Aerospace Defense Forum

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“Government Contracting and Trends in DCAA Audits” – SB Chapter

South Bay Chapter meeting in El Segundo on Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Please join us in El Segundo, CA, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 8:00-10:00 am Pacific Time, when Rich Weber, CPA, Partner, Government Contracting, Moss Adams, will make an informative and engaging presentation on “Trends in DCAA Audits,” where we will delve into the dynamic and evolving landscape of defense contract compliance.

This presentation is designed to equip government contractors, financial professionals, and industry stakeholders with valuable insights into the latest developments and focus areas of the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).

The DCAA plays a critical role in ensuring that government contracts with defense companies comply with applicable regulations, policies, and contractual requirements. As DCAA’s audit focus shifts and adapts to the ever-changing business environment, it is essential for defense contractors to stay updated and well-prepared for potential audits.

This presentation will explore the most recent trends observed in DCAA audits, providing attendees with actionable knowledge to enhance compliance practices and minimize audit risks.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 (until November 1, $40 thereafter) for Non-members. . Click here for more information and to register to attend the meeting.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The South Bay Chapter is hosted by Moss Adams.

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“The Presidents Club: A Fireside Chat on Defense, Commercial Aerospace and M&A” – OC Chapter

Orange County Chapter meeting in Irvine on November 2, 2023

The aerospace & defense industries are in the midst of an exciting but dynamic era impacted by multiple forces, including technological change, a robust but uneven commercial market recovery, geopolitical conflicts, resilient M&A and supply chain complexities, among others.

Please join us in Irvine on Thursday, November 2, (Networking and Breakfast: 7:00-7:30am & Meeting: 7:30–9:00am) who our distinguished panel of industry executive leaders: Jeff Johnston (President, DAC Engineered Products), Tony Koblinski (Chief Executive Officer, Karman Space & Defense), Jim Simpkins (CEO, Aero Turbine), and moderator Francis Tran (Co-Head of Aerospace & Defense, Lincoln International), who are at the forefront of navigating privately held A&D enterprises in this changing environment. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on some of the most important topics currently facing aerospace & defense Presidents / CEOs, including but not limited to:

• Outlook for the defense & commercial aerospace industries
• Opportunities for private market suppliers
• Technology change and AI
• Insider views on successful M&A deals
• Addressing the supply chain
• The future convergence of space in the broader supply chain
• Trends in the aftermarket

The meeting is free for members and $30 for non-members ($40 after October 26). Click here for more information and to register to attend the meeting.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Orange County chapter is hosted by Moss Adams.

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“Presentation and Tour of Aero TMF” – Santa Clarita Valley Chapter

Santa Clarita Valley Chapter Meeting and Tour on October 26, 2023

Please join us on Thursday October 26, (7:15-7:45am: Check-in, Networking and Continental Breakfast, 7:45am-8:45am: Presentation and Tour, and 8:45am-9:00am: Wrap up, final networking) for a tour of Aero TMF in Valencia. This is a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow SCV A&D industry executives, as well as see a local surface finishing operation. Aero TMF supports military, space, and commercial programs. Their key customers include Eaton, Northrop Grumman, and NASA.

Aero TMF has comprehensive metal processing, paint, coating, and NDT capabilities and is NADCAP certified. They are a one stop shop for many processes, with a focus on mission critical parts.

The location of the meeting is Aero TMF in Valencia. The meeting is free for members and $35 for non-members until October 19 ($45 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adfscvaoct23.eventbrite.com/.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Santa Clarita Valley chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation.

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“Aviation Digital Transformation: today and tomorrow digital initiatives and trends in A&D” – NOF

National Online Forum webinar on Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Our lives have been reshaped by a digital transformation that moves incredibly fast. The latest technologies such as blockchain and large language models (think Chat GPT) are inundating us daily with new possibilities.

However, because of the complexity and safety criticalness of our industry’s products that require a measured approach to any new technology, A&D is notoriously slow to innovate.

