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Army Holds Industry Day for $1B AI & Software at Pace Contract Vehicle
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Army Holds Industry Day for $1B AI & Software at Pace Contract Vehicle

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, or PEO IEW&S, held an industry day on Tuesday to inform industry stakeholders of a potential 10-year, $1 billion multiple-award task order contract to meet the service branch’s artificial intelligence and software development requirements for intelligence, jammers and sensors, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

Through the Artificial Intelligence and Software at Pace, or AIS@P, contract vehicle, the Army plans to rapidly award at least 40 individual task orders worth approximately $25 million or less each over a decade.

Under the procurement vehicle, the Army will give vendors 14 days to submit offers once the request for proposals is released. Upon receipt of the offers, the service will assess and make awards within 16 days.

“We’re trying … to really open the aperture for government to access innovative solutions … lower barriers to entry [and] keep pace in our space of AI and EW,” said Brig. Gen. Ed Barker, program executive officer for IEW&S.

Proposed 7 Pools for AIS@P

To bid on the vehicle’s task orders, offerors must qualify for at least one of seven pools: AI onboarding support; data management and labeling; model development and training; test and evaluation; software and systems engineering support; electromagnetic spectrum techniques support; and infrastructure as a service.

Kyle Perkins, the brigadier general’s chief of staff, said a final request for information could be released by Jan. 13, followed by an updated draft RFP in February and a final solicitation in March. 

Perkins added that initial contract awards could be issued in the final quarter of fiscal year 2025.

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Argonne National Lab to Oversee 2 Microelectronics Studies
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Argonne National Lab to Oversee 2 Microelectronics Studies

The Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory will manage two research projects as part of DOE’s Microelectronics Science Research Centers to explore advanced memory systems and design approaches for microelectronics devices.

In May 2024, DOE announced that it would invest $160 million over four years in microelectronic research and development projects led by national labs. The investment also supports the establishment of the research centers.

Table of Contents

Ultra Dense Memory Project

Argonne said Thursday one of the projects will explore the future generations of extreme-scale memories and their synthesis for off-chip and on-chip applications.

Supratik Guha, senior adviser to Argonne’s Physical Sciences and Engineering directorate, will lead the project, titled, “Ultra Dense Memory: Atom Scale Material Dynamics and Systems Consequences.”

The University of Chicago, Purdue University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Chicago State University, IBM and Micron Technologies are the academic and industrial partners for this research project.

BIA Project

The other Argonne project, “BIA: A Co-Design Methodology to Transform Materials and Computer Architecture Research for Energy Efficiency,” will focus on developing a codesign methodology for microelectronics.

Valerie Taylor, an Argonne Distinguished Fellow and director of the Mathematics and Computer Science division, will lead the BIA project, which includes the University of Chicago, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Northwestern University and Rice University as lab and academic partners.

The project also includes an industry advisory board with representatives from Northrop Grumman, AMD, NVIDIA, Enosemi and Lam Research.

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White House Updates Missile Technology Nonproliferation Policies
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White House Updates Missile Technology Nonproliferation Policies

President Joe Biden on Jan. 3 issued a National Security Memorandum that updates policies that guide the U.S. in its implementation of the Missile Technology Control Regime.

What Is the MTCR?

The MTCR is an informal understanding among participating countries that aims to limit the export of missile delivery systems as well as all types of weapons of mass destruction, with the ultimate goal of reducing nuclear weapons proliferation, the White House said Tuesday.

The MTCR was established in 1987 by the G-7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S.) but has now grown to 35 member countries.

What Updates Does the Memorandum Bring?

Under the latest memorandum, relevant agencies are called on to be more flexible in reviewing MTCR Category I military missiles, unmanned aerial systems and space launch vehicle systems for partners that have demonstrated strong export control. The memorandum also calls for support for such technologies while excluding the transfer of complete facilities that would enable the independent production of Category I systems.

The memorandum goes on to underscore the fact that the MTCR is not meant to impede space programs or cooperation in such efforts, provided those programs would not contribute to the proliferation of WMD delivery systems. The memorandum also emphasizes the continuing policy of the U.S. to oppose missile programs of concern and the distribution of dual-use technologies to parties that may divert such capabilities to programs and activities of concern.

The president’s memo also says that the U.S. will use the MTCR and other instruments to ensure nonproliferation, and that the country will evolve the regime so that it keeps up with advances in technology.

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CISA Issues Cybersecurity Guidance for IT Sector
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CISA Issues Cybersecurity Guidance for IT Sector

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency has published guideposts for the IT industry to help improve cybersecurity throughout the software development lifecycle. The guidance, called IT Sector-Specific Goals, or IT SSGs, recommends voluntary cybersecurity steps aligned with Secure by Design principles pinpointing and addressing vulnerabilities in pre-product release and improving incident response and software security, CISA said Tuesday.

