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Trump Eyes Nomination of Sean Plankey as DHS Asst Director
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Trump Eyes Nomination of Sean Plankey as DHS Asst Director

President Trump plans to nominate Sean Plankey to serve as assistant director for infrastructure security at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the White House said Wednesday.

Plankey currently serves as principal deputy assistant secretary for cybersecurity, energy security and emergency response at the Department of Energy (DOE).

Before DOE, he held the role of director for cyber policy at the National Security Council (NSC) and worked at the Bureau of Budget and Planning as global cyber intelligence adviser.

The U.S. Coast Guard veteran also led the U.S. Navy’s naval intelligence mission systems as deputy chief information officer for naval intelligence.

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Ellen Lord on DoD’s Updated Defense Acquisition Directive
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Ellen Lord on DoD’s Updated Defense Acquisition Directive

Hon. Ellen Lord, the Department of Defense’s (DoD) acquisition head and a 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, has said the Pentagon’s release of a new directive to transform its acquisition procedures.

Lord, who serves as the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said at a recent briefing that updates to the DoD Directive 5000.01 represent a “comprehensive redesign” of the defense acquisition system.

She noted that the “streamlined and modernized” revisions will help empower program managers while promoting flexibility and delivering at the speed of relevance. 

The new Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF), which took effect in January, has already resulted in improvements for the service branches, said Lord.

"As with the AAF's existing pathways, our intent is to ensure we have a process that is designed around the characteristics of the capability in development, rather than forcing them through a business model that just doesn't fit,” she added.

According to Lord, the DoD’s acquisition system needed to keep up with the private sector and incorporate a culture that fosters creative compliance and critical thinking.

A hybrid approach to acquisition can also help program managers and decision-makers mitigate risk, speed up programs, establish requirements and solidify engineering approaches while ensuring proper oversight, she noted.

Ellen Lord on DoD's Updated Defense Acquisition Directive

Join Potomac Officers Club for its 5G Summit on Oct. 27, 2020 to learn about the impact that innovative technologies and 5G integration have on the private and public sectors, the steps the federal agencies have taken to remain up to speed with the rapid advancement of technology, and the future programs, plans and priorities as the nation aligns with emerging technology.

Hon. Ellen Lord, undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment at the Department of Defense (DoD) and four-time Wash100 Award recipient, will be featured as the keynote speaker.

Don’t miss out on this must see event! Register here for the 5G Summit on October 27th.

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NASA SEWP Contract Orders Reach $9B in FY 2020; Joanne Woytek Quoted
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NASA SEWP Contract Orders Reach $9B in FY 2020; Joanne Woytek Quoted

NASA’s Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) governmentwide acquisition program has increased its spending in fiscal year 2020 and saw over 47,000 orders totaling $9 billion from 90 federal entities.

The figure represents a 40 percent increase from FY 2019, where the SEWP program saw 36,000 orders worth $6.5 billion combined, FCW reported Wednesday.

Joanne Woytek, manager for SEWP, said in an email to the publication that the program cut usage fees and created an online customer service portal for agencies' chief information officers in response to seasonal demands and COVID-19 impacts.

She added that SEWP also established customer liaison teams to streamline procurement.

"We had also noticed six months ago an uptick in orders for IT security software, web cameras, virtualization software, laptops and monitors and other technology related to telework," noted Woytek. "However, with nearly 47,000 orders from over 1,300 sites and 25,000 customers, it is hard to categorize how much of the purchasing was COVID related." 

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PAE Wins $50M Contract to Support Navajo Nation COVID-19 Response; John Heller Quoted
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PAE Wins $50M Contract to Support Navajo Nation COVID-19 Response; John Heller Quoted

PAE has been awarded a $50 million contract by the Navajo Nation to serve as the joint logistics and medical integrator for the Navajo Department of Health’s COVID-19 response, the company reported on Thursday. With the company’s selection, PAE will provide solutions to operate multiple Alternate Care Sites and deploy mobile testing teams. 

“Our recognized capabilities implementing results-focused COVID-19 response measures was critical for the Navajo Nation in choosing us to deliver integrated medical and logistics solutions vital to the health of Navajo citizens,” said PAE president and CEO, and 2020 Wash100 recipient, John Heller. 

Under the contract, PAE will develop a strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19. The company will also provide comprehensive ACS facility services and medical staffing. PAE will also deploy mobile testing teams throughout the territory to advance COVID-19 testing coverage. In addition, PAE will establish facilities to anticipate future pandemic responses.

PAE’s Expeditionary Support and Stabilization Team has launched turnkey alternate care solutions to support customers’ response efforts to the pandemic. The team has offered operational logistics capabilities and currently supports ongoing health initiatives in North America. 

