Page 625 – Executive Gov

News/Space

Space Force Set to Launch New NSSL Mission On SpaceX Rocket; Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy Quoted

Published on January 13, 2023

The U.S. Space Force will launch its National Security Space Launch-67 mission using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on January 14 at 5:00 p.m.

Scheduled to lift off from the Kennedy Space Center, the mission consists of two co-manifested satellites designed to transmit military communications data and bring payloads to space, the Space Systems Command announced on Friday.

“This is a complex mission and truly represents what Assured Access to Space is about, and is why we’re so enthusiastic about this upcoming launch — our second Falcon Heavy in just months,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, program executive officer for SSC’s Assured Access to Space organization.

“The teamwork I’ve seen preparing for this launch has just been exceptional. We’ve worked side-by-side with SpaceX to ensure all boxes are checked,” he emphasized.

As the launch’s forward spacecraft, SSC’s Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM will enter geosynchronous orbit to deliver communications relay capabilities that will aid the service’s senior leadership and combatant commanders. It is intended to augment existing military satellite communication capabilities and steadily broadcast military data using space-based satellite relay links.

Also included in the launch is the Long Duration Propulsive ESPA spacecraft, which will be used to quickly place various payloads into orbit, providing key data meant to inform and shape later Space Force initiatives. It carries two SSC payloads, catcher and WASSAT, as well as two Space Rapid Capabilities Office operational prototype payloads for enhanced situational awareness and an operational prototype crypto/interface encryption payload to ensure secure space-to-ground communications stability.

This mission serves as the first launch for the NSSL initiative this year and the first SpaceX launch from the NSSL Phase 2 contract. It marks the fifth SpaceX Falcon Heavy mission overall and the rocket’s second NSSL mission.

In conducting this launch, the Space Force will harness the SpaceX-developed booster reusability capability, which allows the service to reuse side boosters from an earlier USSF mission.

A backup opportunity is scheduled for January 15 at 5:56 p.m.

GovCon Wire will be hosting its Space Acquisition Forum on Jan. 18, which will connect government officials and industry experts to consider the challenges, technologies and best practices shaping space acquisition today. To learn more and register to attend, please visit GovCon Wire’s events page.

Industry News/News

AFWERX, Army Award 300+ Small Business Contracts in Multiservice Contracting Sprint

by Naomi Cooper

Published on January 13, 2023

AFWERX, Army Award 300+ Small Business Contracts in Multiservice Contracting Sprint

AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force Research Laboratory, has partnered with a pair of U.S. Army organizations to conduct a multiservice contracting sprint for small businesses developing technologies for potential military applications.

During the inaugural multiservice contracting sprint, more than 300 small businesses secured Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I contracts, worth over $20 million in total, AFRL said Thursday.

The program, held from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, 2022, was a collaborative effort between AFWERX and Army Futures Command and Army Contracting Command.

Army Applications Laboratory supported about 80 military and civilian contracting professionals from 21 states during the discovery and idea formulation process.

“Contracting sprints are just one activity wherein we can work effectively and efficiently as multiservice partners to get after common objectives, share knowledge and systematically implement continuous improvements,” said John McCanney, AFWERX contracting sprints lead.

Industry News/News

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro Cites Need for Weapons Makers to Increase Production Rates

by Jane Edwards

Published on January 13, 2023

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro Cites Need for Weapons Makers to Increase Production Rates

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said the U.S. may find it “challenging” to equip itself with weapons systems and help Ukraine in its fight against Russia if weapons manufacturers cannot ramp up production in the next six months to a year, Defense One reported Wednesday.

“With regards to deliveries of weapons systems for the fight in Ukraine…Yeah, that’s always a concern for us. And we monitor that very, very closely. I wouldn’t say we’re quite there yet, but if the conflict does go on for another six months, for another year, it certainly continues to stress the supply chain in ways that are challenging,” Del Toro told reporters at a conference in Arlington, Virginia.

He said Kathleen Hicks, deputy defense secretary and a two-time Wash100 awardee, has been collaborating with the defense industry to identify the challenges facing the companies and help them boost production.

