Defense Associations meet with Secretary of Defense Mattis for Joint Government/Industry Discussions
AIA, NDIA, PSC
Arlington, Va. — 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.
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Topics: Defense Department