NEWSBRIEF JULY 19, 2019

AFRL and IBM to pioneer quantum information technology for DoD

(Space War) The Air Force Research Laboratory is breaking new ground in their efforts to partner with industry, academia, and the Department of Defense to apply quantum information science to Air Force concerns and ensure they remain the most advanced and capable force in the World. Read More

DOD looks to do more with acquisition data

(FCW) The Defense Department is looking to get a better handle on its acquisition data with an access and dissemination plan later this year. DOD plans to release the guidelines by the end of 2019, Mark Krzysko, director for acquisition data, analytics and policy, told FCW following a July 17 speech at FCW’s Emerging Tech Summit. Read More

DOD to use a third-party nonprofit for new contractor cybersecurity certification

(fedscoop) The Department of Defense is on the hunt for a third-party nonprofit to manage the forthcoming Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification standards that will become the new requirements for defense contractors’ cybersecurity. Read More

With a $150 million price tag, Navy’s CIC simulators now running on both coasts

(NavyTimes) Norfolk — Navy officials say they’ve launched a high tech trainer that finally gives shipboard Combat Information Center teams the most realistic education possible, short of actual combat. Officially, it’s called the “Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Anti-Submarine Warfare Trainer” and it started teaching sailors on Monday. Located near the piers at Naval Station Norfolk, it’s a twin facility to the trainer that opened in San Diego in December. Read More

BAE gets green light to help build extended-range cannon prototype for US Army

(DefenseNews) WASHINGTON — BAE Systems has been given the go-ahead to integrate the various parts that will make up the U.S. Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery prototype through a $45 million contract award, according to a July 15 company statement. Under the Army’s program, BAE will increase the range and the rate of fire on the current and future M109A7 self-propelled howitzers — otherwise known as Paladin Integrated Management. Read More

GSA City Pair Program Saves Billions for Federal Agencies

(GSA) WASHINGTON — The U.S. General Services Administration awarded its Fiscal Year 2020 City Pair Program air travel contracts, which will save the government approximately $2.71 billion next fiscal year. Under the GSA City Pair Program, airfare rates for the federal government’s official travel are pre-negotiated and firm-fixed-price, offering a 51 percent discount on comparable commercial fares. In addition to offering considerable discounts, the City Pair Program allows the federal government maximum flexibility in how it books air travel, with benefits including no cancellation or change fees. Read More

British military scrambles to speed up work on hypersonic engines, weapons

(DefenseNews) LONDON – Britain’s defense ministry is stepping up its interest in hypersonics with a $12 million contract to Rolls-Royce and its industrial partners to develop high-Mach aircraft propulsion systems. The British intend to place a two-year deal with industry to undertake design studies, development and experimentation of propulsion systems, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier told an audience of senior officers and industry executives at the Air and Space Conference which opened in London July 17. Read More

No, a feasibility study has not proved the hyperloop would work

(CityMetric) There are several firms trying to turn Elon Musk’s vision of transporting people through metal tubes at supersonic speeds – in a way that would supposedly displace boring old trains and planes – into hard reality. But the one whose plans are furthest advanced is arguably Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO). Read More

Time to evaluate how well telework, work-life programs are running, OPM says

(Federal News Network) Agencies have new guidance from the Office of Personnel Management on how they can more strategically evaluate their telework and other work-life programs. Employees who telework or use one of their agency’s work-life programs boosted their performance, morale, health and ability to manage stress, according to past OPM studies. Federal employees who telework are often more likely to stay within their organizations, the agency said. Read More

50 Years Ago, Apollo 11 Launched to the Moon: A Look Back at the Epic Day

(Space.com) Today (July 16) marks 50 years since astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins began their historic flight to the moon. By 6:45 a.m. this day in 1969, the astronauts had eaten their steak-and-egg breakfasts, suited up, and had strapped themselves into the spacecraft. The weight of the moment hung thick in the air and the world watched as the crew prepared to make humanity’s inaugural flight to the lunar surface. Read More