“It’s obvious that you know, these companies have a substantial pipeline for the future,” Del Toro said. “They now need to invest in their workforce, as well as the capital investments that they have to make within their own companies to get their production rates up.”

Supplies are mainly coming from U.S. Army repositories rather than from the Navy, the article said.

Articles

Raytheon Technologies Leaders And Executives

by Dawn Pamulaya

Published on January 13, 2023

Raytheon Technologies Leaders And Executives

Photo by Arnold O.A. Pinto from Shutterstock.com

The Raytheon Company is an American multinational defense corporation that manufactures various weapons, aircraft, and technologies for government and private sector use. Raytheon Technologies creates and distributes multiple military and security-related products, including engines, satellites, cybersecurity, and air defense systems.

Get to know the top Raytheon Technologies leaders and executives responsible for providing innovative solutions to businesses worldwide.

Table of Contents

Who Are the Founders of Raytheon Technologies?

In 1922, three scientists and engineers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, named Laurence K. Marshall, Charles G. Smith, and Vannevar Bush established Raytheon under the American Appliance Company. The business initially focused on manufacturing cutting-edge refrigerant technologies, which eventually changed to electronics.

Where Is Raytheon Technologies Headquarters?

Raytheon Technologies relocated its headquarters from California to Arlington, Virginia. This move enables Raytheon to reinforce its connection within the government and commercial aerospace sphere.

Raytheon Technologies Leadership

Raytheon Technologies’ leaders and executives are made of experts and veterans in the government, technological, and aerospace industries.

Gregory J. Hayes, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Technologies

Gregory J. Hayes, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Technologies, Raytheon Technologies CEO

Gregory J. Hayes is currently serving as Raytheon Technologies Corporation’s chief executive officer and chairman of the board. In this position, he is responsible for leading and overlooking the defense and aerospace operations of the company.

Hayes has been a strong leader, having almost 21 years of experience at United Technologies Corporation since 2014. He has held several leadership roles in finance and business development. He was then elected as chairman of Raytheon’s board in 2021.

Roy Azevedo, President of Raytheon Intelligence & Space

Roy Azevedo serves as Raytheon’s Intelligence & Space business sector president. He supervises the company’s portfolio, including advanced sensors and cyber and software solutions. He also serves as a board member in Raytheon’s branches in Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Azevedo has over three decades of aerospace and defense leadership. Before his current position, he was Raytheon’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems’ vice president and general manager.

Barbara Borgonovi, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy & Development

Barbara Borgonovi serves as senior vice president of Raytheon’s Strategy & Development. She oversees the company’s profitability and performance efforts and evaluates merger and acquisition options.

Borgonovi started working for Raytheon in 2001. Some positions she held before taking on the SVP role include supply chain, program management, operations management, and quality engineering.

In 2017, Barbara Borgonovi was named the Most Innovative Woman of the Year in Manufacturing, earning her the Gold Stevie Award.

Christopher Calio, Chief Operating Officer

Christopher Calio is the current Raytheon Technologies’ chief operating officer, responsible for the company’s business units. Calio has a wide range of experience in managing a business, making plans, and dealing with legal issues.

Before his current position, he served as the president of Pratt & Whitney. In 2005, he started working for the former United Technologies Company. He held several leadership roles, including vice president and Collins Aerospace (formerly known as UTC Aerospace Systems) general counsel.

Paolo Dal Cin, Senior Vice President of Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, EH&S

Paolo Dal Cin is the senior vice president of Raytheon Technologies’ Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Environment, and Health & Safety (EH&S). He oversees the company’s global security services and globally integrated manufacturing network.

Dal Cin has over two decades of experience in supply chain, engineering, and manufacturing. Before his current position, he led Col00lins Aerospace’s Operations & Quality.

Shane G. Eddy, President of Raytheon’s Pratt & Whitney

Shane G. Eddy, President of Raytheon's Pratt & Whitney

Shane G. Eddy currently serves as president of Raytheon Technologies’ subsidiary, Pratt & Whitney. He is in charge of the workforce in charge of developing and marketing aircraft power plants and auxiliary power systems.

Before joining Pratt & Whitney, Eddy was vice president and general manager for turboshaft and turboprop engines at GE Aviation. He also gained leadership positions in Sikorsky Aircraft and Bell Helicopter Textron.

