A00-250 mission - SAS Platform Administration for SAS9 Updated: 2023

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The astronautics community has long hoped for a flagship mission to Uranus. And while many factors remain up in the air, accurate models suggesting that the moons of the distant gas giant could harbor liquid oceans could bolster their cause. In the meantime, a workshop this summer may provide some hints of NASA’s priorities for future missions.

CEO Provides Insight into Gowns and BCS Solicitations

VANCOUVER, BC, May 2, 2023 /CNW/ - Mission Ready Solutions Inc ("Mission Ready" or the "Company") (TSXV: MRS) (OTCQB: MSNVF) (FSE: 2R4), a provider of comprehensive government contracting solutions, recently released its 2022 audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 ("FY 2022").

The following are highlights for FY 2022 (all dollar figures are quoted in Canadian currency unless otherwise specified):

• Gross Revenues: $5.52MM
• Gross Margin: 17%
• Net Income (loss): (22.5MM) 1
• Decrease in Operating Expenses: 29% 2
• Decrease in Total Liabilities: 42% 2

(1) Primarily consists of impairment loss on Unifire goodwill recognized in Q4 2022.
(2) As compared to previous year.

A copy of the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the associated Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") are available on SEDAR.com under the Company's profile.

The Company previously recognized goodwill and intangible assets related to the Unifire, Inc. ("Unifire") acquisition. The Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets annually and records any necessary impairments. The timing of contracts has resulted in significant year-over-year fluctuations in Unifire's revenues, making it difficult to project future revenues reliably. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment on goodwill and intangible assets totaling $17,809,224. This impairment does not affect the Company's cash position, cash flow from operating activities, or future operations.

"Management's decision to recognize a write-down (impairment) on the goodwill (and other intangible assets) associated with the Unifire acquisition during the fourth quarter of 2022 was made to mitigate the potential impairment of income during future reporting periods," said Buck Marshall, President and CEO of Mission Ready. "Given the many open solicitations and sales opportunities before the Company – many of which are significantly past the original award dates – we are hopeful that these delayed opportunities will begin to come to fruition in the very near term. It is our belief that the strategic decisions we make now will have a great and lasting impact on the Company's success down the road."

The Company also provides further insight into the accurate Ballistic Combat Shirt (BCS) solicitation. The Company had previously received a request to maintain pricing through April from the US Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Company subsequently received another amendment signed by Company officials on April 18, 2023, effectively moving the solicitation's expected response to October 2023.

"The latest amendment to the solicitation reaffirms the ongoing requirement and aligns with the US. Government's new fiscal year that could see appropriations for the ballistic combat shirt," said Francisco Martinez, Chief Technology Officer. "Soldier's protection remains at the forefront of the US Army priorities for troop enhancements, ensuring that they augment soldier's mobility while optimizing protection."

The Company also provides additional insight following its attendance at the Make PPE in America Industry Day. The event, hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), also included senior members from the Defense and Logistics Agency (DLA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). During the event, the agencies provided additional visibility into their current procurement structure, past performance, and goals. Notably:

• VA and DLA currently have active inventories and share a similar structure in procurement, using Prime Vendor programs, Distribution and Pricing Agreements, and Blanket Purchase Agreements to ensure long-term procurement and readiness.
• VA and the Secretary of Defense are working on readiness and resilience, ensuring they can respond to the 4th mission, acting as a backstop for the US healthcare system in the case of catastrophic events.
• All agencies are unanimously committed not to holding expired PPE.
• The lack of adequate supply of domestically produced PPE was an enormous challenge for the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are committed to never face that challenge again.
• Jointly, their goal is to continue fostering industry growth, favoring 2+ years contract domestically sourced, reinforcing compliance of PPE products, and ensuring that the industry is promoted, namely through innovation, helping its products stand out internationally.

Buck Marshall added, "The need for Made in America PPE and the desire to support an industry that jointly stepped up to the challenge when the government called for help is at the forefront of the discussions, and we look forward to continuing to provide US-made solutions to respond to the demand."

About Mission Ready Solutions Inc.

Mission Ready Solutions provides comprehensive government contracting solutions with extensive experience in delivering quality, mission-critical products and services for law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, military, and other governmental agencies.

