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NIST Seeks Augmented Reality, IoT Concepts for Emergency Response Tech Challenge
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NIST Seeks Augmented Reality, IoT Concepts for Emergency Response Tech Challenge

NIST Seeks Augmented Reality, IoT Concepts for Emergency Response Tech Challenge

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is offering over $1 million in prizes to participants in a competition focused on developing augmented-reality and internet of things technologies to aid first responders, Nextgov reported Wednesday.

The CHARIoT Challenge includes IoT and AR-focused increments that will culminate in an event where “smart city” disaster simulation technologies will integrate with AR platforms for various emergency response applications.

Sarah Hughes, prize challenge specialist at NIST, said participants will receive feedback and demonstrate their technologies during the final phase which will include assessments by real first responders.

AR research and development work may include capabilities such as holographic technology while the IoT challenge could potentially cover data stream concepts through sensor-based infrastructure, according to the report.

NIST will accept proposals from technical professionals and enthusiasts through May 6.

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DLA Partners with HHS, FEMA to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts
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DLA Partners with HHS, FEMA to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts

DLA Partners with HHS, FEMA to Support COVID-19 Response Efforts

The Defense Logistics Agency has entered into an agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deliver services, personnel and materials that will support COVID-19 response efforts.

DLA said Wednesday it has provided $13.2M in medical supplies, protective equipment, fuel, food and pharmaceuticals to USNS Comfort and Mercy through various contracts.

HHS has also helped DLA employ a single distribution system to bring supplies to military forces.

“As a combat support agency, DLA is ensuring that those units – those soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians – are properly equipped to conduct the missions they’ve been assigned,” said Peter Battaglia, a customer relations process owner at DLA’s logistics operations segment.

The agency has provided more than $500M worth of equipment and supplies to government agencies and military service members during the pandemic.

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Lt. Gen. Eric Wesley: Army Needs to Decide Soon on Electric Vehicle Adoption
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Lt. Gen. Eric Wesley: Army Needs to Decide Soon on Electric Vehicle Adoption
Eric Wesley
Eric Wesley

Lt. Gen. Eric Wesley, deputy commander of Army Futures Command, said the service branch may need to soon begin alterations to adopt the use of electric engines in vehicles, Military.com reported Wednesday.

Wesley said the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle may employ an upscaled version of electric motors as demonstrated by car maker Tesla.

The service is challenged to manage the supply chain for the adoption effort, but the automotive industry’s shift towards electric engines, Wesley noted.

This potential industrial shift may also further prompt the Army to go electric due to the resulting cost changes and factors like fuel transportation, the general added. Electrification would reduce the need to transport fuel during battle and lessen the operational burden.

Wesley said the Army has to make its decision on the potential adoption within the next decade.

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Robert Sharp on NGA’s Efforts to Address Telework Needs for Unclassified Access
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Robert Sharp on NGA’s Efforts to Address Telework Needs for Unclassified Access
Robert Sharp
Robert Sharp

Robert Sharp, director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, has said that the agency is leveraging commercial technologies and making changes to its unclassified data infrastructure for telework setups, C4ISRnet reported Wednesday.

Sharp told attendees at a U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation virtual event that NGA deployed Common Access Card readers that allow its workforce to access agency networks and intelligence systems from home.

He said the move enables personnel such as analysts to conduct unclassified data processing work to support ongoing machine learning efforts that require computer visualization and data labeling functionalities.

“We immediately started to reposture and reposition our force as COVID-19 really took hold here and the government started responding,” Sharp noted.

According to the NGA head, the agency also used commercial imaging tools, created online support teams and conducted virtual town halls in efforts to adapt to telework needs.

About The Wash100

This year represents our sixth annual Wash100 Award selection. The Wash100 is the premier group of private and public sector leaders selected by Executive Mosaic’s organizational and editorial leadership as the most influential leaders in the GovCon sector. These leaders demonstrate skills in leadership, innovation, achievement, and vision.

Visit the Wash100 site to learn about the other 99 winners of the 2020 Wash100 Award. On the site, you can submit your 10 votes for the GovCon executives of consequence that you believe will have the most significant impact in 2020.

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Mark Lewis: DoD Monitoring Hypersonics Supply Chain for Operational Disruptions
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Mark Lewis: DoD Monitoring Hypersonics Supply Chain for Operational Disruptions
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis

Mark Lewis, director of defense research and engineering for modernization, has said that he and Ellen Lord, the Department of Defense’s acquisitions head, are monitoring coronavirus-induced operational impacts “across the board”, Defense News reported Wednesday.

