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Former CACI SVP Charlie McQuillan Appointed EVP for Federal Health with Octo Consulting; Jay Shah Quoted
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Former CACI SVP Charlie McQuillan Appointed EVP for Federal Health with Octo Consulting; Jay Shah Quoted
Former CACI SVP Charlie McQuillan Appointed EVP for Federal Health with Octo Consulting; Jay Shah Quoted

Charlie McQuillan, formerly a senior vice president of CACI, has been named executive vice president of Federal Health for Octo Consulting to support existing customers and grow the company’s health portfolio, Octo announced on Tuesday. 

“Charlie brings with him a record of exceptional customer service and success that will be a true benefit for our Federal Health IT customers and for Octo.” said Jay Shah, chief operating officer at Octo. 

McQuillan brings over twenty years of experience in human capital management (HCM), health and media services markets. His expertise and leadership will be essential as Octo continues to grow. 

Most recently, McQuillan served CACI as its senior vice president where he was responsible for strategy development, program execution and operational performance of a $350 million annual revenue segment with more than 1,300 employees. 

McQuillan has also worked with the U.S. Army financial and logistics communities developing software systems as an analyst before rising to become a project manager. In addition, he has served as Secretary of the Loudoun Hunger Relief Board. 

“I look forward to beginning my Octo journey. Octo has a reputation for prioritizing customer service and driving the kind of innovative technology the public health care sector needs to meet its missions,” commented McQuillan. 

About Octo Consulting

A premier provider of technology solutions, Octo empowers federal agencies to modernize faster. Our combination of technical innovation and pragmatic execution unleashes new capabilities, bolsters security, and transforms service delivery. We specialize in scalable Agile software development, user experience design, and cloud engineering solutions to improve, modernize, and optimize government IT systems. 

Known for challenging the status quo and continually exploring new ways to deliver value, our superior outcomes are the result of our collaborative analytical approach and partnering with our customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Octo builds flexible solutions that evolve as missions change, delivering results that last. Learn more at octoconsulting.com.

Former CACI SVP Charlie McQuillan Appointed EVP for Federal Health with Octo Consulting; Jay Shah Quoted

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SDI Receives AFWERX SBIR Contract from USAF to Advance Accountability Technology DoD First Responder Solution; Brendan Adams Quoted
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SDI Receives AFWERX SBIR Contract from USAF to Advance Accountability Technology DoD First Responder Solution; Brendan Adams Quoted
SDI Receives AFWERX SBIR Contract from USAF to Advance Accountability Technology DoD First Responder Solution; Brendan Adams Quoted

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Systems Definition, Inc. (SDI) an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract to integrate SDI’s Advanced Personnel Accountability Application (APAA) technologies into the Air Force Disaster Response Force (DRF) Common Operating Picture (COP), the company reported on Tuesday. 

"What we have learned from our prior and on-going personnel accountability efforts is the critical importance of simplicity and ease of use. DoD First Responders, just like civilian First Responders, need tools and capabilities like these to enhance safety and increase operational awareness," said Brendan Adams, SDI Principal Investigator.

The Department of Defense (DoD) will utilize SDI’s technology for defense commercialization for the department’s first responders. The proposal will provide the DoD with enhanced situational awareness and personnel accountability capabilities. 

SDI’s APAA software will leverage radio-based technologies and available department datasets streamlined and accurate First Responder accountability. The contract will include the adaption of SDI's commercial APAA accountability solution into an Air Force COP. SDI's First Responder applications will support critical fire department safety and accountability efforts.

About Systems Definition, Inc. 

SDI is a privately held small business located in Alexandria, VA, serving Government and private industry with innovative software applications and technical services.  SDI supports a variety of DoD, First Responder, and commercial clients with focused software development, system planning, technical documentation, and innovative software applications.

SDI works alongside DoD clients to develop a wide range of system and software capabilities for many large-scale space and maritime projects. SDI also develops high-utility software applications for the First Responder community, providing innovative solutions that address unique accountability and safety objectives.

