Targeted News Service

WASHINGTON, July 4 -- The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute issued the following news release on July 3:

For the first time in the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's (SCBI) history, ungulate keepers celebrated the birth of a male Hartmann's mountain zebra at the Front Royal, Virginia, facility. The colt was born overnight July 2 to 6-year-old mother Mackenzie and 5-year-old father Rogan. He is the first offspring for both parents. Ungulate keepers are closely monitoring the colt, and they report that he appears to be nursing well and sticking close by Mackenzie's side.

Before ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 4 -- The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute issued the following news release on July 3: For the first time in the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's (SCBI) history, ungulate keepers celebrated the birth of a male Hartmann's mountain zebra at the Front Royal, Virginia, facility. The colt was born overnight July 2 to 6-year-old mother Mackenzie and 5-year-old father Rogan. He is the first offspring for both parents. Ungulate keepers are closely monitoring the colt, and they report that he appears to be nursing well and sticking close by Mackenzie's side. Beforetheir arrival at SCBI, Mackenzie and Rogan received a recommendation to breed from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP scientists determine which animals to breed by considering their genetic makeup, health, personality and temperament, among other factors. In October 2018, Mackenzie and Rogan were transferred to SCBI from the Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania and the Cleveland Zoo in Ohio, respectively. Females typically reach sexual maturity around 2 to 3 years of age, while males become sexually mature around age 4 or 5. The pair bred naturally in June and July of 2019; Hartmann's mountain zebra gestation is about one year.

Each zebra is a unique individual, and keepers are looking forward to seeing how the colt's personality develops. While mother Mackenzie is feisty and a bit standoffish, father Rogan is quirky and easygoing. The colt lives with Mackenzie and an unrelated female, 7-year-old Xolani, in a herd. Since male zebras do not provide any parental care to their offspring, Rogan lives in a separate enclosure nearby. Although the colt sticks close by Mackenzie's side now, keepers say they are excited to see the foal explore his surrounding and watch his curiosity grow. Over the next two months, the colt will start sampling grass and pellets.

As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is temporarily closed to the public. Animal keepers and veterinary staff remain working on site at the Zoo and SCBI to provide the usual highest quality care for the animals. Additional information on the Zoo's COVID-19 response is posted to the Zoo's website.

Hartmann's mountain zebras are a subspecies of the mountain zebra, which is one of three zebra species. Considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Hartmann's mountain zebras live in dry mountain habitats of Namibia. Unlike other zebra species, Hartmann's mountain zebras live in small herds, have vertical stripes on their neck and torso and horizontal stripes on their backside, and have a small fold of skin under their chin (called a dewlap). With less than 25,000 individuals left in the wild, the biggest threat to this species' survival is habitat loss and fragmentation as the result of livestock production and agriculture.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo's legacy of conservation work extends beyond the public Zoo in Washington, D.C., to SCBI in Front Royal, Virginia. Scientists at SCBI study and breed more than 20 species, including some that were once extinct in the wild, such as black-footed ferrets and scimitar-horned oryx. Animals thrive in specialized barns and building complexes spread over more than 3,200 acres. The sprawling environment allows for unique studies that contribute to the survival of threatened, difficult-to-breed species with distinct needs, especially those requiring large areas, natural group sizes and minimal public disturbance.

SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Virginia, the Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide. SCBI scientists tackle some of today's most complex conservation challenges by applying and sharing what they learn about animal behavior and reproduction, ecology, genetics, migration and conservation sustainability.

U.S. Helsinki Commission: Hastings and Wicker Denounce Fraudulent Vote in Russia

WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe issued the following statement:

Following this week's manipulated vote to amend Russia's constitution to further weaken the separation of powers, strengthen the presidency, and allow President Vladimir Putin to remain in office until 2036, Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20) and Co-Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following joint statement:

"As we have seen time and again in Putin's Russia, the outcome of this vote was decided long before the ballots were tallied.

