BRIDG Monthly Newsletter | October 2019
FROM THE CEO
Did you hear the big news? BRIDG is honored to have been trusted by the Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) team to stand up a foundational capability to support the defense industrial base. As you may recall from our August 2019 newsletter, we were “all hands on deck” writing proposals; this contract is the first of what we expect to be many significant federal government contracts that will allow us to leverage the BRIDG infrastructure to offer new capabilities to industry.

This contract was made possible through the dedicated efforts of our Florida Congressional Delegation, who worked tirelessly to allocate federal funds to developing the capabilities that large defense contractors need in order to be able to develop and deliver the next generation of defense systems. We are proud to have been selected to establish U.S.-based capabilities that will enable defense contractors to conceive, design, and deliver systems that take advantage of all that the latest technology has to offer, including decreased size, weight, and power consumption. For more details on the award, read the story below.

As we wrap up an exciting month, I also want to say a special thanks to all who made our October 11 th ribbon cutting event so successful. Alongside our partners at imec and Osceola County, we had a full house as we celebrated the opening of our new offices spaces and officially bega n the next chapter of our journey . None of it would have been possible without our generous sponsors: our hosting sponsors, Tokyo Electron, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Moss & Associates, and the University of Central Florida, and our supporting sponsors, SchenkelShultz Architecture, Orlando Economic Partnership, ZHA Incorporated, Beaux-Arts Group, Toho Water Authority, and Headquarters Coworking. 

Come join us as we build the future here in NeoCity!

Chester Kennedy
CEO
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Department of Defense Awards Over $20 Million to BRIDG
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) office has just awarded BRIDG its first major federal defense contract valued at up to more than $20 million to provide a new technology for next generation microelectronic multi-chip systems that will strengthen national security and cyber resiliency for the United States defense industrial base.

“In order to retain the leading edge for our warfighters, we must take the necessary steps to increase domestic development and manufacturing capacity for critical emerging technologies. BRIDG is very well positioned to provide the Defense Department with this critical, next-generation technology that will strengthen national security and cyber resiliency for the United States defense industrial base,” stated U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. “I am proud to have worked with Congressman Soto to help ensure Florida companies receive full and fair consideration for federal contracts.”

"I'm proud to have worked in a bi-partisan manner with Senator Rubio to support BRIDG and their efforts to achieve federal recognition for their advanced microelectronics work," quoted U.S. Congressman Darren Soto. "This contract will strengthen our national security and continue to bring high tech jobs home to Central Florida."

The agreement between IBAS and BRIDG opens the door to additional defense and manufacturing contracts and large private defense contractors from around the country. While much of this technology has initial defense applications, it also positions BRIDG to become a leader in 5G, the Internet of Things, and the creation of countless smart sensors. 
 
Read the full press release here

Former SUNY Poly Executive Joins BRIDG Leadership Team
BRIDG is pleased to announce the recent addition of Brian Sapp as the senior director of technical performance and partnerships. As a member of the BRIDG executive team reporting to the CEO, Sapp will drive BRIDG’s competitive advantage to new levels by growing and executing the company’s advanced system integration activities. His efforts will ensure BRIDG remains positioned to successfully deliver innovative solutions to key customers.

A recognized leader in technology and innovation, Sapp was most recently an assistant vice president at The Research Foundation for the State University of New York (SUNY), a private not-for-profit educational corporation that provides grants and contract support for SUNY campuses including SUNY Polytechnic Institute. 

With a focus on high-value economic development initiatives and collaborative technology development, Sapp played a key role in shaping the recently announced partnership between the State of New York and Cree, Inc. to establish a power electronics corridor on the East Coast through the creation of the world’s largest silicon carbide fabrication facility.

Sapp’s past experiences also include leadership roles with SEMATECH and IBM Corporation. Click here to read more about Sapp and his new role with BRIDG.
RECENT EVENTS/OTHER NEWS
Grand Opening of The OC @ NeoCity
In case you missed the latest news from NeoCity, “The OC” – a brand new 100,000 square foot Class A office building in Osceola County – is officially open for business! On October 11 th , BRIDG joined imec and Osceola County to cut the ribbon and invite our government, industry, and community partners inside for a day of technical presentations and celebration. This was the perfect opportunity for BRIDG and imec to offer insights into the exciting research and manufacturing advances happening at NeoCity. Centered on economic growth at NeoCity and on our partnership with Tokyo Electron, the event also featured a traditional Japanese Daruma ceremony to set new goals for the next phase of our journey. Thank you to our event sponsors and to all who attended! In case you missed the event, watch the video here.
Dr. Anthony DeSimone Joins BRIDG Board of Directors
To add to all the great news this month, we are proud to announce the appointment Dr. Anthony DeSimone to our Board of Directors. As Vice President and Chief Engineer for Lockheed Martin Integrated Weapons Systems and Sensors (IWSS), Dr. DeSimone is responsible for leading all engineering and technical aspects for IWSS products, systems and platforms. 

Prior to his transition as Chief Engineer for IWSS, Dr. DeSimone served as the Technical Director for the capture and execution of the Missile Defense Agency’s Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) establishing the solid-state radar franchise for Homeland Defense Radar – Hawaii (HDR-H), Aegis Ashore Japan, and the Canadian Surface Combatant. 

Previously to working the solid-state radar franchise, Dr. DeSimone was the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Architect overseeing the integration the SM-3 missile into the AN/SPY-1 Radar-based Aegis Combat System. In his role as architect, he supported numerous Aegis BMD flight tests and MDA Failure Review Boards. Dr. DeSimone is a recognized subject matter expert within the missile defense community for both Ballistic Missile Defense and Radar Discrimination.

ICALEO
BRIDG joined UCF to exhibit at the International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO), the world’s premier conference on advanced uses of industrial lasers. Special thank you to The Laser Institute for making our participation possible! 
Synapse Orlando
BRIDG participated in the first annual Synapse Orlando , where thought leaders from across the Orlando region gathered to share and experience technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.  Coupled with the event was the official release of Innovate Orlando 2019 , a publication dedicated to celebrating local innovators. BRIDG is featured in the book alongside many other inspiring Central Florida organizations, including several of our partners: University of Central Florida, Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Florida Polytechnic University, and CareerSource Central Florida.
Space Coast Symposium
Did you know BRIDG is strategically located less than an hour away from the Florida Space Coast? As neighbors located within the i-4 corridor, BRIDG vice president of technology Dr. John J. Callahan joined the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce at the 2019 Space Coast Symposium to share the many exciting technology advancements occurring in the region. As a member of the technology panel, Dr. Callahan discussed how BRIDG unites ideas with industry to accelerate the manufacturing development of emerging technologies and spark tomorrow’s innovations. Watch Dr. Callahan’s panel participation here.  
* Photos Courtesy of the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating Manufacturing & Cybersecurity Awareness
October marks two month-long observances that lie at the heart of our mission at BRIDG: National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Manufacturing Month in Florida. These two recognitions go hand-in-hand in the effort to keep our electronic systems secure, as overall cybersecurity requires not only a strong cybersecurity culture and robust software layers, but also domestically manufactured hardware. Join us as we celebrate the movement to bring manufacturing back to the United States and ensure a cyber-safe future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Defense Manufacturing Conference | December 2-5, 2019
BRIDG will be exhibiting at the  Defense Manufacturers Conference  in Phoenix, Arizona. This conference brings together defense technology leaders from across the nation to share new technologies and explore industry trends. If you are attending, be sure to stop by and see us at booth #539.
BRIDG is located at NeoCity, a 500-acre master planned development strategically positioned in Central Florida, in the heart of Osceola County.