Through its privileged access to a host of federal contracting vehicles, including Multiple Award Schedule ("MAS") contracts awarded and administered by the United States General Services Administration, Mission Ready's wholly-owned subsidiary, Unifire, Inc., leverages its robust vendor network, time-proven industry relationships, proprietary technology infrastructure, and industry-leading manufacturing and distribution capabilities to efficiently source and deliver more than 1.5 million products.

For further information on Mission Ready Solutions Inc., please visit MRSCorp.com. You can also subscribe to our mailing list at eepurl.com/hznhX9 to receive our press releases and latest news directly by email.

Mission Ready Solutions Inc.

(Signed "Buck L. Marshall")

Buck L. Marshall
President, CEO and Director
T: +1 877.479.7778

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "budget", "schedule", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should" or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by Mission Ready Solutions Inc. as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Mission Ready Solutions Inc. to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Mission Ready Solutions Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that is included herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Mission Ready Solutions Inc.

View original content to get multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2023/02/c6059.html

Student Affairs plays a significant role in preparing Michigan Tech graduates to make a difference in our world. We seek direction from our mission, vision, and values to provide innovative student-centered activities, programs and services; promote civic engagement and responsibility; and develop strong leadership and team-building capabilities, critical thinking, and ethical awareness.

Our Mission

We prepare students to create the future and we make their success our highest priority.

Our Vision

Create Possibilities. Inspire Learning. Exceed Expectations.

Our Priorities

To promote and sustain our re-imagined culture of organizational learning and excellence, we are guided by the following annual priorities until further notice:

• Achieving staff excellence, diversity, inclusion, and sense of belonging
• Achieving student excellence, diversity, inclusion, and sense of belonging
• Creating a culture of planning, assessment, and data-informed decision-making
• Creating a culture of internal and external engagement
• Creating a culture of development and philanthropy to support our aspirations

Our Goals

• Create Pride and Affinity
• Foster Student Success
• Cultivate a Culture of Philanthropy
• Provide the Michigan Tech Experience

Our Values

The success of Michigan Tech students is the most important measure of our progress.  Given this, we are committed to inspiring:

• An engaged community that actively seeks improvement through acceptance and understanding.
• Students to achieve world-class scholarship through academics, research, and continued learning.
• The exploration and creation of all possibilities through innovative use of their skills and knowledge.
• Individuals to hold themselves accountable, and to act with integrity, honesty, and diligence.
• The tenacity required to make ethical choices and to persevere through all obstacles.
• The leadership needed for all individuals to boldly push everyday boundaries while serving others.

Our Learning Goals

Students who use services and/or participate in programs, initiatives and employment through Students Affairs will develop individual and professional skills to be successful at Michigan Tech and beyond.  Students will develop:

GOAL 1: PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• 1A)  Communication skills
• 1B)  Critical thinking skills
• 1C)  Conflict management

GOAL 2: KNOWLEDGE

• 2A)  How to foster an effective team environment
• 2B)  How and why creating an inclusive and respectful environment is important
• 2C)  Why being a socially responsible and ethical citizen matters
• 2D)  Why wellbeing is important

GOAL 3: SELF-AWARENESS

• 3A)  Provide experiences that allow them to recognize how their identity and strengths provide the framework for their leadership style
• 3B)  Demonstrate their responsibility and understanding for responsible and ethical choices
• 3C)  Recognize the role mindset plays in success

MAS Sales Orders Up 227% Year-to-Date

VANCOUVER, BC, May 9, 2023 /CNW/ - Mission Ready Solutions Inc. ("Mission Ready" or the "Company") (TSXV: MRS) (OTCQB: MSNVF) (FSE: 2R4), a provider of comprehensive government contracting solutions, today announces that the Company's Multiple Award Schedule ("MAS") has been renewed for a 5-year period by the General Services Administration ("GSA").

"Over the last year, the Company has optimized its processes and bolstered its offering to capture additional opportunities within the full spectrum of U.S. Government while highlighting the multiple government vehicles Mission Ready's contracting division, Unifire, Inc. ("Unifire"), has in place to provide government agencies with needed products," said Dan Raczykowski, President of Unifire. "By emphasizing the readily available procurement pathways, we've been able to leverage our MAS and maximize its revenue-generating potential."

