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NIST Seeks Feedback on Strategies to Achieve Crypto Agility
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NIST Seeks Feedback on Strategies to Achieve Crypto Agility

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is inviting the public to comment on a new white paper discussing approaches and considerations to achieve crypto agility.

The Cybersecurity White Paper, or CSWP, 39 outlines anticipated challenges and trade-offs to providing operational mechanisms for achieving crypto agility while maintaining interoperability, NIST said Wednesday. The latest CSWP also highlights several working areas of the effort that require more discussions.

Replacing Outdated Algorithms

According to NIST, crypto agility embodies the required capabilities to replace outdated cryptographic algorithms and use advanced versions for protocols, applications, software, hardware and infrastructures. The concept envisions the implementation of new algorithms without interrupting the flow of an existing system to achieve resilience.

The adoption of a crypto agility approach is meant to advance the NIST mission of seamlessly migrating critical government systems to post-quantum cryptography standards, which would address the threats posed by future cryptographically-relevant quantum computers to public-key cryptography. The technology is slated to support government initiatives to replace algorithms with inadequate security features.

NIST will accept feedback on the white paper until April 30. The agency will also conduct virtual workshops to discuss with relevant stakeholders the formulation of strategies for pursuing crypto agility.

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LLNS Issues RFI for Arachne Spacecraft Development Effort
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LLNS Issues RFI for Arachne Spacecraft Development Effort

Lawrence Livermore National Security seeks to develop a spacecraft as part of its proposal to be a prime contractor for a mission under the NASA Astrophysics Small Satellite Explorers Program and has issued a request for information concerning the effort.

Table of Contents

Arachne Spacecraft Bus

LLNS is looking into possible vendors that can co-engineer the Arachne spacecraft bus, which will house a technology readiness level 6 telescope, according to a sources sought notice posted Wednesday on SAM.gov. The same vendor is expected to ultimately deliver an integrated observatory to a launch services provider.

ROM Requirement

Interested parties must submit rough order of magnitude—or ROM—estimates for the proposed spacecraft bus. The ROM should include cost estimates and a technical writeup. Responses are due Apr. 18.

The selection of LLNS’ proposal by NASA is expected to result in a competitive solicitation for a firm-fixed-price subcontract by calendar year 2026. Full rate production of three units of the spacecraft is projected to begin the following year.

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Senator Introduces INNOVATE Act to Bolster Small Business Programs
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Senator Introduces INNOVATE Act to Bolster Small Business Programs

Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has announced the Investing in National Next-Generation Opportunities for Venture Acceleration and Technical Excellence, or INNOVATE, Act during the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing.

The senator said Wednesday the bill aims to revamp the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. It is designed to cut red tape and facilitate the entry of small businesses and other new applicants into the defense industrial base.

Aside from streamlining processes, the INNOVATE Act is also meant to remove corporate welfare for mills and safeguard against intellectual property theft.

Key Provisions of the INNOVATE Act

The bill intends to reorient SBIR-STTR on merit-based seed funding by eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion preferences and requiring businesses with multiple awards to be commercially viable. In addition, the bill also reserves 2.5 percent of SBIR allocation for smaller, streamlined awards and empowers the Department of Defense to enhance promising technologies through long-term contracts using existing funds.

The INNOVATE Act clearly defines foreign risks allowing agencies to evaluate applicants and determine ties with foreign countries of concern. Furthermore, the bill also eliminates pilot programs that are underperforming. This will also restrict the number of proposals one company can submit each year.

“My legislation streamlines and simplifies existing processes, directs the funding toward projects based on merit, channels funding to help accelerate the most promising projects towards final stage commercialization, protects against waste and abuse and introduces enhanced protections and accountability tools to prevent these new technologies from getting into the hands of our foreign adversaries,” said Ernst. 

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Laura McGill Appointed Director of Sandia National Laboratories
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Laura McGill Appointed Director of Sandia National Laboratories

Laura McGill, a 30-year veteran of the defense industry, has been designated as the next director of Sandia National Laboratories.

Sandia Labs said Tuesday McGill’s tenure as the 17th laboratories director will officially start on May 1. She will succeed James Peery, who is set to retire at the end of April.

Who Is Laura McGill?

McGill has been with the engineering laboratory for over four years having joined in January 2021. She most recently served as the deputy laboratories director for nuclear deterrence. She directed the ND programs and established technical strategies to ensure Sandia’s nuclear weapons portfolio achieved modernization and stockpile reliability. She also served as chief technology officer where she was responsible for Sandia’s strategic initiatives and emerging technologies.

