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Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Strengthen Protections for Federal Data Centers; HSGAC Chairman Gary Peters Quoted
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Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Strengthen Protections for Federal Data Centers; HSGAC Chairman Gary Peters Quoted

On Friday, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Cornyn (R-TX), alongside Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI), introduced the bipartisan Federal Data Center Enhancement Act of 2022 to provide legislation in order to protect Data Centers from potential cyberattacks, natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

“The federal government is responsible for storing considerable amounts of sensitive and personal information…We must ensure this data is stored securely and used in a way that does not violate civil rights and liberties,” Sen. Peters explained.

The bipartisan Federal Data Center Enhancement Act of 2022 requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop strong minimum requirements for federal data centers related to cyber intrusions, data center availability, mission-critical uptime, and resilience against physical attacks and other natural disasters, which includes ensuring that federal agencies have secure, reliable, and protected data facilities that are safe from potential attacks.

Sen. John Cornyn detailed how the new legislation would help secure federal data and encourage optimization, which will save taxpayer dollars and protect Americans who entrust their information to the federal government.”

Since 2010, more than 6,000 federal data centers have been consolidated with resulting cost savings and cost avoidance of $5.8 billion. The Federal Data Center Enhancement Act of 2022 builds on this success, shifting the policy focus from consolidation to optimization, security, and resiliency.

In addition, Sen. Jacky Rosen also highlighted the critical importance of ensuring the integrity of our nation’s critical information by protecting data centers. “This bipartisan bill will enact a new set of security and resiliency standards to keep our data safe.”

Sen. Rosen. also specifically mentioned the Data Center “Switch” located in Las Vegas. Betsy Fretwell, executive vice president for Strategy at Switch, recognized the need for data centers and government agencies to meet higher standards for greater resiliency and availability.

“Switch takes pride in building the world’s most advanced, secure, and sustainable data centers and applauds Senator Rosen’s work to reduce the unnecessary risk of taxpayers losing access to important data provided by the federal government due to substandard data centers,” Betsy Fretwell explained.

Since 2010, more than 6,000 federal data centers have been consolidated with a resulting cost savings and cost avoidance of $5.8 billion. The Federal Data Center Enhancement Act of 2022 builds on this success, shifting the policy focus from consolidation to optimization, security, and resiliency.

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Treasury Pilot Program Seeks Insight Into Climate-Related Financial Risks
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Treasury Pilot Program Seeks Insight Into Climate-Related Financial Risks

The Department of the Treasury’s financial research office has launched a data-driven pilot project that will focus on identifying and assessing the possible impacts of climate change on financial system stability. 

Participants in the Climate Data and Analytics Hub initiative will have access to high-performance computing tools and software platforms designed to visualize and analyze information, the Treasury said Thursday.

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York are the initial users of the hub.

Nellie Liang, undersecretary for domestic finance at the Treasury, noted the department intends to help regulators gain insight into financial risks from shifting weather events through a shared database.

“Financial regulators need both financial and non-financial data, as well as high-powered computing capabilities, to effectively research climate-related financial risks,” said James Martin, acting director of the Office of Financial Research.

The hub will also support the integration of public supervisory data with government information such as precipitation, wildfires and crop conditions, precipitation.

OFR will look to expand hub access to all agencies that are part of the Financial Stability Oversight Council.

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Navy’s Unmanned Influence Sweep System Achieves Initial Operating Capability
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Navy’s Unmanned Influence Sweep System Achieves Initial Operating Capability

An unmanned surface platform Textron developed for the U.S. Navy has reached initial operating capability following the completion of formal testing and delivery of logistics and training material for mission execution.

The Program Executive Officer for Unmanned and Small Combatants said Thursday the Unmanned Influence Sweep System received IOC designation from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and is on track to add to the service branch’s suite of mine countermeasure technologies.

UISS will conduct acoustic or magnetic minesweeping operations as part of the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package. It could be integrated into littoral combat ships, shore or vessels of opportunity and be paired with MCM unmanned surface vehicle.

“Over the years, the program has worked tirelessly to mature and field the UISS system that will keep the Navy’s most valuable asset, our sailors, safer by keeping them out of the minefield. With this declaration, the program is inching closer toward system-wide IOC for the MCM MP,” said Capt. Godfrey Weekes, LCS Mission Modules (PMS 420) program manager. 

Senate Democrats Draft Appropriations Bill Seeking $850B in 2023 Defense Funds
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Senate Democrats Draft Appropriations Bill Seeking $850B in 2023 Defense Funds

Democratic leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee put forward a nearly $1.7 trillion government spending proposal for fiscal year 2023 that includes $850 billion in discretionary funds for national defense.

Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., unveiled the package as his mark version of 12 annual appropriations bills Thursday.

The plan allocates $118.7 billion for medical care programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs and another $21 billion for public health initiatives through emergency supplemental funding.

Proposed defense funds under the package reflect an 8.7 percent increase over current funding levels and are aligned with the House’s bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year.

A summary of the bill from the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee would provide $792.1 billion to the Pentagon and related activities.

“This bill modernizes our armed forces to address the evolving threats of the 21st Century, ensuring the Defense Department is able to compete with China and other adversaries across the globe,” Leahy said.

“It includes additional funds to help address the consequences of inflation, which has impacted government programs at every level – both defense and non-defense.”

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DOE Launches $165M Initiative to Advance Geothermal Energy Deployment
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DOE Launches $165M Initiative to Advance Geothermal Energy Deployment

The Department of Energy has introduced the Geothermal Energy from Oil and Gas Demonstrated Engineering effort with up to $165 million in funding to support the expanded deployment of geothermal energy through industry technologies.

DOE said the initiative will initially allocate $10 million to establish a consortium that will create a roadmap for bridging geothermal energy technology and knowledge gaps.

“Leveraging the extensive knowledge, technology, skill and experience of the oil and gas sector is the perfect way to tackle barriers to geothermal deployment while also giving fossil-fuel-based communities and workers a role in the transition to clean energy,” said Jennifer Granholm, Energy secretary.

In a funding opportunity announcement, DOE said it is seeking an administrator for GEODE to lead the consortium. Responsibilities include managing collaborative research, development and demonstration efforts in support of consortium priorities, creating a structure and methodology for research agenda execution and attracting and securing consortium membership.

Responses to the FOA are due Oct. 28.

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Radiant Digital Solutions Collaborates with ServiceNow Partner Program; Jon Clark Quoted
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Radiant Digital Solutions Collaborates with ServiceNow Partner Program; Jon Clark Quoted

Information technology company Radiant Digital Solutions has entered into the ServiceNow Partner Program, becoming a part of its customer and employee-focused initiative as well as its technology and operations endeavor.

The ServiceNow platform assists with the introduction and execution of digital transformation efforts in order to sustain and deepen the delivery of these services to customers, the Vienna, Virginia-based company said Thursday.

Jon Clark, senior vice president at Radiant, shared that he thinks the partnership with ServiceNow will allow the company to render its clients’ digital assets “more agile, efficient, and competitive.”

Clark also described how Radiant’s digital transformation services will be rendered more efficient; now, Clark asserts, “we can deliver modernized workflows much faster.”

The Radiant Digital Solutions team performs three types of digital transformations: IT transformation, application transformation and workforce transformation.

The company’s IT transformation entails outfitting an intelligent infrastructure by updating systems, installing cloud platforms and utilizing data. Its application efforts are aimed to increase the speed of innovation cycles, cut down on expenditures and sharpen competitive edge, while its workforce transformation strategies include helping businesses embrace change and implementing structure.

U.S. Space Force Ranks: List of Ranking in Order
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U.S. Space Force Ranks: List of Ranking in Order

The United States Space Force (USSF) is the sixth, separate branch of the United States Armed Forces. USSF organizes, trains, and equips Guardians to carry out global space operations.

Missions and operations in the dynamic space domain are the responsibility of the United States Space Force. U.S. Space Force rank structure has different levels. Enlisted members of a diverse group have their tasks. Each member also undergoes a specialty knowledge test and promotion fitness examination. Here is the U.S. Space Force list of ranking in order:

Space Force ranks: Specialist

Space force's highly competitive new members

Specialist 1 (Spc1)

Grade: E1

Terms of address: Specialist, Spec1, or Specialist 1

Specialist 1 space force guardians are the Space Force members who have transitioned from the Air Force. Specialists in the Air Force are treated the same as any other new recruit and must complete basic training.

As long as performance and conduct requirements are met, promotions to E-2 are typically automatic. Time in grade and years of service are the only criteria for advancement in the Air Force.

Specialist 2 (Spc2)

Grade: E2

Terms of address: Specialist, Spec2, or Specialist 2

Being a Specialist 2 in the Space Force means committing to military culture and learning one’s trade effectively. For the Space Force, this involves following the Air Force’s basic training with specialized education in the subject of space systems operations (1C6).

As long as the supervisor maintains the necessary service and conduct levels, automatic promotion to E-2 will be granted. After basic training, Guardians who wish to advance to the rank of specialist two must complete coursework in space systems operations.

