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NIH Introduces $58M Health Research Program in Africa
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NIH Introduces $58M Health Research Program in Africa

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has unveiled a $58 million funding opportunity to drive data science and health research activities in Africa under a five-year effort.

NIH said Monday that it aims to develop approaches that could address Africa's clinical and public health gaps through the Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa program.

The initiative seeks to foster partnerships across various sectors and conduct collaborative efforts with computer scientists, engineers, biomedical researchers, clinicians and data specialists. Academic and non-profit organizations in Africa are encouraged to submit proposals for the effort.

Projects under DS-I Africa are scheduled to begin in September 2021. NIH will host a virtual symposium from July through November 2020 to explain the program's details and discuss the state of data science in Africa.

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Pyramid Systems Names Kim Weaver VP of Financial Technology; Jeff Hwang Quoted
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Pyramid Systems Names Kim Weaver VP of Financial Technology; Jeff Hwang Quoted

Pyramid Systems has appointed Kim Weaver as vice president of Financial Technology Solutions to provide strategic vision and support for the company’s financial technology initiatives and new client acquisition, Pyramid reported on Tuesday.

"We are very excited to have Kim on our executive team," CEO and co-founder Jeff Hwang said. "Her operational and management experience serving thousands of service providers and lenders will be an invaluable resource as Pyramid expands into the mortgage lending space."

Before joining Pyramid, Weaver served in multiple senior leadership positions with Fiserv, including vice president, product management, director of Product Strategy and director of client delivery. During her 15-year career with Fiserv she supported mortgage and other lending technology. 

Throughout her career she has had a focus on digitizing the lending process. She also serves the mortgage industry through volunteer work at the Mortgage Information Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO). Weaver has also served as product manager with BCE Emergis, senior business analyst with Freddie Mac and senior vice president with Fortress Mortgage. 

"Pyramid's decades-long relationship supporting federal agencies involved in housing and homeownership inspires me because of their proven commitment to pragmatic solutions for business agility. I am honored to join the talented Pyramid team delivering digital transformation powered by technology modernization," Weaver said.

About Pyramid Systems, Inc.

­Pyramid Systems is an award-winning technology leader driving digital transformation across federal agencies. We solve complex problems with advanced technologies and modern methodologies. 

By leveraging leading-edge cloud, analytics, and low-code platforms with Agile and DevSecOps approaches, we deliver highly secure mission-critical solutions. Pyramid has professionalized innovation to deliver consistent results, reducing time from prototype to production to scale. We partner with clients to optimize for better citizen experiences, faster user adoption, greater efficiencies, and improved mission outcomes. Our unique culture is the main driver of why we build solutions that last.

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Intelligent Waves Names Heidi Pirela CHRO to Lead HR Department; Tony Crescenzo Quoted
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Intelligent Waves Names Heidi Pirela CHRO to Lead HR Department; Tony Crescenzo Quoted

Intelligent Waves has appointed Heidi Pirela as chief human resources officer to lead the company’s Human Resources (HR) function, including organization development, integrated talent management, leadership development and culture, the company announced on Wednesday. 

“Heidi has a stellar reputation of being an effective change agent and will focus on expanding our culture of innovation, enhancing employee satisfaction, and fostering a positive culture that inspires impact, inclusiveness, and a strong sense of community,” said Tony Crescenzo, president of Intelligent Waves. 

Throughout her career, Pirela has developed a deep expertise for leading HR teams that maximize efficiency, drive engagement and leverage integrated HR technologies to add value and deliver best in class HR strategies. Pirela’s experience spans across multiple industries including High-Tech Start-Ups, Aerospace, Defense & Intelligence, Commercial Technology and Fortune 100 companies. 

Prior to joining Intelligence Waves, Pirela served for two years as head of People Operations for Spaceflight Industries (SFI), where she was responsible for defining and leading the People Strategy, growing our organizational culture, leading talent acquisition, business process design, employee engagement, organizational development and performance management. 

Pirela also served as senior director of Human Resources with Trident Systems, where she focused on executing strategic HR objectives in support of business goals by collaborating with senior leadership on business strategies, vision, and business continuity.

As manager of Human Resources with Systems Planning and Analysis, Pirela led and built a high functioning efficient team of five HR business partners, responsible for managing, implementing and operating human resources. 

