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DOD’s Innovation Org Seeks Commercial Platform for Aerospace Ground Asset Monitoring Automation
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DOD’s Innovation Org Seeks Commercial Platform for Aerospace Ground Asset Monitoring Automation

The Defense Innovation Unit is soliciting technology platforms from the commercial sector that can help Department of Defense technicians locate aerospace assets on the ground.

DOD wants a tracking device that has a compact design, requires minimal maintenance and can generate location data in real time, according to a solicitation notice posted on DIU’s website.

The department is currently using a paper-based process to record places hosting diesel generators, gas turbine generators, hydraulic test stands, air conditioning units, heaters, lights and jacks.

The aerospace ground equipment asset should be able to connect to wireless networks, such as Verizon’s 5G service, or allow the user to transition to the new mobile network.

In addition, DOD prefers if the system can work with communication technologies that include QR codes, Bluetooth and bar codes in lieu of cellular service. 

Interested vendors have until Tuesday to submit their responses to the product requirement.

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NOAA, Federal Partners Create Heat Health Data Portal; Gina McCarthy Quoted
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NOAA, Federal Partners Create Heat Health Data Portal; Gina McCarthy Quoted

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration collaborated with 10 other federal agencies to build a website that contains science-based information on the health risks of extreme heat as part of a government effort to raise awareness among the public and decision-makers.

Heat.gov, which is hosted on a cloud-based Esri geospatial platform, is among the priority projects of President Biden’s National Climate Task Force and its Interagency Working Group on Extreme Heat, NOAA said Tuesday.

The site offers the public access to a collection of tools such as the Heat and Health Tracker from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Heat Safety Tool from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

“Heat.gov is an exciting new and accessible website designed to help everyone become engaged with their community, their state-level government, and federal partners, to take actions that can reduce the deadly health impacts of extreme heat,” National Climate Adviser Gina McCarthy said.

NOAA said extreme heat is the top weather-related cause of death in the U.S., killing more people than hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes or extreme cold.

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SOCOM Commander Gen. Richard Clarke on Increasing Use of Low-Cost Drones
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SOCOM Commander Gen. Richard Clarke on Increasing Use of Low-Cost Drones

U.S. Army Gen. Richard Clarke, commander of Special Operations Command, has said low-cost technologies are shaping the modern battlefield and cited the militaries’ increasing use of quadcopters and larger unmanned aerial vehicles, the Department of Defense’s newswire reported Tuesday.

“When Russia is running out of them for Ukraine, and they’re going to Iran to go buy more, [that] should cause us all a bit of concern because you can see how valuable that they can be in the future fight,” he said during a discussion at the Aspen Security Forum.

To prevent adversaries from taking advantage of the use of low-cost air platform, Clarke underscored a need to have interagency talks about disrupting supply chains in addition to just defeating enemy drones. In addition, he called for a discussion on norms and authorities for using small unmanned systems.

Aside from drones, Clarke also talked about threats posed by cyber attacks and inexpensive chemical and biological weapons.

“As we go into the future, we have to be prepared for that eventuality … and look for methods to continue to combat it,” Clarke said.

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GAO: Experts Say Federal Actions Needed in Workforce Development to Reduce Chip Supply Chain Risks
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GAO: Experts Say Federal Actions Needed in Workforce Development to Reduce Chip Supply Chain Risks

The Government Accountability Office interviewed 17 experts to gather their insights on policy considerations to reduce risks associated with semiconductor supply chains and mitigate future chip shortages.

GAO found that all experts agreed that federal action is needed in the area of workforce development to reduce supply chain risks, according to a report published Tuesday.

To prepare for future workforce development requirements, experts called on the government to advance training programs and immigration reform.

Other areas that need government actions are international coordination, research and development, supply chain strengthening and manufacturing capacity.

The experts also cited the need to determine federal priorities and enhance interagency collaboration in policy implementation to help mitigate risks and some of these policy priorities are national security, increased resilience and economic competitiveness.

