DOD Releases Updated Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction; Lloyd Austin Quoted
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DOD Releases Updated Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction; Lloyd Austin Quoted

The Department of Defense has released the unclassified version of its updated strategy outlining its strategic approach to countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction globally.

The 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction details how the Pentagon will align its authorities, operations, partnerships and investments based on current and emerging CWMD challenges and threats, DOD said Thursday.

It focuses on four priorities: defend the homeland from WMD attacks; deter the use of WMD against the U.S. and its allies; enable the joint force to prevail in the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear environment; and prevent new WMD threats.

“This Strategy reinforces other guidance provided in the Nuclear Posture Review, the Missile Defense Review, and the Biodefense Posture Review by clarifying the role of the CWMD mission within the Department’s overall approach to integrated deterrence and conflict,” said Lloyd Austin, secretary of defense and a three-time Wash100 awardee.

The CWMD Strategy designates China as a pacing challenge, Russia as an acute threat and North Korea and Iran as persistent threats.

The document is the first update to DOD’s WMD strategy since 2014.

Visionary CFOs Driving Financial Success in 2023
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Visionary CFOs Driving Financial Success in 2023

In every organization, the finance department plays a crucial role, encompassing vital aspects such as sales, operating income, revenue, net profit, net loss, and other various finance-related metrics. Central to the smooth functioning of finance operations is the Chief Financial Officer, a senior executive role responsible for overseeing and managing all financial activities within an enterprise.

 

What does a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) do?

What does a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) do?
Image from alphaspirit.it/shutterstock.com

As a key top-level executive, the Chief Financial Officer assumes a vital role in managing the financial affairs of a company. This includes a range of responsibilities such as cash flow management, financial management, treasury, controllership, accounting, financial reporting, and more. The CFO’s position is critical in ensuring the implementation and adherence to revenue-generating practices.

 

Here’s a curated list of the most influential Chief Financial Officers in the federal contracting space. Stay ahead of the game with these industry leaders.

 

CFOs Driving Financial Success in 2023

Note: The following list of the most influential Chief Financial Officers is ranked in no particular order. The selection criteria are based on a variety of factors, including experience, accomplishments, and overall industry impact. That said, while they are highly regarded in the industry, plenty of other CFOs are exceptional and influential.

 

Clay Hale, Chief Financial Officer for Government Solutions at KBR, Inc.

Clay Hale, Chief Financial Officer for Government Solutions at KBR, Inc.
Image from LinkedIn

Clay Hale has demonstrated his expertise as the Chief Financial Officer for Government Solutions for the U.S. at KBR, Inc.. Startin his tenure in August 2018, he focuses on operational efficiency, he leads a global team specializing in government contracting, international operations, manufacturing, project solutions, and service businesses.

 

Mr. Hale’s impressive career spans over 26 years at Siemens, where he held various positions across different subsidiaries and units. He initially joined Siemens Industry USA as the Manager of Financial Reporting for the Industrial Products Division in July 1994. His leadership journey culminated as the Senior Vice President and CFO at Siemens Government Technologies from April 2012 to August 2020.

 

Beginning his career as an Accountant at Price Waterhouse from 1985 to 1988, Mr. Hale built a strong foundation in financial services and management. Subsequently, he served as a Plant Controller at AVX Corporation from 1988 to 1993, further expanding his expertise. 

 

KBR Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer for Government Solutions Roles and Responsibilities

The Chief Financial Officer for Government Solutions handles all financial aspects of the government-focused sector of KBR, Inc. The elected executive plays a crucial role in driving KBR’s financial performance in science, technology, and engineering operations for the U.S. government.

 

About KBR, Inc.

With a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1901, KBR, Inc. has evolved into a dynamic science and technology company. It boasts a broad range of capabilities in the aerospace, defense, industrial, and intelligence sectors. Throughout its existence, the company has played an integral role in the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, including technologies that have reached the realms of Earth’s orbit and beyond. 

 

Lauren Johns, Senior Vice President of Finance & Treasurer at Presidio Federal

Lauren Johns, Senior Vice President of Finance & Treasurer at Presidio Federal
Image from LinkedIn

Drawing upon more than two decades of experience in various financial leadership responsibilities, Lauren Johns stands out as a strategic leader with a proven track record in both large financial institutions and the public sector. Since September 2021, she has held the position of Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer at Presidio Federal.