Pirela is also certified with a Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and by the Society of Human Resources Management with the designation of the Society of Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). 

“I am thrilled to join Intelligent Waves, a leading-edge company that stands for innovation and a winning culture, and I can’t wait to help make a significant impact to the growth and expansion of this great company,” Pirela stated. 

About Intelligent Waves LLC

Intelligent Waves LLC is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB). The business provides enterprise systems engineering, cloud computing and managed services, cyber and security architecture, mobility, and operations and intelligence analytics.

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Senate’s COVID-19 Relief Bill Earmarks $53M for CISA
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Senate’s COVID-19 Relief Bill Earmarks $53M for CISA

The Senate Appropriations Committee has proposed a COVID-19 pandemic relief package that would set aside $53 million to help the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) protect vaccine research from cyber threat actors, The Hill reported Tuesday.

“The proposal provides funding to remediate vulnerabilities and enhance Federal network security as a result of increased attacks targeting Federal networks for agencies involved in coronavirus vaccine development,” according to a summary of the proposed $1 trillion relief measure.

The proposed funding in the $1 trillion pandemic relief measure represents an increase from the $9.1 million in funds CISA received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that President Trump signed in March 2020. 

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Gov’t-Issued Report Recommends $1B in Allocations for Space Industrial Base; Gen. John Raymond Quoted
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Gov’t-Issued Report Recommends $1B in Allocations for Space Industrial Base; Gen. John Raymond Quoted

A report from over 120 participants in a NewSpace New Mexico virtual conference has recommended the government allow over $1 billion in existing Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA funding to support renewed space commodification efforts.

The report, titled “State of the Space Industrial Base 2020”, collates findings from the titular event in May 2020 and includes recommendations to “address the growing threats to U.S. space power” while ensuring the security of the overall space industrial base.

Recommendations detailed in the report include the promulgation of a whole-of-government approach known as “North Star” under the oversight of a presidential task force. The report also recommends the DoD to develop plans to drive space commerce and establish a collaborative framework with U.S. allies.

In addition, the report suggests the government accelerate efforts to fill over 10,000 STEM-related positions and the U.S. Space Force drive industry partnerships.

“A secure, stable, and accessible space domain is a vital interest to the United States,” said Gen. John Raymond, chief of space operations and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner, in the report’s foreword. “The advantage America enjoys today stems from our space industrial base. We must work together to ensure that it remains a strong, effective, and  innovative partner in sustaining American space superiority.”

The virtual event was sponsored by the Space Force, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

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Guidehouse Wins Contract to Provide Identity Management System for DOS; Scott McIntyre, John Hunt Quoted
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Guidehouse Wins Contract to Provide Identity Management System for DOS; Scott McIntyre, John Hunt Quoted

Guidehouse has been awarded a ten-year contract with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to create an innovative Identity Management System and Credential Management System (IDMS) solution, the company reported on Wednesday. 

“As a long-standing partner and trusted advisor to the DOS, we are honored to lead this important effort for the agency,” said Scott McIntyre, CEO of Guidehouse and winner of the 2020 Wash100 Award Popular Vote. “With our unique approach combining best-in-class National Security and Advanced Solutions expertise we have assembled a strong team and innovative solution to help them in this exciting initiative.”

Guidehouse’s system will be compliant with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) for the Department and its customers. The company will utilize its expertise in National Security and Advanced Solutions to provide identity management strategy, project management, training and user support and quality and risk management services to the DoS. 

Guidehouse will integrate Appian Logic and CertiPath solutions with Intercede’s MyID to create the department’s next-generation IDMS. The company’s IDMS solution will enable the DoS to sustain One Badge operations. 

Additionally, Guidehouse will provide the DOS with subject matter expertise and counsel on Federal Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM), support Diplomatic Security’s Domestic Operations (DS/DO) and deploy a global IDMS.

“We take great pride in helping our clients solve their toughest challenges through the co-creation of scalable, innovative solutions to prepare them for future growth and success…We look forward to working alongside this team to support the DoS as their trusted advisor through the implementation of a full suite of identity services,” said John Hunt, Guidehouse partner and  advanced solutions leader. 

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is a leading global provider of consulting services to the public and commercial markets with broad capabilities in management, technology, and risk consulting. We help clients address their toughest challenges with a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change, technology-driven innovation, and significant regulatory pressure. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, we help clients create scalable, innovative solutions that prepare them for future growth and success. 

