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Ty Brown on DOE’s Use of Automation to Counter Cyberthreats
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Ty Brown on DOE’s Use of Automation to Counter Cyberthreats

Ty Brown, director of cybersecurity operations at the Department of Energy, said DOE is advancing automation and intelligence-sharing to detect and prevent cybersecurity threats, Federal News Network reported Monday.

“We are under attack right now. We’re being scanned, probed every second. So what we have to do is leverage a fair amount of automation to get that volume out of the way,” said Brown. “Have we seen this before? And that goes back to the documentation and sharing of intelligence.”

The cyber operations chief pointed to information-sharing practices within the department to help prevent cyberattacks.

“We try to handle these things at the lowest level possible, but we’re always making sure that the proper parties are informed and that we’re sharing what we’ve learned from these incidents. It’s not a matter of just flipping a switch to turn off the bad thing,” he noted.

Brown also discussed how DOE implements artificial intelligence in the cybersecurity area.

“AI is the new guy, and like anybody that’s new to the office, you’re going to eventually give it some work and you’re going to keep a very weather eye on it and make sure that it’s performing as expected,” he said. “I don’t see it being cut loose anytime soon, but it’s very glad to have that second opinion.”

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DIU Seeking Forward Counter-Drone C2 System Concept Prototypes
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DIU Seeking Forward Counter-Drone C2 System Concept Prototypes

The Defense Innovation Unit announced it is seeking concepts for forward counter unmanned aircraft system command and control, or FCUAS C2, solutions enabling a single operator to engage multiple drone targets, as well as manned aircraft. 

The FCUAS C2 system sought under the DIU’s area of interest solicitation should be solely operable through a portable device, such as a tablet or laptop. In addition, the solution should be interoperable with current or emerging C2 systems and can rapidly integrate new third-party sensors. 

The solicitation’s participants must demonstrate their solutions in an expected live-fire CUAS test in the summer of 2025, including an interface with a government-supplied simulation tool.

Terms of the Solicitation

Partnerships are encouraged in FCUAS C2 prototype concept solicitation, particularly the collaboration of artificial intelligence/machine learning companies and integrators of counter-drone technologies. One recent counter-drone partnership with an AI focus involves Anduril Industries’ collaboration with ChatGPT developer OpenAI.

Individual companies that can deliver the entire solution to the FCUAS C2 system can also apply in the prototyping solicitation. They have to indicate though if subcontractors would be involved along with their roles. Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems are among the companies that recently demonstrated AI capabilities in their counter-drone systems.

An other transaction agreement awarded on the FCUAS C2 prototype may result in a follow-on production contract without further competition. The value of the follow-on contract could be significantly larger than the prototyping agreement, as several Department of Defense units may order the FCUAS C2 system.

The deadline for the prototype concept submission is on Dec. 23.

GAO Says VHA Should Improve Healthcare Oversight Capabilities
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GAO Says VHA Should Improve Healthcare Oversight Capabilities

The Government Accountability Office is calling on the Veterans Health Administration to implement four recommendations to enhance its oversight capabilities and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare to veterans.

The recommendations are part of a GAO report that was publicly released on Monday, in which the agency noted that VHA had previously faced challenges in overseeing veterans healthcare. These concerns prompted GAO to add Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare to its High-Risk List in 2015.

Full Implementation of Leading Risk Management Practices

First, GAO says its six leading practices for managing risk should be fully implemented by VHA’s Office of Integrity and Compliance, which works to implement an agencywide approach to understanding the combined impact of various risks to VHA’s mission. In its report, GAO noted that the office had only partially implemented these six practices, and that full implementation would enable VHA to “better respond to risks that could potentially interfere with the timeliness and quality of veterans’ health care.”

Clearer Definition of Internal Audit Function

Second, the purpose of VHA’s internal audit function should be clearly defined in the form of an updated policy directive for the Office of Internal Audit, which was established in 2016 to provide VHA leadership with information regarding how well various aspects of its healthcare system are working. GAO noted in its report that the office had an unclear reporting structure and oversight role, and so an updated policy directive should also address these deficiencies.

Enhanced Monitoring and Recommendation Capabilities

Third, VHA should bolster the monitoring capabilities of the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, which was established to serve as the body that would govern VHA’s oversight. GAO noted, however, that from fiscal years 2021 through 2024, the committee did not review relevant oversight findings. Neither did the committee provide recommendations that might bring about system-wide improvements, which is also part of its function. The committee’s ability to offer such recommendations should also be enhanced.

Workforce Plan Needed

Fourth, a workforce plan should be developed for VHA’s oversight offices. Such a plan should be based on the number of people required for the offices to effectively carry out their compliance, risk management, internal audit and medical investigations functions.