Lewis said at a Mitchell Institute event that his office is also carefully monitoring obstacles to the hypersonics supply chain as defense contractors terminated operations early last month.

“If you look at hypersonics, for example, some of the most critical elements are produced by relatively small operations, and so we’re very sensitive to that, we’re including that as we look at the impacts of coronavirus on the industrial base,” he added.

Lewis noted that a hypersonics group under his office is slated to submit a  preliminary report to guide DoD hypersonics procurement in the coming months.

Lord, a 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, previously said that over 106 contractors ceased operations due to health concerns while 68 have since reopened. Major defense projects may also face delays of around three months, according to Defense News.

About The Wash100

This year represents our sixth annual Wash100 Award selection. The Wash100 is the premier group of private and public sector leaders selected by Executive Mosaic’s organizational and editorial leadership as the most influential leaders in the GovCon sector. These leaders demonstrate skills in leadership, innovation, achievement, and vision.

Visit the Wash100 site to learn about the other 99 winners of the 2020 Wash100 Award. On the site, you can submit your 10 votes for the GovCon executives of consequence that you believe will have the most significant impact in 2020.

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JAIC Unveils AI-Based Supply Chain Forecast Tech
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JAIC Unveils AI-Based Supply Chain Forecast Tech

JAIC Unveils AI-Based Supply Chain Forecast Tech

The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) has developed an artificial intelligence system that works to forecast supply chain issues and COVID-19 hotspots through various data sources, Defense One reported Wednesday. Salus is designed to predict potential concerns based on the kind of data fed by its users.

Nand Mulchandani, chief technical officer at JAIC, said the tool has been initially employed to organize and monitor information on masks, ventilators and medical supplies. Mulchandani noted JAIC has partnered with data aggregators and retail firms to collect data for the tool.

“The insights we gather we are able to pipe directly into the systems that they’re using,” said Mulchandani.

Salus has been fielded to the U.S. National Guard and U.S. Northern Command’s information systems.

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Sabre Systems Secures $77.7M IDIQ Contract from NAVIAR to Accelerate Technologies, Cyber Support Management; Glen Ives Quoted
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Sabre Systems Secures $77.7M IDIQ Contract from NAVIAR to Accelerate Technologies, Cyber Support Management; Glen Ives Quoted

Sabre Systems Secures $77.7M IDIQ Contract from NAVIAR to Accelerate Technologies, Cyber Support Management; Glen Ives Quoted

Sabre Systems has been awarded a five-year, $77.7 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract by the NAVAIR Digital Department to provide technology acceleration and integration, information technology, information management and cyber security support services, the company announced on Thursday.

“The selection of this award is indicative of the confidence put in us and our world class team of subcontractors. Our elite team includes industry leaders MAGA Design, KPMG, Deloitte, Falconwood Inc. Microsoft, Guidehouse, IBM, Perspecta, Perrygo and NSI,” said, Sabre President and CEO Glen Ives.

The single award contract, cost-plus fixed fee has a 60-month period of performance from May 2020 to May 2025 with an additional 6-month option to extend performance through Nov. 2025. Task orders for this contract will be issued on a basis.

The NAVAIR Digital Department has led the digital transformation of NAVAIR and will continue to accelerate and scale digital/analytic technologies and capabilities across the NAVAIR enterprise. The work will increase speed in the delivery and sustainment of warfighting capabilities.

Under the contract, Sabre Systems will provide support in digital transformation planning and execution; enterprise alignment; technology exploration, acceleration, and integration; digital/IT consultation; business intelligence; application portfolio management; system integration; Enterprise Architecture (EA) design and management, and web management.

Sabre Systems will also support Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI)/Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) program management; IT Operations; cybersecurity; Information Assurance (IA); cloud services; maintenance functions; network security; Automated Data Processing (ADP) support services;

In addition, the company’s efforts will enhance digital modeling and virtual environment support; talent management; change management; data analytics and integration; business process management and improvement; as well as general IT/digital support.

Sabre will leverage the company’s extensive digital transformation expertise for the benefit of the defense department’s warfighting capabilities. “Sabre Systems, Inc. and our diverse team are well prepared and equipped to successfully execute the objectives of this contract and to assist in advancing the mission critical goals of the NAVAIR Digital Department. We are ready and eager to hit the deck running,” added Ives.

About Sabre Systems, Inc.

Sabre Systems, Inc. provides specialized technology solutions, services and mission expertise in the critical domains of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics; Digital Transformation; Cyber; and C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), to meet domestic and national priorities.

