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FAA Seeks Vendors to Provide AI, Data Analytic Services
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FAA Seeks Vendors to Provide AI, Data Analytic Services

The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting market research to identify qualified sources that can provide artificial intelligence tools and data analytic services to improve aviation standards and practices.

The agency seeks experienced service providers to support its vision of developing advanced safety and non-safety analytics capabilities, according to a Wednesday notice posted on SAM.gov.

Upcoming Contract Requirements and Objective

The government expects the potential sources to demonstrate expertise in using analytics, AI and machine learning to modernize aviation safety and non-safety insights. The vendors should also be knowledgeable in aviation data and must provide analytics solutions to enhance operational safety and reduce errors.

Through the upcoming requirement, the FAA intends to proactively identify and mitigate safety and non-safety risks and deploy AI and ML for deep analysis of safety and non-safety data to generate actionable insights. In addition, the agency aims to integrate various data sources to create a comprehensive view of safety and non-safety factors in the National Airspace System.

Technical Expertise

Ultimately, the effort aims to accelerate the FAA’s safety and non-safety capabilities and use an industry partner’s advanced technical expertise to ensure continuous improvement in U.S. aviation standards and practices.

The collected feedback will inform the agency’s final acquisition approach for the requirement. Comments and questions will be accepted until Nov. 22.

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Joint Base Lewis-McChord Opens Information Systems Facility
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord Opens Information Systems Facility

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord, or JBLM, Network Enterprise Center has launched its new Information Systems Facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Nov. 6 at the military installation’s headquarters in Washington.

Information Systems Facility Purpose and Features

The U.S. Army said Saturday the construction of the new facility is meant to enhance the delivery of IT support to mission partners and JBLM staff. The ISF building will serve as the central hub for five other buildings and streamline IT operations, working to boost service response times.

The NEC currently manages around 40,000 trouble tickets a year. It also supports 37,000 voice lines and 15,000 workstations. The ISF is expected to strengthen IT support for users. Furthermore, the new facility will help enhance network operations and promote collaboration with modern workspaces.

The ISF building, which will house a team of professionals, is equipped with protective features that safeguard it against environmental and technological threats.

Retired Lt. Col. Amy Ridgeway, NEC director, remarked, “The building before us is more than just our new information Systems Facility; it’s the physical embodiment of our vision for the future and our commitment to continue to provide all of JBLM with superb support.”

Col. Kent Park, Joint Base Garrison Commander described the ISF as “an extraordinary achievement, given that NEC provides support to the largest Army-led joint base in the United States and one whose population ranks 4th largest worldwide.”

Col. Kathryn Sanborn, commander of U.S. Army Corps Engineers, or USACE, commended the parties involved in the creation of the ISF. She mentioned USACE, Seattle District’s ISF project delivery team, JBLM Directorate of Public Works, Network Enterprise Technology Command, Network Enterprise Center and the Walsh contractor team.

Tom Homan Chosen as Trump’s ‘Border Czar’
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Tom Homan Chosen as Trump’s ‘Border Czar’

Tom Homan, former director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has been appointed “border czar” by President-elect Donald Trump.

In a Sunday post on his social network Truth Social, Trump announced the selection of Homan to join his incoming administration to oversee borders and deportations. The President-elect wrote that Homan will oversee “all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin.”

“I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our borders,” Trump said. 

Gain insights from U.S. border officials on the future of border security at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13. Reserve your spot for the event now, before it’s too late! 

Tom Homan’s Border Operations Work

In 2017, when Homan was acting director of ICE during Trump’s initial presidential term, the number of immigrants detained reportedly increased by 40 percent compared to the prior year. In recent years, ICE has received backlash due to reported cases of illegal mistreatment of migrants throughout deportation operations. 

In response to concerns, Homan said that ICE would work to institute Trump’s “Operation Aura” deportation plan humanely in an interview on Fox News Channel’s Sunday Morning Futures. 

“It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They’re good at it,” Homan said. “When we go out there, we’re going to know who we’re looking for. We most likely know where they’re going to be, and it’s going to be done in a humane manner.”

Homan previously served as the assistant director of enforcement in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Additionally, Trump named Stephen Miller, a former senior adviser, as his deputy chief of staff for policy.

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Alvin Holsey Appointed SOUTHCOM Commander
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Alvin Holsey Appointed SOUTHCOM Commander

U.S. Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey has been appointed commander of U.S. Southern Command.

SOUTHCOM said Holsey officially took over Gen. Laura Richardson during a change-of-command ceremony on Nov. 7 at the SOUTHCOM Headquarters in Doral, Florida. Holsey, whose presidential nomination was confirmed by the Senate on Sept. 24, was also promoted to admiral before the event, which was overseen by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, a three-time Wash100 Award winner.