The IT SSGs’ recommendations include:

  • Network segmentation and other controls to segregate the software development ecosystem 
  • Instituting regular logging, monitoring and trust reviews on authorization and access across the software development environments
  • Providing phishing-resistant multifactor authentication in the access of all software development processes within the ecosystem
  • Establishing security protocols for software used in the development process
  • Storing sensitive data and credentials through encryption instead of source code
  • Creation of a software supply chain risk management plan

Collaborative Guidance Development

The guidance was developed in partnership with the IT Sector Coordinating Council, which is composed of representatives from government agencies and private sector. It complements the broader Cross-Sector Cyber Performance Goals that CISA also developed with government and industry support.

CISA Director Jen Easterly, a Wash100 awardee, is encouraging organizations to implement the agency’s recommendations, which are aimed at supply chain and consumer protection.

“The IT SSGs help critical infrastructure sectors significantly strengthen cybersecurity in the design and development of software and hardware,” she said.

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NASA to Send Radiation-Tolerant Computer to the Moon
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NASA to Send Radiation-Tolerant Computer to the Moon

A Radiation Tolerant Computer, developed by researchers at Montana State University, is one of the payloads that Firefly Aerospace will deliver to the Moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. Called RadPC, the technology will demonstrate its capability to recover from data and system errors that may occur when computers are exposed to the harsh space environment, NASA said Wednesday. 

NASA to Test RadPC on the Moon

According to the space agency, RadPC will monitor and assess its own health on the lunar surface. The computer is equipped with redundant processors arranged like tile-like logic blocks that can be replaced in case of failure. 

The experiment aims to offer a solution to the problem of so-called “single event effects,” which refers to cascading system malfunctions that occur when a high-energy particle strikes computers in space. Even just one particle can lead to system crashes and permanent damage, potentially affecting mission safety and success. 

RadPC is designed to identify the location of a particle strike and repair the affected area in the background. 

In addition, the computer will also measure levels of radiation in the lunar environment with its three dosimeters, each with varying levels of sensitivity. The dosimeters will also monitor interactions between the Earth’s magnetosphere and the solar winds throughout its journey to the Moon and then study its landing site Mare Crisium to prepare for future manned Artemis missions. 

“This is RadPC’s first mission out into the wild, so to speak,” commented Dennis Harris, lunar payload manager and mission manager at NASA. “The RadPC CLPS payload is an exciting opportunity to verify a radiation-tolerant computer option that could make future Moon to Mars missions safer and more cost-effective.”

NASA Prepares for Next Moon Payload Delivery

The next CLPS mission is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:11 a.m. EST. Firefly’s Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander will lift off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida. 

The lander will carry 10 NASA experiments to Mare Crisium located in the northeast quadrant of the near side of the Moon. The basaltic plain or lunar maria was created by early volcanic eruptions.

Blue Ghost 1 is expected to arrive on the lunar surface in March.

Firefly will deliver multiple scientific experiments and technology demonstrations to the Moon through multiple launches under four CLPS contracts.

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DIU Issues Solicitation for AI-Enabled Diligence Evaluation
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DIU Issues Solicitation for AI-Enabled Diligence Evaluation

The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking proposals for artificial intelligence-enabled diligence evaluation, or AIDE.

DIU AIDE Platform Attributes

The DIU said the request for proposal was initially posted on SAM.gov on Jan. 13, 2020, and updated on Oct. 2, 2023. Interested parties may send their responses by Jan. 21.

The RFP involves the use of AI to optimize industrial foreign influence analysis, business intelligence and due diligence processes.

Contractors should be able to develop a platform or service that integrates and evaluates financial, business intelligence and workflow data from various sources. The potential platform should also be able to provide in-depth analysis, risk management and summary reports to streamline due diligence processes.

In addition, it should scan and analyze diverse commercial data and leverage a risk-based analysis framework. This will enable the platform to determine possible issues such as adversarial capital, business relationships, cyber hygiene, financial stability, intellectual property protection, supply chain resilience and technology-sharing agreements.

Other important aspects of the potential AIDE platform include:

  • Understanding of the problem sets
  • Data processing and transformation
  • Generative AI integration
  • Analytics and reporting
  • UI/UX
  • API integration and interoperability
  • Security and compliance
  • Scalability and performance
  • Data governance and quality assurance
  • Flexibility for future integration
OSTP Chief Says Federal R&D Needed Amid Threats of Spending Cuts
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OSTP Chief Says Federal R&D Needed Amid Threats of Spending Cuts

Arati Prabhakar, the director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, delivered a speech at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Jan. 7, where she underscored the need for the federal government to continue investing in research and development, Nextgov/FCW reported Wednesday.

