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FCC Unveils Draft Proposal for 5G Spectrum Availability; Ajit Pai Quoted
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FCC Unveils Draft Proposal for 5G Spectrum Availability; Ajit Pai Quoted

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a draft proposal regarding a spectrum considered for use with commercial 5G. The proposal highlights efforts to have the 3.45-3.55 gigahertz spectrum ready for 5G implementation across the country, FCC said Tuesday.

“We are moving forward quickly, in coordination with the executive branch, to ensure that this mid-band spectrum is available for commercial 5G deployment," said FCC chairman Ajit Pai

Pai's proposal supports FCC's planned 5G implementation alongside other efforts such as an upcoming auction for the C-Band spectrum scheduled for December 2020. 

FCC's 5G implementation aligns with Congress' MOBILE NOW Act that aims to have a certain amount of megahertz available for broadband use by the end of the year. “Our 5G FAST Plan is in full swing," Pai added.

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Maria Roat: Zero Trust, Quantum Concepts Key to Fortifying Federal Systems
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Maria Roat: Zero Trust, Quantum Concepts Key to Fortifying Federal Systems

Maria Roat, deputy federal chief information officer and a 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, has said that federal agencies need to evolve their systems to ensure their capacity to handle quantum technologies and withstand emerging threats.

Roat told attendees at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit that agencies should consider investing in zero-trust architecture efforts to support system configuration updates while capitalizing on emerging concepts such as quantum computing. 

She said the recent transition to telework operations saw a significant increase in cyber attacks that tested the security of systems used by the public and private sectors.

“Even as I’m modernizing some of our old systems, our legacy systems, I have to make sure that our current systems as well are keeping up,” noted Roat. “How the federal government operated around cybersecurity is really a testament to the maturity of the federal government around networking and its modernization over the last several years," she added.

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Thomas Zelibor, US Navy Veteran, Named to DIB Space Advisory Council
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Thomas Zelibor, US Navy Veteran, Named to DIB Space Advisory Council

Thomas Zelibor, CEO of Space Foundation and retired U.S. Navy flag officer, has been appointed to the Defense Innovation Board Space Advisory Council (DIB SAC). On the board, he will provide independent advice and recommendations to Mark Esper, secretary of defense and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, as well as other senior Department of Defense (DoD) leaders on emerging space technologies. 

“I spent the first 34 years of my career in the U.S. military. It is where I discovered my passion for space-based technologies and all of the advantages they present to improve our armed forces’ strategic, as well as tactical operations. With my appointment to the DIB SAC, I can serve my country once again, bringing new ideas and the latest technologies to the table,” said Zelibor. 

Zelibor has a broad leadership and entrepreneurial background. On the DIB SAC, Zelibor will help provide innovations that support national technological and military dominance.

He has previously served as chairman and CEO of Lightwave Logic, a publicly traded corporation that conducts research and development (R&D) and production of advanced, high-speed organic electro-optic materials for use in devices in the telecommunications, data center and high-speed computing markets.

Zelibor was also president and CEO of Flatirons Solutions, a high-tech IT professional services and systems engineering company, where he was responsible for the overall strategic guidance and direction of business operations. As vice president for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), he supported the company’s growth and strategy.

The DIB parent board is composed of leaders from across the national security innovation base, who provide insights on the DoD’s challenges. The Space Advisory Committee has produced recommendations on topics such as artificial intelligence, software, data, digital modernization, and human capital.

Zelibor was selected for the committee based on his established military career as well as his contributory work in furthering space innovation. He was recently sworn in as a member of the DIB SAC to serve a four-year appointment. Zelibor is uniquely qualified to identify and assess emerging space technologies that could benefit the DoD and all who are under its watch.

“I am honored to join the DIB SAC and look forward to sharing the innovations taking place across the entire space ecosystem with our Department of Defense,” said Zelibor.

Potomac Officers Club will host its 2020 Navy Forum on September 30th. Click here to register for the event. 

James Geurts, Assistant Secretary for Research, Development, and Acquisition with the U.S. Navy and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient will serve as a keynote speaker during the event. Geurts will discuss how the U.S. Navy has continually worked to decentralize, differentialize and digitize the service branch’s work as well as develop its talent in the field. 

The Navy has also accelerated acquisition channels, modernized emerging technologies and increased research and development to become more effective in warfare. As the Navy continues to evolve to meet the growing demands, challenges still remain. 

Join Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Navy Forum to hear notable industry and federal leaders discuss the initiatives, efficiencies and challenges the service branch faces as well as how to join together to improve the future of warfare. 

Click here to register for the 2020 Navy Forum.

