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DIU, Naval Postgraduate School Partner to Advance Defense Research, Education & Innovation
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DIU, Naval Postgraduate School Partner to Advance Defense Research, Education & Innovation

The Defense Innovation Unit and the Naval Postgraduate School have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate defense education, research and prototyping through staff exchanges, collaborative experimentation projects at the Naval Innovation Center within NPS and student fellowships at DIU.

DIU said Tuesday it will also work with NPS to advance the adoption of commercial dual-use technology platforms and deliver critical tech capabilities to the fleet and the joint force.

“DIU partners with many Silicon Valley organizations, from tech icons to start-ups as well as universities, and NPS is a natural fit given its defense focus,” said DIU Director Doug Beck.

“Through this partnership we will connect companies with NPS talent and technology leaders, providing a catalyst for their learning and applied research to deliver innovative solutions for the joint force,” added Beck.

Beck signed the MOU with Ann Rondeau, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral and president of NPS.

Rondeau said NPS provides a venue for students to test new ideas with industry partners and serves as an innovation hub to transition research concepts into prototype capabilities and applications.

“This new partnership with DIU will greatly enhance the impact our students can have on the fleet and force through expanded collaborations and greater access to emerging technologies,” she added.

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NASA Releases Strategy to Ensure Sustainability of Space Operational Environment
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NASA Releases Strategy to Ensure Sustainability of Space Operational Environment

NASA has released the first volume of its Space Sustainability Strategy, which aims to integrate—with the help of a new director of space sustainability—the efforts that the agency’s various components have developed to ensure that the space operating environment is preserved to benefit future generations.

NASA said Tuesday that the first volume of the strategy focuses on Earth orbit while future volumes will focus on three other operational domains under the agency’s space sustainability paradigm, namely Earth, cislunar space and deep space.

The strategy was necessitated by emerging commercial space capabilities, which have resulted in growing spacecraft congestion and increased space debris.

According to NASA Deputy Administrator and 2023 Wash100 awardee Pam Melroy, “If we want to make sure that critical parts of space are preserved so that our children and grandchildren can continue to use them for the benefit of humanity, the time to act is now.”

Regarding the release of the strategy, Melroy said, “NASA is making sure that we’re aligning our resources to support sustainable activity for us and for all.”

The strategy was developed with the help of a cross-agency advisory board.

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Technology Modernization Fund Announces Investments in NASA, Labor Department
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Technology Modernization Fund Announces Investments in NASA, Labor Department

The Technology Modernization Fund will help NASA drive network cybersecurity and performance improvements in support of agency missions and overall information technology infrastructure.

TMF will invest in NASA to counter threats to its IT infrastructure, which has significant security risks considering its role in facilitating partnerships with international space agencies and researchers worldwide as well as the value of its data, the General Services Administration said Tuesday.

“NASA’s IT infrastructure plays a critical role in every aspect of NASA’s mission, from enabling collaboration to controlling spacecraft to processing scientific data. Therefore, protecting and effectively evolving NASA’s information technology infrastructure remains a top agency priority,” said Jeff Seaton, the space agency’s chief information officer. “This TMF funding will help the agency to accelerate critical cybersecurity and operational upgrades two years earlier than originally planned.”

Aside from NASA, Technology Modernization Board-led TMF will also invest in the Department of Labor to support its efforts to streamline the delivery of injured worker assistance. The funding would help the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs replace the outdated Integrated Federal Employee Compensation System, or iFECS.

Hear insights from other featured government CIOs and industry leaders at the Potomac Officers Club’s 5th Annual CIO Summit on April 17. Register here for the in-person event at Hilton Alexandria Mark Center.

POC - 5th Annual CIO Summit
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NSA Releases Guidance for Advancing Zero Trust Maturity Throughout the Data Pillar; Dave Luber Quoted
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NSA Releases Guidance for Advancing Zero Trust Maturity Throughout the Data Pillar; Dave Luber Quoted

The National Security Agency has issued a cybersecurity information sheet outlining recommendations for maturing data security and enforcing access to data in transit and at rest.

