NEWS

Modernizing Federal Cloud Procurement: A Step Forward!

Exciting news in the world of federal procurement! The Alliance for Digital Innovation (ADI) has thrown its support behind the Federal Improvement in Technology (FIT) Procurement Act (H.R. 9595). This legislation aims to modernize the federal procurement process, making it easier for agencies to access cutting-edge cloud-based technologies.

In a letter to key Senate and House lawmakers, ADI emphasized the importance of removing outdated barriers that hinder agencies from leveraging the latest tech solutions. The FIT Procurement Act, introduced by Rep. Eric Burlison, seeks to raise purchase and acquisition thresholds, enabling a more competitive and flexible procurement environment.

Key highlights of the FIT Procurement Act:

• Increased Micro-Purchase Threshold: Raising the limit from $10,000 to $25,000 to allow rapid acquisition of low-cost technical solutions.
• Simplified Acquisition Threshold Boost: Doubling the limit from $250,000 to $500,000 to encourage small and mid-sized businesses to compete for federal contracts.
• Subscription-Based Pricing: Enabling more efficient, consumption-based pricing models for cloud services.

This move is set to enhance operational agility, improve public services, and safeguard national security by ensuring federal agencies can efficiently procure emerging technologies. ADI’s support underscores the critical need for a modernized procurement process that fosters innovation and reduces acquisition delays.

Key Updates in the Final CMMC Rule: What You Need to Know

The Department of Defense (DoD) has released the final Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rule, bringing some important updates and clarifications to help companies comply with cybersecurity requirements. While there are no groundbreaking changes, several key updates are worth noting.

Key Highlights:

1. Three Tiers Maintained: The final rule keeps the three-tier structure of CMMC requirements, aligning with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cyber standards.
2. Clarifications for Cloud Service Providers: The rule specifies that cloud service providers handling controlled unclassified information (CUI) must achieve FedRAMP Moderate authorization or equivalent. Those not handling CUI will be assessed as part of the contractor’s overall assessment.
3. Enduring Exceptions and Temporary Deficiencies: New provisions allow for special circumstances where full compliance isn’t feasible and temporary deficiencies where issues are being addressed.

Industry Reactions:

• Ryan Burnette, a government contracting lawyer, notes that the DoD has fine-tuned regulatory language without making significant changes.
• Michael Gruden, counsel at Crowell & Moring, highlights the importance of clarifications around cloud service providers and the protection of “security protection data.”

Looking Ahead: The DoD is finalizing a proposed acquisition rule to integrate CMMC into the defense contracting process, expected to be effective by early to mid-2025. Industry groups are raising potential challenges, particularly around the availability of assessors and the phased implementation plan.

What This Means for You:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates and ensure your compliance strategy aligns with the new rule.
• Prepare for Assessments: Schedule your CMMC assessments and obtain certifications as soon as possible.
• Engage with Industry Groups: Participate in discussions and provide feedback to help shape the implementation process.

Leidos Secures Major U.S. Army Contract for Network Modernization!

Exciting news from Leidos, a leader in IT solutions for national security and health! The company has landed a significant contract with the U.S. Army, potentially worth $331 million, to support the Army’s Network Modernization Strategy and Army Unified Network Plan.

Key Highlights:

• Contract Scope: Leidos will provide modernization support services for the Army’s Global Unified Network (AGUN), aiming to create a cohesive and secure network architecture.
• Implementation: The contract includes deploying AGUN at various Army sites, ensuring secure and interoperable access to applications, data, and enterprise services worldwide.
• Performance Period: The contract features a one-year base period with four additional one-year options.

Strategic Impact: AGUN is a pivotal initiative designed to modernize the Army’s network infrastructure using software-defined technologies, facilitating a transition to a zero trust architecture. This modernization effort is crucial for enhancing interoperability and security across all operational levels.

Leadership Insight: Steve Hull, President of the Digital Modernization sector at Leidos, expressed pride in partnering with the Army on this transformative project. He emphasized that this initiative aligns perfectly with the Army’s strategic goals and positions Leidos at the forefront of advancing military communication capabilities in a complex global environment.

Looking Ahead: This contract, awarded by the Army Program Executive Office for Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical Global Enterprise Network Modernization-OCONUS, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the Army’s digital infrastructure. Leidos is set to play a crucial role in this modernization journey, driving forward the capabilities and security of military communications.

CACI International Wins Major U.S. Navy Contract!

Great news from CACI International! The U.S. Navy has awarded CACI a task order valued at up to $805 million to provide advanced engineering services and technologies for the NavalX Office. This five-year contract aims to boost operational performance and integrate multi-domain systems across the Navy.

Key Highlights:

• Scope of Work: CACI will engage in research, analysis, engineering, prototyping, and assessment activities to develop, test, and transition new digital tools that meet Navy program requirements.
• Strategic Impact: This initiative will streamline the Navy’s innovation pipeline, ensuring rapid deployment of new technologies fleet-wide to enhance readiness and effectiveness.

Leadership Insight: John Mengucci, President and CEO of CACI, highlighted the company’s extensive experience with Navy programs, stating, “With over six decades of supporting Navy programs, we are well-equipped to tackle the most pressing challenges our sailors face by developing and delivering new technologies rapidly.”

Additional Wins: Earlier this year, CACI also secured a $198 million task order from the U.S. Army to enhance cyber capabilities for command, control, communications, and intelligence systems.

About NavalX: NavalX is an accelerator that fosters innovation within the Navy by promoting collaboration between the Naval Research Enterprise, industry, and academia. Led by Capt. Stephen “Casey” Plew, NavalX aims to streamline the development and deployment of advanced technologies.

This contract marks a significant milestone in CACI’s mission to support the Navy’s modernization efforts and underscores the importance of innovation in maintaining operational superiority.

SpaceX Secures Major U.S. Space Force Contracts!

Exciting developments in the space industry! The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX two task orders worth a combined $733.6 million to provide Lane 1 launch services under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program’s third phase.

Key Highlights:

• Scope of Work: SpaceX will support the Space Development Agency (SDA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) with launches from both Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
• Strategic Impact: These launches will enhance the Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellite network and support critical national security missions.

Detailed Breakdown:

1. SDA-1 LSTO: Objective: Launch seven space vehicles for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) satellite network. Launch Sites: Three launches from Cape Canaveral and four from Vandenberg. Mission Designations: T2TL-D through J. Purpose: These satellites will form part of a larger network aimed at improving global communications and data transfer capabilities for the military.
2. NTO-2 LSTO: Objective: Support a National Reconnaissance Office mission. Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base. Timeline: Scheduled for the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Purpose: This mission will enhance the U.S. capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Leadership Insight:

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space, emphasized the importance of rapid deployment, stating, “In this era of Great Power Competition, it is imperative to not leave capability on the ground.” This highlights the urgency and strategic importance of these missions in maintaining U.S. technological and military superiority.

Looking Ahead:

The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract includes a five-year base period from FY 2025 to FY 2029, with a five-year option term. At least 30 missions are expected to be competed under this lane, ensuring assured access to space and meeting warfighter needs.

Dual-Lane Approach:

The Space Force’s dual-lane strategy under NSSL Phase 3 aims to streamline launch services and foster innovation. Lane 2 will focus on awarding contracts for launch services, special studies, and mission unique services, among other areas. This approach ensures a flexible and responsive procurement process that can adapt to emerging technologies and threats.

Strategic Importance:

These contracts are crucial for advancing U.S. space capabilities. By leveraging SpaceX’s proven launch technology, the Space Force can ensure timely and reliable access to space, which is vital for national security and maintaining a technological edge over potential adversaries.