August 1, 2010
Tekla Research Inc. is pleased to announce our newest office location opening in Norfolk, VA. The office is within walking distance to COTF and will not only allow us to better serve our current clients but provide us a location to expand our Norfolk cliental. The office space is located at 1355 International Terminal Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23505 and is available for unclassified meetings for both government employees and government contractors. For more information on our office or meeting availability please contact our Norfolk site manager, Bill Wilson at 757-377-3164 or by email.
June 22, 2010
The Tekla Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andy McHugh as the Director of Business Development. Mr. McHugh recently joined Tekla Research Inc. to provide day-to-day Senior Program Management support to the Office of the Director, Systems Engineering OUSD(AT&L)/ODDR&E and will continue this critical support of OUSD in addition to his corporate responsibilities. Prior to joining Tekla, he was most recently a Vice President with URS Corporation where he provided executive leadership to a team of over 400 professionals bringing high quality analytical, engineering and program management services to the government customer including the ACAT 1 MRAP Joint Program Office and multiple other high value programs. He has also held similar positions at Hughes, a global leader in commercial broadband networks and services. Andy led Hughes’ Corporate return to the DoD marketplace, providing leading edge SatCom technology to the customer and binding the links of the kill chain together in the Global Information Grid. He was previously Director of Precision Strike for Lockheed Martin where he led the corporate efforts for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and other advanced precision strike munitions programs. Andy joined Lockheed Martin in 1997 as the Director of Business Development for US Marine Corps Programs. He solidified USMC support for the KC-130J “Super Hercules” aircraft and helped obtain funding from the Congress to ensure the modernization of the USMC fleet of KC-130s. He concurrently served as the KC-130J Deputy Program Manager prior to his selection as Program Manager for the KC-130J, engaging in all aspects of program execution. Andy served nearly three decades as a Marine where he was a Naval Aviator flying helicopter gunships. He retired out of the Marine Corps Reserves while serving with the MAGTF Staff Training Program (MSTP) aboard MCB Quantico, where he helped prepare Marine Expeditionary Force staffs for deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. Andy is an active member of multiple Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps related professional associations. He is the Chairman of the Board for the Precision Strike Association; a Director on the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Board; a member of the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Board of Advisors; and is a member of NDIA’s Executive Committee on Ethics. He is a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University’s Executive Program Management Course; he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Boston University. Andy can be reached at 703.919.4296 or by email.
June 8, 2010
Tekla is proud to announce the opening of our newest office space in Patuxent River, Maryland. Our new offices allow us to better provide program management and test and evaluation support to Naval Air System Command. Located in Exploration Park, just outside of Gate 2 of the Naval Air Station, the facilities act not only for Tekla operations but are also available to support unclassified meetings for both contractor and government employees. For more information please contact office manager, Mary Savat, at 240.794.1853 or by email.
December 11, 2009
Tekla Research announced today that it has been awarded a four-year prime contract (one base year and 3 option years) valued at over $45 million to provide technical engineering support to the Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Optical Sciences Division. Tekla was notified of the award on December 11, 2009. This contract is a follow on to previous contracts in support of NRL and extends our long-standing history of more than 14 years of successful government partnership with the Laboratory and the Department of Defense on projects vital to our nation’s security.
Support under this contract will include research and development of advanced technology concepts, early test and evaluation of prototype systems, and evaluation of advanced concept aircraft Electronic Warfare (EW) Self-Protection and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The Tekla Research Inc. team will assist in the identification of requirements for developing solutions to threat systems, including development of technical specifications to accommodate aircraft platform requirements; technical insertion of new technologies into current and near term EW Self Protection and ISR systems in order to provide solutions to advanced threat systems; analysis and evaluation of promising technology, including development of one-of-a-kind measurement and evaluation processes. We will also assist in the development of algorithms and techniques for implementation in advanced systems; modeling and simulation to aid development programs, and technical management and engineering support to aid the transition of new technologies into Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase primarily for Navy/Marine Corps acquisition programs.
