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PAE Reports Q3 2020 Financial Results; John Heller Quoted
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PAE Reports Q3 2020 Financial Results; John Heller Quoted

PAE has announced third quarter 2020 financial and operating results, reporting revenues of $666.2 million, decreased $31.5 million. The decrease was attributable to a $53.3 million impact from COVID-19, the company said on Thursday. 

“Revenue was in-line with expectations and profitability and cash flow exceeded our objectives for the quarter. In summary, we are delivering strong financial results and achieving our growth, profitability and capital structure initiatives in accordance with our strategy,” said John Heller, president and CEO of PAE, and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient. 

PAE reported that COVID-19 impacted approximately $42.8 million in non-labor and $10.5 million in labor, which decrease was partially offset by a $21.9 million net increase in contract volume and new business programs. 

The Global Mission Services (GMS) and National Security Solutions (NSS) segments revenue decreased by approximately $14.3 million and $17.2 million, respectively.

Operating income for the quarter was $28.5 million, compared with an operating loss of $10.5 million in the prior year period. The increase is due from the write down of PAE ISR assets held for sale in the prior year period. 

PAE reported lower Selling, General and Administrative expenses, and increased volume on higher margin programs in the current period, which increase was partially offset by lower revenue volume in the current period.

The net income attributed to PAE for the quarter was $10.3 million, compared with a net loss of approximately $32.2 million in the prior year period. The improvement in net income for the third quarter of 2020, was primarily driven by the increase in operating income and lower interest expense, which was driven by a reduction in debt year over year.  

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $46.2 million, compared to $50.0 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA and margins declined due to lower revenue volume and timing of net profit adjustments in the prior year period, which decrease was partially offset by increased volume on higher margin programs.

“PAE continued to execute our plan, delivering strong revenue, profitability, cash flow and bookings. Of additional and positive note after quarter-close we completed our successful debt refinancing and announced the signed purchase agreement with CENTRA Technology, Inc,” Heller added.  

About PAE

For 65 years, PAE has tackled the world’s toughest challenges to deliver agile and steadfast solutions to the U.S. government and its allies. 

With a global workforce of approximately 20,000 on all seven continents and in approximately 60 countries, PAE delivers a broad range of operational support services to meet the critical needs of our clients. Our headquarters is in Falls Church, Virginia.

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BAE Systems Responds to JMOD RFI to Deliver Integration Support; Andy Latham Quoted
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BAE Systems Responds to JMOD RFI to Deliver Integration Support; Andy Latham Quoted

BAE Systems has responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMOD), the company reported on Thursday. Within the company’s response, BAE has proposed a package of integration support to Japan’s F-X next generation fighter development program.

“We firmly believe that we can add significant value to the F-X program. We look forward to further progressing our discussions and we are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Japan on this program,” said Andy Latham, campaign delivery director, Japan, for BAE Systems’ Air business. 

The RFI was issued by the JMOD’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, and has requested technical capabilities across a range of key areas to support the development of the F-X program.

BAE Systems has worked with the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) and international partner nations on programs such as Jaguar, Harrier, Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35. The company has provided advanced, technology-led defense, aerospace and security solutions.

Additionally, BAE Systems has employed a skilled workforce across more than 40 countries. The company has collaborated with customers and partners to develop technology that protects critical information and infrastructure. BAE Systems has a proven track record in international collaboration, sharing technology, knowledge and skills to deliver sovereign capability.

“We have decades of experience of partnering with nations around the world to deliver sovereign capability. Our track record of collaborating on complex combat aircraft programs has provided us with insight and understanding of the likely challenges and the range of capabilities, technologies and relationships required to successfully deliver the next generation of such programs,” said Latham added. 

In addition to BAE Systems’ recent RFI, the company announced that it had responded to the U.S. Army’s July 30th request for proposals for a 155 mm wheeled gun system, offering the ARCHER howitzer for participation in the Army’s “shoot off” evaluation.

BAE Systems’ offering will include a fielded package of capabilities that would provide soldiers with responsiveness and flexibility. ARCHER has the ability to fire within 30 seconds of receiving an order. ARCHER is manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors in Sweden.

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Dewberry Enters Mentor/Protégé Relationship with GKY Under SBA Program; Phil Thiel Quoted
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Dewberry Enters Mentor/Protégé Relationship with GKY Under SBA Program; Phil Thiel Quoted

Dewberry has entered into a formal mentor/protégé relationship with GKY,  a national leader in water resources engineering, under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Mentor/Protégé Program, Dewberry reported on Thursday. The program will run for a duration of three years and be complete in 2023. 

