/
CommScope’s Chris Collura: Federal Agencies Should Prioritize Network Modernization
Published on
CommScope’s Chris Collura: Federal Agencies Should Prioritize Network Modernization

Chris Collura, vice president of Federal Sales at CommScope, wrote in a commentary published Wednesday that federal agencies seeking to advance information technology modernization should upgrade their network infrastructure supporting internet-connected devices.

He said the systems of wireless access points, multigigabit ethernet switches and routers and converged cables serve as the “backbone” of five next-gen technologies: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Citizens Broadband Radio Service spectrum, internet of things and cloud.

Collura said 5G networks could support artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual and augmented realty, IoT and other next-gen capabilities. “5G is expected to make its true roll-out later this year after radio spectrum and 5G-enabled devices become more available,” he said. 

He noted that agencies could leverage large datasets they maintain and store with faster internet speeds and increased bandwidth that Wi-Fi 6 could bring.

“There are no lack of options when it comes to IT budgets, but by prioritizing modernization, including these five technologies, federal agencies will be investing in solutions that can be used for years to come,” Collura wrote.

“That said, in order to take full advantage of these capabilities, agencies need to modernize their IT and network infrastructure. In doing so, government agencies will be in a better position to adjust to new and emerging requirements.”

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.

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

///
CBO: Nuclear Forces Expansion in Response to New START Pact’s Expiration Could Cost DoD Up to $439B
Published on
CBO: Nuclear Forces Expansion in Response to New START Pact’s Expiration Could Cost DoD Up to $439B

A new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report says the Department of Defense (DoD) could incur $410 billion to $439 billion in onetime costs if the U.S. government decides to expand its strategic nuclear forces to the START I treaty levels in response to the expiration of the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia.

CBO said in the report published on Tuesday that such a move could generate between $24 billion and $28 billion in additional annual costs to operate and sustain new delivery systems and warheads.

CBO’s estimates are based on its use of a more flexible approach, which seeks to procure “enough delivery systems to reach the desired total numbers of warheads while maintaining (as nearly as possible) the current number of warheads allocated to each missile and bomber.”

New START between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire in February 2021. The treaty limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads each country may deploy to 1,550. Each country is allowed to field up to 800 bombers and missile launchers as delivery systems.

“If the New START treaty expired, the United States could choose to make no changes to its current plans for nuclear forces, in which case it would incur no additional costs,” CBO said in the report. “If the United States chose to increase its forces in response to the expiration of the treaty, modest expansions could be relatively inexpensive and could be done quickly.”

//
Four Agencies Issue Cyber Alert on Bank Robbery Scheme Linked to North Korea’s BeagleBoyz Group
Published on
Four Agencies Issue Cyber Alert on Bank Robbery Scheme Linked to North Korea’s BeagleBoyz Group

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and three other agencies have released a joint alert about the FASTCash bank robbery campaign carried out by a group of North Korean government-linked cyber threat actors called BeagleBoyz.

The group has initiated cyber-enabled ATM cash outs and fraudulent money transfers in several countries through its FASTCash scheme, CISA said Wednesday. CISA issued the alert with the FBI, Department of the Treasury and U.S. Cyber Command.

“North Korean cyber actors have demonstrated an imaginative knack for adjusting their tactics to exploit the financial sector as well as any other sector through illicit cyber operations,” said Bryan Ware, assistant director of cybersecurity at CISA.

“CISA and our interagency partners work closely with industry to provide actionable, specific and timely cyber threat information, like today’s alert. Our aim is to disrupt and defeat malicious cyber campaigns and help government and industry partners prioritize resources to highest risk to stay one-step ahead of adversaries,” Ware added. 

The alert said North Korea through the group BeagleBoyz has resumed its bank robbery scheme since February targeting financial institutions in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Japan, South Korea and Turkey.

BeagleBoyz threat actors have used spearphishing, watering holes and other tools and techniques to compromise financial institutions and the joint alert listed some of the publicly available malicious files the group has used to conduct job application-themed phishing attacks.

The alert also provided information on how the cyber threat group executes its scheme, uses persistence mechanism and credentials and avoids detection.

//
AFRL Issues RFI for Quantum R&D Strategy Dev’t Support
Published on
AFRL Issues RFI for Quantum R&D Strategy Dev’t Support

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is looking for potential sources that can help the lab create a blueprint for quantum information science (QIS) research and development initiatives.

