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Grand Forks Air Force Base Innovation Council Hosts Virtual Pitch Day
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Grand Forks Air Force Base Innovation Council Hosts Virtual Pitch Day

The Grand Forks Air Force Base Innovation Council collaborated with the University of North Dakota and the 319th Contracting Flight to hold a virtual pitch event for startup businesses.

Carly Larson, contracting officer at 319th CONF, said in a statement published Wednesday the event sought to accelerate procurement methods for the U.S. Air Force.

The service branch awarded a $236K contract to a selected vendor, with $35.4K paid during the event. Larson said the awardee submitted a proposal for a small drone countermeasure technology that houses automated detection, tracking and defeat features.

"The ‘advance payment’ is another aspect of this contracting method that assists start-up companies with earnest money to promote business relations with new DoD tech companies," Larson noted.

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DoD IG: JAIC, Defense Components Must Improve Security Controls for AI Data
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DoD IG: JAIC, Defense Components Must Improve Security Controls for AI Data

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) inspector general is recommending the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) to establish an AI governance framework to help fortify the security of AI data and promote DoD-wide collaborative efforts.

The DoD IG said in a report released Wednesday that while JAIC had taken steps to develop governance standards as of March 2020, it still needs to continually update AI definitions, create a strategy for identifying related AI projects, address legal and privacy issues and improve information-sharing capacities.

According to the report, the four DoD components as well as two contractors failed to consistently implement controls to ensure the security of data used to support AI initiatives.

The U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force need to configure and monitor their respective systems to ensure that security controls are in place, the IG noted.

“Without consistent application of security controls, malicious actors can exploit vulnerabilities on the networks and systems of DoD Components and contractors and steal information related to some of the Nation’s most valuable AI technologies,” the report states.

“The disclosure of AI information developed by the DoD could threaten the safety of the warfighter by exposing the Nation’s most valuable advanced defense technology and causing the United States to be at a disadvantage against its adversaries.”

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State Dept Deploys Cloud, AI to Counter COVID-19 Disinformation Campaigns
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State Dept Deploys Cloud, AI to Counter COVID-19 Disinformation Campaigns

The State Department is working to use artificial intelligence and cloud technology to combat propaganda and disinformation operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Broadband Breakfast reported Wednesday.

The department’s technology team, operating under its AI and Emerging Technology Office, intends to use a “Disinfo Cloud” to pilot AI-driven identification and analysis concepts to counter coronavirus-related misinformation activities.

Charles Chen, director of the AI and emerging technology unit, said at a Government Executive Media Group event that his office is also working to automate human resources-related procedures. 

According to Chen, public-private partnerships are a key factor to enabling the State Department to keep up with industry’s AI developments.

The department has other ongoing AI-related initiatives including a cloud-based identity management system, consolidated data-lake systems, predictive analysis-driven automation and remote monitoring of telecommunications systems, according to the report.

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AF Scientific Research Office Takes Spot at U.K.-Based Innovation Hub
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AF Scientific Research Office Takes Spot at U.K.-Based Innovation Hub

Air Force Research Laboratory’s scientific research office has engaged with the Translation and Innovation Hub or I-HUB located in Imperial College, London, to foster international collaboration.

The move aims to fortify AFRL’s partnerships with the U.K. defense ministry, academia and non-traditional entities, Wright-Patterson AF Base said Tuesday.

“Co-locating with Imperial College is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the relationships formed through our existing grants and is a direct realization of the 2030 strategy call to build bridges and foster innovation on critical research topics,” said Col. D. Brent Morris, international office director of the AF Scientific Research Office.

The 2030 USAF Science and Technology Strategy reflects the service branch’s pursuit of agile collaboration with traditional and non-traditional entities.

AFRL plans to send two of its information directorate employees to the London-based hub this fall.

“These employees will serve as researchers and liaisons to the various universities and institutions across the U.K. to leverage global research partnerships and rapid innovation opportunities,” said Lt. Col. Logan Mailloux, chief of staff at AFOSR.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for AFOSR’s facility at I-HUB will virtually take place when lockdown restrictions lessen.

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CISA Publishes Staff-Focused Chapter of Cybersecurity Toolkit; Christopher Krebs Quoted
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CISA Publishes Staff-Focused Chapter of Cybersecurity Toolkit; Christopher Krebs Quoted

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new chapter of a toolkit designed to help organizations observe proper cyber posture. The chapter, titled Chapter 2: Your Staff, is the second of six entries under the Cyber Essentials Toolkit, CISA said Wednesday.

CISA tailored the new chapter to focus on the organizational aspects of cybersecurity. The chapter tackles the importance of cyber education among an organization’s staff, with focus areas to include basic cyber training, the promotion of a cyber-aware culture and the seeking of partner-based training resources.

