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Space Force Plans to Tap Commercial Sector for Space Domain Awareness
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Space Force Plans to Tap Commercial Sector for Space Domain Awareness

Lt. Gen. David Miller, commander of Space Operations Command, said the Space Force is planning to strengthen collaboration with industry partners to achieve space domain awareness by acquiring commercial space tracking data and analytics capabilities, SpaceNews reported Tuesday.

Miller noted that commercial satellite services can support mission-critical space operations but the service branch has to consider the advantages and disadvantages of relying on private systems compared to government-owned devices.

“Where they can provide operational utility, mission resilience, rapid reconstitution and backstopping for core capability, I’m all in, and I want to see it happen,” Miller said. “I want to leverage capability for analytics, data interpretation, speed in decision cycles.”

The Space Force’s commercial strategy is being established to guide the service branch in working together with private satellite service providers.

“There’s more mission areas to be plowed, some to be provided by commercial partners and allies,” Miller said.

POC - 2024 Space Summit

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Space Summit on March 5 to learn how new technologies, commercial investments and adversarial threats are shaping the future of space. Click here to register!

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DOD Issues Memo on Cybersecurity Activities for Cloud Service Offerings
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DOD Issues Memo on Cybersecurity Activities for Cloud Service Offerings

The Department of Defense has released a memorandum detailing its policy, responsibilities and procedures for performing defensive cyberspace operations and other cybersecurity activities for cloud service offerings.

The DOD’s chief information officer will oversee the development and implementation of the department’s cybersecurity capabilities and architectures to safeguard the DOD Information Network and ensure that developed capabilities are integrated into the DOD Information Enterprise Architecture, according to the memo released Tuesday.

The document states that DOD component heads should ensure that the mission owner and authorizing official are responsible for ensuring all cloud service contracts include licensing agreements and accreditation boundaries for cybersecurity activities and requirements for cybersecurity service provider notification and acknowledgment procedures for cyber incidents.

The mission owner will address and ensure the performance of all cybersecurity activities for infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service and software-as-a-service offerings.

The activities are classified into identify, protect, monitor and detect and respond categories. For the identify category, activities include vulnerability assessment and analysis, penetration testing and intrusion assessment.

POC - 2024 Cyber Summit

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Cyber Summit on June 6 and hear cyber experts, government and industry leaders discuss the latest trends and the dynamic role of cyber in the public sector. Register here.

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USAF Leaders Gen. David Allvin & Frank Kendall Call for Urgent Military Optimization
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USAF Leaders Gen. David Allvin & Frank Kendall Call for Urgent Military Optimization

Warfighting today has reached “a time of consequence,” according to Gen. David Allvin, chief of staff for the U.S. Air Force.

During a Brookings Institution-hosted discussion, Allvin noted that though distractions and complexity in modern warfare may obscure this idea, those who can look ahead and make important decisions “will look back in at ourselves and be proud,” the Department of Defense said on Wednesday.

The Air Force recently introduced major changes designed to develop people, generate readiness, project power and develop capabilities in both the near- and long- term to stay at the forefront of great power competition.

“We are moving forward with a sense of urgency to ensure we are ready to deter and, if necessary, win,” said Frank Kendall, secretary of the Air Force and a 2024 Wash100 Award winner. He emphasized that the U.S. can no longer delay its military modernization.

Allvin said that in the future, the USAF needs to be able to operate in more contested environments at wider ranges, a transformation that calls for more agile force development and joint capabilities. He described this restructuring as a “different way of warfighting.”

USAF Leaders Gen. David Allvin & Frank Kendall Call for Urgent Military Optimization“It’s really about adapting our institution to be able to be more conducive for the environment, which is more fast paced, rapid, where opportunities come and go faster,” he said.

One way the DOD is shaping the future of the U.S. military is through the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity between DOD components and allies. Join us at the Potomac Officers Club’s Achieving Transformative Cooperation for National Defense Forum on March 14 for a deep dive into this major project. To learn more and register to attend the event, click here.

