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Pentagon Ends COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate With New Memo; Lloyd Austin Quoted
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Pentagon Ends COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate With New Memo; Lloyd Austin Quoted

Lloyd Austin, secretary of the Department of Defense and a two-time Wash100 awardee, has issued a memorandum to rescind COVID-19 vaccination requirements for members of the U.S. armed forces in compliance with the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

The new DOD memo cancels the August 2021 vaccination mandate for service members and the November 2021 memo requiring National Guard and Reserve personnel to be vaccinated against COVID-19, DOD said Tuesday.

Austin said the Pentagon will continue to encourage all service personnel to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“The Department has made COVID-19 vaccination as easy and convenient as possible, resulting in vaccines administered to over two million Service members and 96 percent of the Force – Active and Reserve – being full vaccinated,” he wrote in the memo.

“Vaccination enhances operational readiness and protects the Force,” Austin added.

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NASA Grants Funding to 14 Research Studies on Space Technology; Michael LaPointe Quoted
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NASA Grants Funding to 14 Research Studies on Space Technology; Michael LaPointe Quoted

NASA will grant $175,000 worth of funding to 14 initial-stage studies under the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program as it continues to foster space technology developments that could support future missions. 

The space agency said Tuesday that the awarded endeavors, which are all in their conceptual development stage, include research on fluidic telescopes, space exploration, long-distance lunar characterization, manufacturing techniques and power systems, among others. 

NIAC researchers will look into the feasibility of the Phase 1 projects, map out necessary technology development, identify potential mitigating factors and search for transition opportunities to materialize the concepts. 10 out of the 14 researchers are first-time NIAC funding recipients. 

“These initial Phase I NIAC studies help NASA determine whether these futuristic ideas could set the stage for future space exploration capabilities and enable amazing new missions,” said Michael LaPointe, program executive for the NASA program. 

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House Armed Services Committee Taps Rep. Mike Rogers as Chairman
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House Armed Services Committee Taps Rep. Mike Rogers as Chairman

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., has been appointed chairman of the House Armed Services Committee in the 118th Congress.

Rogers said in a statement published Tuesday the U.S. military should focus on capability and lethality to deter threats posed by Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

“Over the next two years, the House Armed Services Committee will provide our warfighters with the resources and weapons they need to deter and, if necessary, defeat any adversary anywhere in the world,” he added.

SpaceNews reported that Rogers pushed for bigger defense budgets as a ranking member of HASC in the 117th Congress as part of efforts to enable the U.S. to compete with China and other rising powers.

Sarah Mineiro, Rogers’ former aide and now senior fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, said the chairman will likely address issues related to supply chain security, access to critical minerals and innovation in defense programs.

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DIA CIO Doug Cossa Discusses New Strategy to Maintain AI Competitiveness in US
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DIA CIO Doug Cossa Discusses New Strategy to Maintain AI Competitiveness in US

Doug Cossa, chief information officer of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said that DIA’s new artificial intelligence strategy is designed to ensure the interoperability of data as well as the technologies reading them.

In an interview with Government Matters, Cossa elaborated on the organization’s upcoming AI initiatives to keep up with adversaries and other countries in the race for technology.

Since DIA supports multiple functions such as foundational military intelligence, it has to deal with massive amounts of global data ranging from people to intent and facilities. The agency intends to make sense of all the information it receives and to share it with government and foreign partners through AI, machine learning and cloud computing, Cossa explained. One initiative is the Machine-assisted Analytic Rapid-repository System, which will transition foundational military intelligence into a cloud-based environment.

He also touched on the modernization of the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System, which has been in use for more than 30 years. DIA is working to boost the system’s cybersecurity to include zero trust architecture, he stated.

Furthermore, Cossa highlighted his AI talent acquisition strategies, which include celebrating employees to encourage retention, and hiring new recruits with disabilities and making their working environment effective.

Other AI advancements are set to be discussed at the Potomac Officers Club’s 4th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit, which will be held on Feb. 16 in McLean, Virginia. Click on the image below to register.

POC - 4th Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit
AFRL Gives Navy Warfare Centers Access to Commercial Quantum Capabilities
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AFRL Gives Navy Warfare Centers Access to Commercial Quantum Capabilities

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate has entered into an agreement with the Naval Research Laboratory and naval warfare centers to facilitate information exchange on quantum computing.

