Defense Associations meet with Secretary of Defense Mattis for Joint Government/Industry Discussions

ARLINGTON, Va., April 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three major defense trade associations met with Secretary of Defense James Mattis at the offices of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) today to discuss a broad range of issues critical to the aerospace and defense industry. The CEOs and senior leadership of AIA, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and the Professional Services Council (PSC) provided Secretary Mattis with their insight into the opportunities and challenges that the aerospace and defense industry faces in today's acquisition and budget environment. 

"It's important for industry and government to have a regular dialogue that is open and frank," said AIA President and CEO Lt. Gen. David F. Melcher USA (Ret.). "The growing and changing threats facing our nation require a holistic approach, the right combination of robust, balanced and stable funding, as well as regulatory reform that speeds development and encourages new technology and capabilities. Working side-by-side with our government partners, we can deliver the best possible capability to the warfighter at the best price for the taxpayer."

"We appreciate Secretary Mattis' willingness to meet and speak with us as we work together in the best interest of our national security," said NDIA President and CEO Gen. Craig McKinley, USAF (Ret.). "Strong international partnerships are of particular interest to our industry and are critical to our nation's ability to project our values in a complex world order. A strategic approach to security cooperation objectives with our close friends and allies will yield enormous benefits as we collaborate to achieve our mutual security goals."

"These exchanges between senior leadership in government and industry are key to moving forward on our shared objectives," said PSC Chief Executive Officer David J. Berteau. "Our industry is looking forward to working with Secretary Mattis to address our current readiness situation and to develop high-tech solutions to enhance our capabilities." 

Today's meeting is part of an ongoing interchange between these defense industry associations and the Secretary of Defense.  AIA, NDIA and PSC are pleased that Secretary Mattis has chosen to continue the dialogue begun by Secretary Gates and embraced by his successors and look forward to maintaining communication across a broad range of important topics.

About AIA: Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the U.S. aerospace and defense industry on Capitol Hill, within the administration and internationally. As the voice of American aerospace and defense, representing manufacturers and suppliers across every high-technology manufacturing sector, AIA's strong advocacy is essential to protecting the interests of our nation and our industry.

About NDIA: The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is the trusted leader in defense and national security associations. As a 501(c)3 corporate and individual membership association, NDIA engages thoughtful and innovative leaders to exchange ideas, information and capabilities that lead to the development of the best policies, practices, products and technology to ensure the safety and security of our nation. NDIA's membership embodies the full spectrum of corporate, government, academic and individual stakeholders who form a vigorous, responsive and collaborative community in support of defense and national security. For more information, visit www.ndia.org.

About PSC: Now in its 45^th year, the Professional Services Council (PSC) is the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSC's over 400 member companies include small, medium, and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services of all kinds, including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more. Together, the trade association's members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states.  PSC is at www.pscouncil.org or on Twitter @PSCspeaks.

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SOURCE NDIA