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IBM Signs Collaboration with Delta Airlines to Advance Practical Quantum Computing; Rahul Samant, Dario Gil Quoted
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IBM Signs Collaboration with Delta Airlines to Advance Practical Quantum Computing; Rahul Samant, Dario Gil Quoted
IBM Signs Collaboration with Delta Airlines to Advance Practical Quantum Computing; Rahul Samant, Dario Gil Quoted

IBM and Delta Airlines have announced a multi-year partnership for the airline to join the IBM Q Network and to explore the potential capabilities of quantum computing to transform customer and employee experience, IBM announced on Wednesday. 

"Partnering with innovative companies like IBM is one way Delta stays on the leading edge of tech to better serve our customers and our people, while drawing the blueprints for application across our industry,” said Rahul Samant, Delta’s chief information officer. “We're excited to explore how quantum computing can be applied to address challenges across the day of travel.”

IBM will allow Delta to research at the IBM Q Hub at NC State University with the world’s largest fleet of universal hardware quantum computers for commercial use cases and fundamental research.  One such computer is the 53-qubit quantum computer, which has the most qubits of a universal quantum computer available for external access in the industry, to date. 

“IBM's focus, since we put the very first quantum computer on the cloud in 2016, has been to move quantum computing beyond isolated lab experiments…We believe a clear advantage will be awarded to early adopters in the era of quantum computing and with partners like Delta, we're already making significant progress on that mission," said Dario Gil, director of IBM Research.

The IBM Q Network includes over 100 Fortune 500 companies, startups, academic institutions and research labs working to advance quantum computing and explore practical applications. Delta is the first Airline to join the IBM Q Network. 

About IBM Quantum

IBM Quantum is an industry-first initiative to build commercial universal quantum systems for business and science applications. For more information about IBM's quantum computing efforts, please visit https://www.ibm.com/quantum-computing/.

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Parsons Receives Contract Extension from CIRNAC for Giant Mine Remediation; Jon Moretta Quoted
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Parsons Receives Contract Extension from CIRNAC for Giant Mine Remediation; Jon Moretta Quoted
Parsons Receives Contract Extension from CIRNAC for Giant Mine Remediation; Jon Moretta Quoted

Parsons Corporation has received a two-year, cost plus, fixed fee contract extension from Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), the company announced on Wednesday. 

"For over six years, we have been working closely with the Government of Canada to keep the site in a safe and stable condition until cleanup efforts can begin, in the interests of creating a safer, healthier and prosperous community," said Jon Moretta, industrial executive vice president for Parsons. 

Parsons will serve as the main construction manager for the remediation of the Giant Mine in the Northwest Territories. The company will contain and manage arsenic trioxide pollution at the former gold mine to protect human and environmental health and safety. 

"Environmental sustainability and protection is everyone's responsibility as we try to create a better world, and we're excited that Parsons can play a small role in improving life in Canada as the project shifts into the active remediation phase in the coming years," concluded Moretta. 

Parsons’ initial contract at the site began in 2013 with the decontamination and deconstruction of the mine's roaster complex. Parsons has also provided care maintenance and construction management for CIRNAC at the Faro Mine complex in Yukon Territory.

In addition to the CIRNAC contract, Parsons has been awarded a potential 10-year, $4 billion contract by the Department of Energy (DoE) to perform site services at the DoE’s Hanford facility, the company announced in Dec. 2019.

Parsons will cover infrastructure updates, maintenance efforts and the creation of support infrastructure for the site’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The team will also oversee the Hazardous Material Management and Emergency Response, or HAMMER, federal training center.

About Parsons

Parsons is a leading disruptive technology provider for the future of global defense, intelligence and critical infrastructure with capabilities across cybersecurity, missile defense, space, connected infrastructure and smart cities. Please visit parsons.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how we're making an impact.

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HUD Awards Accenture Federal $127M BPA to Modernize Ginnie Mae’s Securitization Platform; Elaine Beeman Quoted
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HUD Awards Accenture Federal $127M BPA to Modernize Ginnie Mae’s Securitization Platform; Elaine Beeman Quoted
HUD Awards Accenture Federal $127M BPA to Modernize Ginnie Mae’s Securitization Platform; Elaine Beeman Quoted

Accenture Federal Services (AFS) has received a $127 million blanket purchase agreement (BPA) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide information technology (IT) software development services for Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), the company announced on Wednesday. 

“We’re bringing together proven commercial capabilities, significant experience in financial services and expertise in federal IT modernization and application development to help Ginnie Mae scale its capabilities quickly and deliver more value to their partners and customers,” said Elaine Beeman, leader of AFS’ civilian portfolio.

The company will supply Ginnie Mae with Agile software development services and will modernize the proprietary applications, databases and systems to improve the security of the association’s technology. AFS will also deliver increased transparency, improve service delivery to issuers and investors, and adapt to evolving mortgage industry standards.