They also emphasized the need to implement policies in each of the identified areas since a single policy option would not be enough, according to the GAO report.

Top 10 Government Technology News Sources
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Top 10 Government Technology News Sources

Knowledge is power, especially for government contractors. Having access to relevant and factual news and insights can help you understand the federal contracting field—and how it will move in the future. Furthermore, learning how to navigate the current events and then predict their implications in the future can give the edge over other government contractors.

You must stay abreast with the latest information to stay ahead of the curve. And since the federal IT industry is rapidly evolving, you must stay tuned with these top government technology news sources which can keep up the pace.

Who are the top 10 government technology news sources?

  1. Nextgov

A publishing company under the Government Executive Media Group, Nextgov publishes top federal technology stories daily. They tailor content specifically to federal decision-makers to help them serve the citizens better and perform their functions.

Written and created by experts and thought leaders in the government, academia, and the private sector, Nextgov’s news and insights give an in-depth look at the impact of emerging technologies on federal agencies.

  1. Government Executive

The Government Executive is a powerhouse in the industry. Tracing back to its roots as a print magazine way back in 1969, the Government Executive secured its spot as one of the leading sources of information for senior federal executives. Boasting its wide readership of policymakers and military officials, this online federal news agency helps its influential audience create a more positive impact on society.

The editorial scope of the Government Executive is not limited to publishing the latest news about federal IT. The company also delivers news alerts and insights on any developments that affect the federal executive branch. Government Executive’s reporting assists government executives in creating policies and improving their quality of service to the people.

And above all, the Government Executive also informs its non-government audience about the issues and developments the government faces to help them better understand the landscape.

  1. Federal News Network

The Federal News Network is the world’s first Internet-only all-news radio that delivers the freshest news to federal officers, policymakers, and government contractors. Through their non-political and unbiased reporting, the Federal News Network assists federal managers in understanding the current landscape so they can devise effective policies for the public.

You can catch their daily radio broadcast on 1500 AM throughout the Greater Metropolitan Washington area or browse through their daily publication on their website.

  1. FedTech Magazine

Headquartered in Illinois, FedTech Magazine delivers the latest stories on federal technology that is curated for industry leaders and aspiring technology executives.

The FedTech Magazine is among the other technology websites owned by CDW, an international multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to various industries, such as government, healthcare, and education.

  1. MeriTalk

Made up of an award-winning editorial team, MeriTalk publishes the latest news, insights, and industry analysis about the state of the federal information technology sector. Their editorial content is targeted at senior executives in federal, state, and local government to help them create better policies for society.

Furthermore, MeriTalk focuses on delivering hot-button stories on the following tech areas: Cyber Security Exchange, Cloud Computing Exchange, Big Data Exchange, and Data Center Exchange.

  1. GovCon Wire

Owned and operated by the Executive Mosaic (EM), GovCon Wire is the premier source of news, insights, and analysis of current events affecting federal government contractors. The news publishing agency stays on top of the news regarding the latest government contract awards, high-profile executive moves, M&A activities, and more.

Furthermore, GovCon Wire also brings editorial focus to the federal technology sector. It keeps track of the latest federal IT, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity developments. They tailor content specifically to tech-based government contractors, especially now that federal agencies, particularly the defense department, are modernizing its operations.

  1. GovTech

As part of the family of e.Republic, a media and research company that is focusing on developments for state and local government, GovTech recognizes the role of IT in the development of the government and society. And given how the government relies on tech to optimize its operations, GovTech publishes stories about federal IT, the latest innovations, and its effects on the public sector industry.

  1. FCW

FCW is another publishing arm under the Government Executive Media Group that is geared in delivering the latest information and insights about the federal business landscape. They cover a diverse pool of topics, such as IT Modernization, Digital Government, Cybersecurity, and Acquisition.

This federal news publishing agency assists government tech executives in strategizing for the future. FCW delivers news updates about technology, business management, pending legislation, policy, and profiles of the key decision-makers.

