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Lawmakers Eye Major Changes to Tech-Focused Small Business Programs; Heidi Shyu Quoted
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Lawmakers Eye Major Changes to Tech-Focused Small Business Programs; Heidi Shyu Quoted

The Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer programs are set to expire by the end of September and lawmakers are considering major reforms to the programs to address concerns of alleged abuse of the so-called SBIR “mills,” Breaking Defense reported Monday.

The Senate Small Business Committee is pursuing two proposals and one of these two would limit eligibility to the SBIR and STTR programs based on the number of awards secured over a term of five years.

A House Small Business Committee proposal would restrict eligibility to the programs based on improved requirements related to current Phase I to Phase II transition rate and commercialization benchmarks under the third phase.

Heidi Shyu, undersecretary for research and engineering at the Department of Defense, said the proposed benchmarks introduce “significant concerns” for DOD and that an extension of the program would be the needed approach to evaluate potential challenges to the initiative.

“The Department, as well as the SBA and other agencies, respectfully disagree with the argument that multiple awards represent a significant problem and that having multiple awards ‘crowds out’ or limits competition,” said Shyu, a 2022 Wash100 Award winner.

“All SBIR/STTR awards are competitively awarded efforts with multiple awards addressing multiple topics. While a company can receive multiple awards, those awards are not for the same topic. In addition, the Department is concerned about the impact to the Department’s small business innovation base and its ability to meet warfighter needs if current SBIR/STTR projects are terminated due to benchmarks that go too far,” she added.

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DHS Kicks Off Search for Procurement Innovation Lab Director
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DHS Kicks Off Search for Procurement Innovation Lab Director

The Department of Homeland Security has begun its search for a new director of the procurement innovation lab within the office of the chief procurement officer.

The selected candidate will propose ideas for governmentwide procurement innovation through the Acquisition Innovation Advocates Council and other groups and forums and oversee a team that offers technical guidance and coaching to procurement teams across DHS, according to a USAJobs notice published Wednesday.

The incumbent will brief the OCPO leadership on the lab’s procurement projects, serve as a principal adviser on nontraditional procurement models, integrate best practices and new developments into the department’s acquisition procedures, policies and regulations and analyze sensitive and complex contracting problems.

DHS will accept applications through Aug. 18.

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Coast Guard Crowdsources Research Project Ideas
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Coast Guard Crowdsources Research Project Ideas

The U.S. Coast Guard has started its crowdsourcing effort to generate potential innovation ideas and challenges the maritime law enforcement service can incorporate into its fiscal year 2024 research portfolio.

USCG is accepting suggestions for how the branch can apply technologies to transform asset utilization for various missions such as crisis response.

Vice Adms. Scott Buschman and Paul Thomas, respectively holding the roles of deputy commandants for operations and mission support at USCG, have identified seven research priority areas for the FY 2024-2025 period.

These priorities involve data analytics, mobility, autonomous systems, human-machine teaming, C5I, services aimed at reducing climate change impacts and approaches to strengthen system and personnel security.

Interested parties can submit their innovative ideas to the service via the CG_Ideas@Work portal.

Top 10 Federal Government News Sources
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Top 10 Federal Government News Sources

It is a standard process among business leaders across different industries to monitor their market. By keeping tabs on the trends and activities of their target market, they formulate better strategies to sell or to prepare for any dips. And that is why news websites, such as these federal government news sources, come in handy for government contractors who want to stay ahead of their game.

Who are the top 10 federal government news sources?

ExecutiveBiz is a publication agency that gives industry key decision-makers an inside look on issues that affects them.

  1. ExecutiveBiz

The ExecutiveBiz delivers fresh off-the-press news that matter to the government contracting industry’s wavemakers. With experienced writers and researchers powering up the publication, the ExecutiveBiz gives an insider look at the latest federal government news about defense, healthcare, and technology. And to ensure that you wouldn’t miss any drop of info regarding the government contracting field, you can sign up for their exclusive newsletter so everything will be delivered to your inbox!

The Virginia-based government news agency is an official publication arm of Executive Mosaic (EM).

The Potomac Officers Club is an event production and multi-platform publication company under the Executive Mosaic.

  1. Potomac Officers Club

The Potomac Officers Club (POC) has been in the business of connecting and empowering government contracting executives for more than 20 years. This Virginia-based company is a market leader in building executive networking programs, bringing together like-minded individuals to help each other grow.

