/
A Better Vantage Point: How to Modernize Government Tech Decisions
Published on
Ryan McCullough. The ShorePoint exec has thoughts on how its VANTAGE product can impact government tech decision-making.

By Ryan McCullough, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at ShorePoint

Federal agencies are under increasing pressure to modernize securely and cost-effectively while rationalizing tool portfolios, integrating emerging technologies and ensuring compliance with evolving mandates. Whether modernizing a security operations center, evaluating AI-based analytics platforms or selecting a new SIEM tool, government tech leaders face a daunting challenge: how to choose the right solution for their mission and technical environment with confidence. 

That’s where VANTAGE comes in. Developed by ShorePoint, the structured Analysis of Alternatives, or AoA, framework provides agencies with a clear, data-driven view of best-fit technical solutions for their mission-specific requirements.

What Is VANTAGE?

VANTAGE, or Verification and ANalysis of Technological Alternatives for Government Enterprises, is a repeatable, structured decision-support framework. Incorporating agency- and program-specific needs, VANTAGE delivers quantifiable decision support data and risk-informed recommendations based on prioritized business, technical and regulatory factors.

At its core, VANTAGE is about helping federal leaders make better cybersecurity tech decisions, faster.

How It Works: Creating a Unique Vantage Point

Each engagement begins by identifying a complete set of stakeholders — decision-makers, operators and beneficiaries. Together, they step through the VANTAGE process:

1. Stakeholder alignment: Through a series of workshops and a templated data collection process, ShorePoint captures a holistic understanding of the agency’s operational, business, technical, financial, functional and security requirements.

2. Requirement integration: These stakeholder inputs are then aligned with relevant regulatory and mandated requirements to identify overlaps, conflicts and critical considerations.

3. Prioritization: Using a numerical weighting process, ShorePoint prioritizes the requirements, helping agencies clearly distinguish ‘must have’ from ‘nice to have’ capabilities.

4. Market analysis: With the prioritized framework in place, ShorePoint conducts an open-source market scan to identify a competitive range of candidate solutions.

5. Lab-based validation: Top-scoring solutions are evaluated in ShorePoint’s Commercial Cloud Lab Environment—dubbed CCLE—a secure AWS-based lab, where the team builds prototypes and test plans to validate and evaluate each solution’s efficacy in meeting the requirements.

6. Quantitative evaluation: Each solution is assessed and scored based on technical performance, interoperability with existing technologies, cost, regulatory alignment, implementation complexity and deployment flexibility (on-prem, hybrid or cloud-native). Distinct benefits, risks, and fit with requirements, goals, and constraints are also considered for each deployment model.

The result? Objective analysis and scoring of each option, mapped to the agency’s unique priorities. In follow-on workshops, decision-makers receive a clear picture of options and trade-offs, enabling confident choices based on real-world constraints and mission goals.

When and Why Agencies Use VANTAGE

Agencies typically engage ShorePoint’s VANTAGE process as part of larger cybersecurity architecture or engineering efforts. One of the biggest hurdles? Gaining clarity on what the agency actually needs. 

VANTAGE helps federal teams not only articulate their goals but also prioritize them, develop well-structured requirements and evaluate technology based on real-world performance, not just claims. Whether evaluating SOC modernization, deploying data pipelines or meshes, or exploring AI-enabled security tools, VANTAGE gives agencies a structured way to articulate their needs and agree on desired outcomes — and find the right solution.

A Different Approach, Built for Federal Complexity

While some federal contractors rely on prebuilt test plans or manufacturer-recommended criteria, VANTAGE considers each agency’s mission and operating requirements. The process itself is tool- and deployment-agnostic, so every evaluation aligns with the customer’s specific goals and constraints, first. (Not the tools’ features.)

That tailored approach — along with a focus on transparency, stakeholder input and quantifiable scoring — has made VANTAGE a trusted part of ShorePoint’s work with cybersecurity leaders across the government.

And the impact is measurable. Customers use VANTAGE to:

  • Build stronger business cases for cybersecurity technology investments
  • Reduce acquisition risk
  • Align technical capabilities with mission outcomes
  • Maximize the value of modernization efforts
  • Validate emerging tools and platforms, including AI

Staying Ahead of Change

To keep pace with fast-evolving technologies and regulations, ShorePoint combines hands-on lab testing with deep engagement in the federal cybersecurity ecosystem.

In addition to CCLE’s continuous development and training capabilities, ShorePoint’s team actively participates in advisory councils, technical forums and professional associations. The company’s technical leaders also contribute to and lead communities of practice. For example, the head of ShorePoint’s high-performance computing line of business leads the HPC Security Technical Exchange, a consortium that brings together more than 100 practitioners from across industries and government organizations to explore new approaches to cybersecurity at scale.

