DOE Distributes $61M in SBIR, STTR Phase II Grants for Renewable Energy Projects
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DOE Distributes $61M in SBIR, STTR Phase II Grants for Renewable Energy Projects

The Department of Energy is financing 50 projects led by small businesses across 17 states with $61 million in grants to support clean energy generation and storage research and development.

The awards are given through DOE’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs and will focus on Phase II studies, the agency announced Tuesday.

DOE’s Office of Science chose projects that specialized in advanced materials and scientific instruments as well as renewable power conversion and storage.

The recipients of the grants include quantum computing developer ColdQuanta, Amethyst Research, Metrolaser, Robot Nose Corp., Amsen Technologies, Innosys and CapeSym.

Their proposals promise innovations such as a holographic microscope for studying microparticles in plants to improve their health and productivity, cost-effective production processes for polymer-based refractive X–ray optics and reinforced anion exchange membranes for solar and hydrogen power generators.

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NSA Cybersecurity Director Rob Joyce to Retire by End of March
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NSA Cybersecurity Director Rob Joyce to Retire by End of March

Rob Joyce, director of cybersecurity at the National Security Agency and a two-time Wash100 awardee, will retire from NSA after 34 years of service.

He will step down as head of the Cybersecurity Directorate, or CSD, and deputy national manager for national security systems by the end of March, NSA said Tuesday.

Joyce joined the directorate in 2021 after serving as NSA’s top cryptologic representative in the U.K.

His previous positions include special assistant to the president within the National Security Council, cybersecurity coordinator at the White House, acting homeland security adviser and head of the Tailored Access Operations at NSA.

David Luber, deputy director of NSA’s Cybersecurity Directorate, will succeed Joyce as head of CSD.

Luber, who has been with NSA for over three decades, previously served as executive director for U.S. Cyber Command.

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Cubic Awarded Navy Contract for KnightLink Systems Procurement
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Cubic Awarded Navy Contract for KnightLink Systems Procurement

Cubic‘s defense business has secured a $41.7 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from the U.S. Navy to equip the Naval Air Systems Command’s MH-60 Sierra helicopter fleet with KnightLink full motion video system.

The company said Tuesday the KnightLink software is designed to support operational, flight test, laboratory aid and maintenance activities while its hardware comprises weapons replaceable assemblies and applicable cabling.

Cubic Defense will also deliver additional hardware, interim sparing and peculiar ground support equipment to NAVAIR to support KnightLink’s deployment. The move is aimed at enhancing operations and fleet operability.

According to a Department of Defense release, 72 percent of contract work will be conducted at the company’s Huntsville, Alabama-based facility and deliveries are expected to wrap up by September 2025.

“The KnightLink system for the MH-60S is a testament to the continued success of our low-rate production program and how the system enables mission capability at the highest level, thanks to robust hardware advancements that provide improved FMV acquisition and dissemination,” said Russ Marsh, vice president and general manager of secure communications at Cubic Defense.

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House Establishes Bipartisan AI Task Force
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House Establishes Bipartisan AI Task Force

The House has formed a bipartisan task force that will explore how Congress can help the U.S. maintain its innovative edge in the field of artificial intelligence while advancing guardrails that could help protect the country from emerging and current threats.

The new Task Force on Artificial Intelligence will be led by Reps. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and will come up with a report detailing recommendations, guiding principles and bipartisan policy proposals.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement published Tuesday the task force will be composed of members who represent key committees of jurisdiction and have AI expertise.

“As we look to the future, Congress must continue to encourage innovation and maintain our country’s competitive edge, protect our national security, and carefully consider what guardrails may be needed to ensure the development of safe and trustworthy technology,” the speaker added.

Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., each named 12 members to the recently formed AI task force.

POC - 5th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit

Register here to attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 5th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 21 and hear federal leaders and industry experts discuss the latest developments in the field.

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DSA Appoints 3 Execs to New Roles
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DSA Appoints 3 Execs to New Roles

Data Systems Analysts has elevated three leaders to new positions.

