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CISA Implements Machine-Readable Format for Industrial Control Systems Security Advisories
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CISA Implements Machine-Readable Format for Industrial Control Systems Security Advisories

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has implemented the updated version of the OASIS Common Security Advisory Framework standard for its security advisories for industrial control systems, operational technology and medical devices.

CISA said Friday the CSAF Version 2.0 standard enables organizations to automate the production and distribution of machine-readable security advisories to enable rapid response to system vulnerabilities.

The agency also anticipates its shift to the CSAF format will expedite the automation of the drafting and publication process for its other vulnerability response and coordination initiatives.

The ICS CSAF advisories will be available directly via CSA’s GitHub CSAF repository and alongside human-readable advisories including those released in 2017.

In November 2022, Eric Goldstein, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, said that CSAF is one of the components of the agency’s strategy to help improve defenses against software and hardware weaknesses.

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Commerce Aims to Monitor Semiconductor Supply Chain Disruptions With Updated Alert System
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Commerce Aims to Monitor Semiconductor Supply Chain Disruptions With Updated Alert System

The Department of Commerce is requesting companies to report disruptions to the microelectronics and semiconductor supply chains using the updated alert system administered by the International Trade Administration.

The Semiconductor Alert Mechanism is designed to detect potential semiconductor supply chain disruptions early and facilitate coordination with trading partners and the private sector to address the issues raised, the department said Monday.

Heather Evans, deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing for ITA, said the alert system enables the administration to hear directly from industry stakeholders, encouraging companies to use the tool to share critical information to strengthen and secure the U.S. supply chain.

Commerce noted that the information gathered will inform the U.S. government’s engagement with foreign trade partners to help mitigate potential impacts on the global semiconductor supply chain.

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Federated Wireless, CU Boulder Partner for Phase 2 of 5G Network Security Project
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Federated Wireless, CU Boulder Partner for Phase 2 of 5G Network Security Project

The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of Colorado Boulder a $5 million Convergence Accelerator grant for the second phase of the 5G Hidden Operations through Securing Traffic project, which Federated Wireless will support.

The so-called GHOST project aims to develop technologies that would protect 5G network users, particularly members of the U.S. military or government, from surveillance by hostile parties, even on networks deployed by adversaries, Federated Wireless said.

University of Colorado’s Keith Gremban, the lead researcher on GHOST, said that by the end of the current phase of the project, the aim is to demonstrate an integrated prototype that showcases the concepts under GHOST.

Gremban also shared that his organization was pleased to once again partner with Federated Wireless, praising the company “for their communications expertise and capabilities in rapidly prototyping and demonstrating cutting-edge 5G concepts.”

Federated Wireless Chief Technology Officer Kurt Schaubach said he and his organization were honored to be selected once again to work with CU Boulder on the project.

3 Companies Chosen for DOD’s Geothermal Energy Exploration Projects at 4 Military Bases
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3 Companies Chosen for DOD’s Geothermal Energy Exploration Projects at 4 Military Bases

Branches of the Department of Defense have entered into agreements with Eavor, Teverra and Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals to advance exploratory geothermal projects at four military installations across the country.

The initiatives, which are led by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and the Defense Innovation Unit, are part of the agency’s efforts to utilize local and carbon-free energy sources and reduce risks related to traditional on-grid electrical systems, DIU said Wednesday.

Eavor is teaming up with the Air Force Joint Base San Antonio to study the potential of a subsurface heat exchanger that uses conductive instead of convective heat transfer.

Teverra is using the Army’s Fort Wainwright base in Alaska to develop proprietary technology that is expected to improve energy exploration and production as well as resource delineation.

Zanskar will test an artificial intelligence-enabled discovery suite that is designed to boost the accuracy and speed of identifying and de-risking geothermal resources at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho and Fort Irwin in California.

“This is a first-of-its-kind effort within the DoD, and we are pleased to support deployment of advanced commercial technologies for installation and community energy resilience leveraging carbon-free energy sources,” said Michael Callahan, DIU senior energy advisor and program manager.

DOE Announces Potential $500M Investment in Basic Research in FY 2024
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DOE Announces Potential $500M Investment in Basic Research in FY 2024

The Department of Energy has announced a funding opportunity worth up to $500 million to invest in research projects supporting the DOE Office of Science and its major programs in areas such as basic energy sciences, advanced scientific computing research, nuclear physics and isotope research and production.

DOE said Friday that the Office of Science issues a funding opportunity announcement, or FOA, at the beginning of each fiscal year to solicit applications for research assistance in areas not covered by more specific FOAs.

The open solicitation covers all research areas managed by the Office of Science and is open throughout the fiscal year.

The Office of Science funds basic research in the physical sciences and serves as the lead federal agency supporting fundamental scientific research at universities and national laboratories.

ODNI, US Attorney General Publish Joint Assessments of Government FISA Compliance
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ODNI, US Attorney General Publish Joint Assessments of Government FISA Compliance

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General published two semiannual joint assessments of the U.S. government’s compliance with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

The 25th and 26th assessments, which evaluated compliance from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, noted that the decline in reported incidents could have been skewed by the coronavirus pandemic.

