/
John Demers: Data Privacy, Law Enforcement Interception ‘Can Coexist’
Published on
John Demers: Data Privacy, Law Enforcement Interception ‘Can Coexist’
John Demers: Data Privacy, Law Enforcement Interception 'Can Coexist'

John Demers, assistant attorney general for national security, has said that following the Australian and U.K. government’s examples will help the U.S. balance data privacy rights while improving law enforcement procedures, Nextgov reported Tuesday.

Demers told reporters ahead of the RSA Conference that rights to privacy and warranted government access to encrypted data “can coexist” and the Department of Justice supports flexible approaches to help entities like the Department of Defense.

He cited laws in Australia, which allow agencies to issue interception requests to communications providers. The U.K. also permits public-sector entities to intercept communications for national security purposes.

“I don't mean to suggest that there should be some encryption that's very encrypted, and something that's less encrypted or anything like that,” said Demers. “What I mean to say is everything should be strongly encrypted but there should be a way for the government to get access to that data with a court order.”

//
GAO: Agencies Overseeing Critical Sectors Must Ensure NIST Cybersecurity Framework Compliance
Published on
GAO: Agencies Overseeing Critical Sectors Must Ensure NIST Cybersecurity Framework Compliance
GAO: Agencies Overseeing Critical Sectors Must Ensure NIST Cybersecurity Framework Compliance

The Government Accountability Office has found that most organizations voluntarily agreed to adopt the National Institute of Standards and Technology's cybersecurity framework but their overseeing agencies are yet to develop ways to ensure NIST compliance.

GAO said in its report published Tuesday that it studied 12 organizations that reported voluntary compliance with NIST’s Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. The watchdog noted that five of the nine agencies with oversight of 16 critical infrastructure sectors are yet to establish methods for determining organizations’ adoption of the cybersecurity framework. 

According to GAO, the 12 organizations reported progress such as risk identification and standardized guidelines upon implementation of the NIST framework. 

The overseeing entities, known as sector-specific agencies, reported that they were unable to provide information on the improvements due to the framework’s voluntary nature as well as a lack of metrics and a centralized information-sharing procedure.

GAO said that until the SSAs establish a method for reporting sector-wide improvements, the “extent to which the 16 critical infrastructure sectors are better protecting their critical infrastructures from threats will be largely unknown.”

/
Christopher Krebs Talks CISA Efforts to Combat Ransomware
Published on
Christopher Krebs Talks CISA Efforts to Combat Ransomware
Christopher Krebs
Christopher Krebs

Christopher Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and 2020 Wash100 Award winner, has said that the agency is coordinating with government and industry stakeholders to address cyber threats like ransomware, FCW reported Tuesday.

Krebs told attendees at the RSA Conference in San Francisco that CISA is reaching out to local governments, federal agencies, businesses and operators of critical infrastructure to discuss data encryption practices to better defend systems against nation-state hacking groups and other malicious actors.

He said that organizations should take proactive steps such as patching their technologies, enabling multifactor authentication, developing an incident response plan and establishing a backup strategy.

“For years and years and years, particularly in the federal government, we’ve been focused on the nation-state adversary, the highly capable, the big four: Russia, China, Iran [and] North Korea,” said Krebs. “I think we’ve been a little bit late to the game on ransomware.”

Krebs also said that having a public communication plan as well as analog and paper-based backups will help ensure preparedness in this year’s presidential election.

/
Army’s William Jordan Gillis Nominated to Lead Service’s Sustainment
Published on
Army’s William Jordan Gillis Nominated to Lead Service’s Sustainment
Jordan Gillis
Jordan Gillis

President Trump has announced his nomination for William Jordan Gillis, a U.S. Army official, to serve as assistant secretary of defense for sustainment, Defense News reported Tuesday. If confirmed for the role, Gillis would succeed Robert McMahon, who stepped down in November.

The newly nominated Army official serves as the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment. He began his work with the military in 2017 as the Army's acting assistant secretary for the same areas he oversees in his current role.