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Boeing Names Ed Dandridge to Senior Leadership Team, Succeeding Greg Smith; David Calhoun Quoted
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Boeing Names Ed Dandridge to Senior Leadership Team, Succeeding Greg Smith; David Calhoun Quoted

The Boeing Company has appointed Ed Dandridge to succeed Greg Smith as senior vice president and chief communications officer, effective Sept. 28. Dandridge will report to Boeing president and CEO, David Calhoun, and will serve on the company's Executive Council. 

"I am deeply grateful for Greg's continued leadership as we navigate this company through the current challenges, transform our business, and position to emerge stronger and more resilient than ever," Calhoun said. Smith has served as interim chief communications officer since July 2020 in addition to his role as executive vice president of Enterprise Operations and chief financial officer (CFO).

"Ed is an exceptional communications executive, strategist and global leader with a track record of developing and leading high-performing teams that enable businesses to deepen their engagement with customers and drive outcomes," Calhoun added.

Dandridge is a seasoned global executive and recognized industry leader with more than 25 years of experience in corporate reputation, issues management and public policy, and business transformation.

In his new role, Dandridge will oversee all aspects of Boeing's communications, including business unit communications, corporate communications, media relations, public affairs, leadership communications, employee engagement and corporate branding, as well as channel and content marketing.

Prior to joining Boeing, Dandridge was with AIG, where he served as global chief marketing and communications officer of AIG General Insurance since April 2018. At AIG he worked on the executive leadership team of the property and casualty business. 

Previously, Dandridge  was chief marketing  and communications officer for Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC). In addition to his corporate portfolio, he also served as chief marketing and communications officer for MMC's Risk and Insurance Services businesses.

Before his tenure with MMC, Dandridge was president and CEO of the National Association of Investment Companies, an industry trade group representing middle market private equity and venture firms. 

His other leadership roles include chief marketing officer of Collective; chief communications officer of Nielsen, managing partner of BrandSphere, and vice president of Disney’s ABC Television Network.

Dandridge is a member of the Economic & Community Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; a member of the Executive Leadership Council, where he also serves on the board of directors; and a member of the board of directors and executive committee of the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 

"I know Ed will continue to build on our unwavering commitment to engaging our associates and stakeholders with transparency as we confront these challenging times as an industry and company," Calhoun concluded. 

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. 

Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide 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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GSA Awards REI Systems PSS Contract Vehicle; Indunil Ranaviraja, Shyam Salona Quoted
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GSA Awards REI Systems PSS Contract Vehicle; Indunil Ranaviraja, Shyam Salona Quoted

The General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded REI Systems the Professional Services Schedule (PSS), a government-wide schedule that will provide agencies with contract vehicle to procure fixed-price or labor-hour professional services, REI Systems reported on Wednesday.

“We integrate a curated set of services and take a bespoke approach in partnering with our customers to mature, optimize, and transform operations to accelerate business results while minimizing risks to mission impact,” said REI Systems’ senior director for Advisory Services, Indunil Ranaviraja.

PSS will expedite delivery of consulting and program management support services to federal agencies by simplifying the procurement process and increasing the speed of the purchasing cycle. Under the schedule, customers will be able to purchase offerings through REI Systems’ full portfolio of Advisory Services.

The schedule will include REI Systems’ Technology Business Management (TBM), Strategic Planning, Organizational Change Management, Organizational Development, Business Process Reengineering, Training and Strategic Communications.

“Our Advisory Services practice is a fast-growing part of REI Systems, so I am pleased that this PSS contract will make it even easier for customers to access REI’s expertise,” said Shyam Salona, REI Systems’ CEO.

About REI Systems

REI Systems has delivered innovative solutions that empower people and impact millions of lives since 1989. Our 500+ problem-solving technologists and consultants are passionate about modernizing the government to fulfill their missions more effectively. Our customers include Government Operations, Homeland Security, Health, Science, Financial Services, and State, Local, and Nonprofits.

We take a Mindful Modernization approach in providing Application Modernization, Data Analytics, Grants Management, Small Business Innovation Research Programs, and Advisory Services. Delivering domain experts, management consultants, and best-fit technologies through agile execution, along with a commitment to customer service is the REI Way.

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Deltek Insight 2020 Virtual Event to Host Largest Gathering of Business Professionals Ever; Featuring Mike Corkery
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Deltek Insight 2020 Virtual Event to Host Largest Gathering of Business Professionals Ever; Featuring Mike Corkery

On Sept. 15th and 16th, 2020, Deltek will host the largest single gathering of project-based business professionals for its annual customer conference, Deltek Insight 2020. To learn more about #DeltekInsight 2020 and to register for the conference, visit deltekinsight.com.

This year, the annual conference will be moving to virtual format with nearly 350 breakout sessions available to discuss and interact with experts from across the federal sector and industry.

