Page 1540 – Executive Gov

Published on March 3, 2020

The Department of Homeland Security's science and technology directorate has started to accept applications for an annual challenge that seeks to encourage industry in building biometric recognition technologies for security checkpoints.

The 2020 Biometric Technology Rally will task the participants to develop capacities that will validate small, free-flowing groups in crowded areas, DHS said Monday.

Participants will demonstrate their proposals in the individual phase in order to proceed to the group-processing stage. Cleared teams will participate in a demonstration event to showcase their technologies to stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

“Now it’s time to take the training wheels off and see how well these systems deal with more realistic conditions—identifying groups of people that opt-in to using the system, while avoiding bystanders in a crowded environment who have not opted-in," said Arun Vemury, director at DHS S&T's Biometric and Identity Technology Center.

DHS will deliver feedback to industry participants and help speed up the development of product capabilities through the results of the challenge.

Interested organizations have until April 30 to submit their applications to the challenge.

Government Technology/News

GAO: Agencies Must Ensure Accuracy in Reporting Improper Payments

by Brenda Marie Rivers

Published on March 3, 2020

The Government Accountability Office has found that federal agencies need to improve their estimates of improper payments which totaled $175 billion last fiscal year.

GAO said in a report published Monday that improper payments are those that “should not have been made or were made in the incorrect amount” for federal programs. The total amount for improper payments in fiscal year 2018 was $151 billion.

According to GAO, $121 billion or 69 percent of the FY19 figure represented Medicare, Medicaid and earned income tax credit payments.

The watchdog noted that “incomplete, unreliable, or understated agency estimates” prevented federal agencies from understanding the full scope of improper payments in compliance with the 2010 Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act.

Inspector general reports for FY18 stated that agencies designated as noncompliant with IPERA were unable to publish and meet annual targets for reducing improper payments.

Cybersecurity/News

Navy Looks to Deploy Integrated C2 Operations Framework for Cyber Defense

by Brenda Marie Rivers

Published on March 3, 2020

The U.S. Navy plans to implement a command-and-control system framework to further develop the service’s governance of its network architecture and improve visibility in cyberspace operations, C4ISRnet reported Monday.

Manuel Hermosilla, executive director of 10th Fleet/Fleet Cyber Command, said during the WEST 2020 event in San Diego, Calif., that the Integrated Navy Operations Command and Control System will serve as a “system of systems” approach that will help drive the Navy’s digital platform transformation efforts.

Hermosilla noted that his office plans to deploy best practices in “operation system support” to better monitor network performance, implement automation and provide a holistic view of enterprise networks.

He added that the Navy intends to initially deploy INOCCS for activities under the Department of Defense Information Network as well as cyber defense operations.

Government Technology/News

OPM, NASA Collab for Future Astronaut Selection

by Nichols Martin

Published on March 3, 2020

The Office of Personnel Management and NASA have jointly produced tools designed to facilitate the formation of future astronaut rosters.

OPM said Monday it worked with the space agency to construct a new approach to assess applications of potential astronauts for the Artemis program.

"With OPM’s support putting these new tools in place for the application process, we will be able to efficiently identify the top candidates who may someday explore the Moon and Mars,” said Jim Bridenstine, NASA administrator.

The tools leverage OPM’s USA Staffing system to automate the application process. The process also uses an online assessment battery co-developed by OPM and NASA.

Government Technology/News

CBP Releases Assessment Updates on Geospatial Tech for Border Security Operations

by Brenda Marie Rivers

Published on March 3, 2020

CBP Releases Assessment Updates on Geospatial Tech for Border Security Operations

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued updates in its privacy impact assessment of a geospatial imaging tool built to provide information such as land ownership limits at the southern border.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a document that the Enterprise Geospatial Information Services platform collects mapping information and other data to monitor operations along the U.S. border. The web-based eGIS application also visualizes current and historical information from DHS source systems for situational awareness purposes.

