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-===== Black & Veatch =====
+====== Black & Veatch ======
+{{ ::424424556.jpeg?200|}}
+==== History ====
+Black & Veatch started 1915 as a two-person partnership between former University of Kansas classmates Ernest Bateman Black and Nathan Thomas Veatch. The company began with 12 employees with offices in Kansas City, Missouri. It landed two large contracts, one in power and one in water, in its first year. The company's strong ties with government work began in 1917, as the United States Government [[:War Department]] asked Black & Veatch to supervise construction of military training camps during World War I.
+In the early years, the company mostly focused on water and power projects throughout the Midwest. In 1928, Black & Veatch designed and constructed 250 miles of roadways for Jackson County, Missouri. During that time, Veatch formed a strong friendship with Harry Truman that lasted through Truman’s presidency. Following World War II, Black & Veatch became involved with the work at the United States [[:Atomic Energy Commission]] at Los Alamos, New Mexico.
+After E.B. Black passed away in 1949, Veatch directed the company and in 1956 formed a general partnership with 29 engineers. Black & Veatch later opened its first branch offices outside of Kansas City – locations in Orlando, Florida, and Denver, Colorado.
+In the early 1960s, the company made a move into international markets. The company won a contract to build a 200 megawatt power plant in Thailand, beginning a relationship that has lasted to this day.
+Before Veatch retired from the company in 1973, and passed away two years later, he saw the company grow to more than 1,200 professionals, with projects spanning the globe.
+Black & Veatch expanded dramatically in the United States between 1977 and 1984, opening 11 regional offices. The company also began a series of mergers and acquisitions starting in the late 1970s, acquiring [[:Trotter-Yodder & Associates]] in San Francisco, and then [[:Southern Science Application]] and [[:Moore, Gardner & Associates]]. In 1985, the company acquired the Pritchard Corporation, which helped Black & Veatch enter the gas, oil and chemicals field and gain major energy companies as clients.
+Through acquisitions and organic growth, the company grew to 35 offices in the United States by 1990 and was also expanding in other parts of the world.
+In 1995, Black & Veatch merged with Binnie & Partners of the UK, giving the company an opening in the UK, European and Asian markets. The next year, Black & Veatch also acquired Paterson Candy Ltd., a UK-based water treatment process contractor.
+In 1999, the company changed its structure from general partnership to an employee-owned corporation. That change facilitated the company's growth, as many of its clients were involved in multiple markets across the core sectors of energy, water, information and government.
+Black & Veatch’s history is marked by steady leadership and deeply rooted core values. After the death of founder E.B. Black, founder N.T. Veatch ran the company until his retirement in 1973, and he turned the company over to managing partner Thomas Robinson. Robinson led Black & Veatch for 10 years and retired in 1982. His brother, Jack Robinson, succeeded him as managing partner and guided the company for the next decade. In 1992, P.J. Adam took over as Chairman and CEO and operated the company until current Chairman, President and CEO Len C. Rodman became only the sixth leader in the company’s history on January 1, 2000.
+In 2005, the company made three acquisitions – R.J. Rudden Associates, Lukens Energy Group and Fortegra – doubling the size of its management consulting business.
+Black & Veatch also made major expansion efforts with offices in Pune, [[:India]], and Beijing, [[:China]], and targeted new markets in [[:Russia]], China and the Middle East. ***The company was involved with reconstruction work in Iraq, and helped with the recovery efforts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.***
+The company acquired the water business of MJ Gleeson in 2006, more than doubling the size of Black & Veatch’s UK water operations and further strengthening its construction expertise. In addition, the acquisition enabled the company to provide added project delivery capabilities to its clients.
+In 2007, the acquisition of [[:Richard Connor Riley & Associates]] enabled Black & Veatch’s telecommunications business to grow exponentially to its industry leadership position in digital infrastructure. In 2009, Black & Veatch acquired [[:Ariston Consulting]], an SAP systems integrator. The next year, Black & Veatch purchased [[:Enspiria Solutions]], helping to grow its position in the smart grid market.
