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Janice deGarmo to Lead State Dept’s First Enterprise Data, Analytics Hub
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Janice deGarmo to Lead State Dept’s First Enterprise Data, Analytics Hub
Janice deGarmo
Janice deGarmo

Janice deGarmo, acting chief data officer at the State Department, has been appointed as head of a newly established center that seeks to help U.S. diplomats leverage data to make policy and management decisions, FedScoop reported Friday.

The department launched its first Center for Analytics to provide tools, systems and training that can support the country's foreign policy priorities and diplomatic engagements.

DeGarmo concurrently serves as deputy director in the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, where she leads a team focused on developing guidelines and recommendations to address  enterprise-wide management challenges.

She joined the department in 2009 as a senior adviser and previously worked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics as an analyst.

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Sen. Edward Markey Poses Questions About Clearview AI’s Facial Recognition Tool
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Sen. Edward Markey Poses Questions About Clearview AI’s Facial Recognition Tool
Edward Markey
Edward Markey

Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Clearview AI CEO Hoan Ton-That expressing concerns about the privacy risks posed by the company’s facial recognition tool.

In the letter, Markey wrote that Clearview’s tool allows users to capture and upload pictures of strangers and analyze the biometric data of photographed individuals. He noted that the technology could be used by foreign adversaries to collect data about a particular individual for blackmailing.

“Any technology with the ability to collect and analyze individuals’ biometric information has alarming potential to impinge on the public’s civil liberties and privacy,” the lawmaker wrote.

He also expressed concerns about reports that the company offers its product to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Markey asked Clearview to respond to 14 questions by Feb. 12. The senator asked the company to submit a list of law enforcement and intelligence agencies that currently use the tool or have been approached by Clearview; provide the results of bias assessments the company has performed on its product; and describe the cybersecurity practices of the company to protect the data.

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Ellen Lord OKs New DoD Instruction on Adaptive Acquisition Framework
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Ellen Lord OKs New DoD Instruction on Adaptive Acquisition Framework
Ellen Lord
Ellen Lord

Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment and a 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, approved and released a new Department of Defense instruction that restructures DoD’s acquisition guidance to implement the Adaptive Acquisition Framework and improve processes.

The DoD Instruction 5000.02 titled “Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework” establishes policy and suggests procedures to manage acquisition programs in compliance with the relevant sections of Title 10, U.S. Code. The document also details the responsibilities of principal acquisition officials, the characteristics and purpose of acquisition pathways and program management authorities.

The AAF supports the Defense Acquisition System and seeks to deliver affordable, sustainable and effective platforms to the end user. The framework has acquisition pathways that provide program managers and decision authorities opportunities to come up with acquisition strategies and “processes that match the characteristics of the capability being acquired.”

The AAF pathways are urgent capability acquisition; middle tier of acquisition; major capability acquisition; software acquisition; defense business systems acquisition; and defense acquisition of services.

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Mark Esper on Pentagon’s Efforts to Address China Threats
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Mark Esper on Pentagon’s Efforts to Address China Threats
Mark Esper
Mark Esper

Mark Esper, secretary of the Department of Defense and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner, said DoD has launched efforts to counter the threats posed by China and one of those is the creation of the Space Force as the sixth service branch, Army News Service reported Friday. 

"Much like NASA was a breeding ground for a wide array of high-tech breakthroughs, we believe the Space Force will be an incubator for a whole new generation of technologies," Esper said Friday in his speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Global Security Forum in Washington.

Esper said the Pentagon is also developing hypersonic weapons and works with industry on artificial intelligence, 5G network and long-range precision fires. He also discussed China’s human rights violations and economic piracy and the need for the U.S. to unite and work with allies to address such threats.

"Addressing these threats requires us to unite the nation around our competition with China," Esper said. "Our success is contingent upon a cohesive approach across public and private sectors. For the department, this means overhauling our policies and reshaping the culture within the department; between the department and industry; and among our allies and partners around the world."