He soon joined Pratt & Whitney as chief operations officer before becoming president. He was in charge of ensuring that the company’s original equipment manufacturing met all of its goals for safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost.

Pamela Erickson, Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer

Pamela Erickson serves as Raytheon’s Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. She is responsible for the company’s Communications & Corporate Affairs, which include operations like public relations, global marketing, employee communications, digital platforms, and corporate social responsibility programs.

Erickson has nearly 30 years of expertise in communications helping the company build on its reputation, increasing shareholder value, and driving business growth. She was also Raytheon’s VP of global branding and corporate citizenship before its 2020 merger with UTC.

Wesley D. Kremer, President of Raytheon Missiles & Defense

Wesley D. Kremer is the current president of Raytheon’s subsidiary, Raytheon Missiles & Defense. He is in charge of a wide range of defense technology, including anti-air and anti-missile systems, precision weapons, radars, command and control infrastructure.

Kremer has decades of experience as an executive in aerospace and defense. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran serving as the Air Force’s weapon systems officer on F-111 and F-15E aircraft.

Raja Maharajh, Executive Vice President, General Counsel

Raja Maharajh is the current Raytheon Technologies’ general counsel. In this role, he is in charge of all legal and regulatory matters, such as lawsuits, ethics and compliance, and intellectual property.

Maharajh joined the company in 2004 and held several leadership roles, including being the Pratt & Whitney and Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines’ general counsel. He also served as a primary adviser, helping the chairman, CEO, and senior executives make decisions and act efficiently.

Neil G. Mitchill Jr., Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Neil G. Mitchill Jr., Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, cfo at raytheon technologies

Neil G. Mitchill Jr. serves as Raytheon Technologies’ chief financial officer and is responsible for all the company’s financial matters. It includes all aspects of the company’s financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, investor relations, tax, and internal audit.

Before his current position, he was formerly the vice president and chief financial officer of Pratt and Whitney business. Mitchill had 17 years of client service experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP before joining the company.

Mark E. Russell, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

Mark E. Russell is Raytheon Technologies’ senior vice president and chief technology officer. He oversees the company’s engineering operations and R&D investments, among other aspects of the company’s technological vision and strategy.

Russell has a wide range of experience serving as a technological leader in the aerospace and defense industries. Before Raytheon merged with United Technologies in 2020, he oversaw the company’s Engineering, Technology, and Mission Assurance division.

In 2020, Mark E. Russell was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for his work on radar systems for national defense and safety. NAE is an honorary society that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to engineering in the areas of theory, practice, or education.

Jeff Shockey, Senior Vice President, Global Government Relations

Jeff Shockey serves as Raytheon Technologies’ senior vice president for Global Government Relations. He’s responsible for dealing with international, federal, and state governments and articulating the company’s commercial objectives to legislators and other groups.

Shockey has over three decades of experience working with the government. Formerly, he served as vice president of global sales and marketing for Boeing’s defense, space, and security and international services’ government services portfolio. He was also a partner at Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton, Shockey & White and co-founded the public affairs and government relations firm S-3 Group.

Stephen J. Timm, President, Collins Aerospace

Stephen Timm currently leads Collins Aerospace executives as the president. Collins Aerospace is a strategic business unit of Raytheon that works on avionics. He helps the company improve aviation electronics and data management technologies worldwide for military and commercial clients.

Before his current position, he oversaw the commercial avionics division as vice president. Timm has over twenty years of professional expertise in the aerospace and defense industries.

Dantaya Williams, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

Dantaya Williams is the current Raytheon Technologies’ chief human resources officer at Raytheon Technologies. She oversees all aspects of talent acquisition, workplace diversity, employee engagement, overall rewards, and the employee experience relating to the company’s global Human Resources department.

Business Insider named Williams one of the top 33 most innovative HR executives. And because of her dedication as an HR executive, the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund awarded her the Maria Miller Stewart – One Woman Makes a Difference Award for 2019.

(Executive Photos from Raytheon Technologies Official Website)

Improved Intelligence in Defense Systems, where are raytheon headquarters?