There is a 10-month minimum service requirement for promotions from Specialist 2 to Specialist 3. It takes an average of 16 months of service in the Air Force before a person is promoted to Airman First Class.

Specialist 3 (Spc3)

Grade: E3

Terms of address: Specialist, Spec3, or Specialist 3

Guardians at the Specialist 3 level are deemed to have successfully transitioned to the Space Force and military life. Their responsibilities now center on carrying out their assignments promptly and effectively while continuing to hone their professional abilities.

Guardians of this level are expected to perform routine tasks and develop expertise in space system operations.

Specialist 4 (Spc4)

Grade: E4

Terms of address: Specialist, Spec4, or Specialist 4

Space Force Specialist 4 guardians and Air Force Senior Airmen are expected to conduct themselves according to prescribed standards, offering a positive influence and example for subordinates and peers.

The specialist four rank, or E-4, is a middle tier in the Space Force. Managers at the top level count on their guards to continue their education and serve as role models for those under them.

Space Force Ranks: Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)

space force released enlisted ranks, Non-Commissioned Officer

Sergeant (Sgt)

Grade: E5

Terms of address: Sergeant

For the Space Force, the rank of Sergeant is the entry point into the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) ranks. These watchmen should be at least level five (journeyman) or seven (craftsman) and actively hone their technical and managerial abilities.

In addition, the Sgt is responsible for actively pursuing opportunities to grow in their technical and managerial expertise. The Air Force equivalent of the Space Force Sergeant rank is Staff Sergeant, and the average active duty period to achieve that rank is almost four years.

Technical Sergeant (TSgt)

Grade: E6

Terms of address: Sergeant, Technical Sergeant, or Tech Sergeant

The United States Security Forces’ second-highest noncommissioned officer rank is a technical sergeant. The duties of a technical sergeant are similar to those of a staff sergeant in that they involve supervision and complex technical work. They are responsible for their subordinates’ professional growth and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to do their jobs well.

To guarantee optimum performance and complete mission success, the TSgt must provide all enlisted soldiers with the required resources. The standard active duty period needed to advance to Technical Sergeant in the Air Force is 12 years.

The basic qualifications for promotion to Tech Sergeant are the same as those for promotion to Staff Sergeant, including a 7-skill level and five years of Time-in-Service. The TIG requirement is reduced to 23 months.

Space Force ranks: Senior Non-Commissioned Officer

senior noncommissioned officers, senior ncos

Master Sergeant (MSgt)

Grade: E7

Terms of address: Sergeant or Master Sergeant

Master Sergeants should have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of their profession. More leadership roles are assigned to them.

MSgts are senior-level commanders with extensive technical expertise. MSgt is an expert in seven areas. This position calls for a broader technological and administrative viewpoint and comes with significantly increased responsibility. When serving in the Air Force, the typical time commitment to reach the rank of Master Sergeant is over 17 years.

Master Sergeant promotions in the Space Force and Air Force are identical to those in the E-5 and E-6 levels, with the following exceptions: A 7-skill level is required, as well as eight years of Time-in-Serve and 24 months of Time-in-Grade.

Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)

Grade: E8

Terms of address: Senior or Senior Master Sergeant

When you reach the rank of senior master sergeant, you’ve served for 15-30 years. The role of the old master sergeant is to oversee and direct the work of those under their command. Gaining promotion to the position of senior master sergeant is difficult. The central promotion board can only elevate 2% of enlisted personnel to SMSgt.

One must be evaluated on their professional competence, performance, experience, leadership, education, and other aspects by a central evaluation board before they may be promoted to the rank of senior master sergeant.

Air Force Senior Master Sergeant promotions are heavily influenced by the Central Evaluation Board (CEB). The Air Force’s primary evaluation board, made up of many 3-person panels, meets twice yearly: once in January for Senior Master Sergeant and once in October for Chief Master Sergeant. Each Air Force promotion board looks at the history of promotions for a distinct set of AFSCs (jobs). The evaluation boards in the Space Force are anticipated to be comparable.

Panels review candidates’ past promotion histories and assign scores based on several factors, including but not limited to performance, professional competence, leadership, job responsibility, breadth of experience, specific achievements, and level of education.

Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)

Grade: E9

Terms of address: Chief or Chief Master Sergeant

A CMSgt is given a Chief Enlisted Manager (CEM) code, which provides them with authority to serve in any managerial capacity and undertake any task not explicitly forbidden by law or order. On average, it takes more than 22 years of active service to reach the rank of Chief Master Sergeant in the United States armed forces.