+Today, the company continues to experience strong growth across its core markets. Black & Veatch currently has a global workforce of more than 9,000 working in over 100 offices worldwide with projects completed in more than 100 countries on six continents.
+Timeline -
+  *
+  * 1915  [[:Ernest Bateman Black]] and [[:Nathan Thomas Veatch]] form a partnership called Black & Veatch, with 12 employees on the payroll. In the fall, Black & Veatch is awarded its first water supply and treatment contract from [[:American Zinc, Lead & Smeltering Co]]. in Dearing, Kan.
+  *
+  * 1917  War Department requests that Black & Veatch supervise construction of Camp Pike in Little Rock, Arkansas. Other camps are built later in Oklahoma and New Mexico.
+  *
+  * 1935  Black & Veatch moves offices to Kansas City's renowned Country Club Plaza.
+  *
+  * 1940  [[:War Department]] requests that Black & Veatch rebuild Camp Robinson in Little Rock, Arkansas. Other camp projects include Camp Chafee in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Camp Hale in Pando, Colorado, and other military installations in the Midwest.
+  *
+  * 1948  Work begins for the [[:Atomic Energy Commission]] at [[:Los Alamos]], New Mexico.
+  *
+  * 1949  Founder Ernest Bateman Black passes away on July 4 at the age of 67.
+  *
+  * 1950  N.T. Veatch appointed by President [[:Harry Truman]] to the President's [[:Water Control Advisory Board]].
+  *
+  * 1956  N.T. Veatch forms a general partnership with 29 engineers, thereby ensuring posterity of Black & Veatch.
+  *
+  * 1957  Black & Veatch opens its first regional office in Orlando, Florida, serving the power markets.
+  *
+  * 1963  Black & Veatch International is formed with the intent of making the company a global business.
+  *
+  * 1964  Black & Veatch opens its first water regional office in Denver, Colorado. Company designs 100-million-gallon daily water treatment plant in Denver.
+  *
+  * 1967  Company awarded contract to build 60 megawatt power generating unit in Thailand.
+  *
+  * 1975  Founder N.T. Veatch passes away on October 8 at the age of 89.
+  *
+  * 1976  Company opens new building at present location of 11401 Lamar Ave. in Overland Park, Kansas.
+  *
+  * 1977  Black & Veatch acquires two smaller engineering firms, and opens 11 regional offices over the next seven years.
+  *
+  * 1985  Black & Veatch acquires the [[:Pritchard Corporation]], gaining entry into the gas, oil and chemicals market.
+  *
+  * 1988  Company opens new office at present location in Kansas City, Missouri, at 8400 Ward Parkway.
+  *
+  * 1990  The number of regional offices across the United States reaches 35 with six international offices.
+  *
+  * 1995  Black & Veatch merges with [[:Binnie & Partners]] gaining 25 global offices and opening the door to UK, European and Asian water markets.
+  *
+  * 1996  Black & Veatch acquires [[:Paterson Candy Ltd]]., a UK-based water treatment process contractor, and [[:PROWA]], a German engineering firm. Black & Veatch also teams with [[:General Electric]] to start design and construction on the [[:Lungmen Nuclear Plant]] in Taiwan.
+  *
+  * 1999  Black & Veatch changes company structure from general partnership to an employee-owned corporation.
+  *
+  * 2005  Black & Veatch acquires [[:R.J. Rudden Associates]], [[:Lukens Energy Group]] and [[:Fortegra]], a move that doubles the size of its management consulting business.
+  *
+  * 2006   Black & Veatch acquires the water business of [[:MJ Gleeson]], more than doubling the size of its existing UK water operations.
+  *
+  * 2007   Black & Veatch acquires [[:RCR & Associates]], a company that provides real estate and site acquisition services to the telecommunications industry.
+  *
+  * 2009   Black & Veatch announces the purchase of its current World Headquarters Building in Overland Park, Kansas, and makes plans for ambitious renovations.
+  *
+  * 2009   Black & Veatch acquires [[:Ariston Consulting & Technologies]], an SAP integrator.
