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UTSA to Help AFRL Address 5G, IoT Challenges; President Taylor Eighmy Quoted
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UTSA to Help AFRL Address 5G, IoT Challenges; President Taylor Eighmy Quoted

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has formed an $18 million partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio to support research and development across mutually important areas, including artificial intelligence, data sciences, cybersecurity and cloud computing. 

Projects under the partnership will tackle challenges associated with 5G connectivity and internet of things applications, UTSA said Thursday.

“Our long-standing research relationships with our various military branches, particularly the Air Force, helps address grand challenges in cyber and national security,” said Taylor Eighmy, president of UTSA.

UTSA’s National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) will manage the scope of work with the leadership of retired Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh. John Huggins, NSCC’s technology officer, will oversee research and development projects under the partnership.

NSCC will also work with other UTSA research centers to support AFRL’s pursuits. The MATRIX AI Consortium at UTSA will use AI models to drive R&D based on resilient, emerging 5G and IoT technologies.

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Defense Innovation Unit Launches 5G Communications Project With Nokia, Somewear; Jeff Kleck Quoted
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Defense Innovation Unit Launches 5G Communications Project With Nokia, Somewear; Jeff Kleck Quoted

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has tasked Nokia and Somewear Labs to prototype 5G networks designed to deliver mobile data and voice services for emergency response operations.

DIU said Friday its new project will initially focus on emergency responders serving within the California state. Nokia will provide portable cellular radios and Somewear Labs will deliver wearable devices designed to extend mobile cellular network at the edge.

The two companies’ technologies will help California’s military department roll out a mobile cellular network.

“Bringing a portable cellular network to the response site can extend the reach of cellular devices beyond carrier coverage,” said Jeff Kleck, director of DIU’s cyber and telecommunications portfolio.

DIU expects the project to allow responders to use push-to-talk, geolocation and other networked applications while beyond the range of normal cellular networks.

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Leidos Algorithm for TSA Prohibited Item Detection Moves to Certification Phase
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Leidos Algorithm for TSA Prohibited Item Detection Moves to Certification Phase

A new Automatic Prohibited Item Detection (APID) machine learning-based algorithm for identifying non-explosive weapons and other items prohibited aboard commercial aircraft will now move into the certification and qualification process, following successful testing at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport earlier this year.

APID is intended to integrate with existing CT X-ray scanners to accelerate the detection of prohibited items and reduce the frequency of secondary screenings and Transportation Security Officer intervention, the Science and Technology Directorate said Thursday.

The algorithm was developed and matured by Leidos through funding by the Department of Homeland Security S&T’s Screening at Speed Program.

“Using machine learning algorithms to create rapid inspection processes at the nation’s airport checkpoints will not only improve overall security, but boost TSO screening efficiency and cognitive load and enhance traveler satisfaction with the airport security-screening experience,” said Dr. John Fortune, manager of the S&T Screening at Speed Program.

The Screening at Speed Program conducts transformative research and development efforts aimed at improving passenger experiences while increasing the effectiveness of aviation security.

TSA’s Office of Requirements and Capability Analysis ran a two-week study in August to study the algorithm in an operational environment, gain TSO feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of the operations concept.

Following the successful review, the Screening at Speed Program will now direct its efforts to testing and maturing the algorithm for certification to meet TSA’s detection and operational standards, with the future goal of enterprise-wide integration and use.

 

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ODNI Report: Climate Change to Aggravate Risks to US National Security Over Next 20 Years
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ODNI Report: Climate Change to Aggravate Risks to US National Security Over Next 20 Years

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has issued a report that says risks to U.S. national security interests will rise through 2040 as countries respond to the increasing physical effects of climate change.

“Intensifying physical effects will exacerbate geopolitical flashpoints, particularly after 2030, and key countries and regions will face increasing risks of instability and need for humanitarian assistance,” the National Intelligence Estimate report reads.

The report discusses three key judgments and the first one states that as countries argue how to speed up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, geopolitical tensions are likely to increase.

ODNI notes that cross-border geopolitical flashpoints are likely to worsen driven by climate change’s physical effects.