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Executive Mosaic Extolls Virtues of Amentum’s John Heller & SAIC’s Josh Jackson in 2024 Wash100 Profiles
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Executive Mosaic Extolls Virtues of Amentum’s John Heller & SAIC’s Josh Jackson in 2024 Wash100 Profiles

Amentum CEO John Heller and SAIC Executive Vice President Josh Jackson have been appointed to the 2024 Wash100 by Executive Mosaic. Two profiles published today in EM properties outlined these leaders’ achievements and the milestones that resulted in their inductions.

The Wash100 Award has been an annual tradition for the last 10 years and is among the very highest honors in the government contracting industry. It has recognized C-suite executives, military generals, technology innovators and more and is committed to enshrining the work of those who are at the apex of their career, or working their way toward that point; these winners will be the leaders of tomorrow.

After winners are announced in January, EM holds a popular vote contest amongst the recipients of the award. Cast 10 votes now for your favorite honorees!

Heller was awarded for the eighth time this year in commemoration of his efforts to grow and reimagine Amentum through M&A deals — such as its impending combination with Jacobs — and a series of sizable contract award wins from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the U.S. Navy and the Department of Energy. Learn about his impressive recent work in his GovCon Wire profile here.

Jackson earned his first Wash100 recognition this year due to his captainship of SAIC’s Army business unit, which is one of the five main segments that the company is newly focused around after its Q4 2023 reorganization. Jackson is a vocal proponent of counter unmanned aerial systems and of digital engineering and modeling to build those systems. Read about his tireless standout efforts in ExecutiveBiz here.

Executive Mosaic congratulates Heller and Jackson on this significant benchmark and toasts its glass to their continued success!

NVIDIA Hits $2T, Reflecting Major AI Boom in the US
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NVIDIA Hits $2T, Reflecting Major AI Boom in the US

Artificial intelligence company and chipmaker NVIDIA hit a stock market valuation of $2 trillion last week, marking a continuation of the AI market boom.

NVIDIA Hits $2T, Reflecting Major AI Boom in the US

What’s next for AI, and how will advancements impact the public and private sectors alike? Find out at the Potomac Officers Club’s 5th Annual AI Summit on March 21. Join us to hear insights from the Pentagon, the CIA, NGA, DARPA, DHS and other agencies leading the AI conversation. Register here.

“Accelerated computing and generative AI have hit the tipping point. Demand is surging worldwide across companies, industries and nations,” said NVIDIA CEO and Founder Jensen Huang.

The company reported a 126 percent jump in full-year revenue for fiscal year 2024 and a 22 percent jump from its third quarter revenue. Huang said he expects that the year ahead will “bring major new product cycles with exceptional innovations to help propel our industry forward.”

AI is taking hold beyond the private sector and into the U.S. federal government as AI shows promise in military applications. For example, the Pentagon is working on fielding thousands of autonomous unmanned systems as part of its Replicator program. And the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and AI Office recently released a new AI strategy guiding the DOD’s investment in and adoption of AI.

Stay updated on the latest developments, trends and initiatives in the AI space at POC’s 5th Annual AI Summit on March 21. Register here.

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton of the US Space Force Closes Keynote at the 2024 Space Summit
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Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton of the US Space Force Closes Keynote at the 2024 Space Summit

Lieutenant General Shawn Bratton is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience working in different service branches of the US Department of Defense (DoD). He is a vital member of the US Space Force, having been involved in missions encompassing cybersecurity, leadership, weapon development, and space operations.

 

Lt. Gen. Bratton’s distinguished career in the Space Force earned him a spot among the keynote speakers at the upcoming 2024 Space Summit by the Potomac Officers Club (POC). 

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton: Who is he?

 

Photo of Lieutenant Shawn Bratton
Photo by Eric Dietrich/ U.S. Air Force/ DVIDS

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton entered the US Air Force’s Space Command in March 2000. He began his career as a Staff Officer before venturing into another program in 2005. He returned to the Space Command in 2011 and took on various leadership roles. In January 2024, Lt. Gen. Bratton was named the Deputy Chief of Space Operations Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements (CSRO).

 

One of the highlights of Lt. Gen. Bratton’s career is becoming the first Space Force General Officer to hail from the Air National Guard. He enlisted in the Arizona Air National Guard in 1987, where he carried out tasks relevant to aircraft control and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.

