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FAA, National Renewable Energy Lab Assessing Needs of Electrified Aircraft for Future Airport Integration
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FAA, National Renewable Energy Lab Assessing Needs of Electrified Aircraft for Future Airport Integration

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are collaborating on the latter’s initiative to implement electrical infrastructure at airports to accommodate future electrified flights.

NREL said Wednesday it will evaluate select airports to help the FAA develop safety standards for designing airport infrastructure on the ground, such as landing areas and charging stations, while ensuring energy efficiency and resiliency.

“We are now digging into that component so the FAA can provide the guidance airports need if they choose to be an early adopter,” explained Scott Cary, NREL’s lead for various sustainable aviation initiatives.

The partnership also seeks to study greenhouse gas emission reduction, advanced air mobility job opportunities and other associated factors.

“The Federal Aviation Administration is researching the infrastructure needs of these unique aircraft. NREL’s analysis of airport infrastructure is a critical component in this strategy,” said Wesley Major, airport research specialist at FAA.

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Chris Inglis Hosts National Cyber Workforce and Education Summit
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Chris Inglis Hosts National Cyber Workforce and Education Summit

National Cyber Director Chris Inglis, a 2022 Wash100 Award winner, hosted a summit on Tuesday with senior U.S. government officials, industry executives and thought leaders to discuss ways to build up the country’s cyber workforce and advance education to equip citizens with the skills they need to engage in the digital society.

The National Cyber Workforce and Education Summit held at the White House also explored ways to improve skills-based pathways to cyber jobs and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the cyber field, the White House said Thursday.

Government leaders that participated in the event include Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; Anne Neuberger, deputy assistant to the president and deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology on the National Security Council; Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo; Labor Secretary Martin Walsh; and Ambassador Susan Rice, White House domestic policy adviser. 

Mayorkas, Easterly and Neuberger are all previous Wash100 Award recipients.

During the summit, Inglis announced plans to develop a national strategy to explore opportunities and address challenges in cyber workforce and education, improve collaboration across governmentwide initiatives and implement the current administration’s workforce development and education priorities.

Some of the companies that have made commitments to advancing cyber workforce and education initiatives are Accenture, Cisco, Fortinet, IBM, NightDragon, NPower and Trellix.

Top 10 Government Contracting News Sources
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Top 10 Government Contracting News Sources

Federal government contracting is a highly-competitive industry. In the last fiscal year, 2021, the U.S. spent $629 billion on government contracts alone, and it is projected to rise even higher in the succeeding years. Brimming with opportunities, it is no wonder why countless government contractors are taking their shot in this field.

One of the best ways you can stay ahead of the pack is to be informed. Successful government contractors are constantly keeping abreast with the latest industry trends, insights, and news so they can strategize their next move. And to be like them, here are the top government contracting news sites that you should tune in to!

Who Are The Top 10 Government Contracting News Websites?

The ExecutiveGov is one of the leading GovCon news agency in the industry, covering stories from the most significant federal contracts awarded to breaking news about GovCon.

  1. ExecutiveGov

The ExecutiveGov, or EGov, is a government contracting news publication under Executive Mosaic, a cross-media platform designed for top-tier executives in the GovCon industry.

EGov covers a wide range of topics and issues that move the federal government contracting industry, such as cybersecurity policy, Gov 2.0, green IT, health IT, and national security. Furthermore, the Virginia-based publication also spotlights notable federal government employees and key decision-makers whose impact made waves across the GovCon industry.

Aside from bookmarking their website, you can also follow ExecutiveGov on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Department of Defense (DoD)
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  1. Department of Defense (DoD)

The Department of Defense is one of the biggest federal departments of the United States government. As the federal department in charge of defending the nation against threats from all domains, they work with government contractors to ensure that America’s defense systems and technologies remain superior above all else.

Although they are not a conventional news website, the DoD is a treasure trove of information that federal contractors can use. The defense department regularly publishes its contract awards, including information about the award, the contract task, the duration, and the contract value. Federal contractors who want to do business with the Department of Defense can keep tabs on their website.

GovCon Wire is one of the leading source of breaking news regarding the GovCon industry and its players.

  1. GovCon Wire

Another publication under Executive Mosaic, GovCon Wire is the premier source of fresh-off-the-presses news about the government contracting industry.