These internal promotions were granted to Amy Fares, Mike Emerle and John Somplasky, DSA told ExecutiveGov on Wednesday.

“The contributions of these individuals have made a significant impact to innovation and growth of the company. Their commitment to DSA’s success is a reflection of their strong leadership,” said DSA Chairman and CEO Fran Pierce.

Fares previously served as a program director at the company, a role in which she oversaw several contracts and task orders surrounding cybersecurity, network engineering, software engineering and more. In her new position as vice president of federal civilian and state government agencies, she will supervise programs focused on cloud, intelligent analytics, digital modernization, cybersecurity and systems engineering. She will also join DSA’s Business Leadership Council.

As DSA’s vice president of finance and accounting, Emerle leads operations related to financial systems, accounting, government accounting, pricing, cash management and audits. With these leadership changes, he will enter the company’s Business Leadership Council. Emerle has been with DSA for nearly a decade, and before joining the organization, he spent 16 years at Lockheed Martin.

Somplasky is in charge of DSA’s cybersecurity program, Information Security Management System, Quality Management System and external ISO and CMMI certifications in his role as chief information security officer and vice president of quality and performance excellence. He has been with the company for over eight years, and his promotion will bring him into DSA’s business development council.

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Accenture Federal Services’ John Goodman & SPACECOM’s Gen. Stephen Whiting Honored With 2024 Wash100 Award
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Accenture Federal Services’ John Goodman & SPACECOM’s Gen. Stephen Whiting Honored With 2024 Wash100 Award

Executive Mosaic has enshrined the noteworthy government contracting efforts of Accenture Federal Services CEO John Goodman and U.S. Space Command chief Gen. Stephen Whiting in two extensive profiles detailing their achievements.

Both leaders — shining examples of private and public sector success, respectively — have been selected to the Wash100, EM’s annual compilation of GovCon’s best and brightest. The award singles out those who have done great things for the American mission and who promise to top themselves in the year to come.

Every year, EM also holds a popular vote contest once the winners are announced. Cast 10 votes today to have your say in who’s crowned the most beloved GovCon industry member at the end of April!

Goodman’s 2024 recognition is his seventh overall Wash100. His award-worthy track record over the last year at Accenture Federal includes a partnership with Google, developments in generative AI and cyber modernization efforts, all for the benefit of the government. Read Goodman’s full profile at GovCon Wire here.

Gen. Whiting is a fresh face in the Wash100 and was recently appointed to his commander post at SPACECOM. However, he has steadily built a superb catalog of work over the last several years, executing a successful tenure as the first head of Space Operations Command and just last year standing up an operational watch unit at the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center dedicated to partnership with industry. Read about why Gen. Whiting is a leader of the future at ExecutiveBiz here.

Gen. Whiting will be a keynote speaker at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Space Summit, an exclusive opportunity for the GovCon industry filled with priceless networking moments and inspiring insights from speakers on the space domain. Register here for the March 5 event now!

Cheers to these great men’s accomplishments and congratulations to the teams at Accenture Federal Services and U.S. Space Command who made their wins possible.

Accenture Federal Services’ John Goodman & SPACECOM’s Gen. Stephen Whiting Honored With 2024 Wash100 Award
Schuyler Moore: The Road to Innovation of USCENTCOM’s First-Ever Chief Technology Officer
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Schuyler Moore: The Road to Innovation of USCENTCOM’s First-Ever Chief Technology Officer

Schuyler Moore drives the innovation culture of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) as its first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Since coming into office in October 2022, she has been responsible for implementing new technologies, developing AI-based solutions, and driving innovation across the organization.

 

Boasting a remarkable resume with her inclusion in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2021, CENTCOM’s Chief Technology Officer has been slated to receive prestigious awards, such as Wash100; it’s only a matter of when. Finally, in 2024, Moore received her first-ever Wash100 award, joining the distinguished list of top decision-makers in their respective fields.

 

This article unveils Schuyler Moore’s road to innovative leadership and career progression into her current role as CENTCOM’s CTO.

