/
Space Force Will Source Commercial Satellites for GSSAP Replacement, Acquisition Leader Says
Published on
Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration.

The U.S. Space Force will replace the specialized military satellites of its Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program surveillance constellation with commercially designed and operated in-orbit technologies. At a recent event, Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration, said he recently signed an acquisition decision memorandum in support of the project. 

“Today I signed a new ADM back out to the program office to approve their basic acquisition plan and get after developing a fuller acquisition strategy,” the official shared with the audience of the State of the Space Industrial Base Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Purdy expects the new effort to not only open the application of commercial technologies for high-value military functions, but it will also create opportunities for new companies to enter the national security space market. 

GovCons May Need Compromises on Requirements

The official admitted at the event that commercial vendors cannot meet stringent military requirements, according to a previous analysis. GSSAP monitors and characterizes objects in orbit, a function that was deemed too sensitive for commercial space systems. 

“We had a couple of key problems,” revealed Purdy. “So the team recommended some tradeoffs.”

According to the acquisition leader, the proposed GSSAP replacement will be unclassified and will be available to allies through the Department of Defense’s foreign military sales program. He also shared that multiple vendors will be selected to build, launch and operate satellites to provide surveillance services to the government.

GSSAP’s Role in Space Safety

Built by Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems for the U.S. Space Force, the GSSAP satellites are located in near-geosynchronous orbit to collect space situational awareness data. The satellites can perform Rendezvous and Proximity Operations to more closely investigate objects of interest. 

The constellation sends data through the Air Force Satellite Control Network ground stations to the Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado for surveillance, space flight safety and satellite collision avoidance.

Learn more about the advanced capabilities shaping the future of air and space defense at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Defense Summit on July 31. Register for the in-person before it sells out!

Space Force Will Source Commercial Satellites for GSSAP Replacement, Acquisition Leader Says
//
NASA, Magna Petra Partner to Seek Helium-3 Isotope on Lunar Surface
Published on
Lunar exploration

Magna Petra will bring back the NASA-developed Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations, or MSOLO, instrument to the lunar surface under a cooperative research and development agreement with the space agency.

MSOLO, which was demonstrated during the recent Intuitive Machines 2 mission, will be launched to the moon no earlier than 2026 to “measure low molecular weight volatiles in hopes of inferring the presence of rare isotopes, such as Helium-3, which is theorized to exist, trapped in the regolith, or lunar dust, of the Moon,” NASA said Monday.

Helium-3 Isotope Applications

Magna Petra will select a commercial rover where the MSOLO instrument will be mounted and intends to collect Helium-3 isotopes and use them for energy production through nuclear fusion, quantum computing, healthcare and specialized laboratory equipment. The company will share data gathered in real time with NASA to understand the location of volatiles on the moon and determine whether they can be extracted.

“Learning more about the lunar volatiles and their isotopes supports NASA’s goal of sustaining long-term human space exploration,” said Roberto Aguilar Ayala, research physicist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. “We will need to extract resources locally to enhance the capabilities of our astronauts to further exploration opportunities on the lunar surface.”

MSOLO, originally designed to analyze volatiles used in the manufacturing of semi-conductors, was modified to withstand harsh space conditions. It was first sent to the lunar surface as part of the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment 1.

//
NITRD NCO Issues RFI for New AI R&D Strategic Plan
Published on
Artificial intelligence research and development

The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development, or NITRD, National Coordination Office has commenced soliciting industry input on the development of a 2025 National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan.

AI Advancement Sought by NITRD

The NITRD said Tuesday the RFI seeks public input on an updated version of the previous administration’s National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan. This initiative aims to continue advancing the United States’ artificial intelligence capabilities over the next three to five years through research and development focused on driving AI innovation, strengthening national security, boosting the economy and contributing to human progress.

The solicitation is open to researchers, industry leaders and relevant stakeholders involved in AI R&D. Responses to a previous RFI about a possible AI Action Plan will be given consideration. Parties interested to submit their responses on the new RFI have until May 29 to do so.

///
Air Force CTO Unveils Zero Trust Goals for Warfighting Modernization
Published on
Air Force CTO Unveils Zero Trust Goals for Warfighting Modernization

The Department of the Air Force’s newly appointed permanent chief technology officer, Scott Heitmann, has developed a “Walking Deck” outlining zero trust implementation as his office works on the modernization of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force warfighting capabilities. IT modernization to ensure cybersecurity and resilience in all Airmen and Guardians devices is focused on zero trust, DAF said in a LinkedIn post published Tuesday.

At the Potomac Officers Club’s next GovCon conference, the 2025 Cyber Summit, there will be a panel dedicated to zero trust! Register now while spots are still available. You’ll be rewarded with countless key networking and learning opportunities rooted in the world of cyber GovCon.

The department stressed its sharp focus on the empowerment of U.S. warfighters through a seamless connectivity network enhanced with cybersecure software supporting lethality. It further noted that modernization and innovation are imperatives, not just goals, given the increasing global competition.