GCW publishes breaking stories about significant government contract awards, high-profile executive moves, mergers and acquisitions activities, and federal tech developments. GCW also covers news about the financial results of the industry’s key players.

For the latest news delivered straight to you, you can subscribe to their newsletter, join their LinkedIn group, and follow them on Twitter.

The ExecutiveBiz is one of the trusted GovCon news site of executives from all around the country. Comprised of superior writer and research teams, ExecutiveBiz delivers relevant news across its channels.

  1. Executive Biz

Executive Biz delivers catered news to the executive players of the government contracting industry by following business and political trends that will impact the key decision-makers. Made up of an expert team of writers and researchers, the Virginia-based news source is dedicated to giving an insider perspective on different industries, such as defense, health care, and technology.

A publishing arm under Executive Mosaic, the Executive Biz is a widely regarded news source read by thousands.

The Potomac Officers Club is news and media agency that connects federal and business executives together. They host networking events for businesses and publish content that is relevant to them.

  1. Potomac Officers Club

The Potomac Officers Club has been in the industry for more than 20 years, connecting executive players in the government contracting field through its cross-platform media and executive networking programs.

Owned and operated by Executive Mosaic, the Potomac Officers Club is also delivering the freshest news about people, policies, trends, and events that move the GovCon industry. And if you want more, you can join the Potomac Officers Club by signing up as a member.

More than just an online news agency, the Federal News Network broadcasts the latest federal news in their daily radio broadcast as well.
Logo from Federal News Network

 

  1. Federal News Network

The Federal News Network is an online news and radio broadcasting company headquartered in Maryland. Its mission is to assist federal managers, policymakers, and federal contractors in navigating the industry by breaking the latest stories and insights in the field.

As a non-partisan and non-political company, the Federal News Network helps paint a clearer picture of the issues that the federal government faces—and what can the key players do about it.

The Federal News Network delivers stories through its website and its 1500 AM radio broadcast in the Greater Metropolitan Washington area.

Logo from U.S. News
Logo from U.S. News

  1. US News

For over 90 years, the US News has been delivering news and insights that support the decisions of business leaders and policy officials. Boasting its wide readership across the globe, the Washington-based company specializes in breaking stories on these platforms: cars, education, health, money, travel, and 360 reviews.

A multifaceted digital media company, the US News boasts a wide readership across the globe. Launched originally as a weekly magazine in the 1940s, the US News is one of the first legacy brands to transform into a digital business model successfully.

 

The Associated Press
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  1. Associated Press 

The Associated Press is an American non-profit news agency that is world-renowned for its fast and unbiased reporting on issues that affect the public. Established in 1846, AP has remained one of the most trusted news sources by people from all around the globe. The New York-based news agency giant has won countless recognitions, including 56 Pulitzer Prizes.

Furthermore, AP distributes media across all channels, covering important sectors that affect society—U.S. and international news; politics, including the GovCon; technology, sports, entertainment, health, science, and business.

 

JD Supra
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  1. JD Supra

Operating as a law firm, JD Supra is one of the leading publishers of legal intelligence on various sectors, such as GovCon, business, news, and commentary from reputed lawyers and law professionals. They produce and distribute news to the legal communities such as law firms, media, and general readers daily on different channels.

JD Supra is headquartered in California and primarily caters to its audience in the U.S.

Federal Times
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  1. Federal Times

With more than 60 years of experience under its belt, the Federal Times has served countless senior federal managers. By covering news regarding the federal workforce, acquisition, IT adoption, management issues, and policy changes, the Federal Times has helped government workers make informed decisions.

 

How to become a federal contractor?

If you are reading this, you have taken a step in the right direction.

It is undeniable how intimidating and complicated the GovCon industry is. But, the opportunity that comes with it can outweigh the struggle. Here is a beginner’s guide on how to become a government contractor, and here are the key takeaways:

  • Research about your industry and target market.

    Aside from reading guides like this, you can also visit government-related websites, such as the Government Accountability Office (GAO). As a non-partisan organization that investigates the government, it publishes insights about the government processes, the issues they face, and what they can do about it.

  • Learn about FAR

    The Federal Acquisition Regulation or FAR is the federal procurement industry’s guidebook. It contains all the rules and regulations governing federal contractors and government departments. Being familiar with FAR can help you grasp the procurement process better.

