Lt. Governor Guadagno Announces Military Defense Consultant Contract

On Sep 20, 2016

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno today announced that Cassidy & Associates has been selected as New Jersey’s Washington, D.C. advocate representing all military installations in New Jersey. This announcement reflects the Christie Administration’s continued fulfillment of a recommendation made by the New Jersey Military Installation Growth and Development Task Force in its July 2015 report, to retain a consultant to strengthen our relationships and advocate for New Jersey’s military bases with federal government decision makers.

Lt. Governor Guadagno made the announcement at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) State Medal Ceremony at the Bridgewater Commons Mall. Nineteen state medals were presented to veterans and their family members during this ceremony.

“I am pleased to announce the well-respected firm Cassidy & Associates has been selected as the advocate for our state’s military installations, especially as we push for the Joint Base to be the new home of the KC-46A,” Lt. Governor Guadagno said. “I am happy to make this announcement before a group of veterans who have courageously and selflessly served our nation. By awarding this contract, the Administration is reinforcing its support and unwavering commitment to those serving our great nation.”

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (“Joint Base”) was ranked in the top five among all United States Air Force (USAF) Bases contending to be the Main Operating Base 4 (MOB4) for the new KC-46A.The KC-46A is a mid-flight refueling tanker that would be utilized by the 305th Air Mobility Wing, the Joint Base’s main Active Duty USAF component, specializing in global mobility and aerial refueling.

Bringing the KC-46A to the Joint Base is critical in a time of ever-shrinking federal defense spending, especially considering the Joint Base is New Jersey’s second largest employer, supporting more than 40,000 military and civilian employees – including over 7,800 part-time Reservists – and contributing more than $7 billion annually to New Jersey’s economy alone. It is estimated that the Joint Base supports more than 65,000 off-installation jobs.‎ Recognizing these facts, Governor Christie has sent a letter to USAF Secretary Deborah Lee James and USAF Chief of Staff General David Goldfein, demonstrating New Jersey’s full and unwavering support for JBMDL.