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OMB Seeks Feedback on Data Use for AI R&D Efforts
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OMB Seeks Feedback on Data Use for AI R&D Efforts


Jeff Brody

The Office of Management and Budget is looking for public input on the use of federal data sets and models to support artificial intelligence research and development initiatives. According to a Federal Register notice posted Wednesday, such data may be used to accelerate AI development as part of the national AI strategic plan and support efforts to establish “trustworthiness” in the technology.

Trustworthy AI capabilities implement techniques spanning security, safety, transparency, fairness and explainability. OMB intends to implement feedback on the potential implications of using publicly available data as well as restricted data which “may or may not be useful or suitable for AI R&D and testing.”

Key areas in which the resulting AI developments will be implemented include agriculture, weather forecasting, healthcare, transportation, national security and manufacturing. OMB will accept responses from the public within 30 days of the notice’s publication.

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DHS CISA Advises on Mobile Device Security
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DHS CISA Advises on Mobile Device Security


Jeff Brody

The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has released a set of recommendations on mobile device privacy. CISA said Tuesday that it advises the public to be aware of mobile apps before downloading. Apps access their users’ personal information and the agency warns on potentially harmful apps that may threaten security.

The agency recommends mobile devices users understand and verify an app’s permission conditions and legitimacy before downloading. CISA also suggests that users maintain awareness on public wi-fi networks where potential data thieves may intercept app information. Cases of both digital and physical device thievery would expose a user’s information.

Other CISA recommendations include keeping devices up to date, taking additional steps to protect information and deleting unneeded apps.

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USAF Ends AC-130U Gunship’s Final Combat Deployment
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USAF Ends AC-130U Gunship’s Final Combat Deployment


Jeff Brody

The U.S. Air Force has concluded the final combat deployment of the AC-130U gunship as the service branch prepares the aircraft’s successor for use, Military.com reported Wednesday. The service branch’s 1st Special Operations Wing holds the two returning AC-130U or Spooky units that will remain in station as reserve aircraft.

Air Force Special Operations Command in March received the Lockheed Martin-made AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft that will succeed Spooky. USAF’s 1st Special Operations Wing operates from Hurlburt Field, Fla.

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LexisNexis Announces Results of Cybersecurity Survey; Erin Benson Quoted
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LexisNexis Announces Results of Cybersecurity Survey; Erin Benson Quoted


Jeff Brody

LexisNexis Risk Solutions announced the results of its online survey, in collaboration with the Information Security Media Group (ISMG), that investigated the cybersecurity trends in healthcare on Thursday. 

The results showed that 58 percent of people believe that the cybersecurity of their patient portal is above average compared to others. In addition, 93 percent use their username and password as their patient portal authentication method, and 65 percent report their individual state budgets or patient identity management won’t increase in 2019. 

The survey included responses from more than 100 participants from healthcare organizations (HCOs), including hospitals, physician group practices and payers in early 2019. The top three cybersecurity takeaways of the report are as follows:

  • Traditional authentication methods are insufficient: As a result of many healthcare data breaches, hackers have access to legitimate credentials; users are also easily phished. Therefore, traditional username and password verification are considered an entry point, not a barrier, and alone cannot be relied upon to provide a confident level of security.

  • Multifactor authentication should be considered a baseline best practice: HCOs should rely on a variety of controls, ranging from knowledge-based questions and verified one-time passwords to device analytics and biometrics to authenticate users based on the riskiness of the transaction. The more risky the access request is, the more stringent the authentication technique should be. 

  • The balance between optimizing the user experience and protecting the data must be achieved in an effective cybersecurity strategy: HCOs need to make it easy for patients and partners to access records while ensuring adequate data protection. To do this, an HCO’s cybersecurity strategy should layer low to no-friction identity checks up front, making it easier for the right users to get through and layer more friction-producing identity checks on the back end that only users noted as suspicious would complete.

“There are some surprises in the results, particularly the higher than expected confidence that organizations have in regards to the security of their patient portal and telemedicine platforms given that only 65% deploy multifactor authentication,” said Erin Benson, director, market planning, Healthcare, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. 

