New DISA HQ Grand Opening

The Defense Information Systems Agency will formally open its new seven-building, 95-acre headquarters complex at Ft. Meade, Md., this Friday (April 15) in a ceremony replete with dignitaries.

Since the DISA HQ is now the largest office complex in Anne Arundel County, both Maryland Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Benjamin Cardin, along with the state's Third Congressional District Rep. John Sarbanes and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, will be on hand for the festivities, as will Defense Department CIO Teresa Takai and DISA director Army Lt. Gen. Carroll Pollett.

The Air Force 11th Wing Band from Bolling Air Force Base in Washington will provide the necessary military oompah. But alas, I'm told DISA has decided not to festoon the opening ceremony with the plastic flags used by gas stations at their grand openings.

The new HQ will house 4,000 military, civilian and contract employees when DISA completes its move from a bunch of DC-area buildings this August.