The CIS Advancing Zero Trust Maturity Throughout the Data Pillar seeks to ensure that only people with authorization can have data access and tackles how the capabilities could integrate into a comprehensive framework for zero trust, NSA said Tuesday.

“Assuming that breaches will occur, implementing the pillars of the Zero Trust Framework is how we combat that activity,” said Dave Luber, director of cybersecurity at NSA.

“Data pillar capabilities verify all access to data — one of the key foundational elements for building improved cybersecurity — thereby reducing the impact of breaches and enabling earlier detection of even advanced malicious cyber actor activities,” added Luber.

The NSA guidance lists seven data pillar capabilities and aligns them to zero trust maturity levels: preparation, basic, intermediate and advanced phases.

The capabilities are data catalog risk alignment; enterprise data governance; data labeling and tagging; data monitoring and sensing; data encryption and rights management; data loss prevention; and data access control.

The data monitoring and sensing capability, for instance, highlights the role of security information and event management tools in helping data owners collect and analyze security data from information systems through a single interface.

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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Department of the Air Force Names Chandra Donelson as Acting Chief Data & AI Officer
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Department of the Air Force Names Chandra Donelson as Acting Chief Data & AI Officer

Chandra Donelson, a data governance leader, has taken on the role of acting chief data and artificial intelligence officer at the Department of the Air Force.

The DAF Office of the Chief Information Officer announced the appointment in a LinkedIn post published Tuesday.

In this capacity, she will oversee the development and implementation of departmentwide strategies for ethical and responsible AI, enterprise data management, digital transformation and analytics to drive innovation in support of DAF’s missions and operations.

Donelson, a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, will continue to serve as space data and AI officer within the U.S. Space Force, where she is responsible for the development and enforcement of AI, data and analytics strategies and governance policies.

She is former deputy chief data officer for the Army G-2 and currently supports U.S. Central Command as a data manager.

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Gen. B. Chance Saltzman Underscores Crucial Role of Space Force During Senate Budget Hearing
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Gen. B. Chance Saltzman Underscores Crucial Role of Space Force During Senate Budget Hearing

U.S. Space Force Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, the chief of space operations, explained during a Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on April 9 that his branch’s budget request aims to “build, train, and equip the forces” that would carry out the work of “preserving freedom of action in space while deterring and denying adversarial objectives.”

The hearing was convened to provide officials of the Air Force, including Saltzman, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, a venue to discuss the $217.5 billion budget the department is requesting for fiscal year 2025, the Air Force website reported Tuesday.

Saltzman, a 2024 Wash100 awardee, noted that although the Space Force represents only 3 percent of the total defense budget, it nevertheless “offers a tremendous value proposition to the nation” because “[every] dollar invested in space brings asymmetric returns” while “every dollar cut creates asymmetric risk.”

According to the CSO, the largest portion of the Space Force budget is meant to be invested in ensuring the resiliency of positioning, navigation and timing; satellite communications; and missile warning and tracking.

Saltzman also underscored the importance of space superiority, for which a quarter of the Space Force budget is dedicated.

For Saltzman, space superiority is key in a conflict with a near-peer adversary.

“Without it, we cannot deter conflict. Without it, we cannot provide vital effects. Without it, we cannot protect the joint force,” Saltzman said.

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IRS to Launch Solicitation for Digital Support Services
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IRS to Launch Solicitation for Digital Support Services

The Internal Revenue Service plans to make multiple-award blanket purchase agreements that it will use to procure digital support services for improved taxpayer online experience.

According to a draft request for quote notice posted on SAM.gov, the combined cumulative volume of purchases for all agreement holders will potentially reach $800 million over the life of the BPAs.

New products or capabilities anticipated to be included in the Digital Services Program are individual online account, tax professional account and business tax account, digital transformation, integrated customer communication environment, enterprise digital communication platform integration and other modernization programs for digitalization. The program was initially launched to provide modern, online and mobile products with increasingly robust capabilities such as tax account status, payment functionality and on-demand self-service.

