A memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Brazil has been signed.  CompTIA, a major technology association, announced today that its Space Enterprise Council  (SEC) and the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo “FIESP” signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the express purpose of promoting the advancement of space cooperation between the United States and Brazil. 

CompTIA Space Enterprise Council-Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP) MOU Signing Far left (representing FIESP) former Brazilian Ambassador to the U.S. Rubens Barbosa Also seated at the table (though not part of the signing ceremony) Petronia Souza, Director of Space Policy and Strategic Investments, AEB (Brazilian Space Agency)

According to FIESP the organization is known as the most influential trade association in Brazil.  Former Brazilian Ambassador to the United States Rubens Barbosa, the signatory for FIESP, stated that the Federation of Industries of the Sao Paulo State is very pleased to cooperate with CompTIA Space Enterprise Council to enhance the contacts and coordination between Brazilian and U.S. space companies. Space is a new and important area of cooperation with opportunities for companies of both countries.

The MOU focuses on four areas including

• joint advocacy
• sharing of information on capabilities and supply needs
• organizing trade missions and other industry meetings
• identification and definition of potential joint projects

FIESP and the SEC will collaborate to provide guidance and content to the U.S.-Brazil Defense Industry Dialogue Space Working Group.  The U.S.-Brazil Defense Industry Dialogue was created two years ago to enable governments and industry to exchange information and ideas; increase technology cooperation and collaboration in the defense sector; deepen mutual understanding of our defense industries; and discuss long-term defense priorities. The SEC joined the Dialogue and expanded the Dialogue scope to include commercial, civil, and national security space.

CompTIA Space Enterprise Council’s Executive Director and U.S. lead for the U.S.-Brazil Defense Industry Dialogue Space Working Group David Logsdon stated that the agreement between their two organizations will help accelerate space cooperation between their two great nations. Accelerated space cooperation will help drive innovation and benefit the citizens of both countries.

Founded in 2000, the CompTIA Space Enterprise Council represents all sectors of the space industry, including commercial, civil, and national security interests. Collectively, the Council brings a unique voice to policy discussions centered on space and innovative technology convergence, exploration, and the impact of the space program on economic prosperity and national security.

CompTIA has approximately 2,000 member companies, 3,000 academic and training partners, over 100,000 registered users and more than two million IT certifications issued.  CompTIA's range of programs foster workforce skills development and generate critical knowledge and insight —  building the foundation for technology’s future.