  • Explore small business assistance programs

    The government contracting industry is dominated by giants, which creates an uneven field for disadvantaged small businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a number of assistance programs for qualified businesses.

  • Register business at SAM.gov.

    The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) website is the place where businesses register as government contractors, bid for federal contracts, apply for loans and grants, and more! Here are the steps for registering a business at SAM.gov.

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PSC Asks DOD to Broaden Scope of Contract Financing Study; CEO David Berteau Quoted
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PSC Asks DOD to Broaden Scope of Contract Financing Study; CEO David Berteau Quoted

The Professional Services Council has called on the Department of Defense to expand the scope of its contract financing study and create a mechanism to facilitate engagement and dialogue with industry as the study advances.

DOD issued a request for information in June to solicit industry feedback to help inform the study and PSC said Thursday it submitted comments, including the need for the study to take into account the state of the global financial marketplace, ways to support the growth of small businesses, workforce retention and financing of government contracts for products, weapons systems and services.

“DoD needs to ask questions that are dramatically different that the ones in this RFI, if it hopes to adjust policies and practices so they can address future challenges and maintain a robust defense industrial base,” said David Berteau, president and CEO of PSC.

“PSC’s comments provide input on the specific topics mentioned in the RFI, but we also outline for DoD the larger issues of how contract financing policies and practices affect contractors and impact the financial marketplace on which the industry depends to operate effectively,” noted Berteau, a two-time Wash100 Award.

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NIST Solicits Feedback on Draft Healthcare Cybersecurity Guidance
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NIST Solicits Feedback on Draft Healthcare Cybersecurity Guidance

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking comments on a draft document that provides updated cybersecurity guidance for health care organizations to help them ensure the availability, integrity and confidentiality of patients’ electronic protected health information or ePHI.

The revised draft publication, titled Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule: A Cybersecurity Resource Guide, aligns with the Cybersecurity Framework, Security and Privacy Controls and other cybersecurity resources of NIST, the agency said Thursday.

The draft publication takes into consideration over 400 responses that NIST received in 2021 and focuses on the management and assessment of risk to ePHI, including lab results, prescriptions and records of vaccinations and hospital visits.

“We have increased our emphasis on the guidance’s risk management component, including integrating enterprise risk management concepts,” said Jeff Marron, a cybersecurity specialist at NIST.

Comments are due Sept. 21.

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CGI Federal Earns Spot on $203M FCC Contract for IT Modernization; Stefan Becker Quoted
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CGI Federal Earns Spot on $203M FCC Contract for IT Modernization; Stefan Becker Quoted

CGI’s federally-facing arm has won a spot on a potential five-year, $203.5 million Federal Communications Commission contract for information technology services.

As a participant in the Agile Development Support Services multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract vehicle, CGI Federal will be assigned task orders to perform duties such as system modernization and cloud migration for the FCC, the Fairfax, Virginia-based subsidiary said Thursday.

“This new IDIQ contract positions CGI Federal to further support the core mission areas of the FCC and continue to help the agency innovate and deliver new value for its stakeholders,” commented Stefan Becker, senior vice president at CGI Federal.

Becker also outlined that the company has established a relationship with the FCC over time via collaborative efforts relating to the department’s finances and acquisitions strategies as well as through its role in the CISA-originating Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation contract.

CGI’s work under the new contract vehicle is slated to help FCC complete objectives like providing high-speed broadband internet to the entire country across a diverse set of backgrounds and demographics and promoting citizens’ involvement in the digital economy. To do so, the company’s team will compete with the other 13 contract awardees for task orders under the contract.

Potential individual task orders and responsibilities might entail altering and strengthening legacy IT architectures or designing and building new architectures by utilizing agile methodologies. Their efforts are intended to align the FCC’s mission with its digital capabilities and tools.

CGI and its fellow contract recipients will partner with the FCC’s bureaus and offices to craft and facilitate end-to-end IT services that combat the challenges of digital transformation.

The FCC contract vehicle announcement follows CGI Federal’s recent development and launch of a financial and acquisition management system for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Momentum Acquisitions platform aims to streamline and evolve the contract-writing process for the VA.

