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NSF Selects Final 6 Projects for National Quantum Lab Program
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NSF Selects Final 6 Projects for National Quantum Lab Program

The National Science Foundation has chosen the final six pilot projects for its National Quantum Virtual Laboratory program, which seeks to accelerate the development of quantum technologies.

The selected projects will explore methods of providing distributed access to the required tools for creating functional technologies that exploit quantum phenomena, NSF said Monday. The NQVL program participants will receive $1 million each to create real-world testing environments for advancing quantum capabilities.

Tapping Quantum Computing’s Capacity

For example, a team of researchers from Iowa State University, Indiana University and IonQ will develop hardware and techniques that can be used in quantum chemistry, condensed matter physics and nuclear physics. Each application intends to tap quantum computing’s capacity to manage the exponential complexities of quantum systems.

Through the NQVL initiative, the government is establishing a national resource without “the limitations of distance and space or the boundaries of laboratory walls,” according to NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.

Exploring Quantum Possibilities

The program is meant to unlock the possibilities of quantum phenomena, which could create networks with impenetrable security. NQVL will also provide workforce training and educational opportunities to grow the U.S. STEM workforce and develop leaders for future quantum-based industries.

The six projects will join the earlier five program participants that NSF announced in August. All teams are invited to submit proposals to the latest agency funding solicitation for the NQVL initiative.

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Space Force Launches GPS III Satellite With SpaceX
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Space Force Launches GPS III Satellite With SpaceX

The U.S. Space Force has confirmed the launch of a Global Positioning System III satellite. The military service said the national security space launch mission, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer-1, demonstrates the government’s capacity to work with industry to condense the process of bringing mission concept to launch.

“This launch was a remarkable achievement that highlights the Space Force’s ability to execute high-priority launches of major space systems on a significantly reduced timescale,” stated Col. Jim Horne, senior materiel leader of launch execution for the Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space.

Falcon 9 Launches GPS III Satellite

According to the Space Force, the RRT-1 launch was made possible through its partnership with Space X. On Monday, at 7:52 p.m. EST, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to deliver the GPS III satellite SV-07 to orbit. 

RRT-1 was originally scheduled for a Dec. 13 flight but was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions. 

The mission marks SpaceX’s 126th launch of 2024. 

Launching a Spacecraft at an Accelerated Timeline

Horne said planning the mission began a few months ago in response to concerns over the readiness of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, which is still awaiting required certification to deploy NSSL missions. 

“It not only demonstrates the teams’ ability to respond to emergent constellation needs but is a testament to our flexibility and responsiveness to deliver capability as rapidly as space vehicle readiness allows,” the military leader added. 

Delivering Reliable GPS to Warfighters

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, GPS III satellites are designed to provide navigation information to deployed troops and military assets. The space vehicles support M code, ensuring resistance to jamming and spoofing. 

SV-07 follows the launch of SV-06 in 2023. Mission Delta 31 operates the satellite constellation.

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NASA Issues Final Strategy for Sustained Human Activities in LEO
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NASA Issues Final Strategy for Sustained Human Activities in LEO

NASA has published its finalized low Earth orbit microgravity strategy that outlines key goals and objectives to support a sustained human presence in LEO and launch future space explorations.

The strategy will guide future human activities in LEO and promote international space collaboration, the space agency said Monday, adding that the specified 13 goals and 44 objectives will advance microgravity science, technology and exploration for all space stakeholders.

Roadmap for Future LEO Missions

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy explained that the strategy will serve as a roadmap for upcoming LEO missions, the continuous human presence in the orbit and the ambition to explore the Moon and Mars.

“As we near the retirement of the International Space Station in 2030, these objectives are a pivotal next step in solidifying U.S. leadership in space,” she added.

Final Framework for LEO Strategy

NASA started developing the strategy in early 2024 and sought public comments for a draft document. Following its review of the input, the agency assembled a final framework of targets for commercial LEO infrastructure, operations, science, research and technology development, international cooperation, workforce development, science, technology, engineering and mathematics engagement, and public participation.

NASA envisions that the LEO microgravity goals and objectives will develop future commercial space stations to support space operations, reduce risk for human missions to Mars, preserve operational skills, advance critical scientific research and sustain international and commercial partnerships.

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GovCon Index Faces 4th Straight Monthly Loss
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GovCon Index Faces 4th Straight Monthly Loss

Executive Mosaic’s GovCon Index has fallen by more than 2% in the last two weeks, closing with an average of $4,947.67 in this most recent period. If the index continues its December deficit, it could result in a fourth consecutive monthly loss.

