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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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DOD Allots $160M More for Microelectronics Hub Investment
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DOD Allots $160M More for Microelectronics Hub Investment

The Department of Defense has added $160 million to the funding for its Microelectronics Commons program implementing the CHIPS and Science Act. Most of the investment — $148 million — has been allocated to the eight universities and research institutions earlier selected as part of the department-supported Microelectronics Commons Hubs, the DOD said Friday.

The hubs, which secured a $238 million total award in their initial launch in September 2023, are focused on building infrastructure, operations support and workforce development, the department added.

New Funding Breakdown

The hubs and their new funding awards are as follows:

  • California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub led by the University of Southern California — $27 million
  • Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors Hub led by the North Carolina State University — $23.7 million
  • The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative — $18.7 million
  • Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub led by the Arizona board of regents on behalf of Arizona State University — $18.7 million
  • Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub led by the Applied Research Institute in Indiana — $16.6 million.
  • California-Pacific-Northwest AI Hardware Hub led by the board of trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University in California — $15.3 million
  • Midwest Microelectronics Consortium Hub in Ohio — $12.3 million
  • Northeast Regional Defense Technology Hub led by the Research Foundation for the State University of New York — $10.6 million

The DOD is also adding $10 million for a cross-hub enablement solution to enhance the sharing of vital electronic design automation and cloud computing tools.

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GSA Official on How Agency Is Enabling Accelerated Tool Delivery
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GSA Official on How Agency Is Enabling Accelerated Tool Delivery

David Shive, the General Services Administration’s chief information officer, said focusing on the needs of users enabled the agency to deliver new tools to its business units in at least 14 days, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

On the sidelines of the American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council’s Imagination conference, Shive shared that GSA’s human-centered design approach has evolved over the last five years, noting that the agency is considering the future needs of users in buying, developing and delivering the capabilities they require.

In an interview during a Federal News Network podcast, the CIO shared that the agency was able to provide new business tools to the Public Bidding Service in a little over 14 days by using low-code or no-code platforms that allow rapid application development. 

Acknowledging that future requirement predictions may not be 100 percent accurate, he said the approach must be combined with agility to respond to unforeseen needs.

Improving Data Management for AI-Related Technology Programs

GSA is continuously improving its technology programs, including by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. Shive said that enhancing data management is one of his top priorities for 2025, noting how poor data hinders technology programs, particularly those using AI. “If the underlying data is poor and generates all types of hallucinations and problems, then it affects the effectiveness of those spaces,” he explained.

According to the official, he worked with the GSA’s chief data officer to create an enterprise data strategy designed to protect cybersecurity and privacy and achieve good AI outcomes safely and ethically.

“We’re pouring tons of time and attention into that space, so that our agency partners, so that the users within GSA, so that citizens that interact with government through GSA products and services can feel confident about the systems that they’re using, that they’re doing things that they were designed to do and only the things they were designed to do,” Shive said.

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IHS Posts Solicitation for Adverse Event Reporting System
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IHS Posts Solicitation for Adverse Event Reporting System

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Service has issued a solicitation for a commercially available off-the-shelf—or COTS—incident reporting and investigation system that can support IHS facility and field operations.

The adverse event reporting system should be open for modifications, must be Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program-certified and can address patient-safety-related and non-patient-safety-related safety incidents, according to a Friday notice posted on SAM.gov.

What IHS Is Looking For

Planned for deployment across the IHS enterprise 24 hours a day and seven days a week, the COTS would be utilized by 1,200 users to investigate incidents. To meet the agency’s requirements, the service provider should possess technical experience and expertise in patient safety, medication errors, occupational safety, physical security and risk management.

The contractor is also expected to provide granular access control to users, ensure 99 percent of system availability, meet federal accessibility requirements and deploy a help desk service with a toll-free number, email address and instant chat functions.

The contract’s work requirements include a one-year base performance period and four one-year option periods. Proposals will be accepted until Nov. 23.

IHS Posts Solicitation for Adverse Event Reporting System

On Dec. 11, join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Healthcare Summit to explore the transformative trends and innovations shaping the future of the healthcare sector. Reserve a spot today!

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Frank Kendall Gives Information Warfare Updates at AFCYBER
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Frank Kendall Gives Information Warfare Updates at AFCYBER

Frank Kendall, secretary of the U.S. Air Force and a 2024 Wash100 awardee, traveled to the Sixteenth Air Force, or Air Forces Cyber, to hear and give updates on the information warfare organization. 

Kendall reportedly held an all-call to answer questions regarding Air Forces Cyber, known as AFCYBER, elevation in response to cyber forces’ impact on gaining an advantage in the Great Power Competition, the Air Force said Thursday. 

“We are in a Great Power Competition and we must treat it very seriously. I do not want to live in a world where we back down. If we don’t prepare ourselves and demonstrate that we’re here to fight, and if we do fight, we’re here to win,” Kendall said.

Air Forces Cyber 

AFCYBER is an information warfare organization that supports the Air Force by implementing capabilities throughout service branches operations, activities and investments. 

During Kendall’s Sixteenth Air Force visit, he witnessed how AFCYBER organizations use distinct systems to counter enemies in the information landscape. The DAF Secretary received mission briefings on the Sixteenth Air Force 616th Operations Center and the 67th and 688th Cyberspace Wing. 

Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, Sixteenth Air Forces Cyber commander, said, “Secretary Kendall has the responsibility of overseeing the Department of the Air Force, as well as the Space Force and I think we’re all tracking his top three priorities: China, China, China.”

“Looking at the current strategic environment, and looking at the future strategic environment,” Hensley added, “he has a very aggressive goal based on his vision of reoptimizing the entire Air Force for Great Power Competition.”

As part of Kendall’s plans to reoptimize for Great Power Competition, he believes that advancing cyber systems is the next step in gaining a competitive advantage over adversaries. 

 “At the end of the day what drives the decision is going to be what’s going to make us more competitive, what’s going to put us in a better position to compete with China, not just in near term, but over long-term strategic competition,” noted Kendall.

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