 

With a comprehensive skill set encompassing audit, accounting, finance, and strategic leadership, Ms. Johns brings valuable expertise to her role. Earlier in her career, she honed her skills as a Senior Auditor at MHM Mahoney Cohen for nearly five years and as a Senior Internal Auditor at Lafarge for over a year. 

 

Before joining Presidio Federal, Ms. Johns was the Senior Director of Finance at Vulnerability Research Labs for over five years. Her diverse backgrounds have fostered her adaptability and positioned her as a respected mentor, making her one of the most influential chief financial officers in the field.

 

Presidio Federal’s Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer Roles and Responsibilities

Presidio Federal’s Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer handles treasury management, accounting, audit operations, and other key commerce-related functions within the government contracting powerhouse. She creates strategic financial partnerships with the government through mission-oriented, credentialed, and consultative capabilities.

 

About Presidio Federal

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Presidio, Presidio Federal focuses solely on contracting with the U.S. federal government. The company works with small to large-sized government contractors to provide class-leading solutions for the toughest challenges of government agencies and federal customers.

 

Randy Rehovich, Chief Financial Officer for Services at Maxar Technologies

Randy Rehovich, Chief Financial Officer for Services at Maxar Technologies
Image from LinkedIn

Randy Rehovich has established an impressive career in senior management and executive leadership roles within the financial field. His proven track record has earned him recognition as one of the most influential chief financial officers, solidifying his role as the highest-ranking finance executive at Maxar Technologies.

 

Mr. Rehovich’s professional journey began as a Senior Accountant and Assistant Controller at DynCorp. In 1996, he joined USIS as the Corporate Accounting Manager and held increasing responsibilities across various segments of the company. Ultimately, he served as the Vice President of Operations for nearly two years.

 

Following his successful 12-year tenure at USIS, Mr. Rehovich assumed finance leadership positions for various companies such as L-1 Identity Solutions, Intelligence Waves, and The Radiant Group. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors at Warrior’s Ethos from 2013 to 2014.

 

Maxar Technologies’ Chief Financial Officer for Services Roles and Responsibilities

Maxar Technologies’ Chief Financial Officer for Services assumes a broad scope of responsibilities for finance, mergers and acquisitions, government contracting, and strategic planning. He officially took on the role in October 2017 upon Maxar Technologies’ acquisition of Digital Globe and The Radiant Group.

 

About Maxar Technologies

Space and technology company Maxar Technologies specializes in space infrastructure, geospatial intelligence, national security, and advanced equipment. The company partners with various governments and businesses to unlock the promise of space, keep troops safe, and solve problems on Earth and beyond.

 

Katy Nierman, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Siemens Government Technologies

Katy Nierman, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Siemens Government Technologies
Image from LinkedIn

As the Chief Financial Officer at Siemens Government Technologies, Katy Nierman brings a wealth of accounting and leadership capabilities to her role. Since assuming the position in October 2022, she has led all the financial aspects of Siemens’ affiliated technology arm, driving its financial success.

 

Ms. Nierman’s tenure at Siemens spans a significant period, during which she has honed her skills in accounting, financial analysis, project management, and more. She started working as a part of the Financial Management Training Program. She held increasing responsibilities until 2011, when she ventured outside Siemens to serve as the President and Chief Operating Officer at Nierman Practice Management.

 

In February 2017, Ms. Nierman returned to Siemens, assuming the role of Director of Finance and Business Administration. After four years, she became the Head of  Finance for Digital Solutions at Siemens Government Technologies.

 

Siemens Government Technologies’ Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Roles and Responsibilities

As the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Katy Nierman manages all financial functions within the organization. The responsibilities encompass leading and directing teams dedicated to forecasting, planning, and financial structures. She supports the financial needs of various teams for their infrastructure projects, automation activities, and software delivery.

 

About Siemens Government Technologies

Renowned provider of innovative solutions Siemens Government Technologies (SGT), aims to achieve successful mission outcomes for the federal government. The company is committed to meeting the highest standards in areas such as smart infrastructure, energy generation, digitalization for defense, and modernization of technologies.

 

Wilson Wang, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer at MITRE

Wilson Wang, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer at MITRE
Image from MITRE 

Wilson Wang‘s extensive experience has propelled him to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer. With a remarkable tenure of over ten years at the organization, he has established himself as one of the most influential Chief Financial Officers in the government contracting industry.

 

Mr. Wang’s career journey began in 2003 as an Accountant at Lockheed Martin, where he gained valuable insights and expertise. He further expanded his skill set by serving as a Consultant at BearingPoint for two years and as a Finance Manager of Corporate FP&A at DXC Technology for three years, where he built his portfolio in budgeting, forecasting, and financial control.