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that employees view themselves as a first line of defense and that organizations empower them to be a part of its cybersecurity risk management plans,” said Christopher Krebs, CISA director and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner.

CISA will release more chapters of the Cyber Essentials Toolkit on a monthly basis.

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House Panel’s 2021 NDAA Version Puts Focus on Satellite Manufacturing, Space Acquisition
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House Panel’s 2021 NDAA Version Puts Focus on Satellite Manufacturing, Space Acquisition

The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) has passed its version of the 2021 Defense Policy Bill containing provisions to review the U.S. Space Force’s alternative acquisition procedures and drive domestic satellite production, Space News reported Wednesday.

The House panel voted 56-0 to pass its version of the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an amendment mandating the U.S. comptroller general to conduct an independent review of the U.S. Air Force’s alternative acquisition system for the Space Force.

The comptroller must submit a report to Congress in December containing an analysis of the proposed acquisition procedures to address potential risks of “undermining congressional oversight of major space acquisition programs.”

HASC is also directing the Space Force to report its plans to secure satellites intended for missile-warning activities from 2025 through 2032. Other provisions include the establishment of a U.S. satellite manufacturing program and DoD spending bans for GPS technology-retrofitting efforts to prevent future 5G interference issues.

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ArchIntel Launches ‘Competitive Intelligence Interview Series’ with Industry Focus on GovCon
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ArchIntel Launches ‘Competitive Intelligence Interview Series’ with Industry Focus on GovCon

On Thursday, ArchIntel launched its investigative “Competitive Intelligence GovCon Spotlight Series” to showcase the competitive intelligence (CI) sector and its impact on the federal market, industry and government contracting (GovCon).

This ongoing series of competitive intelligence interviews will provide insights from experienced and knowledgeable executives currently in the CI and GovCon sector. Our participating executives take the opportunity to share their seasoned perspectives about the rigors of maintaining a competitive advantage over the competition.

CI executives must be able to  navigate the ethical “minefield” to develop a competitive strategy, find talent and build a strong competitive intelligence team, be on a constant search for “actionable data,” understand the evolving influence of open source intelligence (OSINT) and much more.

Competitive Intelligence is challenging on its own in the already complex world of GovCon. As our interviews will show, competitive intelligence is not for the faint of heart. ArchIntel has released the first five competitive intelligence interviews of the series featuring:

“Government contracting is among the most competitive markets on Earth where executives must deal with mountains of regulation, yearly budgets that run behind, partnering with “competimates,” low cost buying model of “technically acceptable” solutions, security clearance requirements, Capital Hill involvement and that’s just for starters,” said Jim Garrettson, founder and CEO of Executive Mosaic and ArchIntel.

In the coming weeks, ArchIntel will release more interviews featuring the must-know names of the competitive intelligence sector and the challenges of their day to day duties.

If you’re interested in a competitive intelligence interview with us, please reach out to ArchIntel at info@archintel.com about your experience and insights into the competitive intelligence landscape.

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K2 Intelligence FIN Names Mariano Federici as VP of the Division; Danny Glaser, Thomas Bock Quoted
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K2 Intelligence FIN Names Mariano Federici as VP of the Division; Danny Glaser, Thomas Bock Quoted

K2 Intelligence Financial Integrity Network (FIN) has appointed Mariano Federici, a leading global expert in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT), as a vice president, the company reported on Wednesday.  

"From his leadership of Argentina's FIU and the Egmont Group, to his positions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), FATF, and GAFILAT, Mariano has been a central actor in the development of the international AML/CFT framework," said Danny Glaser, global head of Jurisdictional Services and head of the firm's DC office. 

In his new role, Federici will help lead K2 Intelligence FIN's in assessing national AML/CFT regimes, and works in partnership with jurisdictions and government agencies to ensure those regimes meet the FATF's global standards and are being implemented effectively. 

Federici will bring more than 25 years of experience in government, international institutions, and the private sector to K2 Intelligence FIN. Most recently, Federici served as head of Argentina's financial intelligence unit (FIU) and as chair of the Egmont Group of FIUs.

During his term in office as president of Argentina's FIU, Federici held a variety of international positions at global AML/CFT organizations, including chair of the Egmont Group of FIUs, regional representative for the Americas at the Egmont Group, chair of FATF's Heads of FIU Forum among others. 

Federici also worked as senior counsel for the IMF's Legal Department and as Regional Advisor for the IMF's Legal Department, where he provided high-level policy, legal and technical advice on financial integrity issues to IMF member countries as well as to the staff of the Fund.