“Multifactor authentication is considered a baseline recommendation by key cybersecurity guidelines. Every access point should have several layers of defense in case one of them doesn’t catch an instance of fraud. At the same time, the security framework should have low-friction options up front to maintain ease of access by legitimate users.”

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions 

LexisNexis Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries including insurance, financial services, healthcare and government.

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U.S. Army Research Lab Awards 3D Systems $15M Contract to Develop World’s Largest, Fastest Metal Powder 3D Printer
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U.S. Army Research Lab Awards 3D Systems $15M Contract to Develop World’s Largest, Fastest Metal Powder 3D Printer


Jeff Brody

3D Systems announced on Thursday that the Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has awarded the company a $15 million contract to create the largest and fastest metal 3D printer in the world.

“The Army is increasing readiness by strengthening its relationships and interoperability with business partners, like 3D Systems, who are advancing warfighter requirements at the best value to the taxpayer,” said Dr. Joseph South, ARL’s program manager for Science of Additive Manufacturing for Next Generation Munitions. 

The printer intends to revolutionize key supply chains associated with long-range munitions, next-generation combat vehicles, helicopters and air and missile defense capabilities. 

“Up until now, powder bed laser 3D printers have been too small, too slow, and too imprecise to produce major ground combat subsystems at scale. Our goal is to tackle this issue head-on with the support of allies and partners who aid the Army in executing security cooperation activities in support of common national interests,” South added.

According to the U.S. Army Additive Manufacturing Implementation Plan, the Army has been using additive manufacturing (AM) for two decades to refurbish worn parts and create custom tools. Once developed, the Army will leverage its manufacturing experience by placing the new large-scale systems in its depots and labs.

In addition, 3D Systems will also evaluate the feasibility of integrating the new technologies and processes into its existing portfolio of 3D printer technologies. Subsequently, 3D Systems and its partners plan to make the new 3D printer technology available to leading aerospace and defense suppliers for development of futuristic Army platforms.

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Boeing Selects Raytheon as Radar Supplier for B-52 Bomber Radar Modernization Program
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Boeing Selects Raytheon as Radar Supplier for B-52 Bomber Radar Modernization Program


Jeff Brody

Raytheon has been selected to be the radar supplier for the B-52 bomber radar modernization program by the Boeing Company, Raytheon announced on Thursday.

Raytheon will design, develop, produce and sustain active electronically scanned array radar systems for the entire U.S. Air Force B-52 fleet under the contract. The advanced radar upgrade will ensure the aircraft remains mission ready through 2050 and beyond. Low rate initial production is scheduled to begin in 2024.

“When it comes to years spent flying in support of our nation’s defense,” said Eric Ditmars, vice president of Raytheon Secure Sensor Solutions. “Our new AESA radars give aircrews the eyes they need to achieve their mission for the duration of the B-52’s service life,” Ditmars added.

Raytheon’s AESA radar offers greater reliability than the current system because it has no moving parts and uses modern operating software. With an AESA radar on board, the B-52 will gain improved navigation reliability to support nuclear and conventional missions.

It will also benefit from improved mapping and detection range and an increase in the number of targets it can simultaneously engage, along with improved capabilities that help crews see further and more accurately.

About Raytheon 

Raytheon Company, with 2018 sales of $27 billion and 67,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 97 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I products and services, sensing, effects and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries.

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HHS Awards ECS $49M IDIQ to Deliver IAAI Solutions to Federal Agencies; George Wilson Quoted
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HHS Awards ECS $49M IDIQ to Deliver IAAI Solutions to Federal Agencies; George Wilson Quoted


Jeff Brody

ECS announced on Thursday that the company has received a potential five-year, $49 million contract vehicle to provide advanced Intelligent Automation/Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) solutions to customers across the federal government. 

“Through the IAAI contract vehicle, ECS will support the federal government with critical technologies and new, innovative capabilities,” said John Heneghan, ECS’ senior vice president of enterprise solutions. “We are eager to help HHS achieve operational efficiencies and cost savings in accordance with the BuySmarter initiative,” he added.