Addressing the Needs of the Public

Prabhakar said that although innovation is rightfully driven by the private sector, companies cannot be expected to carry out R&D specifically to address public needs.

“These are the responsibilities that government has for national security, the responsibility we have in health, the responsibility for energy and the environment and agriculture, for space and for education and for transportation and more,” the OSTP head pointed out.

Uncertainty in Public R&D

Prabhakar made the remarks amid what she described as the uncertainty in federally-funded R&D as the new administration comes in. President-elect Donald Trump has called for reductions in federal spending and has endorsed the establishment of an advisory body that would offer recommendations on how the government could save on costs, the Department of Government Efficiency.

In light of the possible changes that the Trump administration may introduce, the OSTP chief said, “[We’re] at a pivotal moment for federally-funded R&D,” adding that now is “an important time to get ready for the future.”

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GSA Awards OASIS+ Contracts to Cherokee Federal
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GSA Awards OASIS+ Contracts to Cherokee Federal

The General Services Administration has awarded contracts to several Cherokee Federal companies for the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus, or OASIS+, contracting program.

Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting received an unrestricted OASIS+ contract, while various other Cherokee Federal companies received notices to proceed on the OASIS+ small business contract, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, announced Wednesday. 

The OASIS+ contracting vehicle is a host of multi-award contracts that support federal agencies’ acquisition requirements for professional services. With an unlimited ceiling value, OASIS+ contracts are available for use by all federal agencies. 

Clint Bickett, chief operations officer at Cherokee Federal, said, “Through the versatile OASIS+ contracting mechanism, government agencies gain immediate access to our comprehensive and adaptable professional services solutions.”

“Building on a rich history of success under legacy OASIS contracts, our dynamic team of LLCs are well-positioned through this best-in-class vehicle to continue serving the mission of our customers,” Bickett noted.

Cherokee Federal’s Companies Under OASIS+

Cherokee Federal’s companies on the OASIS+ small business contract include:

  • Cherokee Nation Defense Solutions
  • Cherokee Nation Government Solutions
  • Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions
  • Cherokee Strategic Solutions
  • Preting

After receiving notices to proceed, the companies will deliver services to federal clients through domains such as management and advisory; technical and engineering; intelligence; research and development; logistics; facilities and environmental service. 

Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs is currently under evaluation after being named the top awardee in the initial OASIS 8(a) pool. Various Cherokee Federal companies are also under evaluation for the OASIS+ 8(a) and OASIS+ HUBZone pools. 

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David Henry Named Defense Innovation Unit Deputy CIO
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David Henry Named Defense Innovation Unit Deputy CIO

The Defense Innovation Unit has appointed David Henry, a senior cyber leader, as deputy chief information officer.

Henry announced his new position in a LinkedIn post published Wednesday.

David Henry’s Career Background

Prior to DIU, he was a senior cyber adviser at the Department of Defense’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy.

His industry career included time as an executive for the cyber practice at Accenture Federal Services and adviser at Dark Wolf Solutions.

The Stanford University industrial engineering graduate spent more than two decades within the U.S. Air Force, where he served as deputy chief information security officer, deputy director for cyberspace strategy and policy and director of cyberspace plans and requirements.

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Pentagon Releases Mission Architecture Style Guide
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Pentagon Releases Mission Architecture Style Guide

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering has issued new guidance designed to aid model-based systems engineers and architects in developing, presenting and analyzing model-based mission architectures.

In a LinkedIn post published Wednesday, the OUSD R&E said the Mission Architecture Style Guide, or MASG, seeks to promote collaboration and reduce duplication of effort to encourage the development of authoritative joint models to analyze advanced technology concepts and missions across the Department of Defense.

The new resource will serve as a companion guidance to the second version of the Mission Engineering Guide published in October 2023.

What Is the Purpose of the Mission Architecture Style Guide?

The 74-page document seeks to facilitate the production and sharing of authoritative architectures that can be used by the DOD community at large while remaining in alignment with international Object Management Group standards.

The guide also provides advice to mission architects as they develop views and presentation materials to inform senior DOD and government leaders on key policy and investment decisions that drive technology development.

The resource should be used in conjunction with the Enterprise Architecture Guide for the Unified Architecture Framework.

Pentagon Releases Mission Architecture Style Guide

Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 23, and hear from leading defense researchers, experts and decision-makers about the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of the U.S. military.

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