AFS will work to engage Accenture Federal Digital Studio, Accenture Interactive’s design consultancy that utilizes service design principles of Fjord, to help clients across all sectors of the federal government to create citizen and user-centric solutions.

In order to expedite Ginnie Mae’s modernization priorities, AFS has partnered with Guidehouse to deliver the full scope of work and bring the latter’s experience within the commercial and federal financial services sectors to accelerate the BPA. Guidehouse has also served as Ginnie Mae’s securitized transactions financial advisor. 

“We’re honored to help Ginnie Mae advance the IT transformation initiatives that are critical to supporting the modernization of the securitization platform,” Beeman concluded.

HUD has also awarded KPMG a potential $127 million BPA to help Ginnie Mae update IT platforms used to process mortgage loans, the company announced in Jan. 2020. 

KPMG will develop software applications for Ginnie Mae to manage system updates, customer experience and regulatory compliance. 

Chris Marston, advisory industry leader for KPMG's federal government practice, said the company has provided IT modernization and software development support to HUD over the past decade.

"Being selected for this BPA is particularly gratifying because it gives us the opportunity to continue serving the IT needs of HUD and Ginnie Mae so they can deliver on their missions," Marston added.

About Accenture Federal Services

Accenture Federal Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accenture LLP, is a U.S. company with offices in Arlington, Virginia. Accenture’s federal business serves every cabinet-level department and 30 of the largest federal organizations. Accenture Federal Services transforms bold ideas into breakthrough outcomes for clients at defense, intelligence, public safety, civilian and military health organizations.

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T. Michael Glenn to Succeed Harvey Perry as CenturyLink Board Chairman; Frederick Smith Quoted
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T. Michael Glenn to Succeed Harvey Perry as CenturyLink Board Chairman; Frederick Smith Quoted
T. Michael Glenn to Succeed Harvey Perry as CenturyLink Board Chairman; Frederick Smith Quoted

CenturyLink announced that current non-executive Board Chairman, Harvey Perry, will retire effective May 2020 under the company's director retirement policy with T. Michael Glenn assuming the position, CenturyLink reported on Saturday.

Perry has been a director at CenturyLink since 1990 and has served as  non-executive chairman of the board of directors since May 2017. Prior to the role, he was the non-executive vice chairman of the board of directors from 2004 to May 2017 in addition to executive vice president and chief administrative officer between 2004 and 2009. 

Perry joined CenturyLink and served as its secretary and general counsel between 1984 and 2004. Outside of CenturyLink, Perry worked as an attorney in private practice for 15 years.

Glenn, Perry’s successor, will bring his experience in planning and executing corporations strategic business activities, marketing, sales and retail to enhance CenturyLink’s leadership and growth. Glenn was appointed as a director for the company in Nov. 2017. 

He has served as a director of Pentair plc since 2007 and previously worked as a director of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Additionally, Glenn has served as a director of the Audit and Human Resources and Compensation Committees, and as a senior advisor at Oak Hill Capital Partners since Nov. 2017. 

Prior to his retirement in 2016, Glenn served in senior leadership roles with FedEx Corporation, including as executive vice president of Market Development and Corporate Communications for the company since 1981.

“Without a doubt the most brilliant marketer I have ever met. His passionate leadership, strategic vision and intellect have transformed the FedEx portfolio and brand and immeasurably improved global commerce,” said Frederick W. Smith, FedEx Corp. chairman, president and chief executive officer at Glenn’s retirement announcement. 

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink, Inc. is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity and security solutions to customers around the world. Through its extensive global fiber network, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable services to meet the growing digital demands of businesses and consumers. CenturyLink strives to be the trusted connection to the networked world and is focused on delivering technology that enhances the customer experience.

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Air Force Squadron Procures Ground Transportation Simulator
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Air Force Squadron Procures Ground Transportation Simulator
Air Force Squadron Procures Ground Transportation Simulator

The U.S. Air Force's 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Hill AF Base has bought a simulation machine designed to help military and civilian airmen practice operating multiple vehicles.

USAF said Monday the $140K simulator features three 55-inch screens and over 150 driving scenarios for nearly 30 vehicles that include police cars and military carriers.

The training system is designed to also simulate parameters such as road and weather conditions.

Master Sgt. Stephen Baskiewicz, chief of ground transportation section at Hill AFB, said he estimates the  platform will save the base as much as $100K in preventive maintenance, accident repair and fuel expenses each year.

“It provides the most realistic experience I’ve seen in helping drivers learn how to operate specialized vehicles before operating the real deal,” Baskiewicz added.

