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JAIC Creates Subcommittee for DoD AI Ethics Oversight
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JAIC Creates Subcommittee for DoD AI Ethics Oversight

JAIC Creates Subcommittee for DoD AI Ethics Oversight

The Department of Defense’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center has established a department-wide Responsible AI Subcommittee that works to develop ethical and legal frameworks on AI acquisition and implementation.

JAIC said Wednesday the interdisciplinary subcommittee operates under DoD’s AI working group and includes representatives from defense entities such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The group will also conduct risk analysis operations to help inform AI program development in line with the DoD’s AI principles.

In line with JAIC’s efforts to promote ethics in AI, the agency also launched its Joint Warfighting National Mission Initiative and created a cohort that will work to inform JAIC of new opportunities and potential concerns in AI implementation across DoD entities.

The “Responsible AI Champions” group will undergo training on ethical AI principles and serve as leaders for implementing JAIC’s standards in their respective work divisions.

Other current efforts that JAIC highlighted include the creation of a Data Governance Council and implementing “data cards” to promote ethical use across the defense ecosystem.

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AECOM Releases Actions to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic
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AECOM Releases Actions to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic

AECOM Releases Actions to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic

AECOM has released an update on the COVID-19 response throughout the global coronavirus pandemic to safeguard its employees and operations while continuing to deliver services and solutions to help clients and communities along the path to recovery, the company announced on Friday.

The company will safeguard its employees and operations by following the guidelines from government agencies and leading health organizations. AECOM has implemented comprehensive enterprise resilience plans to include the restriction of all non-essential business travel, enhancement of virtual consultation tools and the expansion of office and project site safety procedures.

AECOM has mitigated actions with the coronavirus outbreak in Asia and enacted its business resilience and continuity expertise. The company’s global teams will utilize technology to collaborate, sustain client delivery and share industry-leading disaster response and recovery credentials with public-sector and private clients.

AECOM will also transition its global workforce to remote working where appropriate, bolstered by key investments in information technology to enable robust remote work environments; nearly 90 percent of the firm’s design team in the Americas is working remotely.

In addition, the company will continue to work with its federal, state and local clients, as well as engage with government officials, to support immediate and long-term demands created by the coronavirus crisis and as funding from economic stimulus programs begins to enter the market.

About AECOM

AECOM (NYSE:ACM) is the world’s premier infrastructure firm, delivering professional services across the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to consulting and construction management. We partner with our clients in the public and private sectors to solve their most complex challenges and build legacies for generations to come.

On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, governments, energy and the environment, our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with revenue of approximately $20.2 billion during fiscal year 2019.

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Perspecta Receives $62M Contract Extension on $656.9M NGEN Contract with U.S. Navy; Mac Curtis Quoted
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Perspecta Receives $62M Contract Extension on $656.9M NGEN Contract with U.S. Navy; Mac Curtis Quoted

Perspecta Receives $62M Contract Extension on $656.9M NGEN Contract with U.S. Navy; Mac Curtis Quoted

Perspecta Inc. has received a four-month, $62 million extension to its Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) contract with the U.S. Department of the Navy to continue providing end-user hardware services, the company announced on Friday.

“The Navy and Marine Corps can continue to count on us for steadfast support and dedication to their mission, which we have provided them for nearly two decades. We look forward to leveraging our knowledge and experience to support their evolving needs,” said Mac Curtis, president and chief executive officer, Perspecta and six-time Wash100 Award recipient.

Perspecta received the initial $656.9 million contract modification in Sept. 2019. Under the contract, Perspecta will continue to offer information technology support services to the U.S. Navy under the service’s Next Generation Enterprise Network program.

The modification extends the NGEN contract’s sixth option year ordering period by another four to seven months, which will run between June 2020 and September 2020 or December 2020. Contract work will take place across the U.S., Japan, Guam, Korea and Europe.

With the extension, Perspecta will deliver various end-user hardware services through July 2020, providing additional time for the orderly transition of those services to the NGEN-R End User Hardware (EUH) contract.

Under the current NGEN program, Perspecta will operate the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI), representing Navy and Marine Corps uniformed and civilian users, largely within the continental United States.

The contract extends Perspecta’s support of a program that began in 2000 when the Navy started a transformation to secure net-centric operations.”We know firsthand how complex any transition on this network can be and remain committed to providing uninterrupted service to the Sailors and Marines that depend on us,” added Curtis.

About Perspecta Inc.

At Perspecta (NYSE: PRSP), we question, we seek and we solve. Perspecta brings a diverse set of capabilities to our U.S. government customers in defense, intelligence, civilian, health care and state and local markets. Our 270+ issued, licensed and pending patents are more than just pieces of paper, they tell the story of our innovation.

With offerings in mission services, digital transformation and enterprise operations, our team of 14,000 engineers, analysts, investigators and architects work tirelessly to not only execute the mission, but build and support the backbone that enables it. Perspecta was formed to take on big challenges. We are an engine for growth and success and we enable our customers to build a better nation.

