//
SPACECOM Commercial Operations Cell Tasked to Handle Tac-SRT Missions
Published on
SPACECOM Commercial Operations Cell Tasked to Handle Tac-SRT Missions

According to Barbara Golf, strategic adviser for space domain awareness at the Space Systems Command, the Joint Commercial Operations cell, which she also leads, will take on tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking, or Tac-SRT, missions beginning Oct. 1, Breaking Defense reported Tuesday.

Tac-SRT data will be collected by the JCO from commercial remote sensing satellite operators, Golf said at the recent Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies conference.

The head of the JCO explained that the Tac-SRT work will be carried out in coordination with the intelligence community, especially the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, to avoid duplication of effort. The NGA collects remote sensing imagery from the National Reconnaissance Office as well as imagery analysis from commercial providers.

“We are actually collaborating with the IC. We don’t double buy. We check NGA imagery libraries first to make sure we don’t already have information. We take everything we purchase and put it back in those libraries,” Golf said.

A part of the U.S. Space Command, the JCO cell was previously called Joint Task Force-Space Defense Commercial Operations until it was renamed in December 2023. Its purpose is to provide space domain awareness. It works with NATO and 14 other countries.

//
Johns Hopkins APL Testing New Software Platform for Navy USV Operating Systems
Published on
Johns Hopkins APL Testing New Software Platform for Navy USV Operating Systems

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory are collaborating with the U.S. Navy to validate Autonomy Baseline Library, a new software developed for rapid analysis of uncrewed surface vehicles’ systems and capabilities suited for specific naval needs.

The software tests, which were initially undertaken in the Navy’s Technology Readiness Experimentation, or T-REX, held in March, will culminate at the Autonomous Warrior joint force exercise scheduled in October in Australia, APL said Tuesday.

APL, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Combatant Craft Division, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and industry partners developed the ABL software under the ORCAstrate program of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

The software is compliant with the interface standards of the Navy’s Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture for software modularized into reusable parts for rapid software insertion and reuse in programs across various USVs.

“This type of open architecture allows for rapid scaling of these platforms, as well as faster capability upgrades as the technology advances,” said Toni Salter, APL’s program manager for emerging concepts.

Navy operators used the ABL to command three global autonomous reconnaissance craft USV platforms and one common USV at the March T-REX event, which was part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led Integrated Battle Problem 24.1 held in San Diego.

Besides the ABL’s tests in T-REX at the Autonomous Warrior exercise in Australia, the Department of Defense will also bring its Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve program to accelerate military technology development, Heidi Shyu, Pentagon’s chief technology officer and a 2024 Wash100 awardee, told DefenseScoop on the sidelines of the Potomac Officers Club’s annual Defense R&D Summit held in January.

/
State Department Working to Remake Acquisition Process
Published on
State Department Working to Remake Acquisition Process

The State Department is advancing category management and streamlining procurement workflows as part of efforts to transform its acquisition process, Federal News Network reported Tuesday.

“For the most part, most agencies are trying to buy smarter these days and use best in class vehicles that are established out there. We’re certainly doing that,” said Michael Derrios, senior procurement executive at the State Department.

“But the missing ingredient for us really, and for any agency, is aggregating the demand signal. So how can you look internally at the requirements and identify those opportunities before you go to the best in class vehicles? That’s really where we get the best bang for the buck, so to speak,” he added.

According to FNN, the State Department wants its teams of procurement specialists focused on information technology and other specific procurement areas to have a deeper understanding of their respective markets and is using data analytics to manifest a view of the upcoming year’s portfolio.

Derrios, who also serves as deputy assistant secretary for acquisition, cited the need for an end-to-end platform in support of the department’s contracting officers and customers.

“I would like for us to have an end to end system where, frankly, it would be fantastic if we had a system that allowed our customers to be able to work workflow documents into a shared workspace where our [contracting officers (COs)] and our customers could actually work on documents together,” he said. “I’ll go so far as to say a secure system where industry could submit their proposals in to us. I say that with emphasis on ‘secure’ system. I would love that.”