According to the notice, Border Patrol deploys the technology for surveillance and interdiction functions to secure against threats at various points of entry.

DHS noted that it seeks to evaluate CBP’s use of landowner parcel and contact information, which are meant to inform the procurement and installation of assets such as command-and-control systems, sensors and relay towers.

The department said that information collated from eGIS will serve as records that “can be obtained or accessed from public sources”.

News/Press Releases

Bechtel, Sempra Energy Announce EPC Contract for Liquefaction Project; Jeffrey Martin, Brendan Bechtel Quoted

by Sarah Sybert

Published on March 3, 2020

Bechtel, Sempra Energy Announce EPC Contract for Liquefaction Project; Jeffrey Martin, Brendan Bechtel Quoted

Bechtel and Sempra Energy have signed a fixed-price engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the Port Arthur LNG liquefaction project under development in Port Arthur, Texas, the company announced on Tuesday.

"Building new export infrastructure in the U.S. is critical to providing overseas markets with cleaner fuel alternatives," said Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy. "Partnering with a world-class construction firm like Bechtel bolsters our execution plan for one of the world's largest LNG development projects."

Under the EPC contract, Bechtel’s oil, gas and chemical division will support the Liquefaction project by providing engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, startup, performance tests as well as operator training activities. The contract also requires Bechtel to perform pre-final investment decision engineering to assure cost and schedule.

The Port Arthur LNG development project will include two liquefaction trains, two liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks, a marine berth and associated loading facilities and related infrastructure necessary to provide liquefaction services, with a nameplate capacity of approximately 13.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG.

Sempra’s site includes 3,000 acres of land, three miles of the Sabine-Neches waterway and has the potential to become one of the largest LNG export projects in North America, with expansion capabilities of up to eight liquefaction trains and approximately 45 Mtpa of capacity.

The companies have estimated that, after the completion of the project, 5,000 construction jobs, as well as several hundred additional Texas jobs will be created. In addition, approximately 200 long-term jobs will open to operate and maintain the Port Arthur LNG facility.

"We are honored and grateful that Sempra has chosen Bechtel as their trusted partner to help grow Sempra's LNG business on the Gulf Coast. Together, we will deliver an important, clean and sustainable energy source to the world while creating jobs and building economic opportunities for the Gulf Coast community," Bechtel's chairman and CEO Brendan Bechtel said.

About Bechtel

Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Differentiated by the quality of its people and a relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, Bechtel aligns its capabilities to customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact.

Since 1898, Bechtel has helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resilience of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place.

Executive Moves/News

NSF’s Rebecca Spyke Keiser to Lead Agency’s Research Security in New Role

by Nichols Martin

Published on March 3, 2020

NSF’s Rebecca Spyke Keiser to Lead Agency’s Research Security in New Role

Rebecca Spyke Keiser, who leads the National Science Foundation's Office of International Science and Engineering, has been appointed to serve as NSF's chief of research security strategy and policy, a newly created role.

She will advise the NSF director on matters related to research security, the agency said Monday. NSF created Keiser's new role in an effort to better protect federal research while still pursuing an open, collaborative approach.

Keiser joined NSF in 2015 to lead her current office where she oversees international strategy across the agency and partnerships with foreign entities.

She also held policy-focused administrative roles in NASA where she served for over eight years.

"I’m gratified to see NSF serving as a leader in this area and look forward to helping us move forward," Keiser said about her appointment.

DoD/Executive Moves/News

DoD Official James Anderson Nominated for Defense Policy Post

by Nichols Martin

Published on March 3, 2020

James Anderson

James Anderson, assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities, has received President Donald Trump's nomination to serve as deputy undersecretary of defense for policy.

He held multiple defense-related leadership roles in his career, including those with Marine Corps University and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the White House said Monday.

The former academia member oversaw education programs during his time with the university, and prior to that, was a dean at Marine Corps War College.

