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Elizabeth John Named CHIPS’ Chief Portfolio Admin Officer
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Elizabeth John Named CHIPS’ Chief Portfolio Admin Officer

Elizabeth John, a seasoned innovator and operator, has announced on LinkedIn Monday that she has been appointed by the Department of Commerce as chief portfolio administration officer for the CHIPS program.

In her new role, John will leverage her 24 years of operations, technology and data experience as she prioritizes the enhancement of national and economic security while aiding in the creation of new employment opportunities.

Elizabeth John’s Career Highlights

Prior to joining the DOC, John was with the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company for 14 years. She most recently served as an associate partner for the global public sector practice, aiding national, state and local leaders in developing inclusive economies by leveraging technology and data. She was the chief of staff of the chief technology office and an associate partner and management consultant for the McKinsey Organization Practice.

John also worked at Procter & Gamble for over eight years, specializing in procurement and manufacturing. She served as senior purchases manager for both the global innovation and global fragrance divisions. The executive also served as NA fiber technology leader and the raw materials manager at the company’s Albany plant.

The DOC officer founded and developed global software-as-a-service businesses, serving as chief operating officer and CEO.

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Alicia Rouault Joins Health & Human Services as CTO
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Alicia Rouault Joins Health & Human Services as CTO

The Department of Health and Human Services has appointed public sector tech executive Alicia Rouault as chief technology officer.

In a LinkedIn post published Monday, Rouault stated that she will join a group of tech leaders to establish the new Office of the Chief Technology Officer, which she said will be responsible for overseeing HHS’ digital strategy and services, developing data policy, anticipating emergent technology and data requirements and coordinating innovation across programs to foster research and development, experimentation and tech adoption.

According to Rouault, the technology leaders comprising the new HHS office are Meghan Dierks, newly appointed chief artificial intelligence officer; Kristen Honey, new chief data officer; and Steven Posnack, principal deputy assistant secretary for technology policy at the HHS Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy segment.

Alicia Rouault’s Career Background

In addition to her CTO role, she will serve as associate deputy assistant secretary for technology policy at HHS to advance the department’s mission through the use of innovative technology, digital services, data and public-private partnerships.

Rouault most recently served as director of the Facing Financial Shock Portfolio at the U.S. Digital Service.

In her post, the technology leader said she worked on some complex service delivery challenges during her tenure at USDS, including efforts to modernize unemployment insurance and improve income verification and identity-proofing processes across human services programs.

Before USDS, she served as director of state and local government and director of product at 18F within the General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services.

Her career also included time as a senior adviser to Jennifer Pahlka, founder of Code for America, and CEO and founder of tech startup LocalData.

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Defense Innovation Board Studies Focus on UxS, Nontraditional Vendors
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Defense Innovation Board Studies Focus on UxS, Nontraditional Vendors

The Defense Innovation Board, or DIB, released two studies on scaling innovation in the nontraditional industry and unmanned weapon systems, or UxS, during its board meeting on Monday at the Pentagon.

The Department of Defense said Monday Heidi Shyu, the under secretary of defense for research and engineering and a four-time Wash100 awardee, tasked the reports in September 2024. 

Scaling Nontraditional Defense Innovation 

In one of the reports, DIB recommended that the imperatives of focused organizational structure, cultural optimization and dedicated capital be addressed to improve DOD’s ability to leverage the capabilities of nontraditional vendors at scale.

The board has found that DOD still lacks the appropriate culture for doing business with traditional contractors.

To address the issue, DIB offers several recommendations, including training the department’s acquisition workforce on relational contracting; eliminating burdensome, lengthy, or confusing contracting; maintaining clarity on tradeoffs across schedule, performance and cost; and committing to procuring and deploying five to 10 game-changing capabilities inside 2027.

A Pathway to Scaling Unmanned Weapons Systems 

In the other study, the board suggested four critical actions to field UxS at scale, such as putting relevant numbers of unmanned systems in the hands of warfighters early and often and picking UxS manufacturing winners and awarding them contractually.

DIB also offered specific recommendations and organized them into five categories: demand signal; funding; DOD structure and processes; supply chain; and acquisition and manufacturing.

To address the funding issue, the board recommends that DOD should work with Congress to agree on a funding mechanism that enables the program manager to act with speed and flexibility to rapidly field unmanned systems; identify and prioritize investment in vendors that meet UxS-critical criteria; and attach clearly defined contractual awards for standout performers at UxS field demonstrations.

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DHS Evaluates Tech Used to Create Digital Content Forgeries
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DHS Evaluates Tech Used to Create Digital Content Forgeries

The Department of Homeland Security has released a report exploring the technologies used to develop and propagate digital content forgeries and how foreign governments and nongovernmental organizations can use such technologies to weaponize such forgeries.