 

Since joining MITRE Corporation as a Principal and Manager of Corporate FP&A in June 2009, Mr. Wang has held increasing responsibilities in finance, business analytics, and enterprise transformation. He became the Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer in October 2018 and was promoted to Senior VP in October 2021.

 

MITRE’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer Roles and Responsibilities

MITRE’s Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer is vital in leading the organization’s mission capabilities and financial operations. His strategic guidance and expertise have positioned him as a trusted advisor and thought leader, empowering both the company’s public and private sector capabilities.

 

About MITRE Corporation

With a rich history spanning over 60 years, MITRE has established itself as a leader in advanced national security and a pioneer in driving discoveries for the public good. The organization’s unwavering commitment to addressing national interests has propelled it to the forefront of technological innovation and strategic solutions. Operating across more than 65 locations, MITRE manages an impressive portfolio of over 260 patents that foster an opportunity for vibrant communities and innovative cultures.

 

Kathie Powers, Chief Financial Officer at Riverside Research

Kathie Powers, Chief Financial Officer at Riverside Research
Image from LinkedIn

As the Chief Financial Officer at Riverside, Kathie Powers plays a crucial part in driving financial activities and fostering growth within the government contracting landscape. She has over three decades of experience in operational improvements related to finance, including accounting processes, systems, implementation, and more.

 

Ms. Powers possesses a comprehensive understanding of government contracting, having served as a Comptroller for the Department of Defense for a notable period. Her experience in the military sector provided her valuable insights into the intricacies of financial management within the government context. She held various accounting and controllerships at Storer Communications, Licom, Inc., and Lockheed Integrated Solutions Company.

 

For over 13 years, Ms. Powers was with SAIC, where she served as the Vice President and Controller until June 2004. In 2007, she joined Tatum as the CFO. Before joining Riverside Research, she also served as the top finance executive at INNOVIM.

 

Riverside Research’s Chief Financial Officer Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of Riverside Research’s Chief Financial Officer cover contracts, financial planning, project control, timekeeping systems, and finance administration. The executive plays a crucial role in compliance, risk mitigation, and assistance operations to ensure success in the company’s scientific research activities for the federal government.

 

About Riverside Research

Non-profit Riverside Research focuses on the research and development of mission-focused solutions for defense and intelligence communities. The company aims to be a primary provider of national security systems to address the current and future needs of the U.S. federal government.

 

Amy Wood, Chief Financial Officer at Intelligent Waves

Amy Wood, Chief Financial Officer at Intelligent Waves
Image from Intelligent Waves

Amy Wood is a highly influential Chief Financial Officer in the government contracting sector, boasting an impressive tenure of nearly 25 years of experience in the GovCon industry. Her diverse leadership expertise spans operations, business development, and financial management, making her a valuable asset in driving organizational success. She currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Intelligent Waves.

 

Throughout her career, Ms. Wood has held notable roles in finance, business, and controllership management at esteemed organizations like Electronic Data Systems, Xcalibur, and Apptis. These experiences gave her a solid foundation and deep understanding of financial management within the government contracting landscape. Starting her finance executive portfolio at Merlin International, she served as the Vice President of Business Operations for nearly three years.

 

In December 2017, Amy Wood joined Xator Corporation as the Vice President. She also held the Chief Financial Officer position at Technology Advancement Group, clearing a path for her future endeavors as a finance executive.

 

Intelligent Waves’ Chief Financial Officer Roles and Responsibilities

As the Chief Financial Officer at Intelligent Waves, Ms. Wood optimizes revenue generation and accelerates efficiency in financial segments and markets. Her broad scope of programmatic, operational, and financial responsibilities helps her to create high-impact changes and improvements to the overall business process.

 

About Intelligent Waves

Intelligent Waves is a Reston, Virginia-based company that delivers a range of technology solutions to support the government. Since 2006, the company’s mission-focused capabilities and multi-domain expertise have provided various defense departments with cost-effective solutions to address the most complex mission.

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NSF Selects 27 Teams for Emerging Tech Experiential Learning Program; Erwin Gianchandani Quoted
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NSF Selects 27 Teams for Emerging Tech Experiential Learning Program; Erwin Gianchandani Quoted

The National Science Foundation will invest $18.8 million in 27 teams at higher education institutions as part of a program that seeks to expand learning opportunities in key technology areas.

The Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies program comes with the Pivots and Beginnings tracks and seeks to address the talent gap in several tech areas, including microelectronics and semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, quantum information science and biotechnology, NSF said Wednesday.

Nine of the 27 inaugural teams secured an award under the ExLENT program’s Pivots track, which intends to provide professionals the opportunity to develop the skills they need to pivot into key tech careers.

The 18 Beginnings track awardees will get additional experiential learning opportunities in key technology fields to further develop their knowledge and skills.

“NSF is pleased to offer these first-ever ExLENT awards to support the creation of new pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to gain on-the-job training in technologies that are critical to the nation’s long-term competitiveness,” said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for technology, innovation and partnerships at NSF.

“ExLENT will help ensure more equitable access to high-skill, well-paying STEM-driven jobs for workers at any and all stages of their careers or with varying experiences. ExLENT awardees will work toward ameliorating the large workforce shortages that the nation faces today in key technologies,” added Gianchandani.

Click here to view the full list of ExLENT awardees under the Pivots and Beginnings tracks.

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NIST Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Invites Public Feedback on IoT Device Protection Guidance
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NIST Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Invites Public Feedback on IoT Device Protection Guidance

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is fielding public feedback on a draft guidance focused on trusted network-layer onboarding for Internet of Things devices.

NIST’s National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence announced Tuesday that it wrote early second drafts of two segments of the guidance entitled Trusted Internet of Things Device Network-Layer Onboarding and Lifecycle Management.

The document aims to enhance IoT device and network security by providing information to organizations about next-generation network credential mechanisms such as device attestation, device intent enforcement, application-layer onboarding and secure lifecycle management.

NCCoE also sought the help of product and service providers in order to retrieve enforcement examples of trusted network-layer onboarding and capabilities.

The request for public comment, which closes on Nov. 10, is focused on volumes A and D of the guidance. Their immediate release is part of NIST’s agile strategy for publishing content.

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NASA Requests Information on Landsat Next Spacecraft Constellation Development
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NASA Requests Information on Landsat Next Spacecraft Constellation Development

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has begun requesting information from industry sources capable of developing a satellite constellation to acquire space-based images of the Earth’s land surface.

The Landsat Next constellation will comprise three identical observatories to be deployed into orbit on the same launch vehicle to continue the collection and distribution of Earth observation data globally, according to a notice posted Wednesday on SAM.gov.

LNext is a joint remote sensing satellite mission of NASA and the Department of Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey to capture space-based imagery for researchers to monitor water quality, climate and snow dynamics, soil health and crop production.

Each LNext satellite observatory will be equipped with an instrument suite and equally spaced in orbit at an orbital altitude of 653 kilometers.

USGS will build LNext’s ground segment, operate the constellation after the commissioning phase and oversee data processing and distribution.

The mission is planned for launch in late 2030.

Interested parties have until Nov. 3 to respond to the sources sought notice.

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DIU Issues Commercial Solutions Opening for Open Architecture Aerial Vehicle Platform
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DIU Issues Commercial Solutions Opening for Open Architecture Aerial Vehicle Platform

The Defense Innovation Unit has started soliciting proposals through a commercial solutions opening for the development of an open architecture aerial vehicle that could accelerate capability development and deployment across weapons programs.

DIU said it is interested in a modular aerial platform that could enable the integration, qualification and testing of various subsystems, materials and capabilities and could prioritize distributed mass production and affordability.

The aerial platform should have a range of at least 500 nautical miles with a minimum cruise speed of 100 knots, can deliver a kinetic payload, perform bulk transportation and should feature a system architecture that allows the integration of commercial components and subsystems.

The Department of Defense’s innovation arm is seeking vendors that could demonstrate their proposed platforms through an initial test flight within seven months after award of a prototype other transaction agreement.

Responses to the solicitation are due Oct. 10.

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ORNL Opens New Center to Study AI-Related Threats to National Security
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ORNL Opens New Center to Study AI-Related Threats to National Security

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has unveiled a new center dedicated to addressing threats associated with the adoption of artificial intelligence across industries and harnessing the benefits of AI in various applications.

ORNL said Wednesday the Center for AI Security Research will work with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate and the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to analyze threats, vulnerabilities and risks related to the misuse of AI technologies to inform national security missions.

As a dedicated research center, CAISER will facilitate the development of capabilities to test and evaluate AI tools and products, produce strategic reports and scientific studies on AI threats and provide educational outreach and information to the public sector.

