Tony Schwarz

Speed: Marine Corps Systems Command's OTA brings speed, flexibility & collaboration to federal procurements. Like USAF, other orgs can leverage it. In partnership with Consortium Management Group, Inc. S/F https://lnkd.in/edskDXX8

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https://lnkd.in/eCgchb8U While this is a step in the right direction...I have some thoughts. First about the article in general: the title of the article addresses industry "complaints" and "gripes" regarding #ATO issues...children "complain" about being tired, spouses "gripe" about dishes being left in the sink or towels on the bathroom floor, industry vendors (specifically small businesses) who spend years investing hundreds of thousands of dollars, precious resources, time, and energy into a convoluted process that often ends up in projects being halted or killed completely are concerned and frustrated and often devastated by the exorbitant timelines and loss of revenue. If you want industry to feel heard and validated, choose better words. Instead, the first line of this article invalidated and callously dismissed a serious thing many of us are experiencing. Second about the policy itself: I have been in this game for many years, both inside the government and out. Reciprocity has always supposedly been a thing. I reached out the the #DAF #CIO 5 years ago and she presented me a letter stating reciprocity was to be honored which the governing bodies of the ATO process ignored. Until you hold those entities accountable by way of a reporting mechanism businesses can use to alert to non-compliance of the policy or until you reward the granting of reciprocity in some way, this is lip service. Additionally, reciprocity assumes you were even able to get through the process in the first place. If you truly want this to be easier, give units the proper resources to support this requirement. (ISO, ISSO, ISSM, etc.) Everyone wants to require it, but no one wants to support it or can't support it. This is a problem that hinders industry in a major way. Also, train these folks on alternative solutions that are available like PlatformOne, cATO, and the myriad government backed third party vendors offering easier solutions for #cybersecurity. Legacy processes are an easy, lazy way these folks hide behind 24 month timelines to no account. --end rant (or should I say end gripe lol 😝 ) Adam Chitwood thanks for sending this to me this morning and getting me all fired up 🤣

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Want to know how the United States Department of Defense and the United States Space Force plan to integrate commercial solutions to their space architectures? Check out Becky Leggieri's article in April's Federal Budget IQ report. #space #technology #publicsectorforecast

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Stepping into the future with #DISANext - a comprehensive 5-year blueprint from the Defense Information Systems Agency. Spearheading industry change through its 4 fundamentals: Secure Capabilities, Strategic C3, Modernization, and Data. Hear from the visionary himself, Lt. Gen. Robert Skinner about the strategic imperatives of this plan: https://bit.ly/3WcCrb2. Paving the way for advanced #Cybersecurity and #strategy!

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It was an honor to sit down with Francis Rose during the Emerging Tech and Innovation Conference last week with ACT-IAC. We had a great chat about innovation in government. Fed Gov Today is gives a forum for open conversations on important topics facing government. Feel free to drop your thoughts and inputs in the comments to continue the conversation. As I explained in the interview, innovation is commonly used as a noun (a thing) which, in my opinion, detracts from the acceptance of innovation frameworks to unleash the potential of a team. What if we embraced innovation as a verb (an action) or an adjective to describe HOW an organization approaches disruptive initiatives? Thanks for the interview, Francis!

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Omni Federal is pleased to announce a recent award to lead the development of SOCOM’s Enterprise Training Marketplace within Digital University. SOCOM recognized a need for a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly marketplace where SOCOM units can easily explore, select, purchase, and manage approved training from reputable vendors. Speed, convenience, and flexibility are the three core principles of this simplified procurement process. SOCOM requires an Amazon-like platform with automated procurement features that can be easily changed and adapted to meet evolving mission requirements. This single mission-enabled platform will allow users to acquire the necessary training needs of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs), Special Missions Units (SMUs), and SOCOM service components. We leveraged a deep understanding of SOCOM’s distinct enterprise training requirements to conceptualize a unique SOCOM Training Marketplace design within Digital University. Our initial focus is to create a streamlined user interface and enhance the user experience for effortless navigation through the extensive pool of 100+ SOCOM-specific vendors. To capture SOCOM stakeholder needs, Omni is applying our commercially proven Human-Centered Design process adapted to meet the mission and security needs of DoD agencies. Our scope of work includes integrating an easy-to-use and streamlined procurement process, initially developed, and validated by the Digital University Program Team to expedite the acquisition of training resources. The specific and unique SOCOM Training Marketplace procurement process seamlessly aligns with the well-defined and strategically crafted set of Digital University acquisition stages, enabling integration of the two to meet specific training requirements established by the SOCOM enterprise. We are thrilled at the opportunity to continue our development and expansion of Digital University to support the SOCOM Enterprise and Warfighter readiness across the DoD. #digitaltransformation #weareomnifederal #digital #learning #specialoperations #SOCOM #JSOC Digital University BESPIN USSOCOM