The virtual event will host notable keynote speakers, including Dr. Shirley Davis, Mike Robbins and Deltek CEO and two-time Wash100 Award recipient, Mike Corkery. The speakers will address the Business Impact of COVID-19; Diversity and Inclusion; and Mental Well-Being and Resiliency.

The speakers will address the Business Impact of COVID-19; Diversity and Inclusion; and Mental Well-Being and Resiliency.

“The goals of this conference have not changed even as we adapted to a new virtual format. With the event being complimentary this year, we are excited to welcome more attendees to share, learn and have some fun from the comfort of their home or office. We look forward to engaging with nearly 10,000 project-focused professionals from Deltek Project Nation,” said Perry Hardt, CMO at Deltek.

Joining Deltek in presenting this one-of-a-kind experience, several industry-leading organizations will be on-hand to share their Deltek expertise and demonstrate their complementary products and services. This year’s sponsors include the Deltek Insight 2020 Terabyte Sponsor – Baker Tilly – as well as Gigabyte Sponsors – Aronson, LLC , BDO, CCG, insightsoftware, Iuvo Systems, PDS Consulting Solutions, Premier Consulting & Integration (PCI), NeoSystems LLC and SilverEdge Systems Software, Inc.

“Every year, Deltek Insight brings together thousands of like-minded professionals to exchange ideas, make new connections and have some fun. By pivoting our customer conference to a virtual format, we have the opportunity to reach more of Deltek Project Nation around the globe – as well as offer our sessions on demand for those that want to watch at their convenience or share the experience with colleagues,” said Hardt added.

To learn more about #DeltekInsight 2020 and to register for the conference, visit deltekinsight.com.

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Executive Mosaic Launches ArchIntel Events; Deltek’s August Jackson to Keynote Archintel’s AI in Competitive Intelligence Forum on Oct. 22nd
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Executive Mosaic Launches ArchIntel Events; Deltek’s August Jackson to Keynote Archintel’s AI in Competitive Intelligence Forum on Oct. 22nd

As the leader in exclusive peer networking events, virtual events and media in the government contracting (GovCon) sector, Executive Mosaic continues to expand its platform with the launch of ArchIntel Events. To learn more about ArchIntel’s first virtual event click here.

ArchIntel Events provides the best forum for the significant executives of consequence to share their insights, expertise and experiences in competitive intelligence. In GovCon and federal sectors, competitive intelligence is essential to provide executives with the timely information needed to make key decisions for their respective organizations.

“In our industry of defense, intelligence and national security, along with the solutions we build and continue to support, every person is essentially a sensor in regards to competitive intelligence,” said Chris Reichert, vice president of Strategy with Hexagon US Federal, during a recent interview with ArchIntel as part of the ‘Competitive Intelligence Spotlight Series.’

Thus far, ArchIntel has spoken to competitive intelligence experts from across the federal sector and industry, including:

Anthony Verna of Cubic Mission Solutions

Chad Ehrmantraut of Perspecta 

Robin Riviere and Jennifer Marrion of SAIC

Joel Koerber of ICF

Todd Fitzgerald of Leidos

Jennifer Kauffman of Cybercore Technologies

Valerie Roberts of Jacobs

Tim Tibbits of Concurrent Technologies

Chris Reichert of Hexagon US Federal

John Foley of DSA

Amy Hutchins of IBM

Adam Harrison of PAE

Steven Stratton of Forcepoint

Gerald Werner of Maximus

Jeremy Ross of Trace Systems

Lisa Faherty-Vance of Vectrus

Ezmeralda Sager of Booz Allen Hamilton

John Steckel of AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Rick Herrmann of Intel

Ronald “Fog” Hahn of Amentum

Becky John of ECS Tech

and counting…

Check out our full interviews for ArchIntel’s Competitive Intelligence Spotlight Series here.

Executive Mosaic Launches ArchIntel Events; Deltek’s August Jackson to Keynote Archintel’s AI in Competitive Intelligence Forum on Oct. 22nd

On October 22nd, ArchIntel Events will host the ArchIntel – AI in Competitive Intelligence Forum as its first virtual event featuring August Jackson, senior director of Marketing and Competitive Intelligence for Deltek, as the keynote speaker.

August Jackson, Senior Director, Market and Competitive Intelligence, Deltek
August Jackson, Senior Director, Market and Competitive Intelligence, Deltek

In addition to Jackson’s keynote address, ArchIntel’s AI in Competitive Intelligence Forum will feature a full panel of the most respected and knowledgeable executives in the federal sector to discuss the ways that artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data and other emerging technologies have transformed how competitive intelligence is used in the GovCon industry.

The expert panel will feature: Suki Fuller of Competitive Intelligence Fellows, Dr. Fred Hoffman of Mercyhurst University and Arik Johnson of Aurora Worldwide Development Corp. as panelists.

