//
PEO Enterprise Developing AI Tool for Contracting Documents
Published on
PEO Enterprise Developing AI Tool for Contracting Documents

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Enterprise is working with three contractors to create an artificial intelligence tool that can simplify the development of solicitation documents to reduce delays in awarding contracts and delivering capabilities to warfighters.

The contractors were awarded a two-year Small Business Innovation Research Direct-to-Phase II contracts valued at up to $2 million in September after the Army SBIR office agreed to fund PEO Enterprise’s proposed project to address the lengthy time needed to conduct a simple contract action, the U.S. Army said Thursday.

Why Is the AI Tool Needed?

According to Patrick Colleran, chief of the Contracts Management Division at PEO Enterprise, the acquisition requirements package, or ARP, comprising several documents is one cause of delays in the contracting process, noting that contracting teams and requirements developers spent several months reviewing the ARP to ensure there are no inconsistencies in the documents.

SBIR Contract Requirements

Under the SBIR contracts, the awardees must deliver a basic AI capability to guide ARP development and present a sample of an AI-built request for proposal that can be posted on SAM.gov.

While the work is still ongoing, the SBIR office and PEO Enterprise are considering developing a solicitation to create an AI evaluation tool to help humans review contract documents.

//
US Investing $100M in AI-Based Semiconductor Manufacturing
Published on
US Investing $100M in AI-Based Semiconductor Manufacturing

The White House has announced a notice of funding opportunity, or NOFO, aimed at boosting semiconductor manufacturing through the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous experimentation technologies.

The Department of Commerce said Wednesday the current administration launched the CHIPS AI/AE for Rapid, Industry-informed Sustainable Semiconductor Materials and Processes program to develop sustainable materials and processes microelectronic components and systems. Interested industry partners will leverage AI to enhance research and development for sustainable materials needed for future semiconductor industry innovations.

The funding opportunity seeks innovations that can be developed and deployed within five years. A total of approximately $100 million in federal funds will be allocated for the project with each awardee potentially receiving $20 to $40 million for their projects.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, stated, “Because of the Biden-Harris Administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, we are harnessing new cutting-edge technologies like AI/AE and creating a pipeline from lab to fab to out-run and out-innovate the rest of the world.”

CHIPS for America will host a webinar about the NOFO on Nov. 8 while the CHIPS Research and Development Office will hold a hybrid meeting for potential applicants on Nov. 15.

//
Space Force Stands Up New Mission Deltas to Oversee SSA, Missile Tracking
Published on
Space Force Stands Up New Mission Deltas to Oversee SSA, Missile Tracking

The U.S. Space Force has transitioned two Space Deltas to fully integrated Mission Deltas as part of its Unified Mission Readiness concept. The Space Operations Command said Thursday that the new Mission Deltas will improve the service’s readiness posture. 

Mission Delta Roles

The new Mission Deltas consolidate the functions of the units performing crew force operations, cyber defense and intelligence support under the Space Operations Command and Space Systems Command program offices in charge of maintenance, operational enhancements and application-layer software development.

The new units are called Mission Delta 2 – Space Domain Awareness and Mission Delta 4 – Missile Warning and Tracking. They will join MD31 – Navigation Warfare and MD3 – Electromagnetic Warfare, which were formed in late 2023. 

In his speech during the MD’s activation ceremonies, Col. Raj Agrawal, head of Mission Delta 2, emphasized the critical role his team will play to support U.S. and allied interests in case of conflict.

“The activation of a Space Domain Awareness Mission Delta comes at a crucial time as our service increases the intensity of our readiness posture,” he said.

“This change signifies a leap forward in our operational capabilities, integrating intelligence, cyber and sustainment operations into our team,” added Col. Ernest R. Schmitt, commander of Mission Delta 4.

In October, the Space Force also announced the creation of new System Delta units to collaborate with the Mission Deltas on capability development.

//
ODNI, DOD Disclose FY24 Appropriated Budget for Intel Programs
Published on
ODNI, DOD Disclose FY24 Appropriated Budget for Intel Programs

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Defense have disclosed the aggregate amount of congressional appropriations for their respective intelligence programs in fiscal year 2024.

ODNI said Thursday Congress appropriated $76.5 billion in FY 2024 funds, including supplemental funding, for the National Intelligence Program, or NIP.

The figure reflects a 6.7 percent increase from the previous year’s topline budget, which was $71.7 billion for FY 2023.

In a separate release published Thursday, DOD disclosed that the total appropriated budget for the FY 2024 Military Intelligence Program, or MIP, was $29.8 billion, up nearly 7 percent from the prior year’s figure of $27.9 billion.

