May 8, 2024

QUICK HITS

• GSA unveils first D-RFP for Ascend cloud program: Pool 1: IaaS & PaaS. Pool 2: SaaS. Pool 3: cloud-related prof services.

• Watch Gen-AI for proposal development: Insights and innovations.

• At GOINT 2024: The army wants a variety of GPS alternatives for domains.

• FAR Part 32: Learn more about “Contract Financing” in this Friday’s seminar.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

SOCOM chief sees ‘renaissance’ for special forces amid great power competition and evolving warfare.

…and in Tampa at SOF Week…The drawdown of US forces from the Middle East and pivot to great power competition could leave one with the impression that demand for special operations forces (SOF) is falling. But top officials from US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) argued today that troops under their command play an essential role in the US’s bid to outpace Russia and China, which they described as a harbinger for something of a revival. Read more

AI tech? The Pentagon is off to a good start, but there’s a long way to go.

The Pentagon is increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence to filter through the medical records of new recruits. This demonstrates how the agency is getting better at using this technology to its advantage—but there's more that needs to be refined. Read more

Systems and funding outline for the first batch of replicators—released!

The Pentagon has outlined the funding for Replicator: It is a program aimed at fielding thousands of UAVs by next August. Its primary objectives are to accelerate drone deployment to counter China and to establish a new business approach that future leaders can replicate for other systems. Read more

ICYMI:

• Navy is embedding info-warfare chiefs in recruiting commands.

• Anduril Pulsar AI-powered electronic warfare system makes a debut.

• Army codifies operational requirements for One World Terrain model.

• Marine logistics battalions to get resupply drones by 2028.

Defense Contract Awards

• 7 companies were selected for the $2.7B USN Wireless Mobility Services contract.

• Accenture wins $127M Army Cloud Mod and Migration deal.

• Peraton is given another chance to bag the $1B DOD Enterprise IT award.

• Assured Space got a $1.25M AFWERX Space Domain Awareness Advancement contract.

• 9 companies receive a mod to exercise Option 2 for a NIWC Pacific contract for cyberspace operations, with a max value of $1.8B.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• ManTech’s new VP of AI comes from Microsoft Federal.

• Lumen has a new EVP, CLO.

• A retired Navy pilot is now a member of QinetiQ’s SSA Board of Directors.

• SparkCognition’s has a newly promoted Commercial Aerospace & Defense Sales & Business Development VP.

• BMNT has a new COO and CFO.

Defense Job Openings

• DSCA needs a Director.

• DNFSB is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Program Associate Technical Director.

• USMC wants a Plans Director.

• Navy’s US Pacific Fleet is looking for a Technical Director.

CHART

Acquisition Framework for Polar Security Cutter Program (Coast Guard/Navy) (Source)

INTEL COMMUNITY

A top-secret internet-free AI tool? Microsoft created one for U.S. spies.

Microsoft has created AI for American spies. It operates independently from the internet, which sets it apart from previous AI models. The feature minimizes potential security risks associated with online connectivity. By ensuring that the AI remains isolated, it minimizes unauthorized access and data breaches. Read more

ICYMI:

• Watch: NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center’s Morgan Adamski speaks about Volt Typhoon and the importance of partnerships.

• DISA will use AI to strengthen defense cybersecurity.

• The CIA’s wellbeing office wants to hire and retain talent.

• ODNI needs a Director of Cybersecurity Group Executive Assistant.

• ODNI is hiring a Program Manager.

• DHS is seeking a Deputy Director.

CIVILIAN

White House discusses building legal frameworks for software liability with software developers.

As part of a strategic cybersecurity approach, the United States aims to establish incentives for the technology industry to produce products and software that are free from significant security vulnerabilities. This initiative was created to enhance the overall security of digital systems and to protect against potential threats. Read more

GSA Transparency Bill passed: Tech projects will be tracked.

The newly passed “GSA Technology Accountability Act” requires GSA to give Congress a yearly summary of technology projects coming out of GSA’s Federal Citizen Services Fund and Acquisition Services Fund, including anticipated completion date and project costs. Read more

MITRE’s AI Sandbox for federal agencies will be operational by the end of the year.

MITRE revealed at the AI Expo for National Competitiveness that it is expecting Sandbox—powered by NVIDIA's AI data center infrastructure—to be applied to transportation, climate, healthcare, and national security sectors. It will be available for federal use by the end of the year. Read more

ICYMI:

• USDOT wants Transit Infrastructure AI Solutions.

• NSF, DOE announcement: Here are the first 35 projects to access National AI Research Resource pilot.

• ED’s cloud capabilities market research has begun! (get the RFI)

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Mora was awarded a $12M GSA NCR Support Services contract.

• Health Management Associates was given a CMS CHIP Eligibility Termination Determination Audit Review contract.

• QMII-Ascella JV (an 8[a]) scores HUD data act and data analysis support services task.

• SDVOSB Creative Corrections awarded a DOS data analysis contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Longtime OMB official lands COO post at SSA.

• An Executive Director was appointed as the VA’s new Principal Deputy Secretary.

• Elevate Security’s former VP was chosen to be Caveonix’s CPO.

• IPT Associates’ Employee Relations Director has been promoted to HR VP.

Civilian Job Openings

• USDA needs a Deputy State Director (Idaho).

• NSF is hiring a Division Director.

• NIST wants a Senior Advisor to the Associate Director for Innovation and Industry Services.

M&A CORNER

Special Aerospace Systems acquires Quintron Systems.

Godspeed Capital Management announced SAS' acquisition of Quintron Systems. This partnership will enable SAS to use its resources and expertise to its full potential, with the aim of accelerating growth and expanding its reach to both old and new customers. Read more

Akamai plans to buy Noname Security.

Unicorn-status Akamai plans to acquire Noname Security. Noname will aid Akamai in expanding its API security solution. This acquisition will also enable Akamai to increase its marketing resources and sales. Read more

Synopsys to sell software equity business.

Synopsys entered into a definitive agreement with Francisco Partners and Clearlake Capital Group to sell its Software Integrity Group business, which is valued at up to $2.1 billion. The business will become a newly independent application security testing software provider after the transaction is finished. Read more

ICYMI:

• Docusign to acquire AI contract management company Lexicon for $165M.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

Radio blackouts due to “X-class” solar flare were reported globally. Should we worry?

Shortwave radio blackouts occurred in Japan, Australia, and China after a series of active sunspot eruptions at the beginning of the month. On May 6, a solar flare under the most powerful category, the X-class, caused the complete loss of HF radio signals in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Africa. Should this be a cause to fret? Read more

How did CISA’s early warning system help close 825 ransomware holes?

CISA is making progress in a program called the “Ransomware Vulnerability Pilot” that helps organizations fix problems, as internet criminals intensify their attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. How did this take care of numerous weaknesses in ransomwares? Read more

If you want to belong, find a third place. How can this tactic help you fit in at work?

Home is the first place. Word is the second place. But if you’re look to build your personal community, then the third place is what you want to invest in. Whether it’s a religious group, hobby cult, or just your local dive bar, the third place can help you chase loneliness. Using these guidelines, can a “third place at the workplace” help you fit in at work? Read more

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