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Atlantic Council Issues Report on Aviation Cybersecurity
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Atlantic Council Issues Report on Aviation Cybersecurity


Atlantic Council Issues Report on Aviation Cybersecurity

The Atlantic Council has released a report detailing potential challenges the aviation sector may face in mitigating next-generation cyber attacks.

The report, titled “Aviation Cybersecurity: Scoping the Challenge”, builds on the organization’s findings from its 2017 report on aviation cybersecurity and highlights the implications of 5G connectivity, autonomous systems and electric vertical takeoff and landing technologies to flight operations.

As part of the study, the council surveyed and interviewed over 244 respondents on their views on aviation cybersecurity. The first part of the report covers issues involving enterprise information technology and the role of cyberspace in flight safety, while the second part tackles cybersecurity challenges faced by suppliers and customers in the aviation industry.

The report also discussed the lack of cybersecurity training for aviation personnel and difficulties in navigating regulations and legal authorities for aviation cybersecurity.

“Managing aviation cybersecurity requires making thoughtful choices from a clear and well-informed understanding of risk,” the report stated. “Here, despite ample challenges, there are some glimmers of hope. But, on topics such as information sharing, it was clear that respondents thought there was much more to be done.”

Three Agencies Receive A Grades on 9th FITARA Scorecard
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Three Agencies Receive A Grades on 9th FITARA Scorecard


Three Agencies Receive A Grades on 9th FITARA Scorecard

The General Services Administration, the Department of Education and the U.S. Agency for International Development received the highest grades on the latest version of the biannual modernization scorecard for federal agencies, Federal News Network reported Wednesday. 

The ninth iteration of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act Scorecard awarded A+ grades for overall IT modernization efforts to both GSA and DOE and an A score to USAID, marking the first time that more than one agency received the highest rating. 

“This is the best scorecard ever. Nine agencies moved forward. There are three ‘As,’ we have not seen that in a long time,” said Suzette Kent, the federal chief information officer and a 2019 Wash100 recipient. 

The overall rating was based on agencies’ individual scores on their cybersecurity, agency CIO authority enhancements, risk management, software licensing, data center optimization, portfolio review and modernization of government technology.

The Department of Homeland Security made the biggest improvement in IT modernization effort, increasing from an overall D- grade to a B, mainly due to A scores in data center optimization and software licensing.  

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SOFWERX Tests Human-Machine Teaming Tech for Battlefield Operations
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SOFWERX Tests Human-Machine Teaming Tech for Battlefield Operations


SOFWERX Tests Human-Machine Teaming Tech for Battlefield Operations

A prototyping unit operated by U.S. Special Operations Command and nonprofit firm DEFENSWERX has launched an experimentation effort focused on deploying next-generation technology for human-machine interaction in the battlefield, Defense One reported Wednesday.

Brian Andres, chief technology officer for SOFWERX, said at a Defense One event that the innovation unit’s Hyper-Enabled Operator Concept initiative saw teams test a “physiological analysis tool” that works to help troops receive and interpret information for psychological operations.

Researchers for SOFWERX also partnered with engineering startup Pison Technology to develop a glove that can transmit signals and virtually manipulate air control systems. In addition, the team is working on an “autonomous bio-infused treatment shirt” that provides biophysical information on its user, including respiratory and pulse rate, to support medical operations in the battlefield.

Other SOFWERX projects currently underway include voice command technology designed to operate with drones.

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Mitre, State Dept Help Developing Nations Establish Cyber Capacity
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Mitre, State Dept Help Developing Nations Establish Cyber Capacity


Mitre, State Dept Help Developing Nations Establish Cyber Capacity

Mitre has partnered with the State Department in efforts to strengthen the cyber ecosystems of developing countries while strengthening U.S. partnerships with allies as well as its national security.

Mitre said in a press release that it worked with the State Department last year to launch a cyber development initiative with 10 Southeast Asian nations as part of an agreement with the government of Singapore. Under its partnership with the State Department, Mitre collaborated with representatives from partner nations or organizations, conducted qualitative analyses at its McLean, Va. location and submitted a report to the State Department detailing its findings.

