Paul Maguire

Army Seeks Conversation With Their Data - An October DefenseScoop article revealed the US Army is “drowning” in data and looking for proven, impactful and ethical ways to reveal the relevance in that data. These are common concerns Primer.ai addresses, along with the need for multi-language support, use of data from any source, and the reduction of hallucinations. As threats grow in sophistication, AI needs to keep pace. Read more about what DefenseScoop says the Army is looking for in AI decision support. https://lnkd.in/eyzpuRD8

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📣 Usul (YC S24) helps defense contractors increase their PWin! Here's a case study on how we turn your 5 hour workflows to 5 seconds: 1) Find all recent DoD programs for your capability 2) Identify how much budget is allocated from DoD funding lines 3) Contact relevant PEOs to shape requirements before they hit SAM.gov If you struggle navigating government data or have to Ctrl + F around tens of tabs to identify DoD opportunities, we'd love to to help you out!! #defensetech #govtech #govcon #ai #dod

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The following industry article emphasizes the need for the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to modernize its procurement and acquisition capabilities and processes to keep up with 21st-century warfare. The article discusses its current program-centric approach which some say impedes DoD’s rapid adoption of leading technologies and reduces military advantage and argues that shifting to a portfolio-centric model would allow for more flexibility and agility. Samuel Group D.C. specializes in government affairs and strategic advisory services, offering unparalleled support in political, regulatory, and federal opportunities for U.S., Canadian, and international clients. With our essential insights and advice on U.S. governmental processes, including budgets, programs, and key policy issues, we can help organizations achieve success in Washington, D.C. Contact us at www.samuelgroup.us to learn more. #DepartmentofDefense #modernization #governmentaffairs #strategicadvisory #WashingtonDC #SamuelGroupDC

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🚨 Big Win in GovCon! G2Xchange has the latest on the 5-year, $2.4B SPRUCE IDIQ awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 🌟 With 10 top-tier companies named out of 33 bidders, this contract is designed to streamline agile product design and delivery services for the VA. 💼 What's SPRUCE? The Secure, Performant, Reliable, and User-Centered Experiences (SPRUCE) contract provides digital solutions that align with VA's mission. Each task order, capped at $50M, brings together expert teams across software development, data science, product support, and more. Check out the full details on how this contract will drive VA’s digital modernization goals by leveraging industry best practices and top professionals! 👉 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gav7kUFy G2Xchange | #govcon #VA #SPRUCE

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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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Yep, it's that time again... pre-release of the latest and greatest #SBIRSTTR topics!! Did you know the pre-release is arguably the most important stage of the SBIR/STTR?? Why: During the pre-release, companies are allowed to talk to the POC!! Meaning: you get to ask all your burning questions, clarify any confusion, drive awareness of you/your firm, and get a 1:1 understanding of the requirement. If you don't take advantage of the pre-release period, you're at a disadvantage. KEEP IN MIND The SBIR/STTR programs aren't for everyone. Whether you have an idea or you have an established firm with a commercial offering, take the time to consider the benefits and drawbacks of the program before jumping in and spending valuable resources. Leslie Faircloth Mina Khalil Jim Masonbrink Diana Teel David Walz Monique Branham, MBA Christina “Tina” Barnhill Charles W. Anushka Prasad Ellen M. Chang Leslie Babich DoD SBIR/STTR Program Office Mark Amtower Denise Ryser

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You had to know this day would come... DOD is now implementing a DUE DILIGENCE PROCESS across the DoD SBIR/STTR Program Office Programs... Per the recent memorandum: "The Air Force Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis (OCEA), pursuant to funding support agreements and oversight of the Secretary of the Air Force, will conduct a business review based on publicly available information (PAI) and commercially available information (CAI) for each small business concern (SBC) that submits an SBIR or STTR proposal to identify potential security risk indicators; the PAI/CAI business review will be used to develop a business security risk indicator report." The memo states that, "The PAl/CAI business review will be performed IN PARALLEL WITH THE TECHNICAL EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSAL." That said, my hypothesis is this will significantly slow down time to award, since the government will likely want to make sure they are making a "clean" award. Though I appreciate this effort in spirit, I believe it could hurt our ability to prioritize mission over risk and slow us down further. Time is the main thing working against us right now... not the risks startups present. As always, I'd love to hear others' opinions. MEMO LINKED 👇 #nationaldefense #executionmatters #onwards