/
AFRL Is Exploring Ways to Reach More Small Businesses
Published on
AFRL Is Exploring Ways to Reach More Small Businesses

Brian McJilton, director of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Small Business Office, said there has been a 33 percent drop in the number of small companies partnering with the Department of Defense in the past five to seven years and that his office is working to address that trend by educating such enterprises on how to collaborate with DOD, AFRL reported Monday.

“While this hasn’t impacted us significantly yet, it could in the future,” McJilton said at a recent summit held in Dayton, Ohio.

“We need to be proactive and seek innovative ways to attract and support new small businesses to ensure the supply-chain of small businesses stays strong for the future,” he added.

During the event, the AFRL official cited the importance of feedback from small businesses and the potential role of artificial intelligence tools in improving efficiency.

McJilton noted that his office is exploring ways to bolster engagement with small businesses and streamline processes and seeks to “set actionable priorities for the coming year.”

“Our goal is to invest resources effectively and connect with businesses that align with our needs,” he said. “We offer a range of tools and programs to help small businesses understand and access opportunities within AFRL.”

The AFRL office has reportedly reached over 2,000 small businesses through platforms and events since 2023 and is on track to exceed its 2023 small business performance metrics.

“We are currently ahead of last year’s small business numbers. If this trend continues, we will likely exceed last year’s figures. It’s about how much money we’re awarding to small businesses. Financially, I believe we will surpass last year’s figures easily,” McJilton stated.

//
CDC Issues RFI on NIOSH IT Support Services
Published on
CDC Issues RFI on NIOSH IT Support Services

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a request for information to determine interested companies capable of providing information technology support services.

According to the RFI posted on SAM.gov on Sept. 16, the CDC is seeking input from businesses with the capabilities to provide IT services for the Office of the Director for Information Technology at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The results of the notice will help determine whether to award the single firm fixed price contract to small businesses or other organizations under socioeconomic categories. The contract, which will have a base year and four one-year option periods, may also be procured through full or open competition.

Interested parties may submit their responses by Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. EDT.

Register here to attend the Potomac Officers Club‘s 2024 Healthcare Summit and join the discussions about the trends, innovations and issues shaping the future of the healthcare sector.

CDC Issues RFI on NIOSH IT Support Services
//
Polar Semiconductor Secures $123M From Commerce to Expand Facility
Published on
Polar Semiconductor Secures $123M From Commerce to Expand Facility

Polar Semiconductor, a manufacturer of analog and power semiconductor devices and sensors, has booked a $123 million contract from the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand and modernize its manufacturing facility.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday the award, the first under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities, is intended to double the production of sensors and power chips at Polar’s Bloomington, Minnesota facility within two years.

The award is part of a $525 million investment from private, state and federal sources to turn Polar from mostly foreign-owned to majority U.S.-owned. It is also expected to generate over 160 new jobs in Minnesota. 

The funds will be allocated when the company completes specific project milestones. 

President Joe Biden emphasized that the CHIPS and Science Act, part of the administration’s Investing in America agenda, will revitalize American leadership in semiconductors and strengthen supply chains and national security.

“Polar’s new facility will also be completed under a Project Labor Agreement to support its construction workforce, creating good-quality union jobs in Bloomington, Minnesota,” Biden said.

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo remarked, “The Biden-Harris Administration’s investment in Polar will create a new U.S.-owned foundry for sensor and power semiconductors and modernize and expand Polar’s facilities in Minnesota, strengthening our national and economic security, bolstering our supply chains, and creating quality jobs.”

Surya Iyer, president and chief operating officer of Polar Semiconductor, commented, “Through our collaborative and sustained workforce development efforts, we expect to support customers with highly skilled employees today and into the future.”

