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DOE Selects GE’s Research Unit, 4 Universities to Develop Manufacturing Efficiency, Security Processes
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DOE Selects GE’s Research Unit, 4 Universities to Develop Manufacturing Efficiency, Security Processes

The Department of Energy (DOE) has selected General Electric's research division and four universities to develop methods for increasing the energy efficiency and cybersecurity of advanced manufacturing processes.

DOE said Monday that GE Research, Indiana University, Purdue University, Texas Tech University and the University of California will lead projects with the goal of addressing technical objectives established by the Manufacturing Innovation Institute.

The DOE-CyManII partnership will invest more than $1 million in the five projects that were chosen via competitive solicitation and evaluation processes.

GE Research will aim to develop and demonstrate building blocks for automation components in manufacturing. Indiana University will focus on creating a framework to manage energy in industrial settings using consumption, manufacturing and cybersecurity data.

Purdue University will also contribute to the effort by constructing a data hub that will integrate, assess and index production data streams. 

Texas Tech University will develop a framework for identifying baselines to automate and secure the chemical conversion process, while UC will collaborate with Omnigence to establish semiconductor supply chain security methods.

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CISA, NSA Detail Considerations for Remote Access VPN Selection Via Information Sheet
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CISA, NSA Detail Considerations for Remote Access VPN Selection Via Information Sheet

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) have issued an information sheet meant to help organizations understand the risks and considerations for selecting a virtual private network (VPN).

NSA said Tuesday that U.S. adversaries can target VPN servers since they can be used as entry points into protected networks and can access VPN devices by weaponizing common vulnerabilities and exposures.

“Exploitation of these CVEs can enable a malicious actor to steal credentials, remotely execute code, weaken encrypted traffic’s cryptography, hijack encrypted traffic sessions, and read sensitive data from the device,” the NSA notice reads.

The document offers guidance on choosing standards-based VPNs from reputable companies and hardening the VPN against breach by minimizing the VPN server’s attack surface through running strictly necessary features, monitoring and safeguarding access to and from the VPN and configuring strong authentication and cryptography.

NSA and CISA are advising organizations to refer to the National Information Assurance Partnership Product Compliant List for validated VPNs, ensure that products use FIPS-validated cryptographic modules and request and validate a product’s software bill of materials, among other recommendations.

Supply Chain Cybersecurity: Revelations and Innovations

ExecutiveBiz, sister site of GovConDaily and part of the Executive Mosaic digital media umbrella, will host a virtual event about securing the supply chain on Oct. 26th. Visit ExecutiveBiz.com to sign up for the “Supply Chain Cybersecurity: Revelations and Innovations” event.

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Senate Panel’s FY 2022 Defense Policy Bill Markup Adds Funds to Buy 6 More F-35s
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Senate Panel’s FY 2022 Defense Policy Bill Markup Adds Funds to Buy 6 More F-35s

The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) proposed additional funding for the procurement of six more Lockheed Martin-built F-35 fighter jets in its markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2022, Breaking Defense reported Tuesday.

The Senate panel’s NDAA markup would add $85 million in funds to procure one additional F-35A for the U.S. Air Force and $535 million for five more F-35C carrier landing jets used by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

SASC also proposed $1.7 billion to facilitate Block 4 upgrades of the Air Force’s 338 aircraft with the integration of the technology refresh 3 hardware; $246.6 million to buy additional ground support and spares for F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing jets used by the Marines; $175 million to purchase 20 F-135 power modules; and $20 million for the F-35 continuous capability and delivery initiative.

The committee would also transfer from the Department of Defense’s joint program office to the departments of the Air Force and Navy the acquisition authority for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program no later than Oct. 1, 2027. The Senate panel also requires DOD to submit to Congress a plan to facilitate the transition by Oct. 1, 2022.

The House passed the $778 billion FY 2022 NDAA in a 316-113 vote Thursday.

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Jacobs Selected for Seven Pools on GSA ASTRO IDIQ; Bruce Crawford Quoted
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Jacobs Selected for Seven Pools on GSA ASTRO IDIQ; Bruce Crawford Quoted

Jacobs has secured seven awards on the General Services Administration’s ASTRO contract to strengthen lifecycle digital services and technologies for the Department of Defense and joint forces.

