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VA Makes Tele-Emergency Care Available to Veterans Nationwide
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VA Makes Tele-Emergency Care Available to Veterans Nationwide

Tele-emergency care is now available nationwide to veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.

Tele-EC is a component of VA Health Connect, a phone service that veterans can contact when they need to speak to a clinical triage nurse regarding a medical situation they are experiencing, the Department of Veterans Affairs said Thursday.

When clinically appropriate, the triage nurse will connect a caller to a Tele-EC provider, who will then evaluate the caller and recommend next steps, including treatment or in-person care if necessary.

“Sometimes, you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is a minor emergency or not — and tele-emergency care can help you resolve those questions,” VA Undersecretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal said regarding the service, which underwent a pilot program in recent months.

“Veterans can get immediate, virtual triage with a VA medical provider who has direct access to their medical records. This avoids having to potentially drive to the nearest emergency department and wait to be evaluated, if appropriate,” Elnahal explained.

Tele-EC is also accessible via the VA Health Chat app.

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Senate Bill Seeks to Establish Cybersecurity Standards for US Healthcare
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Senate Bill Seeks to Establish Cybersecurity Standards for US Healthcare

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mark Warner, D-Va., have introduced a bill that would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to establish and implement mandatory minimum cybersecurity standards for healthcare providers, clearinghouses, health plans and business associates, including those for key entities that are important to national security.

The Senate Finance Committee said Thursday the proposed Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act would provide upfront investment payments worth $800 million for rural and urban safety net hospitals and $500 million to all hospitals to implement improved cybersecurity standards. 

The legislation would require HHS to audit the data security practices of at least 20 regulated entities each year and support the department’s security oversight and enforcement activities through a user fee on all regulated institutions.

Under the proposed measure, business associates and covered entities would be required to perform independent cybersecurity audits each year and stress tests to determine their capability to quickly restore service following a cyber incident.

The bill would also remove the statutory caps on the department’s fining authority, require top executives to annually certify compliance with requirements to strengthen corporate accountability and codify the HHS secretary’s authority to provide accelerated and advanced Medicare payments in the event of a healthcare system disruption caused by a cyberattack.

“With hacks already targeting institutions across the country, it’s time to go beyond voluntary standards and ensure health care providers and vendors get serious about cybersecurity and patient safety. I’m glad to introduce legislation that would mandate sensible cybersecurity protocols while also getting resources to rural and underserved hospitals to ensure they have the funding to meet these new standards,” Warner said.

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 11, and explore the transformative trends and innovations shaping the future of the U.S. healthcare sector. Register now!

POC - 2024 Healthcare Summit
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SDA Awards 6 Spots on STEC BAA Contract for Space Disposal Services Studies
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SDA Awards 6 Spots on STEC BAA Contract for Space Disposal Services Studies

The Space Development Agency has awarded spots to six companies on a $1.9 million contract to conduct studies in support of commercial disposal services for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

The SDA said Thursday the contracts and agreements are funded under the Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities broad agency announcement.

The selected companies will conduct 90-day feasibility studies focused on engineering, analyses and technical trades to support space vehicle de-orbit services for the PWSA. The studies are ongoing and are expected to be done by December, with the final report to be delivered by the end of 2024.

The companies selected by the SDA include:

  • Arkisys
  • Impulse Space
  • Quantum Space
  • Sierra Space
  • SpaceWorks Enterprises
  • Starfish Space

The SDA is exploring potential commercial alternatives for assisted disposal services, despite having current disposal plans capable of handling hundreds of space vehicles to be deployed in low-Earth orbit starting with Tranche 1.

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US Partners With Allies to Address Microsoft Active Directory’s Cyber Risks
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US Partners With Allies to Address Microsoft Active Directory’s Cyber Risks

The National Security Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have collaborated with counterparts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in developing a cybersecurity technical report and guidance to mitigate the Microsoft Active Directory platform’s vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks.

The guidebook, titled “Detecting and Mitigating Active Directory Compromises,” provides strategies to prevent and detect the most common techniques for malicious AD access, NSA said Thursday.