The Tekla Team consists of eleven premier companies: Alaire Technologies, Brandywine Optics, Platform Systems (PSI), Precise Systems, Smart Logic, Southern Research Institute (SRI), Summit Engineering Group, Technology Service Corporation (TSC), VisiTech and V_Systems. In order to fulfill the broad spectrum of support required for development, production, and sustainment activities for Naval Research Lab, Tekla formed this team of professionals with the credentials, knowledge, and experience to meet current and future Optical Science Division mission requirements. According to Tekla’s President Dave Russell, “Tekla sought companies already partnering with NRL to accomplish the objective of providing them with the most flexible and responsive team as current operational realities demand new and innovative approaches to emerging threats and programmatic challenges.” Kevin Wilcutt, Tekla’s Chief Operating Officer said, “Together with the other members of our team we are committed to identifying innovative cost savings approaches, reducing pass through costs and providing the best possible value to our government partners as we work together to fully support the Optical Sciences Division of the Naval Research Laboratory.”
Tekla Research has remained at the forefront of aviation defense technology for over a decade. Founded in 1995, Tekla Research is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Tekla was formed to bring together a team of talented, experienced, and dedicated individuals in order to offer the highest, and most advanced, technical expertise in aircraft and aircrew survivability. With an average of over 20 years of military and government experience on systems integration and testing our core of eminently qualified professionals have highly respected records of accomplishment in a wide variety of weapon systems and equipment providing technical and engineering support and management expertise for Department of Defense projects from Research and Development through Operational Test and Evaluation.
November 4, 2009
Charlie Meyer, an employee since August 2001, has been appointed to the Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors. Charlie’s appointment as an employee representative will bring fresh insight to the Board as we establish and refine our policies and objectives for the Company. His demonstrated commitment to company growth, recruitment and retention since joining Tekla makes him a logical choice to fill this position on the Board. He is a retired Marine Officer and a former Blue Angel with over 37 years of experience in Naval Aviation and test and evaluation.
September 1, 2009
Tekla pleased to announce the promotion of Mac Garrison to Management Engineer, Lead 4. As a direct result of his past performance, Mac was recently selected to provide developmental test and evaluation oversight for the Office of the Director, Defense Research and Engineering. He will provide direct support to the Deputy Director, Developmental Test and Evaluation providing test oversight and guidance to major defense programs. "As one of our original Tekla Team members this promotion is well deserved. I am confident Mac will bring the same high caliber support to this important position that he has been providing for the past 14 years. He will be able to draw upon his extensive operational and developmental test experience to provide the very best support for his customers," stated Tekla's President and CEO, Dave Russell.
July 16, 2009
With over five years of dedicated service current Tekla President and CEO Dave Russell has been appointed Chairman of the Board. The appointment comes following the loss of Tekla founder Dave Bertocci. DaveRussell has held multiple positions in the defense contracting industry since his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.
July 16, 2009
Kevin Wilcutt, the Director of Operations, has been appointed Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Wilcutt has been with Tekla since 1998 and served in various positions with the company since his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps.
July 8, 2009
Tekla employees Gary Shaw and Charlie Meyer have been instrumental in the development and operational deployment of the Joint Asymmetric Warfare Systems (JAWS) work operating from NAWC-WD, China Lake, CA. The JAWS teams provide three services that directly help prepare the warfighter before deployment. First, JAWS provides an Opposing Force (OPFOR) capability through the use of Radio-Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), Ultraviolet (UV), and Laser Threat simulators and stimulators to train aircrews for surface to air missile engagements. This includes threat presentation, identification, reaction, and evasion techniques. Second, JAWS conducts flight line evaluations of installed defensive systems hardware and software to provide commanders and aircrew with realistic assessments of their readiness for deployment into non-permissive IR and RF environments. Third, JAWS provides an unbiased evaluation of "Beta" software for defensive systems to ensure that expected performance from laboratory testing is replicated in the aircraft, thereby adding a previously missing level of confidence in the correct functioning of the defensive systems.
May 13, 2009
Tekla mourns the loss of dedicated Founder and Chairman of the Board, Dave Bertocci. Lieutenant Colonel (USA, Ret.) Dave Bertocci, age 70, of Montclair, VA died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Quantico Marine Base, VA.