Photo by JHVEPhoto from Shutterstock.com

Improved Intelligence in Defense Systems

Raytheon Technologies offers innovative solutions to its clients, giving them a competitive edge by accommodating their specific needs without sacrificing quality. Raytheon Technologies leaders and executives continue improving defense systems, providing a safe and sound tomorrow.

Articles

Pfizer Inc. Leaders, Founders, and Executives: Who Are They?

by Siegfried Cagat

Published on January 13, 2023

Pfizer Inc. Leaders, Founders, and Executives: Who Are They?

Image by YES Market Media from Shutterstock

Pfizer, Inc. is a leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The company is one of the largest developers and manufacturers of prescription medicines and vaccines for humans and animals. While it has been successfully creating pharmaceuticals in the past decades, manufacturing the COVID-19 vaccine with BioNTech, yielded massive profits for Pfizer, and more importantly, has given it an eminent standing in the U.S. healthcare space. Take a look at Pfizer Inc. leaders, founders, and executives.

Table of Contents

About Pfizer Inc.

“Pfizer World Headquarters Entrance,” by Coolcaesar, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Pfizer Inc. produces pharmaceutical products for various biomedical science branches, such as immunology, oncology, and cardiology. The company sells its products and services in more than 125 countries, with most of its customers and revenue coming from the United States, China, and Japan.

As of November 1, 2022, Pfizer recorded a revenue of approximately $76 billion, with seven of its products accounting for over $1 billion in sales. The company has grown significantly through numerous government contracts worldwide to procure and distribute the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Where is Pfizer’s headquarters?

The headquarters of Pfizer Inc. is located on 42nd Street, Manhattan, New York City. The company operates ten manufacturing sites and two distribution centers in the U.S. and has global offices in over 50 countries.

What is Pfizer’s organizational structure?

Pfizer Inc. is organized into three primary business units to revitalize its innovation, elevate its core values, and maximize capital for patients and shareholders.

Global Innovative Pharma Business develops commercial medicines to improve patients’ lives in therapeutic areas, such as Xeljanz, Eliquis, and Lyrica.
Global Vaccines, Oncology, and Consumer Healthcare Business is responsible for high organic growth and operations in science, talent, and market approach.
Global Established Pharma Business takes advantage of the diverse business opportunities for the company’s three primary product segments: Peri-LOE products, Legacy established products, and Emerging Markets.

Who founded Pfizer?

Pfizer Inc. Founder | Charles Pfizer

Photo from Wikimedia

The founders of Pfizer Inc. are cousins Charles Pfizer and Charles F. Erhart, who established a chemical compounds production business in Williamsburg, New York, around 1849. The company grew rapidly through the Civil War and doubled its revenue in 1869. The last Pfizer family member involved in the company was Emile Pfizer, the youngest son of Charles, who served as the President from 1906 to 1941.

Who are the top executives of Pfizer?

The executive leadership team comprises industry experts in medical, research-based pharmaceutical, and biomedical technologies. They lead a workforce of over 79,000 employees worldwide, working on 112 projects in the pipeline. Here’s a list of Pfizer Inc. executives and leaders.

Dr. Albert Bourla, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

Dr. Albert Bourla, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman | Pfizer CEO

As the Pfizer Inc. CEO and Chairman, Dr. Albert Bourla leads Pfizer’s mission of creating a transformative impact on human health. He took office in January 2019 and has since headed the company’s patent products business, research and development, digital innovation, capabilities, and culture.

Bourla joined Pfizer in 1993 and has held numerous senior leadership positions, including

Vice President of Business Development and New Products Marketing (2004-2005)
President for Pfizer Animal Health in Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific (2005-2010)
President & General Manager of Established Products Business Unit (2010-2013)
Group President of Vaccines, Oncology, & Consumer Healthcare (2014-2016)
Group President of Pfizer Innovative Health (2016-2017)
Chief Operating Officer (2017-2019)
Chief Executive Officer (2019-2021)

Before assuming office as Pfizer CEO, Bourla worked across eight cities on five continents. During his tenure at the company, he developed an understanding of the different healthcare needs worldwide, strengthening his commitment to bringing accessible medicines and vaccines.

Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and President of Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical

Mikael Dolsten manages the company’s Portfolio Strategy and Investment Committee and is responsible for pipeline investments and research and development strategies. As the Chief Scientific Officer, he focuses on scientific breakthroughs for biotechnologies such as:

Small-molecule medicines
Biotherapeutics
Gene therapies
Vaccines

As the President of Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical (WRDM), Dolsten heads the development of compounds and provides pharmaceutical sciences to Pfizer’s marketed medicines and vaccines. He leads Pfizer research units under WRDM, responsible for oncology, internal medicine, and Centers for Therapeutic Innovation.

Angela Hwang, Chief Commercial Officer and President of Global Biopharmaceuticals Business

Angela Hwang serves as the Chief Commercial Officer and President of Global Biopharmaceuticals Business. The organization is responsible for Pfizer’s commercial efforts for significant health priorities, including cancer, COVID-19, infectious diseases, inflammation & immunology, and more.

Hwang leads the Pfizer Biopharma business unit to create more than 600 medicines, which benefited more than 1.4 billion people worldwide and generated over $82 billion in revenue in 2021. She pushes for advancements in pharmaceutical technologies with partnerships with payers and governments.

Dave Denton, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

Dave Denton is a part of the executive leadership team (ELT), serving as Pfizer’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. He is responsible for the company’s financial functions, such as auditing, taxation, insurance, and controllership. He joined the company in April 2022.

Denton’s addition to the ELT has delivered a fresh perspective to the company amid the evolving healthcare landscape. Before becoming Pfizer Inc. CFO, he had more than two decades of experience in the finance, operational, and healthcare industries working for companies such as Lowe’s Companies, CVS Health, and Deloitte.

William Pao, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President

William Pao joined Pfizer as the Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President. in 2022. He manages Global Product Development, responsible for clinical developments, advancements, and research and development pipelines of the company’s marketed medicines and vaccines portfolio.

Before joining Pfizer, Pao was with Roche Pharma as the Head of Pharma Research and Early Development and Senior Vice President of Global Head Oncology Discovery and Translational Area. He also held several executive leadership positions at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Mike McDermott, Chief Global Supply Officer and Executive Vice President

As the Chief Global Supply Officer and Executive Vice President at Pfizer, Mike McDermott oversees the entire product portfolio’s manufacturing and global supply chain. He manages Pfizer Global Supply and takes responsibility for the internal and external distribution of vaccines and medicines, accounting for more than 38 billion doses annually.

Previously, McDermott was with Wyeth as the Vice President of Site Operations before Pfizer acquired the company in 2009. After the acquisition, he became the Vice President of the Consumer Healthcare Operating Unit and had increasing responsibilities until assuming his current role in 2022.

Rady Johnson, Chief Compliance, Quality, & Risk Officer and Executive Vice President

Rady Johnson is Pfizer’s Chief Compliance, Quality, & Risk Officer and Executive Vice President. He manages the company’s compliance with global programs and organizations, such as Regulatory Quality Assurance, Office of the Ombuds, and other international security initiatives. He assumed office in December 2013.

Johnson joined Pfizer in 1994 as part of the legal team. He played a huge responsibility in the company’s Corporate Regulatory and Healthcare Law Audit, Global Products Counsel, and legal segments. His work earned him several recognitions, including the “Attorney Who Matters” award by Ethisphere Institute in 2015.

Sally Susman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Executive Vice President

Sally Susman holds plenty of valuable responsibilities at Pfizer. She serves as the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Executive Vice President, Vice Chair of the Pfizer Foundation, and Pfizer’s Political Action Committee Co-Chair. Her responsibilities include leading the stakeholders, communications, government relations, and internal and external affairs.

Before joining Pfizer in 2007, Susman was with Estée Lauder Companies and American Express Company, where she held senior leadership roles for communications and government relations. She serves on the board of directors for UL Solutions and The International Rescue Committee.

Payal Sahni Becher, Chief People Experience Officer and Executive Vice President

As the Chief People Experience Officer and Executive Vice President, Payal Sahni heads Pfizer’s global talent strategies, ensures diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and improves company experiences through total rewards. She was promoted and has been serving in the position since January 2022.