 

Getting to Know Schuyler Moore

 

Schuyler Moore speaking on a press briefing discussing AI and UAS (Washington, D.C)
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza/ U.S. Navy/ DVIDS/ Public Domain

 

Schuyler Moore has a comprehensive profile spanning defense, technology, aerospace, and data integration. In her early twenties, she was a teaching fellow at Harvard University, the institution where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government in 2015. She left this career for a year to teach children in Afghanistan.

 

After completing university, Schuyler Moore joined Renaissance Strategic Advisors, an aerospace and consulting firm. She held the role of Senior Analyst, where she was mainly responsible for defense budget forecasting, new technologies, and emerging markets. This experience has advanced Moore’s subject matter expertise in defense technology.

 

In 2020, Moore earned a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Georgetown University, with a focus on technology and security. A year later, she was named among Forbes 30 Under 30, which further validated her contributions to the technology field.

 

Combining Schuyler Moore’s early exposure to global affairs with his academic background has seasoned her to become deeply involved in various government functions.

 

Schuyler Moore: Starting a career in the Department of Defense

 

Before starting her professional career, Schuyler Moore has built an array of credentials in the federal defense landscape. Upon joining the Department of Defense (DoD) in February 2019, she skillfully took over and quickly accelerated various projects of the Defense Innovation Board (DIB) as the Project Lead.

 

Banner of the Achieving Transformative Cooperation for National Defense Forum

 

In that same year, Moore’s report about 5G technologies was showcased to the White House and Congress. This has been a step forward in her career and a huge leap to the military applications of AI, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. In 2020, Schuyler Moore was promoted to the Director of Science and Technology for the DIB.

 

After two years in the DIB, Schuyler Moore assumed the role of Senior Defense & Foreign Policy Advisor at the U.S. House of Representatives. She was part of the Armed Services Committee, where she wrote tech legislation for AI adoption and funding. 

 

Before becoming USCENTCOM’s CTO, Schuyler Moore was the Chief Strategy Officer for Task Force 59, where she was responsible for unmanned systems and AI integration into the fleet operations of the United States Naval Forces Central Command. She secured over $20 million in funding to develop 59 models of robotics and AI tools.

 

Furthermore, Schuyler Moore joined the United States Navy Reserve as an Intelligence Officer in February 2021.

 

Also read: The Complete List of The U.S Army Ranks Insignia

 

Becoming the First-Ever Chief Technology Officer of USCENTCOM

 

Boasting a distinguished background in defense technologies, Schuyler Moore was among the strongest nominees amid the U.S. Central Command hiring a technology executive. In line with her innovation-focused leadership, she is precisely what CENTCOM needed to command the innovation efforts and manage its technology efforts.

 

In October 2022, Schuyler Moore became the first-ever Chief Technology Officer at USCENTCOM. She is responsible for all innovation programs of the agency’s headquarters, components, and subordinate units.

 

“I am honored by the opportunity and look forward to helping drive the rapid integration of disruptive technology, generating new concepts of technology use, and growing the Culture of Innovation across USCENTCOM,” Schuyler Moore said as her new position as the CENTCOM’s CTO was officially announced.

 

“Miss Moore brings an impressive resumé as a Forbes “30 Under 30″ selectee for technology, an analyst in the aerospace technology industry, and a technology advisor in data integration and defense acquisition trends,” USCENTCOM spokesman Colonel Joe Buccino remarked.

 

Schuyler Moore: Securing her first Wash100 Award in 2024

 

CENTCOM CTO Schuyler Moore and U.S. Army Sgt. Mickey Reeves conduct a press briefing about UAS and AI (Washington, D.C.)
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza/ U.S. Navy/ DVIDS/ Public Domain

 

Schuyler Moore received her first-ever Wash100 recognition in 2024 for her monumental work transforming and modernizing the USCENTCOM. Over a short amount of time, she has created a formidable technological force that has taken the combatant command’s tech initiatives to new heights.

 

“Schuyler is leading CENTCOM’s monumental shift toward harnessing live data feeds for operations and decision advantage on the battlefield,” Executive Mosaic’s Chief Executive Officer and Wash100 Founder Jim Garrettson remarked. 