We deliver integrated solutions using emerging technologies to provide effective, agile and leading-edge results at the most efficient cost for our defense, federal and commercial customers. Privately-held, Sabre is headquartered in Warrington, Pa., and has major offices in Horsham, Pa., Manasquan, N.J.; and Lexington Park and Belcamp, Md.

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Lockheed Martin Releases First Quarter Financial Results 2020; Marillyn Hewson Quoted
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Lockheed Martin Releases First Quarter Financial Results 2020; Marillyn Hewson Quoted

Lockheed Martin Releases First Quarter Financial Results 2020; Marillyn Hewson Quoted

Lockheed Martin Corporation has reported first quarter 2020 net sales of $15.7 billion, net earnings of $1.7 billion and cash from operations of $2.3 billion, the company reported on Tuesday.

“As we confront the challenges introduced by the global pandemic, our corporation remains focused on providing vital national security solutions for our customers while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our employees,” said Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO, and 2020 Wash100 Award recipient Marillyn Hewson.

The company noted that the COVID-19 outbreak did not have a material impact on the company’s operating results or business in the first quarter of 2020. Lockheed Martin has started to recognize challenges in each of its business areas related to COVID-19.

Lockheed Martin reported its primary challenge has been access to some locations and delays of supplier deliveries. The corporation will continue to update its 2020 guidance for net sales to report the current impacts of the virus within production and supply chain.

The corporation has reported an investment in the AMMROC joint venture with a carrying value of $435 million. Lockheed Martin noted that AMMROC’s current business is dependent on a single customer contract to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for fixed and rotary wing military aircraft that was up for re-competition.

The corporation’s cash activities in the first quarter of 2020 have included paying cash dividends of $693 million, compared to $638 million in the first quarter of 2019 and repurchasing 1.7 million shares for $756 million.

The shares include $500 million paid pursuant to an accelerated share repurchase agreement (ASR), which will settle in the second quarter; compared to 1.0 million shares for $281 million in the first quarter of 2019. Lockheed Martin has made capital expenditures of $293 million, compared to $284 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Additionally, Lockheed Martin noted no net proceeds from or repayments of commercial paper, compared to making net repayments of $200 million in the first quarter of 2019. The corporation’s effective income tax rate was 15.4 percent in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 12.4 percent in the first quarter of 2019.

The rate for the first quarter of 2019 benefited from additional tax deductions of $65 million, recorded for 2018, based on proposed tax regulations released on March 4, 2019, which clarified that foreign military sales qualify for foreign derived intangible income treatment.

“I’m so proud of the work the dedicated men and women of Lockheed Martin are doing as part of our strong portfolio to deliver critical products and services for our customers and long-term value for our shareholders,” Hewson added.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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AWS Launches Amazon AppFlow to Manage Bidirectional Data Flows Between AWS, SaaS; Kurt Kufeld, Sarah Franklin Quoted
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AWS Launches Amazon AppFlow to Manage Bidirectional Data Flows Between AWS, SaaS; Kurt Kufeld, Sarah Franklin Quoted

AWS Launches Amazon AppFlow to Manage Bidirectional Data Flows Between AWS, SaaS; Kurt Kufeld, Sarah Franklin Quoted

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched Amazon AppFlow, a fully managed service that provides an easy, secure way for customers to create and automate bidirectional data flows between AWS and SaaS applications without writing custom integration code, the company announced on Thursday.

“It can be difficult to manage the flow of data between AWS and these applications,” said Kurt Kufeld, vice president, AWS. “Amazon AppFlow provides an intuitive and easy way for customers to combine data from AWS and SaaS applications without moving it across the public Internet.”

Amazon AppFlow’s interface will be able to build and execute data flows between sources in minutes to securely orchestrate the data transfer. Amazon AppFlow console, customers can configure multiple types of triggers for data flows, including one-time on-demand transfers, routine data syncs scheduled at predetermined times.

In addition, customers will be able to pull logs and metric data from monitoring tools for deep analytics in Amazon Redshift, or send customer engagement data for sentiment analysis. The solution will enable customers to transform and process the data by combining fields, filtering records, masking sensitive data and validating field values.

Amazon AppFlow will automatically encrypt data at rest and in motion using AWS or customer-managed encryption keys, and will enable users to restrict data from flowing over the public Internet for applications that are integrated with AWS PrivateLink to reduce exposure to security threats.

