October 30, 2024

QUICK HITS

• IT contracting fraud scheme against U.S. Agencies: Six people charged.

• AI for gov’t health care: Health agencies are researching AI capabilities.

• Industry AI pitches: DISA lays out what to do and what not to do.

• Blocking Chinese AI: A new “final rule” aims to stop investors from funding Chinese AI, quantum research.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

USSF scrambles to get GPS ground system upgrades done by FY2025.

The USSF is pushing hard to wrap up its long-lagging programs to upgrade the ground systems and receivers for GPS satellites—including ditching the USAF B-2 bomber as a first test platform for airborne receivers capable of using the jam-resistant M-Code signal to speed them to cross-service aircraft operators. The OCX program, being developed by RTX, is a “poster child” for broken acquisition. Read more

DOD audit reveals Boeing overcharges on C-17 Parts.

Boeing’s recent audit spotlight isn't the good kind—DOD's IG found that Boeing charged the USAF steep prices for C-17 spare parts under performance-based logistics contracts. This audit, sparked by a tip-off, highlights overcharges that compromise taxpayer dollars and the operational reliability of the USAF's workhorse transport. Read more

NDIS: DOD to focus on Indo-Pacific, complementing Replicator.

The DOD released its implementation plan for the National Defense Industrial Strategy, which calls for boosting production of solid rocket motors as a “complement” to its Replicator unmanned systems initiative. Furthermore, the Pentagon’s latest strategy pushes for a strong defense industrial base in the Indo-Pacific. Read more | Another article

ICYMI:

• USSF: There’s a foreign military sales surge.

• B-21 Raider: The future carrier for drone fighters?

• 15 NASA, US defense contractors have sub-standard cybersecurity.

• Says STRATCOM head: AI has a role to play in protecting nuclear C2 systems.

Defense Contract Awards

• Outside Analytics won a DOD Deneir Analytics Ecosystem IDIQ contract.

• Amentum awarded a $490M U.S. Navy’s Multi-Engine Training Aircraft Fleet Modernization deal.

• ANSER wins $23M DOD OUSD Infrastructure Mod and Resilience Program contract.

• DataPath booked a $4M DKET 3421 terminals, portable satcom hubs deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Aperio selected a new CRO.

• MITRE welcomed a new Air and Space Forces Center VP.

Defense Job Openings

• ANGU needs a Program Manager.

• Navy wants a new IT Program Manager.

CHART

FY 2025 PB Funding Request: NDIS-IP Supporting Programs and Investments (in millions). From the NDIS Implementation Fact Sheet. Part of the 2025 NDIS.

INTEL COMMUNITY

Intel community eyes AI expansion, but data overhaul comes first.

The intelligence community is dreaming big on AI, but first, it needs to tackle data quality and access issues to unlock AI’s full potential. The plan is to clean up fragmented data across agencies, streamline storage, and refine data-sharing for AI models that can enhance national security. With high stakes and more than a few data puzzles to solve, AI will have to wait its turn. Read more

ICYMI:

• ODNI has chosen Recorded Future as intel cornerstone for the Sentinel Horizon program.

• 5 Eyes offers guidance to tech startups on how to stay secure.

• NGA has a new CAIO.

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CIVILIAN

GSA pushes for simplified cloud contracts, Congress reviews new bill.

GSA Administrator is urging lawmakers to support legislation aimed at simplifying cloud service acquisition and adopting “best value” contracting for government projects. By making cloud procurement less complex and more value-focused, Administrator Carnahan argues the government can both streamline acquisition and gain long-term benefits. Read more

Third-party vendors: The new cyber villains for U.S. energy.

A recent report unveils that third-party vendors are the leading cybersecurity threat to U.S. energy companies, proving once again that sometimes the biggest risks come from the folks you invite to the party. With 92% of energy firms reporting vendor-related incidents, the report calls for stricter controls and better oversight. Read more

CISA's global strategy: securing cyber frontiers for 2025-2026.

CISA's new strategic plan for 2025-2026 aims to bolster international cyber resilience and partnerships. With global threats evolving faster than a cat video goes viral, there will be emphasis on collaborative efforts, capacity building, and enhancing cybersecurity frameworks. Read more

ICYMI:

• Navigating the AI executive order: Federal insights one year later.

• HHS reorganization, AI and emerging technologies prioritization.

• FTC is on track to publish its first AI use case inventory by the end of year.

• Cutting red tape is key to financial inclusion, says Treasury.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Lancer Information Solutions booked a $2.8M IRS Tableau Licenses on Salesforce SEWP Catalog contract.

• Xpect Solutions won a $2.1M OLAO Access Control Upgrade deal.

• Harmonia Holdings Group inked a $1.7M PHIS Exports contract.

• Cornerstone Environmental Consulting secured a $1.1M Forest Service Class III Cultural Resource Survey deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• CMS welcomed a new CIO.

• The Chertoff Group has a new Geopolitical and Regulatory Risk Principal.

• Next Phase has chosen a new Health IT Innovation Officer.

Civilian Job Openings

• USAID is hiring a Deputy Executive Secretary.

• Administrative Office of the US Courts is looking for a Deputy CHRO.

M&A CORNER

Ernst & Young acquires Dignari to boost public sector innovation.

Ernst & Young’s acquisition of Dignari aims to supercharge its public sector offerings by integrating Dignari’s expertise in mission enablement and emerging tech solutions like biometrics and AI. This partnership is set to amplify support for government clients, making it easier to address complex issues through data-driven insights and cutting-edge technology. Read more

Special Aerospace Services (SAS) buys Concordia Technologies.

Special Aerospace Services (SAS), a Godspeed Capital Management LP backed platform and a provider of space and defense engineering, hardware, and mission critical communications technology, announced the acquisition of Concordia Technologies, a company renowned for its expertise in missile and hypersonic weapons defense, sensor design and evaluation, and modeling and simulation technologies. Read more

ICYMI:

• Boeing weighs potential sale of space division.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Let the “Concierge AI” platform testing commence! DISA is ready. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. SpaceX-Crew 8 astronaut has been released from the hospital. The member is healthy and will continue post-flight reconditioning with the rest of the crew. SOURCE↗︎

3. Starlink's satellite-connected phone works without direct view. It works in your pocket, but how about in houses and buildings? SOURCE↗︎

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