DOJ and ODNI concluded that overall, FBI, CIA, the National Security Agency and the National Counterterrorism Center demonstrated a focused effort to follow guidelines and implement Section 702 of FISA. The rule authorizes targeted foreign intelligence data collection from non-U.S. individuals outside the country.

NSA targeting compliance incidents and FBI querying cases were significantly lower during the review period. DOJ and ODNI attributed the change to fewer U.S. trips made by Section 702 targets during the pandemic. FBI also conducted only four query audits of its field offices at the time, compared to 27 in 2019 and 29 in 2018.

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DOD, GSA, NASA Invite Comments on Proposed Cyberthreat Information Sharing Rule
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DOD, GSA, NASA Invite Comments on Proposed Cyberthreat Information Sharing Rule

The Department of Defense, NASA and the General Services Administration have proposed a rule that aims to promote information sharing on cyberthreats and incidents between the government and information and operational technology service providers in accordance with the 2021 cybersecurity executive order.

The agencies introduced the rule as an amendment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and as part of efforts to strengthen and standardize contract requirements for cybersecurity in support of the National Cyber Strategy’s implementation, according to a Federal Register notice published Tuesday.

The proposed regulation includes a requirement for contractors to create and maintain a software bill of materials for any software offerings used in contract work. The agencies want insights from the public on several questions, including the approach for collecting SBOMs from contractors and challenges facing vendors when it comes to SBOM development.

GSA, NASA and DOD are also seeking responses from interested stakeholders on questions pertaining to access to contractor data and information systems, compliance when reporting in a foreign country and security incident reporting harmonization.

Interested parties can submit written comments on the proposed rule through Dec. 4.

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GSA Reports Login.gov Adoption Milestone; Robin Carnahan Quoted
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GSA Reports Login.gov Adoption Milestone; Robin Carnahan Quoted

The General Services Administration reported that all U.S. cabinet agencies are now using Login.gov to facilitate and provide a single, secure online access to at least one application or program.

The Department of Homeland Security was the first cabinet agency to adopt Login.gov, which was introduced by the U.S. Digital Service and 18F introduced Login.gov in 2017, GSA said Friday.

Login.gov allows the public to create and use a single digital account to access benefits and services at federal and state agencies. As of August, there are over 70 million user accounts, reflecting an increase of 50 percent from the previous year.

The departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Justice and the Railroad Retirement Board are the other agencies that have used the site to manage and secure access to their apps and systems.

“We’re pleased to reach this important milestone of all Cabinet departments now using Login.gov,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan.

“It’s clear throughout the federal government that the public wants and needs a secure, simple way to access the benefits they deserve in a way that protects their privacy and prevents fraud,” Carnahan added.

Login.gov launched new capabilities this year, including an in-person identity proofing option at 18,000 U.S. Postal Service sites and a multilingual contact center.

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GovCon Fixture Rick Wagner Assumes CEO Post at Agile Defense
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GovCon Fixture Rick Wagner Assumes CEO Post at Agile Defense

With an impact made at nearly every big-name government contracting organization, Rick Wagner is a staple of the industry. He embarks on a new venture today with his appointment as CEO of Agile Defense.

The former Microsoft Federal president and six-time Wash100 Award winner will take the reins of government IT services provider Agile from Jay Lee, who has served in the chief executive role since 2010, the Reston, Virginia-based company said Tuesday. Lee will continue to reside on the company’s board of directors and move into a strategic advisory role on corporate growth and mergers and acquisitions issues.

“Agile Defense has built an amazing team dedicated to helping customers integrate technologies by delivering end-to-end IT services and solutions,” Wagner commented. “I am excited to join the Agile Defense team and look forward to leveraging my experience as we enter the next stage in our partnership with Enlightenment.” (The company is backed by Enlightenment Capital, the Chevy Chase, Maryland-headquartered government market investment firm.)

Microsoft Federal is a business unit of the tech giant with a $5 billion budget charged with expediently bringing new tools and solutions to civilian, defense and intelligence agencies alike. Before his three years with Microsoft, Wagner held the position of president of the Mission, Cyber and Intelligence Solutions group at ManTech, as well as the chief strategy officer role at TASC, Inc.

Jason Rigoli, Agile Defense chairman and partner at Enlightenment Capital, expressed “delight” at bringing Wagner on board to steward the company in a time of marked growth, while Lee gave a warm welcome to Wagner while looking ahead excitedly to Agile Defense’s future.

“I join the entire GovCon industry in keen anticipation of the successes that will be brought to Agile Defense and the broader GovCon marketplace, through the practical application of Rick’s wisdom and experience,” remarked Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic.

“Rick will bring a positive lift to Agile Defense and the Enlightenment Capital portfolio of accounts with his well-deserved reputation for personal success, expediency and results,” Garrettson continued.

