Critical infrastructure is a prime target for cyberattacks, and operators are under pressure to protect at-risk systems. Just last month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) updated security guidelines for pipeline operators and set a 90-day deadline to submit a cybersecurity implementation plan. All operations across sectors may need independent expertise to successfully integrate new security approaches, such as zero trust, into existing strategies. Outside consultants also help operators protect against the latest threats and reach government compliance.

“Our objective is to cyber-harden critical infrastructure against growing threats, and Xage has deep experience securing operational technology (OT) and OT-IT environments in compliance with the newest regulatory requirements. For example, we’ve helped some of the largest oil and gas pipeline operators in North America obtain TSA compliance approval across thousands of sites,” said Duncan Greatwood, CEO of Xage. “While there is clear urgency to adopt proactive cybersecurity approaches such as zero trust, it’s not easy to bring modern security to existing systems. We’re expanding our capabilities and welcoming Amit to the team to provide critical infrastructure operators with the expert assessment, design, and implementation services they need to achieve both protection and compliance.”

To help scale its service delivery, Xage is partnering with global system integrators (GSIs), starting with HCL Technologies. HCL’s worldwide presence and extensive industrial and cybersecurity experience, combined with Xage’s zero trust expertise for real-world operations, will enable critical infrastructure organizations to accelerate their shift to proactive cyber-defense strategies.

Source: Xage

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“Using machine learning techniques, we’ve seen that computer systems can teach themselves rule-based adversarial games like chess,” said Stephen Melsom, Noblis engineer and co-inventor of the system. “Like chess, a security checkpoint is a battle of threat and response in which the outcome depends on the strategies the opponents choose. If an algorithm can teach itself chess, we wanted to see if we could use the same technology to learn interesting things about the adversarial environment of a security checkpoint.”

Instead of training on massive amounts of data, Noblis researchers give the system the rules of the game and ask it to play out the possible outcomes of an attacker trying to smuggle weapons or dangerous materials through a security checkpoint. “The system can identify capability gaps in each configuration of rules,” said Brian Lewis, Noblis team lead and co-inventor. “Moreover, it can calculate the return on investment of various changes to that configuration so that decision makers can use this technology as a strategic resource for allocating limited research, development and operational funding.”

“This invention came about through our Noblis Sponsored Research program, which we use to invest in the research and development of promising technologies,” said Chris Barnett, Noblis’ chief technology officer. “Because we have both the domain and technological experience related to security operations in-house, we can quickly move from idea to solution.”

Source: Noblis

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“Ramco’s technology leads the industry by providing a turnkey solution for digitizing MRO operations, enhancing turnaround times (TAT), improving customer satisfaction, service level compliance, on-time delivery, and management of other complex business processes,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Sustainment Sam Richardson.

Ramco’s 25 years of aviation expertise brings the best industry MRO digital management practices to SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian users.

“Securing the trust of a world leader in unmanned aerial systems is a landmark achievement for Ramco. Ramco’s deep aviation functionality built over the last 25 years, and complemented by next-gen, innovative features, will optimize the operational efficiency of the SkyGuardian program. We are elated to be a part of this paramount MQ-9B program,” said Manoj Kumar Singh, president of Ramco Systems Corporation, USA and chief customer officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems.

The SGSS program supports GA-ASI customers operating the MQ-9B. The program provides operators with full-sustainment solutions allowing maximum system availability, commonality, and complete training services. The SGSS lowers lifecycle costs for customers by leveraging the cost of sustainment across all MQ-9B customers. The plan merges resources, especially for regional operators, to create synergies in procurement, management, and depot repairs. This “Consolidated Fleet” approach for SkyGuardian operators provides collective buying power that incentivizes suppliers and subcontractors to create long-term contractual arrangements and innovative solutions to increase customer support and cost savings that are passed down to the customer. MQ-9B customers, operating large or small fleets, collectively realize significant life-cycle cost savings.

Source: GA-ASI

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A recognized leader in the satellite industry, Steen most recently served as CEO of iDirect, a market leading ground segment technology provider for commercial products and the U.S. Department of Defense. Upon stepping into the role as CEO in 2017, he oversaw the company’s revenue and market share doubling in size through organic and inorganic growth strategies. Steen held multiple roles since joining iDirect in 2010, where he was responsible for driving the company’s technology and innovation strategy. Under Steen’s leadership the company pioneered the satellite industry’s first ground segment platform that supported a global network footprint, enabling the industry’s transition to High Throughput Satellite (HTS) architectures and becoming the technology partner of choice for the top satellite operators and service providers.

Steen is known for his strong customer relationships, successful track record in balancing strategy against execution, and enthusiasm for developing exceptional leadership teams. His experience and expertise will help him transition to his new role.

