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- March 11, 2024
March 11, 2024
FISMA modernization, CISA announces new initiatives, NASA industry day, Procurement leader passed away, Pentagon discusses acquisition reform
GovBrew
March 11, 2024
QUICK HITS
Lawmakers take another stab at FISMA modernization: It's the second time in four years that sweeping FISMA reform is on the table.
Amid 'epidemic of loneliness' shines hope for House AI task force: Here’s how AI may be able to enhance patient care outcomes.
A running list of agencies’ return-to-office plans: The latest updates come from the Interior Department.
US constructing pier to deliver Gazan humanitarian aid: An emergency mission will help deliver up to 2 million meals per day.
DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
Acquisition reform means throwing out ancient budget-making processes, says Pentagon.
Throw out the budget-making process that has been in place in the Pentagon since the Kennedy administration for a “defense resourcing system” to tie spending to strategy: this was, in so many words, the key recommendation outlined by a congressionally appointed bipartisan panel. Read more
DOD claims no UAP sighting "has represented extraterrestrial activity."
In what may be a blow to the ego of some tinfoil hat-wearers, a recent report from the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office has discounted all sightings of extraterrestrial technology based on nearly 80 years of reports on government offices and special access programs related to unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP. Read more
Pentagon stresses need for on-time defense appropriation.
A senior official at the Pentagon has reiterated the importance of passing a defense budget for fiscal 2024 on time, although Congress has yet to make any recent progress. While operations can remain relatively constant under a continuing resolution, wider planning, and modernization efforts are stymied by uncertainty over funding levels. Read more
ICYMI:
CISA announces initiatives to secure open source ecosystems.
US military clears its fleet of V-22 Ospreys to fly again.
CRS releases its latest report to Congress on great power competition.
USSF wants to expand its 'neighborhood watch' of satellites.
Defense Contract Awards
BAE systems books $182M contract option with Marine Corps.
Leidos secures $158M follow-on prime contract with USAF.
DLH wins potential $138M National Cancer Institute IT support contract.
Follow the Defense Leaders
20-year DCS veteran named head of robotic systems division.
14-year DOD sales leader named ServiceNow Air Force enterprise account exec.
Defense Job Openings
Army Intelligence and Security Command seeks Special Advisor for Cyberspace Ops.
Air Force District of Washington seeks a new Director of Staff.
Office of Naval Research looking for Principal Engineer, Advanced Comms & Networking.
FUNNY
INTEL COMMUNITY
ODNI, CIA release 2024-26 OSINT strategy.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency have released the Intelligence Community Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Strategy for 2024-2026; the agencies recommend that the IC work with key partners to establish a collection of best practices to evolve OSINT. Read more
IARPA releases MASP RFI
IARPA seeks submissions by March 29 for innovative AI/ML models that can generate outputs in math, algorithms, and signal processing, aiming to advance science and engineering significantly. This RFI focuses on developing generative AI/ML technologies that move beyond current text, image, and audio applications, promoting rapid, incremental advances in complex scientific fields. The initiative aims to catalyze breakthroughs by automating the generation of novel MASP products, potentially accelerating scientific discovery and engineering innovation. Read more
ICYMI:
ODNI is looking for a new Chief, GDIP Programs.
CIA showcases new tech and career opportunities at a recent SXSW expo.
CIVILIAN
Congress avoids shutdown and secures some cuts, but new deadline still looms.
The Senate approved a funding package to set spending levels for some agencies for the rest of fiscal 2024, sending the measure to the president just hours before a partial shutdown was set to begin; lawmakers now face a shutdown later this month for the rest of the government. Read more
SSA getting creative in encouraging employees to stay at their jobs.
The Social Security Administration is adding 'episodic' telework flexibility for its employees; a newly signed memorandum of understanding will allow employees to request extra work-from-home days when unexpected personal circumstances arise. Read more
Civil rights commissioner skewers HUD, DOJ for "offensive" absence at facial recognition hearing.
A Democratic appointee on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has slammed the Departments of Justice and Housing and Urban Development after they allegedly declined to testify at a briefing on the government's use of facial recognition technology. Read more
ICYMI:
House Science Chairman wants Congress to push for more quantum computing research.
Treasury RFI: Joint Enterprise Tax Calculator Solution (JETCS).
NRC taking steps to better secure its own data and improve automation.
Don't forget to RSVP for NASA Industry Day: Open Innovation Services 3.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Akima subsidiary Five Rivers Analytics secures $59M DOT IDIQ.
ED awards Valiant Solutions $26M contract for data security and services.
Follow Civilian Leaders
International development leader joins CRF Global as chief administrative officer.
Associate at Blue Delta Capital Partners promoted to principal.
Boston Consulting Group recruits former deputy director at CMS as senior advisor.
Procurement community leader and lawyer Marcia Madsen has passed away.
Civilian Job Openings
NASA seeks a new Deputy Director for the Marshall Space Flight Center.
The Department of Education is looking for a new Chief Information Officer.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service seeks a new Administrator.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service needs an International Affairs Liaison.
M&A CORNER
Ampaire Acquires Magpie Aviation.
Ampaire Inc., a leader in hybrid electric aircraft systems, announced the acquisition of Magpie Aviation Inc., known for its electric aviation technology, marking a strategic step in Ampaire's growth and diversification in electrified aviation. The acquisition enhances Ampaire's technology and customer base, promising to accelerate advancements in hybrid electric propulsion systems across commercial and defense sectors. Ampaire's integration of Magpie's innovative towing technology, pending patents, and government contracts strengthens its position in the electric aviation industry and its mission to reduce emissions and advance electric flight. Read more
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Does a federal buildings disposal board continue — or call it quits?
A Federal buildings disposal board seeks a 'lot of great work ahead', but it's becoming increasingly clear that time is running out for it to bring in the funds it needs, which begs the question: Is it time to call it quits? Read more
Without bombs and bullets, just how far can space power take you?
In May 2022, the conflict in Ukraine was called the world’s first commercial space war. In January 2023, the head of the U.S. Space Force noted that Ukraine demonstrated space is critical to modern warfare. In this op-ed, examine the limits of space power that materialize when a nation realized it doesn't have quite as many bombs or bullets that it needs. Read more
As a federal employee with FEHB, should you also take Medicare Part B at age 65?
Will your future income rocket your Medicare premiums? unlike Medicare Part A, which is free at age 65 and covers major medical expenses like hospital visits, Part B carries a monthly premium. And here’s the part that catches a lot of retirees off guard: The monthly premium for Medicare Part B depends on your income. Read more
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