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Comment Period for Interim UAS Procurement Rule Extended
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Comment Period for Interim UAS Procurement Rule Extended

The Department of Defense, NASA and the General Services Administration have extended the comment period for an interim rule that seeks to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement a prohibition on the purchase and operation of unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, from covered foreign entities.

According to a Federal Register notice published Monday, interested stakeholders have until Jan. 27 to comment on the proposed rule.

The three agencies initially set a Jan. 13 deadline for public comments on the interim rule, which was first issued in November.

The proposed rule intends to implement the American Security Drone Act of 2023 in the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The measure seeks to ban the use of federal funds for UAS and the acquisition and operation of such systems prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Security Council, or FASC, to protect UAS-collected data from cyberthreats and other vulnerabilities.

Questions for Responders

DOD, NASA, and GSA are asking commenters about potential challenges related to complying with contemplated disclosure and reporting requirements and whether additional details regarding “federal funds” could help achieve compliance with the prohibition on the use of such funds in the operation or procurement of FASC-prohibited UAS.

Responders can also provide suggestions on how government customers can mitigate risks associated with FASC-banned unmanned systems.

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Matt Eggleton Named SPP Deputy Chief at DIA
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Matt Eggleton Named SPP Deputy Chief at DIA

Matt Eggleton, a mission manager professional, has been selected as the new deputy chief of Strategic Planning, Policy and Performance Improvement Office at the Defense Intelligence Agency. The executive shared the news of his appointment on LinkedIn Friday.

As SPP deputy chief, Eggleton will lead the planning and implementation of agency-level strategies, policies and risk management efforts, enhancing operations, resource planning and execution. He will leverage his extensive leadership experience and understanding of enterprise collaboration, strategy development, joint intelligence planning, partner engagement, officer development and coaching in his new role.

Matt Eggleton’s Career Highlights

Eggleton has served at DIA for over 16 years joining the agency in 2008. He most recently held the position of civilian harm mitigation and response officer, where he oversaw the implementation of the secretary of Defense’s Action Plan, enabling commanders and operators access to critical information for understanding the civilian environment.

The executive was also the chief of industrial assessments, deputy chief of performance management, acting chief of strategic resource management at the Chief Information Office and chief of Programs Branch at the Intelligence Security Cooperation and Engagement Division of U.S. Africa Command.

The certified professional coach had a three-year stint with the Department of Defense. He served as deputy chief of intelligence training, readiness and exercises at the U.S. European Command and lead scenario developer and intelligence planner for the U.S. Strategic Command.

In addition, Eggleton spent more than a decade with the Air Force serving various roles including imagery analysis lead editor and training supervisor and imagery analysis shift supervisor and collections manager.

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DOJ Issues Final Rule for Enhancing Data Security EO
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DOJ Issues Final Rule for Enhancing Data Security EO

The Department of Justice has issued a final rule to implement Executive Order 14117 aimed at preventing countries of concern such as Russia, China and Iran from accessing and exploiting bulk sensitive personal and U.S. government-related data.

DOJ said Friday it will establish a regulatory program intended to tackle potential national security threats resulting from the malicious use of data by said countries and covered persons. The final rule will be implemented 90 days after its publication date while affirmative due diligence, reporting and auditing requirements will start 270 days after publication.

Protecting America’s Sensitive Data

The EO mandates the implementation of regulations for specific categories of data transactions that may jeopardize national security. This is to prevent countries of concern and covered persons from using accessed data for harmful cyber activities and facilitating malign foreign influence operations.

The final rule is also meant to block access to information on U.S. citizens, including activists, academics, journalists, government employees, military personnel and intelligence community members. These data can be used for intimidation and other ways of suppressing civil liberties. Furthermore, the data can be used to develop artificial intelligence capabilities that endanger national security and enhance adversaries’ military capabilities.

Matthew Olsen, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s National Security division, stated, “This powerful new national-security program is designed to ensure that Americans’ personal data is no longer permitted to be sold to hostile foreign powers, whether through outright purchase or other means of commercial access.”

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Space Force to Develop International Strategy
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Space Force to Develop International Strategy

The U.S. Space Force has announced it is developing a new international strategy that prioritizes the integration of allies and partners from the earliest stages of concept development and planning, Federal News Network reported Friday.

Early Integration of International Partners

Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, assistant chief of space operations for future concepts and partnerships, is leading this effort as the strategic advisor to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, a two-time Wash100 Award winner.

Godfrey is tasked with ensuring the collaboration among international allies and partners with the command right from the beginning. He aims to have the international partnership strategy ready by 2025.

“I am not the individual standing up Futures Command but what I can do is look and see how Futures Command fits into the organization,” said Godfrey.