GovCon Index tracks and displays real-time stock market data on 30 major public government contracting organizations. This data is presented daily for site visitors to gain insight into the performance of each individual company and to understand the overall trends moving the GovCon market.

GovCon Index’s Stretch of Decline

The GovCon Index has declined 4.95% overall throughout the first half of December. 

The index’s worst recorded months in 2024 have been September, with a 3.05% decrease, followed by October and November, with a 0.24% and 2.87% decline. Prior to its streak of monthly loss, the GovCon Index had one of its best months in August, increasing 4.74%.

Weekly Gains & Declines 

Overcoming overall loss, Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm, grew by 13.40%, followed by Boeing, which experienced a 9.14% increase. On the other hand, AeroVironment declined 19.54% during the period. 

Five stocks, including CACI International and Booz Allen Hamilton, dropped between 9% and 11%.

Visit GovConIndex.com to view the complete list of tracked companies and gain insight into daily GovCon Index performance.

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Chris Lee Joins CISA as App Dev/Solutions, Services Chief
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Chris Lee Joins CISA as App Dev/Solutions, Services Chief

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has appointed Chris Lee, a government technology veteran, as chief of app development/solutions and services.

Prior to CISA, Lee spent 15 years at the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“I can’t wait to use all the amazing things I have learned over the years to take the DHS and CISA Missions forward in this space!” Lee said in a LinkedIn post announcing his move to the cyber agency.

According to his profile on the professional networking site, Lee will provide mission application services, including cloud platforms, on behalf of the agency’s chief information officer.

Chris Lee’s Career Background

His career at ICE included time as a vendor liaison, SharePoint and web services section chief and internet/intranet project manager.

Before ICE, the former U.S. Air Force communications computer specialist spent seven years at the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, where he served as director of communications.

Lee also held leadership roles at several tech companies, including collaboration consultant at DataCure, senior network consultant at DelCor Technology Solutions and assistant director of communications at Telos.

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Johney Green Named Savannah River National Laboratory Director
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Johney Green Named Savannah River National Laboratory Director

Johney Green has been appointed laboratory director of the Savannah River National Laboratory, or SRNL, by the Battelle Savannah River Alliance.

Battelle said Friday Green will leverage his leadership skills and extensive experience in various scientific fields in his new role.

Green is the current associate laboratory director for mechanical and thermal engineering sciences at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. He also serves on the Defense Science Board, offering strategic and technological advice to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Johney Green’s Past Roles

Before joining NREL, Green was division director of energy and transportation science at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for eight years. He was also group leader for fuels, engines and emissions research. The Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy demonstration project was developed during his leadership.

Green also worked as technical coordinator for the 21st century truck partnership of the Department of Energy’s Office of Vehicle Technologies. He also had a stint as a visiting research scientist at Ford Motor Company’s Scientific Research Laboratory.

Juan Alvarez, executive vice president for national laboratory management at Battelle, said of Green, “We are confident that he is the right person to lead this exceptional national asset with a legacy of delivering impactful solutions for environmental, energy and security challenges.”

What Is Savannah River National Laboratory?

SRNL is a multi-program national laboratory and R&D institution for the Offices of Environmental Management and Legacy Management at the Department of Energy and the Weapons and Nonproliferation programs for the National Nuclear Security Administration.

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Navy’s PMW 130 Implements Zero Trust in Unmanned Systems
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Navy’s PMW 130 Implements Zero Trust in Unmanned Systems

The U.S. Navy’s Cybersecurity Program Office PMW 130 worked with other Navy commands and industry partners to implement zero trust architecture, or ZTA, during Trident Warrior 2024 to improve the cybersecurity of unmanned systems.

Scott Jasper, principal investigator, said Trident Warrior 24 provided Naval Postgraduate School students with the opportunity to perform applied research in the operating environment. 

“The achievement of a ZTA in Trident Warrior 24 was important to demonstrate the viability of the selected cyber defense solutions,” noted Jasper, also a senior lecturer at NPS’ Department of National Security Affairs.

In addition to NPS, PMW 130 collaborated with U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, Naval Sea Systems Command and other components within the Department of Defense to help 760/406 Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron, or USVRON, One implement zero trust as part of Trident Warrior 2024.

What Is Trident Warrior?

Trident Warrior is an annual at-sea field experiment designed to enable the Navy to pick potential initiatives that could help address capability gaps and offer new platforms in an operational environment.

