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DOD Unveils Microelectronics Commons Project Through CHIPS and Science Act
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DOD Unveils Microelectronics Commons Project Through CHIPS and Science Act

The Department of Defense’s office of the undersecretary for research and engineering has launched a project that seeks to establish a network of local facilities across the U.S. to advance the development of microelectronics prototypes as part of efforts to reduce dependence on other countries for such technology components.

The five-year Microelectronics Commons project will pursue the development of prototypes in six technological fields: secure edge computing and internet of things; quantum technology; 5G/6G technology; electromagnetic warfare; artificial intelligence hardware; and commercial leap ahead technologies, the National Security Technology Accelerator said Monday.

The CHIPS and Science Act-funded project aims to encourage lab-to-fab transition of microelectronics technologies and support semiconductor workforce training initiatives.

“We want to expedite the lab-to-fab prototyping as well as closely couple the R&D innovation with the manufacturing,” said Dev Shenoy, principal director for microelectronics within OUSD(R&E).

A request for solutions for the Microelectronics Commons project has been issued through the NSTXL-managed Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems other transaction authority vehicle calling for industry stakeholders to develop prototypes and demonstrate their capabilities in those tech areas.

Proposed platforms for the project are due Feb. 28.

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Lou Von Thaer, Battelle CEO Talks Bolstering US STEM Pipeline in New Video Interview
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Lou Von Thaer, Battelle CEO Talks Bolstering US STEM Pipeline in New Video Interview

The United States currently does not have enough highly-qualified graduates to keep pace with the exponentially rising demand for jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. Without the trained workforce to fill these jobs, the country risks falling behind in key areas and losing ground in the global power competition.

Battelle, an independent, non-profit research and development organization, aims to change that narrative. Lou Von Thaer, CEO and president of Battelle, spoke about the scope of the STEM graduate shortage — and the broader talent shortages across the government contracting ecosystem — in a video interview with Executive Mosaic. 

“If I look across our portfolio today, including the national laboratories we manage, we are probably 3,500 to 4,000 engineers and scientists short that we have job openings for today,” the 2023 Wash100 Award winner said in conversation with Executive Mosaic’s Summer Myatt.

“I do think we have a fundamental problem in this country that we’re just not educating kids in these STEM subjects fast enough at the high enough volume,” he added.

To remedy this lack of education, Battelle has been prioritizing giving back to its community through STEM. In 2022, Battelle raised $27 million — a new high — for building STEM programs across the country. Just five years ago, Battelle’s STEM outreach impacted 100,000 students per year; last year, the organization surpassed its goal and reached 1.4 million students. 

Battelle has also been running the first early college STEM school in Ohio, the Metro School, for 16 years thus far, and the non-profit now has plans to build a new, similar facility. Battelle raised $30 million and is breaking ground on a new STEM school that is set to open in 2024.

Learn more about Battelle’s STEM outreach and how Lou Von Thaer is updating the traditional R&D model by watching the full video interview here. 

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C3 AI Debuts New AI Product Suite with Release of C3 Generative AI for Enterprise Search Program; Thomas Siebel Quoted
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C3 AI Debuts New AI Product Suite with Release of C3 Generative AI for Enterprise Search Program; Thomas Siebel Quoted

C3 AI has unveiled its C3 Generative AI for Enterprise Search software, which uses a natural language interface to quickly locate, retrieve and display relevant data across all facets of an organization’s information systems.

The product’s release marks the beginning of the company’s new C3 Generative AI Product Suite, which is designed to streamline novel artificial intelligence capabilities from multiple organizations, including Open AI, Google and various academic institutions, C3 AI announced from Redwood City, California.

“C3 Generative AI fundamentally changes the human computer interaction model of enterprise application software. Combining the full potential of natural language, generative pre-trained transformers, enterprise AI, and predictive analytics will change everything about enterprise computing,” said Thomas Siebel, CEO of C3 AI.

To make AI applications more accessible to its users, the C3 Generative AI Product Suite integrates advanced transformer models with the company’s existing AI softwares. It is able to host novel AI programs, such as ChatGPT and GPT-3.