GAO Says VHA Should Improve Healthcare Oversight Capabilities

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Healthcare Summit will explore the transformative trends and innovations shaping the future of the healthcare sector. Join the event, which will take place tomorrow, Dec. 11.

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House Passes Bill Requiring Agencies to Share Custom Source Codes
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House Passes Bill Requiring Agencies to Share Custom Source Codes

The House of Representatives has passed the Source Code Harmonization and Reuse in Information Technology Act, which would direct federal agencies to share custom source codes and eliminate duplicative government contracts when building software.

The SHARE IT Act seeks to end wasteful federal spending on redundant software by directing agencies to publicly list their custom codes, allowing them to be reused across the government to save time and money, Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., said in a Wednesday press release.

Safeguarding Sensitive and Classified Data

Langworthy noted that while the proposal promotes information-sharing, it also includes provisions to protect sensitive and classified data, ensuring that U.S. national security and individual privacy are not compromised. In addition, the bill would require agencies to provide sufficient rights allowing the sharing and modification of their custom software codes.

When enacted into federal law, the bill would mandate government agencies’ chief information officers to oversee its implementation. Under the law, the federal CIOs should also submit annual compliance reports to Congress using existing government platforms and private sector options.

Parallel Senate Measure

The Act has a Senate version, which the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced in early 2024, according to Nextgov/FCW. However, the measure has yet to pass through the Senate floor.

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Navy Receives Ship to Shore Connector From Textron Systems
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Navy Receives Ship to Shore Connector From Textron Systems

Textron Systems has delivered LCAC 111, the latest ship to shore connector, or SSC, to the U.S. Navy on Nov. 27.

The Navy said Monday it received the LCAC 111 following the completion of the acceptance trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. The test assessed the craft’s readiness and ability to meet requirements.

The New LCAC 111 Amphibious Craft

The new SSC is meant to strengthen the Navy’s amphibious capability and enable fast deployment and logistical assistance. It’s also designed to be compatible with current amphibious ships, the Expeditionary Sea Base and the Expeditionary Transfer Dock. The latest SSC replaces the legacy LCACs.

With a capacity of 60 to 75 tons of payload, the LCAC 111 can carry transport weapon systems, equipment, cargo and assault element personnel in any condition.

“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges,” said Capt. Jason Grabelle, program manager for Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs, Program Executive Office, Ships. “The introduction of LCAC 111 into our fleet marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance operational readiness.”

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Southwest Research Institute to Build Magnetometer Instruments for NOAA
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Southwest Research Institute to Build Magnetometer Instruments for NOAA

NASA has awarded the Southwest Research Institute a $26.1 million contract to build two two magnetometer instruments for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s space weather program.

Work under the 10-year agreement will be performed at the selected contractor’s facility in San Antonio, Texas, the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA said Monday.

Mission Operations Support Services

The Southwest Research Institute will also perform design, analysis, development, fabrication, integration, test, verification and evaluation services for the NOAA instruments. In addition, the company will provide supply and maintenance support for ground equipment and post-launch mission operations support at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility.

Mitigating Space Weather Impacts

When they become operational, the magnetometer instruments will measure the interplanetary magnetic field carried by the solar wind and supply data to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, which releases forecasts and alerts to help mitigate space weather impacts, including electric power outages and disruptions to communications and navigation systems.

The space weather magnetometer instruments will support the Lagrange 1 Series project, which is part of NOAA’s Space Weather Next program. NASA and NOAA are managing the development, launch, testing and operation of satellites under the project.

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DOC Awards $100M to Strengthen Domestic Chip Supply Chain
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DOC Awards $100M to Strengthen Domestic Chip Supply Chain

The Department of Commerce has awarded three companies up to $100 million in proposed direct funding to enhance the production of critical semiconductor manufacturing components.

The Commerce Department said Friday the proposed investments under the CHIPS and Science Act were awarded to Coherent, SkyWater Technology Foundry and X-Fab. 

Projects Supported by the CHIPS Investment

Coherent will receive up to $33 million to expand and modernize the manufacturing cleanroom in its Sherman, Texas facility. The investment, expected to generate around 70 direct jobs, aims to transform it into the first ever 150mm indium phosphide manufacturing line.

SkyWater Technology will get up to $16 million for its facility in Bloomington, Minnesota. The award will be used to overhaul equipment, enhance the cleanroom, advance its space and IT systems and boost production of 90nm and 130nm wafers by approximately 30 percent. An estimated 70 jobs are expected to be created.

X-Fab will utilize an award of up to $50 million to revamp its silicon carbide foundry facility in Lubbock, Texas. As the only silicon carbide fab in the country, its modernization is necessary to increase production and bolster global decarbonization initiatives. The investment will create an estimated 15 jobs.

