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IG Report: GSA Must Improve Oversight of Insider Threat Program
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IG Report: GSA Must Improve Oversight of Insider Threat Program

The General Services Administration’s (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is recommending the agency to improve information sharing and internal communications regarding its Insider Threat Program (ITP).

The GSA OIG said in the report released Wednesday that the agency must work on its organizational collaboration efforts to proactively detect, mitigate and prevent insider threats. GSA must improve its oversight of employee termination and separation, the OIG noted.

According to the report, GSA’s senior designated official for ITP is yet to submit its report on insider threats to the GSA administrator and that the agency does not actively monitor risks associated with terminated and separated employees that retain access to agency systems.

“Taken together, these deficiencies expose GSA information to theft or loss, facilities to damage, and personnel to actual or threatened harm; and create gaps that can be exploited in other ways to undermine GSA’s ability to effectively carry out its operations,” the report states.

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Infrastructure Security Vet Nitin Natarajan Named Deputy Director of CISA; Brandon Wales Quoted
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Infrastructure Security Vet Nitin Natarajan Named Deputy Director of CISA; Brandon Wales Quoted

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has appointed homeland security expert Nitin Natarajan to serve as deputy director.

Tenured cyber executives Eric Goldstein and David Mussington have also joined CISA’s leadership team to serve as executive assistant directors for cybersecurity and infrastructure security, respectively, the agency said Monday.

Natarajan’s cybersecurity career spans both public and private sectors, having held cyber-related roles at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Avantus Federal.

He most recently led homeland security and federal civilian market pursuits of Avantus Federal, which offers services in the areas of augmented intelligence, software, algorithms, machine learning and other emerging applications.

Goldstein led cybersecurity risk management efforts at Goldman Sachs and held various roles at the National Protection and Programs Directorate, CISA’s predecessor. Mussington supported the cybersecurity of European, Canadian and British organizations, in addition to the U.S. federal government, across more than 20 years.

“CISA is gaining strong advocates and leaders with these appointments, and I welcome them to the team,” said Brandon Wales, acting executive director at CISA.

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GSA to Re-award $5.5B Second Generation IT BPAs; Sonny Hashmi Quoted
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GSA to Re-award $5.5B Second Generation IT BPAs; Sonny Hashmi Quoted

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will re-award its 2nd Generation Information Technology (2GIT) Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), which have an estimated value of $5.5 billion over five years, the agency reported on Tuesday. The BPAs will be available for use by all agencies across the federal government.

“2GIT will deliver great value across the federal government. It serves as an example of GSA developing IT solutions that cater to agencies’ current and future requirements with supply chain risk management as a key feature,” said GSA assistant commissioner of Information Technology Category Laura Stanton.

GSA developed the 2GIT solution in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, and it will extend the benefits of a Best-in-Class (BIC) IT Products purchasing solution to the federal government.

The 2GIT solution will deliver a reliable, flexible, fast and efficient way to procure best-value solutions for complex IT hardware requirements. The BPAs will provide a streamlined process for purchasing IT hardware and software products and services through GSA Advantage!.

In addition, 2GIT provides access to a comprehensive set of IT products and ancillary services from pre-vetted industry partners and includes supply chain risk management assurances, as well as on-site and virtual customer support and training.

“Increasing access for small businesses and under-served communities within federal acquisition is an important goal for GSA,” said Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) commissioner and 2021 Wash100 Award recipient, Sonny Hashmi.

Of the 70 industry partners, more than 50 are small businesses. “Small and disadvantaged businesses form an important component of the federal contracting community, and GSA will continue to identify and elevate opportunities for them to bring their expertise and innovation to support the federal government,” Hashmi continued.

GSA to Re-award $5.5B Second Generation IT BPAs; Sonny Hashmi Quoted

Hashimi will deliver a keynote speech at GovCon Wire’s Modernizing Federal Acquisition Forum on April 15. To register for the virtual forum and view other upcoming events, visit the GovConWire Events page.

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Boeing Starts Production of T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer; Shelley Lavender Quoted
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Boeing Starts Production of T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer; Shelley Lavender Quoted

Boeing has initiated production of the first U.S. portion of the T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer, the company reported on Tuesday. The aircraft was fully designed using 3D model-based definition and data management systems developed at Boeing over the past 20 years.

“The future of air dominance lies in the ability to move quickly, take smart risks and partner in new ways to get the job done,” said Shelley Lavender, Boeing senior vice president of Strike, Surveillance and Mobility. “By creating aircraft and systems along a digital thread, we can accelerate build times and increase quality and affordability for our customers in a way that has never been done before.”

