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Perspecta Labs Wins Contract to Develop DoD Spectrum Access Manager
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Perspecta Labs Wins Contract to Develop DoD Spectrum Access Manager

Perspecta Labs has been awarded a three-year, $6.2 million prime contract to develop a spectrum access manager for the Department of Defense (DoD) under the National Spectrum Consortium’s Spectrum Base Agreement, Perspecta reported on Wednesday.

“Perspecta Labs will leverage its leading expertise in RF spectrum solutions to design, develop, integrate and demonstrate a spectrum access management and planning tool that delivers revolutionary advances in the characterization and management of RF spectrum and the planning and scheduling of test events,” said Petros Mouchtaris, Ph.D., president of Perspecta Labs.

Perspecta Labs will develop a spectrum access manager that will enable DoD test ranges to better understand and characterize the radio frequency (RF) spectrum environment. Perspecta’s support will also allow the department to quantify the performance of test systems based on the mission profile and improve efficiency in the scheduling and allocation of RF spectrum.

RF spectrum supports DoD testing of every type of weapon system and military platform. “DoD test ranges face a significant spectrum shortfall as there is an increasing demand to support the testing of complex emerging systems, but less dedicated spectrum available,” added Mouchtaris.

In addition, Perspecta Labs spectrum access manager will provide DoD test ranges with the capability to deconflict spectrum assignments for testing, provide actionable information regarding telemetry link performance, implement automated sharing techniques and provide visualization of spectrum assignments and telemetry link performance.

Perspecta Labs will perform new design and development activities, as well as integrate software and system prototypes. The company’s efforts will deliver a complete solution for spectrum situational awareness and efficient allocation, in addition to simplifying planning, scheduling and conducting tests.

About Perspecta Inc.

At Perspecta (NYSE: PRSP), we question, we seek and we solve. Perspecta brings a diverse set of capabilities to our U.S. government customers in defense, intelligence, civilian, health care and state and local markets. Our 280+ issued, licensed and pending patents are more than just pieces of paper, they tell the story of our innovation.

With offerings in mission services, digital transformation and enterprise operations, our team of nearly 14,000 engineers, analysts, investigators and architects work tirelessly to not only execute the mission, but build and support the backbone that enables it. Perspecta was formed to take on big challenges. We are an engine for growth and success and we enable our customers to build a better nation.

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QTS Names Brent Bensten as CTO, Jon Greaves as EVP of Quality Special Operations
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QTS Names Brent Bensten as CTO, Jon Greaves as EVP of Quality Special Operations

QTS Realty Trust has appointed Brent Bensten as chief technology officer (CTO) and Jon Greaves as executive vice president (EVP) of Quality Special Operations, leading federal service delivery and strategy, the company reported on Wednesday. 

"Brent and Jon have combined to help establish QTS as a leading innovator in the data center services industry and I look forward to their continued partnership driving QTS' success,” said Chad Williams, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of QTS. 

Bensten currently serves as QTS' EVP of Architecture and Development. He will assume his new role on Feb. 1 2021, and will report to Williams as CTO. Bensten joined QTS in 2015 and has more than two decades of experience across technology and data operations. 

During his career with the company, Bensten has supervised QTS’ initiative of digitizing the company’s internal and external systems and processes. He has also led the development and implementation of QTS' innovative Service Delivery Platform (SDP). 

Greaves will also assume his new position on Feb. 1, 2021. As EVP of Quality Special Operations, Greaves will be responsible for QTS' federal service delivery and strategy. He will also report directly to Williams. Greaves will support Bensten on the company's technology and service delivery functions, including direct customer and partner engagement. 

Greaves joined QTS in 2015, after serving for more than 20 years in technology services leadership roles. He has held positions across information security and data center operations. Greaves has served as QTS' CTO since 2016 and has more than 15 years experience supporting federal operations and systems. 

"Two of QTS' strongest differentiators are the ability to meet the service delivery needs of our hyperscale and hybrid colocation customers through a software-defined data center experience and our strategic focus on the federal vertical. I am pleased to have leaders like Brent and Jon step into new roles to enhance these differentiators and further support our strategic growth objectives," Williams added. 