Before joining Sandia Labs, McGill served at Raytheon’s Missile Systems business for over 14 years. She was the vice president of engineering tasked with overseeing the technical development and operational support for its advanced missiles and radar systems for the Department of Defense. She also served as chief engineer for air warfare systems from 2007 to 2012.

McGill is a lifetime fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She is currently its president and a member of the board of directors.

Rich DeGraff, chair of the board of managers of Sandia’s National Technology and Engineering Solutions, said, “Laura’s extensive experience in defense systems engineering and her proven leadership within Sandia make her exceptionally qualified to guide the Laboratories into the future.”

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DISA Issues New Data Strategy
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DISA Issues New Data Strategy

The Defense Information Systems Agency has released a new strategy that establishes the foundation for improving DISA’s cybersecurity, optimizing its network and leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning and other emerging technologies to support warfighters.

In a LinkedIn post published Tuesday, DISA said its Fiscal Years 2025-2027 Data Strategy has three lines of effort: strengthen data architecture and governance, integrate advanced analytics and cultivate a data-centric culture.

“This strategy represents a pivotal moment in DISA’s data evolution,” said Caroline Kuharske, chief data officer at DISA. “By emphasizing strong governance, advanced analytics and a culture of data-driven decision-making, we are not only strengthening our operational capabilities but also positioning the agency to lead in innovation and efficiency.”

Strengthening Data Architecture & Governance

Under this line of effort, DISA will treat and secure data as a strategic asset, streamline data infrastructure and promote data sharing and boost data maturity using robust governance and management.

Treating data as a strategic asset calls for the agency to implement data tagging and metadata management, adopt data classification standards, develop an application programming interface registry and enforce security using zero trust architecture.

Integrating Cutting-Edge Analytical Tools

To advance this line of effort, DISA will accelerate AI and machine learning adoption across services, facilitate data-driven decision-making and advance interoperability frameworks and data standards.

By adopting advanced analytical tools, the agency seeks to convert raw data into actionable insights to create a competitive advantage and drive growth.

Promoting a Data-Centric Culture

To cultivate a data-centric culture, DISA will improve data literacy through professional development opportunities, advance the use of knowledge management and embed data stewardship responsibilities and roles into the workforce.

“A data-centric workforce is the backbone of innovation,” said Kuharske. “Transforming raw information into insights that drive smarter decisions is a core value of our mission. These efforts will ensure that DISA remains agile, secure and mission-focused in an increasingly data-driven world.”

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Amber McIntyre Joins AIA as Senior Director of Civil Space
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Amber McIntyre Joins AIA as Senior Director of Civil Space

Amber McIntyre, a seasoned space policy expert, has joined the Aerospace Industries Association as senior director of civil space.

In an announcement published Tuesday, AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning said, “Amber’s experience and leadership in space policy will be critical in advancing our advocacy efforts. Her expertise will help us champion the importance of space innovation and collaboration, ensuring it remains a top priority for the new administration and Congress. We are excited to have Amber join us and drive our mission forward.”

McIntyre’s Career Background

Prior to joining AIA, McIntyre served as director of international space policy at the National Space Policy Council within the Executive Office of the Vice President, where she coordinated U.S. space policy across agencies such as NASA, the State Department and the Department of Defense. 

McIntyre was also a counselor for interagency and international relations at NASA, advising the administrator on space diplomacy and strategic agency priorities. She also held the position of deputy chief of staff for operations at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, managing key diplomatic engagements.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, McIntyre stated, “I am thrilled to announce that I have officially stepped into the role of Senior Director for Civil Space at AIA! This is not just a new job for me; it’s a purpose driven opportunity to promote American leadership in space alongside an incredible team of passionate space champions.”

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DOD Unveils MOSA Implementation Guidebook
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DOD Unveils MOSA Implementation Guidebook

The Department of Defense announced on Tuesday the release of a guidebook that offers best practices for planning, implementing and evaluating a modular open systems approach, dubbed MOSA, and provides recommendations when developing requests for proposals and assessing planned approaches for implementing MOSA.

The Office of Systems Engineering and Architecture within the DOD Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering developed the guidebook, which seeks to provide military services, contractors and civilians with information on how to integrate MOSA into programs as part of the defense acquisition life cycle.

MOSA Pillars

The document outlines DOD’s MOSA pillars, including establishing and maintaining an enabling environment that supports MOSA and employing a modular design.

Designating modular interfaces, leveraging consensus-based open standards and certifying conformance are the three other MOSA pillars discussed in the guidebook.