AFRL will provide Navy scientists and engineers access to commercial quantum systems to explore a range of applications, including quantum simulation, quantum machine learning, classical simulation and crypto analysis, the Navy said Tuesday.

As part of the partnership, NRL established a Naval Quantum Computing Program Office to manage access to IBM’s Quantum Hub processor.

The program office is jointly managed by NRL with Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and other quantum subject matter experts from the 14 naval warfare centers.

“This collaboration will help ensure our warfighters have the tools they need for mission success,” said Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, chief of naval research.

Top AECOM Government Contracts
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Top AECOM Government Contracts

AECOM is the world’s most trusted infrastructure consulting firm and one of the top government contractors in the United States. It provides services in engineering, program, and construction management and marketing its services to clients in the public and private sectors, such as providing innovative solutions and transformative results to its clients and communities.

Find out about the best AECOM government contracts here.

1. AECOM to Provide Research and Development Support for DOD’s Information Analysis Centers 

Contract for Research and Development; AECOM global communications

Photo by Postmodern Studio from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: Department of Defense Information Analysis Center
  • Value: $28 Billion
  • Contract type: IDIQ
  • Contract Date: August 2018

An IDIQ contract, valued at $28 billion, was given to AECOM’s subsidiary, URS Federal Services International Inc., to help with the research and development performed at the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). As part of this project’s goal, the DTIC aims to improve its threat response and anticipate future ones. AECOM’s IAC —a trusted contractor for providing “best value vehicles” won this award against 14 other defense contractors in Pool 1 — will be providing research and analysis support in over 200 area tasks, including DOD laboratories, acquisition program managers, commanders, agencies and departments of the state and local governments, etc.

2. AECOM Awarded the Contract Modification for the Red Hill Drinking Water Shaft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Contract Modification for the Red Hill Drinking Water Shaft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

Photo by U.S. Navy on Wikimedia

  • Contracting Activity: Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific
  • Value: $13.2 Million
  • Contract type: Cost-plus-award-fee, IDIQ
  • Contract Date: May 2022

A $13.2 billion cost-plus-award-fee modification to a previously awarded task order is given to AECOM Technical Services Inc., Los Angeles, California. This modification calls for an investigation, release modeling, groundwater protection, and evaluation of the Red Hill Drinking Water Shaft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The contract task order’s cumulative face value has increased to $56.8 million. Work will be carried out on Oahu, Hawaii, and is anticipated to finish by June 2023.

At the time of award, $13.2 million in Navy fiscal 2022 maintenance and operation funds will be committed; these funds won’t run out at the end of the fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific, JBPHH, Hawaii.

3. AECOM to Provide Diplomatic Platform Support Services to the Federal Agency of the United States Department of State

Department of State; state securities laws including Diplomatic Platform Support Services of the United States

Photo by Wikipedia/Public Domain

  • Contracting Activity: U.S. Department of State
  • Value: $6 Billion
  • Contract type: IDIQ
  • Contract Date: June 2019

The State Department awarded AECOM a 5-year contract worth $6 billion in June 2019 requiring logistical and operations support services for diplomatic platforms. The infrastructure company is required to deliver sustainment, restoration, and modernization capabilities to the various U.S. government branches.

Through this agreement, AECOM can build up its portfolio of logistical and mission support for different branches of the government.

4. AECOM To Provide Construction Services to the Executive Government of the U.S. Air Force Infrastructure and Facilities

United States Air Force Base

Photo by JHVEPhoto from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: U.S. Air Force
  • Value: $2 Billion
  • Contract type: Multiple-award
  • Contract Date: March 2021

Under the Architect-Engineer NEXT 2021 contract, AECOM will provide construction management services, planning, and design for facilities and infrastructure to the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC). In the previous five years, AECOM has handled the architect-engineer contract that preceded AFCEC.

It will continue to apply its technical skills on large-scale projects involving resilient U.S. infrastructure restoration, maintenance, and industrialization. Defense Department facilities, such as military infrastructure projects and Foreign Military Sales.

5. Architecture and Engineering Support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

United States Agency for International Development (USAID); Architecture and Engineering Support

Photo by photobyphotoboy from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • Value: $800 Million
  • Contract type: Multiple-award, IDIQ
  • Contract Date: October 2021

To continue offering international design and management personnel services, USAID awarded AECOM its third consecutive IDIQ contract in October 2021. The company’s collaboration with USAID was extended for five years through a shared initiative with an $800 million budgetary cap.