+  *
+  * 2010   Black & Veatch acquires [[:Enspiria Solutions]], a Denver-based provider of smart grid solutions.((https://web.archive.org/web/20120408005755/http://bv.com/Home/company/history))
+{{ ::black_veach_usg_partners.png?800 |}}
+===== COVID - 19 Pandemic Services =====
+===Rapid Modular Health System ===
+Black & Veatch’s Rapid Modular Health System (RaMHS) is a rapid deployment, modular medical structure that expands site-based diagnostic capabilities at healthcare facilities, doctor’s offices, commercial and industrial facilities, manufacturing centers and office locations to minimize the risk of coronavirus exposure to critical health-care workers, professionals and the community.
+Rapid Modular Health Systems are scalable, intermodal containers transformed into comfortable, plug-and-play sites for coronavirus screening, pharmaceutical delivery and other diagnostic purposes.
+Black & Veatch delivers thousands of projects for essential utilities as well as Federal, state and local government clients each year. From power, water and communications infrastructure, to the most complex mission critical projects, we deliver what you need.((https://web.archive.org/web/20200531064217/https://www.bv.com/solutions/covid-19/rapid-modular-health-systems))
+=== Connected Data Real-Time Mapping Technology ===
+Publish date- Tuesday, April 28, 2020
+Black & Veatch, a global provider of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services, has developed a geospatial tracking tool to additionally safeguard field services and construction crews during the current COVID-19 global health crisis.
+The rollout of “BV Safe Contact” comes at a time when essential power, water and telecommunications services are in high demand, making large infrastructure projects more critical than ever. Because project work must continue to ensure that these industries can provide critical services to the communities they serve, protecting the health and safety of these highly distributed field teams against the threat of COVID-19 is of paramount importance.
+By connecting live health and safety data with project management data, the “BV Safe Contact” tool provides new levels of intelligence by continuously monitoring potential exposure and health threats in project areas.
+To do this, the connected data and geospatial tool streams active COVID-19 case data directly from [[:Johns Hopkins]] University and links it to active client project locations to provide a real-time view into active hot spots and potential high-risk areas. Armed with this information, Black & Veatch and its clients can make intelligent, proactive decisions on where to allocate field services resources, allowing them to relocate crews and project efforts to safer, less-affected areas while avoiding critical service disruptions.
+“The tool was inspired by the need to make intelligent, informed decisions about the safety of our field crews and construction professionals – and those of our clients – during this current global health crisis,” said Edward A. Sutton III, P.E., program manager and systems architect for Black & Veatch. “Providing leadership with crucial project intelligence will help mitigate potential outbreaks among crews, or even prevent an outbreak altogether.”
+The tool relies on a cloud-native connected data platform called Nora; [[:Total Project Awareness]], which was created by Black & Veatch’s telecommunications business last year to better manage large-scale distributed infrastructure projects by valuing relationships and connections first. BV [[:Safe Contact]] is currently being used by a large Northeastern utility that serves customers in New York and New England, regions hit hard by COVID-19. The utility is using the tool to make informed decisions on where to schedule project work and relocate workers.
+“Black & Veatch’s unique capabilities put us in a position to not only help manage this crisis, but to offer valuable client solutions,” [[:John Janchar]], president of Black & Veatch's telecommunications business, said. “BV Safe Contact is another example of our ongoing efforts to lead with an innovation-first mindset, and to move quickly to adapt to an ever-changing global threat.”
+The BV Safe Contact platform continues to evolve and be developed to meet the following goals;
+      * Monitor exposure potential and population density to better track the spread of COVID-19 over time.
+  *     Trace employee interactions on job sites and with the public to provide a history of potential exposures and predict future high-threat scenarios.
+  *     Alert employees to potential exposure from confirmed cases through advanced visualizations and analytics, enabling them to quickly self-isolate and seek treatment if needed.
+The [[:BV Safe Contact]] tool will have a positive impact on the telecommunications, construction and field operations industries, and may be extended to other complementary industries such as grocery and healthcare.
