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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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NASA Completes Laser Communications Demo, Sets New World Records
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NASA Completes Laser Communications Demo, Sets New World Records

NASA has concluded the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery demonstration setting new world records for the fastest satellite downlink from space.

The agency said Wednesday the TBIRD, onboard the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-3 spacecraft, used laser communications instead of radio frequency communication systems in transmitting data from space to Earth resulting in record-setting benchmarks.

The project sought to determine the potential of laser communications, which utilize infrared light, in data transmission. Within the two years of the mission, there was a significant increase in data sent through a single communications link.

In 2023, the TBIRD managed to transmit 4.8 terabytes of error-free data at a rate of 200 gigabits per second, eclipsing the old record of 100 Gbps set in June 2022.

The PTD-3 was launched in May 2022 and, once it reached low-Earth orbit, the TBIRD started sending laser communications signals to an optical ground station in Table Mountain, California.

In addition, the mission set the record for the highest accuracy by a NASA CubeSat in “body pointing” without relying on any moving parts or propulsion systems. The PTD-3/TBIRD system also proved its small, lightweight, cost-effective and power-efficient design was suitable for such space missions.

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Office of Space Commerce Taps Industry Collaborators for TraCSS Pathfinder Project
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Office of Space Commerce Taps Industry Collaborators for TraCSS Pathfinder Project

The Office of Space Commerce has named the commercial partners that accepted orders for space situational awareness services as part of the Traffic Coordination System for Space, or TraCSS, pathfinder project.

The OSC said Wednesday the companies that agreed to provide SSA data in low Earth orbit and geostationary Earth orbit are COMSPOC, ExoAnalytic Solutions and Slingshot Aerospace. Orders to serve as data quality monitors for LEO and GEO observations were accepted by Kayhan Space and SpaceNav.

The project aims to determine if satellite positions and trajectory data, or ephemeris, based on self-reported information gathered by satellite owners/operators are effective in tracking satellites more accurately. This is necessary to prevent possible satellite collisions.

The OSC will use the results of the pathfinder project to enhance the TraCSS system.

New Center Debuts to Drive Semiconductor Industry Workforce Development
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New Center Debuts to Drive Semiconductor Industry Workforce Development

The Department of Commerce has launched the National Semiconductor Technology Center’s Workforce Center of Excellence, or WCoE, and has allocated $250 million over 10 years for the WCoE mission to fill workforce gaps in the U.S. chip manufacturing industry through collaborative and innovative approaches. 

WCoE will pursue its goal through joint efforts with stakeholders in the government, private industry, academia, non-profits and labor organizations, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. 

As part of the WCoE launch, the nonprofit Natcast overseeing the NSTC consortium established by the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, announced over $11 million in expected funding awards to seven semiconductor workforce development projects.

The projects, funded through the NSTC’s Workforce Partner Alliance program, are geared toward career growth and experiential training under the WCoE’s amplifier program, one of the center’s inaugural focus areas. Over 12,000 individuals are expected to benefit from the projects that would prepare them for long-term careers in the semiconductor industry. 

The first batch of funding awardees are the American Federation of Teachers Educational Foundation, Idaho Technology Council, Maricopa County Community College District, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, University of California–Los Angeles and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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Carnegie Mellon Receives NIST Grant for New AI Research Center
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Carnegie Mellon Receives NIST Grant for New AI Research Center

Carnegie Mellon University has been awarded a $6 million grant by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a joint artificial intelligence research and experimentation center.

NIST said Tuesday the CMU/NIST AI Measurement Science & Engineering Cooperative Research Center will be located on the CMU campus in Pittsburgh and will conduct testing and evaluation of modern AI tools and capabilities.

The establishment of the research center is intended to boost advancements in AI risk management and evaluation by fostering stakeholder partnerships. The center will also focus on implementing the developed assessment capabilities and methodologies in real-world scenarios.

The grant was awarded through NIST’s Measurement Science and Engineering Research Grant Program.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, in announcing the grant, said, “Artificial intelligence is the defining technology of our generation, and at the Commerce Department we are committed to working with America’s world-class higher education institutions, like Carnegie Mellon University, to advance safe, secure and trustworthy development of AI.”

Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and director at NIST Director Laurie Locascio said, “This new cooperative research center will expand NIST’s knowledge base and fundamental research capacity in AI.”

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House Reps Introduce Legislation to Counter PRC Cyber Threat Against US Critical Infrastructure
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House Reps Introduce Legislation to Counter PRC Cyber Threat Against US Critical Infrastructure

Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., has introduced legislation titled “Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act,” which aims to counteract the increasing cybersecurity threat against U.S. critical infrastructure brought about by the Communist Party of China.