“Elsewhere, as temperatures rise and more extreme effects manifest, there is a growing risk of conflict over water and migration, particularly after 2030, and an increasing chance that countries will unilaterally test and deploy large-scale solar geoengineering—creating a new area of disputes,” the report reads.

The document also states that developing countries are likely to be vulnerable to the climate change’s physical effects, which could potentially result in instability and internal conflict.

Jimmy Smith: Navy Begins Subcontracting Audit on Major Buying Commands
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Jimmy Smith: Navy Begins Subcontracting Audit on Major Buying Commands

Jimmy Smith, director at the Department of the Navy’s small business programs office, said that DON has finished its audit on Naval Sea Systems Command subcontracting efforts and will perform similar reviews for nine other buying commands, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

“We’ve already seen the results of that and now we’re sharing that information across the entire enterprise to go off and correct problems,” Smith told Federal News Network in an interview.

He noted that the department has met goals set for contract awards to smaller companies over the past four years and works with the National Defense Industrial Association in facilitating an annual event to find vendors that can help address warfighter requirements.

The office director also believes contracting officials should use technology such as machine learning to determine performance assessment reporting issues with industry partners to ensure they are meeting subcontracting goals as well.

“I think we have to come up with a mechanism that brings the importance level of subcontract and compliance up to a higher level to raise it to the attention that it’s deserved,” Smith added.

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Lockheed Martin Tops Defense Contract Recipients List in New DOD FY 2020 Defense Spending Report
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Lockheed Martin Tops Defense Contract Recipients List in New DOD FY 2020 Defense Spending Report

The Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation released its Fiscal Year 2020 Defense Spending by State report on Friday.

DoD’s report outlines information including categories of contracted goods and services, total spending figures, numbers and types of defense personnel and major defense vendors across each state and helps public and private sector organizations optimize defense investments.

“This report is presented as an opportunity for governors, local officials, and other leaders to understand the businesses/industries and workers presently supporting our nation’s defense, so they may plan and carry out the necessary transformations and support them to remain competitive, be responsive to our future national security needs, and remain resilient to natural and man-made threats,” said Patrick O’Brien, director of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation.

The department’s defense spending rose in FY 2020, with contract obligations and payroll spending seeing an 8 percent increase of $43 billion. 

The top ten recipients of defense contracts were:

  • Lockheed Martin: $72.9 billion
  • General Dynamics: $22.8 billion
  • Boeing: $22.4 billion
  • Raytheon: $20.2 billion
  • Northrop Grumman: $14.1 billion
  • L3Harris Technologies: $8.5 billion
  • Huntington Ingalls: $7.9 billion
  • BAE Systems: $7.5 billion
  • United Technologies: $7.2 billion
  • Humana: $6.9 billion

 

L3Harris, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon saw the largest year over year increases with growth of 73 percent, 60 percent and 29 percent, respectively in FY 2020.

Additionally, large contracts to Lockheed Martin in Texas and Maryland as well as to Raytheon in Arizona contributed to each state seeing the largest increases in DoD spending from FY 2019 to FY 2020.

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DHS Software Supply Chain Cybersecurity Act Passes House Vote; Rep. Ritchie Torres Quoted
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DHS Software Supply Chain Cybersecurity Act Passes House Vote; Rep. Ritchie Torres Quoted

On Wednesday, the DHS Software Supply Chain Risk Management Act of 2021 was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in a 412-2 vote.

The new legislation was developed in response to the Biden administration’s Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity and works to prevent future cyber attacks on critical DHS infrastructure by giving the agency better software supply chain insight and management capabilities, said Rep. Ritchie Torres, vice chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and sponsor of the bill.

Under the bill, the Under Secretary for Management will be required to issue department-wide guidelines for identifying materials used in software development.

The new guidelines will help modernize DHS’ acquisition process and strengthen cybersecurity by requiring DHS contractors to submit software bills of material identifying the origins of each component in the software provided to the agency. 

Rep. Torres said, “As cyberattacks become increasingly frequent and sophisticated, it is crucial that DHS has the capacity to protect its own networks and enhance its visibility into information and communications tech or services that it buys.”