As a result, A&D has been talking about a digital transformation for years with terms such as Digital Transformation, Industry 4.0, Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Additive Manufacturing. But how much impact this transformation has had so far isn’t always clear. Many of these technologies do not yet have widespread adoption in the A&D industry, and others, such as Additive, are still largely used for development and have not made the leap to production.

Please join us on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 8:00-9:00 am Pacific Time, when Jean-Marc Lemaitre (EVP, SkyThread), Ryan Richardson (Chief Software Architect for Digital Aviation Solutions, Boeing), Jeff Smith (Leader Digital Product Programs, Parker Aerospace) will share their perspectives on the latest digital trends and the technologies that have been driving manufacturing, development, and aftermarket support improvements. They will also present leading edge technologies, such as Blockchain, which holds the potential to revolutionize how we track and manage parts over their lifecycle in service.

They will also share other key developments on the horizon that will revolutionize the aviation industry.

The webinar is free for members and $25 for non-members. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adfnofoct23.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

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“CALCULATED RISK: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle” – LA Chapter

Los Angeles Chapter meeting on November 17, 2023

“No history of American aviation could be written without mentioning James Harold “Jimmy” Doolittle. Born before the Wright brothers made their first flights in a heavier-than-air flying machine, his life paralleled the history of fixed-wing flight and our ventures into space. He was an aerobatic and racing pilot, military aviator, aeronautical engineer, leader of the famed 1942 attack on Japan, commander of the 8th Air Force during the Normandy invasion, leader of the struggle for a separate U.S. Air Force, member of scientific governmental committees, and advisor to presidents.

Jimmy Doolittle was known in aviation circles as the “master of the calculated risk” because he always carefully considered the risks involved in flying and transferred this attribute to his undertakings on the ground. He felt that luck had been with him all his life and that’s why when asked if he would like to live any part of his lifer over again, he replied, “No, because I could never be so lucky again.” And he said the luckiest moment in his life was when Josephine “Joe” Daniels, his high school sweetheart, said she would marry him.

Please join us in Los Angeles on Friday, November 17, 2023, 7:00AM – 9:00AM Pacific Time, when Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, granddaughter of Jimmy Doolittle and President of the Air Force Historical Foundation, presents this interesting look at one of America’s icons of aviation as part of the A&D Forum recognizing Veterans with our November program.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 ($40 after November 10) for Non-members. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adflanov23.eventbrite.com/.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Los Angeles Chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is hosted by Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell and sponsored by Moss Adams and Fifth Third Bank.

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“Overair – Developing the World’s Most Advanced eVTOL Aircraft”

Los Angeles Chapter meeting on October 20, 2023

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) began to take shape in the 2010s, and as development continues several of the industry leaders expect certification and entry into service before the end of the decade. With the promise of providing efficient, sustainable and versatile transportation, the eVTOL market is projected to grow from $1.2B in 2023 to $23.4B in 2030, a 52% CAGR.

One of the industry leaders is Overair – a spinoff of Karem Aircraft, Inc. Overair is in the process of developing an advanced eVTOL aircraft design intended to meet the requirements and challenges of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) markets.

Please join us in Los Angeles on Friday, October 20, 2023, 7:00AM – 9:00AM Pacific Time, when Tony Mumford, a Principal Engineer with Overair, will provide an overview of the company and their OA-1 Butterfly eVTOL design, touching on some of the key technologies and attributes that Overair believes will ensure that Butterfly will be the most advanced electrical aerial transport solution for AAM and UAM.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 ($40 after October 12) for Non-members. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adflaoct23.eventbrite.com/.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Los Angeles Chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is hosted by Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell and sponsored by Moss Adams and Fifth Third Bank.

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“Space and the New World Order”

The Future of the Space Sector and Space Media
A Private Briefing with Payload Co-Founder, Mo Islam

South Bay Chapter meeting in El Segundo on Thursday, October 12, 2023

The world was characterized by free trade, geopolitical stability, supply chain efficiency (vs resiliency), reliable sources of energy and low interest rates (i.e. debt-fueled growth). This is no longer the case. The race for global influence is more important than ever before.

