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Pentagon Unveils Digital Modernization Strategy
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Pentagon Unveils Digital Modernization Strategy


Jeff Brody

The Department of Defense unveiled a strategy on Friday to inform DoD’s information technology modernization effort, the Pentagon said Monday.

“The Digital Modernization Strategy provides a roadmap to support implementation of the National Defense Strategy lines of effort through the lens of cloud, artificial intelligence, command, control and communications and cybersecurity,” David Norquist, acting deputy DoD secretary and a 2019 Wash100 Award winner, wrote in the document’s foreword.

The strategy serves as the Pentagon’s Information Resource Management strategic plan and includes four digital modernization goals: innovate for competitive advantage, optimize for improved capability and efficiencies, evolve cybersecurity for an agile and resilient defense posture and cultivate talent for a ready digital workforce.

“Through four strategic initiatives, this strategy outlines how the department will increase agility and remain competitive within a constantly evolving digital global threat landscape,” said Dana Deasy, chief information officer of DoD and a fellow 2019 Wash100 Award recipient.

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AI National Security Commission Holds Third Plenary Session
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AI National Security Commission Holds Third Plenary Session


Jeff Brody

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence convened Thursday, July 11, in Cupertino, Calif., for its third plenary session and received “classified briefings on counterintelligence threats and challenges” related to AI, C4ISRNET reported Monday.

“The session advanced the Commission’s understanding of the nature and challenges facing the United States,” Commissioner Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon Web Services, said in a Department of Defense news release.

The third session specifically included classified discussions regarding opportunities to advance the country’s leadership in AI and workshop reports on potential uses of AI in national security and ways to maintain U.S. leadership in AI research. The report said the commission hasn’t released any information about its recommendations related to AI. The national commission was created in accordance with the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act to assess advances in AI, machine learning and related technologies to address economic and national security risks.

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Matt Goodrich to Step Down as GSA Senior Adviser
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Matt Goodrich to Step Down as GSA Senior Adviser


Matt Goodrich to Step Down as GSA Senior Adviser
Matt Goodrich

Matt Goodrich is slated to leave his position as senior adviser for technology transformation service at the General Services Administration July 26, Nextgov reported Monday.

Prior to his current role, Goodrich served as an assistant commissioner for products and programs and led the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program office for seven years. He also worked as a policy analyst at the Office of Management and Budget.

“It’s been a wild ride the last 10 years—launching Apps.gov, working at the White House, leading & transforming FedRAMP, running OPP,” Goodrich said in a tweet. “I’m proud of all I’ve done & excited for what the next 10 years will bring.”

Goodrich received his bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Miami and obtained a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law.

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LaFondra Lynch Named GSA Deputy Chief of Staff
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LaFondra Lynch Named GSA Deputy Chief of Staff


LaFondra Lynch Named GSA Deputy Chief of Staff
LaFondra Lynch

LaFondra Lynch, former chief of staff of the General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service, has been appointed as the agency’s deputy chief of staff. GSA said Monday that Lynch will help the agency’s administrator and chief of staff develop, evaluate and implement programs as part of her new capacity.

In her most recent role, Lynch assisted the PBS leadership team in managing national programs and managed a $10 billion budget with over 5,300 employees. She also spent some time at the Department of Justice and held senior officer positions at the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Lynch holds a doctorate degree in management from the University of Maryland University College, a master of arts degree in government from the Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor of science degree in English from Towson University.

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Charles Hicks Appointed Chief Financial Officer of NCI; Paul Dillahay Quoted
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Charles Hicks Appointed Chief Financial Officer of NCI; Paul Dillahay Quoted


Charles Hicks Appointed Chief Financial Officer of NCI; Paul Dillahay Quoted
Charles Hicks

NCI Information Systems announced on Tuesday that Charles Hicks has joined NCI as executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.

“Chuck is a well-known change agent and a highly respected finance/business leader in the GovCon market,” said Paul Dillahay, president and CEO of NCI and former Wash100 Award winner. “He has a stellar track record of driving financial operational excellence and will be integral in helping shape our decision making as we continue to execute on our growth strategy,” he added.

Hicks brings over 25 years of experience in merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, integration initiatives to improve operational excellence, efficiency and performance and the development of strategic partnerships to the role with NCI.

Before joining NCI, Hicks served as CFO for Cresa Global, Inc. Hicks was executive vice president for strategic growth, chief operating officer and CFO for SC3, which is now part of General Dynamics Information Technology. He’s also served in executive leadership roles with ASRC Federal, SAIC, USIS, Ernst & Young and he served in the U.S. Navy.

Hicks holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland College Park. He also completed executive M&A education from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

“This is an exciting time for our company, as we partner with our federal customers to help advance their mission utilizing emerging technologies and innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics and agile software development,” said Charles Hicks.