According to a recent SpyCloud report, 72 percent of surveyed organizations experienced ransomware and cyber attacks over the past year, and 13 percent of that group reported being affected six to ten times within that time frame.

The DHS Software Supply Chain Risk Management Act aims to address the growing threat of cyber attacks and provide a framework for more secure networks and software systems across federal agencies by strengthening information sharing between DHS and its industry partners.

Additionally, Rep. Torres noted that this bill will position DHS as a federal leader in cybersecurity and advance the agency’s modernization initiatives.

The upcoming Supply Chain Cybersecurity: Revelations and Innovations Forum, hosted by ExecutiveBiz Events on October 26th, will gather distinguished cybersecurity experts to discuss the impact and implications of the historic 2020 Solarwinds attack and explore how federal and industry officials will work to adhere to new legislation and continue improving the nation’s cybersecurity.

To register for the Oct. 26th Supply Chain Cybersecurity Forum and other upcoming GovCon sector events, visit ExecutiveBiz.com.

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Gary Peters Proposes Bipartisan Bill to Protect Data Collected by AI
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Gary Peters Proposes Bipartisan Bill to Protect Data Collected by AI

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has proposed a bill to help ensure the security of information collected by artificial intelligence systems.

The Government Ownership and Oversight of Data in Artificial Intelligence Act would direct the director of the Office of Management and Budget to form and consult with an AI hygiene working group to ensure that federal contractors are working to protect data collected by AI platforms including biometric data gathered by facial recognition systems.

The working group would be responsible for implementing measures to include data and privacy protection requirements in government contracts for AI services.

“While artificial intelligence applications have the potential to strengthen our national security, we must ensure data collected by this technology is secure, used appropriately, and does not compromise the privacy and rights of Americans,” said Peters.

The proposed legislation would also establish the federal government as the owner of collected data to prevent misuse.

“This bipartisan bill will help ensure that federal contractors are using artificial intelligence properly and for the benefit of the country – and that the information collected through these technologies is not misused,” added Peters.

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GSA Eyes EIS Telecom Contract Modification; Kevin Gallo Quoted
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GSA Eyes EIS Telecom Contract Modification; Kevin Gallo Quoted

The General Services Administration released a request for information to seek feedback as it plans to expand the scope of the $50 billion Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract for telecommunications and network modernization services, FedScoop reported Thursday.

GSA’s plan for the EIS contract, which was awarded in 2017, intends to facilitate the procurement of mobility-as-a-service offerings by federal agencies starting in 2022.

EIS “is quite broad and flexible, so really what we’re trying to do here with our update and expansion is make it easier for agencies to procure the services and easier for industry to offer them,” said Kevin Gallo, director of technical account management at GSA’s office of enterprise technology solutions.

Agencies intend to use 5G to facilitate network access and Gallo said 5G-as-a-Service offerings are also being considered as GSA pushes for the EIS modification effort.

“That’s something that we do see in the future,” Gallo said of 5G as a service. “In fact, even beyond mobility, the as-a-Service procurement model in general and making sure EIS can support that easily.”

First Light Acquisition Group Completes $230M IPO
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First Light Acquisition Group Completes $230M IPO

First Light Acquisition Group completed its $230 million initial public offering, following the company’s pricing announcement of 20,000,000 units being sold at $10.00 each, GlobeNewswire reported on September 14th.

The Reston, Virginia-based blank check company was established for the purpose of entering into a business combination with one or more organizations to provide technology-enabled solutions and applications to government and industry customers.

Bill Weber, CEO and chairman of First Light Acquisition Group expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s IPO and commencement of NYSE trading in a LinkedIn post in September. 

As part of the initial public offering, the company’s units were listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “FLAGU” for trading, beginning September 10th. Of the total number of units sold, 3,000,000 were issued pursuant to the full exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option.

Each of the offered units consisted of one share of First Light’s Class A common stock as well as one-half of a redeemable warrant of the company. One whole warrant allows the holder to purchase a share of First Light’s Class A common stock at $11.50 per share. 

Upon separate trading of the units, the Class A common stock and warrants will be listed under NYSE symbols “FLAG” and “FLAGW.” Guggenheim Securities acted as the sole bookrunner for the offering.

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