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Government Technology/News
Army’s Robert Collins on ‘TITAN’ Tactical Space Infrastructure Effort
by Brenda Marie Rivers
Published on June 10, 2020
Army’s Robert Collins on ‘TITAN’ Tactical Space Infrastructure Effort

Brig. Gen. Robert Collins, the U.S. Army’s program executive officer (PEO) for Command, Control and Communications – Tactical (C3T), has said the service branch’s tactical space intelligence program is a “significant focus area” in its modernization goals.

Collins told C4ISRnet in an interview published Tuesday that the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) initiative is aimed at establishing a scalable and integrated ground station to support multi-domain operations across the battlefield. 

He said he envisions the TITAN system to leverage terrestrial sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning to generate actionable data and support a multilayered approach to space defense.

According to Collins, the Army has been making progress in related efforts such as the Terrestrial Layer System for missile defense and is looking to continue training activities for the TITAN infrastructure. Speaking on the Army’s acquisition reforms, Collins said that concepts such as other transaction authorities helped the service rapidly scale technologies and apply engineering changes.

"I think there’s a lot of flexibility and we’re starting to do our critical thinking to decide how we approach each acquisition, because each acquisition and capability is unique," he said.

The PEO’s comments come after Derek Tournear, director of the Space Development Agency (SDA), said the Army is the agency’s biggest partner in efforts to establish a multilayered space defense layer.

Government Technology/News
CISA Issues Guide on TDoS-Based Attacks to Emergency Comms Centers
by Brenda Marie Rivers
Published on June 10, 2020
CISA Issues Guide on TDoS-Based Attacks to Emergency Comms Centers

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a fact sheet on telephony denial of service attacks (TDoS) and how stakeholders can prevent these threats from disrupting public safety operations. CISA said Tuesday that TDoS attacks are meant to overload the networks of emergency communications facilities such as 911 dispatch centers through various attack vectors.

The guide, titled “Cyber Risks to 911: Telephony Denial of Service”, provides details on such vectors including botnets, manipulated landline phones, compromised private messaging and mobile phone-based breaches. The fact sheet additionally covers real-life TDoS scenarios and highlights best practices to help agencies prevent TDoS attacks.

CISA’s guide comes after the release of its white paper titled “Cyber Risks to Next Generation 9-1-1” that focuses on strengthening the security posture of emergency communications centers as well as public safety answering points.

Government Technology/News
Bipartisan Senate Panel Urges FCC to Improve Oversight of Chinese-Owned Telecom Carriers
by Brenda Marie Rivers
Published on June 10, 2020
Bipartisan Senate Panel Urges FCC to Improve Oversight of Chinese-Owned Telecom Carriers

Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Tom Carper, D-Del., have issued a report stating that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should conduct more stringent foreign ownership reviews with a specific focus on Chinese telecommunications carriers. 

Portman’s office said Tuesday that the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) report found that FCC had “little to no oversight” of Chinese government-owned telecom providers that operated in the U.S. since the 2000s. Portman is PSI’s chairman while Carper serves as a ranking member.

“Our bipartisan report reveals how little oversight has been done of Chinese telecommunications carriers that operate here in the United States,” said Sen. Carper. “The work Senator Portman and I have done at PSI over the years has revealed how the Chinese government has launched cyber-attacks against our businesses and government agencies and worked to get ahead militarily and economically with stolen American research and intellectual property."

PSI conducted a yearlong investigation of FCC and the "Team Telecom," an informal group comprised of officials from the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Defense, following reports that China routinely enacted cyberattacks and exploited the U.S. education and scientific research sectors.

The Chinese government largely exercises control over its telecom industry and engages in espionage through the firms’ access to U.S. physical and logical network control points, according to Portman and Carper’s report.

The report recommends the FCC to establish clear procedures for revoking authorizations for foreign carriers and the Trump administration to provide sufficient resources and statutory authorities to Team Telecom.

PSI's audit comes two months after FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said that Team Telecom’s creation will help streamline the vetting of foreign telecom carriers.

Executive Moves/News
AFS Names William “Bill” Marion as Managing Director of Growth & Strategy; Vince Vlasho Quoted
by Sarah Sybert
Published on June 10, 2020
AFS Names William “Bill” Marion as Managing Director of Growth & Strategy; Vince Vlasho Quoted

Accenture Federal Services (AFS) has hired William “Bill” Marion, former U.S. Air Force deputy chief information officer (CIO), as managing director of Growth and Strategy in its Defense and Intelligence practice, the company reported on Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to have Bill join our Defense team, as he will be instrumental in setting the course for meaningful transformation, overseeing the delivery of innovative solutions for our clients,” said Vince Vlasho, who leads Accenture Federal Services’ Defense practice.