As a result of this optimization, the Company is pleased to share the following highlights associated with its MAS:

• The number of sales orders year to date is up 227% compared to the same period in 2022, representing an increased overall value of 57% to date.
• The average number of sales per month has increased 41% year to date.

"We are committed to showcasing our network's unique products and putting them at the forefront of our value proposition by ensuring their accessibility through our established contracting vehicles," said Buck Marshall, President and CEO of Mission Ready. "Our ongoing efforts to identify emerging needs and source corresponding solutions coupled with the optimization the team at Unifire has precisely executed is now effectively positioning us to meet and potentially exceed our objectives for MAS for this year."

About GSA

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) aims a delivering the government the products and solutions they need. Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) are long-term government contracts.

With the power of MAS, you have millions of products and services at your fingertips which have been approved for purchase by federal, state, and municipal agencies utilizing federal dollars. Through its privileged access to GSA and MAS, Unifire leverages its robust vendor network, time-proven industry relationships, proprietary technology infrastructure, and industry-leading distribution capabilities to efficiently source and deliver mission-critical products and solutions. Unifire holds the MAS GS-07F-268AA.

About Mission Ready Solutions Inc.

Mission Ready Solutions provides comprehensive government contracting solutions with extensive experience delivering quality, mission-critical products, and services for law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, military, and other governmental agencies.

Through its privileged access to a host of federal contracting vehicles, including Multiple Award Schedule ("MAS") contracts awarded and administered by the United States General Services Administration, Mission Ready's wholly-owned subsidiary, Unifire, Inc., leverages its robust vendor network, time-proven industry relationships, proprietary technology infrastructure, and industry-leading manufacturing and distribution capabilities to efficiently source and deliver more than 1.5 million products.

For further information on Mission Ready Solutions Inc., please visit MRSCorp.com. You can also subscribe to our mailing list at eepurl.com/hznhX9 to receive our press releases and latest news directly by email.

Mission Ready Solutions Inc.

(Signed "Buck L. Marshall")

Buck L. Marshall
President, CEO and Director
T: +1 877.479.7778

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "budget", "schedule", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should" or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by Mission Ready Solutions Inc. as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Mission Ready Solutions Inc. to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Mission Ready Solutions Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that is included herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Mission Ready Solutions Inc.

For further information: Investor Relations Contact: Dominic Gray, [email protected], T: +1 877.479.7778 (Ext.5)

This story originally published online at NC Health News.

Distance runners must develop two critical traits: mental toughness and the ability to focus on the big picture when obstacles such as fatigue set in. These are characteristics that runner and problem-solver Crystal Dreisbach has found valuable in her career tackling environmental issues.

Dreisbach is involved in a decade-long marathon to establish in Durham something called a  circular economy, which would divert plastic and other waste from landfills and local waterways. She draws parallels between distance running and her environmental work.

“[If] I hit a wall at mile 18 or whatever,” she said, “I know from experience that I’m going to feel like I’m done … But if I just push through that wall, when I get to the other side, I’ll feel better. So it’s like the knowledge that if you overcome a challenge, it is better on the other side. Just keep going.”

The Environmental Protection Agency defines a circular economy as one that “keeps materials, products and services in circulation for as long as possible” to slow climate change. If fewer single-use materials, such as plastics, are produced, it lowers CO2 emission from fossil fuels used to make plastics, and it reduces emissions from plastic waste decomposition. 

At this stage in the race, Dreisbach is garnering support for an ordinance that would reduce plastic waste in Durham by imposing a 10 cent fee per bag paid by retail customers needing  bags for purchases. If established, Dreisbach believes the regulation will reduce the plastic waste polluting the environment—including on the land, in waterways and in the bodies of marine animals and people.

And she’s getting a boost from the federal government. On April 21, the Biden administration published a draft plan for reducing plastic waste at the source, cleaning up the recycling process, and removing litter from the environment. The administration’s action signals that the federal government is ready to lead in addressing this environmental challenge.

Finding the money 

Despite the daunting task she’s taken on, Dreisbach is willing to share her vision with anyone who’ll listen. She recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she spoke to an engaged audience for an Earth Day event titled “From Single-use to Reuse: The Growing Reuse Movement.” 