Under the proposed legislation, an interagency task force would be formed to address the threats posed by cyber actors linked to the People’s Republic of China, such as Volt Typhoon, according to a news article posted Tuesday on the House Committee on Homeland Security website.

The measure, which was co-sponsored by Reps. Mark Green, R-Tenn., and John Moolenaar, R-Mich., also mandates the task force to provide Congress with a classified report and briefing regarding its findings and recommendations concerning malicious cyber activity by the CCP. The report would have to be filed every year for five years.

The task force would be led by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Commenting on the bill that she introduced, Lee said, “It is critical that the federal government implements a focused, coordinated, and whole-of-government response to all of Beijing’s cyber threats, so no other actors succeed.”

For his part, Green, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, said, “Now is the time to address the threat China poses in cyberspace,” while Moolenaar, who chairs the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said, “I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation alongside Rep. Laurel Lee that will help protect the American people.”

House Reps Introduce Legislation to Counter PRC Cyber Threat Against US Critical Infrastructure

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 2024 Homeland Security Summit, which will take place on Nov. 13. Register now to attend this important event!

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GAO Finds Inconsistencies in Contractor Performance Reporting Compliance
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GAO Finds Inconsistencies in Contractor Performance Reporting Compliance

Federal agencies are required to report contractor performance and conduct in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, or FAPIIS, but some departments were found inconsistent in complying with the reporting obligation, the Government Accountability Office said.

An assessment focused on fiscal years 2019 to 2023 revealed that some agency personnel did not know or understand their reporting requirements, which were established to inform future contract award decisions, according to a GAO report published on Wednesday.

The government watchdog found that over the five-year period, 335 contract terminations and 52 administrative agreements were reported in other sources but not in FAPIIS, a database that provides information on previous government work of contractors.

The GAO study focused on the Departments of Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs and the General Services Administration.

The DOD said it had limited insight into why contractor integrity records were not reported in FAPIIS while the GSA pointed to gaps in its guidance and limited awareness of reporting requirements among personnel as reasons for underreporting.

Other agencies, meanwhile, cited various reasons for not reporting terminations and have since addressed them.

GAO made recommendations to resolve the issue, including directing the administrator of the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Federal Procurement Policy to reiterate integrity reporting requirements and identify available resources to help ensure that agency personnel have the guidance needed to comprehensively report and verify the accuracy of integrity information.

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Chenega & CyberSheath Pass JVSA Validation With Perfect Score
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Chenega & CyberSheath Pass JVSA Validation With Perfect Score

Chenega Corporation has collaborated with CyberSheath to pass a Joint Surveillance Voluntary Assessment—or JSVA—validation with a perfect score of 110.

To successfully pass the JSVA, Chenega used CyberSheath’s fully managed federal enclave, which ultimately aligned with NIST 800-171 protocols needed for protecting controlled unclassified information within the defense supply chain, the Reston, Virginia-based company announced Monday.

Eric Noonan, CEO of CyberSheath Services International, said, “Our federal enclave solution is designed to take the complexity out of compliance for our clients.”

“Chenega’s perfect JSVA score demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach in ensuring CMMC readiness and maintaining ongoing compliance with the DOD. Chenega’s commitment to compliance before the rest of the DIB exemplifies why it has long been considered a leader in government contracting,” Noonan added.

The JVSA is a vital part of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 framework, which will begin in early 2025 and become a requirement for contracting with the Department of Defense.

Kevin Gustin, senior director of Information Security at Chenega Corporation, said the perfect JVSA score is a testament to the work the companies have done together over the past two years. 

“This success strengthens our position as a trusted partner in the federal contracting space and provides peace of mind with CMMC 2.0 implementation on the horizon,” Gustin said.

According to a study conducted by Merrill Research, contractors earned an average score of -15 against the 110 paradigm on last year’s JVSA.

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Army Opting for More Agile Approach to Software Procurement
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Army Opting for More Agile Approach to Software Procurement

The U.S. Army is working to apply agile principles not only to software development but also to its software acquisition process, citing the need for a contract vehicle that could enable it to procure software offerings from industry, Federal News Network reported Wednesday.

Doug Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, highlighted the need for a contract vehicle that could help the service branch speed up the award process.

“The first goal is speed. Having a vehicle established will allow us to go faster on task orders than doing a de-novo contract in every case, which I think is better for industry,” Bush said.

“What we’ve seen without this approach is that all of our program executive offices have to do their own separate competitions for different software development, each a little bit different way, and it’s just — we hope — more efficient to have a vehicle they can use to go faster,” he added.

According to FNN, the Army is developing a request for proposals for a potential 10-year, $1 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for software procurement with contract types determined at the task order level.

“Every contract needs to be tailored to the task, and it’s not a simple world of cost-plus versus fixed-price,” Bush noted.

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