For FY 2025, ODNI is requesting $73.4 billion in funds for the NIP and the Pentagon is seeking a budget of $28.2 billion for the MIP.

About NIP and MIP

NIP includes all projects, programs and activities of the U.S. Intelligence Community and other programs designated jointly by the director of national intelligence, the agency of department or agency and the president.

MIP is focused on intelligence activities carried out by military departments and agencies within DOD that support tactical U.S. military operations.

//
Coast Guard Establishes Reserve Units Focused on Cyber
Published on
Coast Guard Establishes Reserve Units Focused on Cyber

The U.S. Coast Guard held a ceremony at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 18 to mark the establishment of Coast Guard Reserve Unit U.S. Cyber Command and 1941 Cyber Protection Team, the service branch’s first two cyber-focused reserve commands. The Coast Guard said Thursday that the two new organizations will work to enhance its network cybersecurity as well as that of the Marine Transportation System, a.k.a. MTS, and integrate into joint cyber operations in line with CYBERCOM.

Coast Guard Reserve Unit U.S. Cyber Command

CGRU USCYBER will operate primarily out of Fort Meade to assist in threat assessment and the protection of systems and networks in addition to other CYBERCOM joint directorates. The unit will be under the command of Capt. Ronzelle Green, who most recently served as reserve chief of staff and senior reserve officer of Coast Guard Atlantic Area.

The unit will have 15 billets to start.

1941 Cyber Protection Team

1941 CPT will initially work to augment and support the Coast Guard’s active-duty cyber protection teams — namely 1790, 2013 and 2003 CPTs — in securing the MTS via threat hunting, incident response and assessments. The team will be under the command of Lt. Cmdr. Nathaniel Toll, who, as a member of Coast Guard Cyber, was in charge of the USCG enterprise cybersecurity operations center. He had also led the establishment of 1790 CPT and 2013 CPT, and after transitioning to reserve duty, helped establish 1941 CPT.

The team will have 39 billets.

Creating Cohesive Cyber Units

Commenting on the newly established units, Lt. Cmdr. Theodore Borny of the Office of Cyberspace Forces said, “Coast Guard Cyber is already benefitting from its reserve members. Formalizing reserves with cyber talent into cohesive units will give us the ability to channel a skillset that is very hard to acquire and retain.”

Coast Guard Establishes Reserve Units Focused on Cyber

Hear from various speakers to learn more about the various security concerns facing the U.S. and what’s being done to address them at the Potomac Officers Club’s Annual Homeland Security Summit, which will take place on Nov. 13.

/
DAF Demos Aerial Networking Capability
Published on
DAF Demos Aerial Networking Capability

The Department of the Air Force’s Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management’s DAF Battle Network has tested a new aerial networking capability during the Emerald Flag 24-3 event held in October.  

The Air Force Materiel Command said Thursday the Phalanx Griffon demonstrated the potential to establish a dependable aerial networking architecture by utilizing a transfer cross-domain capability. The system also showcased its ability to enable software-defined networking, communication orchestration and content routing across numerous levels.

What Is the Phalanx Griffon?

The Phalanx Griffon is an enhanced aerial networking system intended to enhance communication between tactical data links and allow secure data transmission between different security levels. Still under development, the system is in its initial version. The government-owned, open mission system-compliant system was developed from concept to flight in just under a year.

Kyle Traver, aerial networking branch chief and lead program manager for Phalanx Griffon, said, “Phalanx Griffon enables us to get the right data to every platform where and when it needs to be. It also extends to ABMS’s digital network, which is owned by Digital Infrastructure, our sister branch, to help inform the broader DAF BATTLE NETWORK and support CJADC2 mission sets.”   

Lt. Col. Jacob Rohrbach, director for Emerald Flag, added, “The focus is given to system-of-systems that support the Air Force’s operational imperatives, while still providing a venue for developmental programs and experimentation that can capitalize on shared resources, an operational environment, and early integration with other key programs.”

/
Tricentis’ Ben Baldi: How Automated Testing Can Accelerate Software Delivery
Published on
Tricentis’ Ben Baldi: How Automated Testing Can Accelerate Software Delivery

Ben Baldi is a staunch advocate for high-quality digital services who has dedicated his expertise to advancing automated software testing solutions at Tricentis. As senior vice president of global public sector, he works closely with government clients to modernize their testing practices, ensuring that mission-critical applications are deployed with resilience, security and confidence. With 15 years of federal technology experience, Baldi partners with public sector agencies to balance the fast pace of software delivery with the need for top-tier quality and compliance.