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As the Army streamlines its use of digital engineering, the service is promoting new standards that will enable interoperability and data sharing between government-and industry-owned digital environments, according to a senior official. https://lnkd.in/eT9_5wnw #digitalthread #digitaltwin #digitalengineering #canvasenvision

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Federal Budget IQ's Becky Leggieri reviewed the long-anticipated DOD strategies to address integration of the commercial space industry into the national security space architecture. On April 2, the Defense Department’s first Commercial Space Integration Strategy was released. On April 10, The United States Space Force’s (USSF) Commercial Space Strategy was released by General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, USSF at the 39th Space Symposium in Colorado. Bekcy says the national space community wants to invigorate the process for integration of commercial solutions to their space architectures. Traditionally, the National Security Space enterprise relied on defense-specific space capabilities built to exact specifications, using commercial solutions on a limited basis. No longer. As Secretary Austin writes in the forward of the Defense strategy, “Integrating commercial solutions, as opposed to merely augmenting existing government systems, will require a shift in the Department.” That's good news for industry and national security. Better integration from the start between commercial and government-designed systems will reduce the need for complex work-arounds and patches. Becky made special note of the second of four Lines of Effort LOE#2—Operational and Tactical Integration, which addresses the development of policies, practices and procedures to “…allow the commercial sector to integrate data and hardware with the USSF…”. Eight mission areas are identified with a high-level description of requirements. These mission areas are Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SAML), Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT), Space Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM), Cyberspace Operations, Command and Control (C2), and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). LOE #2 provides a clear road map for industry to follow. If a company's expertise line up with one or more of those mission areas its got an edge. If not, that leads to a series of business decisions: compete or not? hire former government experts or hire from competitors? provide training for in-house talent? reorganize to align better with government priorities? acquire small businesses that have the needed expertise? It also puts analysis of the Space Force and other DOD budgets plus competitive intelligence at the forefront. Where is the money now and how does that change over the FYDP? When are research and development efforts expected to shift to procurement and competition? Who are the incumbents? Are any programs suffering cost-schedule-performance issues. Read this analysis and you're in better shape to answer some of these question. https://lnkd.in/eQCn9P3T #budget #fydp #fy24 #fy25 #appropriations #federalbudget #federalcontracting #satellite #commercialspace #spaceforce #defense

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New from CSPS 💲 The FY 2025 Defense Space Budget Brief: Continued Emphasis on Proliferation Under a More Constrained Top-Line This year’s budget cycle has been unusual, with significant consequences for the young United States Space Force. This is the fifth budget submission since the establishment of the Space Force and, over that period, the service’s budget has nearly doubled. However, this request is the first in which the amount fell from the prior year. Robert (Sam) Wilson breaks down the FY 2025 budget submission, which reflects the United States Department of Defense's continued emphasis on the transition to a new model for defense space operations. In coming years, the Space Force will likely take additional steps toward a more distributed and proliferated approach for defense space capabilities. 🔗 Read the full brief here: https://lnkd.in/eQRkCBgK #SpacePolicy #NatSecSpace #SpaceForce

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Gen. David Allvin’s recent comments on the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program highlight critical uncertainties about its future amidst competing budget priorities. This pivotal program, essential for maintaining air superiority, faces potential delays or modifications that could reshape its trajectory within the Air Force’s strategic plans. Industry now stands at a crossroads with the NGAD program, positioned to capitalize on opportunities despite budgetary challenges. Key differentiators must include advanced capabilities in stealth technology, integrated communications systems, and adaptable weapons platforms to meet evolving defense needs. Demonstrating agility in program management and cost control will be crucial amidst fiscal constraints. CRG offers unparalleled expertise in navigating complex defense procurement landscapes, ensuring clients are positioned to secure and manage crucial contracts. Visit crgroupinc.com or reach out to contact@crgroupinc.com to learn more about our tailored solutions and how we can empower your organization to succeed in defense innovation. #CRG #USAF #AirForce #NGAD #StealthFighter #DefenseInnovation #BudgetPriorities #DefenseContracting #DoD #DIB #Boeing #LMI #LockheedMartin #NorthropGrumman #Raytheon #RTX #GeneralDynamics #GDI #BAESystems #AirbusDefence #L3HarrisTechnologies

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Major news for Defense Contractors! The CMMC Final Rule (CFR 32) has entered its last phase before publication, setting up the formal third-party assessment system. All public comments have been addressed, and the CMMC final rule is projected to be published in the Federal Register around September-October this year. Following publication, there will be a 60-day period before it goes into effect. From early 2024 to March 2025, assessors will begin conducting CMMC assessments and certifications at full speed. The DFARS clause (48 CFR) adding an audit and certification requirement for contract awards will likely go into effect around March 2025. For DoD contractors, now is the time to prepare for audits, Preparation typically take 9 to 18 months. Don't risk interruptions in your ability to obtain and keep DoD contracts. Has this convinced your leadership that CMMC is real? If you're scrambling, consider solutions that provide a clear path to compliance. Quatronics guides companies on what to do, how to do it, and when to stay compliant. Act now to maintain your DoD contracts without disruption.