Under the potential ten-year, multi-billion dollar, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, Jacobs’ work will span seven ASTRO pools including mission operations, space, ground, data operations, development/systems integration, training and research, the company said Tuesday.

"These awards on GSA's highly anticipated ASTRO contract enable Jacobs to deliver full lifecycle digital solutions and cutting-edge technologies to ensure interoperability, resilience and assurance for the DoD and the joint forces," said Bruce Crawford, Jacobs Critical Mission Solutions senior vice president of strategic development.

Crawford, who recently moderated a panel discussion at GovCon Wire’s Cybersecurity in National Security summit, added that Jacobs has a “unique blend of mission experience, cyber and intelligence capabilities, and user-informed innovation” that will assist the company in its work under the ASTRO contract.

The ASTRO contract vehicle, managed by GSA’s Federal Systems Integration and Management Center and sponsored by the Department of Defense, covers a scope of services and products that focus on the development, operation, integration, maintenance and support of various platforms including manned, unmanned and optionally-manned systems across all domains.

This award follows Jacobs’ previous win of a prime position on the Defense Intelligence Agency's SITE III IDIQ contract earlier this year. The new ASTRO win will allow the company to continue their work supporting the DoD in critical mission initiatives.

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IOMAXIS Appoints Joshua Montgomery as CFO
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IOMAXIS Appoints Joshua Montgomery as CFO

IOMAXIS, a Virginia-based technology firm, has appointed Joshua Montgomery, a 20-year defense and government services sector veteran, as the company’s new chief financial officer.

Montgomery will leverage his expertise in financial planning and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and operations to lead IOMAXIS in accelerating its growth trajectory and achieving its financial goals, the company said Tuesday.

Throughout his career, Montgomery has successfully led and managed multiple debt financings as well as mergers and acquisitions, and he has worked to align operating and financial metrics to support growth and business strategy.

"Josh's strong background in operational finance and a proven track record of leading finance organizations and driving business results will be a huge asset to us,” said John Castles, recently appointed CEO of IOMAXIS. 

Castles added that the addition of Montgomery to the IOMAXIS executive leadership team is a “necessary next step” in the company’s immediate operations.

Montgomery expressed his excitement in joining IOMAXIS after the company’s recent period of change and renewed direction. He added that he will use his new CFO role to “help bring the company to the next level of success.”

The new CFO joins IOMAXIS from Peraton, where he served as the company’s senior director of financial planning and analysis. His previous experience also includes finance executive roles at Altamira and Oceus Networks, where he was responsible for corporate development and governance, treasury management and corporate-wide financial leadership.

Additionally, Montgomery serves on the board of mental health-focused non-profit organization, PRS, and he remains active in multiple government contracting industry groups.

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State Department Issues Strategy for a Data-Centric Enterprise
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State Department Issues Strategy for a Data-Centric Enterprise

The State Department has released its strategy to further implement the use of data across its operations and workforce. The department said Monday that its Enterprise Data Strategy titled “Empowering Data-Informed Diplomacy” aims to equip personnel with data for decision making.

The strategy aligns with several efforts of the Biden Administration such as the memorandum on evidence-based policymaking and the executive order on improving the nation's cybersecurity.

State Department agencies will use the strategy to cultivate a data-centric culture, analytically augment decision making, establish mission-driven data management and improve enterprise data governance.

The strategy also helps the department meet several regulatory and congressional requirements related to enterprise data.

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SDA Director Derek Tournear: Satellite, Launch Prices Have Dropped
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SDA Director Derek Tournear: Satellite, Launch Prices Have Dropped

Derek Tournear, director of the Space Development Agency (SDA) and 2021 Wash100 Award recipient, said virtually in a Defense One panel that the military's goal to establish a network of low Earth orbit satellites is now more reachable as a result of commercialization.

Tournear said launches now cost tens of millions of dollars compared to a few years ago when they would cost hundred-millions of dollars, DOD News reported Monday.

"We now have 20 of our transport satellites on firm-fixed-price contracts at $14.1 million apiece," the director said.