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Raytheon Company, UTC Close Merger as Raytheon Technologies Corporation; Greg Hayes, Thomas Kennedy Quoted
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Raytheon Company, UTC Close Merger as Raytheon Technologies Corporation; Greg Hayes, Thomas Kennedy Quoted

Raytheon Company, UTC Close Merger as Raytheon Technologies Corporation; Greg Hayes, Thomas Kennedy Quoted

Raytheon Technologies Corporation has announced the successful completion of the all-stock merger of equals transaction between Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation on April 3, 2020, following the completion by United Technologies of the previously announced spin-offs of its Carrier and Otis businesses, the company announced on Friday.

“As we move forward, Raytheon Technologies will define the future of aerospace and defense through our focus on innovation, our world-class people and our financial and operational strength to create long-term value for our customers and shareowners,” said Greg Hayes, CEO of Raytheon Technologies.

Raytheon Company shares stopped trading prior to the market open on April 3, 2020, and each share of Raytheon common stock has been converted in the merger into the right to receive 2.3348 shares of United Technologies common stock.

With the close, United Technologies’ name has changed to Raytheon Technologies Corporation, and its shares of common stock will begin trading today on the NYSE under the ticker symbol RTX. United Technologies shareowners will continue to hold their shares of United Technologies common stock, which now constitute shares of common stock of Raytheon Technologies Corporation.

The combined company have planned to introduce new technologies at an accelerated pace across multiple divisions, including hypersonics, directed energy, avionics and cybersecurity. In addition, Raytheon Technologies has reported a strong balance sheet and cash flows to support critical business initiatives, including company and customer-funded R&D.

“Today, we introduce Raytheon Technologies as an innovation powerhouse that will deliver advanced technologies that push the boundaries of known science,” said Thomas Kennedy, Executive Chairman of Raytheon Technologies and 2019 Wash100 Award winner. “Our platform-agnostic, diversified portfolio brings together the best of commercial and military technology, enabling the creation of new opportunities across aerospace and defense for decades to come.”

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises four industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense.

Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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Maximus Names Michelle Link as CHRO to Support Expanding Business Needs; Bruce Caswell Quoted
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Maximus Names Michelle Link as CHRO to Support Expanding Business Needs; Bruce Caswell Quoted

Maximus Names Michelle Link as CHRO to Support Expanding Business Needs; Bruce Caswell Quoted

Maximus has appointed Michelle Link as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to support expanding business needs and develop the company’s work culture, effective March 30, 2020, Maximus reported on Friday.

“Michelle’s dynamic experience provides her a unique ability to further develop the culture at Maximus and support our expanding business needs. In particular, she is committed to putting employees first and continuing efforts to serve those on the front-line of our operations,” commented Bruce Caswell, Chief Executive Officer and President of Maximus and two-time Wash100 Award recipient.

Link is an accomplished human resources executive with more than 25 years of experience in national and international organizations across healthcare, call center and government contracts.

Before joining Maximus, Link was the executive vice president of Human Resources at ADS, Inc., a leading solutions provider for all branches of the U.S. military; federal, state, and local government organizations; first responders; foreign governments and the defense industry.

She also served as CHRO of Portfolio Recovery Associates. The company is a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans. PRA Group returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas and Europe.

Link has held a variety of senior leadership positions within the human resources sector, including vice president of human resources at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Amerigroup Corporation. She also served as human resources director for CIGNA and human resources manager for Corning Cable Systems.

Link holds a B.A. degree in Communications from Stonehill College and an M.A. in Communications and Human Resources Management from Ohio University.

“Maximus is a wonderful organization filled with passionate, talented people who dedicate themselves to serving some of the most vulnerable individuals and families,” said Michelle Link. “I look forward to working with our leadership team and our employees around the globe to ensure that we continue to foster an enviable culture, cultivate the best possible team to support our continued growth, and deliver on our business strategy.

About Maximus

Since 1975, MAXIMUS has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People®, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs.

MAXIMUS delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With more than 30,000 employees worldwide, MAXIMUS is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

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FLIR Secures $18.6M USMC Contract to Provide Centaur UGV; David Ray Quoted
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FLIR Secures $18.6M USMC Contract to Provide Centaur UGV; David Ray Quoted

FLIR Secures $18.6M USMC Contract to Provide Centaur UGV; David Ray Quoted

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded FLIR Systems an $18.6 million contract, sourced through the Dept. of Defense Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) program,  to provide Centaur unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), plus spares, the company announced on Friday.

“Centaur gives the Marines a multipurpose, mid-sized UGV that will complement the FLIR PackBot, SUGV and FirstLook robots we continue to provide to the Corps,” said David Ray, president of the Government & Defense Technologies business at FLIR.

FLIR will develop the UGVs for the service branch an the Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will use the FLIR Centaur to assist in disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs), unexploded ordnance, and similar hazardous tasks. Different sensors and payloads can be added to support a range of missions.

In 2017, the U.S. Army chose Endeavor Robotics, acquired a year ago by FLIR, as its medium-sized robot provider for MTRS Inc II. The company designed the all-new Centaur as its MTRS solution.