“Small businesses strengthen our nation’s economy and provide valuable opportunities to increase our workforce,” says Dewberry executive vice president Phil Thiel. “By entering into SBA’s Mentor/Protégé Program, we’re excited to support GKY in their work toward securing contracts with the federal government.”

Within the relationship, Dewberry will serve as the mentor to provide guidance to GKY. Dewberry will advise on internal business management systems; assistance navigating federal contract bidding, acquisition, and performance processes; education about strategic planning and finding markets; advising on the federal government market; and business development. 

Under the agreement, GKY will gain knowledge of federal contracting best practices from Dewberry. Dewberry has worked within the federal market for more than 60 years across a variety of federal agencies, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Department of Defense (DoD).

“With similar competencies and core values, GKY and Dewberry are a perfect match for the SBA’s Mentor/Protégé Program. Our partnership with Dewberry will provide significant opportunities for us to take our federal business to the next level,” says GKY president Stuart Stein. “We have been working with Dewberry for decades and look forward to strengthening our federal portfolio with Dewberry in the next few years.”

About Dewberry

Dewberry is a nationwide firm of planning, design, and construction professionals. We create responsible and innovative solutions for those who own, operate, and maintain natural and built environments. We value lasting relationships, achieving our clients’ visions, and celebrating in their success.

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Notable CI Practitoners Discussed How to Maintain Competitive Advantage During ArchIntel’s AI in Competitive Intelligence Virtual Event
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Notable CI Practitoners Discussed How to Maintain Competitive Advantage During ArchIntel’s AI in Competitive Intelligence Virtual Event

During ArchIntel's AI in Competitive Intelligence Virtual Event on Oct. 22nd, notable executives within the competitive intelligence landscape united on a panel to discuss how market and competitive intelligence have shifted as emerging technologies are integrated into solutions.  

The expert panel addressed how the competitive marketplace has evolved with the surge of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), as well as how businesses can remain competitive in the marketplace.

If you missed the event on October 22nd, you can still access the OnDemand version by visiting ArchIntel Events.

The panel hosted Suki Fuller, fellow with The Council of Competitive Intelligence Fellows; Fred Hoffman, interim chairman and assistant professor of Intelligence Studies of Mercyhurst University; and Arik Johnson, chairman of Aurora Worldwide Development Corp. Following his opening address, August Jackson, senior director of Market and Competitive Intelligence with Deltek, moderated the panel. 

Emerging technologies have influenced the way people think about competitive intelligence, and it has changed where businesses fit into the community based on their offerings. “You are able to look at your business, see what you can do better, then leverage technology to benefit your profession,” Hoffman said.

Fuller added that AI has made people more aware of their biases, as well as where they get their information. AI has helped verify sources faster, but practitioners have to be aware of what those sources are because of the presence of deep fakes and fake news. 

“As a CI practitioner, due diligence may have taken you a week to verify the veracity of information. At the same time, you have to be aware of where your information comes from regardless of how it’s collected. You have to be aware of your biases. Just because it has been right in the past, doesn’t mean it will be right in the future,” Fuller said.  

In addition, the panel analyzed emerging technologies that have the potential to change the way competitive intelligence is conducted.

To watch the full event, visit ArchIntel Events to learn how notable leaders are struggling to maintain a competitive advantage through integrating emerging technologies into their organizations and offerings.

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AFRL Opens New Lab at Kirtland AFB for Deployable Space Structure Tests
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AFRL Opens New Lab at Kirtland AFB for Deployable Space Structure Tests

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has inaugurated a new facility at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, built to test novel deployable space structures for the service branch.

The 7,000 square foot Deployable Structures Laboratory features a secure and climate-controlled, vibration isolated area to test high-strain composite materials, USAF said Tuesday.

DeSel with its specialized equipment will also be used to evaluate the repeatability and precision of spacecraft structure deployments.

"Some of the first structures that we look forward to testing in this new lab are those required for our Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstration and Research project, one of our top priority programs," Col. Eric Felt, director at AFRL's space vehicles directorate.

Felt added that SSPIDR is meant to gather solar energy and convert it into radio frequency signals for forward operating bases. The Air Force earmarked $4 million for the construction of the laboratory.

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DARPA Releases BAA for Disinformation Campaign Prevention Effort
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DARPA Releases BAA for Disinformation Campaign Prevention Effort

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has issued a broad agency announcement to identify potential sources of technologies and techniques to help the government combat disinformation campaigns.

DARPA said in a notice posted Oct. 26th on the beta SAM website that the Influence Campaign Awareness and Sensemaking (INCAS) effort seeks to help analysts identify and track geopolitical influence campaigns that spread misinformation and false narratives through online channels.

According to the BAA, DARPA’s Information Innovation Office intends to use research proposals focused on digital marketing analysis tools and natural language processing to analyze audience demographics and generate predictions. 