According to the new deal, AECOM will supply all necessary architecture, construction management, and engineering design services. Such arrangements will aid the effectiveness of USAID in meeting urgent development activities and humanitarian needs for a better world.

6. AECOM Clinched a Contract For Environmental Engineering Support To the United States Navy

Environmental Engineering Support department for U.S Navy

Photo by ConceptCafe  from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: U.S. Navy
  • Value: $400 Million
  • Contract type: Cost-plus-award-fee, IDIQ
  • Contract Date: May 2022

Resolution Consultants Inc., a joint venture between AECOM and Ensafe, was awarded a $400 million contract on May 2022. According to the contract, the joint venture will offer engineering and architectural services for environmental law compliance in the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command’s Atlantic region of operations.

Additionally, technical and environmental services and program management are required for Marine Corps and Navy activities in the NAVFAC Atlantic A.O. This supports the Munitions Response Program, Environmental Restoration Program, and other associated projects for future operations in the securities and exchange commission.

7. FEMA Awards Contract for Flood Resilience to AECOM

Flood Resilience to AECOM-Led Joint Venture

Photo by James Matthew Birchall from Shutterstock.com

  • Contracting Activity: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Value: $300 Million
  • Contract type: IDIQ
  • Contract Date: February 2022

The joint venture of AECOM-led Compass Production and Technical Services received an IDIQ contract from the Homeland Security Department’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on February 2022. The company gets the award for technical and production architectural style and engineering support for the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (Risk MAP) Program, although results could differ materially. Included are the following services:

  • Risk mapping
  • Disaster relief
  • Risk mitigation
  • Flood risk assessment

The agreement has a $300 million combined program cap, a one-year base period, and four one-year option years. States in FEMA regions 4, 6, and 7, which have the worst complex challenges and factors that could cause flooding in the nation, are included in the scope.

8. Multi-discipline Architectural and Engineering Services Receive NAVFAC Awards

NAVFAC Awards; Architectural and Engineering Services Receive to prevent temporary or permanent halting

Photo by 3844328 on Pixabay.com

  • Contracting Activity: U.S. Navy
  • Value: $25 Million
  • Contract type: IDIQ
  • Contract Date: February 2022

The Navy and Marine Corps have awarded contracts totaling a maximum of $25 million to AECOM Technical Services and other companies. The modification raises the maximum dollar value of a previously awarded contract and extends the performance period to October  2023.

About $50,000 of the Navy’s operation and maintenance expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year 2023 are committed at the time of the award. The contracting activity for the project is NAVFAC in Norfolk, Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some related questions asked about AECOM.

What is AECOM?

AECOM is a trusted infrastructure consulting firm specializing in engineering, project management, and construction management services. It was founded in 1990 and specialized in providing professional services business to aid in some political and economic risks.

AECOM’s headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas, with 90 offices across the country. AECOM executives and leaders contribute to a better world by providing innovative solutions tailored toward the most complex challenges in road transport, energy, infrastructure, water, and other areas for governmental or commercial clients.

What kind of corporation is AECOM?

The transportation, infrastructure, environmental, energy, water, and government sectors are just a few industries that AECOM serves. On a global communications scale, AECOM is a leading provider of expert managing pension costs and unrivaled technical expertise services. The company employs about 45,000 people worldwide, dominating every major market and gaining private sector clients’ trust.

Is AECOM a general contractor?

AECOM is a multinational engineering and construction firm. Additionally, AECOM Construction Services was founded to modernize, expand, and deliver the most recognizable and complex structures ever conceived, from buildings and building construction to energy and industrial solutions.

AECOM Government Contracts: Turning Ambition Into Passion

Recent large-scale AECOM government contracts include work for NASA, the Navy, and the Department of Energy for delivering sustainable projects.

Under the terms of the contract, AECOM will provide a wide range of investment strategies in architecture as well as other professional services during construction, activation, and commissioning. Field research and surveys, engineering and environmental analyses, trade studies, design specifications, site inspections at construction sites, scheduling, and cost estimating are all included in the services.

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ACT-IAC Makes Recommendations to Improve Federal Agencies’ AI Accountability Practices
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ACT-IAC Makes Recommendations to Improve Federal Agencies’ AI Accountability Practices

The American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council is urging federal agencies to set or reinforce existing best practices in artificial intelligence accountability to protect their AI systems against threats.

