Good afternoon,
The latest report can be accessed here – SITREP Saltwater Intrusion, 16 November 2023
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
LABEOC Team
Category: 2023
DHS Announces New 24.1 Small Business Innovation Research Pre-Solicitation
News Release |
| WASHINGTON –The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program released six additional topics for the new SBIR 24.1 Pre-solicitation, providing small businesses a chance to review the topics and ask clarifying technical questions about topic requirements over a select period of time. SBIR provides funding and support to small businesses to develop innovative technologies and solutions that address homeland security challenges. “The SBIR program is one of the best ways for small businesses to partner with DHS to explore innovative concepts with non-dilutive funding,” said DHS SBIR Director Dusty Lang. “Small businesses are a crucial part of the DHS mission, and this program enables the Department to interact with these entities and create an environment of innovation toward economic growth that benefits the country.” The topics are listed below. For more information, including full descriptions, please visit SAM.gov. Technical questions should be emailed to the specific addresses listed in the 24.1 SBIR Topic Areas (Appendix A) for each topic. Small businesses have until 5:00 PM ET on December 14, 2023, to submit questions. The DHS topics in the 24.1 SBIR Pre-Solicitation are:
The DHS SBIR program is also launching its Phase 0 program, designed to increase outreach to small businesses that have never applied before. “The Phase 0 program is designed to reach new potential offerors, help them understand the process, and provide fresh perspectives for DHS to partner on novel solutions for our mission needs,” said Lang. For more information on the Phase 0 Program, visit https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir. About DHS S&T The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) mission is to enable effective, efficient, and secure operations across all homeland security missions by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions and support departmental acquisitions. Created by Congress in 2003, S&T conducts basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing and evaluation activities relevant to support Homeland Security and first responder operations and protect critical infrastructure. For more information about S&T, visit scitech.dhs.gov. |
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Saltwater Intrusion SITREP 9 November 2023
Please click below to view the situational report –
Saltwater Intrusion Update Call Today at 2:00 pm
Join us today for the last weekly saltwater intrusion update call. (See the call information below)
Please contact us if you have any questions at info@labeoc.org.
Thank you,
LABEOC Team
Zoom Call Information
Meeting ID: 892 8390 0956 Passcode: 614006
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One tap mobile +16469313860,,89283900956#,,,,*614006# US +19292056099,,89283900956#,,,,*614006# US (New York)
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Dial by your location • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 892 8390 0956 Passcode: 614006
FEMA Announces $211 Million in Funding Opportunities for Two Dam Safety Grant Programs
FEMA will commit more than $211 million in funding to enhance dam safety efforts across the nation to ensure that communities have the critical infrastructure needed to protect against future disasters and prevent future flooding.
Dams are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure, yet many are aging and deteriorating, and dam failure may occur within hours of the first signs of breaching because of intense storms. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing nearly $6.8 billion toward community-wide resilience to reduce disaster suffering and avoid future disaster costs. This includes a total $733 million for the two dam safety programs over five years to help state, territorial, and local governments take action to address high-hazard potential dams that pose dangers to life and property if they fail.
The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program is making about $185 million available and another approximately $26 million available through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program. The investments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help protect communities from flooding, avoid disaster costs, and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Grants through the Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program are available to non-federal governments and nonprofits for the technical expertise, planning, design, and construction needed to rehabilitate eligible, non-federal high-hazard potential dams.
Eligible non-federal dams are:
- Located in a state or territory with a dam safety program
- Classified as high hazard potential by the dam safety agency in the state or territory where the dam is located
- Current in their emergency action plan, which must be approved by the state or territorial dam safety agency
- Failing to meet minimum dam safety standards of the state or territory or poses an unacceptable risk to the public
National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. These grants establish and maintain effective state programs to ensure dam safety and protect human life and property. The state administrative agency, or an equivalent state agency, is eligible to apply. Each eligible state or territory may submit only one grant application. The funding opportunities open on Nov. 6 and will be found on Grants.gov. The deadline to apply is Feb. 29, 2024.