FLIR is delivering robots to the Army under that multi-year program of record, which upon award was valued at more than $150 million, including options. This latest order falls under the current ceiling.

Centaur is a medium-sized UGV that provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify, and dispose of hazards. Weighing roughly 160 pounds, the open-architecture robot features an advanced EO/IR camera suite, a manipulator arm that reaches over six feet and the ability to climb stairs. Modular payloads can be used for CBRNE detection and other missions.

Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020. “We’re honored the Air Force and now Marines are choosing Centaur as an EOD platform-of-choice, and pleased the U.S. Army MTRS Inc II program can serve as a procurement channel,” added Ray.

About FLIR Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1978, FLIR Systems is a world-leading industrial technology company focused on intelligent sensing solutions for defense, industrial, and commercial applications. FLIR Systems’ vision is to be “The World’s Sixth Sense,” creating technologies to help professionals make more informed decisions that save lives and livelihoods.

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Boeing Suspends Production Operations to Ensure Health Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak; Steve Parker Quoted
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Boeing Suspends Production Operations to Ensure Health Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak; Steve Parker Quoted

Boeing Suspends Production Operations to Ensure Health Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak; Steve Parker Quoted

Boeing has announced that it will temporarily suspend production operations at its facilities in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania, in light of the company’s continuous assessment of the spread of COVID-19 in the region, the company reported on Friday.

“Suspending operations at our vital military rotorcraft facilities is a serious step, but a necessary one for the health and safety of our employees and their communities,” said Steve Parker, Vertical Lift vice president and general manager, and Philadelphia site senior executive.

Boeing noted that the suspension will ensure the well-being of employees, their families and local communities, and will include an orderly shutdown consistent with requirements of U.S. and global defense customers.

The company will suspend operations beginning at the end of the day on Friday, April 3. The site includes manufacturing and production facilities for military rotorcraft, including the H-47 Chinook, V-22 Osprey and MH-139A Grey Wolf. Defense and commercial services work and engineering design activities are also performed at the site.

The suspension will last two weeks, with the return to work on April 20. During the suspension, Boeing will continue to monitor government guidance and actions on COVID-19 and associated impacts on company operations. The company will conduct additional deep cleaning activities at buildings across the site and establish rigorous criteria for return to work.

Philadelphia area employees who can work from home will continue to do so. Those who cannot work remotely will receive paid leave for the 10 working days – double the normal company policy.

When the suspension is lifted, Boeing Philadelphia will restart production in an orderly manner with a focus on safety, quality and meeting customer commitments. This is a key step to enabling the recovery of the defense and aerospace sectors.

“We’re working closely with government and public health officials in the tri-state region. We’re also in contact with our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders affected by this temporary suspension as we assist in the national effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.”

About Boeing

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries.

Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

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DARPA Selects Three Teams to Develop Logistics Tunneling Approaches
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DARPA Selects Three Teams to Develop Logistics Tunneling Approaches

DARPA Selects Three Teams to Develop Logistics Tunneling Approaches

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has chosen teams led by the General Electric Research Center, Colorado School of Mines and Sandia National Laboratories to create methods and platforms for constructing underground logistics infrastructure.

DARPA said Wednesday it aims to combine trenchless boring, robotics and horizontal drilling approaches to create a set of underground access systems through the Underminer program.

The GE research organization and Mines school will focus on developing an integrated system to address the program’s technology and operational requirements.

Sandia’s will explore and integrate technology to address current logistics tunnel system and process challenges.

“The Underminer program aims to develop and demonstrate tactical uses for rapidly created underground infrastructure in contested environments,” said Andrew Nuss, a program manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office.

“The ability to quickly bore tactical tunnels could benefit contingency operations such as rapid ammunition resupply, rescue missions, or other immediate needs,” Nuss added.

NOAA, DOE Reveal ‘Discover’ Phase Winners in Ocean Observing Prize Challenge
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NOAA, DOE Reveal ‘Discover’ Phase Winners in Ocean Observing Prize Challenge

NOAA, DOE Reveal 'Discover' Phase Winners in Ocean Observing Prize Challenge

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Energy have named the 11 winners of a competition that sought concepts pairing ocean observation platforms with marine renewable energy systems.

NOAA said Thursday the “Discover” stage of the Powering the Blue Economy: Ocean Observing Prize challenge encouraged participants to create technology ideas for ocean communications and underwater navigation; unmanned vehicles; extreme environments; buoys, floats and tags; and “blue sea” innovation.

CalWave Power Technologies will receive $25K as the grand prize winner and 10 other finalists will get $10K each.

The winners seek to help scientists understand the world’s oceans as well as forecast and trace tropical storms. Winning submissions include a mobile wave energy converter and a self-charging power, data and sensor node.

The competition’s follow-on phase, “Develop,” will focus on a subset of the previous stage’s themes and involve design, development and testing tasks. Participation in the next stage, which offers up to $3M in prizes, is not limited to “Discover” participants.

NOAA and DOE introduced the challenge in November to explore approaches for collecting data across 80 percent of the ocean floor.

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