This combination of technical experimentation, real-world feedback loops and industry thought leadership ensures VANTAGE reflects the latest innovations, tools and regulatory requirements — helping federal customers move forward with confidence.

Enabling Smarter Cyber Decisions

As federal agencies face an increasingly complex technology market and heightened scrutiny to justify IT and cybersecurity investments, VANTAGE offers a repeatable, rigorous method to support sound decisions. It helps agencies define priorities, evaluate options, and make the right choice based on quantitative data.

ShorePoint has refined VANTAGE over more than seven years of federal cybersecurity work. The framework delivers a unique vantage point that helps government leaders see clearly, decide confidently and act decisively.

//
DOD Seeks Prototype Proposals for Joint Directed Energy Consortium
Published on
DOD seal. The Department of Defense issued a request for prototype proposals for the Joint Directed Energy Consortium.

The Department of Defense, through the Washington Headquarters Services Acquisition Directorate, has issued a request for prototype proposals for the Joint Directed Energy Consortium, or JDEC.

According to the solicitation posted on SAM.gov Friday, the other transaction agreement, spearheaded by the Consortium Management Organization, calls for potential partners to submit their proposals for establishing and managing the JDEC. Interested vendors can submit their bids until Sept. 15.

What Is the Joint Directed Energy Consortium?

The consortium is a DOD initiative managed by the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office and designed to accelerate the development of directed energy technologies to support warfighters in tackling existing and emerging threats. It allows the DOD to access commercial innovations, empower universities, small businesses, nonprofit research institutions and other consortium members to advance high-energy laser and high-power microwave technologies and integrate them into the DE systems.

The potential contractor will receive an estimated $450 million for consortium management and project execution for over five years. The JDEC is allowed to pursue follow-on production on behalf of the JDETO.

/
Energy Department Awards $35M TCF Funding to 42 Projects
Published on
Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Wright comments about 42 projects that will receive $35 million in TCF grants.

The Department of Energy has announced the awarding of over $35 million in funding across 42 projects to support the development and commercialization of emerging energy technologies in artificial intelligence, grid security, nuclear energy and advanced manufacturing.

The awards were made through the Technology Commercialization Fund, or TCF, Core Laboratory Infrastructure for Market Readiness Lab Call for fiscal year 2025, DOE said Friday.

The TCF was established to facilitate public-private partnerships, drive innovation and maintain U.S. global competitiveness.

“The Energy Department’s National Labs play an important role in ensuring the United States leads the world in innovation,” commented Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “These projects have the potential to accelerate technological breakthroughs that will define the future of science and help secure America’s energy future.”

In addition to the TCF grant, selected projects will also gain access to over $21 million in cost share from private and public partners.

TCF Projects for FY 2025

Among selected projects is the America’s Cradle to Commerce, or AC2C, program from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. AC2C aims to rapidly scale energy innovations by providing startups critical resource for technical derisking. The program builds on the achievements of the Cradle to Commerce, or C2C, program, which raised over $15 million from five commercial pilots within just 18 months.

Another project is centered on strengthening and expanding the Visual Intellectual Property Search, or VIPS, tool. Led by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the development of the VIPS 2.0 tool will enable users to search for national lab innovations available for licensing or open-source use.

The complete list of TCF projects selected for FY 2025 can be found on Energy.gov.

/
SpaceWERX Seeks Innovators for Hyperspace Challenge
Published on
SpaceWERX logo. SpaceWERX is seeking companies with advanced simulation technologies for the Hyperspace Challenge.

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s SpaceWERX, in collaboration with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command, has launched the Hyperspace Challenge 2025 program.

What Is the Hyperspace Challenge?

The Space Systems Command said Thursday the initiative aims to advance USSF’s operational test and training infrastructure. The challenge invites companies with a Small Business Innovation Research Phase II award to help develop modeling and simulation technologies. Companies already working on technologies such as simulation, augmented reality, mixed reality and virtual reality, particularly those that can be leveraged for addressing real-world demands in national security and space, are encouraged to participate in the program.

The Hyperspace Challenge will focus on innovations supporting the needs of the operational test and training infrastructure. These key technological areas include data processing and integration, Pattern of Life characterization tools and digital twins.

Interested companies, in and outside the space and aerospace industry, can apply from Aug. 27 to Sept. 16.

Remarks From OTTI & SpaceWERX Officials

“The Hyperspace Challenge supports our ongoing efforts to improve Space Force readiness by making the Guardian training environment more realistic and improving the test environment in which we validate future space system performance,” said Col. Corey Klopstein, the SSC program executive officer for OTTI.