"Thanks to a fraudulent ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe issued the following statement: Following this week's manipulated vote to amend Russia's constitution to further weaken the separation of powers, strengthen the presidency, and allow President Vladimir Putin to remain in office until 2036, Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20) and Co-Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) issued the following joint statement: "As we have seen time and again in Putin's Russia, the outcome of this vote was decided long before the ballots were tallied. "Thanks to a fraudulentplebiscite 'legitimizing' the rubber stamp of Russia's parliament, the Russian people--along with those living under Russian occupation--will remain under the thumb of an increasingly powerful Putin who could rule until he is in his eighties.

"State-sponsored fraud, coercion, and obfuscation make it impossible to know the true will of the Russian people, who deserve a responsive, democratic government in line with Russia's OSCE commitments."

From June 25 to July 1, 2020, citizens of Russia and residents of illegally-occupied Crimea and Russia-backed separatist regions of the Donbas could vote either for or against a package of more than 200 amendments to Russia's constitution.

Because the vote was not technically classified as a referendum, regulations and procedures that would usually apply--including a required minimum voter turnout level--were disregarded. Russia's Central Election Commission released preliminary results showing overwhelming support for the amendments hours before the last polls closed, which under normal circumstances would be illegal.

The potential for voter fraud was increased by the Russian Government's decision to spread the voting over the span of a week and introduce electronic voting in some areas, ostensibly to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Independent journalists have received credible reports of people being paid to create multiple false profiles to vote online, employees being coerced into voting by their superiors, and the use of online tools to track voter participation. Individuals documented ballot-stuffing and other irregularities at polling places.

The package of amendments was approved overwhelmingly and with little discussion by President Putin and both chambers of the Russian parliament on March 11, 2020, then rapidly cleared by the regional parliaments and the Constitutional Court. It required a nationwide vote to come into force.

Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia either as president or prime minister for 20 years. He can now pursue two more six-year terms after his current term expires in 2024.

U.S. Helsinki Commission: Co-Chairman Wicker Urges Swiss Government to Restore Confidence in Integrity of Magnitsky Investigation

WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe issued the following letter by Sen. Roger F. Wicker, R-Mississippi, who is also the co-chairman of the commission:

In a letter to Swiss Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud released, Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) urged the Government of Switzerland to take the necessary steps to restore confidence in the integrity of the Magnitsky investigation and ensure its timely resolution.

The letter reads in part:

"Sergei Magnitsky's story has become emblematic of the struggle of many Russians to fight the corruption ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe issued the following letter by Sen. Roger F. Wicker, R-Mississippi, who is also the co-chairman of the commission: In a letter to Swiss Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud released, Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) urged the Government of Switzerland to take the necessary steps to restore confidence in the integrity of the Magnitsky investigation and ensure its timely resolution. The letter reads in part: "Sergei Magnitsky's story has become emblematic of the struggle of many Russians to fight the corruptionof their own government at great risk to themselves. While I have been dispirited by the brutality shown the Russian journalists and civil society activists who carry on Magnitsky's legacy of bravely telling the truth, I am also heartened by the tenacity of these individuals. They depend on countries like ours to hold their oppressors to account.

"Given all that is at stake, I was surprised to learn that a Swiss Federal Police officer, Vincenz Schnell, went on a bear-hunting trip with Russian prosecutors paid for by Russian oligarchs. Though he has now been found guilty of accepting this and other gifts from Russia, the Magnitsky case has lingered for years and will be nearing its end when the statute of limitations expires in 2023."

Schnell's former boss and top Swiss law enforcement official, Federal Prosecutor Michael Lauber, currently is facing impeachment proceedings following allegations of mishandling high-profile corruption and money laundering cases. For example, Lauber was forced to recuse himself from a U.S.-led investigation of corruption within FIFA, soccer's international governing body, after it was discovered he was meeting with FIFA's president. Russian officials were among the targets of this investigation for bribes paid to secure the World Cup.