The World Wildlife Fund and Upstream, an organization that works with businesses and institutions to eliminate waste, organized the event. It was attended by more than 100 people, including representatives from federal agencies. 

“This is the first time in my career [that] we put out our recycling strategy the same day that we got funding in the bipartisan infrastructure law,” said Nena Shaw, EPA acting director, resource conservation and sustainability division. “The president signed it, and we have support from industry and nonprofits and others that are all trying to work towards the same end.”

Priscilla Johnson, interim CEO at Upstream, says there’s an opportunity to reduce plastic waste and boost local economies by creating jobs and adopting a circular economy, which the federal government can support.

“I think funding is the biggest barrier,” she said, “so the federal government’s role in catalyzing private industries, like banks, to direct their funding to these types of efforts that solve systemic problems [is needed]. When you look at how plastic and plastics are manufactured, they have a deleterious upstream effect on the most vulnerable communities. And that happens throughout the entire world.”

Curbing waste is also on the minds of North Carolina lawmakers. In February, NC Health News  reported on the NC Managing Waste Act of 2023. The bill, introduced by Rep. Harry Warren (R-Salisbury), seeks to reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste generated by state agencies.

A race we must win

Oceana, an organization that states its mission is to “protect the world’s oceans,” says it’s critical for humanity to address the global plastic pollution problem. 

“Plastic is everywhere. It’s choking our oceans, melting out of Arctic sea ice, sitting at the deepest point of the seafloor, and raining onto our national parks,” reads a statement on the organization’s website. “It’s in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It’s greatly contributing to the climate crisis and disproportionately polluting communities of color and low-income communities ….” 

Oceana reports that roughly 33 billion pounds of plastic is deposited into the ocean annually. More than 14.5 million tons of plastic debris were dumped in landfills in 2018, according to the EPA, and a 2021 UN Environment Programme report states that the annual global cost associated with plastic pollution was $19 billion in 2018.  

A 2019 study commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund found that humans digest roughly 5 grams, or a credit-card size amount, of microplastics weekly. While there is no consensus on whether there is a link between microplastic ingestion and human disease, research is underway. One study found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had a higher quantity of microplastic particles in their feces than healthy people. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two forms of IBD.

Plastic waste that is not recycled often ends up in landfills and releases greenhouse gases as it breaks down into smaller particles. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. 

And due to the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, it’s highly likely “that at least one of the next five years, and the five-year period as a whole, will be the warmest on record,” according to a recently released report by the World Meteorological Organization. 

“This report does not mean that we will permanently exceed the 1.5°C level specified in the Paris Agreement, which refers to long-term warming over many years. However, WMO is sounding the alarm that we will breach the 1.5°C level on a temporary basis with increasing frequency,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.

A 2016 EPA climate indicator report states that people 65 and older, African Americans and children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and deaths than the general population.

‘Following the North Star’

Dreisbach says her training as a public health professional and her experience in the Peace Corps and working on international campaigns for international public health contractor FHI 360 gave her the skills that she now uses to take on Durham’s waste problem.

On her journey toward a circular economy, Dreisbach has endured pushback from critics and delays, including the changeover of mayors and council members along the way, reminding her to view this effort as a marathon, not a sprint.  

“Ten years ago, everyone was laughing at me. But now they’re putting me in front of the White House, you know? So, clearly, I’ve been following the North Star.”

Dreisbach’s mission led her in 2013 to form Don’t Waste Durham, a nonprofit organization “that creates solutions that prevent trash,” according to its website. 

During the past decade, initiatives developed by Don’t Waste Durham to eliminate waste include “Boomerang Bags” made by volunteers out of recycled T-shirts. The bags are free at checkout counters in participating retail shops. Customers who need a bag can borrow a bag to carry purchases home and return it later, or keep the bag to use for future purchases.

Another initiative established by Don’t Waste Durham is “Green-to-Go,” a fee-for-service program available in selected restaurants and retail outlets that offers customers the option of replacing single-use food containers with reusable containers to transport food home. Once the customer finishes using the container, it is collected and brought to a washing center, sterilized and returned to the restaurant.