“By engaging Phase II companies, we’re supporting solutions that can transition quickly from concept to operational impact tackling real-world challenges faced by the USSF,” stated Air Force Reserve Maj. Matthew Blackford of the SpaceWERX portfolio management team.

///
Hegseth Orders Formation of New Task Force to Accelerate C-sUAS Capability Delivery
Published on
Pete Hegseth. The defense secretary ordered the formation of JIATF 401 to expedite the delivery of C-sUAS to warfighters.

Pete Hegseth, secretary of the Department of Defense and a 2025 Wash100 awardee, has issued a memorandum directing the secretary of the Army to establish the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, or JIATF 401, to accelerate the delivery of counter-small unmanned aircraft systems, or C-sUAS, to U.S. warfighters.

DOD said Thursday JIATF 401 will report directly to the deputy secretary of defense and replace the Joint C-sUAS Office, or JCO.

“We’re moving fast — cutting through bureaucracy, consolidating resources, and empowering this task force with the utmost authority to outpace our adversaries,” Hegseth said.

Responsibilities of JIATF 401 & New Task Force Director

In a DOD memo published Wednesday, Hegseth said JIATF 401 will serve as the supported organization for the department’s C-sUAS-related forensics, exploitation and replication efforts and will have a director with procurement and acquisition authority.

The director of JIATF 401 will submit to the DOD comptroller/chief financial officer the fiscal year 2026 unfunded requirements for review within 30 days. The director will serve as the hiring authority for all staff actions; determine whether military service-specific C-sUAS capability will be adopted; and may approve up to $50 million in funding per C-sUAS-related effort.

According to the memo, the DOD deputy secretary will consolidate all departmentwide C-sUAS research, development, test and evaluation resources and efforts under JIATF 401, except for U.S. Special Operations Command and military service-specific C-sUAS program of record activities.

Hegseth noted that the proposed task force will have a sunset review at 36 months.

//
Army Issues Revised Acquisition Procedures Document
Published on
U.S. Army logo. The revised Army Acquisition Procedures document incorporates the Adaptive Acquisition Framework.

The Department of the Army has released its revised document on acquisition procedures.

According to the department’s PAM 70-3 document posted Wednesday on the Army Publishing Directorate’s website, the major revision incorporates the Adaptive Acquisition Framework; replaces virtual in sight with the Acquisition Information Repository; eliminates a requirement to assess probability of success; and accounts for Army organizational changes implemented for U.S. Army Futures Command’s formation.

The revised Army pamphlet also incorporates guidance from an Army directive, titled Enabling Modernization Through the Management of Intellectual Property, and adds semiannual program reporting requirements.

Adaptive Acquisition Framework

According to the pamphlet, the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, or AAF, serves as the framework for managing and implementing the acquisition process within the defense acquisition system. 

AAF emphasizes communication and collaboration among stakeholders throughout the acquisition process and provides pathways that allow program managers to tailor oversight, program strategies, timing and scope of decision reviews, phase content and decision levels based on the characteristics of the capability being procured.

AAF is divided into six acquisition pathways: urgent capability acquisition; pathway; middle tier acquisition; major capability acquisition; software acquisition pathway; and defense business systems.

Acquisition Information Repository

According to the document, all approved acquisition documents supporting decision points will be stored in the Acquisition Information Repository, or AIR.

AIR provides a searchable archive of historical Army acquisition documentation. It allows users to identify readiness for key program decisions based on completed documentation and receive notifications when documents are uploaded for registered programs.

//
GAO Calls on Treasury CIO to Address Unresolved Cyber, IT Management Recommendations
Published on
Government Accountability Office logo. GAO's new report tackles unresolved Department of the Treasury recommendations

The Government Accountability Office is urging the Department of the Treasury’s Chief Information Officer Sam Corcos to address 21 open recommendations related to improving IT management and strengthening federal cybersecurity.

Key Recommendations for Treasury Department’s CIO

In a new report, the congressional watchdog said the recommendations are related to areas that GAO has designated as high risk: ensuring the cybersecurity of the nation and improving IT acquisitions and management.

One of the cybersecurity-related recommendations provided by GAO calls for the department to commit to a timeframe for the implementation of multifactor authentication across software-as-a-service. The report also pointed out that the Treasury Department must fully implement event logging requirements set by the Office of Management and Budget.

On the IT management side, GAO recommended establishing an inventory of mobile devices and services in use across the Treasury. An updated inventory, the watchdog said, would enable the department to better manage spending.

The congressional watchdog further instructed the CIO to develop a plan that would ensure that all artificial intelligence applications in use by the Treasury Department are in line with Executive Order 13960 section 5, or Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government, which refers to sharing a list of agency AI use cases.