+((https://web.archive.org/web/20200614145039/https://www.bv.com/news/black-veatchs-connected-data-real-time-mapping-technology-keeps-projects-moving-and-workers))
+=== Rapid Modular Health System ===
+Black & Veatch’s Rapid Modular Health System (RaMHS) is a rapid deployment, modular medical structure that expands site-based diagnostic capabilities at healthcare facilities, doctor’s offices, commercial and industrial facilities, manufacturing centers and office locations to minimize the risk of coronavirus exposure to critical health-care workers, professionals and the community.
+=== Safeguarding Field Services and Construction Crews ===
+The “BV Safe Contact” tool connects live health and safety data with project management data to continuously monitor potential exposure and health threats in project areas.
+=== Lab Testing and Disease Tracking ===
+Black & Veatch is helping Ministries of Health collect, transmit and analyze COVID-19 epidemiological and laboratory data through the [[:Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance System]] (EIDSS) program. We also provides a software solution that can track biological sample information throughout its lifecycle and is being used by at least eight organizations for [[:COVID-19]] samples.
+As a global leader in mission critical, high consequence infrastructure development, we specialize in engineering, design, construction support, and contingency operation services for government civilian agencies, FEMA, the United States [[:Army Corps of Engineers]] (USACE) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency [[:DTRA]]. We are experts in U.S. Government systems and tools, that are FAR compliant, utilizing DCAA approved accounting and procurement systems.
+Leveraging over 100 years of experience, we partner to integrate stakeholder requirements into executable engineering and construction solutions that will help respond to emergent COVID-19 requirements in rapidly
+changing environments. Our capabilities continue beyond design and construction by sustaining the mission critical infrastructure through delivery of contingency operations services.
+BV has specialized engineering disciplines for performing building/facility assessments, preparing designs
+and providing field engineering for converting existing facilities and structures to Alternative Care Sites/Facilities (ACS/F). These engineering disciplines include; mechanical (HVAC), electrical, structural, and fire protection. BV brings specialized capabilities in delivery of negative pressure environments for contamination control, emergency backup power systems, air emissions instrumentation, closed circuit communications systems and secure wireless networks directly applicable to the ACS/F conversion scope.
+BV’s construction professionals deliver safe and reliable projects that are founded and supported by world
+class training, innovative techniques and a client-first mindset. Our 100 year history of successfully completing projects safely and on time lends itself to a vast network of highly trained craft, superior management and quality subcontractors in every region of the country. We continue to pursue our goal of becoming the most innovative and rapidly evolving company in the Engineering & Construction (E&C) space, providing our clients with the highest degree of competency.
+BV has relevant experience and capabilities in the design, construction and sustainment (contingency operations) in support of [[:USACE]], [[:DTRA]]’s [[:Worldwide Contingency Operations Program]], the [[:Biological Threat Reduction Program]] and US commercial projects. BV has partnered with multiple firms providing solutions to medical facilities to accomodate the impending critical heathcare needs in response to COVID-19. ((https://web.archive.org/web/20200827211538/https://www.bv.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/BV-COVID-19%20Response%20Capabilities.pdf))
+==== Air Vaccine Technology  ====
+Black & Veatch helps bring COVID-19-killing 'Air Vaccine' technology to market
+Chanel 9 KMBC Kansas City Aug 13, 2021
+A new device is using what’s being called “Air Vaccine” technology to kill COVID-19 in the air. KMBC 9 got a look at how it works and the role Overland Park-based Black & Veatch played in getting it to market.
+COVID-19 is an invisible threat, lurking in public places we visit every day. “We just sort of take clean air for granted,” said Ryan Pletka. He’s part of the team at Black & Veatch that helped test a new device proven to eliminate 99.5% of COVID-19 in the air. It can be installed in “schools, hospitals, office buildings… any sort of occupied spaces like that,” Pletka said.
+The Hummingbird EQ is an air purification system developed by clean-tech company [[:Energy Cloud]]. They reached out to Black & Veatch through the company's [[:COVID-19 Response Accelerator]], which Pletka explained provides funding “to help newly emerging solutions get to market faster… prove themselves out in a way they may not be able to on their own.”