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VMware Program Suite Lands FedRAMP High Authorization; Jennifer Chronis Quoted
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VMware Program Suite Lands FedRAMP High Authorization; Jennifer Chronis Quoted

Software company VMware has attained approval for government usage of several cloud-based applications at the high-impact level through the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program.

Thanks to confirmation via FedRAMP High Authorization, the program suite VMware Government Services — including VMware Carbon Black Cloud and VMware SD-WAN on AWS GovCloud — is now cleared to assist federal agencies with secure data migration and management, the Palo Alto, California-headquartered company said Thursday.

Jennifer Chronis, vice president of the public sector department at VMware, explained that the FedRAMP authorization allows the organization’s team to tailor their services to each agency’s individual digital transformation needs as well as configure their efforts to meet mission requirements.

Chronis, who is a two-time consecutive Wash100 Award winner, also said the newly achieved clearances will empower VMware to help agencies “innovate faster and create resiliency while adhering to the highest security and compliance standards.”

The program suite approved by FedRAMP features software-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, and infrastructure-as-a-service offerings.

VMware Carbon Black Cloud reportedly operates by alerting agencies of cybersecurity threats, with capabilities such as threat notifications, deterrence and response on endpoints and server task agendas. The program is meant to gather intelligence throughout various system locations (such as data centers, the edge and cloud) and its purpose builds on VMware’s membership with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative.

Meanwhile, VMware SD-WAN is a software-rooted WAN application that aims to provide a unified connection between users at dispersed locations. It’s a coworking platform that the company says has been widely embraced by government agencies for ushering agency networks into an era where work from home strategies have been commonplace. SD-WAN is also a potential element in helping agencies meet newfound zero-trust requirements.

The FedRAMP authorizations for VMware Government Services follow the company’s April achievement of FedRAMP High Authorization and DISA impact level 5 provisional authorization of its VMware Cloud on AWS GovCloud program.

VA Establishes Under Secretary Post to Oversee Veterans Benefits
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VA Establishes Under Secretary Post to Oversee Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has created a new under secretary position that will be responsible for the leadership and management of the Veterans Benefits Administration and has stood up a commission that will identify and recommend candidates for the said role.

The Under Secretary for Benefits, through VBA, will have oversight of matters concerning non-medical Veterans benefits and will drive delivery of services in support of former military members and their beneficiaries, VA said Tuesday.

According to a USAJobs.com posting, the USB will create and execute VBA policies and lead the implementation of management approaches to boost the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization. The position will also represent the VA secretary in handling Veterans benefits programs.

Joshua Jacobs, senior adviser to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, was tapped to perform the delegable duties of the USB, effective July 25.

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NOAA Seeks Info on Cloud Services for Space Data Repository
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NOAA Seeks Info on Cloud Services for Space Data Repository

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a request for information in search of potential cloud services providers for a data repository that would store space situational awareness data from both government and commercial entities.

A sources sought notice posted Wednesday says the agency is conducting market research into cloud platform management services to support the Department of Commerce’s Open Architecture Data Repository.

The department intends for the system to ingest, archive, process and disseminate data for space environment monitoring and analysis efforts.

NOAA noted the OADR project is part of efforts to transfer the Department of Defense’s commercial SSA mission, which includes the government’s unclassified space object catalog, to Commerce.

The agency is interested in working with a vendor to manage the repository based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cloud Model.

Responses to the notice are due Aug. 18.

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Michael Paul Appointed Assistant Director of FBI’s Operational Technology Division
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Michael Paul Appointed Assistant Director of FBI’s Operational Technology Division

Michael Paul, former special agent in charge of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, has been named assistant director of the Operational Technology Division at the bureau’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

FBI said Wednesday Paul will help oversee the division, which is tasked with delivering technologies designed to enable and improve the intelligence, national security and law enforcement operations of the agency.

Paul has nearly 30 years of experience working for the law enforcement agency, initially joining in 1995 as a management and program analyst for the Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

He also held various roles supporting counterterrorism and counterintelligence efforts at the FBI’s field offices in Cleveland, Norfolk and Minneapolis.

Paul also headed the bureau’s Domestic Terrorism Operations Section and the Technology and Data Innovation Section in the Counterterrorism Division at Headquarters.

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