Caird Sextant, LLC

From the Poles to the Tropics - and Everywhere in Between

About the firm

Caird Sextant, LLC is an Annandale, Virginia environmental engineering and management support practice established in October 2013. It supports government, commercial, and non-governmental organizations with environmental compliance, systems engineering, ocean science research and development, modeling and simulation, and test and evaluation efforts. The practice's name references Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1916 James Caird voyage and its philosophy of solving difficult challenges with simple tools in skilled hands.

Established: 2013
Team: Micro
Firm type: Environmental Engineering · Defense Engineering

Capabilities

Research and Development Support

Service website

Scientific and technical research and development services, including oceanographic research, field data collection, and independent concept evaluations.

Ocean Science Research
Scientific investigations into oceanographic processes, utilizing tools such as remotely operated vehicles, ocean observing systems, and drifters.
Energy Technology Evaluation
Technical feasibility and market potential reviews of clean energy and biofuel concepts for funding agencies like ARPA-E.

Environmental, System & Process Engineering

Service website

Comprehensive engineering and environmental compliance services for installations, military ranges, and vessels.

Vessel Database Management
Maintenance and administration of databases detailing the inventory and engineering characteristics of vessels from utility boats to aircraft carriers.
Environmental Program Manual Review
Technical analysis and updates of environmental readiness policies and compliance guidelines.
Environmental Assessments
Evaluations of construction, operational, and radio frequency radiation impacts on protected species and human safety.
Pollution Prevention Planning
Development of facility-specific pollution prevention plans to meet environmental program goals.

Modeling, Simulation, Stimulation & Analysis

Service website

Conceptual and numerical modeling to represent complex marine environments and predict biological and physical factors.

Oceanographic & Ecosystem Modeling
Developing plankton dynamics and biogeochemical budget models for coastal and upwelling regions.
Acoustic Impact Model Review
Evaluating underwater acoustic models used to assess the impacts of testing activities on marine mammals and resources.

System Safety Engineering Support

Service website

Applying safety guidelines and hazard analysis to design, review, and operational processes.

Military Standard Safety Analysis
Utilizing standards like MIL-STD-882E for program reviews, hazardous materials management plans, and environmental hazard evaluations.

Interoperability, Test & Evaluation Support

Service website

Supporting complex field testing, trials, and environmental mitigation for live fire test and evaluation programs.

Full Ship Shock Trial Support
Leading marine observer coordination, de-conflicting airspace, and integrating environmental and meteorological models.
Marine Mammal & Endangered Species Monitoring
Performing at-sea observation, tracking, and compliance recording aboard vessels during coastal operations.

Program Support

Service website

Strategic planning, resource tracking, and project management for complex technical operations.

Action Planning & Scheduling
Establishing action plans, master schedules, and resource plans to support program execution.
Management Controls
Implementing systematic tracking and quality control tools to ensure deliverables meet schedule and quality standards.

Industries

Defense · Government · Environmental & Remediation · Marine

Projects

LCS Full Ship Shock Trial - Environmental Mitigation

Defense · Client: CSRA (prime) / US Navy PMS 501

Project details

Served as Chief Scientist for environmental mitigation during the Full Ship Shock Trial of USS Jackson (LCS 6) and USS Milwaukee (LCS 5). Led 12 marine observers on two vessels and two aircraft, integrated NOAA oceanographic and meteorological models for detonation scheduling, and de-conflicted airspace above the test area. Deployed NOAA Global Drifter Program drogues after each detonation in collaboration with NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

LCS FSST Planning Support

Defense · Client: Leidos (prime) / NSWCCD Code 6301, PMS 501

Project details

Provided environmental engineering support for the planning phase of the LCS Full Ship Shock Trial. Drafted the comprehensive FSST Mitigation Plan per Letter of Authorization and AFTT EIS/OEIS requirements, supported coordination with Navy offices and National Marine Fisheries Service, and contributed to the program-wide Shock Trial Plan.

Marine Mammal Monitoring - Long Branch Beach Dredging

Long Branch, NJ · Environmental & Remediation · Client: Coastwise Consulting (prime)

Project details

Conducted endangered species and marine mammal monitoring during beach re-nourishment dredging operations in New Jersey coastal waters. Logged 59 days at sea aboard the MV Glenn Edwards, inspecting over 100 dredging cycles of approximately 10,000 cubic yards each. Identified and quantified protected species including horseshoe crabs, blue crabs, and sharks, and maintained detailed written and photographic compliance records.

ARDEL Environmental Assessment

Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), HI · Defense · Client: US Navy PEO IWS 2.0

Project details

Completed an Environmental Assessment for the Advanced Radar Detection Laboratory at Pacific Missile Range Facility. Evaluated construction and operational radio frequency radiation emission impacts on protected species, human safety for recreational boaters and nearby personnel, and hazards to fuels and ordnance.