In a recent conversation with ExecutiveGov, Baldi discussed Tricentis’ role in public sector IT modernization, emerging trends in government software development and his advice for public sector IT leaders aiming to transform their testing practices.

ExecutiveGov: Can you tell us about Tricentis and how you partner with the public sector?

Ben Baldi: Tricentis partners with public sector agencies to modernize their approach to software testing as they adopt Agile, DevOps and DevSecOps practices to transform their digital services. These development practices rely on speed: frequent changes allow agencies to respond quickly to changing constituent tastes and needs. But many agencies’ manual testing processes were developed for much slower waterfall development cycles. Essentially, Tricentis removes the bottlenecks that manual testing creates with our enterprise software testing solutions.

Our comprehensive test platform automates end-to-end testing across both legacy and modern environments. It’s both AI-driven and codeless, which makes testing accessible to a wider range of users. After migrating to Tricentis, an agency not only has a standardized testing solution that can operate in many environments, but quality assurance activities can include more people than the specialists.

By partnering with Tricentis, public sector agencies can accelerate software development and have the confidence their applications will work as expected — even under heavy load. In short, agencies can deliver high-quality, consistently positive digital experiences that ultimately reinforce trust in the government.

EG: What is your role at Tricentis?

Baldi: As SVP of global public sector, I work with our government customers to modernize their software testing practices and ensure mission-critical applications are resilient and secure. When agencies migrate to Tricentis, we aim to make the transition smooth and efficient with a suite of tools and services. Whether an agency is undergoing a small-scale migration or an enterprise-wide transformation, our platforms are designed with ease of use in mind. Drag-and-drop interfaces that require minimal coding skills, shortening the learning curve and making it easier for teams to adopt the platform without major disruptions.

Our federal partners have achieved some truly amazing things, like a 10x acceleration in software delivery and an 80 percent reduction in manual testing needs. Some of our customers have improved their software risk coverage by a staggering 90 percent. Faster delivery and reduced risk — that’s what the right modern software testing platform does.

EG: When it comes to software delivery, government agencies must prioritize speed to stay ahead of the curve and support mission-critical operations. But speed can sometimes come at the expense of risk. How does Tricentis help government agencies strike the right balance between the need for rapid software delivery and the imperative for high quality and resilient software?

Baldi: The challenge for government agencies is that while speed is crucial, security and resilience can never be compromised. At Tricentis, we provide an automated testing platform that accelerates the software delivery lifecycle without sacrificing quality.

Automated testing identifies vulnerabilities and ensures software functionality throughout the process, from development to deployment. By incorporating practices like post-patch regression testing, we help agencies avoid the kind of issues seen in recent IT outages, such as the CrowdStrike incident in July of this year. Thorough and frequent testing can ensure that any updates or patches don’t introduce new issues, allowing for greater resilience and continuity of operations. Our solutions give agencies the ability to move quickly while staying compliant, minimizing risks, and maintaining the highest standards for software quality.

EG: Are you seeing other trends that are changing the way agencies approach testing?

Baldi: One of the key trends we’re seeing is that automated software testing is becoming a priority in government procurement processes. We’ve noticed an increase in requests for proposals where software testing, and particularly automated testing, is now being included as a mandatory requirement. This shift shows that agencies are recognizing the value of continuous testing in reducing operational risks and ensuring mission success. There’s also a growing focus on integrating security testing into the software lifecycle early on, which aligns with broader trends in DevSecOps and helps public sector IT leaders deliver secure applications faster.

In general, agencies are also dealing with increased complexity in their technology ecosystems. On-premises, multi-cloud, hybrid environments, microservices and enterprise-grade applications like Salesforce, SAP, ServiceNow, Oracle and Workday — agencies need to be able to test across multiple systems and platforms and have a consistent experience.

EG: What advice would you give to public sector IT leaders who are looking to modernize their testing practices?

Baldi: Leaders should focus on adopting automation, integrating continuous testing, and ensuring flexibility for both legacy and modern systems to meet the demands of modern digital services. These strategies will help balance the need for speed, quality and resilience in today’s fast-paced software development environment.

Adopting automated testing practices is essential. Automation reduces the complexity and time needed to validate mission-critical systems. Start by integrating testing early in the development process to catch issues before they become larger, costlier problems down the line. Leaders should also focus on building resilience into systems via ongoing quality assurance practices. Embracing automated testing solutions will ensure that modernization efforts can meet the service delivery demands of today and tomorrow without introducing unnecessary risks.

And remember: Every interaction with a government service is an opportunity to build or break public trust. Ensure that testing processes emphasize both functionality and performance, so that end-users—whether citizens or government employees—have a positive experience every time they use the system.