The White House unveiled Gillis' nomination on Tuesday.

//
Gen. Stephen Lyons: USTRANSCOM Addresses Cyber Vulnerabilities Via Contract Policy
Published on
Gen. Stephen Lyons: USTRANSCOM Addresses Cyber Vulnerabilities Via Contract Policy
Stephen Lyons
Stephen Lyons

Gen. Stephen Lyons, who leads U.S. Transportation Command, said his group faces critical vulnerabilities in cybersecurity and has taken policy measures to address the issue, Fifth Domain reported Tuesday.

He told the Senate Armed Services Committee the same day that cyber-related vulnerabilities pose the most consequences to mobility. Lyons said, however, that he is not in the position to suddenly inspect the cybersecurity of suppliers.

In response to the situation, USTRANSCOM has imposed a stricter policy on associated contractors.

//
USACE Selects Jacobs to Deliver Engineering Services Under Environmental Quality Program; Jan Walstrom Quoted
Published on
USACE Selects Jacobs to Deliver Engineering Services Under Environmental Quality Program; Jan Walstrom Quoted
USACE Selects Jacobs to Deliver Engineering Services Under Environmental Quality Program; Jan Walstrom Quoted

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has selected Jacobs to deliver architect and engineering services for its Environmental Quality Program under a three-year, multiple award task order contract, the company announced on Wednesday. 

"Our team has the specific experience to provide timely, cost-effective, high-quality support that will benefit the Mobile District's DoD and civilian agency customers now and into the future," said Jacobs People and Places Solutions senior vice president and Global Environmental Market director, Jan Walstrom. 

Under the task order, Jacobs will support military, civil and federal agencies, including U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, Defense Logistics Agency and other Department of Defense installations within the Mobile District's Area of Responsibility (AOR) and South Atlantic Division's AOR.

Jacobs will provide services for all products and studies associated with complex environmental compliance, planning, pollution prevention, conservation, National Environmental Policy Act, restoration and remediation design. The company will develop strategy, gather and analyze data and design action support. 

"Jacobs brings a 25-year history of continuous service to the USACE Mobile District on numerous environmental compliance and pollution prevention projects," added Walstrom.

In addition to the environmental engineering Jacobs will provide to the service branches, the company will continue to work with government agencies to support environmental enhancements. In Dec. 2019, NASA awarded Jacobs a potential five-year contract to extend the company's environmental engineering work at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers architect-engineer services such as environmental compliance support, environmental remediation and risk analysis, the company said Tuesday. Jacobs will also perform assessments of regulatory matters relevant to NASA operations at the federal and state levels as part of the IDIQ award.

The company has also supported engineering and technical advancements for MSFC programs via the Engineering Services and Science Capability Augmentation contract.

About Jacobs 

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. 

With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of approximately 52,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. 

//
Tony Loyd Joins AECOM as VP of Houston Office to Expand Local Staff, Drive Business Growth; Wendy Lopez Quoted
Published on
Tony Loyd Joins AECOM as VP of Houston Office to Expand Local Staff, Drive Business Growth; Wendy Lopez Quoted
Tony Loyd Joins AECOM as VP of Houston Office to Expand Local Staff, Drive Business Growth; Wendy Lopez Quoted

AECOM has appointed Tony Loyd, P.E., vice president and Houston executive to develop the company’s growth strategy and leadership, AECOM announced on Wednesday. 

“AECOM’s footprint is growing in Houston, and we are fortunate to have Tony join our Texas Initiative,” said Senior Vice President Wendy Lopez, AECOM’s Texas executive. “He is a proven leader who knows how to attract talent, mentor staff and build business.”

In his new role, Loyd will provide full-service solutions to the transportation, water, energy, education and health care industries to the company’s client base. He will also expand services and recruit new professionals to enhance AECOM’s workforce and employee base. 