//
DOD to Build Concrete Shield Structure for Nuclear Reactor at INL
Published on
DOD to Build Concrete Shield Structure for Nuclear Reactor at INL

The Department of Defense has started the groundwork to construct a concrete shield structure for the Project Pele transportable nuclear reactor at Idaho National Laboratory.

Beginning In 2025, workers will build the concrete shield structure at INL to house the prototype reactor, the DOD said Tuesday.

BWXT Advanced Technologies is manufacturing the reactor for the Strategic Capabilities Office and will start the project’s assembly stage by February next year.

The company received a potential $300 million contract from the SCO in 2022 to deliver the requirement, which would become the first Generation IV nuclear reactor to generate electricity in the United States.

Using four shipping containers, BWXT will transport the fully assembled reactor on a truck in 2026. Upon its arrival at the INL test site, it will be placed inside the concrete shield structure. The mobile reactor will undergo a safety review; then, the Project Pele team will conduct testing and assessment activities.

If the equipment performs to expectations, it could meet the demand for resilient and carbon-free energy to support mission-critical military operations in remote and austere environments, the DOD said.

According to SCO Director Jay Dryer, Project Pele is envisioned to enhance DOD energy resilience and advance nuclear power technology for civilian uses.

The SCO project is being implemented with support from the Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Meanwhile, BWXT is working closely with Northrop Grumman, Rolls Royce Liberty Works and Torch Technologies to ensure the microreactor’s successful delivery.

//
Bridget Bean to Reveal Priorities as CISA’s New Executive Director
Published on
Bridget Bean to Reveal Priorities as CISA’s New Executive Director

Bridget Bean is a proven federal leader, which is why it’s no surprise that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency chose her to succeed the long-tenured Brandon Wales as executive director in August. Bean’s experience includes government work in human capital, emergency management and economic development and she’s highly skilled at — and passionate about — cutting through bureaucracy to deliver tangible results.

At the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13, the newly appointed Bean will kick off the event as the opening keynote speaker and will unveil her priority areas in helping to lead CISA. This is an invaluable opportunity to network with a powerful official and learn about the future direction of CISA, so don’t miss out — save your spot today.

Let’s learn a little more about Bean ahead of this exciting engagement.

30 Years of Federal Service

Bean has devoted her life and career to the federal government. But she’s also committed to making it more effective and is extremely results-focused and devoted to bolstering national security.

“It’s not a question of if, but when,” Bean told ClearanceJobs regarding impending threats. “We’re facing increased ransomware attacks, all kinds of things that are the nontraditional 9/11 terrorist activities.”

Small Business Administration

Her time in the government started in 1994 at the Small Business Administration, where she began as a deputy assistant administrator with oversight of SBA contracts and grants management worth more than $250 million. These included warrant authority, facilities, security and records management, among other areas. Over two decades, she eventually graduated to the senior executive service and became SBA’s deputy chief operating officer and chief human capital officer.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Subsequently, Bean joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In her eventual role as deputy administrator for resilience, she commanded an annual spend of $600 million and led a team of over 1,600.

Crucially, she also spent time running FEMA’s Grants Program Directorate, where she was in charge of judiciously matching $20 billion in available homeland security funds with the latest, most daunting threat situations. This prepared her well for her next agency assignment, and for her remarks at the forthcoming Homeland Security Summit.

CISA

Bean came to CISA in 2022 as the agency’s first-ever chief integration officer. This position entailed rallying local and regional components and ensuring they operated cohesively to protect the digital infrastructure that the U.S. depends on.

“My team on the ground across the nation has the responsibility and the wonderful opportunity to bring together stakeholders, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and state and local government officials, to really tackle the problems that are facing our nation in cyber and physical,” she said of her work as chief integration officer.