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What's missing from this Defense Innovation Board recommendations report on Data? This is a comprehensive report and set of recommendations from the DIB on improving data access and quality across the department. Would highly encourage you to read. One other recommendation I would recommend adding is a CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE SUB-TIER SUPPLIER INFORMATION, STARTING WITH TIER 1, to enable better monitoring of supply chain risks and ultimately improve supply chain resilience. Getting this information after a contract has been set up is quite difficult for many reasons including lack of incentives for a contractor to provide it. At a minimum, Tier 1 information is something that contractors have at their fingertips as they know who their next tier suppliers are. Information beyond that into next Tiers is more difficult and requires them to reach out to their next tier of suppliers. It can be done through solutions like Resilinc as we have seen at DLA and other agencies. But it takes time and effort. Recommendation: Add a requirement, for contracts of certain size and above, to provide Tier 1 supply chain data, based on part #s, products, service offerings being delivered. Anthony Di Stasio Brooke Pyne Peter Guinto Brandon Hodges Dr. Marina Theodotou G. Nagesh R. Ryan Connell John Ferry Rob Handfield #emergingtech #supplychainresiliency

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#CMMC 32CFR170 Final Rule is out. CMMC is real and will begin to appear in contracts once the corresponding 48CFR Rule is complete. "When CMMC requirements are applied to a solicitation, Contracting officers will not make award, exercise an option, or extend the period of performance on a contract, if the offeror or contractor does not have the passing results of a current certification assessment or self-assessment for the required CMMC level, and an affirmation of continuous compliance with the security requirements in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)6 for all information systems that process, store, or transmit FCI or CUI during contract performance. " #DIB https://lnkd.in/gPJWFqzW

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Very good article and research by Austin Gray on #othertransactions and #defensetech. As we have seen, OTs have skyrocketed over the last five years or so, and there are no signs of slowing. Indeed, the article states that "5-Year Compound growth calculations show 30%+ growth rates in spending via OTAs over the last 8 years." Interestingly, the data also shows that the #Army is leading the #OTA charge but one would think that #AirForce (#SpaceForce) awards will inevitably balloon over the next decade with #space superiority becoming critical to the national #defense. I know Katie Bilek and Stephanie Alexander (govmates) have a pulse on what's been unfolding in the OT space in recent time. Do you have any thoughts/context to share about OTs or the data? #govcon #govconlaw #govconjudicata

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When should you engage a senior leader in a defense sale? This topics comes back again and again and again on Crossing the Valley and now in Frontdoor's courses. While some companies over-rely on military brass to "close their deal," others under-invest in these crucial relationships. Here are three places I've seen senior relationships matter: 1) Cutting the "red tape" I've seen a senior Air Force leader who wanted a product installed on a network, immediately personally issue an Interim Authority to Test (IATT) in 48 hours. When legal put up resistance to an industry engagement, I saw a senior Space Force leader overrule fake bureaucratic roadblocks to ensure his team came onsite (by asking for a memo in 24 hours outlining every specific legal objection and it's associated consequence). 2) Reinforcing prioritization If you're truly working on a top defense priority, a senior leader can ensure that no one forgets it. This can help drive focus and allocation or time, including remind action officers of the relative order of importance of the many (many!) things they're working on 3) Driving attention Perhaps the biggest single thing a senior leader can do is shine a spotlight to attract others to take notice. When DepSecDef announced Replicator, it went from an idea to the "current thing," overnight, even before budget and authorities had been introduced. When your company gets in the game and is prepared to deliver, make sure you pack the stands. What do senior leaders NOT do? - Issue contracts - Make unilateral purchasing decisions - Force action by name alone (e.g., big wig former who is many years is not going to call up a former unit and drive them to act) What else have you seen work with senior leader engagement? PS - We're going in depth into stories like these and their implications in Breaking Acquisition - if you want to join us, reach out. First session is recorded and week 2 is 6/4!

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SAE International, 2024 DoD Maintenance Symposium in Salt Lake City. Engage with the DoD Maintenance and Sustainment Communities.   https://lnkd.in/eC5SQQJX U.S. Army Materiel Command will see some of the most significant benefits and utility from ubiquitous autonomy. Autonomous maintenance and sustainment of our military bases, saving billions of dollars and keeping systems operational. The gains in efficiency and safety for resupply are enormous, especially with degraded environments in the theater. The nation that deploys INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE, enabling Industry 4.0 transformations, will gain global economic dominance and defense overmatch. INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE will provide operational resilience, accelerate our innovation OODA loop with autonomous robotics, and radically reduce operational and sustainment costs. US Army organizations like U.S. Army Installation Management Command and US Army Corps of Engineers will be the bridge between the civilian effort and the DOD and lead the nation with Intelligent Infrastructure.  Autonomy Institute INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE, CONTINUUM of Innovation Capital, AUTONOMY PRIME, ATLAS PROGRAM, SKYHATTAN, Autonomous Nation #infrastructure #leadership #northstar #future #commerce #mission #arpai #nextg #apnt #transportation #edgeai #i2infrastructure #robotics #technology #automation #digital #productivity #autonomy