Alvin Holsey’s Military Career

Holsey most recently served as SOUTHCOM’s military deputy commander. The Naval officer’s 36-year career, which began in 1988, included several deployments aboard U.S. Navy frigates and cruisers. He also flew missions on SH-2F Seasprite and SH-60B Seahawk helicopters.

The new SOUTHCOM commander led a helicopter anti-submarine squadron and the first hybrid electric propulsion warship. He also commanded the USS Makin Island and Carrier Strike Group One aboard the USS Carl Vinson.

Holsey also served as deputy director for operations at the National Military Command Center for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and deputy chief of naval personnel at Navy Personnel Command.

The seasoned naval aviator is the first commander of the International Maritime Security Construct and Coalition Task Force Sentinel, a naval coalition responsible for ensuring maritime security in the Middle East. The coalition established freedom of navigation, free flow of commerce, stability of maritime commons and adherence to international law in the region.

Furthermore, Holsey is the first SOUTHCOM commander of African-American descent.

“We are making history today,” said Austin during the ceremony. “The first woman commander of SOUTHCOM passes the baton to the first African-American commander of SOUTHCOM.”

Holsey reaffirmed SOUTHCOM’s commitment to strengthen partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean, saying, “Partnerships are our best deterrence to countering shared security and economic concerns. We will always be there for like-minded nations, who share our values, our democracy, our rule of law and human rights.”

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GovCon Index Notches Highest Close & Weekly Performance
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GovCon Index Notches Highest Close & Weekly Performance

Executive Mosaic’s GovCon Index ended last week with an average of $5,640.35, marking a 4.9% rise from the previous week. This was the index’s best weekly performance and highest close of the year.

GovCon Index tracks live data on the stock market performance of 30 notable government contracting companies. Users can leverage this data to access the financial status of each organization and broaden their understanding of key trends in today’s GovCon environment.

Leading GovCon Index Performers 

Numerous companies ended last week with significant gains, most notably Palantir Technologies, which grew by 39.29%, while Mercury Systems followed behind with a 28.69% rise. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rose 13.55% after its 9.03% increase Friday. In mid-week, V2X and Carlyle Group gained 9%.

Mercury Systems passed analysts’ earning estimates for Q1 fiscal year 2025. In the three months leading to Sept. 27, sales rose to $204.4 million, 11% from a year prior, while the $17.52 million net loss was a 109.5% improvement from Q1 fiscal year 2024. 

Bill Ballhaus, CEO and chairman of Mercury Systems, said, “I am optimistic about our strategic positioning and expectations to deliver predictable organic growth with expanding margins and robust free cash flow.”

The index recorded gains in four of five trading sessions, rising over 1% in three days and had its best showing on Wednesday, increasing 1.99%. Visit GovConIndex.com to view the complete list of tracked companies.

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Government Issues Interim Rule on Drone Procurement Restrictions
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Government Issues Interim Rule on Drone Procurement Restrictions

The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration and NASA have issued an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation to prohibit the government from procuring and using unmanned aircraft systems made or assembled by foreign entities covered by the American Security Drone Act of 2023.

What Risks Do Drones Pose?

The purpose of the interim rule is to shield U.S. government agencies that rely on drones for various missions from the cybersecurity and physical security risks posed by unmanned aircraft made by companies affiliated with organizations whose interests diverge from those of the U.S., according to the issuance posted on the Federal Register.

Why Do Government Agencies Use Drones?

The need for the prohibition is underscored by the fact that government agencies rely on drones to carry out various missions that generate sensitive data. The use of drones prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Security Council complicate efforts to secure government data, increasing the risk of federal property and asset sabotage and increasing the ability of adversaries to disrupt government operations.

When Does the Interim Rule Take Effect?

The interim rule goes into effect on Nov. 12. It will apply to solicitations issued and contracts awarded on or after that date.

When Will the Final Rule Come Out?

A final rule has yet to be formulated. The government is calling on the public to provide comments regarding the interim rule. The comments will be taken into consideration during the preparation of the final rule.

Comments must be submitted on or before Jan. 13, 2025.

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DOD’s William LaPlante Approves NBIS Modernization
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DOD’s William LaPlante Approves NBIS Modernization

The modernization of the National Background Investigation Services has been officially approved after Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and Wash100 Award winner William LaPlante signed an acquisition decision memorandum on Oct. 18 authorizing the IT system’s digital transformation.

Aims of NBIS Modernization

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency said Friday the digital transformation enables the agency to migrate and modernize NBIS capital investments to the cloud. It also allows current personnel vetting IT systems to be retired.

NBIS is a significant component of the Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative, aimed at supporting the federal government and cleared industry. The IT system manages the whole personnel vetting lifecycle aiding the TW 2.0 in onboarding new hires, enabling workforce mobility and enhancing insight into workforce behaviors.

