Ideas

5 Common Questions about Federal Procurement Answered

Small business owners can take steps to try and make the process of selling to the government more successful and efficient as the new year nears.

Modernization

DISA Nearing Completion on Certain EIS Task Orders

The Defense Information Systems Agency, which is leading the move to EIS for the Defense Department, reported the pandemic has not slowed transition progress.

Digital Government

DOD’s $11B Contract to Consolidate Fourth Estate Networks Is Out for Bid

The Defense Enclave Services contract will bring agencies under a common network architecture.

Emerging Tech

AFWERX Launches Space Innovation Hub

Air Force officials announced the creation of SpaceWERX, a team to help Space Force tap into cutting-edge technologies.

Digital Government

GSA’s Central Procurement Hub Will Lose the ‘Beta’ in April

The legacy SAM.gov will be shuttered and all the capabilities will be folded into the new SAM.gov, which currently goes by beta.SAM.gov.

Modernization

DISA Set to Release $11.7 Billion IT Contract Imminently

The Defense Enclave Services contract was originally projected to be bid out at the end of September. 

Artificial Intelligence

IRS Moves to Speed Up Contracting Through New Procurement Research Partnership

Data-management, machine learning and acquisition expertise will be combined in this collaboration.

Emerging Tech

DOD Needs Simulations to Shorten Acquisition Timelines, Official Says

Advancements in modeling and simulation technologies will not only help train warfighters, but “revolutionize” design, acquisition, sustainment and test, the official said.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon Clarifies Biometrics Database Can Move to Any Secure Cloud, Not Just AWS

While the performance work statement namechecks a specific cloud provider and product, a subsequent amendment and Q&A clarify the Pentagon’s true intent.

Artificial Intelligence

NAVAIR Looking for Research to Assist Digital Transformation

Naval Air Systems Command’s Digital Department put out a call for white papers specifying seven research areas of interest aimed at digitizing the organization.

Digital Government

OMB Advises Agencies on Contractors’ Limiting Their Use of Foreign Workers

The agency issued a memo to supplement President Trump’s executive order in August. 

Digital Government

DOD Needs IT Support for Security Clearance Background Investigations Program

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency took over management of the background investigations process but does not own all of the related IT systems—yet.

Modernization

CIA Awards Secret Multibillion-Dollar Cloud Contract

The agency has awarded a contract to bring foundational cloud services from multiple cloud service providers into the intelligence community.

Digital Government

Army Wants Data Analytics to Spot ‘Emerging Tech Leaders’

The Army plans to issue a call later this month through its Small Business Innovation Research program.

Podcasts

Critical Update: The Government’s Cloud Anxiety 

As more federal agencies shift to cloud computing, officials are reexamining the responsibilities customers and service providers must bear to secure data.

Emerging Tech

Pentagon Expanding 5G Efforts, DOD Official Says

The Pentagon will also be releasing guidance on securing the microelectronics supply chain, according to Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord.

Artificial Intelligence

Air Force Turns to Machine Learning to Fight COVID-19 Disinformation

Just as the technology can be used to help deliberately spread falsities online, it can also be tapped to stop that spread.

Modernization

Army Awards 10 Prototyping Contracts Under Small Business Pilot Program

The U.S. Army is using a special topics pilot program to shorten the life cycle of military technology development.