Gen. Michael Guetlein, vice chief of space operations, said the goal of the new strategy is for systems to be allied by design.

“Every capability that we design, we’re trying to design the relationships and the interfaces in with our partnerships,” said Guetlein.

The service is actively working on removing the obstacles that keep allies and partners from working together seamlessly. It aims to address challenges to data-sharing and classification protocols such as over-classification of data.

Saltzman said he expects to have a command element and headquarters with a commander established early next year.

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Senators to Create Guidelines for AI Systems Development
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Senators to Create Guidelines for AI Systems Development

Sens. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., have introduced the Trustworthy by Design Artificial Intelligence Act, which seeks to establish best practice guidelines for federal agencies’s efforts to develop AI systems.

Under the Senate bill, the National Institute of Security and Technology would be required to formulate a framework for the proactive and systematic management of AI risks, Welch said in a Dec. 23 press release. NIST would also be directed to create definitions of trustworthiness evaluation criteria and identify system components that must be evaluated when developing AI capabilities.

Ethical Deployment of AI Tech

Welch explained that his proposal would ensure that the United States will maintain its leadership in the ethical deployment of AI technologies and the creation of guidelines to provide users with trustworthy AI tools.

“With great power comes great responsibility, we need to ensure AI is used safely,” the lawmaker stressed.

If passed into law, the TBD AI Act would guarantee that AI models in the country are reliable, safe and secure. The measure would also reduce the potential biases affecting legally protected classes and risks associated with system development. In addition, the legislation would mandate NIST to provide periodic public updates on the program’s implementation.

Transparent AI Systems Evaluation

Several stakeholders and organizations are supporting the act, including the Transparency Coalition. The group welcomed the legislative initiative, noting it would promote transparency in evaluating AI systems and set the standard for trustworthy AI implementation and deployment in federal agencies.

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HHS to Update HIPAA Security Rule to Better Protect Health Data
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HHS to Update HIPAA Security Rule to Better Protect Health Data

The Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services has proposed a new measure to amend the Security Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act—or HIPAA—of 1996 to require health plans, healthcare providers and healthcare clearinghouses to better safeguard individuals’ electronic health information from cyberthreats.

“Cyberattacks continue to impact the health care sector, with rampant escalation in ransomware and hacking causing significant increases in the number of large breaches reported to OCR annually,” OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer said in a statement published Friday.

According to HHS, large breaches caused by hacking and ransomware have increased 89 percent and 102 percent, respectively, since 2019.

“This proposed rule to upgrade the HIPAA Security Rule addresses current and future cybersecurity threats. It would require updates to existing cybersecurity safeguards to reflect advances in technology and cybersecurity, and help ensure that doctors, health plans, and others providing health care meet their obligations to protect the security of individuals’ protected health information across the nation,” Rainer added.

What Would the Proposed Rule Do?

The proposed measure would provide more specific instructions for covered entities and business associates to better secure electronic health data.

The rule would also require regular testing and updating of policies and procedures and better align the Security Rule with modern cybersecurity best practices.

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AIA Calls for Consistency, Clarity in Proposed Changes to US Space Export Controls
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AIA Calls for Consistency, Clarity in Proposed Changes to US Space Export Controls

The Aerospace Industries Association has posted key recommendations for changes in export controls that take into consideration progress and advancements in space technology. The trade organization said in comments submitted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and the Bureau of Industry and Security that updating the U.S. export controls would strengthen the nation’s leadership position in space innovation on the global stage. 

The comments were made in response to the DDTC and BIS’ October announcement on a series of rules on space-related exports, including a proposed rule on transferring jurisdiction on certain space-related defense articles from the U.S. Munitions List to the Department of State to the Department of Commerce’s Control List. 

The AIA represents over 300 companies within the aerospace and defense industry. 

“As the U.S. space industrial base continues to expand and technological innovation accelerates, AIA, on behalf of the U.S. space industry, remains committed to advancing the space enterprise while protecting national security and enabling commercial space interests abroad,” commented Steve Jordan Tomaszewski, the association’s vice president of space systems.

Industry Representative Calls for Consistency

In its comments, the group pointed out that the DDTC’s proposed rule includes technologies that are no longer listed in the Missile Technology Control Regime’s list or controlled by MTCR partner nations. The AIA asked the DDTC and BIS to ensure that changes to U.S. export controls are in line with the MTCR’s commitments. 

The association also called for increased attention to unmanned aerial vehicle systems, specifically the separation and staging mechanisms and launch technology, in the proposed rule. 

In addition, the AIA urged the government to make further revisions to the U.S. Munitions List, or USML. The government must work with industry to ensure that the catalog more accurately reflects the technologies available in the commercial market, the comments read. 