Path to NBIS Modernization

The NBIS modernization efforts of the DSCA were made possible through the coordination between the USD A&S, the acting under secretary of Defense for intelligence and security, the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer and the DOD chief information officer.  

Milancy Harris, A/USD I&S, directed focused recovery sprints to prepare the NBIS program. Each partner made significant contributions ensuring meticulous acquisition planning, application of best practices in acquiring and developing modern software and measures for cybersecurity compliance.

In addition, DCSA Director David Cattler was given more authority to oversee the program, including costing, scheduling and performance of the program while providing support to its management team. This also allows DSCA to provide oversight of all acquisition programs.

“This foundation will enable us to address accountability and security in development and deliver a product that supports the personnel vetting mission and optimizes customer experience,” said Cattler.

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Researchers Use AI to Enhance Space Weather Forecasting
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Researchers Use AI to Enhance Space Weather Forecasting

Researchers from the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of North Carolina have developed an artificial intelligence-enhanced space weather forecasting capability. 

The LANL said Friday the Predictive MeV Electron – Medium Earth Orbit, or PreMevE-MEO, leverages machine learning to enhance its predictive capabilities. The project, titled “PreMevE-MEO: Predicting Ultra-Relativistic Electrons Using Observations From GPS Satellites,” is intended to enable more accurate hourly forecasts and protect equipment in space.

Machine-Learning Algorithm vs ‘Killer Electrons’

The LANL-UNC collaboration was able to develop a machine-learning algorithm that combined convolutional neural networks with a transformer, allowing the predictive model to measure electrons inside the Earth’s outer radiation belt. These “killer electrons” inside the Van Allen belts can cause malfunctions in space equipment’s electronics.

The PreMevE-MEO was able to observe electrons by utilizing 12 medium-Earth-orbit GPS satellites, and one Los Alamos geosynchronous-Earth-orbit satellite. This means there is potential for predicting space weather based on observations from space infrastructure in medium Earth orbit.

The project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program, aligns with the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan, intended to enhance preparedness against space weather events.

“This study proves the feasibility of using the Laboratory’s particle data to predict the dynamics of killer electrons,” said Yue Chen, a Los Alamos physicist and lead author of the research. “Meanwhile, it showcases the significance of long-term space observations in the AI age.”

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US, Japan to Conduct Research Exchanges on Emerging Tech
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US, Japan to Conduct Research Exchanges on Emerging Tech

The United States has signed a joint statement of intent, or JSoI, with Japan for collaborative research, development and foreign technical exchanges to advance the two countries’ shared science and technology objectives.

Under the JSoI, the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate and the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, a.k.a. MEXT, will share information on science and technology challenges and explore potential R&D activities, DHS said Friday.

Motivations Behind the Joint Statement of Intent

The effort aims to further develop strategies to promote scientific and technical cooperation that would address U.S. homeland security needs and Japan’s economic security concerns. The initiative also supports the Biden administration’s program to establish closer science and technology collaboration with the Japanese government.

DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology Dimitri Kusnezov noted that the technical partnership with MEXT will “leverage our collective expertise and capabilities to enhance the safety and security of both nations.”

The JSoI builds upon the commitment made by President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in April to conduct research exchanges to develop and safeguard emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors and biotechnology.

US, Japan to Conduct Research Exchanges on Emerging Tech

On Nov. 13, join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit to learn more about the country’s most significant threats and what’s being done to thwart them. Register now to attend the event!

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DIU Hosts Inaugural Drone Challenge Event in California
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DIU Hosts Inaugural Drone Challenge Event in California

The Defense Innovation Unit has hosted its first challenge event for uncrewed aerial systems at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

During the Blue UAS Refresh, drone users from U.S. military service branches and major program offices evaluated various capabilities to inform the Department of Defense’s ability to scale and deploy UAS and related technologies, DIU said Friday.

What Happened at Blue UAS Refresh?

Over 150 day and night flights occurred during the three-day event and the U.S. military assessed the participating drones’ weight, operating altitude, components and software capabilities. The UAS went through test scenarios that replicated the challenges warfighters face across the joint force.

The platforms were also observed for electronic warfare impact during jamming attacks targeting their command and control links. The event exposed DOD evaluators to various UAS capabilities and allowed commercial partners to receive raw input from operational end users.

Military UAS operators assessed the platforms’ effectiveness and ability to meet current and emerging mission sets at the end of the challenge. They rated the UAS’ modularity, ease of use, mission planning and capability to address capability gaps.

The Blue UAS program provides a list of verified commercial UAS technology for defense use in the United States. To advance the project, DIU will issue a rolling update of the list starting in December and conduct the Blue UAS Refresh challenge annually.

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