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GSA’s 8(a) STARS III GWAC Provides IT Support for State Dept
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GSA’s 8(a) STARS III GWAC Provides IT Support for State Dept

General Services Administration official Laura Stanton discussed how GSA’s 8(a) STARS III governmentwide acquisition contract enables small businesses to provide IT platforms and services for the State Department to support critical government missions worldwide.

In a blog post published Tuesday, Stanton, assistant commissioner for the Office of IT Category at GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, wrote about how vendors on the 8(a) STARS III GWAC delivered IT support services for the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

“This operation underscores 8(a)STARS III’s far-reaching impact as well as the essential role GSA plays in delivering technology solutions to even the most challenging environments,” she noted.

Conducting Market Research as a Service

Prior to awarding a mission-critical task order under the 8(a) STARS III contract, GSA issued a Market Research As a Service, or MRAS, request to notify industry stakeholders of the State Department’s requirement for location-specific services.

Through MRAS, GSA identified that a particular service required the selected vendor to have a business license in Iraq.

“This requirement usually takes several months and existing personal connections within the Iraqi government,” Stanton wrote.

According to the GSA official, the potential $55 million task order provides services for the State Department for up to four years.

What Is 8(a) STARS III?

The potential $50 billion 8(a) STARS III GWAC is a small business set-aside contract that provides government agencies access to IT services and customized IT services-based solutions.

The contract, which started in July 2021, has a five-year base ordering period and one three-year option term.

According to Stanton, more than 40 federal agencies have used the contract to procure IT services from small businesses since the vehicle’s launch. Over 1,100 contracts have been awarded through the GWAC, which has a current value of more than $6 billion.

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White House Announces New Government Seal for Secure Smart Home Devices
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White House Announces New Government Seal for Secure Smart Home Devices

The U.S. government has introduced a new cybersecurity label for commercial smart devices. The new U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, will enable consumers to make better-informed choices about the interconnected electronics they purchase and bring into their homes, the White House said in a press release Tuesday. 

The labeling program is a result of a public notice and input period that lasted over 18 months. 

Projected Impact of the New Government Labeling Program

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a bipartisan effort that aims to assess the cybersecurity of wireless interconnected home devices and incentivize companies to produce more secure products. According to the White House, the initiative will work similarly to Energy Star, which enables consumers to identify energy-efficient appliances.

Companies can voluntarily test their products’ cybersecurity against a criteria set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The program covers security cameras, baby monitors, appliances and other consumer electronics.

All products that meet cybersecurity requirements will receive a distinct shield logo. 

Cybersecurity Seal Receives Industry Support

Michael Dolan, senior director and head of enterprise privacy and data protection at Best Buy, commented in the White House press release that the program marks a positive step forward. 

Steve Downer, vice president at Amazon, meanwhile, said consumers will see the value of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark. 

Justin Brookman, director of technology policy at Consumer Reports, affirmed support for the program, saying that the nonprofit organization will apply for the mark. 

“Consumer Reports is eager to see this program deliver a meaningful U.S. Cyber Trust Mark that lets consumers know their connected devices meet fundamental cybersecurity standards,” he stated. “The mark will also inform consumers whether or not a company plans to stand behind the product with software updates and for how long.”

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NIST Seeks Input on Algorithm for Quantum Attack Protection
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NIST Seeks Input on Algorithm for Quantum Attack Protection

The National Institute of Science and Technology is soliciting feedback on its draft guidance on using key-encapsulation mechanisms, or KEMs, for protection against cyberattacks using quantum computers. The guide follows up on the August release of NIST’s updated cryptographic standards with an algorithm for quantum attack protection, the institute said Tuesday. 

NIST added that the public input on the guidance, titled Recommendations for Key Encapsulation Mechanisms, will help it select one or two additional KEMs for standardization. Through KEMs and their set of algorithms, two parties can share a secret key for performing tasks, such as encryption and authentication, over a public channel.

Multi-Algorithm Protection Key

Approaches to establishing a multi-algorithm key in creating and combining shared secrets are among the recommendations in the 52-page guidance. It also provides KEMs’ definitions, properties and applications.

The deadline for submitting comments—which can be e-mailed to sp800-227-comments@nist.gov—is March 7.

In November, NIST solicited public comments on the first draft of its report describing how the agency will manage and guide the transition to cryptography standards less vulnerable to quantum attacks. The 22-page draft report, titled “Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards,” pinpoints the current quantum-vulnerable cryptographic standards and existing quantum-resistant algorithms proposed for deployment in the migration.