“This proposed investment allows Coherent to accelerate its industry leadership in InP technology and manufacturing,” said Giovanni Barbarossa, chief strategy officer and president of materials segment at Coherent. 

SkyWater CEO Thomas Sonderman stated, “As America’s Trusted Foundry, through our business model and expanding capabilities, we are creating a national asset for technology development, which is in a critical state domestically.”

Rico Tillner, CEO of X-FAB Texas, added, “The demand for silicon carbide technologies will be strong for the long term and we are proud to provide solutions that support the transition to electric mobility and renewable energy sources.”

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo commented, “Today’s proposed investments across Texas and Minnesota would help bolster domestic chip production and help secure our supply chain for decades to come.”

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Brad Welch Named Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center CIO
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Brad Welch Named Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center CIO

The U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center has promoted Brad Welch, most recently digital transformation program director, as chief information officer.

Welch announced his appointment as CIO in a LinkedIn post published Tuesday.

He recently served as a senior service college fellow at the Defense Acquisition University.

According to his LinkedIn profile, the newly appointed CIO first joined the Army DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center in 2000 as a deputy project manager.

As a deputy project manager, he oversaw the development and deployment of the launcher and command and control system for the country’s first hypersonic capability. He also served as a multimission launcher deputy program director and tech chief between 2017 and 2019.

The University of Kentucky electrical and electronics engineering graduate started his career as a design engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division in Indiana.

What Is the Army DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center?

The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center plays a key role in providing research, development, engineering technology and support services for the branch’s aviation and missile platforms.

The Redstone Arsenal, Alabama-based center has approximately 11,000 government and contract employees focused on rapidly transitioning technologies, finding creative platforms and providing synergistic expertise to clients and other stakeholders.

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USPTO Announces Members of Council for Inclusive Innovation
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USPTO Announces Members of Council for Inclusive Innovation

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has appointed 10 new members to the Council for Inclusive Innovation, or CI2.

USPTO said Friday the new council members will work on an action plan to implement the agency’s National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation and develop more ideas to advance innovation. 

The new CI2 members are:

  • Christopher James, president and CEO, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
  • Grant Warner, executive director, Center for Black Entrepreneurship
  • Herve Hoppenot, president and CEO, Incyte
  • Liren Chen, president and CEO, InterDigital
  • Mae Jemison, founder, The Jemison Group
  • Megan Smith, CEO and founder, shift7
  • Pamela Melroy, deputy administrator, NASA
  • Rory Cooper, National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureate and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Pittsburgh
  • Tony Allen, president, Delaware State University
  • Wendy Lea, co-founder and partner, TechHubNow!

“Increasing participation in our innovation ecosystem is a national and economic imperative,” said Kathi Vidal, under secretary of Commerce for intellectual property and USPTO director.

“We need everyone at bat to lift American communities and solve world problems. This Council’s leadership will define how we work together to break down existing barriers to foster American competitiveness and drive our society and economy forward,” added Vidal.

What Are Some of CI2’s Initiatives?

Since its establishment in 2020, CI2 has introduced initiatives to generate jobs and promote innovation, including an innovative internship program and an initiative to speed up the examination of patent applications from first-time filers.

The council will continue to develop strategies to drive innovation and provide increased access to the innovation ecosystem.

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Amanda Gentry Named Inaugural Director of New AFMC Office
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Amanda Gentry Named Inaugural Director of New AFMC Office

Amanda Gentry, a 23-year leadership and engineering veteran, has been selected as the inaugural director of the Integrated Development Office at the Air Force Materiel Command. The appointment was announced on Dec. 2.

According to the AFMC, Gentry will spearhead the newly established office’s daily operations and lead a team of around 200 personnel. She will report directly to the AFMC Commander, Gen. Duke Richardson, who will serve as the IDO’s capability development executive officer, or CDEO. 

Amanda Gentry’s Career

Gentry most recently served as director of the Sensors Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory. In her over three years at the directorate, she managed a team of 1,200 personnel responsible for enhancing the intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, precision engagement and electronic warfare systems of the Air, Space and Cyber forces.

The IDO director previously served as senior systems engineer and director of engineering at the Air Force’s Office for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. She was also the team lead of F-35 Science and Technology at the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office and served in various engineering-related roles during her initial stint with the AFRL.

Integrated Development Office

The IDO, headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is positioned to partner with the Integrated Capabilities Command in accelerating capability development through the Air Force’s great power competition re-optimization efforts. The IDO supervises the acquisition portion of capability development while the ICC spearheads the modernization prioritization efforts. The IDO also serves as the program office and execution arm of the CDEO.

“If you look at all the Air Force re-optimization decisions, I believe the creation of the ICC and the IDO are the most consequential,” said Richardson.

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