FEMA will post informational webinars to provide an overview of this year’s two dam safety funding opportunities to help interested applicants. For more information about dam safety and the webinars, visit FEMA’s dam safety webpage on FEMA.gov.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:
- Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
- Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
- Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
- Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Private-Sector@fema.dhs.gov
Follow Us
Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on Twitter, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.
Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
FEMA Mission
Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
Webinar: Tis the e-Season: Safeguard Your Shopping
Join us for a joyful but advice-packed webinar about how you can protect your identity, devices, and your wallet during the holiday shopping frenzy! In just one hour, we’ll reveal essential strategies and tips you’ll want to know before clicking the Buy button. Learn about the latest threats, from AI-assisted phishing campaigns to phone scams, and how you and yours can defend against them. We’re here to spread cheer and awesome online shopping advice! Don’t let those dastardly cybercriminal Grinches nab your holiday spirit—join us and shop with confidence!
Nov 14, 2023 01:00 PM CDT
Featured Speakers:
- Lynette Owens, Vice President, Global Consumer Education & Marketing, Trend Micro
- Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director, National Cybersecurity Alliance
Register here – https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6euTvWC_TvaMTu6V95XSzw
Saltwater Intrusion Incident SITREP- 2 November 2023
Please click on the link below to view
Saltwater Intrusion Update Call Cancelled for Nov. 1
Please join us next week on November 8, at 2:00 p.m.
Zoom Call Information
Meeting ID: 892 8390 0956 Passcode: 614006
—
One tap mobile +16469313860,,89283900956#,,,,*614006# US +19292056099,,89283900956#,,,,*614006# US (New York)
—
Dial by your location • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 892 8390 0956 Passcode: 614006
Please get in touch with us if you have any questions at info@labeoc.org.
Thank you,
LABEOC Team
Please remember to check out our news alerts on labeoc.org and follow our social media for updates @LABEOC.
NOTICE: DOTD Lane Closures for Both Bridges over the Intracoastal Canal in Larose
UPDATE: DOTD Lane Closures for Both Bridges over the Intracoastal Canal in Larose
Please note the date change from tomorrow, November 1, to Monday, November 6, 2023, for both of these lane closures.
According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the southbound lane of the West Larose Vertical Lift Span Bridge (aka the Intracoastal Bridge on LA 1 in Larose) will be closed on Monday, November 6, 2023, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM in order for DOTD personnel to perform bridge inspection operations. Flagging operations will be utilized during the closure to facilitate traffic in both directions.
In addition, the northbound lane of the Louisiana Highway 308 overpass crossing the Intracoastal Canal in Larose will be closed on Monday, November 6, 2023, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM for bridge inspection. Flagging operations will be utilized during the closure to facilitate traffic in both directions.
Please be aware that these inspection closures may overlap for a brief period midday, so expect heavy traffic delays at peak rush hour times.
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the work zone and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Saltwater Intrusion Incident SITREP 10.26.23
Please see attached the Situational Report for today for the Saltwater Intrusion Incident.
After a cyber-attack…What’s Next? webinar begins in 30 minutes!
Free Webinar – After a Cyber-Attack…What’s Next? How to Preserve Evidence and Get Back to Work.
Presented by Josef Friis with S1 Technology
Today at 10:00 am
Follow the link to receive your Zoom information – https://ullafayette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqc-uurzMvGtKtHMrDYySyJ0Nr2bBC_Rydhttps://forms.office.com/r/8E1fnkWrMt
Speaker Biography
Mr. Friis has been the Service Desk Manager at S1 Technology since January 2023, he manages the Service team and day-to-day operations.
Before S1 Technology, Joe worked at Cohesive Connections in Lafayette, LA for 9 years when he started on the cabling and service team and eventually became Head of Business Development. Joe went to School at UL while he served in the Louisiana National Guard from 2006 until 2020. While serving, he held positions within the Infantry and combat engineer as an enlisted soldier. In 2011, he was commissioned as a Signal officer holding positions as Communication officer of 2 separate Battalions and joining the Communications team at the Brigade level holding the position of automations officer.