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Army Demos Integrated Air Defense With F-35 Jets
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Army Demos Integrated Air Defense With F-35 Jets

Army Demos Integrated Air Defense With F-35 Jets

A U.S. Army-owned system demonstrated the use of U.S. Air Force F-35 aircraft as sensors for air and missile defense in multi-domain operations.

Two F-35 units provided a situational awareness boost to the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System against multiple flying targets during a test in White Sands Missile Range, Lockheed Martin said Tuesday.

The company provided equipment, such as an IBCS adaptation kit, in support of the experiment.

“This test validated the F-35’s capability to serve as an airborne sensor and extend the range of critical Integrated Air and Missile Defense interceptors,” said Greg Ulmer, a Lockheed Martin vice president who also serves as the F-35 program’s general manager.

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Army’s Enterprise Cloud Office to Begin Operations in March
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Army’s Enterprise Cloud Office to Begin Operations in March
Army's Enterprise Cloud Office to Begin Operations in March

The U.S. Army is slated to begin operations at its new Enterprise Cloud Management Office by March to support the implementation of an Army-wide cloud environment as well as the use of operational data.

The Army said Wednesday it reprogrammed $730 million last year to establish the office with the aim of accelerating cloud programs through fiscal 2023.

Paul Puckett, previously the chief technology officer of Pivotal Software‘s federal unit, was appointed in November to serve as ECMO’s director. He is responsible for managing the delivery of cloud resources and services to support the Army’s efforts to “turn information into a global strategic asset," according to a prior news release.

"We needed to centralize all things cloud," noted Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, the Army chief information officer, at an AFCEA event. "The ECMO is designed to better Army commands through a centralized office, and improve the ability to facilitate cloud projects and oversee migration to the cloud network."

NSA Recognizes University of Illinois as Featured School for Research Partnerships
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NSA Recognizes University of Illinois as Featured School for Research Partnerships
NSA Recognizes University of Illinois as Featured School for Research Partnerships

The National Security Agency has designated the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a featured school and Center of Academic Excellence after over two decades of partnerships for research efforts.

NSA said Thursday it first designated the university as a CAE in cyber defense in 2000 as part of a sponsorship effort with the Department of Homeland Security. The school also received a CAE research designation in 2008, with the aim of fostering higher education and research in cybersecurity.

The agency additionally awarded grants totaling $600,000 to the university over the past five years and enlisted students for the Stokes Educational Scholarship Program.

George Barnes, deputy director of the NSA, said Illinois is one of the first schools to host an NSA Science of Security Lablet, which has been "instrumental in stimulating basic research to create scientific underpinnings for security and advocating for scientific rigor in security research.”

NSA’s partnership with Illinois is currently featured on websites such as NSA.gov, IntelligenceCareers.gov and social media platforms.

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DOE Invests $300M in Transportation Energy Research Work
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DOE Invests $300M in Transportation Energy Research Work
DOE Invests $300M in Transportation Energy Research Work

The Department of Energy has awarded almost $300 million in funds to support research projects in sustainable transportation. The three projects support DOE's mission to develop affordable, clean energy alternatives for consumers, the department said Thursday.

“Under this announcement, DOE is focusing our efforts on three areas of transportation to further spur innovative breakthroughs in this sector," said Mark Menezes, undersecretary of energy.

The first funding opportunity announcement, valued at $133 million, focuses on the development of battery, fuel, mobility, engine and other transportation applications with the Vehicles Technologies Office. The second, valued at $64 million, supports the Fuel Cells Technologies Office's efforts to study hydrogen applications. The last, bringing $100 million in funds, would address topics on bio-based energy resources under DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office.

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Noblis Appoints Deborah Drake Vice President, CPO; Amr ElSawy Quoted
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Noblis Appoints Deborah Drake Vice President, CPO; Amr ElSawy Quoted

Noblis Appoints Deborah Drake Vice President, CPO; Amr ElSawy Quoted

Deborah Drake has been appointed vice president and chief people officer (CPO) of Noblis,  a leading provider of science, technology and strategy services to the federal government, the company announced on Friday.