With AFS, Marion will provide strategic insight and perspective on information technology (IT) innovation initiatives and assist clients while they develop and execute technology transformation and mission-support strategies to counteract evolving threats.

As the Air Force’s deputy CIO, Marion was responsible for managing the service branch’s IT portfolio, including the investment strategy, networks, cloud computing, enterprise policies, information resources management, IT innovation initiatives, information assurance and related matters.

“As a seasoned executive with a track record of innovation and thought leadership, Bill will play a key role in bringing our market-leading digital capabilities to clients and helping them solve their most pressing defense challenges,” Vlasho added.

Marion also led two business divisions, comprising 300 people, and supported 54,000 cyber personnel globally, with an operating budget valued at $17 billion. Prior to his role as CIO, Marion held various leadership positions within the Air Force’s headquarters, major command, center, group and squadron assignments.

During his career within the federal sector, Marion developed a relationship with national intelligence agencies. Before his tenure as CIO, he served as chief technology officer with the Air Combat Command, where he planned, organized, and led A6 implementation of critical IT initiatives as well as developed long-range organizational visions that support Combat Air Forces (CAF), ACC, and ACC/A6 missions and goals.

“I’m extremely excited to join Accenture Federal Services and the innovative, collaborative team,” Marion said. “I look forward to continuing to help bring new technologies that drive the DoD and intelligence community transformation across their mission operations, from cloud and mobile to artificial intelligence.”

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.

News/Press Releases
Salient CRGT Works With Federal Government to Implement Virtual Workforces During COVID-19; Tom Ferrando Quoted
by Sarah Sybert
Published on June 10, 2020
Salient CRGT Works With Federal Government to Implement Virtual Workforces During COVID-19; Tom Ferrando Quoted

Salient CRGT has worked with the federal government to advance digital transformation and manage large federal networks in response to the demands of COVID-19, the company reported on Wednesday. Salient CRGT’s work has enabled federal agencies to transition to virtual communications and networks through implementing virtual work environments.

The company has helped modernize agency networks during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

The company’s initiative is led by Dr. Laurence Rose, author of  The Human Side of Virtual Work: Managing Trust, Isolation, and Presence, and Virtual Vic: A Management Fable, to study the transition to a virtual workforce. Dr. Rose was already studying virtual work before COVID-19. 

"We have implemented telework on all projects authorized by our customers and having Larry on staff has been an added benefit as we encounter unforeseen problems during this Pandemic," said Tom Ferrando, Salient CRGT CEO.

Rose has supervised People and Culture, Contracts, Pricing, Security, and the legal office, where he serves as ethics officer. Rose received his Ph.D. in Organization and Management and focused his dissertation studies on change and the virtual workforce. 

Through his studies, Rose's focus has been on the leadership to implement a new virtual workforce. His high-level of knowledge and experience managing virtual teams helps to strengthen company culture, which is critical to find success when working with employees who are located worldwide.

"Serving our clients is our number one priority and being able to help them with unforeseen circumstances is what makes me proud about our company," added Ferrando. 

About Salient CRGT

Salient CRGT provides agile software development, health, data analytics, mobility, cyber security and infrastructure solutions. We support these core capabilities with full lifecycle IT services and training—to help our customers meet critical goals for pivotal missions. We are purpose built for IT transformation supporting federal civilian, health, defense, homeland, and intelligence agencies, as well as Fortune 1000 companies. 

We use the most innovative talent delivery model in the industry, scientifically providing exactly the right people for the customers' most pressing requirements. Salient CRGT has earned a record of success with integration and operations of large–scale, high–volume solutions.

News/Press Releases
QTS Partners with Duocast to Establish Point of Presence in Eemshaven Data Center; Fabian Labohm, Jan Daan Luycks Quoted
by Sarah Sybert
Published on June 10, 2020
QTS Partners with Duocast to Establish Point of Presence in Eemshaven Data Center; Fabian Labohm, Jan Daan Luycks Quoted

QTS Realty Trust has partnered with Duocast, a Dutch internet service provider, to establish a point of presence in QTS’ Eemshaven data center, QTS reported on Wednesday.

“QTS’ Groningen and Eemshaven data centers are perfect locations for us to expand our presence outside of Amsterdam and we look forward to providing low latency connectivity that further extends QTS’ ability to serve the world’s largest enterprises and cloud platforms,” said Fabian Labohm, chief technology officer, Duocast.

The agreement will add to QTS’ connectivity options for its customers in Eemshaven and the company’s data center in Groningen where Duocast also has a presence. Duocast will provide a portfolio of Internet and Ethernet services, IP Transit, IoT backbone and dedicated hosting services.