Sahni joined Pfizer’s human resources team in 1997 and has held various senior leadership positions, such as Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President of Human Resources. One of her most significant contributions was spearheading the company’s transformative culture amid multiple mergers and acquisitions.

Lidia Fonseca, Chief Digital and Technology Officer and Executive Vice President

Lidia Fonseca is responsible for Pfizer’s comprehensive digital strategies as the Chief Digital and Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. She is responsible for leading technology products and solutions, digitizing drug discovery, clinical development, and commercial manufacturing and distribution.

During her tenure at Pfizer, Fonseca spearheaded using digital and healthcare technologies through automation, robotics, advanced data analytics, and artificial intelligence. She is responsible for the company’s launch of Learning and Development, Business Process Excellence, and Digital Companion.

Bill Carapezzi, Executive Vice President of Global Business Services and Transformation

As the Executive Vice President of Global Business Services and Transformation, Bill Carapezzi helps in managing various departments at Pfizer, including global procurement, global financial shared services, human resources operations, real estate, commercial operations, and more. He has been with the company since 2008.

Doug Lankler, General Counsel and Executive Vice President

Doug Lankler is the General Counsel and Executive Vice President at Pfizer. He joined the company in 1999 and assumed the Chief Compliance and Risk Officer role in 2006. Before joining the company, he had extensive public service experience as an assistant attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice in the Southern District of New York.

(Executive Photos from Pfizer Official Website)

Who are the key people on the board of directors for Pfizer?

Pfizer Inc. leadership team also composes of directors responsible for making crucial decisions about the company. Here’s the list of Pfizer Inc. Board of Directors.

Dr. Albert Bourla, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Shantanu Narayen, Lead Independent Director
Ronald E. Blaylock
Joseph J. Echevarria
Susan Hockfield, Ph.D.
Suzanne Nora Johnson
Susan Desmond-Hellmann, M.D., M.P.H
Scott Gottlieb, M.D.
Dan R. Littman, M.D., Ph.D.
James Quincey
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D.
James C. Smith

Relentless Pursuits of Breakthroughs To Change Patients’ Lives

Executive leadership team of Pfizer

Image by diy13 from Shutterstock

Pfizer Inc. leaders, founders, and executives have created critical products, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company continues to make relentless breakthroughs to change peoples’ lives and create a healthier world.

News

NobleReach Emerge to Help Commercialize NSF-funded Research in New Partnership; Erwin Gianchandani Quoted

by Jamie Bennet

Published on January 12, 2023

NobleReach Emerge to Help Commercialize NSF-funded Research in New Partnership; Erwin Gianchandani Quoted

The National Science Foundation has teamed up with NobleReach Emerge to convert its research projects into biotechnology prototypes.

As part of the partnership, NobleReach will conduct needs assessment of NSF-funded research to help match them with entrepreneurs that can advise on product development and go-to-market strategy, NSF said.

The $5 million pilot program will initially use market research and grant analysis to select researchers and research with potential for commercial applications. NobleReach Emerge will deploy a team that will help them prepare their projects for marketization. Aside from product development, they will provide guidance in pitch deck creation and techno-economic analyses.

“The road to translate breakthrough research into technologies can be long and winding,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “With this pilot effort, NSF hopes to equip interested researchers with the support and training necessary to much more seamlessly take the next step toward commercial and societal impact. Biotechnology breakthroughs contribute to a host of important applications, and we hope to support researchers as they begin their journey toward commercialization.”

Government Technology/News

OSTP Releases Open Science Advancement Strategies & Initiatives for 2023

by Jamie Bennet

Published on January 12, 2023

OSTP Releases Open Science Advancement Strategies & Initiatives for 2023

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is declaring 2023 the Year of Open Science, as it gears up for the implementation of national open science policies.

OSTP on Wednesday released an action plan that includes the government’s official definition of open science, which is “the principle and practice of making research products and processes available to all, while respecting diverse cultures, maintaining security and privacy, and fostering collaborations, reproducibility, and equity.”

The department is imposing its memorandum on federal agencies’ reporting of public access plans for government-funded research. Agencies with at least $100 million in annual research and development expenditures are expected to submit their plans by Feb. 22, while the deadline for those with smaller R&D costs is on Dec. 31.