“Our approach is fundamentally different from organizations that bring in spot technology solutions or that focus on cybersecurity alone,” said Johanna Vazzana, a lead for the international cyber capacity building team at Mitre. “Our aim is to help nations develop a free, open, reliable, and secure cyberspace that enables their national goals.

In 2016, Mitre developed a National Cyber Strategy Development and Implementation framework for the State Department designed to help nations and organizations build cyber capacity under eight key areas. The framework has so far helped nations such as Ghana, Botswana, Ukraine and Moldova.

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Army Vet Jonathan Cofer Departs Director Role at DoD
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Army Vet Jonathan Cofer Departs Director Role at DoD


Jonathan Cofer
Jonathan Cofer

Jonathan Cofer, director of the Department of Defense’s Pentagon Force Protection Agency, has vacated his post in a retirement ceremony Monday.

Daniel Walsh, deputy director at PFPA, will assume the role of acting director until a permanent appointment takes place, the department said Tuesday.

Cofer started his career as a member of the U.S. Army and has served at the service branch for over 30 years. Prior to DoD, he led the Defense Information Systems Agency’s Advanced Concepts and Technology Demonstration Division and served as chief of staff of the Defense Security Service.

He also assisted in the creation of the Pentagon Operations Center.

“He had a vision of what PFPA needed to be and the dedication to fight for the resourcing necessary to achieve that vision,” said Lisa Hershman, deputy chief management officer at DoD.

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Ellen Lord: DoD to Focus on Counter-UAS Tech in 2020
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Ellen Lord: DoD to Focus on Counter-UAS Tech in 2020


Ellen Lord
Ellen Lord

Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said the Department of Defense intends to prioritize technologies that counter small enemy unmanned aircraft systems, C4ISRnet reported Wednesday.

DoD will streamline efforts into three to five anti-drone systems for department-wide deployment, Lord, who is also a 2019 Wash100 winner, told reporters Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

The undersecretary said this requirement is attributed to observations in the Middle East.

Counter-UAS technologies will be among DoD’s multiple focuses in 2020 along with 5G, intellectual property and industrial base support, she said in a statement posted Tuesday.

“We have just named the Army as the executive agent for counter-UAS within the department,” she added.

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United Technologies Appoints Members of the Board of Directors for Future Independent Otis; Greg Hayes Quoted
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United Technologies Appoints Members of the Board of Directors for Future Independent Otis; Greg Hayes Quoted


United Technologies Appoints Members of the Board of Directors for Future Independent Otis; Greg Hayes Quoted

United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) (“UTC”) announced on Thursday that Christopher Kearney, currently a member of the UTC Board of Directors, will serve as executive chairman of Otis moving forward. Judy Marks, who was previously appointed president & chief executive officer of Otis, will join the board as will current UTC director Terry McGraw.

The nine-member board will also include independent directors Jeffrey Black, Kathy Hopinkah Hannan, Shailesh Jejurikar, Margaret Preston, Shelley Stewart, Jr. and John Walker.

“I’m pleased to announce this important milestone as we prepare Otis to become an independent public company and continue the company’s industry leadership,” said Greg Hayes, UTC Chairman and CEO.

The new board, which becomes effective upon the completion of Otis’ planned separation from UTC in 2020, is comprised of deeply experienced executives from a diverse range of companies in sectors including high-tech manufacturing, asset management, consumer products, professional services and transportation.

“I want to welcome each new member of the Otis board of directors and express our appreciation to Chris and Terry as they transition to Otis’ board. These directors’ impressive collective experience and expertise will deliver strong governance and support the company’s priority of delivering superior returns to shareowners through economic cycles,” Hayes added.

About United Technologies Corporation

United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries.  By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs.

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CNSI Appoints Bob McCord as President and COO; Todd Stottlemeyer Quoted
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CNSI Appoints Bob McCord as President and COO; Todd Stottlemeyer Quoted


CNSI Appoints Bob McCord as President and COO; Todd Stottlemeyer Quoted

Bob McCord has been appointed as president and chief operating officer of CNSI to strengthen market position and growth for the company, CNSI announced on Thursday. 