S1 Technology is the fastest-growing MSP in Louisiana because we provide a security-first approach to a full range of managed IT services and IT support for small to mid-sized businesses in Louisiana. With the ideal mix of high-level expertise and quick response, we make sure your tech never gets in the way.
They differ from the other guys because we care about your uptime, not just your downtime. We’re focused on proactive maintenance & preventing problems, not just showing up when things break.
Meeting Hosts
Launched in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center supports the business community during a disaster.
The LABEOC works with the coordination of activities and resources of businesses and volunteer organizations in Louisiana and across the nation, as well as with the public sector. The goal is to improve response, improve self-sufficiency, and reduce reliance on FEMA and other federal assistance in order to maximize business, industry, and economic stabilization, returning the business environment to normal operations as quickly as possible.
(337) 482-0627
info@labeoc.org
The National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies (NIMSAT) Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette focuses on enriching public-private partnerships and advanced information technologies to enhance the national resiliency for a full range of potential disasters.
(337) 482-0060
iriconnect@louisiana.edu
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers no-cost confidential business consulting and affordable workshops to new entrepreneurs and existing business owners. The Center maintains a solid reputation as an effective business assistance agency in the community serving the Acadiana area including parishes such as Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, Saint Landry, Saint Martin, Saint Mary, and Vermilion.
(337) 482-6312
lsbdc.ull@louisianasbdc.org
The LA Apex (formerly the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (LA PTAC) provides specialized and professional procurement technical assistance to Louisiana businesses who are actively seeking and/or performing on contracts and subcontracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal, state and local governments.
(337) 482-6422
NOTICE: Intermittent Road Closures on Hwy. 308 in Cut Off on Friday, Monday
October 25, 2023
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced two upcoming road closures that may affect local traffic.
On Friday, October 27, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., LA 308 will be closed intermittently for both northbound and southbound traffic between the Cut Off Lift Bridge (aka Le Pont D’Or Bridge near McDonald’s) near East 28th Street and the Cote Blanche Pontoon Bridge near East 52nd Street in Cut Off, LA.
On Monday, October 30, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., LA 308 will be closed intermittently for both northbound and southbound traffic between the Cote Blanche Pontoon Bridge near East 52nd Street to East 90th Street in Cut Off, LA.
These intermittent full closures on LA 308 are needed in order to allow LA DOTD’s tree-cutting contractor to cut down and remove dangerously overhanging trees at several locations within the closure limits on LA 308.
During the intermittent closures, no through traffic will be allowed through the work zone.
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the work zone and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
List of parishes that opted out of burn ban.
The following parishes opted out of the state’s burn ban:
- Acadia
- Ascension
- Bossier
- Caddo
- Claiborne
- DeSoto
- Evangeline
- Jackson
- Lincoln
- Livingston
- Morehouse
- Natchitoches
- Ouachita
- Red River
- Sabine
- St. Mary
- Tangipahoa
- Webster
- West Baton Rouge
- West Feliciana
Find your parish!
October 25 | Cybersecurity Webinar and Saltwater Update Call
We have two events tomorrow, Wednesday, October 25. Please make plans to attend both!
Free Webinar – After a Cyber-Attack…How to Preserve Evidence and Get Back to Work.
10:00 am – Presented by Josef Friis with S1 Technology. If you are not registered for the webinar, please follow the link – https://forms.office.com/r/8E1fnkWrMt
Saltwater Intrusion Update Call
2:00 pm – Saltwater Intrusion Update Call.
Zoom Call Information
Meeting ID: 892 8390 0956 Passcode: 614006
—
One tap mobile +16469313860,,89283900956#,,,,*614006# US +19292056099,,89283900956#,,,,*614006# US (New York)
—
Dial by your location • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 892 8390 0956 Passcode: 614006
NOTICE: WATER DISTRICT WORK IN FOURCHON TOMORROW
October 23, 2023
Please be advised that the Lafourche Parish Water District is installing a new water valve tomorrow, October 24, 2023. While this utility work is in progress, the Water District is asking Port Fourchon tenants to shut off 2-inch valves feeding tanks between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. tomorrow. Please plan accordingly.