  1. Executive Gov

Similar to other technology websites under Executive Mosaic, Executive Gov is one of the frontrunners in delivering the freshest news about the federal government. This Virginia-based news agency is on top of the current events surrounding Gov 2.0, cybersecurity policy, health IT, green IT, and national security.

Executive Gov also gives the limelight to carefully selected companies and key government executives who created a lasting impact that surpasses the walls of their respective federal agencies.

  1.  Digital gov

And last but not least, the Digital.gov—an official news and resource website by the federal government. Comprised of a team of industry experts, Digital.gov is dedicated to helping the government transform by giving them access to tools, insights, and cutting-edge methods that will federal decision-makers in facing modern challenges.

Modernizing federal tech is an important step for almost all government agencies, especially to Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency who is in charge of securing the nation's cybersecurity defenses.

Why is technology important to the government?

The rapid technological advancement in almost all sectors of society is shaping the future we will all live in. From adapting to the massive digital shift in workplaces to the rising cyber adversaries that threaten national security, the need for cutting-edge technologies has never been more imperative.

The federal government uses technology in many ways, such as centralizing and securing data storage through cloud systems and harnessing artificial intelligence to conduct warfighting training. Additionally, they also use blockchain to make government processes more secure and efficient and even employ contact tracing systems to help the nation combat COVID-19.

Furthermore, modern technology has been instrumental in the development of federal agencies, especially those that belong in the public health, environment protection and conservation, defense, space, and energy sectors.

Are these the only sources for government technology news?

The Internet hosts a wide array of sources for all types of people. Aside from referencing to these top 10 Government Technology News Sources, you can also explore other government resources, like the website of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO publishes non-partisan insights and studies about trends and issues regarding the federal government.

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Adm. Mike Gilday Unveils Navy’s Navigation Plan 2022
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Adm. Mike Gilday Unveils Navy’s Navigation Plan 2022

Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, has released a 28-page document outlining ways to help the U.S. Navy build, train and equip its naval force, strengthen integrated deterrence and develop warfighting advantages.

Navigation Plan 2022 aligns with the Secretary of the Navy’s Vision and the 2022 National Defense Strategy and lists six force design imperatives to maintain credible deterrence as the service builds the future force, the Navy said Tuesday.

These imperatives are expanding distance; leveraging deception; hardening defense; increasing distribution; ensuring delivery; generating decision advantage.

According to the document, the Navy’s priority investments are delivering on these imperatives, including investments in hypersonic weapons, long-range precision fires and space-based capabilities.

“We must move decisively to modernize U.S. naval power as we maintain readiness and a forward posture that keeps America and our Allies safe and prosperous,” said Gilday. 

“The Navy is adopting a more continuous, iterative force design process to focus our modernization efforts and accelerate the capabilities we need to maintain our edge in this critical decade and beyond,” he added.

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White House Announces Initiatives to Ensure Equity in Federal Procurement
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White House Announces Initiatives to Ensure Equity in Federal Procurement

The Biden administration has announced several efforts to advance equity in federal procurement and new measures to broaden contracting opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The White House said Tuesday the federal government awarded $154.2 billion or 27.2 percent of total contract dollars to small businesses in fiscal year 2021, up $8 billion from FY 2020.

Federal agencies exceeded the 5 percent and 3 percent contracting targets for small disadvantaged and service-disabled veteran-owned small enterprises, respectively.

Starting this summer, the departments of the Interior and Transportation will conduct events to provide information on technical and financial assistance opportunities for small and underserved businesses.

The White House announced that DOT and the Small Business Administration will help expand access to capital of small disadvantaged enterprises working on or pursuing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contracts by linking them to small business investment companies.

The two agencies will hold a business forum to match SBICs with disadvantaged businesses and facilitate investment discussions between companies and fund managers.

Other steps to ensure equitable procurement opportunities are increasing the contracting goal for small disadvantaged businesses from 5 percent to 15 percent by 2025 and executing changes to the government’s use of category management.