DAF Zero Trust Strategy Baseline

Last July, DAF’s Office of the Chief Information Officer issued a new zero trust strategy as part of the Air Force’s efforts to protect critical assets and strengthen resilience against evolving cyberthreats. The zero trust pursuit has seven strategic goals, including ubiquitous access to protected resources further addressed in Heitmann’s zero trust Walking Deck.

To enable Airmen and Guardians’ seamless and secure network access anytime, anywhere, the CTO’s task template lines up potential “network of the future” options, such as choices under DAF’s Base Infrastructure Modernization, or BIM, program. Heitmann also pinpointed in his zero trust-centered task list the Air Force’s Theater Deployable Communications, or TDC, program, wherein Iron Bow Technologies already secured a potential four-year, $144 million contract in January 2023.

Other deliverables that the CTO outlined for the Air Force zero trust requirements cover accelerating operations under of the service branch’s Cloud One and CloudWorks environments. 

Air Force CTO Unveils Zero Trust Goals for Warfighting Modernization
/
GSA Promotes Laura Stanton, Stephanie Shutt to New Leadership Roles at FAS
Published on
Laura Stanton and Stephanie Shutt are taking on new leadership roles at GSA's Federal Acquisition Service

The General Services Administration has promoted GSA veterans Laura Stanton and Stephanie Shutt to deputy commissioner and chief of staff of the Federal Acquisition Service, respectively, Federal News Network reported Monday.

Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of FAS at GSA and a 2025 Wash100 awardee, announced the leadership moves in an email obtained by FNN.

The leadership changes come as FAS prepares to undergo reorganization, called FAS 2.0.

“The work you all do is critical – FAS plays a central role in helping the government buy smarter, be more efficient and deliver value to taxpayers,” Gruenbaum wrote in the email. “Laura and Stephanie both understand how important collaboration is to that mission. I encourage you to show our support as they step into these new roles.”

Laura Stanton’s Career Background

Stanton most recently served as assistant commissioner for the Office of IT Category within FAS.

She replaces the retiring Tom Howder, who has been FAS deputy commissioner since 2018, and will continue to lead the IT category.

Stanton has been with GSA since 1997 and has held positions of increasing responsibility, including deputy assistant commissioner for category management, assistant commissioner for enterprise strategy management and director of program management for the common acquisition platform.

The Smith College graduate has a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University.

Stephanie Shutt’s Career Highlights

Shutt, who succeeds Teri Osabutey as FAS chief of staff, most recently served as director of operation and innovation.

She joined GSA in 2004 as an industrial operations analyst and then served as a management and program analyst.

The Utah State University graduate was the director of GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule Program Management Office, where she served for over five years.

///
MITRE on Enhancing US Defense Cooperation With Allies
Published on
MITRE highlights the need for the U.S. government to streamline regulations to facilitate defense trade with allies

MITRE is calling on the U.S. government to initiate targeted policy and legislative updates to strengthen the allied industrial base and streamline defense cooperation with allies and partner countries.

In a report published Monday, the nonprofit company said key priorities include improving the Department of Defense acquisition workforce’s visibility into allied investments, capabilities and gaps; establishing structured mechanisms to promote interoperability with international counterparts; and streamlining regulations to facilitate defense trade.

Enhancing DOD Acquisition Workforce Visibility

MITRE said policy updates should require systematic inclusion of allied capability assessments in acquisition planning and direct workforce participation in structured knowledge-sharing platforms.

According to the three-page report, improving access to shared production capacity ensures the DOD can leverage a diverse set of suppliers with a wide range of capabilities.

DOD could also establish a centralized digital portal for allied defense industrial data and formalize exchange programs within the acquisition workforce to facilitate the integration of allies’ insights into the acquisition decision-making process.

Refining Regulatory Frameworks

MITRE highlighted the need for the U.S. acquisition community to streamline regulations and policies concerning foreign military sales and exports.

The report cited progress in streamlining the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR. It mentioned the U.S. government’s effort to expand ITAR exemptions to trusted allies with comparable export control systems, such as the U.K. and Australia.

To facilitate defense trade, the U.S. could also automate low-risk FMS transactions through a pre-approved vendor system and align Export Administration Regulations de minimis thresholds with ITAR exemptions to prevent regulatory mismatches, according to the report.

///
NIST Working on New Framework to Address AI-Enabled Cyberthreats
Published on
Cyber AI Profile could be released within the next six months.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is developing a framework designed to address difficulties cybersecurity executives face in combating cyberthreats enabled by artificial intelligence, Nextgov/FCW reported.

Speaking at the RSAC Conference on Monday, Kat Megas, NIST’s cybersecurity, privacy and AI program manager, explained that the Cyber AI Profile framework will encourage organizations to focus on risk reduction, defense strategies and improved privacy to counter cyber actors using AI, including large language models, to create new attack methods such as deepfakes and enhanced phishing.

“We are at a watershed moment where everybody’s talking about how artificial intelligence is helping both the defenders as well as the attackers,” Megas said.

NIST to Seek Public Comments on Draft Framework

Cyber AI Profile is based on NIST’s Cybersecurity Framework. The agency said many in the cybersecurity community recommended developing guidance based on the CSF to address the cybersecurity risks related to AI development and use.