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OMB Issues Draft Guidance on Regulation of AI Applications
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OMB Issues Draft Guidance on Regulation of AI Applications
OMB Issues Draft Guidance on Regulation of AI Applications

The Office of Management and Budget has released draft guidance for federal agencies as they develop regulations and policies related to artificial intelligence-based technologies.

A White House document says the draft OMB memo seeks to comply with an executive order on AI signed in February 2019.

The draft guidance sets 10 principles agencies should consider as they draft regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to the development and deployment of AI applications.

The principles are public trust in AI; public participation; scientific integrity and information quality; risk assessment and management; benefits and costs; flexibility; fairness and non-discrimination; disclosure and transparency; safety and security; and interagency coordination.

Michael Kratsios, U.S. chief technology officer and a 2019 Wash100 award winner, said agencies must show that they have satisfied the principles when proposing policies with regard to the private sector’s AI tech deployment, Federal News Network reported.

“The U.S. AI regulatory principles provide official guidance and reduce uncertainty for innovators about how the federal government is approaching the regulation of artificial intelligence technologies,” Kratsios said. “By providing this regulatory clarity, our intent is to remove impediments to private-sector AI innovation and growth. Removing obstacles to the development of AI means delivering the promise of this technology for all Americans, from advancements in health care, transportation, communication — innovations we haven’t even thought of yet.”

Stakeholders will have 60 days to submit public comments on the draft guidance.

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Jovita Carranza Confirmed as SBA Administrator
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Jovita Carranza Confirmed as SBA Administrator
Jovita Carranza
Jovita Carranza

The Senate voted 88-5 Tuesday to confirm Jovita Carranza, treasurer at the Department of the Treasury, as the new head of the Small Business Administration, The Hill reported Tuesday. Carranza was nominated for the role in April 2019 after Linda McMahon left the post. Chris Pilkerton took over as interim SBA administrator.

In her confirmation hearing in December, Carranza said she “will be a tireless advocate in the Cabinet for small businesses” and focus on providing more opportunities for entrepreneurs in underserved communities and women if confirmed.

Carranza has been serving as U.S. treasurer since 2017. She serves as adviser to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and works on opportunity zones program and financial literacy issues. She previously worked at United Parcel Service and served as a deputy administrator at SBA from 2006 to 2009.

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David Patterson to be Nominated DoD Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Personnel, Readiness
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David Patterson to be Nominated DoD Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Personnel, Readiness

David Patterson to be Nominated DoD Principal Deputy Undersecretary for Personnel, Readiness

President Donald Trump intends to nominate J. David Patterson, senior vice president of strategic business opportunities at management consulting firm SMA, to be principal deputy undersecretary for personnel and readiness at the Department of Defense.

Patterson is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who previously served as an executive at Boeing and at the University of Tennesee’s National Defense Business Institute, the White House said Monday.

He also leads joint development agreement partnerships at N12 Technologies’ North American arm and is a managing partner at Castlebridge Keep.

Earlier in his career, he worked at DoD as principal deputy undersecretary for comptroller and special assistant to the deputy defense secretary. He served as an Air Force pilot between 1970 and 1993.

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Two Senators Urge DoD Secretary to Back 355-Ship Goal
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Two Senators Urge DoD Secretary to Back 355-Ship Goal
Two Senators Urge DoD Secretary to Back 355-Ship Goal

Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) have called on Defense Secretary and two-time Wash100 award winner Mark Esper to support the current administration’s plan to increase the size of the Navy fleet to 355 ships.

The lawmakers wrote a letter to Esper expressing concerns about the Department of Defense’s plans to propose significant cuts to shipbuilding programs in its budget request for fiscal year 2021, King’s office said in a news release posted Tuesday.

“As you continue to develop and finalize the Department’s FY 2021 budget request, we urge you to reverse course from cutbacks to shipbuilding plans that may be under deliberation and to support a 355-ship Navy,” the senators wrote.

President Trump signed into law the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The measure includes $5.1 billion in funds for three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (DDG-51) and a $390 million increase in advanced procurement for an additional vessel in FY 2021.

King is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Collins is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

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Jason Gomez to Lead NUWC Newport’s Chief Technology Office
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Jason Gomez to Lead NUWC Newport’s Chief Technology Office
Jason Gomez
Jason Gomez

Jason Gomez, a chief scientist at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, has been appointed to serve as the division's chief technology officer.

He will work to form partnerships with industry, academia, innovation cells and foreign entities towards the development of new naval technologies, Naval Sea Systems Command said Monday.

The office works to accelerate the propagation of technologies across the Navy and supports the movement of information through defense science offices and centers.

Gomez joined Division Newport's torpedo systems department in 1992 to lead various technology programs supported by the Office of Naval Research.

He also helped the Navy design and analyze a next-generation Swampworks torpedo that he went on oversee as a technical program manager.

The engineer and doctorate holder also led programs under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

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