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Alka Patel: NDAA Provisions Could Help JAIC Operationalize Pentagon’s AI Ethics Principles
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Alka Patel: NDAA Provisions Could Help JAIC Operationalize Pentagon’s AI Ethics Principles

Alka Patel, chief of ethics at the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), said the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contains certain provisions that could help JAIC operationalize DoD’s AI ethics principles and advance Responsible AI, Nextgov reported Tuesday.

Patel cited Section 233 in the NDAA, which requires the DoD secretary to form a board of advisers for JAIC to assess and advise leaders on ethical matters with regard to the department’s use and development of AI. 

Another provision she mentioned is Section 235, which calls for the “acquisition of ethically and responsibly developed artificial intelligence technology.” Patel plans to introduce a Responsible AI Champions pilot within the department this spring to promote Responsible AI literacy and increase awareness of AI ethics principles. 

“Additionally, we want to create a DoD-wide network of Responsible AI Champions from across components who can be a resource within their respective areas as well as with each other,” Patel said. "They will also be extremely important creating a feedback loop to help us understand and inform future policies and guidance."

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GAO: DoD Should Determine How to Communicate Critical Tech List to Other Agencies
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GAO: DoD Should Determine How to Communicate Critical Tech List to Other Agencies

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recommended that the Department of Defense (DoD) determine ways to communicate its list of critical technologies, acquisition programs and manufacturing capabilities within DoD and to other agencies, come up with metrics to evaluate protection efforts and designate an organization to oversee future protection measures.

“By determining the approach for completing these tasks, DoD can better ensure its revised process will support the protection of critical acquisition programs and technologies consistently across the department,” GAO said in a report published Tuesday.

The Pentagon’s revised process to better protect critical technologies and acquisition programs is composed of four steps: identify, communicate, protect and assess, and oversee. GAO said the department started executing the updated process in February 2020. DoD officials expect to execute all the steps in the process by September 2021.

“Officials from the Departments of State, Commerce, and the Treasury stated that they could use the list, if it is effectively communicated, to better understand what is important to DOD to help ensure protection through their respective programs,” the report reads.

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GSA Begins 2021 With Release of Two RFIs, Draft Solicitation for Polaris; Keith Nakasone, Allen Hill Quoted
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GSA Begins 2021 With Release of Two RFIs, Draft Solicitation for Polaris; Keith Nakasone, Allen Hill Quoted

The General Services Administration started calendar year 2021 with the release of a draft request for proposals for the Polaris governmentwide acquisition contract and two requests for information for machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities and a plan to come up with a new contract vehicle for professional services, Federal News Network reported Tuesday.

For Polaris, GSA will ask vendors to secure certification under the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

“We included the CMMC language within the master level so it’s within scope. At the order level, agencies can add additional requirements for levels 1-5 depending on their mission requirements. We want to leave that flexibility in the mission program and learn over time alongside with the Defense Department,” said Keith Nakasone, deputy assistant commissioner for acquisition within the office of information technology at GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service (FAS).

GSA has asked companies for feedback on current AI and machine learning capabilities and will accept responses to this RFI through Jan. 29.

“We are keeping technology offerings that work currently on GWACS, but we are making some tweaks to emphasize emerging technologies like AI, edge computing and ‘anything as-a-service’ so customer agencies can tap into the small companies that provide these expertise to drive further IT modernization and improve service delivery,” said Allen Hill, acting deputy assistant commissioner for category management in FAS.

FAS is collaborating with ACT-IAC to conduct listening sessions with companies in early February for the next-generation services indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.

“The goal is to complete an acquisition strategy that achieves the outlined objectives for this new contract program by fiscal 2021 end. After the acquisition strategy is completed our plan is to issue the solicitation in fiscal 2022, with awards and contract use beginning in fiscal 2023,” according to a GSA fact sheet on the next-gen services IDIQ.

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Army-Led Multisector Team Creates Dataset for Thermal Facial Recognition
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Army-Led Multisector Team Creates Dataset for Thermal Facial Recognition

Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has developed a large set of thermal face data to support facial recognition in dark environments, FedScoop reported Monday. ARL collaborated with Booz Allen Hamilton, West Virginia University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Johns Hopkins University to build the ARL Visible-Thermal Face Dataset.