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AGC Awards Research Innovations $48M GRIDS III MATOC to Deliver Advanced Technology Solutions for DoD; Rich Briggs Quoted
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AGC Awards Research Innovations $48M GRIDS III MATOC to Deliver Advanced Technology Solutions for DoD; Rich Briggs Quoted
AGC Awards Research Innovations $48M GRIDS III MATOC to Deliver Advanced Technology Solutions for DoD; Rich Briggs Quoted

Research Innovations, Inc. has received a five-year, $48 million multiple-award task order contract (MATOC) from the Department of Defense (DoD) Army Geospatial Center (AGC) to provide cutting-edge solutions for customers across the national security sector, the company announced on Tuesday. 

"This vehicle will enable us to continue our mission of creating RIIdiculously Awesome™ solutions that make the world safer," said  Rich Briggs, Research Innovations’ founder and chief technology officer (CTO). 

Research Innovations will utilize newly developed technology and apply it to security challenges for advanced analytics. The company will use its strengths in big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced visualization technology to support AGC.

The contract will also assist the Army's Geospatial Research, Integration, Development and Support (GRIDS) III Small Business Set-Aside (SBSA) Program. Research Innovations will provide systems engineering and technical services to AGC.

The services will allow AGC to improve research performance and development activities, including rapid development, limited fielding and geospatial technology services for the warfighter in support of the Army's Battle Command Systems.  

"We're excited about this win and are looking forward to bringing more of our capabilities to the Army Geospatial Center," concluded Briggs. 

Additionally, Research Innovations has received a five-year, $500 million blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to assist the Department of Justice (DOJ) improve data analytics and product services, the company announced in June 2019. 

Research Innovations will provide the Search and Investigative Flexible Toolkit (SIFT) to generate analytics-based intelligence data from structured and unstructured sources. The platform may aid the department in planning, enforcement, crime prevention and collaborative investigation efforts, the company noted.

About Research Innovations, Inc. 

Research Innovations is a small technology company focused on the development and application of emerging technologies that solve complex problems within the Defense and Intelligence communities. 

The company focuses on performing cutting-edge research and development of information systems that support Joint Command and Control, Mobile Computing and Cyberspace. Research Innovations is headquartered in Northern Virginia with several work locations and provides an environment and culture that rewards talent and accomplishment.

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US Tries to Dissuade UK From Using Huawei Equipment in Telecom Modernization Efforts
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US Tries to Dissuade UK From Using Huawei Equipment in Telecom Modernization Efforts
US Tries to Dissuade UK From Using Huawei Equipment in Telecom Modernization Efforts

Matt Pottinger, deputy national security adviser, and other U.S. officials have urged the British government not to  incorporate Huawei-made technology into U.K.'s 5G network adoption plans, BBC reported Tuesday.

The report said U.S. delegation met with British ministers Monday in London and presented them with a dossier that contains technical data on the potential national security risks of equipment from the Chinese telecommunication firm.

U.K. expects to hand down a decision on the country's future 5G network later this month.

The Trump administration prohibited the sale of U.S.-built components to Huawei and 68 affiliates due to national security concerns.

Final Rule to Enforce 2018 Small Business Runway Extension Act Takes Effect
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Final Rule to Enforce 2018 Small Business Runway Extension Act Takes Effect
Final Rule to Enforce 2018 Small Business Runway Extension Act Takes Effect

The Small Businesses Administration implemented on Jan. 6 a final rule to enforce a 2018 law that would increase the period of calculating annual revenue of small businesses in the contract review process from three to five years, Nextgov reported Monday.

The final SBA rule to implement the 2018 Small Business Runway Extension Act is “going to increase the pool of eligible participants and make a lot more companies eligible to participate for small business set asides,” said Daniel Snyder, director of contract analysis at Bloomberg Government. 

Small businesses may choose between a three-year and five-year averaging period for annual receipts during the transition period, which will end on Jan. 6, 2022.