“I am honored to be entrusted to lead OneWeb Technologies at this exciting time in the company’s evolution. The opportunities created by the deep customer relationships, world-class experience and innovation within the company, combined with the incredible potential of the OneWeb LEO constellation, are almost limitless,” Steen added “I look forward to helping OneWeb Technologies capitalize on the opportunity that exists in the marketplace given their technology leadership, superior capabilities, and passion for serving the defense community.”

Steen was chosen as the next CEO after a rigorous and lengthy selection process conducted by OneWeb Technologies’ board of directors. Its chair, Sue Gordon, said, “Kevin stood out as a strong, dynamic leader with the relevant experience we believe will be necessary to execute on our bold plans for the company. The Board is looking forward to working with Kevin to take the company forward.”

In addition, Steen will join the board as a director of the company. He will work closely with the board of directors and the outgoing CEO to ensure a seamless transition.

Source: OneWeb Technologies

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BlueHalo was launched as a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners (“ACP”) three years ago with the vision of building an enduring, disruptive platform capable of delivering critical technologies and services to address near-peer and asymmetric threats faced by the nation.

“We’ve spent the last three years building a foundational base to disrupt our market and have built exceptional momentum across every domain and technology area of focus,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, chief executive officer of BlueHalo, “We could not have found a more qualified partner in Trip to help us capitalize on that momentum and drive BlueHalo forward into the next chapter as our customers continue to rely on BlueHalo as that alternative challenger prime in our market.”

As COO, Ferguson will be responsible for day-to-day operations, program execution and serve as a key member of the senior executive leadership team as the company continues to transition its disruptive products and programs to full-rate production and new programs of record.

“I am incredibly excited to partner with Jonathan, ACP, and the rest of the men and women of BlueHalo as we usher in the next chapter for the business and further cement our position as an industry disruptor and key alternative prime,” said Ferguson. “BlueHalo’s market position and operating structure will allow the company to continue to provide world-class technology and services to our customers for years to come, and I am simply thrilled to be a part of that.”

Source: BlueHalo

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“We are excited to continue our work with NASIC under the ATEP II contract. This extension provides us with greater opportunities to support NASIC’s critical mission and continue the outstanding relationship we have built with them since the start of ATEP II in 2014,” said Blaine Worthington, Altamira’s chief operating officer.

Altamira and its teammates will perform the work at NASIC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and other locations. The contract modification increases the overall ceiling from an estimated value of $960,000,000 to $1,240,000,000. The modification also extends the ordering period by one year.

Since 2012 Altamira has supported NASIC, providing innovation in analytics, exploitation, software and systems development, and scientific demonstrations. As the mission evolves and NASIC continues to protect our nation, Altamira will continue to support this mission through innovation and delivery of new and improved ways to exploit intelligence for NASIC and its partners.

Source: Altamira

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NASA recognizes the criticality and benefit across the enterprise when Information Technology (IT) services are closely integrated, secured, and supported by a strong service delivery framework. The NASA Consolidated Platform and Application Services (NCAPS) contract will provide the necessary support to maintain and evolve NASA’s core collaborative IT services, which are essential to the ongoing success of its missions and projects across NASA’s geographically distributed Centers.

The scope of work includes efficient, effective, innovative, and collaborative approaches to IT management and delivery. The contractor shall ensure the safety, security, and availability of operations with requisite Agency visibility, ensuring NASA and its partners can operate without disruption while maintaining interoperability across NASA’s heterogenous IT environment.

The Office of the Chief Information Officer’s (OCIO) mission is to increase the productivity of its workforce, by responsively and efficiently delivering reliable, innovative, and secure interoperable IT services. It is the intent of the OCIO to consolidate related requirements across NASA’s Centers to leverage the efficiency of centralized IT support services, resulting in the NASA Consolidated Application Platform Services (NCAPS) contract.

The NCAPS contract will be awarded during a period of significant transformation of mission support services to an enterprise operating model while maintaining mission focus, improving efficiency, recognizing local authority, and valuing the workforce. Mission support services are the functions traditionally managed and operated at each NASA Center and headquarters and include information technology. The OCIO Transformation is a redesign of the NASA’s IT Operating Model in order to more directly enable NASA to achieve mission success and ensure that the OCIO is an organization where our people grow, learn, and thrive.

The NCAPS contract will also support the OCIO though transformation and beyond. The contract and work packages ordered will primarily support the Application and Platform Service (APS) Line transformation and support of the OCIO while some work packages will be directly ordered through the other Enterprise OCIO Service Lines. The contract and work packages will be executed primarily using Agile based service delivery methodologies, such as the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and ITIL based service management practices.