DOD Considerations for MOSA Implementation

The guidebook outlines DOD’s program management and technical considerations for implementing MOSA.

Prior to MOSA implementation, the acquisition program should adopt a basic framework to plan, identify, manage, define and ensure the compliance of system interfaces.

The document states that the framework should be implemented and maintained throughout the acquisition life cycle and help ensure that program managers capture all interface requirements in accordance with the program’s acquisition strategy.

The guidebook also highlights the technical areas to consider when implementing MOSA, including work breakdown structure, MOSA-enabling standards and specifications, software-specific considerations, cybersecurity and commercial off-the-shelf components.

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GAO Recommends Annual DOD Satcom Report to Congress
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GAO Recommends Annual DOD Satcom Report to Congress

The Department of Defense should report to Congress annually on the progress of the integrated satellite communication architectures it is adopting in place of a linear approach, the Government Accountability Office said. In a report released Tuesday, GAO noted the challenges that DOD faces in the shift, such as the historically slow pace of satcom acquisitions that can hinder fielding systems on time for the department’s plans.   

The congressional watchdog office noted that the DOD shift depends on increased coordination among satcom stakeholders and with commercial providers that the department needs to engage for implementing integrated satcom architectures. 

Data-Sharing Challenge

Even with DOD’s initiative to start automating satcom resource allocations, difficulties are expected in securing varying forms of access and permissions for data sharing, according to officials that GAO consulted.

In addition, the office observed that DOD’s reporting system on enterprise satcom is not comprehensive enough on its outcomes. A more thorough reporting would help the department pinpoint and mitigate delays sooner, as well as inform Congress on developments.

GAO recommended that DOD assign its chief information officer to secure support from the U.S. Space Force in preparing an annual report to Congress on the enterprise satcom system for inclusion in the president’s budget submission through fiscal year 2030. DOD concurred with the recommendation, GAO said.

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US Army Clears MAPS GEN II for Full-Rate Production Phase
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US Army Clears MAPS GEN II for Full-Rate Production Phase

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors has approved the Mounted Assured, Positioning, Navigation and Timing System Generation, or MAPS GEN, II for full-rate production.

The PEO IEW&S clearance allows the Project Manager Positioning, Navigation and Timing’s Mounted PNT product office and its partner vendor, Collins Aerospace, to move forward with the manufacturing and deployment phase of MAPS GEN II, the Army said Tuesday. The office will also prepare the technology for initial operating capability.

Culmination of ‘Hard Work and Dedication’

Lt. Col. Damian Dixon, product manager at Mounted PNT, attributed the achievement to “team effort,” noting the production approval was secured after more than “six years of hard work and dedication.” “We remain committed to collaborating with Collins Aerospace as we move into this next phase for MAPS GEN II,” Dixon added.

Combat Operations in GPS Degraded Environments

MAPS GEN II employs sensor fusion algorithms and non-radio frequency sensors to distribute PNT data, supporting combat operations in environments with degraded or denied military GPS. It will allow Army ground soldiers to maneuver, shoot and communicate, and supply PNT data to clients on a single platform.

In August 2024, Collins Aerospace secured a $96.8 million contract to deliver MAPS devices, which will be installed in ground vehicles, watercraft, munition systems and other platforms operated by the Army and the Marine Corps.

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NASA, Italy Achieve First GNSS Signals on Moon
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NASA, Italy Achieve First GNSS Signals on Moon

NASA and the Italian Space Agency have conducted a demonstration where the Lunar Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver Experiment, or LuGRE, acquired and tracked Earth-based navigation on the surface of the Moon on March 3.

The agency said Tuesday the LuGRE payload, launched on March 2 aboard Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost, showed that the GNSS signals can be received and tracked on the Moon. It is the first technology demonstration to achieve the feat.

Pivotal Step for Moon and Mars Exploration

The results of the experiment showed that GNSS signals can be utilized for NASA’s exploration missions, particularly the Artemis program. The signals can be used to accelerate the development of navigation systems and other services for Moon and Mars missions. 

Operators at Goddard Space Flight Center started the first science operation after LuGRE, one of 10 payloads NASA will utilize to advance lunar science, was deployed on the Moon. The signals were later acquired and tracked with a navigation fix of around 225,000 miles away from Earth. The mission will continue gathering data for 14 days with more GNSS breakthroughs expected.

“On Earth we can use GNSS signals to navigate in everything from smartphones to airplanes,” said Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation program. “Now, LuGRE shows us that we can successfully acquire and track GNSS signals at the Moon.”

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