The 80-page report lists and describes the 17 techniques malicious actors commonly use to target AD, as well as recommends mitigation strategies against the cyber threats.

One of the cyberattack tactics that the report identified involves password spraying, which seeks authentication through a single or multiple passwords deployed on AD targets. As one security control to help deter password spraying, the guidance suggests long passwords with a minimum of 30 characters for local administrator and service accounts.

Microsoft launched AD in 1999 and became the most popular authentication and authorization platform in enterprise information technology networks worldwide.

Dave Luber, NSA cybersecurity director, noted that many networks of the Department of Defense and the defense industrial base rely on AD and are attractive cyberattack targets.

“Taking steps to properly defend AD from these common and advanced techniques will detect and prevent adversary activities and protect sensitive data from determined malicious cyber actors,” he said.

The NSA recently published a cybersecurity advisory, in coordination with the FBI, the U.S. Cyber Command’s Cyber National Mission Force and international allies, to alert on China-linked threat actors who hacked into internet-connected devices to create a botnet and execute malicious online activity.

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NAVAIR’s PMA-266 Issues RFI for Deployable High Performance Computer
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NAVAIR’s PMA-266 Issues RFI for Deployable High Performance Computer

The Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems Program Office, under the Program Executive Office for Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation, has issued a request for information to determine the possible development of a deployable high performance computer, or HPC, for use on the MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial System of the U.S. Marine Corps.

According to the RFI released on SAM.gov Wednesday, the HPC has to be ruggedized or designed to endure harsh conditions. The system, which will be installed in the centerline avionics bay under the midsection of the fuselage, should also be ready to use and can be deployed with minimal logistics, training and support.

The PMA-266 also requires a cross-domain-solution and a high assurance internet protocol encryptor in conjunction with the HPC that may be placed inside or outside the system’s enclosure.

The HPC has to meet the requirements to secure an authorization to operate at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level.

Interested parties have until Nov. 24 to submit their responses to the RFI.

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DOD Solicits Feedback on Proposed Rule on Public Access to Research Results
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DOD Solicits Feedback on Proposed Rule on Public Access to Research Results

The Department of Defense has started acccepting insights on a proposed rule that seeks to make good on a Government Accountability Office recommendation regarding DOD-funded fundamental research.

According to a Federal Register notice published Thursday, GAO recommended that the Pentagon initiate steps to increase public access to results and data of federally-funded research.

The proposed rule, which was introduced as an amendment to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, would require contractors to submit final peer-reviewed manuscripts to the Defense Technical Information Center’s publicly accessible repository.

The policy would also direct vendors that secured research and development contracts to implement and maintain a data management plan throughout the contract’s duration.

Comments are due Nov. 25.

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Winning Companies Announced for Inaugural AUKUS EW Challenge
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Winning Companies Announced for Inaugural AUKUS EW Challenge

The defense chiefs of the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom have announced the winning companies of the first AUKUS Electronic Warfare Challenge.

Launched in March, the competition aimed to identify electromagnetic spectrum solutions to give AUKUS nations a strategic advantage in targeting and defending against adversarial EW capabilities, the Defense Innovation Unit said Thursday.

The DIU, Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator and the U.K.’s Defence and Security Accelerator held the challenge to advance AUKUS Pillar II, which seeks to develop new EW technologies to bolster global security.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey revealed the competition during their recent meeting in London.

Austin, a three-time Wash100 Award recipient, identified the U.S. winner as Distributed Spectrum, which received $150,000 for its radio frequency sensing platform, which provides real-time intelligence on adversary activity.

According to Distributed Spectrum CEO Alex Wulff, the contest inspired the development and deployment of an attritable sensing capability to monitor the Indo-Pacific region.

The tech competition attracted 173 companies from across the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, highlighting the AUKUS countries’ strong defense innovation bases.