Duocast’s presence in QTS’ Eemshaven and Groningen data centers addresses growing demand for high-capacity, low latency connectivity services in the Netherlands and throughout Europe. QTS’ Groningen facility features approximately 20 existing commercial and government customers.

QTS’ Eemshaven facility is expected to be fully recommissioned and available later this year. QTS expects the Eemshaven facility to support its ongoing hyperscale growth initiatives and continues to engage in discussions with multiple potential anchor tenants.

The facilities are located adjacent to multiple hyperscale customer-owned data center deployments and in proximity to transatlantic fiber cable landings to provide access to multiple markets within Europe and North America.

“QTS is highly focused on rapidly expanding connectivity services in the Netherlands supporting a variety of large enterprise and hyperscale needs,” said Jan Daan Luycks, managing director, QTS. “Duocast is already a key provider for our Groningen customers and we look forward to introducing them to our Eemshaven customer base.”

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.

Government Technology/News
Rimini Street Provides Oracle Database Software to Iyo Bank to Reduce Database Maintenance Costs; Shota Yano, Yorio Wakisaka Quoted
by Sarah Sybert
Published on June 10, 2020
Rimini Street Provides Oracle Database Software to Iyo Bank to Reduce Database Maintenance Costs; Shota Yano, Yorio Wakisaka Quoted

Rimini Street has announced that The Iyo Bank has switched to Rimini Street for support of its Oracle Database system to reduce cost and resources, Rimini Street reported on Wednesday.

“We were impressed by the cost benefits of Rimini Street’s third-party support, which will allow us to continue to maximize our database system for many years to come with no required upgrades, and as a result, we expect a much higher return on our database software investment,” said Shota Yano, IT department manager at The Iyo Bank.

The Iyo Bank will utilize the savings to accelerate the development of innovation projects to improve their customers’ experience. Rimini Street will help the bank maintain its existing Oracle Database system at a significantly lower cost and avoid system upgrade costs to save costs and internal resources.

“We first started using Rimini Street’s third-party support service for our loan support system, and despite facing complex issues, we were satisfied with their quick and accurate responses, so we decided to expand the scope,” continued Yano.

Rimini Street will provide high-quality support for core systems and mission-critical databases. The Iyo Bank has worked to transform its IT department to enhance system development to one, using ICT technologies. Through the partnership with Rimini Street, The Iyo Bank will increase the satisfaction of existing customers and acquire new members.

The Iyo Bank will formulate and implement a business-driven roadmap through Rimini Street’s ultra-responsive, high-quality support for their current Oracle Database as well as help The Iyo Bank’s drive savings toward the implementation of digital initiatives.

“The cost savings and benefits of using Rimini Street can be achieved in the complex and regulated banking industry, where reliability is essential,” said Yorio Wakisaka, regional general manager, Nihon Rimini Street KK. “We look forward to contributing to The Iyo Bank’s new initiatives, whose management stance is ‘Offering the best service and being worthy of people’s trust,’ through our high-quality support and services.”

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI) is a global provider of enterprise software products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software products and a Salesforce partner.

The Company offers premium, ultra-responsive and integrated application management and support services that enable enterprise software licensees to save significant costs, free up resources for innovation and achieve better business outcomes. Nearly 2,100 global Fortune 500, midmarket, public sector and other organizations from a broad range of industries rely on Rimini Street as their trusted application enterprise software products and services provider

News/Press Releases/Wash100
NASA Recognizes KBR for Work Under Small Business Programs; Byron Bright, Glenn Delgado Quoted
by Sarah Sybert
Published on June 10, 2020
NASA Recognizes KBR for Work Under Small Business Programs; Byron Bright, Glenn Delgado Quoted

KBR has received multiple NASA awards for its work with the agency's small business programs throughout 2019, including the Mentor-Protégé Agreement of the Year, Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year and the Center-level NASA Small Business Industry Awards, the company reported on Wednesday.

"KBR values its small business partners and recognizes our combined efforts will forge the future of space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research," said Byron Bright, President, KBR Government Solutions U.S. and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient. 

KBR, nominated by Johnson Space Center (JSC), received the award for its mentorship of JES Tech, a woman-owned small business. As part of its three-year agreement, KBR will continue to provide JES Tech with guidance in occupational medicine and health, environmental laboratory services, quality management, job architecture and business development. 

The company has also supported spaceflight operations development, preparation and execution; mission systems support; and human spaceflight activities. KBR experts staff flight discipline consoles in the Mission Control Center and assist with a broad spectrum of operations for NASA's current human spaceflight program.

In Jan. 2020, KBR signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA Johnson Space Center to provide human spaceflight operation services to commercial companies, becoming the first company to use the agency's facilities and capabilities. 