 

A few of her most notable contributions include the introduction of new training exercises for service members’ AI usage. These exercises, called Scarlet Dragon Oasis and Falcon Oasis, push back a static view of software and are highly responsive to user feedback.

 

“We welcome Schuyler to the elite Wash100 class in recognition of her achievements and innovation,” CEO Jim Garrettson added.

 

About Wash100

Wash100 Logo

 

Wash100 is a prestigious list of the top GovCon leaders in the U.S. federal and government contracting industries. The award was created by the lifelong friend of the industry, Jim Garrettson, in 2014 to recognize the significant contributions and impact of leading executives in the GovCon sector.

 

Read more: Who Are The US Allies: Understanding The Foreign Relations of the United States

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LANL Researchers Develop AI-Based Malware Classification Technique
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LANL Researchers Develop AI-Based Malware Classification Technique

A team of researchers from the Los Alamos National Laboratory has introduced a new Microsoft Windows malware classification technique that uses artificial intelligence to identify novel malware families.

The method uses semi-supervised tensor decomposition methods and selected classification techniques, including a reject option, to enable cyber defense teams to classify malware families under conditions of class imbalance, LANL said Friday.

“The reject option is the model’s ability to say, ‘I do not know,’ instead of making a wrong decision, giving the model the knowledge discovery capability,” explained Maksim Eren, a scientist in advanced research in cyber systems at LANL.

With the reject option, security analysts can abstain predictions and gain confidence to apply the techniques to practical situations like novel threat detection.

“To the best of our knowledge, our paper sets a new world record by simultaneously classifying an unprecedented number of malware families, surpassing prior work by a factor of 29, in addition to operating under extremely difficult real-world conditions of limited data, extreme class-imbalance and with the presence of novel malware families,” Eren said.

POC - 5th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit

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DOD Releases Video to Help Public Provide Comments on Proposed CMMC Rule
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DOD Releases Video to Help Public Provide Comments on Proposed CMMC Rule

The Department of Defense is calling for public input regarding a proposed rule for the implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program and has released a video to help with the effort.

The DOD said Thursday that the video tackles “the nuances, complexities and importance” of the proposed rule to help interested parties, including those from the defense industrial base, prepare their feedback, which must be submitted by Feb. 26 at the latest.

The final version of the rule will be informed by the feedback received.

DOD Principal Director for Cybersecurity Gurpreet Bhatia underscored the value of the comments to be provided by the public, saying that clearly articulated perspectives would allow the Defense Department to address key concerns in the rule’s final iteration.

Bhatia also emphasized the agency’s commitment to implementing CMMC due to the importance of protecting controlled unclassified information or federal contract information held by defense contractors, which continue to be targeted by malicious actors that seek to exfiltrate data.

Bhatia noted that although defense companies are contractually obligated to enforce government-mandated cybersecurity measures and regulations, actual implementation remains slow.

The Pentagon official said CMMC will help contractors comply with regulations and allow the DOD to identify who is and isn’t working toward alignment.

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FCC Proposes In-Space Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing Licensing Framework; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted
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FCC Proposes In-Space Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing Licensing Framework; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a framework for licensing activities related to in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing — or ISAM — operations as part of its Space Innovation Agenda.

FCC introduced the framework by issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking on Friday.

According to the commission, ISAM activities have the potential to advance space exploration and communications and support national security.

In August 2022, the commission opened a proceeding on licensing requirements related to ISAM activities.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said ISAM capabilities could help broaden connectivity, protect national security, address climate change and support human life on the lunar surface.

“That is why today we are proposing a new framework to license ISAM space stations and ensure they have access to the communications necessary for their effective use,” Rosenworcel remarked. “We have developed common sense, flexible rules that provide ISAM operators a clear path forward for their applications for novel use cases so they can develop new services in our skies.”

POC - 2024 Space Summit

Hear government leaders, space experts and industry executives discuss the latest space technologies, commercial investments and urgent issues facing the space domain at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Space Summit on March 5. Register here.

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