5 Game-Changing Contracts Elevating Defense Capabilities to New Heights
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5 Game-Changing Contracts Elevating Defense Capabilities to New Heights

The defense industry plays a crucial role in ensuring national security and safeguarding a country. Through government contracting, numerous companies contribute to the efforts of the Department of Defense and the military, acquiring advanced weaponry, machines, and equipment.

 

5 Contracts Elevating Defense Capabilities

In this article, we highlight some of the largest defense government contracts in 2023, showcasing the significant contributions of these contracts to national defense.

1. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program 

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Image by Randy Gon/U.S. Air Force photo, from dvidshub.net, licensed under CC0
  • Prime Contractor: Lockheed Martin 
  • Contracting activity: Department of Defense
  • Contract value: $1.7 Trillion 

 

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, executed by the Department of Defense, holds the distinction of being the most expensive weapons system contract. The program’s overall acquisition, operation, and maintenance value have surpassed $1.7 trillion. 

 

As the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company has designed and produced the F-35 Lightning II JSF. Lockheed Martin is known as a worldwide aerospace and defense company and led the 2022 Largest Defense Contractors. 

 

The F-35, a lethal fighter jet, bolsters US national security missions, fosters economic growth through global partnerships, and features advanced sensors and communications suites that enhance networked aviation, maritime, space, surface, and ground systems. It stands at the forefront of the network-centric security architecture of the 21st century. 

 

2. General Dynamics’ 12 Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Contract

General Dynamics’ 12 Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Contract
Image by U.S. Navy from Wikimedia
  • Prime Contractor: General Dynamics 
  • Contracting activity: US Navy
  • Contract value: $132 billion 

 

The Columbia-class Submarine Program, valued at $132 billion, sees General Dynamics Electric Boat as the prime contractor best suited for this contract. This program involves the delivery of the first Columbia-class submarine, which is the largest and most intricate in the Navy’s history. 

 

In conjunction with this program, General Dynamics awarded HII with a $567 million contract, designing them as the major shipbuilding partner. Together, they will construct the Columbia-class submarines as part of the US nuclear triad, which comprises bombers, land-based missiles, and submarines.

 

The Navy plans to deploy the first vessel in the 12-submarine program in 2031, with testing and modifications scheduled for completion by April 2027. Adhering to the GAO standards and DOD guidance, the program includes schedule risk analysis to evaluate and manage potential risks that could impact the timeline.

 

3. KBR, Vectrus Systems, PAE-Parsons, and Fluor’s JV for LOGCAP V 

KBR, Vectrus Systems, PAE-Parsons, and Fluor’s JV for LOGCAP V
Image from KBR
  • Prime Contractors: KBR, Vectrus Systems, PAE-Parsons Global Logistics Services, and Fluor Intercontinental Inc
  • Contracting activity: US Army
  • Contract value: $82 billion

 

The US Army awarded the $82 billion Logistics Civil Augmentation Program or LOGCAP V was awarded to four primary defense companies. LOGCAP is an international program that aids and supports overseas Army forces by providing essential services and supplies ranging from food and utilities to building infrastructures and facilities.

 

The selected companies, including V2X (formerly Vectrus Systems), Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE), KBR, Inc., and Fluor Corporation, secured this $82 billion deal.

 

4. Northrop Grumman’s B21 Raider Long-range Strike Bomber 

B-21 Raider
Image of U.S. Air Force, from dvidshub.net, licensed under CC0
  • Prime Contractor: Northrop Grumman
  • Contracting activity: US Air Force
  • Contract value: Approximately $80 billion

 

In October 2015, the US Air Force initially awarded Northrop Grumman the contract to build the B-21 Raider. Continuing their involvement, the defense contractor secured another B-21 Raider contract with an estimated value of $80 billion to construct this new stealth bomber.

 

The B-21 is a digital bomber developed by Northrop Grumman, capable of carrying  both conventional and nuclear weapons. This stealthy, deep-strike bomber possesses unparalleled destructive potential. Northrop Grumman leverages advanced software development, manufacturing, and digital engineering to reduce production risk and enable modern sustainment. 

 

The testing and final assembly of six B-21 bombers takes place in Palmdale. The Air Force expects to procure these new stealth bombers by 2030.

 

5.  Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program 

C-17 Fleet
Image from military.com
  • Prime Contractor: Boeing
  • Contracting activity: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center
  • Contract value: $23.8 billion

 

Prime contractor Boeing Co. secured a significant $23.8 billion contract for the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program in September 2021. The company assumes the role of the product support provider for the C-17 weapons system, making this one of Boeing’s most substantial government contracts.

 

The C-17, with its high-wing design and four powerful engines enables rapid troops and supply transfer to major operational bases or forward outposts within deployment regions. Boeing will provide aircraft maintenance and upgrades, staff and machinery management, logistics, and cybersecurity. The operational site under this contract may include international countries like Australia, Kuwait, Qatar, Canada, UAE, and NATO countries, until May 2031.

 

These five large defense government contracts play a pivotal role in strengthening national security and equipping military forces with advanced capabilities. From Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II JSF program to Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program, these contracts demonstrate the commitment of defense companies to supporting the Department of Defense and the military in their mission to safeguard nations and maintain global stability.

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