About NCI 

NCI is a leading provider of enterprise solutions and services to U.S. defense, intelligence, health and civilian government agencies. The company has the expertise and proven track record to solve its customers’ most important and complex mission challenges through technology and innovation — delivering cost-effective solutions and services in areas such as advanced analytics; agile DevSecOps; artificial intelligence; cybersecurity and information assurance; engineering and logistics; health IT; and hyperconverged infrastructure.

Coupled with a refined focus on strategic partnerships, NCI is committed to bringing commercial innovation to missions of national importance. NCI is a mid-tier systems integrator headquartered in Reston, Virginia, and operates at locations across the globe.

Soraya Correa: DHS’ FirstSource III Contract Vehicle to Include ‘Set-Aside’ Tracks
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Soraya Correa: DHS’ FirstSource III Contract Vehicle to Include ‘Set-Aside’ Tracks


Soraya Correa: DHS' FirstSource III Contract Vehicle to Include 'Set-Aside' Tracks
Soraya Correa

Soraya Correa, chief procurement officer at the Department of Homeland Security, has said DHS will establish a third iteration of the FirstSource information technology contract vehicle with award tracks dedicated to five socioeconomic groups. She wrote in a FedBizOpps notice posted Monday that her team is working with the DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer and other department components to determine a timeline for the FirstSource III program.

Correa added that she intends to ensure that the upcoming contract will align with category management guidelines from the Office of Management and Budget. FirstSource covers networking equipment, wireless technology, imaging products, voice recognition systems, online data reporting services and associated product support offerings.

OPM Appraisal Tool Selected as Igniting Innovation Awards Finalist
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OPM Appraisal Tool Selected as Igniting Innovation Awards Finalist


Jeff Brody

A software platform used by the Office of Personnel Management has been recognized by the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council as one of the 40 finalists in the Igniting Innovation Awards. The USA Performance tool assists government agencies to automate appraisal processes and electronically sign performance plans, OPM said May 22.

Agencies may also use the tool to track the employees’ performance, provide feedback and align individual performance with organizational standards. A group of industry and government executives selected the 40 finalists from 207 nominations through a review process earlier in the year.

DHS S&T Seeks Proposals for Data Utilization Projects
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DHS S&T Seeks Proposals for Data Utilization Projects


Jeff Brody

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is requesting proposals on two projects with a combined value of over $820,000. DHS S&T said Friday that it calls for universities to submit proposals on data utilization projects in support of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

USCG is in need of technologies to support search and rescue planning based on leeway drift data, while CBP seeks to better utilize forecasting data to predict and prevent potential pest threats. DHS will award up to $487,000 for the USCG project and up to $333,900 for the CBP project.

The projects support a partnership between DHS S&T’s Office of University Programs and the Minority Serving Institution Research and Development Consortium.

NAVSUP to Boost Engagement with Supply Chain Partners
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NAVSUP to Boost Engagement with Supply Chain Partners


Jeff Brody

Amid U.S. Navy Secretary and 2019 Wash100 Award recipient Richard Spencer’s call to reinforce the capabilities of the service branch, the Naval Supply Systems Command plans to update its business practices to address supply chain gaps. NAVSUP will foster relationships with partners through the use of key performance indicators and executive forums to share information on supply chain concerns and develop strategic efforts through the Strategic Supplier Relationship Management program, the Navy said Friday.

“Through more proactive and collaborative sharing of information, bottlenecks and vulnerabilities can be avoided,” said Karen Fenstermacher, executive for strategic initiatives at NAVSUP.

In addition, the command utilized qualitative and quantitative methods to validate potential partners including Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

NAVSUP to Boost Engagement with Supply Chain Partners

Cheri Caddy of the NSA, Keith Nakasone of GSA, Daniel Kroese of DHS’ NRMC, Don Davidson of Synopsys and Tina Kuhn of Cybercore Technologies will be featured as panelists during Potomac Officers Club’s 2019 Secure Supply Chain Forum on July 18th with Jill Singer of AT&T, 2019 Wash100 Award recipient, serving as the panel’s moderator. Kristen Baldwin of DoD will serve as the keynote speaker for the forum as well.

Don’t miss out on Potomac Officers Club’s 2019 Secure Supply Chain Forum on July 18th. Register now for the forum right here.

OMB Directs Phase One Implementation of Evidence Act
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OMB Directs Phase One Implementation of Evidence Act


Jeff Brody

The Office of Management and Budget released a memo on Wednesday calling on agencies to implement phase one of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018. OMB urges agencies to deploy a four-step approach to implementing the Evidence Act which “mandates a systematic rethinking of government data management to better facilitate access for evidence-building activities and public consumption.”

As part of the four-step plan, agencies must be able to regularly develop learning agendas, promote open data access and management, foster access to such data for statistical applications and conduct program evaluations to meet the Evidence Act’s requirements for ongoing and iterative guidance efforts.

Implementing such practices will enable agencies to transition away from low-value activities and better manage programs while fostering engagement and transparency, according to OMB. The Evidence Act was signed into law on January 14 of this year.

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