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Kennedy Space Center & Florida Schools to Boost Research, Tech
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Kennedy Space Center & Florida Schools to Boost Research, Tech

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Florida University Space Research Consortium are collaborating to advance research and technology capabilities.

The agency said officials from both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding during a ceremony held on Wednesday at the Kennedy Space Center.

Advancing Research and Technology Through Collaboration

The collaboration aims to boost research, technology development, education and communication between the Florida spaceport and the consortium, the state’s official space research entity. Through the memorandum of understanding, the partnership intends to support missions and NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration initiative.

What Is the Florida University Space Research Consortium?

The consortium includes the University of Florida, University of Central Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University but plans to add other interested Florida universities. It aims to build a beneficial relationship between Kennedy and the three charter universities based on academic collaboration, shared projects and workforce development. The consortium will focus on advancing innovations in space exploration, research and technology.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a 2024 Wash100 Award winner, remarked, “As we move deeper into this golden era of space exploration, a new generation of thinkers and leaders will lead the way – thinkers and leaders like the researchers, faculty and students of the Artemis Generation, whom we are pleased to work with through the consortium.”

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro, a signatory on the agreement, said, “This symbiotic partnership makes way for collaborative research opportunities and increased exposure to advanced technology, significantly enhancing NASA’s research output in fields such as aerospace engineering, materials science, robotics and environmental science, all of which are necessary for long-term human exploration as we learn to live and work deeper into space than ever before.”

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DCSA to Release NBIS Product Roadmap to Customers
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DCSA to Release NBIS Product Roadmap to Customers

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has revealed that its National Background Investigation Services Program Management Office is making its product roadmap available to customers and stakeholders in the defense and federal sectors.

The agency said Wednesday the product roadmap is intended to guide NBIS customer agencies in preparing their transition to the system, which will be utilized for personnel vetting requirements under the federal Trusted Workforce 2.0 policy.

National Background Investigation Services Program

NBIS is an information technology system that is utilized for end-to-end personnel vetting necessary for TW 2.0 to streamline the onboarding process of new hires, enable federal workforce mobility and gain insight into employee behavior.

According to Rob Schadey, NBIS executive program manager, the product roadmap outlines the plan for the release, testing and operationalization of products and services to DCSA customers and stakeholders. The NBIS product roadmap, built using Agile software methodology, will be constantly updated during the development process to guide customers and stakeholders.

“NBIS is crucial to realizing the TW 2.0 vision for the federal government — the product roadmap informs the milestones and metrics published in the Trusted Workforce quarterly progress report,” said Schadey.

The NBIS program has been going through digital transformation since October 2024, with a focus on the full transition to NBIS eApp for the initiation of background investigations. DCSA Director David Cattler has prioritized NBIS delivery since assuming leadership in March last year.

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Army’s Yuma Post Pursuing AI Use in Testing Missions
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Army’s Yuma Post Pursuing AI Use in Testing Missions

The U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, or YPG, is advancing practical artificial intelligence use through its data architecture to support the post’s testing missions. The unit is continuing to develop its AI and enterprise data processes in tandem with the Army Test and Evaluation Command, the Army said Wednesday.

According to the service, YPG has an edge in tapping AI with the vast historical data it has stored from decades of testing and potentially useful for training AI models in automated analysis. The Army cited as an example YPG’s data use in the development of an algorithm to help facilitate air-to-surface-missile operations.

Potential Use in Maintenance, Sensor Development

Progress on AI deployment on data can also benefit most YPG’s non-destructive testing facility, the service noted. The technology can be used in the facility to assess potential problems with artillery tube depreciation through data compiled from laser-bore measurements. With AI, YPG can also explore the development of sensors that would enable faster firepower in near-peer combat situations, the Army said.

Ross Gwynn, YPG technical director, described AI application on the post’s database, as a “huge advantage” for the unit’s managers, especially if combined with business information.

“If we can automate that stream of business data in a similar manner as test data, it would have a lot of upside in efficiency gains,” he said.

AI is also the focus of the Army’s Network Enterprise Technology Command Data Science Directorate, which is launching NETCOM Edge, an advanced data analytics environment powered by the technology and machine learning capabilities. 

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CISA Chief Calls for Corporate Cyber Risk Ownership
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CISA Chief Calls for Corporate Cyber Risk Ownership

The boards and other leaders of private sector companies could foster a culture of cybersecurity within their respective organizations by ensuring that chief information security officers possess sufficient influence and resources to prioritize cybersecurity, and that peers and other senior executives are well-informed about cyber risks, according to Jen Easterly, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and a 2024 Wash100 awardee.