AFRL said in a notice posted Monday on the beta SAM website that the successful offeror will assist the lab in creating the Air Force’s QIS science and technology strategy focused on developing, demonstrating and fielding quantum systems.

According to the request for information, interested entities must have experience in technology development, production and testing efforts in the public and private sectors. Ideal offerors must also have a diverse background in engineering, physics, computer science and mathematics, the lab noted.

AFRL also said in the performance work statement that contract services include supporting the establishment of an investment plan for key research areas including computing, sensing communications and networking and positioning, navigation and timing.

The contractor will additionally help AFRL drive quantum research across the service branch and the Department of Defense in addition to supporting the lab’s engagement efforts with a “variety of customers” in the defense, intelligence and national security sectors.

Responses to the solicitation are due on Sept. 4.

//
NASA Completes Ground Segment Test for James Webb Space Telescope; Amanda Arvai Quoted
Published on
NASA Completes Ground Segment Test for James Webb Space Telescope; Amanda Arvai Quoted

NASA has concluded ground segment testing activities for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to demonstrate its capacity to respond to commands from space.

The agency said Monday it relayed maneuvering and operational commands from the Mission Operations Center at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Md., as well as data from Northrop Grumman’s Deep Space Network emulator in Redondo Beach, Calif., during the assessment.

The ground systems test is meant to help NASA validate JWST’s components before sending the observatory to space where it will handle complex communication commands and data downlinks.

Amanda Arvai, deputy division head of mission operations at STScI, said the recently completed test serves as the first time the team tested both JWST’s flight hardware and ground system.

“This was also the first time we’ve demonstrated the complete cycle for conducting observations with the observatory’s science instruments,” she noted.

The recent milestone comes a month after NASA completed initial full-systems assessments for JWST and announced plans to launch the telescope within the March to October 2021 window.

//
Marine Corps to Open Wargaming Center in Virginia; Lt. Gen. Eric Smith Quoted
Published on
Marine Corps to Open Wargaming Center in Virginia; Lt. Gen. Eric Smith Quoted

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) plans to establish a wargaming center for simulated training exercises in Quantico, Va., over the next four years.

USMC said Tuesday that the agency is working with industry on the proposed Marine Corps Wargaming and Analysis Center that will be located within Marine Corps Base Quantico and house over 12 wargames annually.

The 100K-square foot facility will contain gaming classrooms, meeting rooms and other spaces to support wargaming operations such as remote virtual activities that simulate real-life scenarios on the battlefield.

Lt. Gen. Eric Smith, deputy commandant for combat development and integration at USMC, said establishing the wargaming center at Quantico will enable Marines to access nearby facilities such as the Marine Corps University, Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) and USMC Warfighting Laboratory.

Sharleene Prieur, deputy program manager for the wargaming capability at MCSC, said the center will also help USMC coordinate wargame activities with the Department of Defense (DoD) as well as joint, intergovernmental, interagency and multinational partners.

The Marine Corps expects to break ground in fiscal year 2021and complete the facility’s construction in the fourth quarter of FY 2023.

///
DHS S&T Unveils Explosive Trace Detector Tech
Published on
DHS S&T Unveils Explosive Trace Detector Tech

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) science and technology (DHS S&T) directorate has handed over to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) a technology built to trace and detect explosives.

The Next-Generation Mass Spectrometry Explosive Trace Detector can adapt to austere environments and houses a configurable threat library meant to speed up threat identification capabilities, DHS said Tuesday.

DHS S&T has updated Next-Gen Mass Spec ETD to function as an air-breathing sensor that can transmit early warnings on weapons of mass destruction. The technology completed a series of developmental tests and is currently undergoing configuration to enable usage in air cargo facilities.

DHS has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Secret Service to implement Next-Gen Mass Spec ETD to border crossings and aviation checkpoints.

///
JAIC’s Nand Mulchandani on DoD AI Hub’s Long-Term Mission Goals
Published on
JAIC’s Nand Mulchandani on DoD AI Hub’s Long-Term Mission Goals

Nand Mulchandani, acting director of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), said his office aims to generate valuable data and fully enable AI concepts to become “built-in and learned," C4ISRnet reported Tuesday.

Mulchandani told attendees at an Institute for Security and Technology-hosted webinar that he envisions JAIC to spearhead the DoD’s efforts to speed up the authority to operate process and while promoting agility in technology development.

According to Mulchandani, efforts like the Joint Common Foundation (JCF) platform for standardized AI tools will help “democratize” user access to compute power, data, tools and storage. JAIC awarded a potential $106M task order to Deloitte for the development of JCF earlier this month.