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We have a challenge in the Services. We have lost the art of identifying the good idea cut off point in everything we do: IT, weapons development, etc. We want a perfect capability. We have to design capability in phases to get capability quickly to the user. We call it Agile, but it is Agilefall which is Waterfall development. We need good idea cut off dates and hold them to it. As you see a capability, there is always something better, but get the capability you can now and ensure you use MOSA so you can continue to evolve and innovate the capability. We have to get innovative capability to users NOW. Do not let the user or developers change an agreed to design. Get it done!

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Military Spouses - this one's for you! First, let me say I am not affiliated with Microsoft or this program - simply sharing publicly accessible information. Microsoft is launching a new pilot for the MSSA - Military Spouse program. It's a 17-week curriculum designed to train military spouses for technical program and project management in global, portable IT roles. You'll learn in-demand skills like: - Data and data analytics concepts - Dashboards and data visualization - Python programming for data analysis - Program management concepts and methodologies - Azure and Azure AI fundamentals 🌟 Applications must be received by 5:00 PM Pacific Time on May 27. #MSSA is a full-time program facilitated between the hours of 0800-1700, Monday through Friday. Applicants must be able to commit to the instructional time zone for their selected cohort. Please click on your preferred region to see specific requirements. Self-guided, self-paced, evening, and part-time offerings are not supported. Follow this link to learn more👇 https://lnkd.in/gBdNp4UU #army #airforce #marines #navy #spaceforce #coastguard

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It is happening. L3Harris Technologies is the first Prime to buy into a Commercial instead of Cost plus business model. I wrote about why we need our Primes to be more valuable if we are going to win back in May: https://lnkd.in/gVMCpZwY L3's CEO lays out that he is all in on the Commercial business model (i.e. invest your own capital, not the taxpayers, to build products. Charge a price based on the market, not based on expensive, onerous, and anti-innovative cost accounting).

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The WMD term is antiquated. The last 15 years have changed my perspective on what I once thought the term meant. Synthetic Opioids, Fentanyl, and Fentanyl analogues, SARS, COVID, and Ebola outbreaks have done more damage and caused more death in the last 20 years than all Nuclear, Chemical and Biological events in the past 120. I believe the term WMD should be rethought or expanded to include those things that cause mass effect. We need to rethink what best defines the threats of today. Those materials, be they manmade, natural, intentional, unintentional that cause mass social/economic disruption have the greatest effect on our ability to project power. They affect our economy, our social structure, and primarily our ability to recruit and produce a potent military force. The nuclear threat and its proliferation are still one of our most pressing national security concerns, and our ability to protect the force from chemical and biological events is still a necessity. However, the funding spent to recreate the next great M8 or M9 Paper, or M256 Kits is astronomical. Maybe we should say that they are good enough and keep them in the inventory, while focusing all attention on the threats of the 21st Century. My two cents.

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According to the three-star director of the NGA, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, that rising demand for Maven — and Maven’s laudable flexibility in letting users build custom code and even their own AI models — has begun to strain his agency’s resources. Or as he put it, “Success begets challenges.” Speaking Aug. 29 at a conference hosted by Georgetown University’s Center for Security & Emerging Technology, Whitworth said that, “The number of detections are way up [and] the number of models that we have are way up, but that then drives a computational problem. If you drive that many detections through that many inferences, with the same level of compute that you had in 2017… it starts to slow down. We are already seeing evidence of that.” As a general rule, text requires less data than imagery, which requires less than video — and Maven was originally built to detect anomalies in full-motion video from Predator drones, whose sheer volume was drowning the military’s cadre of intelligence analysts.

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Army Directive 2024-02, titled "Enabling Modern Software Development and Acquisition Practices," marks a significant shift towards modern software development methodologies within the Army. It aims to streamline processes like requirements management, acquisition, and cybersecurity, among others, to enhance efficiency and oversight. Acquisition professionals are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this directive to align with evolving standards.

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