Bringing over 25 years of experience, Loyd has deep-rooted knowledge in the development of local, regional and national revenue growth strategies. Prior to joining AECOM, he was market sector leader for Jacobs’ Buildings and Infrastructure business unit. 

Comprised of 5,500 architects and engineers in the United States, Canada and Latin America, he grew the aviation transportation sector from $9.3 million to $61.8 million in gross margin over a three year period with Jacobs. 

In addition, he helped the company secure major program acquisition in Los Angeles, New York and the United Kingdom. Loyd was also a key member of the firm’s integration team as it restructured post-merger with Carter & Burgess Inc. 

During his time with Carter & Burgess, he served as west region managing principal, senior vice president, and was a member of the board of directors for three years and elected as vice chairman of the board in 2007.

“At AECOM, we always seek to attract, recruit and retain the brightest, most imaginative and diverse talent in our industry,” Lopez said. “Tony understands this, and I look forward to the collaboration and innovation he will bring to meeting key objectives within our Houston office.”

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s premier infrastructure firm, delivering professional services throughout 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.

///
C2SCG Becomes Google Cloud Partner to Enhance Cloud Capabilities; Brandee Daly Quoted
Published on
C2SCG Becomes Google Cloud Partner to Enhance Cloud Capabilities; Brandee Daly Quoted

C2SCG Becomes Google Cloud Partner to Enhance Cloud Capabilities; Brandee Daly Quoted

C2S Consulting Group (C2SCG) has announced that it has officially become a Google Cloud Partner, strengthening the company’s C2SCG position for government agencies and commercial companies as a global cloud provider, the company reported on Tuesday.

“C2SCG partners with the most trusted, innovative cloud platforms to help our customers migrate successfully, scale efficiently, and secure their data,” said Brandee Daly, CEO and founder, C2SCG.

Through the partnership, C2SCG will gain further credibility as a preferred partner of global cloud platforms. The company has also projected an acceleration of the company’s growth trajectory. Prior to becoming a Google Cloud Partner, C2SCG established additional partnerships with Adobe, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Oracle, furthering the company’s technical expertise, continuous learning and customer service.

“We are pleased to expand our partnerships to include Google Cloud’s global infrastructure and continuous data, services, and machine learning innovations,” Daly added.

C2SG recently secured a position on the potential five-year, $95 million blanket purchase agreement from the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to provide cloud services to the military branch’s LevelUP cyber factory in Nov. 2019.

The BPA will cover a set of services intended to help the LevelUP software hub to incorporate DevOps and DevSecOps approaches into integration and testing of government cloud and hybrid systems at different classification levels.

The LevelUP program aimed to build a unified platform for extracting data on cybersecurity incidents and providing threat visibility at service branches. Among C2SCG, A&T Systems, Amazon Web Services, Adela Technologies, Alaska Northstar Resources, Applied Information Sciences, Bestica, Carahsoft Technology, Chenega Applied Solution and more earned spots on the BPA.

About C2S Consulting Group (C2SCG)

C2S Consulting Group is a leader in providing exceptional cloud computing and migration services—with a distinct culture of continuous learning—for government agencies and commercial companies. C2SCG understands what drives its customers’ business and delivers the best solutions for their specialized organizational needs.

/
Soraya Correa, DHS Chief Procurement Officer, to Give Keynote Address at Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Procurement Forum on March 19th
Published on
Soraya Correa, DHS Chief Procurement Officer, to Give Keynote Address at Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Procurement Forum on March 19th
Soraya Correa, DHS Chief Procurement Officer, to Give Keynote Address at Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Procurement Forum on March 19th
Soraya Correa

Soraya Correa, chief procurement officer of the Department of Homeland Security, will serve as the opening keynote speaker during Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Procurement Forum on Thursday, March 19th.

Register here for POC’s  2020 Procurement Forum.

Correa oversees the work of nine heads of Contracting Activity that provide operational procurement services to DHS components, directorates and offices. She has initiated and led several key efforts designed to improve DHS procurement workforce focuses as a team and find the right solutions to enable and support the DHS mission.

