing (Calais, ME)Incident Description: Facility disruption

Alert - Northern Border Highway - Milltown Crossing (Calais, ME) Suspended Operations
Current Status:  ALERT ALERT ALERT
HSAS Level:  Yellow
Affected Port(s) of Entry:  Milltown Crossing (Calais, ME)
Incident Description:  Facility disruption
Time of Incident:  Wednesday December 15, 2010, 14:40pm (EST) - Ongoing
Location of Incident:  Milltown Crossing, Calais, ME
Wait Times:  To Be Determined
Duration of Delay:  At least until January 3, 2011
Impact of Incident:  Suspended operations for U.S. bound traffic only due to facility water damage – U.S. side Only
Suggested Alternate Ports/Routes:  International Avenue
Ferry Point
Hours of Operation at Alternate Ports:  Alternatives for Passenger Processing:

Mapquest Map and Sat picture

    ICE arrests 3, seizes 28,000 rounds of ammunition in Tucson


    TUCSON, Ariz. - Three men are facing federal weapons smuggling charges after they were arrested with more than 28,000 rounds of ammunition by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tuesday in Tucson.
    Nogales-based HSI special agents investigating a weapons smuggling operation identified a Tucson residence in the 1500 block of West Aztec Court believed to be tied to the scheme. Agents set up surveillance on the house and observed a white minivan leave the residence and proceed southbound toward Nogales, Ariz. HSI agents then coordinated with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) to conduct a traffic stop based on probable cause developed by the DPS officer.
    The van's occupants consented to allow a search of the vehicle, which revealed 9,240 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. As a result, Alejandro Ruiz-Escalante, 23, and Christian Gallegos-Arizmendi, 19, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested on federal weapons smuggling charges.
    "Weapons smuggling along the Southwest border clearly contributes to ongoing public safety challenges in Mexico," said Matt Allen, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Arizona. "One of my top priorities is working with law enforcement partners like DPS to stem the flow of weapons and ammunition south of the border."
    Based on information developed from the traffic stop, agents applied for and received a search warrant for the Tucson residence. The ICE Arizona Special Response Team served a search warrant on the property late Tuesday evening. Inside, agents discovered and seized an additional 19,750 rounds of ammunition, one .223 semi-automatic rifle and two .22 caliber rifles.
    HSI agents arrested Jesus Lopez, 35, a U.S. citizen with an extensive criminal history and outstanding warrants for domestic violence and drug possession, at the residence. Lopez is also facing federal weapons charges. All three suspects had their initial appearance in federal court in Tucson Wednesday.
    A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
    The 9,240 rounds of ammunition recovered from the van included:
    • 4,000 rounds of .223 cal
    • 2,240 rounds of 7.62 cal
    • 1,000 rounds of 9 mm
    • 1,000 rounds of .38 super
    • 500 rounds of .45 cal
    • 500 rounds of .40 cal
    The 19,750 rounds of ammunition recovered from the residence included:
    • 4,000 rounds of .223 cal
    • 6,000 rounds of 7.62 cal
    • 3,000 rounds of .38 super
    • 2,750 rounds of .45 cal
    • 3,500 rounds of 9 mm
    • 500 rounds of .40 cal

    CBP Officers in Buffalo (Lewiston, NY) Arrest Wanted Imposter



    Lewiston, N.Y. - U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations announced the arrest of a citizen of Gambia on charges of false claim to U.S. Citizenship, fraud and misuse of a passport. The subject is also wanted on charges of credit card fraud.
    On Dec. 30, CBP officers encountered a 26-year-old male at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge border crossing in Lewiston, N.Y. The subject was being returned to the United States by Canadian authorities after being denied entry into Canada on the same date. The subject advised CBP officers that he was a United States citizen and presented a U.S. passport as proof of citizenship and identity. Initial examination of the presented document revealed what appeared to be inconsistencies on the biographic page. The subject was referred to CBP secondary enforcement for verification of his citizenship.