“Our Expeditionary Support and Stabilization Team is saving lives with their quick deployments and epidemic expertise as they respond to the needs of governments and organizations around the world,” Heller added. 

About PAE

For 65 years, PAE has tackled the world’s toughest challenges to deliver agile and steadfast solutions to the U.S. government and its allies. With a global workforce of about 20,000 on all seven continents and in approximately 60 countries, PAE delivers a broad range of operational support services to meet the critical needs of our clients. Our headquarters is in Falls Church, Virginia.

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SAIC Wins Task Order to Support C4ISR Naval Services; Jim Scanlon Quoted
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SAIC Wins Task Order to Support C4ISR Naval Services; Jim Scanlon Quoted

The U.S. Navy awarded Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) a $49.5 million single-award, cost-plus fixed-fee task order to continue to provide the Royal Saudi Naval Forces support services for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) upgrade and refurbishment, the company reported on Thursday. Work will take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 “For more than 40 years, SAIC has supported the Navy’s mission to help maintain the Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ C4ISR capability modernization, engineering and logistics,” said Jim Scanlon, SAIC executive vice president and general manager of the Defense Systems Group.

SAIC’s task order was awarded as part of the five-year SeaPort-NxG prime contract. Under the task order, the company will utilize repeatable solutions, including engineering, design and integration, integrated product support and sustainment capabilities on critical networks. 

The company’s efforts will support Naval Information Warfare Systems Command's requirement for Program Executive Office C4I International Integration Program Office (PMW 740) Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) In-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Support Services.

In addition, SAIC will provide program management, systems engineering and integration, maintenance engineering and integrated logistics for the modernization and refurbishment of RSNF systems. 

“As a leader in technology integration, SAIC is excited to continue its assistance to the Navy as it continues to build this strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Scanlon added. 

About SAIC

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s digital transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, IT modernization, and mission solutions. 

Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are 25,500 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has pro forma annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion.

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Suzan Zimmerman, of Sepio Systems, Announces New Executive Appointments
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Suzan Zimmerman, of Sepio Systems, Announces New Executive Appointments

Suzan Zimmerman, senior advisor with Sepio Systems’ Board of Advisors, has announced the appointments of Jay Smilyk, as chief revenue officer (CRO), and Lane Bess, as advisory on the company’s Advisory Board.

“These new appointments further strengthen Sepio’s leadership team and advisory board as the company focuses on revenue generation and expansion globally,” said Yossi Appleboum, co-founder and CEO of Sepio Systems. “Smilyk adds important, diverse expertise to our executive team with an impressive resume and extensive experience as a driving force for the company’s revenue stream.”

Smilyk will bring more than 20 years of experience in technology sales and sales leadership to Sepio Systems. In his new role, Smilyk will generate revenue and manage strategic growth challenges. Prior to joining the company, Smilyk served as eastern regional director of Sales for Vectra Networks. He was also vice president of Sales for North America at Safend/Supercom.

Before that, Smilyk served as vice president of Sales with Cynet, where he created a team of security professionals that brought the threat detection solution to the market. He has also held leadership roles with RSA, Wave Systems Corp, Safend Software and Check Point.

“Sepio’s technology brings full visibility into IT, OT, and IoT infrastructures and allows control and mitigation of risk,” said Smilyk. “I am looking forward to joining the team as Sepio is poised to take the lead in this emerging market as threats are growing exponentially.”

Bess has over three decades of operational experience and growing technology companies. Prior to his position on the advisory board, Bess was principal and founder at Bess Ventures and Advisory.

He has also served as chief operating officer (COO) of Zscaler Inc and CEO of Palo Alto Networks. With Palo Alto, Bess led fundraising and scaled the company from its early go-to-market, to a revenue run rate exceeding $200 million on the path to its IPO. Before his tenure with Palo Alto, he served as the executive vice president of Trend Micro Inc.

“Sepio Systems addresses a critical market need in today’s evolving security environment ‒ to provide the ultimate visibility into each IoT device connected to an organization’s infrastructure,” said Bess. “No company is doing this effectively today. As an advisor, I am most excited to help Sepio along the path to define, innovate and lead hardware security risk and compliance at the device level.”

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Accenture Wins DoD’s 2020 Employer Support Freedom Award; Jimmy Etheredge, Vince Vlasho Quoted
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Accenture Wins DoD’s 2020 Employer Support Freedom Award; Jimmy Etheredge, Vince Vlasho Quoted

The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Accenture its prestigious 2020 Employer Support Freedom Award for the company’s support of its National Guard and Reserve member employees, Accenture reported on Thursday.

“We are honored to receive the highest award that the Department of Defense gives employers,” said Jimmy Etheredge, Accenture’s CEO of North America. “It is our privilege to create pathways for National Guard and Reserves members as they bring their many talents to civilian careers. Their dedication, discipline, teamwork and leadership are shining examples to us all.”

