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Congressional Groups Make FY25 NDAA Agreement Language Public
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Congressional Groups Make FY25 NDAA Agreement Language Public

The House and Senate Armed Services Committees have released the final negotiated language of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

SASC said Saturday the FY 2025 NDAA is based on two bills the two congressional committees approved in June: the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which passed the House, and the FY 2025 NDAA passed by SASC.

Discretionary Authorizations

The FY 2025 NDAA agreement would authorize $883.7 billion, including $849.9 billion for programs within the Department of Defense, $33.3 billion for national security programs within the Department of Energy and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and $512.4 million for defense-related activities.

Agreement on Army & Navy Programs

The NDAA agreement would direct the secretary of the Army to conduct a pilot program on the use of robotic targets to improve the lethality of the service branch’s reserve components and develop and implement a plan to procure and deploy additional kinetic effectors for the branch’s small unmanned aircraft integrated defeat system.

The negotiated annual defense policy bill would provide the secretary of the Navy with multiyear procurement authority for CH-53K aircraft and T408 engines.

The measure would also modify the annual report on cost targets for aircraft carriers to include additional cost data fidelity and subsequent Ford-class aircraft carriers.

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Chenega Subsidiary Awarded Contract for AMC Force Protection
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Chenega Subsidiary Awarded Contract for AMC Force Protection

Chenega Naswik International, a subsidiary of Alaska native organization Chenega Corporation, has been awarded a $10.5 million contract from the U.S. Army Materiel Command, or AMC, for protective security guard services.

Under the contract, CNI aims to advance force protection services including security administrative support and armed access control at AMC’s headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, Chenega told ExecutiveGov Wednesday.

CNI security guards will undergo training to meet the standards of the Army’s civilian police and security guard program. The guards will conduct screening and patrol tasks at the AMC facility.

Earlier this year, CNI agreed to three other multi-year security services projects — valued at a total of $86 million — at Redstone Arsenal with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Missile Defense Agency.

Chenega’s Protection Services: A Recent History

Another Chenega Corporation subsidiary was previously awarded a contract for force protection services. In October 2023, Chenega Integrated Security Solutions received a $47 million contract from the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission for force protection services throughout the SEC’s headquarters and 11 regional offices.

Earlier that year, an additional corporation subsidiary, Chenega Security California, received a $61 million contract from the U.S. Space Force for emergency management and medical services and fire protection efforts.

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NREL Issues Report on Asimily Cybersecurity Tool for Energy Sector
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NREL Issues Report on Asimily Cybersecurity Tool for Energy Sector

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released the results of its test on the Asimily risk management platform, which is under the second cohort of the Clean Energy Cybersecurity Accelerator, or CECA, program that the lab is pursuing to address cyberattacks on the energy sector. 

The Asimily solution identified all assets, enabling consistent and rapid traffic sampling that can help energy infrastructure owners and operators identify risks in their industrial control systems, NREL said.

According to the lab’s report, Asimily uses a hybrid passive sampling methodology with periodic targeted active scans that enhance the networked devices’ visibility without significantly impacting system availability. The increased visibility of the Asimily-linked devices boosted their capabilities in mitigating vulnerability, detecting threats and incident response, the report added.

Back-End Capability Analysis

Nick Blair, technical team lead at NREL, noted that Asimily’s traffic sampling provides a high back-end capability to draw insights into the system environment. “It’s interesting how they are able to build a picture of the environment and highlight risks that might not be obvious to an asset owner,” Blair said.

Shankar Somasundaram, Asimily’s CEO, conveyed the company’s delight in helping secure the energy sector’s operations technology. “This evaluation demonstrates Asimily’s comprehensive capabilities, which are crucial for managing OT assets in the environment,” he said. 

NREL assessed the cyber asset surface management tool runZero in another CECA cohort report released in July. 

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NASA to Test X-59 Quesst Shock Wave Probe
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NASA to Test X-59 Quesst Shock Wave Probe

NASA is set to evaluate advancements to a tool designed to measure shock waves made by the X-59 quiet supersonic transport, or Quesst, during supersonic flight.

The agency said Thursday the new technology, a shock-sensing probe, will be instrumental in validating computer models and gaining critical insights into supersonic aircraft behavior. The test results will be used to evaluate the current state of supersonic flight and potentially develop a quieter aircraft.

‘Under the Hood’ of the X-59 Quesst Shock-Sensing Probe

The cone-shaped air data probe is designed to capture the unique “sonic thumps” and gather precise pressure data generated by the X-59. Researchers at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California developed two versions of this shock-sensing probe. The near-field probe captures shock waves occurring near the X-59 while the mid-field probe measures those at altitudes between 5,000 to 20,000 feet below the research aircraft.