Dave was born on August 18, 1938 in Erie, PA, son of the late Italo and Marian Bertocci of Charleroi, PA. He graduated from Charleroi High School in 1956 and Gannon University in 1960. Dave was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and married his wife, the former Nancy Pikiewicz, soon after graduation. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, he retired from active duty in 1981 after 21 years of service. After retirement, Dave continued his service to the nation as a defense contractor and founded his own defense contracting company, Tekla Research, Inc., in 1995. He served as CEO of Tekla Research until his retirement in 2008.
He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Association of Old Crows, and Military Police Association.
Dave also went on to earn his doctor of philosophy degree in business administration from Capella University and began a professorial career at American Military University, Kaplan University, Colorado Technical University, and, most recently, Argosy University. He is the author of four books on leadership and business management including Strategic Planning and Management: A Roadmap to Success and Leadership in Organizations: There Is a Difference Between Leaders and Managers.
His newborn daughter, Susan, preceded him in death in 1965. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Bertocci of Montclair, VA; sister, Judy Shaw, and husband Joe of Lewes, DE; oldest son, Jeff Bertocci, and wife, Karen, of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Michelle Straus of Reva, VA; youngest son, Tim Bertocci, and wife, Katie, of Alexandria, VA; and six grandchildren, Tori, Erika, Connor, Glenna, Nick and Jakob.
March 27, 2009
Tekla is awarded $5,585,000 ceiling increase for further research and development in the optical science division of the Naval Research Laboratories (NRL).
March 23, 2009
Tekla is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in California, Maryland. The new office is located at 44425 Pecan Ct., Ste. 200 California, MD 20619 and enables Tekla Research to better service the Patuxent River Area..
March 18, 2009
Tekla Research announced that it has been awarded a $23 million prime contract to provide program management and technical engineering support to the Naval Air Systems Command Aircrew System Program Office, NAVAIR Aircraft Division. Tekla received the 5 year award on > 18 March 2009 (one base year and 4 option years) under its Seaport contract with the Navy. The support to PMA 202 complements Tekla’s long-standing history of more than 14 years of successful government partnership on Department of Defense projects. PMA202 includes all systems that directly support the aircrew and troops or passengers in the performance of their missions. It consists of the functional components, internal and external interfaces and the environment with a focus on optimizing human performance, protection and sustainment in aviation operations. The PMA exists to provide the Navy and Marine Corps with cost-wise aircrew systems by developing, integrating, fielding and supporting aircrew safety, survivability and mission enhancing core capabilities. The three Integrated Product Teams, Aircrew Mounted Systems, Aircraft Mounted Systems and Chemical Biological Systems are dedicated to providing exceptional service to the Fleet.
In order to provide acquisition support for development, production, and sustainment activities for PMA202, Tekla formed a team of professionals with the credentials, knowledge, and experience to meet current and future Aircrew Systems mission requirements. Tekla sought companies already partnering with PMA202 and AIR-4.6T to accomplish the objective of providing the Navy and Marine Corps with cost-wise Aircrew Systems by developing, integrating, testing, fielding, and supporting aircrew safety, survivability, and mission enhancing core capabilities. Tekla’s Aircrew Systems Program Management Support Team consists of six premier companies: AMEWAS, AVIAN, Camber, MCR, Federal, Tekla Research, and Wyle Laboratories.
According to Tekla’s President Dave Russell, “The criteria used to select participants for this Team was simple - include companies that share Tekla’s commitment to quality, cost containment, and most importantly, the Warfighter. “
Kevin Wilcutt, Tekla’s Director of Operations said, “We are a company that is known for keeping our commitments to our team members and together we are committed to identifying innovative cost savings approaches and providing the best possible value to our government partners.“
Tekla Research has remained at the forefront of aviation defense technology for over a decade. Founded in 1995, Tekla Research is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Tekla employees have an average of 20 years of military and government experience on systems integration and testing.