The Fourchon water supply tank is full, and water lines in Port Fourchon should all be operational. With the help of port tenants lightening the load on the water supply for this brief period, the valve replacement work should not impact normal water usage.
Thank you for your patience during this utility work.
Free webinar alert: After a cyber-attack… What’s next? How to preserve evidence and get back to work.
After a cyber-attack… What’s next? How to preserve evidence and get back to work.
October 25, 2023
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Reserve your seat today! Register Now!
After you register, you will receive a Zoom link before the meeting.
Guest Speaker- Josef Friis with S1 Technology
S1 Technology is the fastest-growing MSP in Louisiana because we provide a security-first approach to a full range of managed IT services and IT support for small to mid-sized businesses in Louisiana. With the ideal mix of high-level expertise and quick response, we make sure your tech never gets in the way.
They differ from the other guys because we care about your uptime, not just your downtime. We’re focused on proactive maintenance & preventing problems, not just showing up when things break.
Speaker Biography
Mr. Friis has been the Service Desk Manager at S1 Technology since January 2023, he manages the Service team and day-to-day operations.
Before S1 Technology, Joe worked at Cohesive Connections in Lafayette, LA for 9 years when he started on the cabling and service team and eventually became Head of Business Development. Joe went to School at UL while he served in the Louisiana National Guard from 2006 until 2020. While serving, he held positions within the Infantry and combat engineer as an enlisted soldier. In 2011, he was commissioned as a Signal officer holding positions as Communication officer of 2 separate Battalions and joining the Communications team at the Brigade level holding the position of automations officer.
Meeting Hosts
Launched in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center supports the business community during a disaster.
The LABEOC works with the coordination of activities and resources of businesses and volunteer organizations in Louisiana and across the nation, as well as with the public sector. The goal is to improve response, improve self-sufficiency, and reduce reliance on FEMA and other federal assistance in order to maximize business, industry, and economic stabilization, returning the business environment to normal operations as quickly as possible.
(337) 482-0627
info@labeoc.org
The National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies (NIMSAT) Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette focuses on enriching public-private partnerships and advanced information technologies to enhance the national resiliency for a full range of potential disasters.
(337) 482-0060
iriconnect@louisiana.edu
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers no-cost confidential business consulting and affordable workshops to new entrepreneurs and existing business owners. The Center maintains a solid reputation as an effective business assistance agency in the community serving the Acadiana area including parishes such as Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, Saint Landry, Saint Martin, Saint Mary, and Vermilion.
(337) 482-6312
lsbdc.ull@louisianasbdc.org
The LA Apex (formerly the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (LA PTAC) provides specialized and professional procurement technical assistance to Louisiana businesses who are actively seeking and/or performing on contracts and subcontracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal, state and local governments.
(337) 482-6422
Saltwater Intrusion SITREP – October 19, 2023
CISA, NSA, FBI, and MS-ISAC Release Phishing Prevention Guidance
10/18/2023 08:00 AM EDT
Today, the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) released a joint guide, Phishing Guidance: Stopping the Attack Cycle at Phase One. The joint guide outlines phishing techniques malicious actors commonly use and provides guidance for both network defenders and software manufacturers to reduce the impact of phishing techniques used in obtaining credentials and deploying malware.
CISA and its partners encourage network defenders and software manufacturers to implement the recommendations in the guide to reduce the frequency and impact of phishing incidents. For more information, see CISA’s Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware and Security-by-Design and -Default webpages.
LA 1 Expressway Intermittent Lane Closures Scheduled Nightly 10/16-10/23
October 16, 2023
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced that there will be intermittent southbound nightly lane closure(s) at the toll gantry from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. from October 16-23, 2023. These brief closures are necessary to allow for work to be performed on the gantry electronic tolling system.
During these intermittent closures, vehicular traffic will be flagged through the northbound lane at the toll plaza.