Anderson also contributed active-duty military service to the U.S. Marine Corps as an intelligence officer. The nominee is a recipient of defense-related awards such as the OSD Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

News/Potomac Officers Club

Alka Bhave, Perspecta’s Vice President of Performance Excellence, to Moderate at Potomac Officers Club’s CMMC Forum 2020 on April 2nd

by Sarah Sybert

Published on March 3, 2020

Alka Bhave, Perspecta’s Vice President of Performance Excellence, to Moderate at Potomac Officers Club’s CMMC Forum 2020 on April 2nd

Alka Bhave, vice president of performance excellence with Perspecta, will moderate the “Implementing CMMC” panel at Potomac Officers Club’s CMMC Forum 2020 on Thursday, April 2nd.

As vice president of performance excellence, Bhave leads an independent organization with a mission to drive excellence into the performance of Perspecta programs, with scope across all lines of business and corporate functions.

She has more than 23 years of experience in program management, systems engineering and integration and technical contribution to the development of complex space and ground systems mission and IT systems.

The Department of Defense (DoD) officially released its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to certify DoD contractors’ cybersecurity practices and bolster supply chain security at the beginning of the year.

CMMC’s revision has moved away from self-certification, replacing current National Institute of Science and Technology’s (NIST) standards for cybersecurity with a five-level system of requirements for defense contractors.

As a moderator at POC’s event, Bhave will introduce the most important topics on the new CMMC guidelines, including CMMC’s timeline, how the certification process could change and will provide a memorandum of understanding with a newly established CMMC accrediting body.

In addition to the “Implementing CMMC” panel, Katherine Arrington, chief information security officer (CISO) for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, will serve as a keynote speaker at the event.

Arrington, 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, serves as the central coordinator and integrator within the OUSDA and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), to align acquisition cyber strategy.

As the cyber lead and programmatic analytic advisor for strategic cyber programs, she is responsible for conducting analysis within the major defense acquisition program portfolio and across the DoD. Arrigton will provide insight into Cyber Security Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) during her keynote address.

Join Potomac Officers Club for its CMMC Forum 2020 on April 2nd to learn about the impact DoD’s CMMC will have on cybersecurity practices, supply chain security and other aspects of the federal market.

Wash100

Roy Azevedo, President of Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems, Receives First Wash100 Award From Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic

by Sarah Sybert

Published on March 3, 2020

Roy Azevedo, President of Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems, Receives First Wash100 Award From Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic

Jim Garrettson, founder and CEO of Executive Mosaic, presented Roy Azevedo, president of the space and airborne systems business at Raytheon, his first Wash100 Award as part of the 2020 selection. Executive Mosaic recognizes Azevedo for his efforts to advance defense systems and integrate modern technology into the company’s infrastructure.

Executive Mosaic recognizes Azevedo for his efforts to advance defense systems and integrate modern technology into the company’s infrastructure.

In October 2019, Raytheon announced that Azevedo will lead the intelligence, space and airborne systems business to be formed upon the closing of its proposed merger with United Technologies Corp. The future organization will integrate the SAS business with Raytheon’s intelligence, information and services arm and commercial cybersecurity venture, Forcepoint.

Azevedo also helps the company expand its military training technology. Raytheon announced its new immersive military training product at I/ITSEC, the world’s largest modeling, simulation and training event in December 2019.

Under Azevedo’s leadership, Raytheon has secured multiple contracts to grow the company and expand its portfolio, including a $386 million contract modification from the U.S. Air Force to advance Paveway laser-guided bombs in Nov. 2019.

He also led to the potential $498 million contract in Sept. 2019 to develop Solid State Modules Replacement for the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System and the Precision Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System (PAVE PAWS) radars.

Executive Mosaic congratulates Raytheon and Roy Azevedo for his 2020 Wash100 Award selection. His commitment to the advancement of Raytheon’s strategy and emerging technology will be integral to the GovCon sector throughout 2020.

About The 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.

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