The T-7A Red Hawk is an advanced pilot training system designed for the U.S. Air Force that will train the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots. The T-7A Red Hawk leveraged the digital engineering and design of Boeing’s T-X aircraft. 

Designed using a digital thread, the T-7A aligns with the U.S. Air Force’s Digital Century Series strategy by enabling the integration of new concepts and capabilities faster and more affordably through virtual testing. The Advanced Pilot Training System also incorporates leading-edge ground-based live and virtual simulators to give students and instructors a “real as it gets” experience.

In Sept. 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract to supply 351 advanced trainer aircraft and 46 associated ground-based training simulators. Saab is teamed with Boeing on the trainer and provides the aft fuselage of the jet.

“This is a historic moment for the program and industry,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president of T-7 Programs. “The build process leverages full-size determinant assembly, which allows technicians to build the aircraft with minimal tooling and drilling during the assembly process. The digital process accounts for a 75% increase in first-time quality.”

About Boeing

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

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NASA to Discuss Second Crew Rotation for SpaceX Flight
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NASA to Discuss Second Crew Rotation for SpaceX Flight

NASA will discuss the SpaceX Crew-2 mission, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), during conferences on March 1, the agency reported on Tuesday. The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than April 20 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Fl.

SpaceX’s Crew-2 mission will carry astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur of NASA, Akihiko Hoshide of JAXA and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket to the space station. 

Kimbrough is commander of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and the Crew-2 mission. He is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry. He also will serve as an Expedition 65 flight engineer aboard the station.

McArthur is the pilot of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and second-in-command for the mission. McArthur is responsible for spacecraft systems and performance. She also will be a long-duration space station crew member, making her first trip to the space station. 

Hoshide is a mission specialist for Crew-2, where he will collaborate with the commander and pilot to monitor the vehicle during the dynamic launch and re-entry phases of flight. Once aboard the station, Hoshide will become a flight engineer for Expedition 65. 

Pesquet will also be a mission specialist for Crew-2, working with the commander and pilot to monitor the vehicle during the dynamic launch and re-entry phases of flight. Pesquet also will become a long-duration crew member aboard the space station.

In June 2020, NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft arrived at the ISS as part of the manned Demo-2 test flight mission. Hurley and Behnken named their spacecraft “Endeavour” after they reached orbit and joined the Expedition 63 crew after they docked to the orbiting laboratory’s Harmony module.

The Crew Dragon spacecraft for Demo-2 launched from Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 rocket as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Demo-2 serves as SpaceX’s final test flight to validate the spacecraft, launch vehicle, spacesuits and other components of its crew transportation system.

Crew Dragon is designed to launch up to four astronauts and transport more than 220 pounds of cargo in support of operational missions. The crew will carry out tests to ensure that the spacecraft can remain docked at the ISS for up to 210 days in future missions, in addition to performing research and other tasks at the space station.

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DHS Head Alejandro Mayorkas Eyes Cyber Grant Spending Increase, Anti-Ransomware Campaigns
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DHS Head Alejandro Mayorkas Eyes Cyber Grant Spending Increase, Anti-Ransomware Campaigns

Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and 2021 Wash100 Award winner, plans to raise minimum spending for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants focused on cybersecurity in a push to drive cyber awareness.

DHS said Monday that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will oversee the implementation of potential cyber-focused grant programs as part of Mayorkas’ initiative.

Mayorkas is also launching the “Reduce the Risk of Ransomware” campaign under CISA and is looking to drive DHS partnerships with the U.S. Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Forces (CFTFs) on ransomware response efforts. 

“This week is just the beginning of a series of actions DHS will pursue nationally and internationally to improve cybersecurity at all levels,” said Mayorkas.

The DHS secretary will coordinate with foreign counterparts on international cybersecurity efforts and participate in additional engagements over the coming weeks.

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CGI Wins Contract to support Transformation of Virginia Commonwealth’s eVA program
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CGI Wins Contract to support Transformation of Virginia Commonwealth’s eVA program

CGI has been awarded a contract by the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS) to support transformational enhancements to the Commonwealth's eVA program, the company reported on Tuesday. 

"CGI is excited to extend our partnership with the Department of General Services, where together we will implement a new, market-leading, unified platform with a modern user experience for procurement functions based on a highly flexible and configurable model," said Lynne Bushey, CGI senior vice president and U.S. Mid-Atlantic Business Unit leader.

CGI was selected by DGS to modernize the eVA platform with next-generation technologies, tools and capabilities that will support the Commonwealth's business goals. eVA is a procurement system that provides a centralized, online purchasing hub for state and local agencies and approved vendors that provide essential goods and services. 