The probes are equipped with five pressure ports, which enables them to sense small pressure changes, particularly the weak shock waves produced by the X-59. These pressure ports combine their data to determine local pressure, speed and airflow direction.

During the test, an F-15B aircraft equipped with the probe will fly behind another F-15. The probe will measure the shock waves generated by the second aircraft during the supersonic flight.

Additionally, the researchers enhanced the heating system to prevent fluctuations caused by changing conditions seen in previous designs.

“A shock-sensing probe acts as the truth source, comparing the predicted data with the real-world measurements,” said Mike Frederick, NASA principal investigator. “The probe will meet the resolution and accuracy requirements from the Quesst mission.”

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Senate Bill Directs DOD to Promote Competition in AI, Cloud Procurement
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Senate Bill Directs DOD to Promote Competition in AI, Cloud Procurement

Sens. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have introduced a bipartisan bill that would require the Department of Defense to conduct a competitive award process when procuring artificial intelligence tools and cloud computing platforms.

The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act “will make sure that as the Department of Defense keeps expanding its use of AI and cloud computing tools, it’s making good deals that will keep our information secure and our government resilient,” Warren said in a statement published Thursday.

What Would the Bill Do?

The legislation would direct DOD to consider cloud services from multiple providers and help ensure that the U.S. government keeps exclusive rights to access and use of all government data.

The proposed measure would require the DOD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to ensure that government data supplied for the purpose of AI product development and operation will not be used or disclosed without the department’s authorization.

Under the bill, the Pentagon should publish a report every four years on innovation, barriers to entry, competition and market power concentration in the AI sector. The report should offer recommendations for administrative and legislative action.

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GSA Wants to Modernize Federal Procurement Process With New Tech
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GSA Wants to Modernize Federal Procurement Process With New Tech

The General Services Administration’s Acquisition Policy Federal Advisory Committee has convened its first public meeting of 2024, welcoming new members from various professional disciplines.

The latest committee additions include leaders from academia, industry and government, who are expected to contribute expertise in artificial intelligence, engineering and small business innovation, GSA said Thursday.

New Batch of Expert Contributors

The agency identified the new members as: 

  • Dorothea Abraham from William & Mary’s Mason School of Business 
  • Dean Alderucci from Carnegie Mellon University 
  • Tiffany Angulo from the California Department of Technology 
  • Gordon Bitko from the Information Technology Industry Council 
  • Tim Cooke from ASI Government
  • Matthew Cornelius from Workday
  • Ravit Dotan from TechBetter
  • Omid Ghaffari-Tabrizi from Google
  • Margaret Graves from IBM
  • Jared Johnson from the California Department of Technology
  • James Keagle from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resources Strategy
  • Cari Miller from the Center for Inclusive Change
  • Lindsey Moore from DevelopMetrics 
  • and Adrianna Tan from Future Ethics

Modernizing Federal Procurement Processes 

During the meeting, GAP FAC highlighted its mission to modernize by integrating emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, cloud computing and cybersecurity into federal procurement processes. The effort will ensure that the government can make full use of the evolving digital landscape.

The committee also discussed its other pressing priorities like the inclusion of climate-conscious strategies into acquisition processes to improve sustainability and addressing systemic challenges and risks in the acquisition ecosystem to reduce vulnerability.

According to GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan, the committee’s expertise will provide federal agencies with the advanced capabilities to drive innovation, improve efficiency and deliver better results. “GSA is ready to bring in emerging technologies and deliver solutions that meet the needs of government in this evolving landscape,” she noted.

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GlobalFoundries Receives Funding to Accelerate GaN Chip Manufacturing
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GlobalFoundries Receives Funding to Accelerate GaN Chip Manufacturing

GlobalFoundries, a manufacturer of essential semiconductors, has been awarded $9.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. government to continue the production of essential gallium nitride, or GaN, on silicon semiconductors at its Essex Junction, Vermont facility.

The company said Wednesday the additional funding, awarded by the Department of Defense’s Trusted Access Program Office, brings it closer to attaining large-scale production of GaN chips.

Gallium Nitride, or GaN, Chips

These semiconductors can withstand high voltages and temperatures. They are vital to enhancing performance and energy efficiency in different radio frequency and high-power control applications. This includes automobiles, datacenter, Internet of Things, aerospace and defense. 

GlobalFoundries Award 

With the latest investment, GF has now received over $80 million in funds since 2020. GF will utilize the latest award to accelerate the development of its 200mm GaN chips, enabling the company to boost its Gan IP portfolio, reliability testing and services to customers. The federal investment will also help the company continue manufacturing new tools, equipment and prototyping capabilities.