 

In 2001, Lt. Gen. Bratton was deployed to Iraq during the Iraqi War. After the conflict ended, he commanded the 175th Cyberspace Operations Group. He served as the Advisor to the Director of Operations and was actively involved in contingency response, cyber mission force stand-up, air force communication structures, and space and cyberspace operations.

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton’s career in space operations was further bolstered when he led the creation of the Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), serving as its first commander in 2021.

 

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Bratton leverages his educational background to commit to his space operations responsibilities. The CSRO holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Master in National Security Policy Studies from the US Naval War College.

 

The lieutenant general also holds certification and programs such as National Security Policy Studies from George Washington University, Space and Tactics training from the United States Air Force Weapons School, and a Master’s Certificate Program from the Naval Postgraduate School.

 

Related article: NASA Names University Teams Selected to Conduct Aeronautical Research

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton’s Comprehensive Military Career Journey 

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton's Comprehensive Military Career Journey
Photo by 1st Lt. Gen. Charles Rivezzo/ STARCOM

 

Lieutenant Shawn Bratton’s experience in the military spans over 20 years. Outlined below is his military journey before becoming Deputy Chief at the US Space Command:

 

  • Deputy Director for Operations at the US Space, from August 2019
  • Deputy Director of Operations at the Joint Functional Space Component Command, from January 2019 to August 2019
  • Advisor to the Commander of the Air Force Space Command, from August 2017 to August 2019
  • Air National Guard Advisor to the Director of Operations at the Air Force Space Command, from July 2011 to April 2015
  • Advisor to the Commander of the 14th Air Force Squadron at the Air National Guard, from July 2007 to July 2010
  • Weapons and Tactics Officer at the Air National Guard, from July 2005 to July 2007
  • Staff Officer at the Air Force Space Command, from March 2000 to July 2005

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton: Closing Keynote at the 2024 Space Summit

 

2024 Space Summit banner

 

As a distinguished leader in the Space Force Command, Lieutenant Shawn Bratton was handpicked by the Potomac Officers Club to provide the closing keynote address at the 2024 Space Summit.

 

To be held on March 5, 2024, the 2024 Space Summit features the nation’s foremost experts and government leaders in space operations. They’ll discuss the future of space and the United States’ goals of harnessing the latest technologies to establish warfare advantage. In addition, the summit will shed light on the present and future capabilities that enable space exploration.

 

Lt. Gen. Bratton will be introduced by Robert Conrad, Vice President of Business Development at Kepler Communications. They will be joined by General Stephen Whiting, the opening keynote speaker, who will be introduced by David Sterling, CEO of Royce Geo. Register here to be part of the prestigious event.

 

You might also want to read: NorthStar Earth & Space To Support Saudi Space Industry Development

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton: A Space Leader Committed to Excellence

 

Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton: A Space Leader Committed to Excellence
Photo by tawatchai07/ Freepik

 

Lieutenant General Shawn Bratton has made significant contributions to enhancing cyber operations and space digital infrastructure.

 

One of his compelling works was the construction of digital systems that trained satellite operators and tested the performance of new hardware for STARCOM. Then-Major General Bratton highlighted that this digital infrastructure was a priority for enabling efficient training and testing.

 

“In space, you don’t have the ability to carve out a piece of real estate for testing and training purposes, so we had to think a little bit differently on how we do these activities to increase the readiness of the force but also be safe and professional in our operations in the space domain,” Lt. Gen. Bratton said during the Mitchell Institute forum on May 10, 2023.

 

On September 12, 2023, then Maj. Gen. Shawn Bratton was awarded the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) Jerome F. O’Malley Space Visionary Leadership Award. He was selected by the AFA as he exemplified the vision and passion to build the US Space Force, Space Command, and other relevant organizations dedicated to protecting the nation’s interests in space.

 

The 2024 Space Summit is one of the many prestigious events of the Potomac Officers Club. Click here to be an official POC member, get access to exclusive content, and meet other government contracting professionals.

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Dana Weigel to Succeed Joel Montalbano as ISS Program Manager
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Dana Weigel to Succeed Joel Montalbano as ISS Program Manager

Dana Weigel, deputy program manager of the International Space Station since April 2021, has been named program manager of the orbital laboratory, succeeding Joel Montalbano, who is transitioning to the role of deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate.