In a white paper published Wednesday, ACT-IAC reported that the U.S. government currently does not have a standard definition of AI accountability, but federal managers can use guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Government Accountability Office to manage AI risks.

Under Executive Order 13960, government agencies are required to implement physical, technical or administrative safeguards to ensure the proper use and functionality of their AI systems. The EO mandates them to conduct an inventory, provide justification, or retire AI systems if necessary.

In the absence of clear federal guidance, they are encouraged to define their own AI accountability landscape based on their unique mission. ACT-IAC recommended that departments explore GAO’s AI Accountability Framework and NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework.

ACT-IAC also called for the involvement of the Federal CIO Council by means of a discussion group, so that government and industry can exchange ideas on definitions and challenges in implementation.

ACT-IAC Makes Recommendations to Improve Federal Agencies' AI Accountability Practices

Hear leaders from the GovCon industry and the government share their perspectives on notable AI advancements during the Potomac Officers Club’s Annual Artificial Intelligence Summit, which is scheduled to take place on Feb. 16 at Hilton-McLean in Virginia.

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DHS ONL Acting Director Paul Strang Highlights Benefits of NDAA to Chemical Security Research
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DHS ONL Acting Director Paul Strang Highlights Benefits of NDAA to Chemical Security Research

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 is a validation of the Chemical Security Analysis Center, said Paul Strang, acting director of the Office of National Laboratories at the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate.

In a guest post published Monday, Strang said the NDAA enacted by President Joe Biden last month gives full authorization to CSAC and underscores the importance of scientific research in addressing homeland security.

CSAC is the only federal laboratory that uses research, analysis and knowledge management to aid emergency planning and response to chemical threats. It has become the first recourse of ER teams looking for information on chemical event scenarios, Strang asserted.

Since its transition to DHS S&T in 2006, CSAC has been instrumental in the agency’s campaigns, including mitigating the spread of illicit opioids, and preparing for and simulating hazardous chemical dispersions in the military as well as the community.

The center is also a result of DHS’ partnership with the U.S. Army, which has led to the creation of the Chemical Security Laboratory for national readiness, Strang noted.

FCC to Continue With Plans to Reorganize International Bureau; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted
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FCC to Continue With Plans to Reorganize International Bureau; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to reorganize the International Bureau into a new bureau tasked with overseeing satellite programs and policy within the agency and a standalone office to support its statutory obligations.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement published Monday that the new Space Bureau will work to align the agency’s resources with its statutory obligations, improve interagency coordination and support future requirements of the satellite industry.

“The satellite industry is growing at a record pace, but here on the ground our regulatory frameworks for licensing have not kept up. We’re working to change that. Today, we are moving forward with our plan to prepare for what comes next,” Rosenworcel said.

Matters of international communications regulation and licensing will be the primary focuses of the standalone Office of International Affairs.

The reorganization is part of the FCC’s Space Innovation agenda to speed up regulatory review processes, expand the satellite broadband services industry and modernize spectrum policy.

Rosenworcel announced plans to reorganize FCC in November 2022.

As a next step, the agency will seek approval from Congress to formalize the planned reorganization.

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DOE Opens Application Period for 2nd Cohort of NREL’s Clean Energy Cybersecurity Program
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DOE Opens Application Period for 2nd Cohort of NREL’s Clean Energy Cybersecurity Program

The Department of Energy is inviting companies and organizations to apply for the second cohort of a National Renewable Energy Laboratory program that supports the development of secure renewable energy technologies.

DOE said Monday the application period for NREL’s Clean Energy Cybersecurity Accelerator is open until Feb. 10 and up to five U.S.-based organizations will be selected to participate in the program’s second cohort.

The chosen organizations will assess technologies designed to identify unauthorized and compromised industrial control system assets attached to a utility’s infrastructure that need to be remediated or removed.

The program offers participants an opportunity to gain professional evaluations of their technologies and partner with other utilities to develop next-generation cybersecurity platforms for clean energy technologies.

CECA is a collaboration between NREL and its utility partners Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Duke Energy and Xcel Energy.

In December, DOE named Xage Security, Sierra Nevada Corporation and Blue Ridge Networks the first cohort of participants in the program.

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