On top of being a top executive events producer, the company’s cross-platform publication is also growing steadily over the years. Their seasoned editorial staff follows the latest news about the federal government, the people, events, and trends that will shape the industry.

CNBC is a news and publication company focused on business and finance.

  1. CNBC

The Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) is one of the leading business and financial news agencies, reaching a hundred million readers globally across all of its platforms. They cover trending business and trading news from around the globe to provide the latest information to industry leaders and key decision-makers.

Nearly 400 million households tune in to CNBC’s global news TV channel. And you can access their 24/7 news reporting through their website.

U.S. News & World Report is a digital media agency that covers different industries, such as politics, education, and health.

  1. USNews

The U.S. News & World Report is a cross-platform digital media company that is at the forefront of delivering breaking news regarding issues that affect its consumers, business leaders, and policymakers. Headquartered in Washington, this news publishing giant offers a variety of services by covering industry-relevant topics on its different platforms: News, Education, Health, Money, Cars, Travel, and 360 Reviews.

The U.S. News & World Report readership reaches 40 million monthly.

The U.S. Department of State is the federal agency in charge of America's international relations and policies.

  1. U.S. Department of State

Although their organization is not similar to other news agencies since the government runs them, the U.S. Department of State houses critical information about the current affairs of the government. On its website, the Department of State regularly publishes news and press releases about America’s international relations and policies.

The New York Times is a news and publication giant that covers news from all over the globe.

  1. The New York Times

The New York Times is a globally renowned print news and digital media giant that the people have trusted for over a hundred years. Ever since it was founded in 1851 by Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones, The New York Times has prided itself on helping people understand the world through its independent journalism.

As one of the premier leading sources of news and current events in America, the New York Times consistently delivers fresh-off-the-press news about various industries, including U.S. and politics. They cover the White House, monumental supreme court rulings, legislation issues and developments in Congress, and more. The multi-platform publishing giant monitors issues and developments that affect the people, lawmakers, and the nation.

The Associated Press is a non-partisan and unbiased news organization that covers news and current events in America, and also in other parts of the globe.

  1. The Associated Press

The Associated Press is another globally-renowned and independent American news organization that has championed factual reporting since its founding in 1846. Also known as the AP, this New York-based news giant delivers fast, accurate, and nonpartisan news to its millions of readers worldwide.

The AP covers news and events in multiple sectors, including U.S. and international news, law and politics, sports, entertainment, business, technology, health, science, lifestyle, and more.

ExecutiveGov is an online news and publication agency for federal executives that is owned and operated by the Executive Mosaic.

  1. ExecutiveGov

The ExecutiveGov is a premier source of news and headlines in the federal government. With an expert team of editorial staff, ExecutiveGov delivers breaking news about the issues and challenges surrounding the federal departments, particularly Gov 2.0, cybersecurity policy, health IT, green IT, and national security. And on top of that, the Virginia-based publication agency also spotlights notable government employees and executives.

Furthermore, ExecutiveGov is also an official publishing arm of Executive Mosaic, along with ExecutiveBiz, Potomac Officers Club, and GovCon Wire.

The Department of Defense is one of the biggest federal agencies that is in charge of protecting the nation against all kinds of threats.

  1. U.S. Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DoD) is the federal department in charge of safeguarding the nation against adversaries that threaten the peace and security of the country. The DoD is comprised of different components that protect the nation across different spheres: land, water, air, space, and cyberspace.

The defense department’s official website publishes news, updates, and press releases about the current events surrounding the federal agency. Although they are not primarily a news organization, keeping tabs on their website gives you access to the latest happenings of DoD.

CNN Politics is a news and reporting arm of CNN Digital that focuses on covering news about federal politics, campaign stories, and Washington coverages.

  1.  CNN Politics

CNN Politics is CNN Digital’s official platform for federal political news. CNN Politics delivers the freshest federal news, campaign stories, and Washington coverages.

CNN Digital is one of the world’s leading digital news organizations that is made up of more than 4,000 journalists worldwide who publish news that matter to you, 24/7.

What are the things you should know as a government contractor?

Staying on top of the latest news and events will help you stay ahead of the pack. Being in the loop gives you the opportunity to formulate better strategies to position your business favorably in the market.

