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DHS to Conduct Chemical Hazard Support Efforts
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DHS to Conduct Chemical Hazard Support Efforts

The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC) is set to provide chemical hazard support in preparation for Hurricane Sally's landfall.

CSAC is identifying chemical facilities within Sally's predicted path that may be vulnerable to chemical release due to loss of power or building damage, DHS said Monday. The center will also remain on standby to assess potential hazard on chemical surface transport, piping systems and other facilities.

DHS will transmit the results of the analysis to Joint Task Force – Civil Support Team and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center.

CST and FEMA/IMAAC reached out to CSAC in August in response to a chemical fire at Biolab following Hurricane Laura's landfall.

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DHS Overrules TSA Concerns on CLEAR’s Expanded Airport Security Authorities
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DHS Overrules TSA Concerns on CLEAR’s Expanded Airport Security Authorities

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rejected objections from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on a bill to expand the traveler vetting authorities of security technology maker CLEAR.

Ken Cuccinelli, acting deputy secretary of homeland security, wrote in a letter dated Sept. 9 that the DHS overruled the concerns of TSA Administrator David Pekoske on CLEAR’s expanded operations, Bloomberg Government reported Monday.

In May 2020, Pekoske wrote a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee stating that allowing CLEAR to have additional authorities “would be a bridge too far” and place critical transportation and national security functions “in the hands of private firms that are not directly accountable to the U.S. Government.”

CLEAR currently serves as a sole partner in TSA’s Registered Traveler initiative and is under contract to provide screening services at 35 airports. A company spokesperson told BGOV that the legislation would ensure that security procedures and traveler assessments “would remain with TSA where they belong.”

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Army Eyes Contract Award for GPS Tech Alternative Before October
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Army Eyes Contract Award for GPS Tech Alternative Before October

The U.S. Army is looking to award a contract by the end of the month for the service branch’s positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) effort aimed at establishing an alternative for GPS technologies.

The Army intends to select an awardee for the Mounted Assured Position Navigation and Timing (MAPS) contract and deploy a prototype in two years, C4ISRnet reported Monday.

MAPS will be used to support PNT operations such as anti-jamming and spoofing functionalities in GPS-denied environments. MAPS Gen 3, the planned latest version of the PNT capability, is meant to be integrated into the electronic warfare (EW) and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS).

The Army plans to leverage the CMOSS chassis as a standardized plug-and-play platform for disparate PNT technologies.

Col. Nickolas Kioutas, program manager for PNT at the Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (IEW&S), told C4ISRnet that the service is “nearing an award to a single vendor” as it continues MAPS transitioning and fielding activities.

Kioutas’ comments come after the Army announced plans to establish a PNT development hub next month to support programs such as the CMOSS initiative.

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USS Ford Marks 4,000th Aircraft Launch, Recovery; Capt. Kenneth Sterbenz Quoted
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USS Ford Marks 4,000th Aircraft Launch, Recovery; Capt. Kenneth Sterbenz Quoted

The U.S. Navy has recorded the 4,000th aircraft launch and recovery of the USS Gerald R. Ford's Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) 

Built by General Atomics, the vessel's AAG and EMALS components require less maintenance and manpower and are specifically designed for Ford-class ships, the Navy said Friday.

“Reaching 4,000 launches and recoveries is not only an important performance datapoint, but it also represents years of technological development and the dedication, professionalism, and successful work put forth by the ALRE team and CVN 78,” said Capt. Kenneth Sterbenz, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment program manager for EMALS and AAG at the Navy.

The components are currently undergoing an 18-month post delivery test and trial and is on schedule to complete all requirements prior to its commissioning to the service branch.

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House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Improve IoT Cybersecurity Standards; Rep. Will Hurd Quoted
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House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Improve IoT Cybersecurity Standards; Rep. Will Hurd Quoted

The House has passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Will Hurd, R-Texas and two-time Wash100 Award recipient, and Robin Kelly, D-Ill., that seeks to fortify the security posture of U.S. internet of things (IoT) networks.

Hurd’s office said Monday the 2020 IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act awaits Senate approval and requires all government-owned IoT devices to undergo vetting procedures to ensure supply-chain accountability as well as compliance with federal security requirements.

The legislation would also direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish criteria for IoT device management and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to assess current information security guidelines.

In addition, agencies would be banned from procuring devices that do not meet NIST and OMB’s standards while contractors are subject to “coordinated vulnerability disclosure” requirements.

“The [IoT] grows every single day, and, by the end of next year, it will include more than 20 billion devices,” according to Hurd. “America needs to keep up with this incredible trend, and that means ensuring proper security and protections—the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act is a step in that direction.”