Corporate Ownership of Cyber Risks

Easterly made these recommendations in an article published Wednesday on CISA’s website, where she revealed that corporate leaders are now increasingly cognizant of the strategic and enterprise nature of cyber risks and that they must take ownership of those risks.

The head of CISA noted, however, these same leaders must also recognize the important role they play not only in their organizations’ cybersecurity but in national security as well, in light of the interconnectivity between the government and the private sector.

Cyber Risk Management as Good Governance

To promote this perspective, CISA developed the Director’s Handbook on Cyber-Risk Oversight. Produced in collaboration with the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Internet Security Alliance, the handbook seeks to promote a model of cybersecurity that, according to Easterly, “starts with a commitment at the board level to incentivize a culture in which managing cyber risk is treated as a fundamental matter of good governance.”

“The time is now for CEOs and Boards to actively embrace corporate cyber responsibility as a matter of good governance, recognizing that every organization has an obligation to reasonably assure the safety of their employees, partners, and customers,” CISA’s leader added.

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PTS Releases 2024 Year in Review
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PTS Releases 2024 Year in Review

Precision Talent Solutions, or PTS, has unveiled its yearly report on the important events and trends transforming the national security and defense environments. 

The 2024 Year in Review edition covers topics like NATO, LOGCAP, DLA, DiPSS, DTRA, CHIPS, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and M&A activity, PTS announced Sunday. The company analyzed and featured human intelligence, earning reports, guest commentary and market research in its latest Year-in-Review edition.

Jake Frazer, president and co-founder of PTS, said, “From the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and turmoil in the Middle East to the transformative influence of the U.S. presidential elections, this year has redefined foreign policy priorities and strategies worldwide.”

“At PTS, we continually monitor major programs, contract awards, and M&A developments ensuring our customers and candidates have critical insights beyond talent alone,” noted Frazer.

The report sources conferences and guest writers to highlight global security shifts, government contracting market trends and strategic collaboration reshaping industry competition. 

About PTS

Established in 2016, PTS is an executive search firm specializing in the GovCon industry. 

The company uses its services in business development, operations and program management recruitment to support organizations in developing teams. In December 2024, PTS launched its BD Expert Search service to help clients hire business development professionals throughout the government contracting industry.

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Labor Department Names Lou Charlier as Acting CIO
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Labor Department Names Lou Charlier as Acting CIO

The Department of Labor has appointed senior IT leader Lou Charlier as acting chief information officer.

The U.S. Federal CIO Council announced Charlier’s appointment in a LinkedIn post published Tuesday.

In this capacity, Charlier will provide strategic leadership for IT capital planning, talent acquisition, project initiatives and enterprisewide services in support of DOL’s mission-critical work.

Prior to this role, he was deputy CIO for administration and strategy, leading DOL’s IT programs and planning for operational infrastructure and providing tactical, managerial and strategic leadership for federal and technical personnel.

According to his profile on the professional networking platform, Charlier has been with the department since 2006.

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DHS Issues Guide for Public Sector AI Deployment
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DHS Issues Guide for Public Sector AI Deployment

The Department of Homeland Security has released a new resource designed to help federal, state and local government officials improve service delivery through the responsible use and deployment of generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI, technologies.

DHS said Tuesday that the Playbook for Public Sector Generative Artificial Intelligence Deployment includes case studies from the department’s pilot programs, which tested GenAI applications in strengthening investigative leads, helping local governments develop hazard mitigation plans and creating innovative training opportunities for immigration officers.

“This new resource draws from our own experiences to help state and local leaders adopt AI technologies in their own work. Safely harnessing the potential of GenAI requires collaboration across government, industry, academia, and civil society, and we hope state and local leaders join our effort to foster a responsible, mission-focused culture of innovation,” said Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of DHS and a previous Wash100 awardee.

Actionable Steps to Advance Use of GenAI

The playbook provides actionable steps that public sector organizations can take to advance their own use of generative AI tools. The steps address policy, technical and administrative considerations and are classified into seven categories.

Those categories include developing mission-enhancing GenAI use cases; building coalitions and fostering effective governance; leveraging tools and infrastructure; using AI responsibly and safely; measuring progress and defining success; training employees and hiring technical talent; and seeking user feedback.

To advance mission-enhancing GenAI use cases, specific steps include aligning GenAI deployment’s potential mission and value with the organization’s priorities and scoping a pilot that improves a specific mission-enhancing process.

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