• Treasury Dept. looks for new tech to show physical money is legit: Could include both device-assisted and non-device-assisted features.
• Cybercriminals scam two federal agencies via remote desktop tool: CISA and NSA warn agencies about means used to execute scams.
• “Let’s build smaller and buy older tech.” Space acquisition chief moves to streamline acquisition process.
• U.S. officially needs Freedom Online Coalition for the first time: 35 governments focusing on promoting digital liberties and enforcing AI standards and safeguards.
• How might ChatGPT benefit bids and proposals? Think of the possibilities…

DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

ICYMI Snippets

• NASA is reconstituting its data analytics team to improve its decision-making around acquisitions.
• Lack of verified digital models will reduce test confidence for Navy jammer.
• DOD’s innovation shop wants more influence in 2023.
• GAO: DOD needs better guidance, resources for contested information environment information training.
• SIMBA Chain and Air Force Installation Contracting Center announce partnership through BOA.
• SpaceCom 2023 is Feb. 21-23. The deadline to book the hotel is today, Jan 30.

Defense Contract Awards

• Ball Aerospace secures $78M contract option to build another weather satellite for Space Force.
• Army selects four companies to build prototyes of new tactical truck.
• Army has awarded Boeing a three-year, $92M contract to produce additional Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS) units.
• Humana Government Business won a contract mod with DHA worth $16M to ensure continuity of healthcare delivered during the T-5 Managed Care Service transition-in period.
• L3Harris won a $21M contract mod for MOSSAIC sustainment services.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• New leader asked to command Navy’s 5th Fleet, which oversees unmanned task force.
• Ultra Maritime has onboarded a new SVP of Strategy and Business Development.
• LMI welcomes new CTOs.

Defense Job Openings

• DOD is hiring a director, manufacturing capability extension and investment prioritization.
• OSD OIG  is hiring an Assistant Inspector General for Acquisition Contracting and Sustainment.
• DOE National Nuclear Security Administration is hiring a Director of Acquisition Services.

INTEL COMMUNITY

Chinese spy sentenced to eight years in U.S. federal prison.

A Chinese spy who wanted to obtain U.S. citizenship so that he could obtrain a cybersecurity position in the U.S. government, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison. Ji Chaoqun is a 31-year old Chicago resident who was a member of the Army National Guard. Read more

ICYMI Snippets

• CISA is hiring a Deputy Associate Director of the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative.

CIVILIAN

Energy Department makes plans to bring its core HR systems to the cloud.

Energy Department officials plan to bring DOE’s core HR systems to the cloud, which would make the department the first federal agency to do so. DOE posted an RFI as a part of this HR modernization process, as it seeks industry insights about how best to modernize to bring its HR systems fully to the cloud. Read more | Get the RFI

Oracle Cerner EHR system at VA, DOD and Coast Guard hit with network issues.

Did we bite off more than we can chew here? The Oracle Center EHR system deployed at hospitals operated by DOD, VA, and the Coast Guard suffered a major slowdown and connectivity issues last week, the latest chapter in an ambitious but troubled rollout. Will it be dubbed “excellent past performance” for the contractor, we wonder? Read more

Little guys, rejoice! GSA is ‘making strides’ on new SBIR contract.

The Group Manager for the GSA Federal Systems Integration and Management Center (FEDSIM) said that the Office of Assisted Acquisition Services will offer a government-wide contract vehicle for small business technologies. Read more

ICYMI Snippets

• FAA revokes access to systems for personnel involved in deletion of NOTAM system files
• CMS cyber chief puts a focus on ‘soft’ skills in the cybersecurity field.
• DOE gives biofuel tech $118M funding boost across 17 projects.
• NSF to helm nearly $50M semiconductor PPP.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Oracle Cerner has been obligated $5M in funding as part of a $190M EHRM testing support services task order.

Follow Civilian Leaders

Civilian Job Openings

• SAMHSA is hiring a deputy director, Center for Mental Health Services.
• DOJ is hiring a director, Departmental Ethics Office.
• DOT National Transportation Safety Board is hiring a deputy director, regional operations.
• DOE NNSA is hiring a Director of Acquisition Services.

DAILY FUNNY

M&A CORNER

Iron Bow buys GuardSight, expands zero trust offerings.

Iron Bow Technologies, an IT solutions provider based in Herndon, Va., has added more cybersecurity and zero-trust offerings through its acquisition of GuardSight, a provider of managed detection and response solutions.  Read more

Lockheed’s venture arm invests in sheet metal company.

Lockheed Martin Ventures has invested in Macchina Labs, which makes advanced sheet metal through AI and robotics to create an on-demand product. Read more