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the company has more than 7,000 professionals in more than 50 locations. Guidehouse is a Veritas Capital portfolio company, led by seasoned professionals with proven and diverse expertise in traditional and emerging technologies, markets, and agenda-setting issues driving national and global economies.

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Accenture Grants Merivis Funding for Veteran Workforce Training with Salesforce Platform; Kate Perez, George Franz Quoted
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Accenture Grants Merivis Funding for Veteran Workforce Training with Salesforce Platform; Kate Perez, George Franz Quoted

Accenture and Accenture Federal Services (AFS) have awarded Merivis, a veterans service nonprofit,  a $100,000 grant to provide Salesforce training programs for technology skills to enable military veterans to transition to the civilian workforce, the company reported on Tuesday.

“The training will equip veterans with critical skills to help them transition into in-demand technology jobs,” said Kate Perez, co-founder and executive director of Merivis. "This new grant supports our efforts to address rising unemployment and its impact on the veteran community by providing financial support to help us expand to San Antonio and continue our training programs.

Accenture’s grant will expand Merivis’ to expand its training and support approximately 75 veterans in the five-week Merivis Salesforce training program. The program will prepare veterans to become certified Salesforce administrators. 

Merivis’ training program will integrate Salesforce’s online learning platform with custom assignments for each student and includes one-on-one coaching, webinars and professional development skills training. Veterans selected for the program will be assigned mentors, professional development services and assistance with job placement. 

The Merivis training will teach veterans how to automate workflows and maintain an organization’s Salesforce integration. Merivis will also offer a more-advanced administrator training. 

In addition, Accenture will also provide pro bono advisory and technology support to enhance program outreach and build out capabilities to help Merivis create a more robust virtual community for veterans and engage the wider veteran community.

Army MG George Franz, AFS managing director and defense cybersecurity lead, said, “This technical training gives veterans even more marketable skills so they can deliver an even greater contribution to companies, like Accenture, that are looking to fill key positions. In fact, Accenture is on pace to reach a goal set in 2015 of hiring 5,000 veterans by the end of 2020.”

About Accenture Federal Services

Accenture Federal Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accenture LLP, is a U.S. company with offices in Arlington, Virginia. Accenture’s federal business has served every cabinet-level department and 30 of the largest federal organizations. Accenture Federal Services transforms bold ideas into breakthrough outcomes for clients at defense, intelligence, public safety, civilian and military health organizations. 

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Potomac Officers Club Announces Army Brig. Gen. Rob Collins for Weaponizing Data Across the Digital Battlefield Virtual Event on Aug. 11th
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Potomac Officers Club Announces Army Brig. Gen. Rob Collins for Weaponizing Data Across the Digital Battlefield Virtual Event on Aug. 11th

Brig. Gen. Rob Collins, program executive officer for command, control, communications-tactical (PEO C3T) at the U.S. Army, will serve as keynote speaker during Potomac Officers Club’s Weaponizing Data Across the Digital Battlefield Virtual Event on August 11th.

Click here to register for the Weaponizing Data Across the Digital Battlefield Virtual Event.

In his role, Collins guides a workforce of more than 1,600 personnel who acquire, field and support the communications networks, radios, satellite systems and other hardware and software Soldiers require for information dominance on the battlefield.

Collins joined PEO C3T after serving as the PEO for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (IEW&S) since May 2019. As the PEO IEW&S, he provided technical and managerial oversight of the development, acquisition, fielding, and life cycle support of the Army’s portfolio of intelligence; electronic warfare; cyber; integrated base defense; force protection; position, navigation, and timing; biometrics; and target acquisition programs.

The Army is constantly trying to keep pace with an evolving adversary, which creates challenges in the combat environment with the readiness of our forces and their ability to regain readiness against an enemy that can challenge us across the board.

The key to innovating is the speed of integrating and exploiting innovative technology into the digital battlefield through investments such an open architecture, DevSecOps, next generation governance, and converged data platforms.

Success is defined by iterative solutions delivered at the speed of war. The Army is saving time and money by not being locked into proprietary systems; instead, they own the access or APIs needed to leverage and integrate the latest emerging technologies.

Collins will utilize his knowledge acquired from his career in the private sector to discuss intel and operation mission capabilities, the challenges and priorities of data in warfare and how defense has evolved from the traditional standards to meet the demand of emerging technologies.