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On Oct. 10, the GovCon International Summit brings together government and industry speakers from across the globe to discuss how international partnerships, coalition warfare and emerging technologies are reshaping the defense landscape. Register now to attend the event!

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Army Surpasses Recruit Goal for FY 2024
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Army Surpasses Recruit Goal for FY 2024

The Army has surpassed its 55,000 recruit goal for the fiscal year 2024 marking the first time in two years, MilitaryTimes reported Thursday. 

The transformation of the Army’s recruiting efforts—including adding dedicated enlisted and warrant officer job positions, extending recruiter training by two weeks and using artificial intelligence to help organize prospective recruit data—ultimately helped the service meet its goal.

Christine Wormuth, secretary of the Army and a 2024 Wash100 awardee, said, “Our goal was 55,000 new contracts and 5,000 young people in our delayed entry program. We exceeded that goal of 55,000 by a few hundred, and we put 11,000 young people into the delayed entry program, which is going to give our recruiters a really strong jumping-off point to start towards our recruiting target for next year.”

The Army is currently modernizing its facilitation of various commands. For instance, the service is adding a digital dashboard of crucial recruiting metrics and reportedly moving as many as 40 physical locations to alternative areas to garner recruit interest. The service has also introduced the Future Soldier Prep Course, a pre-basic training program that helps prospective recruits reach physical and academic standards within 90 days.

Although the service has reached its annual recruiting goal, Wormuth emphasized an estimated drop of 10 percent in the number of college-age recruits nationwide in 2026, which is a top concern.

“The headwinds that we’ve been facing are not going to stop blowing,” Wormuth said.

“I think we’re going to probably continue to see pretty low unemployment. We’re still going to see 60% go to college. It’s a more competitive labor market. So we’re going to have to kind of keep fighting hard for our new recruits,” Wormuth added.

The Army has pursued 55,000 new enlistment contracts this year and another 5,000 for the delayed entry program to ship to basic training. Wormuth said recruiters already have 11,000 individuals in the delayed entry program headed to training for fiscal year 2025. 

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NITRD Releases RFI on Cyber-Physical Systems Resilience
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NITRD Releases RFI on Cyber-Physical Systems Resilience

The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development is seeking public input to inform a plan being developed to shape a whole-of-government research and development approach related to cyber-physical resilience of local, regional or national systems.

According to a request for information issued on Thursday, NITRD will accept responses until Oct. 26 to support the creation of the plan scheduled to be released in 2025.

The RFI cited a report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, titled Strategy for Cyber-Physical Resilience: Fortifying Our Critical Infrastructure for a Digital World, defining cyber-physical systems as technologies that rely on computing technologies for sensing, analysis, tracking, controls, connectivity, coordination and human-system interaction.

It also referred to the National Climate Resilience Framework defining resilience as the ability to prepare for threats and hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and recover rapidly from adverse conditions and disruptions.

NITRD said respondents may provide alternate definitions if cyber-physical systems have a different meaning in their industry or field.

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Navigating the Continuing Resolution 2024: What Government Contractors Need to Know
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Navigating the Continuing Resolution 2024: What Government Contractors Need to Know

Government contractors, you know the drill. Each year, it seems we face the same uncertainty as the fiscal year draws to a close — will there be a government shutdown, or will Congress pass a continuing resolution, or CR, to keep the lights on? For 2024, we find ourselves in the middle of this familiar scenario once again. In this article, we’ll break down everything contractors need to know about the Continuing Resolution of 2024, its implications and how to prepare for the weeks ahead.

Will There Be a Government Shutdown?

The question on everyone’s mind is — will the government shut down? The short answer is: no, not right now. Congress passed a stopgap funding bill on Sep. 25, which means the government will remain operational until Dec. 20. This CR temporarily avoids a shutdown, but it’s essential to understand that this is a short-term solution. The threat of a shutdown still looms if Congress cannot agree on a long-term funding plan after the Presidential election on Nov. 5.