    During the course of the secondary interview, the subject again advised CBP officers that he was a U.S. citizen born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., and has spent his entire life in the United States. CBP officer noticed the subject had an accent not consistent with someone who had grown up in the New York City area.
    A query of the subject’s fingerprints resulted in the discovery of a record indicating the prints belonged to Ebrima Sumareh, a 26 year-old citizen from Gambia. Additional record checks revealed that Mr. Sumareh had an active federal warrant of arrest issued by the U.S. Secret Service on Dec. 14 of this year. The warrant charged Mr. Sumareh with the illegal use of a credit card. 

    When confronted with the evidence discovered by CBP, the subject recanted his original claim to U.S. citizenship and advised CBP officers that he was in fact a citizen of Gambia. Mr. Sumareh advised CBP officers that he stole the presented passport from his cousin and was aware of his active warrant of arrest. He further stated that he had recently escaped from a halfway house in Ohio, where he was being held pending federal prosecution. 

    Mr. Sumareh was arrested by CBP officers and charged with false claim to citizenship, fraud and false statements. He is currently being detained at the Niagara County Jail pending prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. 

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

    Smoking Lamp to Extinguish Dec. 31 on Navy Subs


    By Donna Miles
    American Forces Press Service
    WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 2010 - The countdown to the new year is on, and with it, a ban on smoking below decks aboard Navy submarines.
    Navy officials announced the new rule April 8, to take effect Navy-wide when the clock strikes midnight Dec. 31.
    The ban was instituted to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke that puts them at risk of developing heart and lung disease, Vice Adm. John J. Donnelly, commander of Submarine Forces in Norfolk, Va., explained in a news release.
    "Our sailors are our most important asset to accomplishing our missions," Donnelly explained in announcing the new policy. "Recent testing has proven that, despite our atmosphere purification technology, there are unacceptable levels of secondhand smoke in the atmosphere of a submerged submarine. The only way to eliminate risk to our non-smoking sailors is to stop smoking aboard our submarines."
    The Navy has been preparing its submariner crews, about 40 percent that smokes, for the change. It offers smoking cessation programs and issues nicotine gum or patches to help sailors kick the habit. Navy officials have also taken steps to make lighting up less convenient, such as limiting smoking time and the number of sailors permitted into the boat's nonsmoking area or "smoke pit" at any one time.
    During a media visit aboard the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island in August, crew members agreed that implementing the smoking ban would be tough.
    "This is a very high-stress job," Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Robert McCombs, head of the sub's engineering department, told reporters. "We push our crew very hard every day, 12 to 18 hours a day, and smoking is how they relax. Some people are saying they don't want to stay on subs because they can't smoke."
    Some submarines extinguished their smoking lamps early, to correspond with deployment schedules or other significant events. USS Michigan, for example, instituted the smoking ban July 27 at 7:27 a.m. to correspond with its hull number, 727. The command's plan was for the sailors to quit while deployed, and then return home with a fresh start and plenty of support from their family and friends, Michigan's senior enlisted personnel explained.
    Among them was Command Master Chief Victor Smith, the blue crew's command master chief.
    "As a former smoker for more than 10 years, I understand the challenges of quitting smoking," Smith told Navy News Service. "It is extremely hard to stop when you are at sea. We want our sailors to be successful, so we decided to put the smoking lamp out during this mission cycle. The day we extinguished the smoking lamp onboard was a significant event in the lives of our sailors. I cannot think of a more appropriate day to start a new and healthier life than 727 day."
    USS Georgia, home ported in Kings Bay, Ga., implemented the new smoking ban Aug.15, while it was under way.
    "Not being able to smoke onboard after December 31st will be difficult for some," acknowledged Command Master Chief, Richard Rose, blue crew master chief, during a Navy News Service interview. "This change will be hard, but will be for the better in the long run. Promoting and building a healthier submarine force is the right thing to do for the sailors in the Navy today." 
    Related Articles:
    Smoking Lamp Grows Dim On Submarines
    Smoking To Be Extinguished On Submarines
    Submariners Prepare for Culture Changes