Also, the southbound lane at the Leeville Bridge Toll Plaza on LA 1 will be closed intermittently for 10 to 20 minutes at a time from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on the nights of October 18, 2023, to October 22, 2023, to allow the contractor to perform testing operations and adjustments to the overhead gantry electronic tolling equipment.
Permit loads traveling northbound or southbound will not be affected by this partial closure.
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the work zone and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.
Greater Lafourche Port Commission
Latest saltwater wedge forecast released by USACE
For Immediate Release:
Oct. 12, 2023
Public Affairs: Ricky Boyett
(504) 862-1524
Ricky.D.Boyett@usace.army.mil
Additional treatment facilities may not experience chloride levels that exceed 250 parts per
million
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District released today the
latest Saltwater Wedge Timeline forecast of when water treatment facilities may be impacted by
saltwater intrusion.
USACE uses the National Weather Service 28-day Lower Mississippi River forecast, daily river
observations and computer modeling to project the progression of the saltwater intrusion as it
relates to the multiple municipal water treatment facilities along the river.
Updates based on the latest forecast:
1. Boothville: No change
2. Port Sulphur: No change
3. Pointe A La Hache: No change
4. Belle Chasse: Oct. 27 (previously Oct. 13)
5. Dalcour: Nov. 1 (previously Oct. 17)
6. St. Bernard: Nov. 8 (previously Oct. 28)
7. New Orleans Algiers: Not anticipated to experience chloride levels exceeding 250 ppm
(previously Nov. 23)
8. Gretna: Not anticipated to experience chloride levels exceeding 250 ppm (previously Nov. 26)
9. West Jefferson: No change
10. New Orleans Carrollton: No change
11. East Jefferson: No change
The updated Saltwater Wedge Timeline is available on the New Orleans District website
here: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Engineering/Stage-and-HydrologicData/SaltwaterWedge/
The change in forecast is largely the result of augmentation of the existing underwater sill and
increased flows of the Red River, requiring less diversion at the Old River Control Structure.
Augmentation of the underwater sill, constructed in July, began in late September. As of this
week construction has brought the sill up from an elevation of -55 to -30 feet from the river
surface, while maintaining a channel at -55 for deep draft navigation on the Mississippi River.
In addition to the sill augmentation, rainfall in the Red River Basin has increased flows on the
Red River. The combined flows of the Mississippi and Red Rivers are used to calculate the
Congressionally authorized 70/30 distribution at the Old River Control Structure. With increased
flows on the Red River, less water is required to maintain the authorized distribution at Old
River Control Structure allows for greater flows down the Mississippi River.
The combination of the sill augmentation and increased river flows has led to a regression of the
saltwater wedge upriver from the sill. The toe of the saltwater wedge was measured on Oct. 9 at
river mile 63.9, the approximate location of the sill.
The new forecast shows delayed impacts at facilities upriver, but water treatment facilities in
Plaquemines Parish is still impacted by the saltwater intrusion. The impact date for the Belle
Chase treatment facility is now forecast for Oct. 27, about two weeks later than the previous
forecast. Treatment facilities in Port Sulphur and Pointe A La Hache are currently experiencing
impacts from saltwater intrusion.
USACE began barging water to the Port Sulphur and Pointe A La Hache treatment facilities to
blend with water from the intakes to bring the chloride down to treatable levels. To date, USACE
has delivered more than 9 million gallons of water. USACE has also mobilized Reverse Osmosis
Units to support processing at water treatment facilities impacted by saltwater intrusion.
The intrusion of salt water into the river is a naturally occurring phenomenon because the bottom
of the riverbed between Natchez, Miss., and the Gulf of Mexico is below sea level. Denser
saltwater moves upriver along the bottom of the river beneath the less dense freshwater flowing
downstream. Under normal conditions, the downstream flow of the river prevents significant
upriver progression of the salt water. However, in times of extremely low-volume water flow, such
as what has been occurring this year, unimpeded salt water can travel upriver and threaten
municipal drinking water and industrial water supplies. An underwater sill was constructed on
four previous occasions in 1988, 1999, 2012, and last year in 2022.
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