The suite is intended to support the modernization of business functions and industries spanning supply chain, aerospace, oil and gas, healthcare, financial services and defense and intelligence, among others.

“This is game changing for the DOD, game changing for the U.S. intelligence community, and game changing for ubiquitous information access and insight,” emphasized retired Lt. Gen. Ed Cardon, former commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Command.

“This technology breakthrough can help dissolve the biggest barrier that we have to effective action, which is access to timely, accurate information and insight at all levels of the organization,” he added.

C3 Generative AI’s general release is set for March 2023. It will be showcased at the C3 Transform international users’ group conference on March 7.

Recently, C3 AI has expanded its efforts to support the federal government through the delivery of AI tools. In December 2022, the company formed an alliance with Booz Allen Hamilton to combine the firm’s industry presence with C3 AI’s applications focused on mission readiness, supply chain logistics and intelligence analysis to further support the public sector.

Earlier last year, the company was awarded a five-year, $90 million blank purchase agreement from the Department of Health and Human Services, under which C3 AI is expected to provide its AI platform for data collection, analysis with machine learning and predictive AI capabilities to the department alongside fellow awardee CITI.

C3 AI Debuts New AI Product Suite with Release of C3 Generative AI for Enterprise Search Program; Thomas Siebel Quoted

The Potomac Officers Club will be hosting its 4th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit at the Hilton McLean on February 16, which will bring together GovCon leaders for a deep dive into the role of AI in the evolving federal landscape.

To learn more about the event and register to attend, please visit the Potomac Officers Club events page.

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Chuck Prow and Lloyd Austin Honored With 2023 Wash100 Awards
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Chuck Prow and Lloyd Austin Honored With 2023 Wash100 Awards

Executive Mosaic is pleased to highlight the accomplishments of V2X CEO and President Chuck Prow and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which earned the private sector exec and Pentagon leader, respectively, spots in the 2023 Wash100 class.

The award, which is the most highly-regarded in the expansive government contracting industry, annually recognizes esteemed executives in the community. This year’s competition marks the 10th anniversary of Wash100 as well as Prow’s ninth consecutive win.

With Prow at the helm, V2X was created through a successful merger between Vectrus and Vertex. Having served as CEO and president of Vectrus before the integration, his role carried over into the new enterprise, which, under his leadership, grew its revenue to $958 million during quarter three. Click here to read Prow’s full profile.

Austin’s recognition represents his third Wash100 award and the continuation of a winning streak that began in 2021. As secretary of defense, he led the Department of Defense in releasing three key strategies late last year: the National Defense Strategy, Nuclear Posture Review and Missile Defense review.

To further these initiatives, Austin has spearheaded efforts to connect all DOD organizations to ensure that the joint force progresses together. To read his full profile, click here.

Chuck Prow and Lloyd Austin Honored With 2023 Wash100 Awards

Alongside the winners’ announcements, the anticipated Wash100 Award popular vote contest has commenced. To cast your vote for Chuck Prow and Lloyd Austin, please visit Wash100.com.

Top 6 Moderna Government Contracts Award
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Top 6 Moderna Government Contracts Award

Photo by Tada Images from Shutterstock.com

Moderna is one of the US government’s top pharmaceutical and biotechnology contractors. It quickly became a leader in creating novel mRNA technology and therapies for treating diseases and became successful in federal contracts. Since the COVID-19 epidemic, the company has taken the lead and won several significant contracts. Find more about the best Moderna government contracts here!

1. Moderna Clinched a Vaccine Development Contract for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

Vaccine Development Contract of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

Photo by PKStockphoto from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)
  • Value: $483 million
  • Contract type: Modification contract
  • Contract Date: April 2020

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded Moderna a $483 million contract in April 2020 to expedite the development of the mRNA-1273 vaccine for COVID-19. The vaccine was developed clinically, advanced, and manufactured with BARDA funding from 2020 until the phase I clinical study and FDA licensure. Moderna hires roughly 150 new employees to speed up its production capabilities, control its scale-up procedure, and support its entire clinical development. BARDA’s total funding is recorded to be at about $955 million.