CENDI, which stands for the Commerce, Energy, NASA, Defense Information Managers Group, will launch the openscience.gov website, which provides information on the government’s open science initiatives, and funding opportunities. The online resource will be managed in partnership with the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee on Open Science.

Other actions pledged by OSTP involves the National Science Foundation Directorate for Geosciences, Department of Agriculture, National Endowment for the Humanities.

Industry News/News

Federal Judge Upholds Executive Order on $15 Hourly Minimum Wage for Federal Contract Workers

by Jane Edwards

Published on January 12, 2023

Federal Judge Upholds Executive Order on $15 Hourly Minimum Wage for Federal Contract Workers

A federal judge in Arizona upheld the White House’s April 2021 executive order that increased the minimum wage of employees working on federal contracts to $15 per hour, Federal News Network reported Wednesday.

The Department of Labor’s final rule on the new minimum hourly wage took effect on Jan. 30, 2022. Federal subcontractors are also included in the pay bump.

U.S. District Judge John Tuchi said the executive order on the higher minimum wage for personnel working on federal contracts was well within the U.S. president’s authority, verified by the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act.

“The president here relied on a broad statutory delegation to exercise proprietary authority in an area — general administrative control of the executive branch — over which he enjoys inherent powers,” Tuchi wrote in his Jan. 6 ruling wrote in his Jan. 6 ruling.

Attorneys general for Arizona, Indiana, Idaho, Nebraska and South Carolina filed a preliminary injunction on the new minimum wage for federal contractor employees.

As of Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum wage of federal contractor employees rose again to $16.20 an hour, according to DOL.

News

Department of Transportation’s New 5-Year R&D Plan Includes $5B in Research Funding; Robert Hampshire Quoted

by Jamie Bennet

Published on January 12, 2023

Department of Transportation’s New 5-Year R&D Plan Includes $5B in Research Funding; Robert Hampshire Quoted

The Department of Transportation unveiled its five-year research, development and technology strategic plan, which includes $5 billion in funding for research activities from the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The plan builds on DOT’s 2022 Innovation Principles and aligns with the agency’s vision of providing safe, sustainable and equitable movement of goods and people, the agency said.

DOT will allocate $500 million to the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation program, which focuses on smart city innovations such as vehicles with bi-directional communications and smart technology traffic signals.

An annual funding of $50 million will be dedicated to a new Open Research Initiative to finance unsolicited proposals for disruptive and high-impact technologies.

The RD&T strategic plan also details investments in university transportation centers that prioritize climate change and equality. Minority-serving institutions, such as historically black colleges and universities, will be involved in the initiatives.

“In this time of rapid change and experimentation, research must drive the learning necessary for the public sector to keep pace with technological advancement and to adapt to evolving socio-economic needs,” said Robert Hampshire, DOT chief science officer and deputy assistant secretary for research and technology. “By providing a vision for a future transportation system made possible by research, we seek to foster collaborative innovation to create a better transportation future for all.”

News

DOD’s Enterprise Procurement Platform Undergoes Modernization

by Naomi Cooper

Published on January 12, 2023

DOD’s Enterprise Procurement Platform Undergoes Modernization

The Defense Contract Management Agency is modernizing a cloud-based enterprise platform that enables a procure-to-pay business process for the Department of Defense and supporting agencies.

DCMA’s Functional Information Resources Management Center is leading a team effort to modernize contract and administration tools and standardize contract administration services within the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment, the agency said Wednesday.

The team has completed e-tool development efforts in areas such as contract administration service directory, shared data warehouse single sign-on and commercial item determination.

Enhancements are already underway for the audit tracking and action tool, delivery schedule manager and final contract closeout.

As part of the project, the team also expanded government-furnished property capabilities and completed the first installment of modifications and delivery orders.

“Developing replacement applications within PIEE creates efficiencies for DCMA personnel by reducing administrative burden and work delays related to obtaining and maintaining system access, as PIEE’s Single Sign-On functionality streamlines and condenses processes,” said Ben Schmidt, deputy director of the DCMA FIRM Center.

Previous 1 … 623 624 625 626 627 … 2,597 Next