“With Amazon AppFlow, our customers bring together and manage petabytes, even exabytes, of data spread across all of their applications – all without having to develop custom connectors or manage underlying API and network connectivity,” added Kufeld.

One of AWS’ customers, Salesforce, a cloud-based software company that provides customer-relationship management service and also sells a complementary suite of enterprise applications focused on customer service, marketing automation, analytics, and application development has integrated the solution to improve business operations.

“With Amazon AppFlow integrating directly with Salesforce Private Connect, joint customers will be able to establish a secure, private connection for passing data back and forth between the Salesforce and AWS platforms,” said Sarah Franklin, EVP & GM Platform, Trailhead & Developers, Salesforce. “And because these connections can be set up by Salesforce admins in just a few clicks, companies can cut down on costly and timely engineering resources, and begin doing more with their data faster than ever before.”

About Amazon Web Services

For 14 years, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. AWS offers over 175 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), media, and application development, deployment, and management from 73 Availability Zones (AZs) within 23 geographic regions, with announced plans for 12 more Availability Zones and four more AWS Regions in Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Spain. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs.

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Jacobs Participates in SERDP Research to Develop New Methods for PFAS Site Characterization; Jan Walstrom Quoted
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Jacobs Participates in SERDP Research to Develop New Methods for PFAS Site Characterization; Jan Walstrom Quoted

Jacobs Participates in SERDP Research to Develop New Methods for PFAS Site Characterization; Jan Walstrom Quoted

Jacobs has collaborated with Principal Investigator Dr. David Hanigan at the University of Nevada, Reno, to participate in a research and development grant from the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) for Rapid Site Profiling of Organofluorine: Quantification of PFASs by Combustion Gas Analysis, the company announced on Thursday.

“Jacobs brings to this research project extensive planning, technical support, groundwater sampling and technology transfer experience gained on PFAS assessments at thousands of potential release locations around the globe,” said Jacobs People & Places Solutions Senior Vice President and Global Environmental Market Director Jan Walstrom.

SERDP was developed by the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Energy  (DoE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to leverage the latest science and technology to improve environmental performance, reduce costs, and enhance and sustain mission capabilities.

The objective of SERDP will be to develop and validate robust, field-ready instrumentation and methods to quantify total organofluorine. Jacobs will work to help the federal government reduce labor associated with site profiling and reduce analytical lab costs and uncertainty, leading to better site characterization and reduced duration of site remediation.

Sampling and quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is required to assess impacts and remediate contaminated sites, but the process has proven to be time-consuming and has failed to capture many organofluorine transformation products and precursors with possible health impacts to exposed aquatic species and humans.

PFAS are released to the environment through several pathways, including use as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for fire-fighting by the U.S. military and the aviation industry, as well as municipal and industrial fire departments.

The EPA has set health advisory levels for two PFAS based upon environmental persistence and adverse health outcomes, and the subsurface is contaminated with PFAS at multiple U.S. military bases, airports and industrial sites.

After SERDP is completed, the federal agencies expect benefits to the scientific community, including an increased understanding of organofluorine cycling in aqueous and soil systems and understanding of PFAS outside of those quantifiable by modern liquid chromatography.

For more than a decade, Jacobs’ water and environmental technologists have been supporting municipal, federal and commercial clients with PFAS assessment and treatment. Jacobs’ technologists and scientists have partnered with the world’s leading academics to better characterize, understand behavior and develop increasingly effective cleanup technologies for PFAS in groundwater and soil.

For example, in Jan. 2020, Orange County Water District (OCWD) selected Jacobs to participate in a pilot program to provide contracted treatment testing support services for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

“Jacobs’ unique ability to shape the industry for PFAS solutions is drawn from our multidisciplinary capabilities in environmental, water, wastewater, solid waste, aviation and infrastructure,” said Walstrom.

PFAS are a family of oil and water-resistant chemicals found in everyday consumer products and airport firefighting foams that have infiltrated groundwater supplies over several decades.

Jacobs will help OCWD explore long-term solutions to ensure that water supplies continue to meet all state and federal water quality standards before the levels of PFAS in Orange County groundwater wells grow.

The goal of the pilot program is to help retail water agencies in Orange County determine the best available PFAS treatment methods. Jacobs will provide testing of different types of granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange (IX) products and adsorbents to determine which applications are best suited for Orange County’s diverse aquifer water quality and geochemistry.

“We challenge today and reinvent tomorrow by integrating both proven and leading-edge detection and treatment technologies to address PFAS chemicals transported in drinking water, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, leachate and soil,” added Walstrom.

About Jacobs

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of more than 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

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