LANL conference registration deadline

Over the next five years, LANL plans to award some $200 million in master task order agreements for general construction services, such as civil, architectural-structural, electrical, mechanical and piping. Learn specifics about the task order agreements at a free general construction services solicitation conference from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Buffalo Thunder Resorts in Pojoaque.

Laboratory procurement, construction and contract management staff will make presentations and be available to answer questions about the master task order agreements, and LANL's safety, security, quality assurance and lab engineering standards requirements, said John Bretzke, acting associate director for project management.

A master task order agreement establishes subcontract terms and conditions for upcoming general construction activities at LANL. Master task order agreements are a more economical and efficient way of defining LANL's general construction requirements.

Businesses also have an opportunity to sign up -- first come, first served -- for one of 90, one-minute "speed dating" presentations, in which companies can describe their business and the goods and services they provide. Businesses also can network to facilitate collaborations with other business interested in doing work for LANL.

Contact Jim Carrigan of LANL's Small Business Program Office at carrigan_james@lanl.gov or 667-4419 to sign up for one of these speed dating slots.

Though the conference is free, companies must register by the end of the workday today. Register by writing to business@lanl.gov or call 667-4419 to obtain a registration form.

$100,000 at stake from venture fund

The Venture Acceleration Fund of Los Alamos National Security LLC, the company that manages and operates Los Alamos National Laboratory for the National Nuclear Security Administration, is accepting applications for the 2012 calendar year. The three companies selected in the competition will receive up to $100,000 each to commercialize technology and take it to market faster.

The Venture Acceleration Fund helps innovative companies reach the next level of success through business and technology development activities such as proof-of-concept, prototyping, securing initial customers or obtaining additional funding. Companies located in the Northern New Mexico counties of Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Sandoval, Rio Arriba, Taos, San Miguel and Mora are given preference for funding, as are projects associated with LANL technology or expertise.

VAF applications will be accepted throughout 2012 and will be reviewed in three rounds corresponding to three application deadlines: Feb. 24, May 25 and Aug. 25. One award will be made for each round. "The quality of applications has increased greatly over the past two years, so we expect the process will be competitive for 2012," said David Pesiri, Los Alamos National Laboratory's Technology Transfer Division leader.

To find out more about the LANS Venture Acceleration Fund or to submit a VAF Application in 2012, visit www.nnmconnect.net.

Martinez added

Kristina E. Martinez has joined the Rothstein law firm as an associate in the Santa Fe office.

She practices in the area of civil litigation. Martinez has handled cases in the areas of torts, contracts, employment, discrimination, wrongful discharge, real property, land use, oil and gas, and water rights.

Degree for Horne

Robert Horne of Images by David's Photogaphy Studio in Santa Fe has earned a master of photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America.

The degree was presented by PPA President Don Dickson at the association's annual convention in New Orleans.

Capital Markets Review

Raymond James, a broker/dealer with a new branch in Santa Fe, has just published for clients and prospective clients its first quarter 2012 Capital Markets Review.

The report shows, among other things, that U.S. gross domestic product increased at a 1.8 percent annualized rate in the third quarter of 2011.

For more information, call John R. Adams, financial adviser with Raymond James and Associates in Santa Fe, at
982-1904.

Appraiser appraised

Suzanne C. Stanley, a certified appraiser, recently completed the process for maintaining her certified status as an appraiser of personal property by the International Society of Appraisers, the nation's largest organization of personal property appraisers, a news release said.