The contract, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), enables federal agencies to seek targeted procurements in emerging technologies such as blockchain/distributed ledger technology, natural language processing, robotics process automation and machine learning. 

ECS will draw on prior experience serving customers including the Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

“ECS has a proven history of developing, implementing, and maintaining next-generation technological solutions for our federal partners,” said George Wilson, president of ECS and 2019 Wash100 Award winner. “We are proud to continue to build and support the tools of the future.”

About ECS

ECS, a segment of ASGN, delivers advanced solutions in cloud, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), application and IT modernization, science, and engineering. The company solves critical, complex challenges for customers across the U.S. public sector, defense, intelligence, and commercial industries. ECS maintains partnerships with leading cloud, cybersecurity, and AI/ML providers and holds specialized certifications in their technologies.

Sens. Gary Peters, Patty Murray Seeking ‘Alternative Options’ to Address OPM’s Budget Shortfall
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Sens. Gary Peters, Patty Murray Seeking ‘Alternative Options’ to Address OPM’s Budget Shortfall


Jeff Brody

Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich. and Patty Murray, D-Wash. have raised concerns about the Trump administration’s plans to dissolve the Office of Personnel Management and transition most of its duties to the General Services Administration. Peters and Murray wrote in a letter to OPM’s acting director Margaret Weichert that “alternative options” must be established to address OPM’s budget issues after the agency experienced a $69 million shortfall due to the transfer of the National Background and Investigations Bureau’s functions to the Department of Defense.

The senators noted that the budget gap has resulted in “premature and unnecessary” plans to send furlough notices to around 150 OPM employees and that a proposed merger with GSA could worsen OPM’s current workforce issues. 

“Despite months of congressional requests, the administration has failed to provide evidence that a proposed merger would save taxpayer dollars or even benefit the civil service,” the senators said. Peters is a ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, while Murray serves as the minority leader for the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

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NASA Makes Leadership Changes Ahead of 2024 Moon Mission
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NASA Makes Leadership Changes Ahead of 2024 Moon Mission


Jeff Brody

NASA Administrator and 2019 Wash100 Award recipient Jim Bridenstine has announced changes in the agency’s leadership team to meet the Trump administration’s goal of sending astronauts to the moon by 2024, Spaceflight Now reported Thursday. 

Bridenstine wrote in a letter to NASA employees that Ken Bowersox will suceed Bill Gerstenmaier as associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations directorate on an acting basis. Bowersox will assume the role immediately, while Gerstenmaier will serve as special advisor to NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard.

Bill Hill, the HEO division’s deputy associate administrator for exploration systems development, will also be replaced as part of the directive.

Defense Innovation Board Issues White Paper on Zero Trust Architecture
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Defense Innovation Board Issues White Paper on Zero Trust Architecture


Jeff Brody

The Defense Innovation Board approved at its quarterly meeting in Silicon Valley a white paper calling for the Pentagon to implement zero trust architecture to counter cybersecurity threats, Fedscoop reported Wednesday. The document titled “The Road to Zero Trust (Security)” notes that ZTA can help the Department of Defense track and block threat actors and manage rules of access for devices and users across the department to facilitate secure data sharing.

“The network design and flexibility of ZTA will help DoD more rapidly adopt and implement critical network technologies and enablers, ranging from cloud computing to artificial intelligence and machine learning,” according to the paper.

The document discusses DoD’s reliance on the perimeter security approach and the three basic steps of ZTA that should be applied within the network at the level of services and applications: verify the user, verify the device and verify access privileges.

“The traditional notion of perimeter-based security is no longer sufficient,” said Kurt DelBene, a board member and one the report’s authors. He added that with ZTA, organizations assume that the network is compromised.

The board outlines several questions to ask when implementing ZTA, including the use of an encryption key management strategy, enforcement of multifactor authentication and availability of processes to screen end-user devices for malicious software.

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