2. Moderna to Produce 100 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

Production of 100 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine by Moderna

Photo by oasisamuel from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: Health and Human Services Department
  • Value: $1.53 Billion
  • Contract type: Firm-fixed-price
  • Contract Date: August 2020

A deal for the production of 100 million doses of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was obtained by Moderna. Work began in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was completed on March 31, 2022. Moderna was granted $1.53 billion in funding at the time of the award.

The Army Contracting Command requested an additional 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccination by July 31, 2021. The total worth of this additional contract is $1.65 million. Moderna was given a $3.3 billion contract to produce an additional 200 million dosages of the COVID-19 vaccine by March 31, 2022.

3. Moderna to Produce an Additional 100 Million Doses of COVID-19

Contract Amendment for an Additional 100 Million Doses of COVID-19

Photo by tunasalmon from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority
  • Value: $1.97 Billion
  • Contract type: Contract modification
  • Contract Date: December 2020

ModernaUS Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, received a $1.97 billion modification to purchase 100 million filled drug manufacturing doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine using Option 1 and acetate work on the base and option. The company’s mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 will be produced under a six-month contract extension.

4. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccines for the US Army 

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccines

Photo by Aleksandar Malivuk from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: United States Army Contracting Command
  • Value: $1.65 Billion
  • Contract type: Modification contract
  • Contract Date: February 2021

Moderna received a $1.65 billion modifications contract award from the United States in February 2021. The company commits 300 million SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 dosages, in addition to 100 million doses. The subsequent delivery batch, initially due in September to achieve the supply target, was set for July 2021.

5. COVID-19 Vaccine Production Contract with the United States Army

Vaccine Production Contract for Covid-19 Prevention

Photo from U.S. Army Official Website

  • Contracting Activity: United States Army Contracting Command
  • Value: $3.3 Billion
  • Contract type: Contract modification
  • Contract Date: June 2021

Moderna received a $3.3 billion contract award from the United States in June 2021.  As per the contract, Moderna needs to have produced 200 million doses of the double-shot SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine by March 2022. The grant covered research, development, and testing for the vaccine.

The Biden administration’s objective to get at least 70% of American adults partly immunized by the first week of July was replaced with this campaign department.

6. Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Supply

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Supply of the United States Government

Photo by Wetzkaz Graphics from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: United States Army Contracting Command
  • Value: $1.74 Billion
  • Contract type: Firm-fixed-price
  • Contract Date: July 2022

Moderna’s most recent deal with the U.S. government is a $1.74 billion contract awarded in July 2022 to develop and deliver 66 million doses of bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine, getting supply ready for the upcoming winter.

The bivalent vaccination booster, known as mRNA-1273.222, contains the mRNA of the Omicron BA.4/5 strain as well as Spikevax. It targets the viral variety known as omicron, which has dominated the nation throughout December of the previous year. Future delivery to the government agreement is permitted up to 234 million doses under the contract details.

About Moderna Inc.

Moderna Inc. is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based pharmaceutical company led by a team of dedicated Moderna leaders and executives whose expertise provides the groundwork for breakthroughs in mRNA science. Stéphane Bancel, CEO since October 2011, founded the company in 2010. With a reported revenue of $3.4 billion in the third quarter of 2022, Moderna is ranked 195th among the Fortune 500 businesses in 2022.

 

DOE Funds Development of Affordable, Clean Hydrogen Technologies; Jennifer Granholm Quoted
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DOE Funds Development of Affordable, Clean Hydrogen Technologies; Jennifer Granholm Quoted

The Department of Energy will award up to $47 million in funding to research projects aimed at advancing the development of technologies designed to produce hydrogen with zero or near-zero carbon emissions at affordable prices.

DOE said the funding program will select projects that will focus on improving hydrogen infrastructure, mitigating costs and boosting the performance of hydrogen fuel cells.

“This funding will advance cutting-edge research and drive down technology costs to help unlock the full potential of clean hydrogen energy—providing another valuable resource to combat the climate crisis while creating economic opportunities in communities across the country,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

According to the department, the initiative will support an Energy Earthshot effort that seeks to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen to $1 per 1 kilogram within a decade.