The full text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Ambassador Pitteloud,

I was troubled to learn that the most senior Russia specialist in Swiss law enforcement with responsibility for investigating the Magnitsky case was caught accepting gifts from Russian officials. The reports indicate that these gifts were meant to stymie the swift administration of justice in this case.

As a member of the Helsinki Commission, I have followed this case from its inception. Sergei Magnitsky's story has become emblematic of the struggle of many Russians to fight the corruption of their own government at great risk to themselves. While I have been dispirited by the brutality shown the Russian journalists and civil society activists who carry on Magnitsky's legacy of bravely telling the truth, I am also heartened by the tenacity of these individuals. They depend on countries like ours to hold their oppressors to account.

Given all that is at stake, I was surprised to learn that a Swiss Federal Police officer, Vincenz Schnell, went on a bear-hunting trip with Russian prosecutors paid for by Russian oligarchs. Though he has now been found guilty of accepting this and other gifts from Russia, the Magnitsky case has lingered for years and will be nearing its end when the statute of limitations expires in 2023.

The last Swiss actions that I am aware of in the Magnitsky case were the 2011 freezing of $11 million against Olga and Vladlen Stepanov and the 2012 freezing of $8 million against Prevezon. In the United States, we have added the Stepanovs to the Magnitsky sanctions list, where their assets are frozen and visas cancelled for their role in the Magnitsky case. U.S. law enforcement also prosecuted Prevezon for using proceeds from the Magnitsky case to purchase New York real estate and Prevezon has now paid a $6 million settlement to our government.

My Senate colleagues and I are committed to seeing justice done in the Magnitsky case and preventing Russian kleptocrats from reaping the proceeds of corruption. I hope to hear from you as to what steps your government has taken and will take in the future to restore confidence in the integrity of this investigation and ensure its timely resolution.

Sincerely,

Roger F. Wicker

Co-Chairman

Institute of Museum, Library Services: Groundbreaking Stories of American Women Aviators in World War II

WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Institute of Museum and Library Services issued the following information:

Women had been serving in critical civilian support roles for the military since the American Revolution. However, during World War II, attitudes toward women in uniform began to change. Approximately 350,000 American women volunteered for service in the Nurses Corps, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs), the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS), and many other capacities. But it was not until President Harry S. Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act into law on June 12, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Institute of Museum and Library Services issued the following information: Women had been serving in critical civilian support roles for the military since the American Revolution. However, during World War II, attitudes toward women in uniform began to change. Approximately 350,000 American women volunteered for service in the Nurses Corps, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs), the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS), and many other capacities. But it was not until President Harry S. Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act into law on June 12,1948 that women were able to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military and be recognized as veterans.

"I firmly believe the WASP story has become a compelling part of our history," said Terri Blackwell, project manager at the Abilene Library Consortium. "And in return for the sacrifices of these women, we are charged with safeguarding the WASP legacy for future generations of American men and women."

The National WASP WWII Museum reached out to the Abilene Library Consortium (ALC) for assistance in developing an online collection utilizing the University of North Texas and the Portal to Texas History. The ALC received a TexTreasures grant totaling $32,055 through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services that enabled them to make 2,448 items digitally available to the public.

"Making the collection available on the Portal to Texas History was important to provide more public access and increase awareness," said Ann Haub, lead archivist at the National WASP WWII Museum. "The portal provides ease of access for the general public to the WASP story which has inspired generations to follow their dream--especially women in aviation."

The two-year project focused on the preservation and digitization of a vast number of photographs, diaries, training schedules, classwork, training manuals, and letters donated by former student pilots and their families.

"Through our efforts, we were able to preserve the history of women pilots who confronted gender barriers and served their country through participation in military air support," said Blackwell. "As women continue to rise to positions of authority and leadership in our society, it is important that modern women can look to heroes that came before them."

As a consortium of libraries, the ALC felt obligated to contribute to this project because of the impact the WASP had on West Texas and American women.