Unless you want to join the Space Force, the rank of chief master sergeant is the highest you can get. In the military, a guardian who achieves the level of chief master sergeant is responsible for management, advice, and leadership. An E-9 rank is reserved for only 1% of the active duty personnel.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF)

Grade: E9

Terms of address: Chief or Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force

Besides the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force or Command Chief Master Sergeant, the rank of Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted position in the Space Force. It’s the law that the command chief master sergeants be paid a different amount for their regular salary and retirement.

Space Force ranks: Company Grade officers, Field Grade officers, and General Officers

air force higher rank structure

Second Lieutenant (2d Lt)

Grade: O1

Terms of address: Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant

One gold bar represents the Second Lieutenant rank. “Second Lieutenant” and “Lieutenant” are appropriate forms of address. Some Air Force officers with commissions may choose to skip this level entirely. After 24 months “in grade” (the Air Force’s terminology for rank), a second lieutenant is usually promoted to the first lieutenant.

First Lieutenant (1st Lt)

Grade: O2

Terms of address: Lieutenant or First Lieutenant

First lieutenants perform duties similar to those of second but earn more money and have more authority. After 24 months of service, an Air Force first lieutenant is normally considered for promotion to captain.

Captain (Capt)

Grade: O3

Terms of address: Captain

Captains are responsible for and assigned to a specific Flight. When in this role, one is known as the company commander. The standard time required for a captain to become eligible for promotion to major in the Air Force is 24 months.

Major (Maj)

Grade: O4

Terms of address: Major

Majors in the Air Force, the Air Force’s second-highest officer rank, serve as the primary staff officers for brigade-sized formations.

You’ll be tasked with managing and supervising others when you reach the major level. Their standard scale of operation is a squadron or wing. They may take charge of a squad in some situations. All majors are required to pursue a master’s degree or higher to graduate.

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)

Grade: O5

Terms of address: Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel

You are also expected to take on a leadership role as a lieutenant colonel. Assisting the colonel in his duties are these officers. When you reach the rank of lieutenant colonel, you’ll be expected to take on additional responsibilities, such as advising less senior commanders.

Colonel (Col)

Grade: O6

Terms of address: Colonel 

The position of colonel is the highest among field officers. Typically, they will have completed graduate studies. The mission of the colonel’s office is to increase base efficiency and quality of life. They oversee training facilities and may be in charge of as many as four thousand military men at once.

space force general, space force chief, navy air force,

Brigadier General (Brig Gen)

Grade: O7

Terms of address: General or Brigadier General

The road to becoming a Brigadier General is a long and difficult one. The process begins with a group of general officers compiling a list of potential candidates and concludes with the President making their promotion decisions. Generals who have served for 30 years or more or held the rank of Brigadier General for five years are required to retire.

Generals of the rank of brigadier general oversee more extensive military installations and often overlook the most senior personnel at the Pentagon and other organizations. They take part in activities designed to boost spirits and morale. Regular leadership and administrative responsibilities also come with the position.

Major General (Maj Gen)

Grade: O8

Terms of address: Major General or General

Major General is the next step up for general officers. Joint force commanders and other senior officers responsible for up to 10,000 troops report to major generals.

Major General is the second-highest rank in the Air Force, and advancement to this position is similar to that of Brigadier General.

Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)

Grade: O9

Terms of address: Lieutenant General or General

The President appoints Lieutenant Generals from within the ranks of current Air Force General Officers. After their term ends, they will no longer hold that position.

Typically, lieutenant generals are in charge of leading major installations and outposts. Overall morale and direction among their troops are mainly in their hands.

General (Gen)

Grade: O10

Terms of address: General

Commanders with four stars are the most senior posts in the military and oversee expansive areas of responsibility.

The highest position attainable in the Space Force is that of General. Each of these people is a top official at the Pentagon and other institutions.

Check here the ranks of the other military branches:

U.S. Army Ranks: A Guide for Federal Defense Contractors

U.S. Marine Corps Ranks: List of Ranking in Order

U.S. Coast Guard Ranks: A Guide For Defense Contractors

What Are the U.S. Air Force Ranks?

U.S. Navy Ranks: List of Ranking

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Siemens Government Technologies, Network Management Resources Reach Mentor-Protégé Agreement; John Ustica Quoted
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Siemens Government Technologies, Network Management Resources Reach Mentor-Protégé Agreement; John Ustica Quoted

Siemens Government Technologies announced on Thursday that the company has entered into a  Mentor-Protégé agreement with Network Management Resources (NRM) Inc., through the Small Business Administration (SBA), to build NMR’s capability and capacity for new projects supporting federal government customers responsible for vital national security missions.