But, it doesn’t stop there.

First, you must know the fundamentals of government contracting. From learning the right places to register to understanding the contract bidding process, this guide will help you navigate through it all. And if you feel that you are too intimidated to pursue this highly-competitive and complex industry, you should get to know these top thought leaders that may inspire you to continue your race.

Second, you should familiarize yourself with the types of federal contracts most accessible to you, especially if you are still new to the industry.

And third, try to diversify your sources of information. The federal government is a massive institution, and depending on a single source of information is a disservice to you. And if you want the freshest federal government news delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter today!

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Utah State’s Space Dynamic Lab Secures $200M Air Force Contract for Nuclear Enterprise R&D Services
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Utah State’s Space Dynamic Lab Secures $200M Air Force Contract for Nuclear Enterprise R&D Services

Utah State University’s Space Dynamic Laboratory has received a $200 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from the U.S. Air Force to support the nuclear enterprise by providing research and development services over a 10-year period.

The Department of Defense said Friday a $7.7 million task order was awarded to the lab under the IDIQ for R&D services in support of the Sentinel weapon system.

Sentinel is planned to replace the legacy Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile as the land-based component of the U.S. nuclear triad. The system, initially called the ground based strategic deterrent, will be used to help ensure national security, with its capabilities expected to last through 2075.

The contractor will conduct contract work in Logan, Utah, and is expected to wrap up performance by Aug. 7, 2032.

The Air Force will obligate $1.5 million in fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation funds for the first task order.

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Accenture Federal Services Tapped to Upgrade, Consolidate Service Management System for Army INSCOM; Erik Raynes Quoted
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Accenture Federal Services Tapped to Upgrade, Consolidate Service Management System for Army INSCOM; Erik Raynes Quoted

The federal business of professional services company Accenture has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command for the installation and upgrade of the organization’s service management system.

Under the five-year INSCOM Digital Transformation Support Services contract, Accenture Federal Services will institute the cloud-hosted ServiceNow platform for the Army division, in effect aiding responsiveness to clients and uprooting redundant functions, the Arlington, Virginia-headquartered company said Monday.

“This award reflects our leading capabilities and trusted partnership with ServiceNow™. We look forward to playing a key role in enhancing the quality and speed of the support INSCOM provides to its workforce and supported commands around the world,” commented Erik Raynes, managing director and lead of services intel client account for the national security portfolio at AFS.

The contract was offered in conjunction with government technology services reseller Carahsoft via the Department of Defense Enterprise Software Initiative blanket purchase agreement for service solutions and services. The program AFS is implementing, ServiceNow, accelerates automation processes for information technology tasks and game plans while uniting disparate colleagues, duties and networks.

Mary Legere, managing director and strategy and engagement lead for the national security portfolio at AFS, deemed the company’s familiarity with ServiceNow a “deep expertise” and additionally said her time in the U.S. Army as a senior intelligence officer taught her how necessary and crucial the platform’s deployment and digital transformation more broadly are for the service branch.

The INSCOM contract follows a pair of digital transformation contracts the AFS team won in March. For the Transportation Security Administration, the company is rendering a credentialing system more efficient, similar to their aims with INSCOM’s service management apparatus.

In collaboration with the State Department, AFS is working to help with data management for the agency’s passport and visa system and its homeland security database hub.

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Donald Cravins Jr. Confirmed as Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development
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Donald Cravins Jr. Confirmed as Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development

The Senate has unanimously confirmed the nomination of former Louisiana lawmaker Donald Cravins, Jr. to serve as the undersecretary for minority business development for the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.

The creation of the new role was mandated by the Minority Business Development Act of 2021, which expands the authority of the MBDA to advance the growth and competitiveness of the 9.7 million minority-owned business enterprises in the country, the Department of Commerce said Friday.

Cravins was a practicing attorney and a member of the Louisiana Bar Association since 1998. He served as a member of both the lower and upper houses of the state legislature of Louisiana from 2002 to 2009 and as staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

He most recently served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer at the National Urban League. In this role, Cravins oversaw the civil rights organization’s corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiative.

“In his new position, I fully expect him to continue to provide the type of leadership that will lay the foundation for MBDA to usher in numerous opportunities for enterprise growth, research, and development and ensure minority businesses can compete and succeed,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

President Biden announced his intent to nominate Cravins as the first-ever undersecretary of commerce for minority business development in May.