This support and transformational model requires extensive collaboration and integration vital to the planning, design, and development of future mission-related capabilities and technologies. As NASA focuses its attention on the successful completion of its core mission objectives, it is imperative that all applications and platforms services supported by this contract, interoperate securely, reliably, and efficiently, utilizing recognized industry standards. It is critical that application and platform and development processes incorporate a customer-centric approach to support functions and service delivery. In addition, it is imperative that application and platform services—as supporting functions—are offered to the Agency through lean, scalable, and agile practices leveraging economies of scale, while also conforming to federal governance and agency policies and requirements.

Review the NASA NCAPS draft RFP.

Source: SAM

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The developer holds a critical responsibility to the security of our software. As ESF examined the events that led up the SolarWinds attack, it was clear that investment was needed in creating a set of best practices that focused on the needs of the software developer. Securing the Software Supply Chain for Developers was created to help developers achieve security through industry and government-evaluated recommendations. This guidance consolidates valuable resources already published for developers to put to use.

As the cyber threat continues to become more sophisticated, adversaries have begun to attack the software supply chain, rather than rely on publicly know vulnerabilities. This supply chain compromise allows malicious actors to move throughout networks seemingly undetected. In order to counter this threat, the cybersecurity community needs to focus on securing the software development lifecycle.

Developers will find helpful guidance from NSA and partners on developing secure code, verifying third party components, hardening the build environment, and delivering the code. Until all DevOps are DevSecOps, the software development lifecycle will be at risk.

Source: NSA

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Weber previously served as president, CEO, and director of KeyW Corporation, a leading provider of agile cyber operations and warfare, data analytics, and geospatial satellite payloads and sensors for U.S. government intelligence and defense customers, as well as the commercial sector. During his tenure, he led the company through a multi-year transformation focusing on driving consistent growth, operational discipline, and divestitures and acquisitions, culminating in the sale of KeyW to Jacobs Engineering Group.

“Bill is a proven leader with an impressive record of helping companies successfully navigate change, making him the clear choice to lead Firefly during this transitional growth period,” said Peter Schumacher, partner at AE Industrial Partners, who served as interim CEO of the company. “His deep experience and strong relationships across many areas of the A&D landscape will be invaluable as Firefly transitions to full-rate production across its portfolio of products. On behalf of the Firefly and AEI teams, I welcome him to the company.”

Weber most recently founded First Light Acquisition Group as chief executive officer and chairman, a company focused on investing in technology-enabled solutions with mission-critical applications. Prior to KeyW, Weber served as president and chief operating officer of XLA, a privately held national security and diplomacy technology firm. He previously was president of Kaseman, a technology services firm providing foreign policy assistance to the U.S. government, and has spent the balance of his career in leadership positions in the technology sector serving the A&D community.

A veteran U.S. Army Officer and an Airborne Ranger,  Weber was awarded the Bronze Star for actions during Operation Desert Storm. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington University and is a graduate of The Executive Program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. He currently serves on the boards of Modus eDiscovery, Buchanan Edwards, and America’s Warrior Partnership.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead a company on the forefront of critical, leading-edge space transportation solutions, and I am honored to join the talented Firefly team,” said Weber. “I respect and admire Firefly’s innovative corporate culture, which has led to its success, and I know that Firefly is poised to achieve great things. I look forward to collaborating with the Firefly and AEI teams at this critical juncture in the company’s development.”

“We’re confident that Firefly will transform the space industry with its game-changing technologies, and Bill’s successful track record delivering new technologies for space and defense companies will help to accelerate the company’s vision and market leadership,” said Kirk Konert, chairman of Firefly and Partner at AEI. “As a former public company CEO at KeyW, Bill is the perfect mix of space and defense technologist and is an accomplished executive respected by some of the world’s largest financial institutions. I am excited to work closely with him and the management team during the company’s next stage of growth.”

Source: Firefly

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As the premier event focused on bringing AI to the national security mission, the AI Defense Forum will convene leadership from across government, academia, and industry to discuss the opportunities and policy imperatives in applying AI to defense challenges.

Featured speakers include:

• Thomas M. Siebel, Chairman and CEO, C3 AI
• General (Ret.) John Hyten, Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• General (Ret.) Jack Keane, Former Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, and Chairman, Institute for the Study of War
• Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ed Cardon, Former Commander, Army Cyber Command

“AI is the greatest transformational technology of this century, and the Department of Defense is at a critical juncture to modernize,” said Thomas Siebel, CEO and chairman of C3 AI. “Accelerating the DoD’s enterprise AI capabilities and next-generation technology is vital to national security interests. C3 AI looks forward to bringing our proven expertise across defense and intelligence to the forum focused on these critical topics.”

This year’s keynotes and breakout sessions will discuss successful at-scale AI deployments, strategic imperatives for accelerating AI adoption, and proven AI solutions in improving equipment readiness, accelerating research & development, and synthesizing real-time battlefield data.

To learn more about the AI Defense Forum, visit here.

Source: C3 AI

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