The implications of a government shutdown can be severe for contractors. Projects may come to a halt, payments can be delayed and employees might face furloughs. However, with the CR in place, government operations, including contracts, will continue without interruption for now. This temporary relief gives contractors some breathing room but underscores the importance of staying prepared for any eventuality.

 

What Is a Continuing Resolution?

A continuing resolution is legislation that allows federal agencies to continue operating at current funding levels for a set period, buying Congress more time to agree on a full-year budget. In essence, it’s a financial Band-Aid that keeps the government running.

CRs are not new; they have been a recurring feature in U.S. budget policy. They help avoid the disruptive and costly effects of a government shutdown, but they also come with limitations. Under a CR, no new programs can start, and existing programs cannot expand their budgets. This status quo approach can limit a contractor’s ability to plan and execute long-term projects effectively.

For government contractors, understanding the nuances of a CR is crucial. It means maintaining flexibility and being ready to adapt to funding changes once a full-year budget is passed. Contracts may be extended or modified, and timely communication with contracting officers becomes essential to ensure smooth operations.

 

How Often Does Congress Pass a CR?

In short: quite often! According to the Congressional Research Service, Congress has enacted one or more CRs in all but three fiscal years since 1977. 1997 was the last fiscal year in which a CR was not needed or passed.

 

When Does Government Funding Run Out?

The current CR extends government funding until December 20, 2024. This timeline is critical for contractors to note. After this date, if Congress does not reach an agreement on the new budget, the risk of a government shutdown resurfaces.

In the weeks leading up to this deadline, government contractors should stay informed about legislative developments. Monitoring news from reliable sources, such as GovCon Wire, can provide valuable insights. Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication with your government’s contracting officers can help you anticipate any changes or disruptions.

Contractors should also use this time to review their contingency plans. Assess project timelines, identify critical milestones and ensure that essential tasks are prioritized. Being proactive in managing your contracts can mitigate the impact of funding uncertainties.

 

What Does This Mean for Government Contractors?

The passage of the CR brings both relief and challenges for government contractors. While it avoids an immediate shutdown, it perpetuates a state of uncertainty that can affect planning and operations. Here’s what you need to consider:

 

1. Project Continuity

With the CR in place, your current contracts will continue to receive funding, allowing ongoing projects to proceed. However, be prepared for potential modifications or extensions. Stay in close contact with your contracting officers to receive updates on any changes that may affect your work. 

A great way to maintain dialogue with government leaders is to attend events, like those hosted by GovCon’s premier events organization, the Potomac Officers Club. Check out the Potomac Officers Club’s upcoming events and harness your opportunity for critical face time with federal decision makers. 

 

2. Financial Planning

A CR often means operating with a level of financial uncertainty. Contractors should review their cash flow projections and ensure they have sufficient reserves to manage any delays in payments. Consider negotiating flexible payment terms with subcontractors and suppliers to maintain liquidity.

 

3. Staffing Considerations

The uncertainty of government funding can impact staffing decisions. Contractors may need to evaluate their workforce needs carefully. Avoid making hasty hiring or layoff decisions until there is more clarity about long-term funding. Communicate transparently with your employees about the situation and your strategy to manage it.

 

4. Compliance and Reporting

During a CR, contractors must remain vigilant about compliance and reporting requirements. Ensure that all project documentation is up to date and readily accessible. Accurate and timely reporting can help maintain a positive relationship with contracting officers and reduce the risk of audit issues.

 

5. Strategic Planning

Use the CR period to review and refine your strategic plans. Consider how your organization can remain agile and responsive in the face of funding uncertainties. Explore opportunities to diversify your contract portfolio and reduce reliance on any single funding stream.

 

Key Takeaways

The CR offers a temporary reprieve from the threat of a government shutdown, but it also highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness among government contractors. By understanding the implications of a CR, staying informed about legislative developments and proactively managing your contracts, you can navigate this period of uncertainty more effectively.

Government contracting is inherently unpredictable, but with the right strategies and a proactive approach, you can minimize disruptions and continue delivering value to your government clients. Stay tuned for further updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out to experts in government contracting for additional support and guidance.

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