+The system uses trademarked "Air Vaccine" technology, which kills the virus through a process called photocatalytic oxidation. “It’s able to break down bad gasses that you might find in the environment… as well as viruses such as COVID,” said Energy Cloud CEO John Carrieri.
+It can go into a building’s HVAC system or work as a portable unit in smaller spaces.
+“The elevator is the most obvious example of that, but it could also be commercial restrooms, places where you have a line of people particularly like a grocery store,” said Carrieri. “As people walk by it, all of their breath that they expel is going to be pulled into the system, immediately purified.”
+The system went through rigorous testing in laboratories at the [[:University of Southern California]]. Carrieri says it successfully deactivated a COVID-19 sample that was 3,000 times the infectious dose.
+“You can have an army of COVID breathers and we’d be able to deactivate it if they breathed in our system,” he said.
+“As soon as (the virus) goes in there, it’s going to deactivate it on the very first pass,” said Carrieri. “If we're able to deactivate the virus as soon as it goes through, it's certainly going to help reduce transmission of the virus.”
+Carrieri says Black & Veatch was crucial in the testing process, getting the device approved and on its way to fight [[:COVID-19]] across the country.
+“We wanted to do what I believe is the right way to test it, with the real-life air flows,” he said. “That's where Black & Veatch's help both financially and expertise-wise was invaluable.”
+Pletka said his team helped “to make sure the design of the test, the protocols… that when it was done it was really done to a level that, as a much larger corporation, (Energy Cloud) would be comfortable standing behind.”
+He added, “it was really kind of like saying, you know, 'what would Black & Veatch need to see in order for us to be comfortable recommending a technology like that?'”
+The system also provides proof of air quality inside buildings through a QR code and URL. “Our system is based on real data, so when someone scans a QR code, they’ll actually see the air quality of the building in real time,” Carrieri explained.
+For example, if the system is inside a school, the link could be sent to parents so they could view the air quality rating at any given time.
+For Black & Veatch, the chance to help realize COVID-19 solutions fits in with their historic mission.
+“Black & Veatch has been very, very forward-thinking … in terms of how we can apply innovation to humanity’s pressing challenges for 100-plus years,” said Pletka. “We can mask, we can vaccinate but … really we need to apply multiple layers of protection in order for us to be able to have some sense of normalcy coming back.”
+((https://web.archive.org/web/20220331180737/https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/black-veatch-helps-bring-covid-19-killing-air-vaccine-technology-to-market/ar-AANiJVl))
+=== Site Archive ===
 corp site - If you can imagine it, we can build it.
@@ Line 99: / Line 292: @@
   *     Singapore
   *     South Africa
-  *     Sri Lanka
+  *     [[Sri Lanka]]
   *     Taiwan
   *     Thailand
@@ Line 159: / Line 352: @@
 “These projects demonstrate the viability of providing energy assurance in remote areas around the globe,” said Bob Wojnarowski, Black & Veatch’s Regional General Manager. ((https://web.archive.org/web/20090205164954/http://www.bv.com/wcm/press_release/01262009_125.aspx))
+==== BSL Labs Ukraine ====
+The [[:Defense Threat Reduction Agency]] (DTRA) competitively awarded Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp. (Black & Veatch) one of its [[:Biological Threat Reduction Integrating Contracts]] (BTRIC) in 2008. The 5-year IDIQ contract (with a 5-year option) has a collective ceiling of $4B among the five selected contractors. DTRA also competitively awarded Black & Veatch (Integrating Contractor) the first task order under BTRIC, BTRIC TO1 in Ukraine in 2008. BTRIC TO1 is a vital part of the Cooperative and Biological Threat Reduction (CTR and BTR) program of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) / DTRA and Implementing (Executive) Agents of the [[:Ukraine]] - Ministry of Health (MoH), Academy of Agrarian Sciences (AAS) and State Committee for Veterinary Medicine (SCVM).((https://web.archive.org/web/20220225024920/https://www.bv.com/projects/btric-ukraine))
+==== CBEP Ukraine Phase II ====
+Black & Veatch designed and constructed a new emergency operation building with administrative offices for the Cameroon Ministry of Health. We executed this large-scale CBEP effort that included engineering design, renovation/construction, CBEP and operations and maintenance (O&M) training, equipping, commissioning, third party validation, international certification, and sustainment ***support and transition at 15 14 laboratory facilities (14 13 BSL-2 and 1 BSL-3 CRL), an additional 18 BS&S site upgrades***, an extensive program of collaborative biological research, and support to achieve initial operational capability/full operational capability. It included all Scope of Work (SOW) elements of TO RFP 0022 but on a national Threat Agent Detection and Response system scale across Ukraine.