Tekla was formed to bring together a team of talented, experienced, and dedicated individuals in order to offer the highest, and most advanced, technical expertise in aircraft and aircrew survivability. The company has a core of eminently qualified professionals, each with demonstrated and respected records of accomplishment in a wide variety of weapon systems and equipment. These skilled professionals have extensive experience in providing technical and engineering support and management expertise for Department of Defense projects from Research and Development through Operational Test and Evaluation. Tekla professionals know and understand the complexity and science of operating and testing the military equipment required to meet today’s challenges.
January 8, 2009
Tekla is pleased to announce the promotion of Keith Kirol to Management Engineer, Lead 4. In his new position, Keith provides systems engineering oversight for major defense acquisition programs for the Office of the Director, Defense Research and Engineering. Tekla's management unanimously recommended the promotion. "This promotion is a direct result of Keith's demonstrated past performance and the added responsibility he assumes in this vital position," stated Tekla's President and CEO, Dave Russell. Keith was selected for this position after his outstanding performance providing test and evaluation oversight for the Chief of Naval Operations, N091 for the past three years.
November 17, 2008
Tekla now offers graphic design to its exisiting and new clients. Our creative staff offers experinence in several media formats such as print, web, and interactive.
November 7, 2008
NRL awards Tekla $3 Million ceiling increase.
November 1, 2008
The Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective immediately Bill Wilson will assume the role of Tekla Site Manager, Norfolk, Virginia. As site manager Bill will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of all Tekla activities at COTF and expanding activities in the Tidewater area. Mr. Wilson will report directly to the Tekla Senior Management Team and provide assistance in ongoing strategic and business development activities. Bill joined Tekla in July 2006 to support the operational testing of Aviation Electronic Warfare equipment and aircraft for the Navy at Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force in Norfolk VA. Bill served 26 years in the Navy as an EA-6B, electronic countermeasures officer. He has deployed aboard numerous Carriers and been involved in combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia, ashore and afloat. He has experience in the operational testing of RF systems for the fixed and rotary wing communities, in programs such as the EA-6B the EA-18G, the Next Generation Jammer, Intrepid Tiger, ALR-67, and IDECM Blocks 2 and 3; on the IR side he has worked with the AAR-47, TADIRCM, and flare testing, including the advanced 6 inch, forward firing flare. He is familiar with modeling and simulation conducting accreditation reports on RF an IR systems at most major ranges throughout the U.S.. Bill and his wife Pam reside with their 3 daughters and one granddaughter in Virginia Beach VA.
October 1, 2007
The Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective immediately Kevin Wilcutt will assume the role of Director of Operations. Kevin will have full operational responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the company reporting directly to the President. Additionally, Mr. Wilcutt is appointed to serve on the Tekla Board of Directors and will provide assistance in ongoing strategic planning for the corporation. Kevin joined Tekla in August 1998 after retiring from the Marine Corps. He has over 30 years of operational and leadership experience in Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and Navy aviation weapon systems and aviation survivability equipment. His varied military and civilian assignments have provided him with extensive experience in acquisition, program management, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and the introduction of new weapons systems. He also has particular expertise in the operation and policies of the defense acquisition system. Kevin and his wife Peg have two daughters and reside in Fredericksburg, VA.
June 29, 2007
Tekla Research Inc. relocation is complete.
May 23, 2007
Tekla Research Inc. has been notified that Tekla Seaport-e team is a successful awardee under the Seaport-e Rolling Admissions Solicitation.
December 14, 2006
The Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective immediately Dave Russell will assume the role of President & General Manager. Dave joined Tekla in October 2003 to support the Department of Homeland Security’s Counter-MANPADS program but has been no stranger to Tekla because he was both a customer of and subcontractor to Tekla since the company was founded. Dave served 21 years in the Air Force as a C-130 navigator, Joint Program Manager for Electronic Combat Systems such as the AN/ALE-47, and Joint Modeling and Simulation Systems as well as 10 years of civilian employment with CACI as a Vice President and General Manager of the Tactical Systems and Simulation Division in Dayton, Ohio and the Missile and Sensor Systems in Huntsville, Alabama. Dave and his wife Debi have two married daughters and one grandson.