“Mariano's experience complements our growing bench of recently added talent to the firm, which is enabling us to deepen the services and capabilities requested by clients and needed in the current marketplace," said Thomas Bock, co-head of the firm's Financial Crimes Risk and Compliance practice.

About K2 Intelligence Financial Integrity Network (FIN)

K2 Intelligence is an industry-leading investigative, compliance, and cyber defense services firm founded in 2009 by Jeremy M. Kroll and Jules B. Kroll, the originator of the modern corporate investigations industry. The Financial Integrity Network (FIN) is a premier strategic advisory firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial integrity goals.

By merging resources and expertise, we seek to revolutionize how organizations and jurisdictions manage risk, gather intelligence, protect themselves from illicit activity, and enhance business opportunities. Together, our newly combined firm sits at the intersection of the public and private sectors as a trusted source of expertise and sound judgment.

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QTS General Counsel Member, Shirley Goza, Announces Retirement; Chad Williams Quoted
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QTS General Counsel Member, Shirley Goza, Announces Retirement; Chad Williams Quoted

Shirley Goza, QTS’ General Counsel secretary and vice president announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2020, QTS Realty Trust reported on Thursday.

“Shirley was one of my first executive hires in forming QTS and has been a foundational member of QTS’ executive team. Her strength and character has had an immeasurable impact on our people and culture,” said Chad Williams, chairman and chief executive officer, QTS.

Goza was named QTS’ General Counsel in 2006 and has more than 30 years of experience as a practicing attorney and law professor. Goza has led the company through a wide range of legal and governance initiatives and milestones to its current position as an industry leader generating over $500 million in annual revenue.

“It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to work with this exceptional leadership team and board to build a truly world-class business,” said Goza. “I am proud to leave the QTS legacy, built on a solid values-based foundation, to a lawyer who I trust and respect as the result of many years working together. The company is in good hands all around.”

Matt Thomson, current partner with Hogan Lovells US, will succeed Goza. Throughout his career in law, Thomson has represented QTS as outside counsel since 2008, including the Company’s 2013 initial public offering, familiarizing him with QTS’ business and the data center industry.

Thomson has deep experience in the real estate investment trusts (REIT) industry and has focused his practice in the areas of corporate law, securities and capital markets and mergers and acquisitions.

Thomson will join QTS during the latter part of 2020 and will serve as co-General Counsel with Goza between his start date and Goza’s retirement to ensure a seamless transition of the General Counsel role and responsibilities.

“QTS has established a leading competitive position in the data center industry and Matt will play an important role as we accelerate our business momentum,” Williams said. “We look forward to Matt joining QTS in the coming months and I am confident that his in-depth knowledge of QTS and impressive track record will provide a smooth transition of the General Counsel role.”

About QTS

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: QTS) is a leading provider of data center solutions across a diverse footprint spanning more than 7 million square feet of owned mega scale data center space within North America and Europe.

Through its software-defined technology platform, QTS is able to deliver secure, compliant infrastructure solutions, robust connectivity and premium customer service to leading hyperscale technology companies, enterprises, and government entities.

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SPA Secures Contract from SSP to Support Nuclear Surety Program; Dr. William Vantine Quoted
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SPA Secures Contract from SSP to Support Nuclear Surety Program; Dr. William Vantine Quoted

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) was awarded a five year contract from Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) with the first year valued at approximately $7 million, the company reported on Thursday.

Under the contract, SPA will provide strategic policy, compliance, safety engineering and assessment support. The company’s expert team has a long history of supporting the Nuclear Surety program. With the recent award, the company will utilize advanced and cutting edge analysis, modeling, simulation, and data analytics expertise to deliver innovative and effective solutions to SSP.

“The Nuclear Surety program is an essential mission for the Department of Defense and one that our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about, and has been for decades,” said Dr. William Vantine, SPA president and CEO. “We are humbled and grateful to continue our long standing partnership with SSP supporting its critically important safety and security mission.”

The Nuclear Surety program was developed to prevent nuclear weapons involved in accidents or incidents, or jettisoned weapons, from producing a nuclear yield as well as deliberate prearming, arming, launching, or releasing of nuclear weapons, except upon execution of emergency war orders or when directed by competent authority.

About SPA

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., provides knowledge based solutions integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy, and business factors in support of important national security objectives. Our employees have expertise in many domains, including: Land, Undersea, Surface and Air Warfare Operations; Radar and Sensor Systems; Unmanned Systems and Counter Systems; Nuclear Deterrence Policy, Safety and Security; Defense Industrial Base; Space Systems; Ballistic Missile Systems; and Hypersonics. Our capabilities include: Advanced Analytics; System Engineering and Safety Analysis; Strategy, Policy and Compliance; Program and Acquisition Management; Software Tool Development.

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