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DoD IG to Evaluate Foreign Influence on Pentagon’s R&D Programs
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DoD IG to Evaluate Foreign Influence on Pentagon’s R&D Programs
DoD IG to Evaluate Foreign Influence on Pentagon's R&D Programs

The Department of Defense’s office of inspector general announced plans to kick off a review in January to determine whether the office of the defense undersecretary for research and engineering tracks and mitigate foreign entities’ influence on DoD’s research and development initiatives.

A Jan. 6 memo says the OIG will conduct the evaluation at several components and agencies under OUSD(R&E).

Those agencies include the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Defense Innovation Unit, selected federally funded research and development centers, Missile Defense Agency and the office of the defense undersecretary for intelligence.

“We may identify additional locations during the evaluation,” the OIG notice states.

VA to Continue Financial Mgmt System Modernization in Summer
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VA to Continue Financial Mgmt System Modernization in Summer
VA to Continue Financial Mgmt System Modernization in Summer

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to continue efforts to consolidate its financial management system by summer, Federal News Network reported Friday. The VA wants to begin the National Cemeteries Commission’s financial operations in the new system in July.

In 2018, the VA announced plans to transition its business management platform to a cloud environment as part of its Financial Management Business Transformation program.

Avie Snow, associate deputy assistant secretary for financial business operations at the VA, said the department intends to learn from its previous consolidation challenges, which stemmed from prior initiatives such as supply chain and electronic health records modernization.

“It was lack of government oversight," she said. "We didn’t step in and do what we needed to do for the VA and essentially, there was no found under there, and the thing just crumbled in on itself.”

The VA plans to transition the Veterans Benefits Administration to the cloud-based financial management platform by February 2021, according to Snow.

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DOI to Halt Civilian Drone Activities Amid Chinese Tech Issues
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DOI to Halt Civilian Drone Activities Amid Chinese Tech Issues
DOI to Halt Civilian Drone Activities Amid Chinese Tech Issues

The Department of the Interior plans to stop operations under a large civilian drone program due to security concerns with China-made technology, the Financial Times reported Sunday.

The plan addresses a risk of possible espionage from Beijing and may put a stop to the activity of almost 1K drones.

DJI, a Chinese drone-maker, produces over 70 percent of civilian drones used across the globe. DOI deploys drones for wildfire response, terrain mapping and resource monitoring.

David Bernhardt, secretary of the interior, is pursuing a security review on the department's drones, 121 of which are DJI-made.

DOI now has its China-made drones designated for emergency use only.

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Treasury Department Studies Blockchain Use to Track Grants
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Treasury Department Studies Blockchain Use to Track Grants
Treasury Department Studies Blockchain Use to Track Grants

The Department of Treasury is nearing completion of an effort to develop a blockchain-based credit system for recipients of federal grants, FCW reported Friday.

Craig Fischer, innovation program manager at the treasury department, said the effort aims to tokenize federal letters of credit for the tracking of awarded grants and associated cashflow.

He said tokens allow for more efficient tracking than actual money. Tokens would also come with associated data such as recipient profiles and related dates.

The effort continues the department's record of studying blockchain, following a 2018 pilot project on the development of blockchain technology for physical asset management.

SBA Seeks Feedback on Proposed Rule to Revise Mentor-Protege, 8(a) Programs
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SBA Seeks Feedback on Proposed Rule to Revise Mentor-Protege, 8(a) Programs
SBA Seeks Feedback on Proposed Rule to Revise Mentor-Protege, 8(a) Programs

The Small Business Administration has extended the deadline for public input on a proposed rule to merge its mentor-protege program and update regulations for the 8(a) business development program.

SBA said Friday the proposed rule seeks to remove duplicative functions and no longer require small businesses applying for 8(a) contracts as joint ventures to undergo a review prior to the award.

The agency intends to require small businesses to undergo socioeconomic status recertification for unrestricted multiple-award contracts, with the exception of General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedule awards and blanket purchase agreements.

The rule also requires recertification for firms with different socioeconomic status for orders and underlying MAC contracts and allows protests for such contract actions.

Interested parties may submit feedback through Feb. 7.

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