    ICE takes custody of 3 individuals suspected of smuggling $48 million in cocaine MIAMI - Special agents

    from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) took custody of three suspected maritime drug smugglers in Miami on Wednesday and helped U.S. Coast Guard crewmembers offload 62 bales of cocaine weighing 3,400 pounds and worth an estimated wholesale value of $48 million.ICE HSI special agents offload bales of cocaine On Dec. 17, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Thetis intercepted a go-fast boat 160 nautical miles off the coast of Colon, Panama. The cutter Thetis launched a small boat crew and was assisted by aircraft from the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Branch, to stop the go-fast vessel.The bales were found and retrieved aboard the smuggling boat by Coast Guard boarding team members.Assisted by ICE, crewmembers of the Key West-based Cutter Thetis offloaded the 62 bales of cocaine at the Coast Guard base in Miami Beach."We are ready to stop all contraband on the high seas with our partners, not only in the U.S., but those international agencies that work with us day to day," said Thetis commanding officer Cmdr. Douglas Schofield, U.S. Coast Guard."We are seeing more and more of these kinds of smuggling attempts, as organizations react to increased pressure on the southwest border," said Anthony V. Mangione, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Miami. "And we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put more and more pressure on the organizations that attempt to carry out these and other types of drug smuggling activities."ICE HSI's investigation into the three suspected smugglers is being conducted by the Miami Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST). BEST was established in Miami in November 2008 and at other major seaports because U.S. ports and maritime borders are subject to significant threats to national security.The mission of the BEST program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle organizations that seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. border through increased information sharing and collaboration among partner agencies. The Miami BEST incorporates personnel from ICE HSI; CBP Office of Border Patrol; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the U.S. Coast Guard; and the Miami-Dade Police Department.