These efforts include the Acquisition Innovations in Motion (AIiM) framework, such as the Procurement Innovation Lab (PIL), Education, Development, Growth and Excellence (EDGE) mentoring program.

Additionally, Correa has continued to grow and enhance efforts including the Homeland Security Acquisition Institute, the Acquisition Professional Career Program, the Strategic Sourcing Program Office, and Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

During her keynote address, she will discuss the short term and long term strategies, acquisition innovation initiatives, commercial items acquisition, workforce initiatives, technology modernization and collaboration between government and industry.

Soraya Correa, DHS Chief Procurement Officer, to Give Keynote Address at Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Procurement Forum on March 19th

In addition to Dunne, the Procurement Forum 2020 will feature two other keynote speakers: Soraya Correa, chief procurement officer with the Department of Homeland Security, and Kim Herrington, acting principal director of Defense Pricing and Contracting with the Department of Defense (DoD).

Join the Potomac Officers Club and don’t miss out on the opportunity to hear public and private sector leaders discuss government AI programs and priorities, new initiatives and how to achieve enterprise AI. Register here for Potomac Officers Club’s 2020 Procurement Forum on Thursday, March 19th.

 

/
Seth Moore, CEO of T-Rex Solutions, Receives First Wash100 Award From Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic
Published on
Seth Moore, CEO of T-Rex Solutions, Receives First Wash100 Award From Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic
Seth Moore, CEO of T-Rex Solutions, Receives First Wash100 Award From Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic

Jim Garrettson, founder and CEO of Executive Mosaic, presented Seth Moore, CEO of T-Rex Solutions, his first Wash100 Award as a part of the 2020 selection on Wednesday. 

Executive Mosaic recognizes Moore for his dramatic improvement in company sustainment and expansion in addition to the progress he has made in T-Rex Solutions’ cloud technology and integration. 

Moore has demonstrated his expertise and led the company through a tremendous growth period where T-Rex Solutions saw an increase of 550 percent in revenue. Since his appointment in 2019, Moore has continued to expand T-Rex Solutions IT consulting, advance new company initiatives and manage company sustainment.

In addition to improving T-Rex Solutions’ management and verifications since his appointment, Moore has also developed new IT and cloud-based initiatives. In a July 2019 interview, Moore cited how T-Rex Solutions will continue to help clients continue to meet requirements in the cloud computing marketplace.

“Up to 80 percent of IT funding is devoted to operations and maintenance activities. Agencies have to determine how to fund IT modernization while they still maintain their legacy infrastructure,” Moore said.

In December, Moore led T-Rex Solutions to secure the position of #1 Cloud Service Provider in the federal civilian space. The award was based on federal IT priorities and captured the unprecedented investments that federal agencies are making in cloud services using public, private and hybrid deployment models.

Moving into the new year, the company said, “We look forward to sharing these experiences and lessons learned with other federal agencies who wish to migrate and secure their mission applications in the Cloud. Our solutions are tailorable, and we are ready to partner.”

Executive Mosaic applauds T-Rex Solutions and Seth Moore on his 2020 Wash100 Award. Moore’s dedication to growing the company and making T-Rex a strong and influential industry leader through new cloud-based initiatives and certifications proves that he is a notable figure in the GovCon industry.

About Wash100 

The Wash100 Award, now in its seventh year, recognizes the most influential executives in the GovCon industry as selected by the Executive Mosaic team in tandem with online nominations from the GovCon community. Representing the best of the private and public sector, the winners demonstrate superior leadership, innovation, reliability, achievement and vision. 

Visit the Wash100 site to learn about the other 99 winners of the 2020 Wash100 Award. On the site, you can submit your 10 votes for the GovCon executives of consequence that you believe will have the most significant impact in 2020.

1 … 1,518 1,519 1,520 1,521 1,522 … 2,597