Tekla Research Inc. is pleased to announce our newest office location opening in Norfolk, VA. The office is within walking distance to COTF and will not only allow us to better serve our current clients but provide us a location to expand our Norfolk cliental. The office space is located at 1355 International Terminal Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23505 and is available for unclassified meetings for both government employees and government contractors. For more information on our office or meeting availability please contact our Norfolk site manager, Bill Wilson at 757-377-3164 or by email.
June 22, 2010
The Tekla Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andy McHugh as the Director of Business Development. Mr. McHugh recently joined Tekla Research Inc. to provide day-to-day Senior Program Management support to the Office of the Director, Systems Engineering OUSD(AT&L)/ODDR&E and will continue this critical support of OUSD in addition to his corporate responsibilities. Prior to joining Tekla, he was most recently a Vice President with URS Corporation where he provided executive leadership to a team of over 400 professionals bringing high quality analytical, engineering and program management services to the government customer including the ACAT 1 MRAP Joint Program Office and multiple other high value programs. He has also held similar positions at Hughes, a global leader in commercial broadband networks and services. Andy led Hughes’ Corporate return to the DoD marketplace, providing leading edge SatCom technology to the customer and binding the links of the kill chain together in the Global Information Grid. He was previously Director of Precision Strike for Lockheed Martin where he led the corporate efforts for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and other advanced precision strike munitions programs. Andy joined Lockheed Martin in 1997 as the Director of Business Development for US Marine Corps Programs. He solidified USMC support for the KC-130J “Super Hercules” aircraft and helped obtain funding from the Congress to ensure the modernization of the USMC fleet of KC-130s. He concurrently served as the KC-130J Deputy Program Manager prior to his selection as Program Manager for the KC-130J, engaging in all aspects of program execution. Andy served nearly three decades as a Marine where he was a Naval Aviator flying helicopter gunships. He retired out of the Marine Corps Reserves while serving with the MAGTF Staff Training Program (MSTP) aboard MCB Quantico, where he helped prepare Marine Expeditionary Force staffs for deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. Andy is an active member of multiple Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps related professional associations. He is the Chairman of the Board for the Precision Strike Association; a Director on the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Board; a member of the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Board of Advisors; and is a member of NDIA’s Executive Committee on Ethics. He is a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University’s Executive Program Management Course; he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Boston University. Andy can be reached at 703.919.4296 or by email.
June 8, 2010
Tekla is proud to announce the opening of our newest office space in Patuxent River, Maryland. Our new offices allow us to better provide program management and test and evaluation support to Naval Air System Command. Located in Exploration Park, just outside of Gate 2 of the Naval Air Station, the facilities act not only for Tekla operations but are also available to support unclassified meetings for both contractor and government employees. For more information please contact office manager, Mary Savat, at 240.794.1853 or by email.
December 11, 2009
Tekla Research announced today that it has been awarded a four-year prime contract (one base year and 3 option years) valued at over $45 million to provide technical engineering support to the Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Optical Sciences Division. Tekla was notified of the award on December 11, 2009. This contract is a follow on to previous contracts in support of NRL and extends our long-standing history of more than 14 years of successful government partnership with the Laboratory and the Department of Defense on projects vital to our nation’s security.
Support under this contract will include research and development of advanced technology concepts, early test and evaluation of prototype systems, and evaluation of advanced concept aircraft Electronic Warfare (EW) Self-Protection and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The Tekla Research Inc. team will assist in the identification of requirements for developing solutions to threat systems, including development of technical specifications to accommodate aircraft platform requirements; technical insertion of new technologies into current and near term EW Self Protection and ISR systems in order to provide solutions to advanced threat systems; analysis and evaluation of promising technology, including development of one-of-a-kind measurement and evaluation processes. We will also assist in the development of algorithms and techniques for implementation in advanced systems; modeling and simulation to aid development programs, and technical management and engineering support to aid the transition of new technologies into Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase primarily for Navy/Marine Corps acquisition programs.