NIST and OMB must modify IoT security guidelines and policies every five years under the legislation.

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Cambridge Names Josh Golden CFO; Kim Harokopus Quoted
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Cambridge Names Josh Golden CFO; Kim Harokopus Quoted

Cambridge has appointed Josh Golden to the company’s executive management team as chief financial officer (CFO), Cambridge reported on Tuesday. Golden will be responsible for leading the Finance department as well as work with Cambridge’s executive management team to further the company’s strategic vision.

“Josh has extensive experience overseeing global operations and leading sustainable growth while also implementing innovative approaches,” said Kim Harokopus, Cambridge CEO.

Golden will bring more than two decades of experience to Cambridge. As an operationally focused CFO for a variety of companies in the government contracting space, Golden most recently worked throughout the C4ISR; border security and chemical; and biological and explosive threat detection markets. He will be based in Cambridge’s Arlington Headquarters. 

“Cambridge is excited to have Josh onboard… We look forward to leveraging his expertise as we continue to grow and look for new ways to provide our customers with outstanding service at the best value,” said Harokopus. 

About Cambridge 

For more than 25 years, Cambridge has been fighting bad actors in both the cyber and physical worlds. We have worked in some of the most challenging domains imaginable including critical infrastructure, illicit trafficking, border security, flight mission assurance, banking and threat finance, and medical and health security. We have proven our mettle on the toughest problems. It is why you can trust us to be your partner.

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Octo Names Jeffrey Cook CFO; Mehul Sanghani Quoted
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Octo Names Jeffrey Cook CFO; Mehul Sanghani Quoted

Octo has appointed Jeffrey Cook as chief financial officer (CFO) to supervise all financial activities and initiatives as well as support the development and implementation of business plans that guide the company’s growth trajectory, Octo reported on Tuesday. 

“Jeff is a respected, forward-thinking financial expert with a long history of playing key roles in oversight and business growth,” said Octo CEO Mehul Sanghani. “We were meticulous in searching for someone with the right combination of seasoned experience to guide our continued growth and finding a strong cultural fit for our organization going forward. I am elated to have found an exceptional combination of both in Jeff.”

Cook will join Octo with more than two decades of accounting and finance expertise. Prior to joining Octo, Cook served as senior vice president, group CFO and head of Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis at Leidos, where he was responsible for all aspects of finance and accounting for a multi-national $2.7 billion operating unit.

He also served in various senior leadership positions with SAIC, most recently serving as vice president of Group Forecasting, Planning and Analysis Manager. In the role, Cook managed  the quarterly forecast and annual planning process, cost reduction strategy and implementation and  finance modeling for senior management. 

During his career with Accenture, Cook where he oversaw financial operations, managed the planning and forecasting process, led finance due diligence and merger and acquisition initiatives and played a key role in the development and execution of key strategies driving the growth of the business. 

“I am excited to serve as Octo’s CFO,” said Cook. “I am also confident that with the executive team’s commitment to strategic planning and execution, we will be able to use Octo’s pattern of success as a springboard for continued growth. I look forward to working as part of this dynamic team.”

A Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Cook holds an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and a B.S. in Business from Virginia Tech.

About Octo

Octo challenges the status quo, empowering federal agencies to leap IT hurdles by using emerging technologies to create transformative solutions that enable rapid modernization, enhance citizen engagement, and maximize human impact. We continually explore ways to transform IT, producing results vital to national security, intelligence, health care, and more.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Octo is a technology firm dedicated to solving the Federal Government’s most complex challenges with Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Agile DevSecOps, Cloud Engineering, Open Source, Cybersecurity, and Data Science solutions. Octo enables the government to modernize faster and meet the needs of rapidly changing missions with agility. Our approach is collaborative, and our outcomes are superior.

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Bipartisan Team Presents Bill to Better Protect Digital Identities; Rep. Barry Loudermilk Quoted
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Bipartisan Team Presents Bill to Better Protect Digital Identities; Rep. Barry Loudermilk Quoted

Reps. Bill Foster, D-Ill., John Katko, R-N.Y., Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., and Jim Langevin, D-R.I., have introduced a bill to bolster the security of digital identities in the U.S. Improving Digital Identity Act would develop ways to securely verify digital identities and create a homeland security program through which states could update identity credential systems, Foster's office said Friday.

The bill would also task the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to release guidance on how agencies can enhance the security of digital identity verification services.

“With over two decades in the IT sector, I know this legislation will help protect hardworking Americans and make it harder for criminals to exploit and steal identities and hard-earned money,” Loudermilk said.

