The National Center for Simulation (NCS) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1993 as the link among the defense industry, government, and academia on behalf of the entire simulation, training, and modeling community. Their primary objectives have been to serve as a facilitator for the spin-off of military simulation technology into other useful applications. The NCS serves as a bridge between communities of interest in the digital media and more traditional simulation technology industries.

Planned activities for 2016/2017 include serving as project director of the Metro Orlando Defense Task Force (MODTF), leading efforts to protect, grow and enhance the $6 billion modeling, simulation and training industry in Orlando and working directly with the State of Florida to mitigate the threat of DOD budget cuts, sequestration and base realignment and closures (BRAC); continued support for the digital media industry cluster and its convergence with other traditional defense-oriented simulation and training industry, with a special focus on support for, sponsorship of and participation in Orlando-based conferences; supporting middle and high school simulation and technology programs through STEM offerings, field trips and student scholarships; diversification and growth of our community's simulation business base through pursuit of federal funding for new initiatives in medical simulation, promoting Orlando as an emerging cluster of medical MS&T and attracting high-tech organizations and firms to locate facilities in Orlando; and participating in the 2016 I/ITSEC Conference. The City's contribution of $35,000 will assist the NCS in achieving their goals as defined in Exhibit "A" of the attached agreement.

Approval of the 2016-2017 National Center for Simulation Funding Agreement and authorization for the Mayor to execute the funding agreement subject to the review and approval by the City Attorney's Office.