Under the contract, CGI will support the transition to more user-friendly and cutting-edge procurement and reporting tools for state and local government users, businesses that supply goods and services, and public users who want to understand what public bodies are purchasing. 

CGI will deliver an enhanced shopping experience, including better catalog maintenance and buyer tools; improved supplier services, such as electronic order delivery, contracts, catalogs and improvement plans; enhanced collaboration between users and suppliers; increased standardization across functions; and smart routing and workflow functions to increase process efficiency.

"The Commonwealth will realize increased savings and operational efficiencies by further driving the innovation that has positioned eVA as the national leader in government eProcurement for nearly two decades," Bushey added. 

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Avantus Federal Names New Executives to Space Unit; Andy Maner Quoted
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Avantus Federal Names New Executives to Space Unit; Andy Maner Quoted

Avantus Federal has appointed Doug McCobb, Taylor Edwards and Scott Anderson to the  company’s Space team to provide a collaborative, technology agnostic approach to neutralizing risks for Avantus’ space clients, the company reported on Tuesday. 

“Our space domain is at a critical point,” said Andy Maner, CEO at  Avantus Federal. “In order to enable success in this domain, we need to have the best and  brightest talent on board. Doug, Taylor and Scott’s expertise will enable Avantus to tackle  this emerging sector of our market. I look forward to working with our teams to provide  innovative solutions to our clients.” 

In their new roles, McCobb, Edwards and Anderson will support Avantus’ growth strategy and eminence as the company builds out its space portfolio. McCobb will help Avantus refine its space strategy and expand its  portfolio into critical areas that have direct mission impact. 

Most  recently, McCobb advised the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force on all aspects of the National Security Space Enterprise, the  establishment of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Space Development Agency (SDA) and resourcing it to protect the nation.  

“I look forward to building on Avantus’ foundation of space offerings. I joined this  dedicated team because of the individuals devoted to the U.S. government’s mission  success,” said McCobb. “Avantus is equipped with the tools, domain and expertise needed  to succeed in this market and I’m excited to be a part of the group building this portfolio.” 

Prior to joining Avantus, Edwards served in the Air Force for two decades. Edwards is experienced in space acquisition, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) matters. 

At Avantus, Edwards will serve  as the Navigation and NAVWAR Engineer for one of the company’s Space clients. Edwards will support the performance of the Avantus’ space strategy by providing recommendations on technical focus areas. 

Anderson will serve as a tracking cell analyst for one of Avantus’ Space clients. He is knowledgeable in the Space domain, and previously served in a variety of positions, including space operations, training,  acquisition, headquarters staff and command. 

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Advisory Panel Looks at Dashboard Projects to Inform Work on Federal Data Service; USDA’s Ted Kaouk Quoted
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Advisory Panel Looks at Dashboard Projects to Inform Work on Federal Data Service; USDA’s Ted Kaouk Quoted

The Federal Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence Building is working to introduce the Federal Data Service to enhance how agencies link, access and safeguard data and is looking at dashboard projects of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enable the proposed service to help agencies accelerate data maturity, FedScoop reported Monday.

“It was a real big culture change,” Ted Kaouk, chief data officer at USDA, said Friday during a meeting of the 25-member advisory panel. “It was about making visible some of the data quality issues.” Kaouk said his department made a “modest” investment of $2 million to begin implementing the dashboard projects across 19 agencies.

“Largely it was about consolidating resources we already had,” Kaouk said. “We had Tableau servers across multiple mission areas, and we were able to bring them into a common platform and I think in many cases actually save money as agencies were looking to move their own cloud platforms.”

He noted that working with the data and analytics center of excellence and four other COEs of the General Services Administration (GSA) helped USDA, which developed over 500 dashboards across 29 agencies, advance data maturity assessments and speed up dashboarding work.

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Farooq Mitha Sworn In as Small Business Programs Director at DOD Industrial Policy Office
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Farooq Mitha Sworn In as Small Business Programs Director at DOD Industrial Policy Office

Farooq Mitha, president and CEO of Imbue Group, has taken oath as director of small business programs at the office of the deputy assistant secretary of defense for industrial policy, the Department of Defense (DOD) said Monday. Prior to DOD, Mitha served as a partner at law firm Geller Mitha.

Mitha previously worked at DOD from 2011 through 2017. During this period, he served as special assistant to the director of the office of small business programs and deputy assistant secretary of defense for manufacturing and industrial base policy. He supported programs meant to increase small business participation in major defense acquisition programs.

Small business programs support the mission of DOD’s office of industrial policy by maximizing prime and subcontracting opportunities to ensure that small businesses remain resilient and responsive to meet the requirements of the National Defense Strategy and defense industrial base.

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