According to Megas, NIST is working on a public draft of the Cyber AI Profile based on initial public workshop input and additional research. The draft will be made available to the public for comment. Depending on feedback, the agency could either develop a second draft or finalize the document, which is expected to be released within the next six months.

POC - 2025 Cyber Summit

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit on May 15 in Virginia, where leading cyber experts, government decision-makers and industry executives will explore innovative solutions for a secure and resilient public sector. Register today!

/
DISA, USSTRATCOM Launch Electromagnetic Spectrum Software
Published on
Military utilizing electromagnetic spectrum for warfare

The Defense Information Systems Agency and U.S. Strategic Command unveiled the Electromagnetic Battle Management – Joint Decision Support on April 21.

Leveraging the Electromagnetic Spectrum in Warfare

DISA said Monday the EMBM-J DS is a new software tool designed to enhance how the military manages the electromagnetic spectrum for tactical communications and operations. The system equips commanders from all military branches with a sophisticated planning capability that enables enhanced coordination of spectrum use. This safeguards friendly communications from interference with each other and prevents disruptions caused by enemy jamming.

The initial EMBM-J DS version provides commanders with several vital functions. It helps in analyzing missions by providing commanders an understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum’s possible uses and challenges. It also assists in plan development and evaluation by creating several options for using the spectrum. The tool has a war game feature where plans can be tested in a virtual environment to simulate real-world scenarios. Lastly, the EMBM-J DS enhances decision-making by providing vital information to commanders on the proper use of the electromagnetic spectrum.

“EMBM-J DS represents a significant step forward for Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operation Cells, enabling strategic and operational electromagnetic spectrum planning at both the Combatant Command plans and future operations planning levels,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. AnnMarie Anthony, director of the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center at USSTRATCOM.

“We’re committed to expanding the EMBM-J capability to meet evolving warfighter needs and address the complex challenges of Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations,” said Jason Martin, component acquisition executive at DISA.

/
DARPA to Establish New Hub for Validating Quantum Innovations in Maryland
Published on
Researchers develop quantum computing capabilities.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has forged new partnership with the state of Maryland to establish the Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub. The planned facility will be used to test and evaluate quantum computing systems for commercial and national security applications, DARPA said Monday. 

Quantum Advancement

The Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub will be located within the University of Maryland’s Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, or ARLIS. Both DARPA and the government of Maryland committed to providing matching contributions of up to $100 million each over four years to support the hub and the larger Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, or QBI. 

“As part of QBI, we are building the world’s largest and most qualified independent quantum computing test and evaluation team so that we can rigorously test commercial approaches to determine what’s viable and what’s hype,” commented Joe Altepeter, program manager for QBI at DARPA. “The Capital Quantum Benchmarking Hub will provide an additional research and testing facility for our experts to evaluate the plans and systems of the quantum computing companies that progress through the QBI program.”

Launched in 2024, QBI aims to identify and validate quantum computing approaches that can lead to the development of an industrially useful quantum computer by 2033. 

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore added that the new facility will strengthen national security, create local jobs and position the state as a global capital for quantum technology. 

“Together, we will continue to drive innovation through durable partnerships that leave no one behind,” Moore stated.

State Collaborations to Develop Emerging Capabilities

In 2024, DARPA made a similar deal with the state of Illinois to establish the Quantum Proving Ground. Located at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, the research and development facility will also test and evaluate quantum technologies.

/
FCC to Re-examine Spectrum Sharing Regulations
Published on
Telescope utilized for spectrum sharing

The Federal Communications Commission has decided to review the rules on spectrum sharing between different types of satellite systems.

The FCC said the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued Monday aims to re-evaluate and modernize the decades-old spectrum sharing regime to allow for more intensive and efficient use of spectrum for space-based activities within the United States.

FCC Attempts to Advance Space Innovation

The review of the spectrum sharing rules seeks to enable advancements in space innovation while accelerating progress on spectrum crucial to national security and economic interests. The FCC aims to update spectrum sharing for satellite broadband and revise the current rules to achieve more efficient spectrum sharing between geostationary orbit, or GSO, and non-GSO satellite systems. The commission will examine power restrictions in the Ku- and Ka-bands supporting satellite broadband constellations in low Earth orbit.

Modern satellite systems deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to consumers and businesses across the country, while also providing vital communications in rural locations and during emergencies. Despite bridging the digital divide, these satellites are limited by existing power restrictions and unable to fully provide enhanced coverage, capacity and signal quality.

Brendan Carr, chairman of the FCC, said in a statement that modern LEO satellite systems are governed by rules adopted over 30 years ago.

“The power limits developed in the 1990s hamper satellite broadband by degrading signal quality, reducing coverage, limiting capacity and making it harder to share spectrum with other satellite systems,” said Carr. “Back then, high-speed satellite broadband was considered the stuff of science fiction and the ability to share between satellite systems was primitive. Fast forward to today and breakthrough advances enable efficient spectrum use and sharing, making satellite broadband a real competitive option,” he continued.

1 … 76 77 78 79 80 … 2,619