From 1942 to 1944, more than 1,000 women completed training at Avenger Field, in Sweetwater, Texas. After graduation, they were stationed at 120 air bases across the country, relieving male pilots for combat duty. Throughout the program, WASPs ferried, tested and delivered planes across the country. They flew all types of military planes, pulled targets for live ammunition anti-aircraft training, flew simulated strafing missions, and aided in training male navigators, bombardiers, and gunners.

"Our goal is to make sure the WASPS are permanently remembered," said Haub. "We hope that their courage and accomplishments continue to inspire future generations of women and all who view the collection."

WASP pilots received hundreds of commendations during the war. After the program ended, the Army Air Force acknowledged that the female pilots performed in an exemplary manner and worked well with their AAF counterparts. It was finally recognized that WASPs had served as well as men and this had a tremendous impact on the future of women in the military.

"The WASP represent the human desire to accomplish one's dreams, to use one's mind for learning, and to not be defined by stereotypes," said Blackwell. "By remembering that WASPs sacrificed a lot, sometimes their lives, for ideals that modern women still strive to achieve, we realize that these women were truly heroes."

Guaranty Bank & Trust and FHLB Dallas Award $60K in Grants to Two Texas Nonprofits

HOUSTON, Texas, July 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:

Guaranty Bank & Trust and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) provided $60,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) grants to Houston, Texas-based Shelters to Shutters and Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM).

Shelters to Shutters, which received $30,000, works to transition individuals and families out of homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing full-time employment and affordable housing opportunities through direct ... Show Full Article HOUSTON, Texas, July 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release: Guaranty Bank & Trust and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) provided $60,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) grants to Houston, Texas-based Shelters to Shutters and Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM). Shelters to Shutters, which received $30,000, works to transition individuals and families out of homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing full-time employment and affordable housing opportunities through directpartnerships with apartment industry companies.

CAM, which also received $30,000, serves individuals in crisis by providing financial assistance, primarily toward rent and utilities, food for families through a thriving food pantry, special delivery of food and toiletries for elderly and disabled people with a lack of mobility and one-on-one job counseling through its Operation Jobs program.

"While we are a small organization, we have big goals for our program to grow and impact underserved individuals and families who are in need of a hand up," said Shelters to Shutters CEO Andy Helmer. "The PGP grant provides a huge boost for us to reach our goals financially, as well as a platform to raise awareness about our services for our community."

According to Mr. Helmer, the PGP funds will be used for organizational capacity building and toward funding a full-time operational lead in Houston to run the program at the local level with support from their national team. This is the organization's first PGP award. Mr. Helmer said the grant will help provide resources that many can use for the betterment of themselves and their family.

CAM, also a first-time PGP grant recipient, will use the money to assist with rental assistance, utility assistance, job training and employment services.

"This grant allows us to help the whole person and not just put a band-aid on their situation," said Martha Burnes, CAM's executive director. "A grant like this allows us to financially support individuals through different job training programs, which then helps them move forward and become self-sufficient by making them more employable."

Shalene Jacobson, executive vice president and chief risk officer of Guaranty Bank & Trust, said the PGP is crucial for the continuation of programs like these that serve the Houston community.

"There are a lot of citizens who rely upon community programs and affordable resources from local organizations," said Ms. Jacobson. "At Guaranty Bank & Trust, we appreciate the opportunity to serve and work with organizations like Shelters to Shutters and CAM who address the needs of the community when unexpected events like COVID-19 happen."

Funding under FHLB Dallas' PGP was increased by $2 million in 2020 under FHLB Dallas' COVID-19 Relief Program to support community-based organizations (CBOs) involved in affordable housing activities, stimulating small business development or providing small businesses with technical assistance. The use of funds for these organizations was also expanded to include COVID-19 relief.

Through this unique grant program, FHLB Dallas member institutions contribute from $500 to $6,000 to a CBO, which FHLB Dallas matches at a new, higher 5:1 ratio (compared to the previous 3:1 ratio) resulting in a match of up to $30,000. If multiple member institutions contribute to the same CBO in one year, the maximum FHLB Dallas match for those member contributions is $60,000 per year. In both cases, the total grant to the CBO would be the sum of the member contribution(s) plus the FHLB Dallas match. Grants are awarded annually through FHLB Dallas and its member institutions.