NASA has granted KBR access to train private astronauts in various spaceflight tasks including operating onboard International Space Station systems, integrating into the existing ISS crew, performing routine operational tasks, maintaining health and performance and responding to emergencies.

The company will also provide medical operations and services prior to, during, and after spaceflights, as well as mission planning, training and execution. KBR will train astronauts for private space travel to the ISS.

KBR currently trains and provides medical support to NASA and ISS international partner astronauts and supports all planning and execution aspects of mission operations. The company will additionally provide specialized services to support the agency’s astronauts. 

"Pioneering space is a collaborative effort. KBR works with high-performing small businesses to reach for the stars and beyond," added Bright.

In addition, KBR received the Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year award at Ames Research Center (ARC) for its contract performance, participation in NASA-related outreach events, sound small business practices and use of small business contractors.

KBR received a potential $400 million contract from NASA to provide research and development services for ARC’s intelligent systems division in Jan. 2020. The cost-plus-fixed-fee hybrid contract includes technical assistance and resources in support of the division’s scientific research and application and technology development efforts in various research domains.

The company will also support the integration of information technology systems into NASA missions and other federal projects. Work on the contract began in March 2020. The contract has a phase-in period of 60 days, a base term of two years and three two-year options.

"This year's winners are dynamic individuals and companies that provide unparalleled support to the agency, and thankfully they are the tip of the iceberg," said NASA's associate administrator of the Office of Small Business Programs Glenn Delgado. "The small business community is overflowing with exceptional companies that are reaching new heights with creativity and innovation."

About KBR, Inc.

KBR is a global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program lifecycle within the Government Solutions and Energy sectors. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide (including our joint ventures), with customers in more than 80 countries, and operations in 40 countries, across three synergistic global businesses: Government Solutions, Energy Solutions, Technology Solutions.

Cybersecurity/Government Technology/News
Cybercom, National Guard Help States, Local Governments Address Cyber Threats Via ‘Cyber 9-Line’
by Jane Edwards
Published on June 10, 2020
Cybercom, National Guard Help States, Local Governments Address Cyber Threats Via ‘Cyber 9-Line’

U.S. Cyber Command and the National Guard have developed a program designed to facilitate sharing of data and allow authorities to address a ransomware attack and other cyber threats posed by foreign adversaries.

The Cyber 9-Line program is a template of questions used by National Guard units to immediately share data on cyber threats with Cybercom’s Cyber National Mission Force, the command said Tuesday. CNMF will then act on the collected data and provide feedback to the participating units, which will then share the information to state and local governments to address the threat.

The Cyber 9-Line is the initial step in the information exchange program developed by the Joint Cyber Command and Control program office in late 2019. The second step marks the use of the command’s Big Data Platform, which provides access to malware reports and other previous threats and helps Cybercom counter foreign threats.

“This level of cooperation and feedback provides local, state and Department of Defense partners with a holistic view of threats occurring in the United States and abroad,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William Hartman, Cybercom’s Election Security Group lead and CNMF commander. “Dealing with a significant cyber incident requires a whole-of-government defense; bidirectional lines on communication and data sharing enables the collective effort to defend elections.”

Cybercom said the Cyber 9-Line was used in late January when Dorchester County in Maryland reported a ransomware attack.

Government Technology/News
Kevin Cox on CISA’s Federal CDM Dashboard, AWARE Algorithm
by Jane Edwards
Published on June 10, 2020
Kevin Cox on CISA’s Federal CDM Dashboard, AWARE Algorithm

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is working to build up agencies’ trust in the underlying cyber risk data behind the new federal dashboard as part of the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

“We have the overall process finalized, [we’re] working with agencies now to go through the criteria to make sure that data that they’re seeing down at the center level is being properly reported in the agency dashboard up through the federal dashboard,” Kevin Cox, CDM program manager with CISA, said Tuesday at a virtual Meritalk conference.

Cox said that CISA plans to facilitate data exchange between agency dashboards and the federal CDM dashboard by the second quarter of fiscal 2021 and finalize the migration process by the end of the fourth quarter of FY 2021.

He also offered updates on the Agency-wide Adaptive Risk Enumeration algorithm as part of the federal dashboard. AWARE assigns a score to agencies based on their performance when it comes to configuration management and efforts to address critical vulnerabilities.

He noted that 36 non-CFO Act agencies and 23 CFO Act agencies have begun reporting their data to the CDM dashboard but none of the AWARE scores are fully activated yet until CISA goes through the process for data quality management certification.

“We want to make sure that the agencies are comfortable with their data being reported up before it’s fully operationalized through AWARE,” Cox added.

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