AIA Requests Enhanced Clarity to Avoid Misinterpretation

One of the main points that the AIA raised is clarity in the language used in the proposed rule. The group said the DDTC and BIS should review paragraphs on USML updates to avoid misunderstandings. Providing definitions of terms and controlled articles and minor reclassifications could ensure that changes to the list of controlled technologies are clear and concise. 

The AIA also recommended that the DDTC and BIS adopt the aerospace and defense industry’s interpretation of space technology and spaceflight.

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USAF Leads Standardized Aircraft Data Format Development
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USAF Leads Standardized Aircraft Data Format Development

The U.S. Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office is collaborating with industry partners to establish standardized data formats for the whole Air Force fleet through the SAE AS7140 Common Open Data Exchange initiative.

The Air Force Materiel Command said Thursday the initiative involves the Air Force Safety Center and Air Force Test Center along with partners from the private sector, namely, Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, EASA, GE Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace, IEEE, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Meggitt, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Rolls Royce, SAE and Sikorsky.

SAE AS7140 Common Open Data Exchange

The SAE AS7140 CODEX aims to develop three standardized aircraft data file formats and a universal data decoder application programming interface by early 2025. The project also involves the standardization of health and usage monitoring systems, or HUMS, data for modern and selected legacy Air Force platforms.

The file formats include the line replaceable units, or LRU, format used for binary, or BIN, data stored onboard aircraft avionic systems where data is gathered from the aircraft and uploaded into a Department of Defense cloud. 

The ground-station format provides a human-readable form of the decoded data, while the third format, called the cloud format, or PARQUET, determines how the cloud data is stored. This format is characterized by its metadata-rich compressed state and supports legacy and modern aircraft.

The standard data decoder API addresses the challenge of data accessibility. It enhances source data access enabling it to decode data from any next-gen LRU or aircraft.

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Army Advances Software Modernization, Cybersecurity With 5 Policy Memos
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Army Advances Software Modernization, Cybersecurity With 5 Policy Memos

The Office of the Army Chief Information Officer has advanced software modernization by releasing five new policy memos to guide Initiative 8 under Army Directive 2024-02, Enabling Modern Software Development and Acquisition Practices.

In a LinkedIn post, the Army CIO Office said the policy documents seek to accelerate cybersecurity through DevSecOps, which intends to integrate security into software development to rapidly deliver new tools to warfighters.

The memos are Army Software Modernization Directive—Initiative 8—Implementation Plan; Army DevSecOps Configuration Management Framework; Army DevSecOps Platform Certification; Army DevSecOps Pipeline Certification; and Army Transition to Continuous Authority to Operate, or cATO.

Leonel Garciga, CIO of the U.S. Army and a 2024 Wash100 awardee, signed all five memos.

Software Modernization Directive Implementation Plan

The first memo will serve as guidance for the implementation of Initiative 8 of Army Directive 2024-02 and ensure that security is integrated into the software development lifecycle by using DevSecOps methodologies.

Initiative 8 seeks to modernize cybersecurity by accelerating and improving the traditional approach to the risk management framework.

According to this policy, all Army software development supporting capabilities that require an authority to operate, or ATO, will use certified DevSecOps platforms, or DSOPs.

As appropriate, software development that uses continuous delivery and deployment will use certified DevSecOps pipelines.

The memo states that all software development that has not received an ATO will need a certified DSOP and a certified DevSecOps pipeline before a cATO will be issued or within 365 days.

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Future USS Iowa Joins Navy Submarine Fleet
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Future USS Iowa Joins Navy Submarine Fleet

The future USS Iowa, the newest attack submarine and the 12th battle force ship delivered in 2024, has been welcomed by the U.S. Navy Submarine Force on Dec. 22.

The pre-commissioning unit, or PCU, of the SSN 797 arrived at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut on Dec. 19 and was delivered to Submarine Squadron 4, the Navy said Monday.

The Future USS Iowa

The USS Iowa, designed for anti-submarine, anti-surface ship and strike warfare, is the 24th Virginia-class submarine on which General Dynamics’ Electric Boat subsidiary and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding collaborated. It is also the sixth of 10 VCS Block IV configured attack submarines and the 13th attack submarine delivered by GDEB.

The SSN 797 is the first submarine named after the Hawkeye State, though there are five other Navy ships christened with the same name. This includes the USS Iowa, BB 61, which served during World War II and the Vietnam War.

GDEB held the ceremonial ship launching of the USS Iowa on June 17, 2023, at its shipyard in Groton, Connecticut with Christie Vilsack as the PCU’s sponsor. The commissioning ceremony will be held on April 5, 2025.

Capt. Mike Hollenbach, Virginia Class Submarine program manager, stated, “The Virginia-class submarine represents a Navy and industry commitment to deliver warfighting excellence to the fleet.”

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