Don’t Waste Durham is also working with the Durham Public Schools, and other city and county agencies, on environmental efforts such as improving education around recycling and replacing disposable food containers with reusable stainless foodware, among other initiatives.

Hard-earned recognition

Dreisbach’s work is not going unnoticed. In 2021, she was recognized as the “Activist of the Year” during the National Reuse Awards, held virtually and sponsored by Upstream and Closed Loop Partners, a circular economy-focused investment firm and innovation center, according to a release.

“Never has recognition of heroes in the reuse movement been more crucial as we experience the multiple effects of climate change and plastic pollution in the air, on land and in our oceans,” said Matt Prindiville, former CEO at Upstream. “The recipients of The Reusies are true trailblazers and game-changing innovators of the growing reuse economy.” 

Dreisbach’s work is also receiving support from local colleagues. 

“She doesn’t see boundaries, she sees hurdles that need to be overcome,” said Tobin Freid, Durham County sustainability officer. “And she goes after [hurdles] tenaciously. If that doesn’t work, she pivots to find another way around it.” 

In 2019, Don’t Waste Durham became a client of the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, where the organization worked with law students and staff to draft policy that supports a reuse economy such as the proposed plastic bag ordinance.

“I wish there were 100 Crystals doing what Crystal is doing in Durham,” said Nancy Lauer, staff scientist and lecturing fellow at the law clinic. “Her vision is where we need to be going.” 

Michelle Nowlin, co-director of the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, agrees with Lauer’s take on Dreisbach.

“Crystal has tremendous passion and vision for more environmentally sustainable ways of structuring our society and our economy.”

Running uphill

Dreisbach says the next leg in Don’t Waste Durham’s journey toward establishing a circular economy is to get the city council to vote on the proposed 10-cent-per-bag ordinance. However, there’s a significant barrier to overcome before a vote happens.

City officials have said that they’re only willing to vote on the proposed ordinance if the upcoming budget includes line items for an educational outreach coordinator and a code enforcement officer, according to Dreisbach. 

Allegedly, the city manager is only willing to have the two positions in a proposed budget with the policy in place.

“So we’re like in this chicken-and-egg situation,” Dreisbach said. “[The city manager] won’t recommend the two positions unless the policy has passed.”

Don’t Waste Durham and its supporters are working diligently to address council members’ concerns before June 20, when the vote for the upcoming budget is expected.

Shaw acknowledges that establishing a coalition of stakeholders to eliminate single-use plastic waste can be a challenging, but worthwhile endeavor.

“We don’t all agree on everything, but at the same time, the momentum is there,” Shaw said. ”There’s a huge desire on the part of the young people, certainly of today, pushing us in that direction because they’re not satisfied with the status quo — and they shouldn’t be.”

North Carolina Health News is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit, statewide news organization dedicated to covering all things health care in North Carolina. Comment on this story at backtalk@indyweek.com.

The need to counter China has been a welcome area of bipartisan consensus in a Washington riven over everything from nuclear modernization to chicken nuggets. But the bipartisan concordat on China is ending, foundering over politics, ideology, and economic expediency. And the biggest beneficiary? The People’s Republic of China.

The break has been coming for some months, a product of myriad, disparate fears among Democrats—a progressive backlash to the alleged “drumbeat to war”; claims that standing up to China is fostering anti-Asian sentiment in the public at large; a desire to draw a contrast with increasing Republican bellicosity; and an appeal to younger generations more skeptical of the need to confront rising powers. And if that’s not enough, don’t forget the possible recession headed America’s way—not the ideal moment for economic conflict—as well as ever-present business lobbying insisting that national security not interfere with corporate profits.

Then there’s the fretting of the liberal commentariat: Jon Bateman argued in a December Politico piece that “The Fevered Anti-China Attitude in Washington Is Going to Backfire.” The New York Times’s Tom Friedman warned, “If it is not the goal of U.S. foreign policy to topple the Communist regime in China, the United States needs to make that crystal clear.” In the pages of the Washington Post, Fareed Zakaria cautioned that “Washington has succumbed to dangerous groupthink on China.” And éminence grise Graham Allison has returned repeatedly to his Thucydides trap warning of 2015, reupping it in 2022 to liken then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan to Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s visit to Sarajevo (a visit that nominally sparked World War I).

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