The team used a long wave infrared camera to capture over 500,000 thermal images of 395 faces. Thermal data on a subject's head pose, expressions and eyeglasses serve as references to reproduce physical conditions.

The Army expects the dataset to allow for facial recognition in scenarios with no sunlight, through the help of artificial intelligence. The service branch seeks to further develop thermal identification despite the lower quality of thermal images compared to traditional ones.

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USAF Approves Scott AFB Innovation Hub as a Defense Lab
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USAF Approves Scott AFB Innovation Hub as a Defense Lab

The U.S. Air Force has certified Scott Air Force Base's innovation hub as an official defense laboratory for technology transfer activities. The designation will enable Scott AFB's Elevate hub to collaborate with educational institutions and share equipment, information and resources through partnership agreements, USAF said Monday.

Capt. Austin Duncan, deputy innovation officer at Elevate, said the certification will allow Scott AFB to work with local universities and access their manpower and equipment. Duncan added Elevate plans to collaborate with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for its first EPA.

"Once we enter into that agreement, we will have access to their facilities and staff to work on potential problem sets that are outside of our organic capacity," added Duncan.

Managed by Maj. Adam Wallace, Elevate is composed of Duncan, 1st Lt. Thomas Goetze and Tech. Sgt. Brandon Barnes. USAF uses EPAs to develop new technology, enhance visibility in the community, as well as hone, recruit and diversify the service branch's workforce.

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VA Uses API Tech to Facilitate Data Transfers With Third Parties
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VA Uses API Tech to Facilitate Data Transfers With Third Parties

The Department of Veterans Affairs uses a platform that allows for secure data exchanges between the country's veterans and third-party organizations.

VA said Friday its Lighthouse Application Programming Interface allows veterans to share VA health data with third party entities such as iBlueButton and Apple Health. The new API-driven approach also reduces the time needed for veterans to access data and services from the department.

Veterans may use the Benefits Intake APIs to digitally send claims without the need for heavy paper work. Digital submissions now make up more than 5 percent of veteran-sent claims, as a result of Benefits Intake APIs' implementation.

VA plans to further develop API services in support of health data collection and management. The department also wants to apply API technology to appeal submissions and engagements with other federal agencies.

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NASA to Conduct Final SLS Core Stage Test
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NASA to Conduct Final SLS Core Stage Test

NASA intends to hold the final green run test for the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) on Jan. 16th. 

A team of engineers will fill the tanks with over 700,000 gallons of fuel, power up the core stage's systems and ignite all four RS-25 engines simultaneously to simulate the stage's operation during launch, NASA said Tuesday.

The agency seeks to thoroughly evaluate the SLS rocket's core stage prior to the first Artemis mission through the green run tests. NASA wrapped up seven of the eight tests under the green run effort.

The SLS core stage houses four RS-25 engines as well as various avionics, computers, electronic components, liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks. The Artemis I mission will demonstrate the Orion spacecraft and the SLS rocket's capacity to operate as an integrated platform in preparation for future manned lunar flights.

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HHS Named Quality Service Mgmt Office for Federal Grants; Eric Hargan Quoted
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HHS Named Quality Service Mgmt Office for Federal Grants; Eric Hargan Quoted

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been designated as a Quality Service Management Office (QSMO) that will work to streamline the federal grants issuance process through shared services.

HHS said Monday that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) assigned Grants QSMOs to help standardize grants processing systems and drive efficiency while improving user experience for applicants, recipients and the federal workforce.

The QSMO must operate in three roles, namely solutions manager, marketplace coordinator and community builder. The office must oversee a “marketplace of solutions” which will include shared technology and non-technology services for customer satisfaction improvement, process automation and data standardization.

Eric Hargan, deputy secretary of HHS, said the designation builds on the department’s work on its ReInvent Grants Management Initiative that began in 2017. The QSMO status also “affirms the long-standing role of HHS as the largest grant-making agency”, he noted.

According to HHS, government-wide grant allocations in fiscal year 2020 increased to $2 trillion from $750 billion due to the government’s COVID-19 response efforts.

OMB has also assigned a QSMO status to the General Services Administration (GSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of the Treasury to address inefficiencies in financial services, cybersecurity and human resources procedures.

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