Potomac Officers Club Announces Army Brig. Gen. Rob Collins for Weaponizing Data Across the Digital Battlefield Virtual Event on Aug. 11th

Do not miss this must see event. Click here to register for the Weaponizing Data Across the Digital Battlefield Virtual Event to learn more about defense operations as technology and the defense landscape continue to evolve.

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Pivot3 Launches Automation & Intelligence Features to Intelligence Engine Platform; Ben Bolles, Bruce Milne Quoted
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Pivot3 Launches Automation & Intelligence Features to Intelligence Engine Platform; Ben Bolles, Bruce Milne Quoted

Pivot3 has launched new automation and intelligence enhancements to its Acuity software platform to address the system administration, maintenance and availability challenges within large-scale video surveillance deployments, the company reported on Wednesday. 

“The sheer scale of these deployments presents new management challenges for security personnel to keep systems up-to-date and operating at peak performance and efficiency. Pivot3 is meeting this growing challenge with expanded automation and intelligence capabilities to provide customers with peace of mind, knowing their system is operating at its utmost level of resilience and performance,” said Ben Bolles, vice president of product management, Pivot3.

Pivot3’s intelligent system health and best practices analysis features will reduce cost, provide constant system uptime in large multi-petabyte environments and enable customers to automate end-to-end system life-cycle management processes. 

The company’s platform will be built upon Pivot3 Intelligence Engine, which has integrated automated system management capabilities such as performance optimization, data protection, auto-healing, system health monitoring and analytics that are shared to Pivot3’s Support Cloud. 

Pivot3’s system will automate systems administration and maintenance tasks to reduce operating expenses and enable organizations to expand and improve their physical security posture with fewer specialized IT skills.

Pivot3’s Intelligence Engine will feature system-level upgrade orchestration and best practices analyzer for large-scale environments. The Upgrade Manager will perform end-to-end system updates by automating system administration tasks to improve life-cycle management of large-scale systems and reduce required specialized skills to run these sophisticated deployments. 

The Health and Best Practices Analyzer will automatically verify system health and detect anomalies to lower the risks and liabilities associated with video evidence recording and access. The system will also ensure that best practices are integrated. 

“Pivot3’s differentiated expertise in automating the management of very large, highly resilient infrastructure deployments reduces the dependence on specialized IT skills and ultimately lowers cost of ownership. This is very important to our extensive list of federal, state and local government customers, both in civilian and defense agencies,” said Bruce Milne, Pivot3 CMO and VP of Business Development. 

About Pivot3

Pivot3 is the leading provider of intelligent hyperconverged infrastructure solutions for video surveillance, video analytics, VDI and mixed workloads. Pivot3’s solutions provide security, resilience and management simplicity at scale for customers’ mission-critical environments. With thousands of customers in 64 countries, and deployments in education, hospitality, transportation, government, defense, healthcare, gaming, financial services and retail, Pivot3 allows IT to manage complexity at scale through intelligence and automation.

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OFPP Chief Michael Wooten on Frictionless Acquisition
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OFPP Chief Michael Wooten on Frictionless Acquisition

Michael Wooten, administrator of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Office of Federal Procurement Policy, said his office is working to achieve frictionless acquisition in an effort to reduce complexity and address the challenges facing agencies and contractors when it comes to the procurement of goods and services, Federal News Network reported Tuesday.

"We are really focused on reducing the time between when a person conjures up a need and when they get what they want," Wooten told the network in an interview. “We think the opportunities for friction are significant because of the scale and scope of the federal acquisition system, the complexity of our requirements can be mind boggling when you look at some of the systems under development, whether it’s the Defense or Energy departments or whomever, and then the myriad of systems and processes that support this.”

Frictionless acquisition is one of the cross-agency goals under the President’s Management Agenda and promotes process improvement, modernizes the collection and analysis of acquisition data and assists acquisition professionals as they work to improve customer service and mission support by leveraging technological advancements.

“We need to look at frictionless acquisition as a mindset that helps us do just-in-time delivery for commercial items when just-in-time is possible, and manage customer expectations when just-in-time is not possible,” Wooten said. "The notion of frictionless acquisition has bloomed and expanded to reducing friction among all stakeholder interactions."

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