Nicholas Sergeant, vice president of IoT and aerospace and defense at GF, stated, “Realizing full-scale GaN chip manufacturing will be a catalyst for innovation, for both our commercial and government partners and will add resilience and strengthen the semiconductor supply chain.” 

Nicholas Martin, director of defense microelectronics activity, added, “This strategic investment in critical technologies strengthens our domestic ecosystem and national security and ensures these assets are readily available and secure for DoD utilization. In concert with key partners, this approach fortifies defense systems, empowering resilience and responsiveness.”

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DOD Strategy Seeks to Dismantle Threats of Cheap Drones
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DOD Strategy Seeks to Dismantle Threats of Cheap Drones

The Department of Defense has announced a classified Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems. The strategy includes five “strategic ways,” one of which focuses on disrupting and degrading threat networks that drive the development and proliferation of drones that pose threats to national security and U.S. assets overseas. 

The DOD will partner with other U.S. government bodies to conduct campaigns against the drone threats, according to the strategy’s unclassified fact sheet.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who signed the strategy on Monday, noted that the rapid evolution of cheap adversarial unmanned systems has increasingly changed the battlefield, threatening U.S. forces and installations. He said the counter-drone strategy was swiftly developed to address current and future threats. 

“The character of war is changing, and we will change with it,” stressed Austin, three-time Wash100 awardee.

Complementary Countermeasures

The strategy supports other DOD counter-drone efforts, such as the establishment of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office and the Warfighter Senior Integration Group for urgent operational requirements, as well as the launch of Replicator 2, which aims to address threats of small drones.

Under the strategy’s roadmap, the DOD will also streamline the delivery of counter-drone systems through rapid procurement approaches. Additionally, the department will seek to expand its budget’s adjustability and reduce the cost imbalance between anti-drone measures and unmanned systems.

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AFCEC Awards Leases to Expand 5G Service
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AFCEC Awards Leases to Expand 5G Service

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center Installations Directorate, with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, has granted 25-year leases to private entities to install commercial broadband networks at Department of the Air Force installations in the United States.

DAF Long Term Evolution 5G Initiative

AFCEC said Wednesday the leases are part of the DAF Long Term Evolution 5G Initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity for airmen, guardians and the rest of the workforce through secure and reliable networks. The project intends to bring strong cellular coverage to housing areas, work centers, training areas and along flightlines.

The LTE initiative is expected to provide 5G service to 84 Air Force and Space Force installations by 2028. The project, started in 2017, was initially designed as a way to improve quality of life by addressing the lack of reliable cellular coverage as reported by wing commanders.

The project is planned to have a three-phase rollout. Phases one and two of the initiative are ongoing — phase two was awarded to Verizon Communications in December 2022. Phase three is expected to begin at the end of November 2024. The third phase is split into four groups, with the first three awarded to Verizon and the fourth group to Boldwyn Networks.

“One of the biggest challenges has been finding providers capable of installing the towers while also offering cell service,” said Judi Tepperman, AFCEC real property management division chief. “During Phase 2, we learned it was more effective to invest time in finding entities that could handle both tower construction and cell service provision.”

Register now to join the Potomac Officers Club‘s 2025 5G Summit on Feb. 27 and understand everything you need to know about 5G.

AFCEC Awards Leases to Expand 5G Service
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Commerce Formalizes OICTS Operations With Final Rule
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Commerce Formalizes OICTS Operations With Final Rule

The Department of Commerce has released a final rule that formalizes the operations of the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services, or OICTS, in conducting investigations of foreign adversary threats to ICTS transactions that may impact U.S. national security.

The department said Thursday OICTS was formed within the Bureau of Industry and Security in March 2022 to advance the implementation of an executive order aimed at securing the ICTS supply chain.

“This final rule clarifies and strengthens BIS’s existing authorities to investigate, mitigate, and prohibit ICTS transactions involving our foreign adversaries. It significantly enhances our ability to protect the resilience of our national infrastructure and technology and communications sectors,” Alan Estevez, undersecretary of Commerce for industry and security.

“The further formalization of the OICTS is an important part of a pivotal year in the office’s growth as it continues to advance U.S. national security,” added Estevez, who also leads BIS.

Key OICTS Rulemakings & Investigations

In September, the office released a proposed rule that would ban the import or sale of connected vehicles integrating specific pieces of software or hardware linked to China or Russia.

In June, OICTS announced a final determination that prohibits Kaspersky Lab from selling its software within the U.S. or offering updates to software already in use.

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