DHS said Friday the report discusses the potential risks and harms of artificial intelligence-synthesized fake media on homeland security missions.

The 99-page document, titled Impacts of Adversarial Use of Generative AI on Homeland Security, also describes risk-reduction strategies to mitigate risks from digital forgeries.

Key Technical Observations and Considerations

The report presents eight key technical observations and considerations: convenience and security; multipronged mitigation approaches; threats of tomorrow; AI software; AI hardware and the AI race; technical intelligence; artificial general intelligence milestones; and whole of government responses.

For multipronged mitigation approaches, the report offers some key observations relevant to the design of a risk reduction strategy.

These include the need for other methods to prevent the spread of deepfakes and the role of human training and automated contextual analysis tools in detecting deepfakes.

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Andrew Merkle Named R&D Head at Johns Hopkins Physics Lab
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Andrew Merkle Named R&D Head at Johns Hopkins Physics Lab

Andrew Merkle has been selected as the new head of the Research and Exploratory Development Department, or REDD, at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

The Laurel, Maryland-based organization said Monday Merkle will spearhead the department’s innovation advancements.

Andrew Merkle’s Career

Merkle has spent almost 25 years at John Hopkins APL. He most recently served as the mission area executive for REDD. In this role, he was responsible for the creation of research programs on national security, including the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery, the development of new technologies to strengthen climate security and the implementation of biotechnologies for national security and health.

He also held the position of program area manager for research, principal researcher and program manager. Merkle also served for eight years as a senior researcher for biomechanics & injury mitigation systems. He joined the JHU APL in 2000 as an associate researcher and biomechanical engineer.

Before working for the research and development center, Merkle taught biomechanics at the University of Maryland at College Park for three years.

In addition, the executive is currently the chair of systems engineering in Johns Hopkins University’s Engineering for Professionals program.

Ralph Semmel, director at APL, remarked, “Andrew’s dedication to mission-focused R&D, broad technical expertise and strong leadership have led to new capabilities that address some of the most critical challenges facing our nation. In his new role, he will drive transformative research and continue to position APL at the forefront of innovation.”

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BIS Outlines Rules Framework for Advanced AI Models, Chips Distribution
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BIS Outlines Rules Framework for Advanced AI Models, Chips Distribution

The Bureau of Industry and Security has adopted three strategies to regulate the distribution of advanced computing chips and artificial intelligence models and prevent malicious actors’ access to advanced U.S. technologies in AI and semiconductors.

The first strategy calls for requiring authorizations for exports, reexports and in-country transfers of advanced computing chips. The strategy’s framework also defines certain exemptions on licenses and authorizations to ensure that risk-free commercial chip deals proceed and AI benefits are widely shared, BIS said Monday. 

The exceptions on advanced computing chips will cover a selection of U.S. allies and partners. Also exempted are supply chains in the chip export transfers for semiconductor development, production and storage, but excluding shipments to countries under U.S. arms embargo. In addition, the license exception will apply to low-volume chip transfers outside of the arms-embargoed countries.

Controls Based on AI Computational Weights 

The second strategy in the BIS framework requires export authorizations on AI model weights from 10^26 and above. The control also applies to certain computational model weights for AI developed abroad using advanced U.S. semiconductors or equipment. Exceptions to the rule include open-weight AI models deployed by entities based in the United States or in allied countries.

The third step in the BIS strategic framework calls for instituting security measures to protect the storage of advanced U.S. AI models and microchips overseas and mitigate the risk of the technologies’ diversion to U.S. adversaries.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo noted that national security risk management also needs to consider AI evolution and U.S. allies’ desire to share in the technology’s benefits.

“This policy will help build a trusted technology ecosystem around the world and allow us to protect against the national security risks associated with AI, while ensuring controls do not stifle innovation or U.S. technological leadership,” she said.

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NAVSEA Publishes Enterprise Strategy to Enhance Readiness
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NAVSEA Publishes Enterprise Strategy to Enhance Readiness

The Naval Sea Systems Command has published an enterprise-wide strategy to better align the organization’s operations to support the Chief of Naval Operations’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy. NAVSEA said Monday that its enterprise strategy was developed following a period of self-assessment with the goal of making the entire organization better in the long run.

Five Lines of Effort

The strategy introduces five lines of effort in line with CNO Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s North Stars for the Navy, which are strategic focus areas that aim to close service gaps in warfighting capabilities. The strategy sets the goal of achieving “readiness for sustained high-end joint and combined combat by 2027.”

The five LOEs are:

  1. To accelerate force generation to support the delivery of ships and combat systems
  2. Generate readiness for the maintenance, modernization and sustainment of military platforms
  3. Capture and use data to encourage innovation
  4. Attract, retain and grow the workforce
  5. Strengthen the NAVSEA foundation by enhancing critical infrastructure.