The Tekla Team consists of eleven premier companies: Alaire Technologies, Brandywine Optics, Platform Systems (PSI), Precise Systems, Smart Logic, Southern Research Institute (SRI), Summit Engineering Group, Technology Service Corporation (TSC), VisiTech and V_Systems. In order to fulfill the broad spectrum of support required for development, production, and sustainment activities for Naval Research Lab, Tekla formed this team of professionals with the credentials, knowledge, and experience to meet current and future Optical Science Division mission requirements. According to Tekla’s President Dave Russell, “Tekla sought companies already partnering with NRL to accomplish the objective of providing them with the most flexible and responsive team as current operational realities demand new and innovative approaches to emerging threats and programmatic challenges.” Kevin Wilcutt, Tekla’s Chief Operating Officer said, “Together with the other members of our team we are committed to identifying innovative cost savings approaches, reducing pass through costs and providing the best possible value to our government partners as we work together to fully support the Optical Sciences Division of the Naval Research Laboratory.”
Tekla Research has remained at the forefront of aviation defense technology for over a decade. Founded in 1995, Tekla Research is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Tekla was formed to bring together a team of talented, experienced, and dedicated individuals in order to offer the highest, and most advanced, technical expertise in aircraft and aircrew survivability. With an average of over 20 years of military and government experience on systems integration and testing our core of eminently qualified professionals have highly respected records of accomplishment in a wide variety of weapon systems and equipment providing technical and engineering support and management expertise for Department of Defense projects from Research and Development through Operational Test and Evaluation.
November 4, 2009
Charlie Meyer, an employee since August 2001, has been appointed to the Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors. Charlie’s appointment as an employee representative will bring fresh insight to the Board as we establish and refine our policies and objectives for the Company. His demonstrated commitment to company growth, recruitment and retention since joining Tekla makes him a logical choice to fill this position on the Board. He is a retired Marine Officer and a former Blue Angel with over 37 years of experience in Naval Aviation and test and evaluation.
September 1, 2009
Tekla pleased to announce the promotion of Mac Garrison to Management Engineer, Lead 4. As a direct result of his past performance, Mac was recently selected to provide developmental test and evaluation oversight for the Office of the Director, Defense Research and Engineering. He will provide direct support to the Deputy Director, Developmental Test and Evaluation providing test oversight and guidance to major defense programs. "As one of our original Tekla Team members this promotion is well deserved. I am confident Mac will bring the same high caliber support to this important position that he has been providing for the past 14 years. He will be able to draw upon his extensive operational and developmental test experience to provide the very best support for his customers," stated Tekla's President and CEO, Dave Russell.
July 16, 2009
With over five years of dedicated service current Tekla President and CEO Dave Russell has been appointed Chairman of the Board. The appointment comes following the loss of Tekla founder Dave Bertocci. DaveRussell has held multiple positions in the defense contracting industry since his retirement from the Air Force in 1994.
July 16, 2009
Kevin Wilcutt, the Director of Operations, has been appointed Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Wilcutt has been with Tekla since 1998 and served in various positions with the company since his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps.
July 8, 2009
Tekla employees Gary Shaw and Charlie Meyer have been instrumental in the development and operational deployment of the Joint Asymmetric Warfare Systems (JAWS) work operating from NAWC-WD, China Lake, CA. The JAWS teams provide three services that directly help prepare the warfighter before deployment. First, JAWS provides an Opposing Force (OPFOR) capability through the use of Radio-Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), Ultraviolet (UV), and Laser Threat simulators and stimulators to train aircrews for surface to air missile engagements. This includes threat presentation, identification, reaction, and evasion techniques. Second, JAWS conducts flight line evaluations of installed defensive systems hardware and software to provide commanders and aircrew with realistic assessments of their readiness for deployment into non-permissive IR and RF environments. Third, JAWS provides an unbiased evaluation of "Beta" software for defensive systems to ensure that expected performance from laboratory testing is replicated in the aircraft, thereby adding a previously missing level of confidence in the correct functioning of the defensive systems.
May 13, 2009
Tekla mourns the loss of dedicated Founder and Chairman of the Board, Dave Bertocci. Lieutenant Colonel (USA, Ret.) Dave Bertocci, age 70, of Montclair, VA died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Quantico Marine Base, VA.