Please join us in El Segundo, CA, on Thursday, October 12, 2023, 4:00-6:30 pm Pacific Time, when Mo Islam, Co-Founder, Payload, will discuss how a new era in space technology impact global economics, geo-politics and defense:
• Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTs).
• Collapse of launch costs driven by reusable spacecraft.
• Vast improvements in satellite cost performance have expanded commercial plans.
• Product innovation and cost reduction in EO have surpassed many major technologies.
• Engineering practices have evolved to reduce costs and increase reliability.
• The current space race may be the greatest technological contest of the decade.
• China’s progress in developing space technology is unmatched.
• Government space spending reaches record levels.
• Space is the ultimate high ground, and it will inevitably become the next domain for warfare.
• New commercial partnerships between space and non-space entities.
• How will SpaceX’s Starship change the world?

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 (until October 5, $40 thereafter) for Non-members. Click here for more information and to register to attend the meeting.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The South Bay Chapter is hosted by Moss Adams.

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“Apprenticeship as a Strategic Workforce Development Tool”

National Online Forum webinar on Wednesday, September 20, 2023

This program will provide information and free resources to help your business develop and expand your workforce pipeline, using an apprenticeship model, whether for new hires or incumbent workers.

For the past six years, the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) has expanded its advanced manufacturing sector partnership by working with industry stakeholders to create Aero-Flex and, newly, Space-Flex. These programs liaison with business-education-community and professional organizations to plan and implement new strategies aimed at building our STEM/STEAM regional pipeline and upskilling current employees.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 8:00-9:00 am Pacific Time, when Chris Cagle M.A., Regional Affairs and Special Projects Program Manager, South Bay Workforce Investment Board, and Deborah Shepard, M.Ed., Special Projects Coordinator, South Bay Workforce Investment Board, will explain the role of workforce boards, the State and Federal focus on using non-traditional apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship to enhance recruitment, retention, and training, as well as the financial resources available to your business.

The meeting is free for members and $25 for non-members. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adfnofsep23.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

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“The New DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)”

San Diego Chapter meeting on September 19, 2023

Meeting location: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130-4092
Meeting Date: Tuesday, September 19
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:30-5:30 PM:
Presentation: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For DoD contractors and subcontractors, new cybersecurity requirements are coming. This Aerospace & Defense Forum presentation will cover the structure of the CMMC program and outline the general steps companies must take to prepare for these changes.

CMMC is the DoD’s new cybersecurity compliance program for all DoD contractors and their subcontractors. This will replace the old NIST 800-171 requirements, and for most companies it will require an external audit. There are new requirements included in the revised security baseline.

DFARS has always required DoD contractors and subcontractors to implement and adhere to the cybersecurity controls in NIST 800-171. The CMMC framework differentiates the requirements that must be met based on the risk the company poses to the DoD. There are also new reporting requirements, either self-attestation or an external audit.

Although the CMMC framework has been slow to materialize, finalization is close. Now is the time for DoD contractors and subcontractors to be assessing their readiness and preparing for these new requirements. To start, companies need to identify their CMMC Risk Level (1-3), which then defines the security requirements they must meet.

Risk Levels:
• Level 1 (Foundational) – companies that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI)
• Level 2 (Advanced) – companies that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI)
• Level 3 (Expert) – reducing risks of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

Once organizations have identified their risk level, they must define and assess system scope against the appropriate risk level control requirements and prepare and implement a plan to get to compliance.

Please join us in San Diego on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 (4:30-5:30 PM: Networking & Refreshments, 5:30-6:30 PM: Presentation) when Christian Hansen, CISSP, CISA, Partner, Cybersecurity Consulting, Moss Adams, will cover the structure of the CMMC program and outline the general steps companies should take to get ready for these changes.

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until September 12 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdsep23.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The San Diego chapter is sponsored by Moss Adams, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, LevitZacks, and hosted by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.