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The Pentagon wants to shift ~$3.3B of budgeted funds to support a handful of new-start projects, including: (1) Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which has already seen ~40% cost growth. The Pentagon wants to shift $150M in FY24 funds, which increases the CCA program request to $542M. Unsurprisingly, this request came with a news statement that the Air Force will evaluate the NGAD platform design concept to determine if there are cost reductions or capability trade-offs. (2) Army wants to shift $39M to purchase 8 SM-6 Block1A missiles for its Mid-Range Capability ground launch system. Army and Navy would coordinate procurement on the SM-6 contract, which was awarded to Raytheon. (3) Additionally, Army wants to shift $33M in advanced component development and prototypes to fund its tank and medium caliber ammunition procurement #Army #AirForce #defensespending #defensebudget #CCA #NGAD Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder https://lnkd.in/e8Qma_9G

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Defense Innovation Unit awards funding for sea-based launch pad - “Responsive and reliable logistics and sustainment lines of communication are essential to the Warfighter,” Austin Baker, Deputy Portfolio Director for DIU’s space portfolio, said in the statement. “ - “A sea-based launch platform is a strategically significant capability that increases equatorial launch access while enabling responsive launch coordination and avoiding high-traffic airspace,” DIU said in a May 28 statement announcing the deal. - “By prototyping commercial solutions for the delivery of cargo and other supplies to, through and from space, we will equip the Joint Force with new methods for sustainment that directly address this need and provide a unique competitive advantage.” https://lnkd.in/eMUHn4Bv 2. THE SPACEPORT COMPANY Homepage: Demand for launch is rising, and spaceports can’t keep up - On the commercial side, New Space requires a new kind of spaceport: high-cadence, fast-turnaround, cost-effective, and in close proximity to manufacturing sites. On the DoD side, responsive space requires responsive spaceports: nimble, survivable, disaggregated. Our spaceport infrastructure combines unique hardware, proprietary software, and one-of-a-kind U.S. government pre-approvals to meet these needs and enable mass transportation to and from orbit.https://thespaceportcompany.com/

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Analysis via War on the Rocks argues that the U.S. should diversify its defense budget investments and look more to the significance of irregular warfare during periods of great power competition. "Civil wars and other kinds of irregular conflict accounted for 107 of the 123 armed conflicts active around the world from 1975 to 1991... The great powers supported at least one side in a majority of these: 61 percent in the Middle East and 60 percent in Africa." Some recommendations: 1. "...reforming professional military education to include more analysis of the kinds of wars officers are most likely to fight in." 2. "placing flag officers in the lead in security force assistance missions..." 3. "leverage the interagency personnel assignment process to provide training to personnel in the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development." "Preparing for the wars the United States will almost surely fight, alongside being ready to fight the wars it hopes to deter, means investing in U.S. military and civilian officials' intellectual capital for the diplomatic and military aspects of irregular conflict." https://lnkd.in/eTp999bE 

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Unveiling Olympus: A game changer in cloud service management by the Defense Information Systems Agency. This platform harnesses technology to facilitate defense agencies in evolving their cloud environments at ease, minus the hassle of enterprise network connectivity. With integration to DISA’s Vulcan DevSecOps, Olympus brings to fore capabilities unseen before! Click here to learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/3wFYGvz #cloudmanagement #defenseagencies #DISA #Olympus

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The 2024 Defense Acquisition Workforce Writing Awards recognize original ideas and innovative approaches to tackling challenges and implementing acquisition flexibilities. The award winners showcased exceptional skill in enabling acquisition and achieving the goals set out in the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and were awarded at the event. “I’ve never seen a defense strategy that had so many phrases that tell you we need to do things differently,” noted DAU President Jim Woolsey. “Organizations don’t change easily,” Woolsey remarked. However, the acquisition community must innovate and adapt to address new challenges arising from the evolving global environment, near-peer competitors and rapid technological advancements. DoD has received “massive wake up calls” with lessons learned from evolving conflicts. These awards highlight the value Congress places on the workforces’ innovative ideas. The winners received their awards and presented their publications to program management students and guests during a ceremony at DAU on June 12, 2024. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eg7RmckU

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