The program will also focus on the delivery of durable fuel cell technologies for heavy-duty trucks to prevent tailpipe emissions.

AFNWC Begins Construction of Software Center for ICBM Program
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AFNWC Begins Construction of Software Center for ICBM Program

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center has held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new Software Mission Assurance Center, which will house software development efforts in support of the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program.

Located at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, the center will foster collaboration between government and contractor software developers to upgrade and build products using modern technologies and methods, the Air Force Materiel Command said last week.

AFNWC officials said the facility “will be the first-of-its-kind” and will maintain Sentinel’s modular architecture throughout its full lifecycle.

Sentinel, formerly known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent system, will replace the Minuteman III ICBM system to help modernize the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad.

Northrop Grumman is currently building the weapon system under a potential $13.3 billion engineering and manufacturing development contract awarded in September 2020.

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ITI Urges NTIA to Prioritize Cybersecurity, Commercialization in Awarding $1.5B Open RAN Innovation Fund
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ITI Urges NTIA to Prioritize Cybersecurity, Commercialization in Awarding $1.5B Open RAN Innovation Fund

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration should grant its Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund to projects focused on 5G and future generations of wireless networks, the Information Technology Industry Council said.

ITI published its comments on Friday in response to NTIA’s request for comment on funding open and interoperable radio access networks. The organization has $1.5 billion in its disposal through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. 

Aside from bolstering the country’s global leadership in telecommunications, the 10-year grant program was also established to elevate small and medium-sized businesses vying for a share of the market.

According to ITI, NTIA should include cybersecurity proposals as one of the main prerequisites in grant funding, and give attention to pilot projects and commercial deployments when considering awardees.

The council also recommended that the administration promote open RAN technologies in both the domestic and international markets to support continuous industry growth.

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Pentagon Seeks to Advance Category Management Practices Adoption to Meet Small Business Goals
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Pentagon Seeks to Advance Category Management Practices Adoption to Meet Small Business Goals

The Department of Defense’s office of the undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment has released a memorandum calling on DOD components to achieve small business objectives through the adoption of category management best practices.

According to the Friday-signed memo, category management practices and the implementation of the Tier 2 Spend Under Management credit could help encourage small disadvantaged businesses and other socioeconomic small businesses to take part in DOD procurement initiatives.

The Pentagon’s acquisition office stated that the use of best-in-class contracts should not hamper the ability of DOD components to meet socioeconomic small business goals.

The memo also informs DOD offices and agencies of their ability to secure an automatic Tier 2 SUM credit for all contract awards to socioeconomic small businesses.

“The credit can be applied towards small business set aside contracts to increase small business participation, which is now tracked under a new Tier 2-Socioeconomic Small Business category,” the memo reads. “This facilitates pursuit of the best acquisition strategy to maximize awards to socioeconomic small businesses.”

Earlier this month, DOD unveiled a strategy outlining three objectives to expand the department’s partnerships with small businesses as part of efforts to harness the full potential of the small business industrial base.

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Engineers Cite Comparable Values Between Pre-Flight Predictions & Actual Data from Space Launch System
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Engineers Cite Comparable Values Between Pre-Flight Predictions & Actual Data from Space Launch System

The post-flight analysis team of the Artemis I Space Launch System rocket is interpreting and reviewing data for their final report on the mission’s performance. Their findings will be used to refine plans for future Artemis missions to the moon and beyond, NASA said Friday.

Over four terabytes of pre-launch and launch information as well as nearly 31 TB of imagery data were gathered by SLS support engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

A new RS-25 engine controller enabled the team to amass more than 100 measurements including temperatures, speeds, pressures and vibrations. They found that the engines’ thrust and mixture ratio control valves were within 5 percent of their value predictions, while internal pressures and temperatures were within 2 percent of pre-flight predicted values.

“The correlation between actual flight performance and predicted performance for Artemis I was excellent,” SLS program manager John Honeycutt said. “There is engineering and an art to successfully building and launching a rocket, and the analysis on the SLS rocket’s inaugural flight puts NASA and its partners in a good position to power missions for Artemis II and beyond.”

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