“NMR has been a highly valued partner to SGT for more than 12 years across multiple task orders in essential energy and infrastructure work for critical missions,” said John Ustica, interim CEO for SGT. 

Through the mentor-protégé relationship, Siemens Government Technologies will provide support and equipment modernization for infrastructure projects, alongside NMR, who will have greater access to a broader portfolio of opportunities through the Siemens installed base of energy products and technologies.

In addition, the two companies can pursue small business and specified set-aside contracts through a joint venture, using NMR’s SDVOSB status under the terms of the mentor-protégé program.

“They’ve shown us, and most importantly our customers, their dedication and commitment to strengthen their capabilities and resources, which is why we’re excited to help them take the next steps in the evolution of their business through this mentor-protégé relationship,” Ustica added. 

SGT helps extend Siemens’ longstanding commitment of supporting small and diverse businesses throughout its supply chain operations, which includes approximately 20 percent of Siemens’ suppliers that qualify as small and diverse-owned businesses.

NMR has more than 25 years’ experience delivering robust solutions for government customers, including comprehensive mechanical and electrical projects for the intelligence community. 

In addition, NMR President Dave Jones highlighted how the partnership with Siemens will benefit the customers from both organizations as well as leverage the synergies developed by both NMR & SGT to bring together people and businesses through their combined unparalleled customer service dedication.

About Siemens Government Technologies 

Siemens Government Technologies is the wholly owned, U.S. subsidiary of Siemens Corporation whose mission it is to secure and modernize the largest infrastructure in the world, the U.S. Federal Government. 

It does so by being the leading integrator of Siemens’ innovative products, technologies, software and services in the areas of digital engineering and modeling, efficient and resilient energy solutions, and smart infrastructure modernization.

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CGI Federal Forensics Lab Accredited by American National Standards Institute; John Owens Quoted
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CGI Federal Forensics Lab Accredited by American National Standards Institute; John Owens Quoted

A forensics lab operated by CGI’s federal business has received approval from the American National Standards Institute to continue and increase its services to national government clientele.

CGI Federal’s Digital Forensics Lab conducts data/evidence gathering, recovery, processing, analysis, reporting, litigation assistance and managed services, the Fairfax, Virginia-based subsidiary said Thursday.

John Owens, senior vice president and consulting and enterprise solutions group lead at CGI Federal, indicated that the lab plays a major role in helping federal agencies pinpoint and follow criminal patterns of digital crimes including fraud and intellectual property theft.

“This accreditation of CGI Federal’s world-class digital forensic investigation lab recognizes our ability to provide state-of-the-art imaging, forensic equipment and decades of forensic case management and court testimony experience,” Owens continued.

The ANSI’s National Accreditation Board bestowed the laboratory with its selective ISO/IEC 17025 forensic accreditation, marking the facility as one of an elite group of private digital forensic laboratories to hold the distinction. The lab is based in Huntsville, Alabama at the company’s Cyber Threat Analysis Center.

The recognition follows CGI Federal’s win of a spot on a $203.5 million Federal Communications Commission contract last week. Under this award, the company will be assigned task orders to carry out duties such as system modernization and cloud migration.

Clay Goldwein, senior vice president of national security and justice at CGI Federal, recently participated in an Executive Spotlight interview with ExecutiveBiz, where discussed the impediments and motivations for promoting persistent cybersecurity policies within the federal government.

“Cyber hygiene has always been a necessity at the federal government. But if it is not a funded priority at an agency, then the critical challenge comes down to balancing the budget with the ability to effectively support and enhance cyber hygiene programs,” Goldwein remarked.

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CISA Signs Cybersecurity Cooperation Agreement With Ukraine; Director Jen Easterly Quoted
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CISA Signs Cybersecurity Cooperation Agreement With Ukraine; Director Jen Easterly Quoted

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has agreed to expand collaboration with the technical security and intelligence service of Ukraine to boost the two nations’ cybersecurity capabilities.

CISA said Wednesday it signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ukrainian State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine and committed to strengthening the sharing of information and best practices on cyber incidents with the agency.

The partnership will also conduct critical infrastructure security technical exchanges and joint cybersecurity training and exercises.

“Cyber threats cross borders and oceans, and so we look forward to building on our existing relationship with SSSCIP to share information and collectively build global resilience against cyber threats,” said Jen Easterly, director of CISA and a 2022 Wash100 Award.

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