/
Kirk Dohne Takes on Role at NITRD’s National Coordination Office
Published on
Kirk Dohne Takes on Role at NITRD’s National Coordination Office

The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development‘s Program National Coordination Office has announced Kirk Dohne as its deputy director. Dohne assumed the role on Oct. 22, NITRD said Wednesday.

Kirk Dohne’s Career at NIST

Dohne joins from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, where he has held leadership positions for over 23 years. He started at NIST in 2001 as the director of the IT Laboratory within the Office of Programs. He also served as senior advisor to the associate director for laboratory programs and program analyst before becoming the associate director of the Engineering Laboratory in 2012.

Throughout his 12-year tenure as associate director of NIST’s Engineering Laboratory, Dohne led program management and communications teams and was involved in strategic planning and implementation activities. He also reviewed and oversaw over 90 projects in automation and autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient and high-performance buildings, and disaster-resilient infrastructure and communities.

Dohne holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and economics from Dickinson College, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School.

What the NITRD Does

NITRD is a federally funded research and development institution mostly focused on various areas of IT, including software, cybersecurity, high-end computing, digital twins, artificial intelligence and networking. It is made up of 23 agencies that invest approximately $10.9 billion to support IT R&D.

In September, the federal program posted a notice for its planned whole-of-government R&D to strengthen the cyber-physical resilience of local, regional and national systems.

/
Commerce Secretary Taps New FirstNet Board Chair & 10 Members
Published on
Commerce Secretary Taps New FirstNet Board Chair & 10 Members

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has appointed Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta, as the new board chair of the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet Authority.

The Department of Commerce said Wednesday the former senior adviser to President Joe Biden and current CEO of KRLB will join the other 10 newly selected and reappointed technology and public safety leaders on the FirstNet Authority Board.

The new board members who will serve for three-year terms are:

  • Damon Darsey, EMS physician and medical director for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
  • Erik Gaull, president of the International Association of Emergency Managers Region III
  • Jeffrey Norman, chief of police, Milwaukee Police Department
  • Michael Adkinson, sheriff in Walton County, Florida, a board member for the National Sheriff’s Association
  • Rasheid Scarlett, IT executive and CEO of NetAesthetics
  • Trisha Wolford, fire chief of Anne Arundel County in Maryland

The four reappointed members who will serve a new three-year term on the board are:

  • Alexandra Fernandez Navarro, telecommunications attorney
  • Jocelyn Moore, independent director on the board of DraftKings
  • Sean McDevitt, partner at Arthur D Little
  • Warren Mickens, retired vice president at CenturyLink Communications

“I am pleased to appoint these experienced and highly qualified members to the FirstNet Authority Board to ensure this program continues to enhance public safety response with a world-class communications network,” said Raimondo. 

“They demonstrate a commitment to the mission and vision of FirstNet and to the safety of our communities. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences, working with the FirstNet Authority CEO, will provide leadership for the public safety broadband network,” she added.

About FirstNet Authority

FirstNet Authority is an independent entity within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Its mission is to build, field and operate a nationwide public safety broadband network for first responders.

In March 2017, FirstNet and AT&T announced a partnership to develop and operate the national broadband network for first responders.

/
Navy Demos Unmanned System Integration & Data Experiment
Published on
Navy Demos Unmanned System Integration & Data Experiment

The U.S. Navy held a demonstration to showcase the integration of unmanned systems across multiple domains. The experiment, conducted from Aug. 12 to 16 on the Florida Gulf Coast Test Ranges, also exhibited real-time data transmission and was meant to communicate the importance of government and industry partnerships.

The demonstration attracted over 45 participants from four NavalX Gulf Coast Tech Bridge partner commands, including the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Naval Research Lab Stennis, Naval Meteorological and Oceanography Command and Naval Oceanographic Office.

The participants integrated several unmanned systems to gather and transmit data to a forward-deployed shore station. During the at-sea trials, data collected were fused and displayed in real-time at the shore station. The experiment also explored different methods of novel data exfiltration, demonstrated collaborative regional efforts and built on previous Navy and non-Navy developments to enhance subsea warfare mission capabilities.

Holly Gardner, director of strategic engagement at NSWC PCD, said, “This experiment was important because it demonstrated a process for rapidly moving from focusing on the warfighter need, sourcing technologies and industry partners, understanding lessons learned from the fleet from using relevant systems, understanding how to accelerate capabilities and then executing an experiment to demonstrate the sourced capabilities.”

1 … 178 179 180 181 182 … 2,621