Once awarded, the BPA contract is expected to have one twelve-month base and four twelve-month option years. For task order level awards, the performance period may extend beyond one year based on the requirements.

Responses to the draft RFQ are due April 16.

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New DOD Advisory Group to Oversee Capability Delivery Processes; Cyrus Jabbari Quoted
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New DOD Advisory Group to Oversee Capability Delivery Processes; Cyrus Jabbari Quoted

The Department of Defense has established a new advisory group to supervise the delivery of capabilities to the field.

Stood up by Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu, a 2024 Wash100 Award winner, the Transition Tracking Action Group will use data analytics to evaluate and enhance DOD business processes, the department said Wednesday.

DOD R&E Chief Data Officer Cyrus Jabbari, who will serve as chair of the unit, noted that limited visibility “impedes efficiency and delivery of the best capabilities for troops and the Joint Force.”

“Our goal is to help the Department of Defense connect data systems to create a common operating picture, which will help deliver the right capability to the Joint Force,” Jabbari said.

The TTAG will use data analytics tools infused with artificial intelligence and machine learning to carry out its function. By harnessing these technologies, the group will get a detailed overview of DOD business practices and identify areas in which modifications are necessary.

More specifically, TTAG will determine policy updates and data source revisions for tracking technology transitions; conduct research and analysis to map data relationships across the R&E lifecycle; and deal with priority tracking issues as mandated by members or higher authority.

Three major objectives — identifying opportunities and barriers in tracking technology transitions, employing data to monitor these transitions and developing requisite processes and policies — will guide TTAG’s work.

“This initiative will not only facilitate the delivery of the right capabilities to the Joint Force but also ensure efficient stewardship of taxpayer funds,” Jabbari added.

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Kepler-Led Team to Develop LEO Communications Network; Mina Mitry Quoted
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Kepler-Led Team to Develop LEO Communications Network; Mina Mitry Quoted

Kepler Communications has joined forces with TESAT-Spacecom and Airbus Defence and Space to create a high-bandwidth optical communications network in low Earth orbit.

Through the Kepler-led effort, the organizations intend to explore new opportunities, including the European Space Agency’s High Throughput Optical Network initiative, known as HydRON, Kepler announced from Toronto, Ontario on Wednesday.

“This collaboration enables the development of terabit-per-second data relay in space, with a state-of-the-art optical network architecture that gives European and Canadian forces secure access to spacecraft data with sub-second latency,” explained Mina Mitry, CEO and co-founder of Kepler.

He said the company’s mission to build out the Internet in space aligns with HydRON’s goal to “demonstrate Fibre in the sky,’” or bring Internet connectivity to the domain.

As the team lead, Kepler will provide expertise in spacecraft constellation design, manufacturing and operation. The enterprise will also support the project using technologies it is developing for its LEO optical data relay network.

TESAT will offer specialization in space optical and network payload development, and Airbus will contribute an understanding of operational and system engineering while enabling access to optical ground stations.

EPA, GSA Direct Custodial Contractors to Use PFAS-Free Cleaning Products
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EPA, GSA Direct Custodial Contractors to Use PFAS-Free Cleaning Products

The Environmental Protection Agency and the General Services Administration are requiring government contractors to prioritize the purchase of sustainable products for federal buildings that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals.”

The requirement will cover GSA’s more than 600 custodial services contracts in accordance with President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan, which directs agencies to prioritize the procurement of PFAS-free products, EPA said Monday.

Under the directive, federal contractors are required to use cleaning products certified to ecolabels such as EPA’s Safer Choice certification, which certifies ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.

Contractors must also prioritize cleaners and hand soaps with Green Seal GS-37, Green Seal GS-41, or Green Seal GS-53 certifications.

“Changing the requirements in our contracts is a way to answer President Biden’s call for the federal government to lead by example in buying sustainable products and services,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan.

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