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Rubrik Names LTG Bruce Crawford, Former Army CIO, to Advisory Board; Bipul Sinha Quoted
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Rubrik Names LTG Bruce Crawford, Former Army CIO, to Advisory Board; Bipul Sinha Quoted

Rubrik has appointed LTG Bruce Crawford to its public sector advisory board to advance the company’s product life cycle, effective in Oct. 2020. On the Rubrik advisory board, Crawford will help the company solve federal data challenges.

“We wanted to build a board staffed with experts who have years of experience working with different agencies, service providers and system integrators who have served the public sector market for a very long time.

These experts will have the ability to tap into their knowledge and understanding of how the industry is evolving, what its needs are, and how Rubrik can help fulfill the needs and build products and technologies to serve the market the best,” said Rubrik CEO Bipul Sinha.

Crawford recently retired as the CIO of the U.S. Army in Aug. 2020. As CIO, Crawford was the principal advisor to the secretary of the Army. He drove the strategic direction and objectives for the Army network and supervised all IT functions. He also supervised the Army’s $12 billion IT investments.

One of Crawford’s primary goals with the service branch was “posturing the Army to leverage data as a strategic asset,” which aligns with Rubrik’s mission as the company has helped hundreds public sector agencies modernize their approach to security, backup and recovery, and data management.

“Data is the ammunition of the future fight and the fuel that enables The National Defense Strategy in this the Age of Great Power Competition. Very excited about joining the Rubrik team,”  Crawford said.

During Crawford’s 34 years of service, he served in a variety of leadership positions at the tactical, operational and strategic levels. He has also served as a special assistant to the director of the Army Staff, as the 14th commander of the U.S. Army’s Communications-Electronics Command and Aberdeen Proving Ground senior mission commander.

Crawford, the second board appointment, joins Yogesh Khanna, who was recently appointed as chief technology and strategy officer with Sev1Tech earlier this month.

“We are cultivating the board with intention to help the public sector grow and manage change as quickly as possible,” Khanna said. “We want to begin adding additional members that represent the broader market. We break down the public sector into four primary segments—defense, intel, civil, and state and local. We’d like ample representation from each segment because the markets are unique in their own ways.”

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MCA Wins $68M BPA to Support DHS Management Services; Lisa Firestone Quoted
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MCA Wins $68M BPA to Support DHS Management Services; Lisa Firestone Quoted

Managed Care Advisors (MCA) has been awarded an approximate five-year, $68 million blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to provide a full range of Workers' Compensation Medical Case Management Services (WC-MCMS) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component agencies, the company reported on Tuesday. 

"A defined and disciplined WC-MCMS Program provides the people, resources and technology to enable timely and appropriate intervention, expedited access to quality care, recovery support, and return to work as soon as medically acceptable,” said Lisa Firestone, MCA's president  and CEO.

Under the BPA, MCA will provide a fully integrated solution, including a dedicated 24/7/365 Incident Reporting Hotline, Medical Case Management, Claims Support, Reporting, Analytics, and access to MCA's WebOPUS Federal. 

WebOPUS Federal, MCA’s proprietary case management system, is a fully developed, secure, web-based application that will support the entire lifecycle of a workers' compensation case from First Report of Injury (FROI) through resolution and beyond. 

MCA’s platform will provide a federalized and mission-ready secure interface that will enable DHS to access relevant and real-time information, maximize data capture, manage workflows and guide clinical decision-making. 

Additionally, WebOPUS will support secure and confidential communication, as well as generate and store case documentation. It will also create useful and customizable management and utilization reports. WebOPUS is currently available as a component of MCA's integrated Medical Case Management Services Suite or stand-alone as a SaaS solution.

MCA has served as a partner to DHS, its component agencies and injured workers since 2005. The company has provided products and services that incorporate industry best practices into a highly regulated Federal environment to maximize vocational and medical outcomes. 

“MCA is proud to serve DHS and other federal agencies in support of a healthy, resilient, and mission-ready workforce. We remain committed to our partnership with DHS and look forward to the opportunity to continue our work with them for many years to come," Firestone added. 

MCA’s services will be provided throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

About Managed Care Advisors (MCA)

Established in 1997, Managed Care Advisors (MCA) is a woman-owned small business (WOSB) specializing in workers' compensation, case and claims management, disability and absence management, analytics, technology solutions, specialty health plan management, and employee benefits. Based in Bethesda, MD, with satellite offices in Lake Mary, FL, and Danbury, CT., MCA currently services customers throughout the United States and all U.S. Territories. 

Since 2005, MCA has been providing a comprehensive suite of products and services to the federal market to support federal agencies in improving outcomes, reducing costs, and avoiding unnecessary medical and vocational disability resulting from work-related injuries and illnesses.

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