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GSA Unveils New Laboratory for Three EV Charging Pilots; Robin Carnahan Quoted
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GSA Unveils New Laboratory for Three EV Charging Pilots; Robin Carnahan Quoted

The General Services Administration’s Center for Emerging Building Technology has opened a new facility at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado to host three pilot programs in support of the Biden administration’s goal of increasing the use of electric vehicles across the federal government.

GSA said Friday it is collaborating with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, BEAM Global, Fermata Energy and WeaveGrid to plan three EV supply equipment pilots at the Applied Innovation Learning Laboratory.

The laboratory will provide a space for testing a renewable, transportable EV charging station from BEAM Global, a bi-directional EV charging equipment from Fermata Energy and an EV charge management platform from WeaveGrid.

The three EVSE technologies at the DFC will join six existing GPG pilots. Other DFC GPG projects include: a DC Microgrid, quad-pane windows, alternative water treatment for cooling towers, and circulator pumps with automated control.”

“Providing the space for practical, hands-on testing and demonstrations of charging station technologies is vital to accelerating the transition to an all-electric fleet and building a cleaner, healthier future for the country,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan.

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Colin Kahl: DOD Committed to Reducing Nuclear Risks Despite Impediments to Non-Proliferation Treaty
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Colin Kahl: DOD Committed to Reducing Nuclear Risks Despite Impediments to Non-Proliferation Treaty

Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of defense for policy, said the U.S. military is committed to reducing the risks of nuclear war despite the current threats posed by Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

Speaking virtually at the United Nations’ Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York City, Kahl said the four countries are impeding international efforts to eliminate all nuclear weapons, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s possible new nuclear test as examples of current risks to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Pentagon reported Friday.

Iran’s refusal to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and China’s rapid expansion of nuclear weapons capabilities also hinder the achievements of the NPT objectives, Kahl said.

The official highlighted the equal importance of nuclear deterrence and the transparency and dialogue around nuclear proliferation in reducing the risks of nuclear war.

“This balanced approach recognizes that nuclear deterrence is not mutually exclusive to bolstering arms control, promoting strategic stability and working toward a world without nuclear weapons,” Kahl added.

Kahl also called on nuclear-armed states “to engage with the United States on risk reduction measures and provide transparency about nuclear posture and doctrine.”

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Tony Corbi Succeeds Bob Stalick as New CEO of Acuity International
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Tony Corbi Succeeds Bob Stalick as New CEO of Acuity International

Acuity International has announced that Tony Corbi, the company’s current chief financial officer, has been named the new CEO in light of Robert “Bob” Stalick’s retirement back in July.

As a leading provider of process and technology-based medical, engineering, and mission services and solutions, Tony Corbi will continue to play a central role in the evolution of Acuity’s restructuring as a result of his expertise and leadership as the company moves into its next phase in the federal and commercial landscapes.

“I am confident that with our incredible team and valued client partnerships, we will be able to reach greater heights in the years to come,” Corbi explained.

Anthony “Tony” Corbi is a senior finance executive with more than 23 years of experience in financial management and accounting as well as a range of operational and finance roles at private-equity backed government contractors throughout his career.

Most recently, Corbi served as the CFO for Acuity International before his new appointment. In addition, he also served as the chief operating officer and CFO of Owl Cyber Defense and Tresys Technology. He also was the CFO and executive vice president of Finance for Internosis.

“The investments we have made in our products, services, and customer relationships over the past few years have created a great foundation and have opened up the growth potential in the business,” Corbi said.

After stepping down as CEO, Bob Stalick will remain with Acuity International as a special advisor for technology initiatives. Thomas Campbell, chairman of the Board of Directors for the company, explained how significant Stalick was in reshaping of Acuity International’s core business strategy through the acquisition and integration of several companies and cultures.

“He helped reshape the enterprise to successfully enable mission assurance for government and enterprise organizations globally and we are grateful for his leadership,” Campbell explained. “During these challenging times, I am pleased that Tony has agreed to step into the CEO role.”

About Acuity International 

Acuity International is a leading provider of process and technology-based medical, engineering, and mission services and solutions to government and commercial clients. Acuity International enables critical missions for its global customers with the latest technology and repeatable processes.

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