INCAS tools will use publicly available data from sources such as online news media and social networking platforms to segment respondent populations. The tools are meant to link influence indicators and population response across various platforms and time periods, the notice states. 

The INCAS toolkit must also be interoperable with a testbed infrastructure for subsequent demonstration activities. Responses to the BAA are due on Jan. 8, 2021.

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Christopher Krebs on Continued Operations of CISA’s Election Security Centers
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Christopher Krebs on Continued Operations of CISA’s Election Security Centers

Christopher Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and a 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, said that Election Day serves as the “halftime” of the agency’s operations centers created to streamlined collaborations, Nextgov reported Tuesday.

“There may be other events or activities or efforts to interfere and undermine confidence in the election,” he said at a recent press briefing.

According to CISA officials, an in-person operations facility at the agency’s headquarters location in Virginia is “up and running,” and will continue for 45 more days.

The operations center is comprised of unclassified and classified spaces to support partners such as the FBI, intelligence community, U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Defense (DoD). 

Chad Wolf, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said that sensors have been deployed to mitigate the hacking of election infrastructure across the U.S.

“We're sharing information at an unprecedented rate, allowing us to spot even the smallest events and share them across the entire country in order to stop threats in their tracks,” he noted.

L.S. Black Continues Construction of Army Barracks at Fort McCoy
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L.S. Black Continues Construction of Army Barracks at Fort McCoy

L.S. Black Constructors has completed 30 percent of a planned U.S. Army barracks at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. Valued at $20.6 million, the four-story structure will measure 60 thousand square feet and is projected to house 400 personnel from the installation, the Army said Wednesday.

"The 1600 block will be completely transformed when all of this construction is completed years from now,” Master Planner Brian Harrie with the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) said. “The 1600 block is a great location for this transformation, too, because it places these facilities for transient training troops near the post’s service-related facilities, such as the commissary, Exchange and McCoy’s Community Center."

The company is currently performing exterior sheetrock placement, site grading, interior electrical work and structural steel placement, among other construction activities at the new barracks.

L.S. Black will wrap up the construction of the new barracks in August 2021.

The service branch plans to construct three additional barracks, a 160-room office quarters and three 20K-square foot brigade headquarters as part of efforts to modernize Fort McCoy's infrastructure.

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DOE Establishes Fellowship to Support Industry-Government Collab on Operational Tech; Dan Brouillette Quoted
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DOE Establishes Fellowship to Support Industry-Government Collab on Operational Tech; Dan Brouillette Quoted

The Department of Energy has initiated an effort to foster collaboration between the government's national security experts and the energy industry's operational technology managers.

DOE said Wednesday its OT Defender Fellowship tasks Idaho National Laboratory to help critical infrastructure security practitioners gain an increased understanding of cybersecurity.

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission, a law-mandated group tasked to advise on the country's cybersecurity strategy, supports the OT Defender Fellowship.

“Securing our energy infrastructure is not an abstract policy idea, it is an immediate need to protect our nation from the real threat of malign actors,” said Sen. Angus King, CSC co-chair.

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center for Cyber and Technology Innovation will serve as INL's partner for the effort.

“Operational technology security managers keep the core physical systems of our energy infrastructure running smoothly in the face of natural disasters, physical sabotage and nation-state cyberattacks,” said Dan Brouillette, secretary of energy.

“I have long supported efforts like the OT Defender Fellowship to provide opportunities for closer interaction between critical infrastructure providers and U.S. government cyber operators," said Tom Fanning, CSC commissioner.

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Christopher Krebs: Collaboration Key to Deterring Foreign Cyber Interference in Elections
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Christopher Krebs: Collaboration Key to Deterring Foreign Cyber Interference in Elections

Christopher Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner, said the lack of foreign cyber interference in U.S. election systems this year could be attributed to more than three years of collaboration, NBC News reported Wednesday.

"I think what you're seeing more than anything is 3½ years of collaboration," Krebs said.

He noted about CISA’s joint initiative with the Election Assistance Commission and the U.S. intelligence community to protect the presidential elections from foreign adversaries.

"The 50 states are working together, sharing information," Krebs said. "From where we came in 2016 to where we are, we have a much better game plan."

Krebs warned that hackers will continue for weeks to influence and compromise the election’s integrity. 

"We are by no means through this," Krebs said. "There's still a lot of time left on the clock. There are a number of things that could happen tonight, tomorrow, the ensuing weeks."

Gen. Paul Nakasone, fellow Wash100 Award recipient who leads both the National Security Agency and the military's U.S. Cyber Command, said "I'm confident the actions we've taken against adversaries over the past several weeks and months have ensured they're not going to interfere in our elections."

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