Weigel will assume her new role on April 7 and will be based at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where she will oversee the overall management, integration and operation of the 15-nation ISS program, NASA said Monday.

She has held various roles of increasing responsibility during her nearly two-decade career at NASA, including deputy chief of the Flight Director Office and Space Transportation Vehicle Division and overall lead for space station flight directors.

Montalbano took on the responsibilities of the ISS program manager in 2020 after serving as the orbital space station’s deputy program manager for eight years. He served as a NASA flight director from 2000 to 2008.

“NASA will continue to benefit from their human spaceflight knowledge as we maintain our unique capabilities in orbit and prepare for the future of the agency’s operations in space,” said Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for space operations at NASA.

POC - 2024 Space Summit

The Potomac Officers Club will host the 2024 Space Summit on March 5 to discuss how new technologies, commercial investments and adversarial threats are shaping the future of space. Click here to register!

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NIST Unveils Cybersecurity Framework 2.0; Laurie Locascio Quoted
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NIST Unveils Cybersecurity Framework 2.0; Laurie Locascio Quoted

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released the final updated version of its Cybersecurity Framework designed to help organizations manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 supports the National Cybersecurity Strategy’s implementation and has a new governance component that highlights the need for organizations to make and execute informed decisions on cybersecurity strategy.

The governance component is in addition to the five original main functions of the framework: identify, protect, detect, respond and recover.

Laurie Locascio, director of NIST and under secretary of Commerce for standards and technology, said the framework has been a key tool that helps organizations anticipate and manage cybersecurity threats.

“CSF 2.0, which builds on previous versions, is not just about one document. It is about a suite of resources that can be customized and used individually or in combination over time as an organization’s cybersecurity needs change and its capabilities evolve,” Locascio added.

In August, NIST opened the draft of the revised framework for public comment. The framework was first released in 2014.

The latest edition comes with a new reference tool to allow users to search and export data from the framework’s core guidance in machine-readable and human-consumable formats as well as a searchable catalog of informative references.

POC - 2024 Cyber Summit

Register here to attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Cyber Summit on June 6 and hear cyber experts, government and industry leaders discuss the latest trends and the dynamic role of cyber in the public sector.

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New Research Coordinating Network Reflects DOE, NSF Effort to Cultivate Privacy-enhancing Technologies
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New Research Coordinating Network Reflects DOE, NSF Effort to Cultivate Privacy-enhancing Technologies

The Department of Energy collaborated with the National Science Foundation to create a network supporting research, development and production of privacy-enhancing technologies.

The Research Coordination Network is part of the U.S. government’s actions under the executive order on responsible and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence, NSF said Monday.

RCN will primarily address regulatory and other obstacles hindering the adoption of PETs, which are data analytics tools that preserve information privacy.

The Future of Privacy Forum Education and Innovation Foundation will lead the network’s initiatives including gathering industry, academic and government experts to study the use cases and risks of PET deployment, particularly in agencies that use AI and machine learning.

The network “will help us move toward the shared goal of establishing new standards for data safety and security that will allow us to continue to develop the innovations and scientific discoveries we need to achieve our clean energy and industrial goals,” remarked Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, director of DOE’s Office of Science.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 5th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit is on March 21 and registration is still open. Join the conversation on the future of AI in federal contracting and the public sector in general.

POC - 5th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit
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Patricia Stolz Named DASA DE&C Chief Data Officer
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Patricia Stolz Named DASA DE&C Chief Data Officer

Patricia Stolz, formerly senior strategist at the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation, has been appointed as the office’s new chief data officer, according to a LinkedIn post published Monday.

In her new role, Stolz oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive data strategy to streamline processes and optimize foreign military sales cases.

She also works with a team across the Army Security Assistance Enterprise to build a data governance framework to ensure data quality, security and accessibility across the service branch.

Before joining DASA DE&C, Stolz was a cyber policy adviser at the Office of the Secretary of Defense where she helped defense officials identify opportunities to build bilateral relations within the Western Hemisphere and Africa.

She also served as deputy for the Enhance Partner Capability Division in U.S. Africa Command’s Strategy, Engagement and Programs Directorate and as branch chief for U.S. Southern Command’s Theater Security Cooperation Management Information System team.

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