According to Vice Adm. Jim Downey, commander of NAVSEA, the organization has made changes to improve operations. 

“Nothing was off the table when we started this process last May,” the official commented, “and since then, we’ve realigned departments, merged similar functions, and streamlined command operations to enable greater focus on these lines of effort.”

Improving Navy Readiness

The CNO published the Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy in September to guide efforts in preparation in case of a war with China and to ensure the service’s long-term advantage against adversaries. 

The plan includes the “Project 33” initiative, which identifies measures such as adding robotic and autonomous systems to the force and reducing delays in ship maintenance. 

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NCCoE Seeks Public Input on Draft Ransomware Risk Guidance
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NCCoE Seeks Public Input on Draft Ransomware Risk Guidance

The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence has released an initial public draft of “Ransomware Risk Management: A Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 Community Profile” and is calling for feedback on the publication.

Managing Ransomware Threats

Also known as NIST Interagency Report 8374, the publication is meant to help readers evaluate whether their organization is prepared to counter ransomware threats, mitigate the effects of a ransomware event and develop a ransomware countermeasure playbook, the National Institute of Standards and Technology said Monday.

The publication, which was developed with the help of industry partners, can also be used by readers to identify areas where they could improve their organizations’ defenses against ransomware.

NIST IR 8374 reflects changes to Cybersecurity Framework 1.1 that are now part of CSF 2.0. These changes include objectives that support the management, detection, response to and recovery from ransomware events.

Input From the Public

Concerning public feedback, NIST is interested in determining which parts of the publication are helpful and which need to be improved. Of particular interest to NIST is determining which types of prioritization and control baselines are helpful.

The agency is also interested in finding out about other resources related to ransomware risk mitigation.

Interested parties have until March 14 to provide feedback. Respondents may also provide general feedback regarding the publication.

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Sean Gainey Reveals USASMDC Future Plans
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Sean Gainey Reveals USASMDC Future Plans

Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, has announced the future plans of the USASMDC.

The Army said Monday the command is focusing on modernizing the Army’s air and missile defense strategy and has identified three immediate priorities to achieve this goal. This includes the establishment of an Army space branch, advancement of the missile defeat concept and provision of support for the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site.

Air and Missile Defense Modernization

Gainey, also commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, led efforts to update the Army’s air and missile defense strategy through the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Strategy 2040. Expected to be released in September, the revised strategy aims to address evolving and emerging threats.

Army Space Branch

The USASMDC is planning to create a space branch within the Army that will enable the command to retain experts with critical skills.

“Space capabilities are integrated into every aspect of modern warfare and play a significant role in successful multidomain operations,” said Gainey. “It’s USASMDC’s job to plan for the establishment of the space branch and to advocate for its implementation.”

Missile Defeat Concept

As JFCC IMD commander, Gainey can advance the missile defeat concept. His goal is to leverage active, attack and passive operations to achieve a holistic approach to missile defense.

Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site

The initiative to modernize air and missile defense is connected to the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. By modernizing the RTS and its facilities, the test site will be able to provide enhanced capabilities to Space Command and Space Force.

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NSA, Partners Share Guidance for Selecting Secure OT Products
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NSA, Partners Share Guidance for Selecting Secure OT Products

The National Security Agency, together with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other partner organizations, has issued a guidance to assist operational technology owners and operators in selecting secure OT products.

Cybersecurity Information Sheet

The NSA said Monday the Cybersecurity Information Sheet, called “Secure by Demand: Priority Considerations for Operational Technology Owners and Operators in the Selection of Digital Products,” outlines significant security elements needed to purchase OT products such as industrial automation and control systems. The CSI also includes questions to ask manufacturers.

Many OT products don’t have inherent security features or were not developed securely. These products are usually vulnerable to cyberattacks due to weak authentication, shared software weaknesses, limited logging, default settings, default protocols and default credentials.

According to the CSI, OT owners and operators should select products that feature vital security elements, such as:

  • Configuration management
  • Logging in the baseline product
  • Open standards, ownership
  • Protection of data
  • Secure by default
  • Secure communications
  • Secure controls
  • Strong authentication
  • Threat modeling
  • Upgrade tooling
  • Vulnerability handling

Aside from NSA and CISA, the other partner organizations include the FBI, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Transportation Security Administration, European Commission, Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security, Netherland’s National Cyber Security Centre, New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre.

Dave Luber, director of cybersecurity at NSA, said, “The guidance not only helps owners and operators of critical systems secure their OT procurement lifecycles, it also sends a message to manufacturers to establish a more resilient and flexible cybersecurity foundation in their products.”

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