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GSA Announces 2 New Senior Leadership Team Appointments
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GSA Announces 2 New Senior Leadership Team Appointments

The General Services Administration has made two new appointments to its senior leadership team and announced personnel shifts that will take effect on Aug. 1.

Jetta Wong, who ran her own consulting practice, will serve as the senior adviser to the administrator on climate and Channing Grate, acting associate administrator in the Office of Strategic Communications, will take on the role on a permanent basis, GSA said Monday.

Wong previously served as a senior fellow at the Center for Clean Energy Innovation at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. She also worked for the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and held various positions at the Department of Energy.

Grate has been serving as acting associate administrator since April. Prior to joining GSA, she headed the public affairs functions of a media and public affairs firm and served as a communications director in the Missouri governor’s office.

GSA also named Zoe Garmendia, former senior adviser to the administrator for COVID, as deputy chief of staff for operations and Gennie Duncan, former special assistant in the administrator’s suite, as a policy adviser in the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.

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DOE Announces 146 Programs Supporting Justice40 Initiative to Achieve Climate Goals
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DOE Announces 146 Programs Supporting Justice40 Initiative to Achieve Climate Goals

The Department of Energy has announced 146 programs that support the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that the benefits of environmental investments flow to disadvantaged communities.

The list includes the Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid program that allocates $5 billion in funding to strengthen the national power grid and reduce power outages during extreme weather events, DOE said Monday.

Other initiatives include research and development projects funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Office, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, the Pumped Storage Hydropower Wind and Solar Integration and System Reliability program and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

“Our Department-wide collaboration with community groups, utilities and local governments will result in climate action that advances environmental justice and invigorates economic revitalization and job creation to benefit Americans for generations,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

The Justice40 Initiative calls for federal agencies to deliver 40 percent of benefits of clean energy, sustainable and affordable housing, clean water and other climate-related investments to disadvantaged communities.

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Iridium Announces Revenue Uptick in Q2 2022 Financial Report; CEO Matt Desch Quoted
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Iridium Announces Revenue Uptick in Q2 2022 Financial Report; CEO Matt Desch Quoted

Satellite manufacturer Iridium Communications has released its financial report for the second quarter of 2022 and the company claimed a net income of $4.6 million, with a 17 percent increase in revenue from the same period last year.

The McLean, Virginia-based organization also reported on Tuesday a company-best $105.9 million operational EBITDA, which came in at a 12 percent increase from second quarter 2021.

Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium and an eight-time Wash100 Award recipient, shared that the company is experiencing intensifying interest in commercial products like Internet of Things and broadband, as well as their Push-to-Talk and GO! platforms.

“2022 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Iridium, as demand for equipment and new subscriber activations drove record revenue growth in the second quarter,” Desch attested.

Subscribers to Iridium’s services made up the majority (76 percent) of the company’s total revenue during Q2 2022. The latter figure amounted to $174.9 million, which comprised $132.9 million of service revenue and $42 million of revenue from equipment sales and engineering and support endeavors.

At the close of the second quarter, Iridium had 1,875,000 subscribers, nearly 100,000 more than it did at the end of the first quarter of the year and over 250,000 more than it did after Q2 2021. This significant growth was mainly attributable to expanded commercial Internet of Things business.

While Iridium’s commercial business is robust, the company also consistently acquires contracts and agreements for its voice and data services from government agencies. They continue to work under a $738.5 million fixed-price U.S. Space Force contract and total government-originating revenue was tallied as $26.5 million in the second quarter of the year. Its government subscribers accumulated at 144,000, a slight decrease from the prior-year period and the first quarter of 2022.

Within its second quarter update, Iridium also revised and published its full-year 2022 outlook, which projects a total service revenue expansion between 7 and 9 percent from the previous year and a full-year 2022 OEBITDA in the range of $410 million and $420 million. These hopeful statistics are boosted from the company’s projections at the end of the first quarter due to the company’s progression of positive sales results.

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