+"Black & Veatch utilized local subcontractors to help design and construct the first BSL-3 laboratory in the region and provided enhanced equipment and training to effectively, safely and securely identify especially dangerous pathogens."
+"Black & Veatch provided recipient laboratory staff all requisite training, and ensured the B&V constructed facilities met biological safety, security and sustainability requirements." ((https://web.archive.org/web/20220225232208/https://www.bv.com/projects/cbep-ukraine-phase-ii-btric-1))
+=== Business Wire CNBC 2012 ===
+November 11, 2012 Ukraine program is part of U.S. Government effort to make world safer
+OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Black & Veatch was recently selected by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency [[:DTRA]] to continue the company’s work in Ukraine to enhance the partner nation’s sustainable capacity to detect, diagnose, report, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Under the contract, Black & Veatch will support implementation of the agency’s [[:Cooperative Biological Engagement Program]] (CBEP) with the Government of Ukraine. This award has a potential contract value of about $85 million over five years.
+The [[:CBEP]] program enhances the animal health system by providing modern lab facilities, equipment and training. Black & Veatch is completing support for similar program activities it began in 2008 to strengthen the human health system in Ukraine.
+“We will continue to provide our client with best practices in preventing the spread of biological weapons, technology and pathogens,” said [[:Bill Van Dyke]], President, Federal Services, Black & Veatch. “We understand the client’s needs and goals required for successful, sustainable results.”
+In 2010, Black & Veatch completed Ukraine’s first Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory under a contract with the DTRA. It is the first BSL-3 laboratory commissioned for the agency. The facility enhances the existing [[:biosurveillance]] system to detect and respond to [[:bioterrorism]] and potential [[:pandemics]].
+Editor’s Notes;
+      * The DTRA first awarded Black & Veatch one of its Biological Threat Reduction Integrating Contracts in 2008.
+  *     The DTRA has now awarded the next five-year phase of the CBEP in Ukraine.
+  *     The DTRA rated Black & Veatch and its integrated partner companies at the highest “exceptional” level for contract performance in the first implementation phase of the Ukraine program from 2008 to present.
+  *     The Ukraine BSL-3 laboratory is the first to be commissioned in the Former Soviet Union under the Nunn-Lugar [[:Global Cooperative Threat Reduction Program]].
+  *     The Ukraine BSL-3 laboratory is co-located with the [[:Mechnikov Anti-Plague Institute]] in Odessa. The 124-year-old institute was the second biological safety lab of its kind in the world at the time, second only to the [[:Pasteur Institute of Paris]].
+  *     Black & Veatch has continuously worked with the DTRA to safeguard against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, in Former Soviet Union states since 1993.((https://web.archive.org/web/20220226144157/https://www.cnbc.com/id/100146287))
+=== Department of Homeland Security ===
+October 11, 2012 - Black & Veatch to continue support for DTRA’s CBEP programme
+The US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has awarded a follow-on contract to Black & Veatch to continue enhance the partner nation's sustainable capacity to detect, diagnose, report, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in Ukraine.
+Under the $85m five year modification contract, Black & Veatch will provide support for the implementation of the agency's Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) with the Ukrainian Government.