“Debbie has significant experience in our industry and demonstrated success building environments that foster collaboration, growth and development. Our talent management strategy is central to our ability to deliver exceptional results to our clients. We are looking forward to having Debbie work as an integral member of the Noblis leadership team,”said Amr ElSawy, Noblis president and CEO.

In her new role, Drake will lead the Noblis human resources and organizational development organizations including, talent recruitment, total rewards system, professional and organizational development and employee engagement.

Drake will bring over 20 years of experience to Noblis. Prior to joining the company, Drake served as the vice president of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition at ManTech International Corporation between July 2017 and Jan. 2020. She also served as senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc. from Nov. 2013 to July 2017.

Additionally, Drake worked for Leidos as vice president and human resources director between April 2003 and Nov. 2013. She began her career at DynCorp in 1993 and served as human resources manager until 2003.

Throughout her past positions, Drake has accumulated a proactive and innovative approach in all areas of human resources, including recruitment, training, compensation and recognition, employee relations, benefits, communications, organizational development, international deployment, succession planning, affirmative action, policies and procedures and HRIS/analytics.

She will bring her ability to make decisions that produce high-quality solutions and results, and will serve as a strong collaborator, communicator, change agent, and project manager.

“I am thrilled to be part of such an exceptional culture that values our mission-focused people,” said Drake. “I look forward to engaging with such a dynamic workforce.”

About Noblis 

Noblis is a dynamic science, technology, and strategy organization dedicated to creating forward-thinking technical and advisory solutions in the public interest. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors. Together with our wholly owned subsidiary, Noblis ESI, we tackle the nation’s toughest problems and support our clients’ most critical missions.

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SAIC Names Elaine Solomon Senior Account Executive; Bob Genter Quoted
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SAIC Names Elaine Solomon Senior Account Executive; Bob Genter Quoted
SAIC Names Elaine Solomon Senior Account Executive; Bob Genter Quoted

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) has appointed Elaine Solomon as the senior account executive over business development for the FBI, Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons, Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service, the company reported on Friday.

“Elaine brings a passion for working with people and understanding their goals and targets. I am confident that she will help us to solve our customers’ toughest problems,” Bob Genter, executive vice president and general manager of the Civilian Markets Customer Group.

Solomon brings decades of invaluable experience in both private and government contracting business development to SAIC. In her new role, she will supervise the departments and lead  BD efforts within the Federal Civilian Law Enforcement markets for IT Modernization, Cyber, Cloud, AI, IoT, Software and Enterprise IT aligning to Mission Support including: Engineering and Integrations, Analytics, Training  and Mission Solutions including Program Management.

Prior to joining SAIC, Solomon served as vice president of strategic alliances and channel partner business development with IO Data Centers from Nov. 2017 to Nov. 2018. She was an instrumental leader in developing key external partnerships with systems integrators, master service providers, master agents, and other critical data center customers.

Solomon also worked at Hewlett Packard (HP) as principal to the U.S. Public Sector from Aug. 2010 to Aug. 2016. In the role, she was instrumental in justifying the full scope of IT consulting services for HP customers, which provided support in cybersecurity, software, AI, data center planning and a wide range of other IT capabilities. 

Additionally, Solomon served as vice president of Western Region Science and Technology Business Development at HDR between 2005 and 2010. She was responsible for Business Development for a large national architecture and engineering firm focused on the Science & Technology market which included Data Centers and other Federal Intel Community and Civilian agency contracts.Solomon began her career at Bonsignore Brignati & Mazzotta, in New York City.

“I am excited to be joining a growing SAIC team that is at the forefront of delivering solutions to government customers,” Solomon said. “Law enforcement agencies do such important work protecting our nation; I’m eager to help them meet their critical missions.”

About SAIC

SAIC® is a premier technology integrator solving our nation’s most complex modernization and readiness challenges. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes high-end solutions in engineering, IT, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions

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