“We’re defining a new field of AI security research and committing to intensive research and development of mitigating strategies and solutions against emerging AI risks,” said Edmon Begoli, ORNL’s Advanced Intelligent Systems section head and CAISER founding director

The new center will also expand ORNL’s existing initiative to expand AI implementation for science and national security applications.

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US, Japan Warn Against China-Linked Hackers Exploiting Company Routers
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US, Japan Warn Against China-Linked Hackers Exploiting Company Routers

The U.S. and Japanese governments have published a joint cybersecurity advisory warning against a China-linked hacking group that exploits internet routers to target companies in the technology, media, electronics and telecommunication sectors.

BlackTech has demonstrated its capabilities to modify router firmware without detection in order to conceal its operations and attack companies located in the U.S. and Japan, the National Security Agency said Wednesday.

The hacking group uses custom malware and dual-use tools to exploit routers’ domain-trust relationships to target multinational corporations.

“BlackTech actors exploit trusted network relationships between an established victim and other entities to expand their access in target networks,” according to the advisory.

Rob Joyce, director of cybersecurity at NSA and a two-time Wash100 awardee, said that raising awareness of BlackTech’s malicious activities will help harden the defenses of the U.S. and its allies’ critical infrastructure.

The NSA released the CSA in partnership with the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Japan National Police Agency and the Japan National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity.

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CISA Executive Eric Goldstein Explains Significance of Secure-by-Design Guidance
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CISA Executive Eric Goldstein Explains Significance of Secure-by-Design Guidance

The multinational and interagency Security-by-Design and -Default guidance represents a paradigm shift that aims to make IT defense a basic right for users, said Eric Goldstein, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Goldstein on Tuesday participated in a forum hosted by the Washington Post and sponsored by CrowdStrike, giving an overview of an updated version of the guidance, which CISA intends to release in the coming weeks.

Security-by-Design was jointly developed by CISA, FBI and the U.S. National Security Agency, as well as the cybersecurity authorities of Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The guidance includes technical recommendations to ensure that products are manufactured with reliable security features, instead of letting defects appear after shipment to customers.

“If you are purchasing a technology product as a customer, you deserve to be secure. You deserve to have the features in that product that are going to keep you safe, and we need customers across sectors, including government, to demand that right,” Goldstein stressed.

CISA will soon issue a request for public comment to gain external insight on its new version of the guidance.

On Nov. 15, the Potomac Officers’ Club will gather homeland and national security leaders who will share their modernization and digital transformation initiatives and plans. The 2023 Homeland Security Summit will be held at the Hilton-McLean Virginia, and registration is now open.

POC - 2023 Homeland Security Summit
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LCG to Provide IT Services to NIAMS Under New Contract; Melissa McCullough Quoted
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LCG to Provide IT Services to NIAMS Under New Contract; Melissa McCullough Quoted

LCG Inc has received a contract from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

The $16 million, multi-year award covers task execution, strategic chief information officer support and cloud services across various information technology areas, the Rockville, Maryland-based company announced on Tuesday.

Melissa McCullough, executive vice president and chief financial officer of LCG, said the team the company has built to work on the five-year contract is “laser-focused” on the NIAMS mission and delivering “the best of secure and cutting-edge IT services to the tasks ahead.”

“I am very proud of the high level of expertise and collaboration that resulted in this important win for our company,” she added.

One of 27 Institutes under the National Institutes of Health, NIAMS supports medical research and trains scientists and clinicians. LCG’s contracting work will assist the institute’s administration, infrastructure, service and help desk support, network and server administration and project management activities.

The company is already knowledgeable about NIH IT operating environments, having provided IT services for public health programs within NIH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. LCG is also currently anticipating work within NIH’s Scientific Information Technology Branch.

This award follows multiple recent NIH contract wins for the enterprise. Earlier this month, LCG won a one-year task order from the National Human Human Genome Research Institutes, under which the business is responsible for supporting Financial and Strategic Planning System programs and initiatives. In January, LCG received an $8 million award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for IT modernization services.

LCG to Provide IT Services to NIAMS Under New Contract; Melissa McCullough Quoted

LCG is sponsoring the Potomac Officers Club’s 2023 Healthcare Summit, which will take place on Dec. 6. The event will connect top federal healthcare officials and industry experts in the field to consider key challenges and opportunities for the U.S. government as the healthcare landscape evolves. Click here to learn more, and click here to register to attend the event.

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