CNSI CEO and 2019 Wash100 Award winner Todd Stottlemeyer said, “Bob has built an impressive track record of leading innovative organizations to achieve strong growth. His experience serving federal, state and commercial healthcare markets will be invaluable to CNSI’s growth and execution focus.”

McCord brings over three decades worth of experience in healthcare, technology and operations to CNSI’s executive team. His vast knowledge and leadership will be essential during a period of rapid growth for the company. 

Most recently, he served Octo Consulting Group as its president and COO from Aug. 2015 through May 2019. During his tenure, McCord managed the company’s budget, specialized in health information technology, military health, public health, health research, veteran health and fraud detection.

McCord worked for Acentia as its president and COO between April 2009 and June 2015. He has also served in various senior leadership roles with SAIC, Pearson Government Solutions, AdvanceMed, IBM and additional organizations since 1987. 

Regarding his hiring, McCord said, “CNSI already has industry leading solutions and talented staff. I am excited and honored to join the outstanding management team Todd has assembled.”

About CNSI

CNSI delivers a broad range of health information technology enterprise solutions and customizable products to a diverse base of state and federal agencies. We align, build, and manage innovative, high-quality, cost-effective solutions that help customers achieve their mission, enhance business performance, reduce costs, and improve the health for over 50 million Americans.

With locations throughout the U.S. and in India, CNSI employs a world-class team of technologists, healthcare subject-matter experts and program managers, all of whom have experience with large scale mission-critical information technology implementations. CNSI’s website is: http://www.cns-inc.com.

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Battelle Announces Paula Mabee as NEON’s Chief Scientist and Observatory Director; Mike Janus Quoted
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Battelle Announces Paula Mabee as NEON’s Chief Scientist and Observatory Director; Mike Janus Quoted


Battelle Announces Paula Mabee as NEON’s Chief Scientist and Observatory Director; Mike Janus Quoted

Battelle announced on Thursday that Paula Mabee, professor with the University of South Dakota (USD), has been appointed as chief scientist and observatory director for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). She will assume her role on Feb. 3rd once her responsibilities to USD have been fulfilled. 

In her new position, Mabee will be charged with leading NEON, which Battelle manages on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF), to better understand how ecosystems are changing across the U.S. 

“Paula has been a strong advocate for NEON and brings experience from a long and successful academic career in the life sciences and big data,” said Mike Janus, vice president for Environment and Infrastructure at Battelle.

Mabee has served the University of South Dakota as a professor in the Department of Biology since 1997. Throughout her decorated tenure with USD, she’s received numerous accolades and awards, including the President’s Award for Research Excellence and the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellowship. 

She has authored more than 60 research publications and received nearly $7 million in research grant awards from the NSF and National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, Mabee has served as president of the Society of Systematic Biologists, and the Board of Governors for the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

“It’s an exciting time for the program with new and more ecological data being generated every day now that the observatory is fully operational,” Mabee said regarding her new position. “The complex environmental challenges of our time require exactly the type of data that NEON is producing and the convergent scientific approaches that the broader science and engineering community brings,” she added. 

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. 

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle makes the world better by commercializing technology, giving back to our communities, and supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For more information, visit www.battelle.org

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Jacobs Begins Trading as J” on NYSE; Celebrating 30th Anniversary on Dec. 15th”
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Jacobs Begins Trading as J” on NYSE; Celebrating 30th Anniversary on Dec. 15th”


Jacobs Begins Trading as J" on NYSE; Celebrating 30th Anniversary on Dec. 15th"Jacobs began trading on the NYSE under the updated ticker symbol “J,” the company announced on Wednesday. The update is the final step in Jacobs’ transition from engineering and construction to a global technology-forward solutions company.

With $13 billion in revenue and a talented workforce 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.

The company will celebrate its 30th anniversary on the New York Stock Exchange this Sunday, Dec. 15.

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