Through fleet experimentation, the Navy and its partners can integrate warfighter feedback early into the procurement process.

Navy’s Cybersecurity Acquisition Agent

PMW 130 helps the Navy acquire cybersecurity capabilities and services that counter and protect systems against cyberthreats.

The office deploys and sustains cryptographic tools and key management platforms and provides defensive cyber operations analysts with the ability to defend and operate Navy networks in response to a cyberattack.

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OAS Unveils New AI Initiative
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OAS Unveils New AI Initiative

The U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States, or OAS, has launched an initiative to promote the development of secure, safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence ecosystems and policy frameworks by OAS member states.

The State Department said Friday the OAS Executive Secretariat for Integral Development will oversee the project, Developing an Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework for the Americas.

Backed by $1.1 million in grant funding from the U.S. government, the project will focus on several areas, including policy and institutional frameworks, AI standards development, multisector collaboration, skills building and training, and good practices and key actions.

According to the department, the initiative reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with OAS member states on improving regional cooperation to establish a robust AI framework, ensuring responsible AI practices and fostering innovation.

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DISA Official Shares GovCon Tips for Small Businesses
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DISA Official Shares GovCon Tips for Small Businesses

An official from the Defense Information Systems Agency cautioned small businesses against pitching artificial intelligence-powered tools for programs that are not specifically asking for AI. Carlen Capenos, director of the agency’s Office of Small Business Programs, recently shared advice that could help firms enter the government contracting market. 

Focus on Emerging Technologies

While more and more organizations across industries are adopting AI, it might not always be the technology that a particular agency or project requires. Capenos told small businesses not to pitch trendy technology, whether AI or quantum computing, unless a customer asks for it. 

She instead directed aspiring government contractors to focus efforts on the agency’s watch list for emerging technologies, which identifies specific capabilities DISA plans to invest in. Its watchlist for fiscal 2025, for instance, includes 6G, quantum-resistant cryptography, and AI for cybersecurity and big data analytics.

Start With Subcontracting

Capenos also touched on the requirement for companies to obtain a security clearance to do business with DISA. She acknowledged that it is a common obstacle for small businesses that want to enter the GovCon market. 

The defense official urged small businesses to become subcontractors to prime contractors that can sponsor their clearance. She said the prime contractor does not have to be a large company, either; many small businesses have found themselves working with other small businesses on a project.

Steve Wallace, who currently serves as chief technology officer at DISA, provided similar advice to small businesses during the AFCEA Small Business Workshop held in August. According to Wallace, the agency previously selected GovCon newcomers based on their prior experience with prime contractors. 

Learn From Loss

Finally, Capenos told small businesses to learn from best value tradeoff contracts instead of just offering the lowest price acceptable. 

“You might win, hopefully, you do,” she commented. “But if you don’t win, you’re going to find out what the winning price was. You’re going to find out what your ratings were, what your strengths and weaknesses were, and you’re also going to find out what the ratings were of the vendor who won.”

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NASA Updates Roadmap for Manned Missions to Moon & Mars
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NASA Updates Roadmap for Manned Missions to Moon & Mars

NASA recently released several new documents as part of an update to its Moon to Mars architecture, a roadmap meant to guide the space agency in its efforts to explore the surface of the Moon under the Artemis campaign and eventually send crewed missions to Mars.

Revised Architecture Definition Document

The latest update to the architecture includes a revision of the Architecture Definition Document, which covers exploration plan processes and technical approaches, NASA said Friday. The revised document now offers more information concerning the agency’s decision road-mapping process. The revised document now also lists opportunities that will help technology developers determine what research to prioritize to help enable the Moon to Mars architecture.

Nuclear Fission, Lunar Cargo Lander & Initial Habitat

The architecture update also includes 12 new white papers, with one highlighting the intent to use nuclear fission as the primary power source to sustain personnel on the surface of Mars.

The update also adds two new elements to the architecture. The first is a lunar surface cargo lander, which will deliver various payloads, including those for logistics, communications and science and technology. The second is an initial surface habitat to house astronauts on the lunar surface.

Architecture Concept Review

The changes come on the heels of an Architecture Concept Review, which NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free said is “critical to getting us on a path to mount a human mission to Mars.”

“We’re taking a methodical approach to mapping out the decisions we need to make, understanding resource and technological trades, and ensuring we are listening to feedback from stakeholders,” Free added.

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