By addressing the open recommendations, the Treasury CIO will strengthen the cybersecurity and enhance the management of the department’s IT infrastructure, GAO asserts.

/
Sean Duffy, FAA Take Next Step in Hiring Prime Contractor for Air Traffic Control System
Published on
Sean Duffy. Duffy has revealed that the FAA is seeking a prime integrator to lead the implementation of the new ATC system.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration is moving forward with the process of hiring a prime integrator, which will lead the design and manage the creation of a new air traffic control system. The FAA said Thursday that companies can submit their proposals through a request for solutions on Sept. 1.

DOT and FAA are aiming to have the new air traffic control system ready in three to four years, as part of an effort to enhance flight safety, reduce outages and modernize outdated technology by replacing core equipment like radar, software and telecommunication networks. They are speeding up their process of choosing contractors and using a new type of procurement contract that rewards contractors for meeting goals and penalizes them for missing deadlines. The prime integrator will oversee the project, including acquiring capabilities and implementing new technologies. This comes after Duffy initially announced in June that the FAA was seeking contractors to implement a new air traffic control system.

Remarks from DOT’s Sean Duffy, FAA’s Bryan Bedford

Commenting on the development, Duffy said, “This is the next important step to making our skies safer and air travel more efficient. To avoid the missed deadlines and mistakes of the past, we’ve designed an innovative process to select and contract with one Prime Integrator.”

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford also welcomed the development.

“Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, we have the down payment to start building a new system. The next step is getting the integrator on board, and we are on track. We are ready to get to work to make sure our controllers have the very best technology,” he said.

/
ACC-INSCOM Issues RFI for TROJAN NetOps 2 Contract
Published on
ACC-INSCOM seal. ACC-INSCOM has issued a request for information for the TROJAN NetOps 2 contract.

The Army Contracting Command-Intelligence and Security Command has started seeking industry feedback to identify potential partners for the INSCOM G6/GISA TROJAN Network Operations Support Services – 2nd Iteration contract.

ACC-INSCOM Issues RFI for TROJAN NetOps 2 Contract

Listen to the intelligence community’s top leaders as they talk about the role of intelligence in keeping the nation safe. Register for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Intel Summit and join the discussion on Oct. 2.

TROJAN NetOps-2 Contract Scope

According to the request for information notice issued on SAM.gov Thursday, ACC-INSCOM requires a contractor capable of providing operation and maintenance services for the Ground Intelligence Support Activity, or GISA, and INSCOM’s G6 Operations Division IT networks and systems.

The contract covers various tasks and responsibilities to ensure uninterrupted service at multiple military installations worldwide, including Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, the Army Garrison Wiesbaden in Germany and Fort Shafter Flats in Hawaii. The potential contractor will provide network support for existing INSCOM Black Core and GET networks, particularly the Transport Network Control Centers.

The sustainment and technical support include maintaining the availability of all hardware and software for NIPR, SIPR, JWICS, NSAnet, IBCNet, CENTRIX, BISES, Stoneghost, Black transport, and Transport data networks.

Responses to the RFI will be accepted until Sept. 11.

/
Los Alamos Venado Supercomputer Runs OpenAI’s AI Models
Published on
LANL logo. LANL's Venado supercomputer is now running OpenAI's latest AI reasoning models.

Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Venado supercomputer, the 19th-fastest supercomputer in the world, is now running OpenAI’s latest O-series reasoning models to enhance national security research.

The Department of Energy said Thursday the Venado, powered by the NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips, functions as a collaborative platform for National Nuclear Security Administration laboratory researchers where they can share resources.

Transition to National Security Research

During its inaugural year, Venado enabled researchers to make significant advancements in materials science and design, DNA and disease treatment and energy grid resilience. The recent development, which follows the supercomputer’s move to a classified network early in 2025, aligns with a shift in focus to advancing science for national security applications. This includes plutonium aging, biological threats guardrails and other national security research areas.

Building Strategic Government-Industry Partnership

Since its launch in 2024, Venado has fostered collaboration between national laboratories and the artificial intelligence industry. Los Alamos was among the first to forge partnerships with companies like NVIDIA and OpenAI. This paved the way for integrating AI models into classified systems to enhance national security research.

Comments From NNSA Executive

“We are currently harnessing our premier computing power to support AI integration by analyzing diagnostic data, optimizing experimental designs and improving our facility operations. Los Alamos’ new partnership with OpenAI will assist Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore and Sandia national laboratories with our most pressing national security problems,” said Acting NNSA Administrator Teresa Robbins. 

1 … 12 13 14 15 16 … 2,617