    Awarded Government Contracts

    CONTRACTSNAVY The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $69,098,221 delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00383-06-D-001J) for the procurement of integrated logistics support, for the F/A-18 Integrated Readiness Support Team Program. The tasks include in-service engineering, information systems, technical data, support equipment engineering, automated maintenance environment, training/software integration support, provisioning, and A-D sustaining engineering service for continued support of the F/A-18 A-D, F/A-18 E/F, and EA-18 G fleet. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (70 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (15 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (6 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (5 percent); and San Diego, Calif. (4 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This delivery order combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($64,578,941; 93.6 percent); and the governments of Australia ($1,692,302; 2.5 percent), Canada ($513,996; 0.7 percent), Spain ($513,996; 0.7 percent), Finland ($513,966; 0.7 percent), Switzerland ($513,996; 0.7 percent), Kuwait ($513,996; 0.7 percent), and Malaysia ($256,998; 0.4 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $22,021,303 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-10-C-0035) to exercise an option for logistics products and services in support of H-1 helicopter upgrade program. Services to be provided include logistics management support, technical material for maintenance planning, design interface, supply/material support, technical data, distribution and inventory management/packaging, handling, storage and transportation, logistics management information, supportability analysis, technical manuals, and logistics support/technical liaison support. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (96 percent), and Afghanistan (4 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2011. 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. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $14,471,274 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0050) for additional persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle services in support of Marine Corps combat missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash. (97 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $14,471,274 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Mikel, Inc., Fall River, Mass., is being awarded a $9,068,671 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide engineering services to Team Submarine and the PMS 425 program offices. These services will be rendered as needed to provide for research and combat system development and processing in the areas of automation and data fusion, target motion analysis, weapon employment, and tactical decision aids that extend and apply previous efforts that focus on improved automation, reduced manning requirements, and improved human system integration over current combat systems applicable to Navy submarines. In addition, these services will include development of tactical combat and surveillance system algorithms and software to include sonar, combat control, weapons, communications, C4I and navigation functionality as well as non-tactical software for undersea fixed and portable tracking ranges. Work will be performed in Fall River, Mass. (88 percent); Manassas, Va. (9 percent); Laurel, Fla. (1 percent); North Kingstown, R.I. (1 percent); and Poulsbo, Wash. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed by December 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $1,432,438 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-11-C-6295). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,582,920 modification to a delivery order placed against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00421-05-G-0001) to exercise an option for engineering, technical and sustaining services in support of Taiwan Air Force E-2C aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y. (75 percent), and at the Pingtung Air Force Base, Taiwan (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.AIR FORCE Teradyne, Inc., North Reading, Mass., was awarded an estimated $28,377,673 contract for maintaining the B-1 automatic digital test systems and application development environmental systems. At this time, $9,617,451 has been obligated. OC-ALC/GKAKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8102-11-C-0001). Integrated Data Services, Inc., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $10,436,911 contract for the Comprehensive Cost and Requirements System, a financial program management software tool which is used by Air Force acquisition and sustainment organizations to accomplish planning and execution of program budgets. At this time, $4,354,725 has been obligated. ESC/HIBK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8771-C-11-0001). General Dynamics Advanced Information System, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded a $7,832,414 contract which will provide a research and development program which seeks to develop an open architecture for modular open systems architecture common back end for radio frequency that conforms to interface standards. At this time, $230,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKSR, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-11-C-1041). Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions, Santa Maria, Calif., was awarded a $7,189,632 contract for four adaptable multi-based land/ocean stabilized antenna systems to replace aging antenna systems. At this time, $6,657,099 has been obligated. SMC/PKTV, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA8818-06-D-0024).DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY BAE Systems National Security Solutions, Burlington, Mass., is being awarded an $8,372,580 cost plus fixed-fee contract (HR0011-11-C0023). This award is for the Behavioral Learning for Adaptive Electronic Warfare (BLADE) program, to develop counter adaptive wireless communication threats in tactical environments and in tactically relevant time scales. The BLADE program will achieve this objective by developing novel algorithms and techniques that will enable Department of Defense electronic warfare systems to automatically learn to jam new radio frequency threats in the field. Work will be performed in Burlington, Mass. (63.6 percent); Nashua, N.H. (24.6 percent); and Piscataway, N.J. (11.8 percent). The work is expected to be completed May 2012. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the contracting activity.U.S. Department of DefenseOffice of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)

    Today in the Department of Defense, January 31, 2010 Through Monday, January 03, 2011

    Today in the Department of Defense,  January 31, 2010 Through Monday, January 03, 2011



    Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.


    Secretary Napolitano Arrives in Afghanistan



    KABUL, Afghanistan—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan today at approximately 7:42 a.m. AFT along with six additional DHS customs and border security officials who will join DHS personnel already deployed in the region to provide civilian assistance to local security officials.
    While in Afghanistan, Secretary Napolitano will meet with senior U.S. and Afghan officials—including Afghan ministers as well as border security experts from DHS and other civilians from across the U.S. government—to discuss progress being made in securing the region. She will also spend New Year’s Eve with the military men and women serving their country on the front lines to combat terrorism and bring peace and stability to the region.
    “For several years, the Department of Homeland Security has been contributing personnel to help bolster security in Afghanistan,” said Secretary Napolitano. “In the last twelve months, DHS has expanded its effort here in support of President Obama’s policy of civilian engagement. Today, I arrived in Kabul with six additional border security and customs officers who will join our ongoing efforts to advise and assist our Afghan counterparts on customs and border control. It is an honor to meet with our dedicated military and civilian men and women who are helping to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, and I thank them for their continued efforts and sacrifices here to make the American homeland safer and more secure.”
    Following her departure from Afghanistan, Secretary Napolitano will continue to Qatar on Jan. 2; Israel on Jan. 3-5; and Belgium on Jan. 5-6 to meet with her counterparts and discuss international efforts to ensure the security of our global aviation and supply chain systems against threats of terrorism and transnational crime, while facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and commerce. More details will be provided once they are finalized.

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