Satellite prices have dropped as the commercial space industry aligns with the commoditization of space, he noted.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and commercial companies to establish the Department of Defense's space architecture.

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Former IBM Exec David Hathaway Named ManTech EVP, Defense Sector GM; Chairman Kevin Phillips Quoted
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Former IBM Exec David Hathaway Named ManTech EVP, Defense Sector GM; Chairman Kevin Phillips Quoted

David Hathaway has been named as ManTech International’s executive vice president and general manager of the company’s defense sector. 

In his new role, Hathaway will be responsible for leading strategic and operational initiatives for ManTech’s DOD customers and will report to COO Matt Tait, the company announced Tuesday.

“David is a respected technology expert with deep insights on all DOD military agencies’ missions and will be a great leader for the Defense Sector’s continued success,” said five-time Wash100 Award winner Kevin Phillips, Mantech’s CEO, president and chairman.

Hathaway’s previous experience notably includes his position as an active duty Communications-Computer Systems Officer for the U.S. Air Force, where he managed communications networks, IT acquisition and research and development programs at the Pentagon and at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

COO Matt Tait noted that Hathaway’s military duty, coupled with his experience in executive leadership and operational support, will help the new EVP drive the delivery of innovative technologies to ManTech’s defense customers.

“His deep knowledge of technology and first-hand experience managing large, successful enterprises in our space make him the perfect fit for ManTech and will take our leadership in the Defense sector to the next level,” Tait continued.

Prior to joining ManTech, Hathaway served as IBM’s vice president and partner of the Defense and Intelligence Industry, among other executive leadership roles with the company. Previously, Hathaway also held the role of senior vice president of programs at Vectrus Systems Corporation, where he supported DOD and IC customers.

Hathaway will succeed Andrew Twomey, who has served as ManTech’s Defense Sector leader since 2015 and will transition to a new strategic role within the company.

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Noblis Secures $263M DTRA Contract to Advise Cooperative Threat Reduction Program Implementation: CEO Amr ElSawy Quoted
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Noblis Secures $263M DTRA Contract to Advise Cooperative Threat Reduction Program Implementation: CEO Amr ElSawy Quoted

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has awarded Noblis with a five-year, $263 million prime contract to advance the implementation of the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program. 

Noblis said Tuesday that the science and technology strategy provider will advise the DTRA on key CTR Program missions that work to reduce or eliminate weapons of mass destruction threats and related materials. 

Two-time Wash100 Award recipient Amr ElSawy, president and CEO of Noblis, said the company will leverage their extensive federal advisory experience to “deliver efficient, rapid-response and forward-leaning solutions to help the CTR Directorate reduce threats to our Nation and allies."

Additionally, Glenn Hickok, president of Noblis MSD, said the company has “built a strong and diverse team” of large and small businesses that will assist in driving the contracted advisory services. 

In a recent Executive Spotlight interview, Hickok discussed the company’s latest addition to their team with the recent acquisition of McKean Defense, explaining that the move will further enhance Noblis’ defense offerings to government customers. Hickok noted that the Noblis team is currently “thriving and driven to help our clients advance their critical missions.”

Recently, Noblis was also awarded a spot on a $200 million DOT technical support contract from the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office. 

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White House, Semiconductor Industry Highlight Need to Promote Supply Chain Transparency
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White House, Semiconductor Industry Highlight Need to Promote Supply Chain Transparency

Representatives from the semiconductor industry reiterated their commitment to transparency efforts to address supply chain challenges associated with the global chip shortage during a meeting with Biden administration officials.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council, met with industry participants Thursday to discuss industry’s progress in advancing supply chain transparency, including improved trust and communications across the supply chain, the White House said Thursday.

The departments of Commerce and State are collaborating to oversee an early alert system to manage potential supply chain disruptions in the chip industry associated with public health developments in trading partners.

Administration officials and industry participants discussed the need for Congress to propose measures to establish a supply chain resiliency program at the Department of Commerce and create a domestic semiconductor industrial capacity.

The Commerce Department has asked producers, intermediaries and consumers to provide information on delivery dynamics, demand and inventories to identify potential supply chain bottlenecks. Industry leaders have 45 days to respond to the request for information.

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