Bridget Bean to Reveal Priorities as CISA's New Executive Director
Bridget Bean. Photo: ClearanceJobs

Recent CISA Developments

CISA is an extremely active agency with a lot of responsibilities to manage. Below are some of its most recent efforts to strengthen the resilience of the American cyberspace:

  • Last week, CISA published a guidebook that helps inform federal civilian agencies how they can align their work to cybersecurity best practices. It’s named FCEB Operational Cybersecurity Alignment, or FOCAL.
  • New threat warnings are unfortunately a common occurrence for the agency. On Sept. 6, alongside the National Security Agency, the FBI and international partners, CISA released an advisory about the Russian GRU Unit 29155 suspected cyber criminal group. The unit was behind the WhisperGate malware, which was deployed in Ukraine and other nations.
  • In order to try and improve cyber incident reporting processes, CISA created the CISA Services Portal and Voluntary Cyber Incident Reporting on Aug. 30. It is outfitted with a user interface accommodating easy filing, saving, updating, searching and sharing functionality.
  • Follow along with more updates on CISA!

Bridget Bean to Kick Off 2024 Homeland Security Summit

If you want a more complete picture of what CISA is working on now and what it has planned for the future, as well as a peek at how Bean is approaching her new job, be sure to catch her opening keynote address at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13, from Potomac Officers Club.

“We really want to work with our partners to make sure they’re taking all those precautions to best protect themselves,” Bean shared.

The event’s lineup is packed with high-profile names from across DHS and its topics will include everything from AI to IT to customer experience to 3D simulation. Check out the full lineup and register before there are no slots left!

Bridget Bean to Reveal Priorities as CISA's New Executive Director
/
OSIbeyond Attains NIST 800-171 Compliance
Published on
OSIbeyond Attains NIST 800-171 Compliance

OSIbeyond has obtained NIST 800-171 compliance and is expected to garner the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 Level 2 certification by mid-2025.

In light of the new achievement, the company said Wednesday it plans to continue supporting its government contracting clientele and promoting fidelity to the cybersecurity protocols set by the Department of Defense.

Payam Pourkhomami, president and CEO of OSIbeyond and one of Executive Mosaic‘s GovCon Experts, said, “Our number one priority is to ensure that our GovCon clients achieve certification by the time the CMMC rollout begins.”

OSIbeyond has reportedly met all 110 controls outlined in the NIST 800-171 Rev. 2 framework.

According to the CMMC 2.0 proposed final ruling, if an organization seeking certification uses an external service provider—or ESP—the provider will also be required to be certified at the same level as the corresponding organization. If the organization’s ESP is unsuccessful in reaching the certification level, the contractor will be unable to receive CMMC certification.

“We recognize that as a [managed service provider], it is our responsibility to meet the CMMC compliance obligations and not become a roadblock to the success of our client’s business, but also to help facilitate their competitive advantage in the Defense Industrial Base,” Pourkhomami added.

/
US, United Arab Emirates to Partner on AI
Published on
US, United Arab Emirates to Partner on AI

The U.S. and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence and related technologies and signaled their commitment to developing a government-to-government memorandum of understanding on AI between the two countries.

The White House said Monday the U.S. and UAE will promote acceptance of international AI frameworks, standards and principles to ensure the responsible development and use of AI tools, align regulatory AI frameworks and rules to protect national security interests and foster ethical AI research and development efforts.

The two countries will also deepen cooperation in AI protection and cybersecurity, promote talent development and exchange and support the use of AI for sustainable development in developing countries, meet the energy demands of AI technologies with clean energy sources and facilitate bilateral investment to gain opportunities for developing a secure AI infrastructure.

Jake Sullivan, U.S. assistant to the president for national security affairs, announced the collaboration on AI with Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s national security adviser.

Register now to attend the Potomac Officers Club’s GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10. Speakers will discuss how international partnerships, emerging technologies and coalition warfare are reshaping the defense landscape and how the U.S. can stay ahead of the curve.

POC - GovCon International Summit
1 … 239 240 241 242 243 … 2,656