Please join ArchIntel for its first virtual event on October 22nd to hear from some of the most esteemed minds in competitive intelligence on the opportunities and challenges arising from AI technology and how CI professionals can adapt and thrive in a post COVID-19 technological world.

Register here to attend ArchIntel’s first virtual event: AI in Competitive Intelligence Forum

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James Geurts Discusses US Navy Modernization of Unmanned Systems
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James Geurts Discusses US Navy Modernization of Unmanned Systems

James Geurts, Assistant Secretary for Research, Development, and Acquisition with the U.S. Navy and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, recently addressed the challenges the U.S. Navy has faced deploying unmanned systems. He noted that the service branch has encountered obstacles to obtain and use the systems effectively on a global scale. 

Geurts stated that the U.S. Navy will try to determine “how to scale that to take advantage of the unique opportunities” unmanned systems provide. “We need to be bold in trying new things, but maintain discipline in how we scale that so we don’t get into exquisite fragility, where we have systems in one specific niche for one specific set of conditions.”

Geurts said scale and balance are two key attributes going forward. He noted chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Gilday’s unmanned systems campaign plan seeks to move from a collection of  systems to an integrated capability that shares command and control, concepts of operations and data systems. 

A key challenge is “how we’re going to communicate with all these different systems and how they can come in and out of our network,” Geurts said. He said that the U.S. Navy should integrate technology that will cut across multiple platforms, to align technical, business, programmatic and operational architectures. 

“In the end we have to get away from manned vs, unmanned. It’s manned and unmanned together, that will enable us to be the most successful,” he added.

Potomac Officers Club will host its 2020 Navy Forum on September 30th. Click here to register for the event. 

Geurts will serve as a keynote speaker during the event. Geurts will discuss how the U.S. Navy has continually worked to decentralize, differentialize and digitize the service branch’s work as well as develop its talent in the field.

The Navy has also accelerated acquisition channels, modernized emerging technologies and increased research and development to become more effective in warfare. As the Navy continues to evolve to meet the growing demands, challenges still remain. 

Join Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Navy Forum to hear notable industry and federal leaders discuss the initiatives, efficiencies and challenges the service branch faces as well as how to join together to improve the future of warfare. 

Click here to register for the 2020 Navy Forum.

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Ball Aerospace Completes CDR of MethaneSAT Flight System; Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, Cassandra Ely Quoted
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Ball Aerospace Completes CDR of MethaneSAT Flight System; Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, Cassandra Ely Quoted

Ball Aerospace has successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) of the flight system and advanced spectrometer instrument that will be integrated onto a 350-kilogram satellite for MethaneSAT, a subsidiary of the non-profit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Ball Aerospace reported on Monday. The completion of CDR has enabled Ball to move into part fabrication and assembly.

"MethaneSAT aligns with Ball's commitment to earth science, sustainability and delivering science at any scale," said Dr. Makenzie Lystrup, vice president and general manager, Civil Space, Ball Aerospace. "We have worked closely and collaboratively with the customer and other partners to develop extremely sensitive sensor technology critical to spotting methane emissions that previously would have gone undetected."

The Ball-designed MethaneSAT Instrument will measure a narrow part of the shortwave infrared spectrum where methane absorbs light, allowing it to detect concentrations as low as two parts per billion. 

From Low-Earth Orbit, the satellite will locate and measure emissions of methane sources across the globe with precision and at fine enough detail to identify these sources. The mission is expected to launch in 2022 to support EDF's stated goal of achieving a 45 percent reduction in methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2025.

Ball recently built LIDAR and wide-field camera instruments for NASA's Cloud-Aerosol LIDAR and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) mission and the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollutions (TEMPO) instrument to measure air quality for a NASA mission. 

"This is a complex, technically challenging mission driven by the profound urgency of climate change. An intensive design process up front ensures that we can move quickly from here. The result is a more powerful measurement tool than even we thought possible," said Cassandra Ely, director at MethaneSAT. 

About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 18,300 people worldwide and reported 2019 net sales of $11.5 billion.

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GAO Identifies 16 Mission-Critical Federal IT Acquisition Programs
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GAO Identifies 16 Mission-Critical Federal IT Acquisition Programs

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified and profiled 16 mission-critical information technology acquisitions of federal agencies.

GAO said Tuesday agencies noted that they expect to generate cost savings from 13 of those mission-critical IT acquisitions once deployed due to a number of factors, including security improvement, legacy system shutdown and elimination of paper-based processes.

The congressional watchdog identified risk factors and challenges to each of the 16 IT acquisition programs, including information privacy risks, cost constraints, schedule slippages and workforce issues.

The mission-critical IT programs profiled in the GAO report include the Department of Defense’s Global Combat Support System-Army and Defense Healthcare Management System Modernization; the Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHR) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Next Generation Identification System.

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