“We view this as an enterprise infrastructure company in that we have customers — the [combatant commands] — and we have relationships to understand what it is they need but also I have a set of products that we’re offering them in that sense,” said Mulchandani. “It’s a little haphazard today, but it’s getting way, way better,” he noted.

//
U.S. Navy Working to Expand Fleet to 355 Ships; RADM Tom Anderson Quoted
Published on
U.S. Navy Working to Expand Fleet to 355 Ships; RADM Tom Anderson Quoted

The U.S. Navy and Defense Secretary and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient Mark Esper have made recent efforts to expand the service branch’s fleet to at least 355 ships to keep pace with Chinese military modernization. However, the Navy has faced recent challenges to keep up with the capacity, Breaking Defense reported on Tuesday.

The Navy has faced recent obstacles in performing scheduled maintenance work. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recently reported delays, noting that carriers are averaging 113 days late, while subs are coming in 225 days late.

To combat the challenges as the service branch works toward modernization James Geurts, Navy Acquisition Chief and 2020 Wash100 Award winner, has developed plans for the shipyards and shipbuilders in the case of  American ships damaged by the Chinese or Russian fleets.

Geurts established the Wartime Acquisition Scalable Plan, to look at the US industrial base “beyond the traditional defense companies and its suppliers in order to meet the national defense strategy and the department of Navy’s readiness priorities to build and sustain a lethal naval force,” said Navy spokesman Capt. Danny Hernandez.

Geurts’ team will continue to expand how the Navy could rapidly increase shipbuilding. RADM Tom Anderson, program executive officer-ships,  said “how prepared are we to go to the fight, and what would we do and how do we get better prepared,” to rapidly push ships out to sea and repair them when they came back.

Under the Wartime Acquisition Scalable Plan, Geurts will also establish how Congress will provide the proper personnel to enact these plans, and create a national capacity to enact modernization.

Anderson has researched smaller commercial shipyards that haven’t traditionally worked with the Navy, which could lead to newfound progress. The shipyards would introduce a number of large shipbuilding companies that could deliver repair and overhaul work.

Anderson recently visited a number of small, commercial shipyards in the Gulf Coast to potentially build the kinds of smaller manned and unmanned vessels for the Navy and Pentagon as part of the revamped 30-year shipbuilding plan.

U.S. Navy Working to Expand Fleet to 355 Ships; RADM Tom Anderson Quoted

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.

//
SpaceX to Launch MM1 to Deliver NASA Experiments; Sean Mahoney, Stephanie Bednarek Quoted
Published on
SpaceX to Launch MM1 to Deliver NASA Experiments; Sean Mahoney, Stephanie Bednarek Quoted

Masten Space Systems has chosen SpaceX to launch Masten Mission One (MM1), which will deliver nine NASA science and technology demonstration experiments and several commercial payloads to the lunar south pole, Masten Space Systems reported on Wednesday. 

“Having SpaceX’s proven launch success behind us is not only great for us, but it’s great for our customers,” said Masten chief executive officer, Sean Mahoney. “We share a common vision with SpaceX and that makes this more than a partnership. It’s more like a dream team.”

MM1 was developed under collaboration with NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Project Office. The Masten XL-1 lunar lander is scheduled to touch down on the lunar south pole in 2022, carrying a suite of NASA-sponsored scientific instruments and various payloads from commercial space customers.

“We are thrilled to be launching Masten’s Mission One to the Moon in 2022,” said Stephanie Bednarek, senior director of commercial sales or SpaceX. “SpaceX was founded upon the goal of extending humanity’s reach beyond Earth, and it’s exciting to take part in a mission with many partners who share the same vision.”

NASA selected Masten Space Systems to deliver the administration’s payloads in April 2020. The $75.9 million contract was awarded to Masten under the terms of NASA’s (CLPS). The agency’s initiative has provided opportunities for NASA to order lunar delivery services from commercial providers. In 2018, Masten was one of the first delivery providers that NASA put on its CLPS list.

About NASA’s CLPS Program

NASA is working with several American companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. These companies of varying sizes will bid on delivering payloads for NASA, including payload integration and operations, launching from Earth and landing on the surface of the Moon. Under the Artemis program, early commercial delivery missions will perform science experiments, test technologies and demonstrate capabilities to help NASA explore the Moon and prepare for human missions.

1 … 1,313 1,314 1,315 1,316 1,317 … 2,597