"The PGP funds enable our members to work with community-based organizations to help make a positive impact on their communities," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Through the PGP, resources can be utilized to extend programs far beyond what was originally available."

To learn more about the PGP, visit fhlb.com/pgp.

General Services Administration Announces Plans to Revamp Small Business GWAC Programs

WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:

The U.S. General Services Administration is planning a new approach to its small business Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) to help federal agencies partner with small businesses in various socioeconomic categories to meet the government's information technology (IT) requirements. GSA announced the cancellation of the Alliant 2 Small Business (A2SB) solicitation.

Since A2SB was originally announced, the federal government's requirements have evolved and GSA recognizes the opportunity to strengthen, ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release: The U.S. General Services Administration is planning a new approach to its small business Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWAC) to help federal agencies partner with small businesses in various socioeconomic categories to meet the government's information technology (IT) requirements. GSA announced the cancellation of the Alliant 2 Small Business (A2SB) solicitation. Since A2SB was originally announced, the federal government's requirements have evolved and GSA recognizes the opportunity to strengthen,innovate, and better respond to changing technology needs and security threats. Plans are underway for a new and enhanced small business GWAC program that better reflects the changing landscape and addresses the needs of agencies to access the expertise of small businesses. The changes will support recent developments in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and supply chain risk management.

Following additional market research with customer agencies and small business stakeholders, the future GWAC program strategy will include new solicitations aimed to develop pools of qualified small businesses including those from multiple socioeconomic categories such as Women-Owned, HUBzone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, and 8(a) small businesses.

"The needs of our customer agencies, small business partners, and industry partners are rapidly evolving," said GSA Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category, Laura Stanton. "GSA is committed to finding ways for our GWACs to reflect the current IT marketplace so that we can maximize the opportunities for small and women-owned, HUBzone, service-disabled veteran-owned, and 8(a) small businesses to contract with the government for cybersecurity, emerging technology, and IT supply chain risk management needs. We are working to expand the number of master contract awards to highly qualified small businesses on our GWACs, while focusing on technology requirements that support our customer agencies for future mission success."

As part of the new strategy, GSA will be issuing a request for proposals later this month for the 8(a) STARS III GWAC, the agency's flagship vehicle for procuring IT services and solutions from 8(a) prime contractors. A draft request for proposals was issued in August 2019 and GSA received robust industry feedback. The final solicitation will incorporate much of that feedback, with an even greater focus on supply chain security, emerging technologies, and performance outside of the continental United States.

Federal customers looking for a contract vehicle to fill IT services needs from small business prime contractors are encouraged to use GSA's portfolio of IT contracts during this transition. GSA recently raised the ceiling on 8(a) STARS II by $7 billion to $22 billion. Both 8(a) STARS II and VETS 2 are Best-In-Class vehicles. Agencies may also use the Multiple Award Schedule - Information Technology (formerly IT Schedule 70). Small businesses may continue to offer solutions through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), team with existing GSA GWAC contract holders, and consider the forthcoming 8(a) STARS III GWAC solicitation.

For more information about becoming a certified 8(a) program participant visit SBA's 2019 website(https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program) or reach out to an SBA representative (https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance). For more information on how to work with GSA and participate in the GWAC program visit GSA's 2019 website https://www.gsa.gov/small-business/-become-a-gsa-vendor/-explore-business-models.

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond: Home Repair Costs in Baltimore

RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond issued the following article by research intern Benjamin Lukas and author Eileen Divringi:

Introduction

A good home can create a foundation for happiness, productivity, and success. Repair needs can form a roadblock to well-being if left unaddressed. In addition to signaling financial distress, housing disrepair can contribute to a wide range of health conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, lead poisoning, physical injuries, and mental ailments. Still, over one-third of occupied American housing units report having ... Show Full Article

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