Dave was born on August 18, 1938 in Erie, PA, son of the late Italo and Marian Bertocci of Charleroi, PA. He graduated from Charleroi High School in 1956 and Gannon University in 1960. Dave was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and married his wife, the former Nancy Pikiewicz, soon after graduation. A highly decorated Vietnam veteran, he retired from active duty in 1981 after 21 years of service. After retirement, Dave continued his service to the nation as a defense contractor and founded his own defense contracting company, Tekla Research, Inc., in 1995. He served as CEO of Tekla Research until his retirement in 2008.
He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Association of Old Crows, and Military Police Association.
Dave also went on to earn his doctor of philosophy degree in business administration from Capella University and began a professorial career at American Military University, Kaplan University, Colorado Technical University, and, most recently, Argosy University. He is the author of four books on leadership and business management including Strategic Planning and Management: A Roadmap to Success and Leadership in Organizations: There Is a Difference Between Leaders and Managers.
His newborn daughter, Susan, preceded him in death in 1965. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Bertocci of Montclair, VA; sister, Judy Shaw, and husband Joe of Lewes, DE; oldest son, Jeff Bertocci, and wife, Karen, of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Michelle Straus of Reva, VA; youngest son, Tim Bertocci, and wife, Katie, of Alexandria, VA; and six grandchildren, Tori, Erika, Connor, Glenna, Nick and Jakob.
March 27, 2009
Tekla is awarded $5,585,000 ceiling increase for further research and development in the optical science division of the Naval Research Laboratories (NRL).
March 23, 2009
Tekla is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in California, Maryland. The new office is located at 44425 Pecan Ct., Ste. 200 California, MD 20619 and enables Tekla Research to better service the Patuxent River Area..
March 18, 2009
Tekla Research announced that it has been awarded a $23 million prime contract to provide program management and technical engineering support to the Naval Air Systems Command Aircrew System Program Office, NAVAIR Aircraft Division. Tekla received the 5 year award on > 18 March 2009 (one base year and 4 option years) under its Seaport contract with the Navy. The support to PMA 202 complements Tekla’s long-standing history of more than 14 years of successful government partnership on Department of Defense projects. PMA202 includes all systems that directly support the aircrew and troops or passengers in the performance of their missions. It consists of the functional components, internal and external interfaces and the environment with a focus on optimizing human performance, protection and sustainment in aviation operations. The PMA exists to provide the Navy and Marine Corps with cost-wise aircrew systems by developing, integrating, fielding and supporting aircrew safety, survivability and mission enhancing core capabilities. The three Integrated Product Teams, Aircrew Mounted Systems, Aircraft Mounted Systems and Chemical Biological Systems are dedicated to providing exceptional service to the Fleet.
In order to provide acquisition support for development, production, and sustainment activities for PMA202, Tekla formed a team of professionals with the credentials, knowledge, and experience to meet current and future Aircrew Systems mission requirements. Tekla sought companies already partnering with PMA202 and AIR-4.6T to accomplish the objective of providing the Navy and Marine Corps with cost-wise Aircrew Systems by developing, integrating, testing, fielding, and supporting aircrew safety, survivability, and mission enhancing core capabilities. Tekla’s Aircrew Systems Program Management Support Team consists of six premier companies: AMEWAS, AVIAN, Camber, MCR, Federal, Tekla Research, and Wyle Laboratories.
According to Tekla’s President Dave Russell, “The criteria used to select participants for this Team was simple - include companies that share Tekla’s commitment to quality, cost containment, and most importantly, the Warfighter. “
Kevin Wilcutt, Tekla’s Director of Operations said, “We are a company that is known for keeping our commitments to our team members and together we are committed to identifying innovative cost savings approaches and providing the best possible value to our government partners.“
Tekla Research has remained at the forefront of aviation defense technology for over a decade. Founded in 1995, Tekla Research is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Tekla employees have an average of 20 years of military and government experience on systems integration and testing.