+The CBEP programme is aimed to provide modern lab facilities; equipment and training to strengthen the human health system.((https://web.archive.org/web/20121014122405/https://www.homelandsecurity-technology.com/news/newsblack-veatch-to-continue-support-for-dtras-cbep-programme/))
+==== Science & Technology Center in Ukraine ====
+Trilateral Meeting with Ukraine, Poland and the United States Regional Collaboration on Biological Security, Safety and Surveillance  - 03 Oct 2016
+On 3-4 October, 2016 a Trilateral Meeting with representatives of Ukraine, Poland and the United States entitled, “Regional Collaboration on Biological Security, Safety and Surveillance” took place in Lviv, Ukraine. Each delegation contained government officers and scientific experts who discussed regional (Ukraine and Poland) cooperation in the area of surveillance and prevention of especially dangerous infectious diseases including; [[:zoonotic diseases]] in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
+The delegation of Ukraine included the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mr. O. Kapustin), Ministry of Health (Dr. N. Vydaiko), Ministry of Defense (Mr. M. Usatyi) and [[:State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection]] (Mr. M. Bilous). Scientific experts from the [[:Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary-Sanitary Expertise]] (Kyiv) and [[:Lviv Institute of Epidemiology and Hygiene]] also took an active part in the discussion. The delegation of Poland was led by the Chief of Veterinary Officer of Poland (Mr. W. Skorupski) and contained a number of scientific experts from the [[:National Veterinary Research Institute]] (Pulawy, Poland).
+The United States delegation included representatives of the US Department of Defense (Mr. K. Garrett, Mr. G. Braunstein, Mr. W. Sosnowski, Mrs. J. Wintrol, etc.) and representatives of [[:Black and Veatch]] and [[:Metabiota]] Corporations (Mr. D. Mustra, Dr. M. Guttieri, Mr. S. Anderson, Mr. T. Borth, etc.). The STCU was represented by the Executive Director Mr. Curtis Bjelajac and Senior Specialist Dr. V. Pashynska.
+The meeting focused on existing frameworks, regulatory coordination, and on-going cooperative projects in research, surveillance and diagnostics of a number of dangerous zoonotic diseases such as [[:avian influenza]], leptospirosis, [[:Crimea Congo hemorrhagic fever]], brucellosis, etc.. A special session was devoted to the current situation with the increase in cases of [[:African Swine Fever]] (ASF) in both Ukraine and Poland. The delegates discussed countermeasures and possible cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish veterinary services and specialists in order to develop more effective approaches to eradicate and control the spread of ASF in Ukraine, Poland, and other European countries.((https://web.archive.org/web/20161024170051/http://www.stcu.int/news/index.php?id=454))
+=== About STCU Mission ===
+In the next five to seven years, it is crucial to the above mission that the STCU invigorate its sustainability and partnership functions, while continuing to maintain its other programs and functions. Rather than simply continuing to oversee projects that do not contribute to the long-term self-sufficiency of ex-Soviet weapon scientists or institutes, the STCU has to take the lead in helping those scientists and institutes stand on their own by guiding them towards successful integration into the global economic and business communities. The goal is for STCU grant recipients to become self-supporting and to make high-value contributions to domestic and global science and technology issues (both commercial and non-commercial). They must be weaned from dependency on the donor Parties’ STCU project funding and be given the skills, experience, and reputation to compete and contribute on their own in the international science, academic, and commercial worlds.
+For the most part, this means preparing and guiding the recipient scientists and technicians to make the most out of their research, whether it results in commercially viable products, or continuing research funding interest outside the STCU. They must develop long-term relationships with private sector and/or governmental partners. Most of all they must become expert with regard to all the requirements of sustained, supported scientific research and technology development in their countries, their regions, and internationally - from being able to write competitive project proposals to knowing how to protect and exploit the intellectual property rights these projects may spin off.
+This will require a set of strategic objectives that reflect the new focus on redirection to self-sustaining civilian employment. It will also require a review and reform of existing STCU activities as well as a well-thought-out distribution of portfolios within the executive staff and across the organization.
+((https://web.archive.org/web/20161108211351/http://www.stcu.int/weare/index.php | May 2016))((https://web.archive.org/web/20060505221937/http://www.stcu.int/weare/index.php| May 2006))