Accenture Plaques
The U.S. Department of Defense awards Accenture the 2020 Employer Support Freedom Award

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) has coordinated the annual Freedom award program, on behalf of the Secretary of Defense. After it receives nominations, ESGR state committees review the organizations and make recommendations on which employers should move to the next round in three categories.

The categories include small employer, large employer and public sector. Following, a national selection board, consisting of senior DoD officials, business leaders and prior awardees, will select up to 15 employers to receive the award. In 2020, ESGR received more than two thousand nominations for employers, and awarded 15 companies, including Accenture.

“I’d like to thank the Department of Defense for recognizing Accenture with this prestigious Freedom Award. We salute the many National Guard and Reservists currently employed at Accenture for their tireless work ethic and critical contributions, not only to Accenture, but to our great nation,” Vince Vlasho, Accenture Federal Services’ (AFS) Defense Portfolio lead, said.

The program receives nominations from National Guard or Reserve members who work with the organizations they nominate. Accenture was nominated by staff sergeant Tiny Freeman, who currently serves in the company’s public sector practice.

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GAO Assesses 5G Strategy Against Six Key Characteristics of Effective National Strategies
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GAO Assesses 5G Strategy Against Six Key Characteristics of Effective National Strategies

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has examined the National Strategy to Secure 5G released by the White House in March 2020 and found that the document partially addressed five of the six desirable characteristics for an effective national strategy.

GAO said in a report published Wednesday those partially addressed characteristics were purpose, scope and methodology; organizational roles, responsibilities and coordination; integration and implementation; goals, subordinate objectives, activities and performance measures; and problem definition and risk assessment.

The 5G strategy failed to address the characteristic of results, investments and risk management, including the lack of cost estimates and the type of investments and resources needed to implement the strategy.

GAO called on the assistant to the president for national security affairs to collaborate with the National Security Council (NSC) and National Economic Council to ensure that the 5G strategy meets all of those six characteristics.

“Until the Administration assures that the implementation plan fully addresses all elements of the six desirable characteristics, the plan will provide limited guidance to decision makers about allocating resources to address 5G risks and challenges,” the GAO report states.

GAO Assesses 5G Strategy Against Six Key Characteristics of Effective National Strategies

Join Potomac Officers Club for its 5G Summit on Oct. 27, 2020 to learn about the impact that innovative technologies and 5G integration have on the private and public sectors, the steps the federal agencies have taken to remain up to speed with the rapid advancement of technology, and the future programs, plans and priorities as the nation aligns with emerging technology.

Hon. Ellen Lord, undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment at the Department of Defense (DoD) and four-time Wash100 Award recipient, will be featured as the keynote speaker.

Don’t miss out on this must see event! Register here for the 5G Summit on October 27th.

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Rear Adm. Susan BryerJoyner on Navy’s Data Sharing, Software-Defined Networking Requirements
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Rear Adm. Susan BryerJoyner on Navy’s Data Sharing, Software-Defined Networking Requirements

Rear Adm. Susan BryerJoyner, cybersecurity division chief at the office of the chief of naval operations, said the U.S. Navy is seeking industry support to help address its software-defined networking and data sharing requirements, C4ISRNET reported Wednesday.

“We need to get to software defined networks. We know we need to be able to share data more seamlessly across the Navy. The challenge is, how do we come up with modular platforms that don’t require hull cuts in order for us to be able to swap in and out on board the ship,” she said at the AFCEA NOVA Naval IT Day Wednesday. “That’s honestly one of the greatest impediments to modernization.”

BryerJoyner said the service is working with industry to enable its naval ships to transmit data and run applications in denied environments.

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OSTP Launches New Website, Report on Quantum Info Science; Michael Kratsios Quoted
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OSTP Launches New Website, Report on Quantum Info Science; Michael Kratsios Quoted

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has unveiled a new website and a report that identifies priority areas that require continued research to advance quantum information science.

“With the launch of Quantum.gov, the White House has created an online home for the National Quantum Coordination Office (NQCO) and a new digital hub for the growing quantum community to connect with wide-ranging activities underway across the Federal Government,” Michael Kratsios, U.S. chief technology officer and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner, said in a statement published Wednesday.

“The newly published Quantum Frontiers Report lays out critical research questions for the entire U.S. innovation ecosystem to tackle in the years ahead, and will serve as an important roadmap for researchers around the country,” Kratsios added.

The Quantum Frontiers Report was based on insights from federal, academic and industry leaders and determines areas for continued QIS research, including materials science and quantum information technology for precision measurements.

The official NQCO website will include news on QIS efforts across the federal government as well as reports, documents and information on agency programs.

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