Tekla was formed to bring together a team of talented, experienced, and dedicated individuals in order to offer the highest, and most advanced, technical expertise in aircraft and aircrew survivability. The company has a core of eminently qualified professionals, each with demonstrated and respected records of accomplishment in a wide variety of weapon systems and equipment. These skilled professionals have extensive experience in providing technical and engineering support and management expertise for Department of Defense projects from Research and Development through Operational Test and Evaluation. Tekla professionals know and understand the complexity and science of operating and testing the military equipment required to meet today’s challenges.
January 8, 2009
Tekla is pleased to announce the promotion of Keith Kirol to Management Engineer, Lead 4. In his new position, Keith provides systems engineering oversight for major defense acquisition programs for the Office of the Director, Defense Research and Engineering. Tekla's management unanimously recommended the promotion. "This promotion is a direct result of Keith's demonstrated past performance and the added responsibility he assumes in this vital position," stated Tekla's President and CEO, Dave Russell. Keith was selected for this position after his outstanding performance providing test and evaluation oversight for the Chief of Naval Operations, N091 for the past three years.
November 17, 2008
Tekla now offers graphic design to its exisiting and new clients. Our creative staff offers experinence in several media formats such as print, web, and interactive.
November 7, 2008
NRL awards Tekla $3 Million ceiling increase.
November 1, 2008
The Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective immediately Bill Wilson will assume the role of Tekla Site Manager, Norfolk, Virginia. As site manager Bill will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of all Tekla activities at COTF and expanding activities in the Tidewater area. Mr. Wilson will report directly to the Tekla Senior Management Team and provide assistance in ongoing strategic and business development activities. Bill joined Tekla in July 2006 to support the operational testing of Aviation Electronic Warfare equipment and aircraft for the Navy at Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force in Norfolk VA. Bill served 26 years in the Navy as an EA-6B, electronic countermeasures officer. He has deployed aboard numerous Carriers and been involved in combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia, ashore and afloat. He has experience in the operational testing of RF systems for the fixed and rotary wing communities, in programs such as the EA-6B the EA-18G, the Next Generation Jammer, Intrepid Tiger, ALR-67, and IDECM Blocks 2 and 3; on the IR side he has worked with the AAR-47, TADIRCM, and flare testing, including the advanced 6 inch, forward firing flare. He is familiar with modeling and simulation conducting accreditation reports on RF an IR systems at most major ranges throughout the U.S.. Bill and his wife Pam reside with their 3 daughters and one granddaughter in Virginia Beach VA.
October 1, 2007
The Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective immediately Kevin Wilcutt will assume the role of Director of Operations. Kevin will have full operational responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the company reporting directly to the President. Additionally, Mr. Wilcutt is appointed to serve on the Tekla Board of Directors and will provide assistance in ongoing strategic planning for the corporation. Kevin joined Tekla in August 1998 after retiring from the Marine Corps. He has over 30 years of operational and leadership experience in Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and Navy aviation weapon systems and aviation survivability equipment. His varied military and civilian assignments have provided him with extensive experience in acquisition, program management, systems engineering, test and evaluation, and the introduction of new weapons systems. He also has particular expertise in the operation and policies of the defense acquisition system. Kevin and his wife Peg have two daughters and reside in Fredericksburg, VA.
June 29, 2007
Tekla Research Inc. relocation is complete.
May 23, 2007
Tekla Research Inc. has been notified that Tekla Seaport-e team is a successful awardee under the Seaport-e Rolling Admissions Solicitation.
December 14, 2006
The Tekla Research, Inc. Board of Directors is pleased to announce that effective immediately Dave Russell will assume the role of President & General Manager. Dave joined Tekla in October 2003 to support the Department of Homeland Security’s Counter-MANPADS program but has been no stranger to Tekla because he was both a customer of and subcontractor to Tekla since the company was founded. Dave served 21 years in the Air Force as a C-130 navigator, Joint Program Manager for Electronic Combat Systems such as the AN/ALE-47, and Joint Modeling and Simulation Systems as well as 10 years of civilian employment with CACI as a Vice President and General Manager of the Tactical Systems and Simulation Division in Dayton, Ohio and the Missile and Sensor Systems in Huntsville, Alabama. Dave and his wife Debi have two married daughters and one grandson.
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