va-officials-say-they-can-finish-the-digital-gi-bill-platform-without-more-delays,-cost-overruns

VA officials say they can finish the digital GI Bill platform without more delays, cost overruns

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The Department of Veterans Affairs has “very high confidence” that it can complete its digital GI Bill platform by mid-2026 without needing to expend further additional funds on the project, a VA official said on Thursday, despite a recent watchdog report finding that the modernization initiative has already been beset by significant cost overruns. 

The Veterans Benefits Administration signed a $453 million contract with Accenture Federal Services in March 2021 to develop and implement a modernized IT platform to enhance the processing of veterans’ education-related claims. The agency expected the new platform to be operational by April 2024.

A report released by VA’s Office of Inspector General last month found that “insufficient planning” on the part of VBA “led to significant delays and contributed to about $479 million in additional costs.” The platform’s release has been pushed back to July 2026. 

VA officials said during a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity​​ hearing that they believed the digital GI Bill platform deployment was back on track. 

“Our confidence level in reaching our goals, according to the current project milestones, is extremely high” VA Deputy Undersecretary for Policy and Oversight Ron Burke said.

When asked to estimate the likelihood that the department would be able to complete the project on time without the need for additional funding, he pegged that figure at 80%Other VA officials accompanying him at the hearing agreed with his estimate. 

OIG’s report cited unclear and unrealistic expectations in the initial contract as a major factor in the project’s setbacks, and Burke said the department has taken the necessary steps to remedy these problems. The cost of the original contract increased to $532 million before VBA renegotiated the agreement in December 2023 to account for changes in the platform’s needs. 

“VA acknowledges the true complexity of the modernization vision was not apparent at the start of the original contract,” he said, adding that the department “has made the course corrections necessary to meet the modernization objectives.”

Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif.​​ — the subcommittee’s ranking member​​ — told Burke “I am hopeful that your 80% confidence interval will increase rather than decrease,” although he also warned that “80% isn’t good enough for me.”

Lawmakers and witnesses also said issues with the GI Bill platform’s deployment were part of a pattern of troubled IT modernization projects across the department. VA’s rollout of a modernized electronic health record system, for instance, has been similarly bogged down by delays and cost overruns. The department has paused implementations of the new EHR system to prioritize technical fixes at the VA medical facilities using the software. 

Nicholas Dahl, deputy assistant inspector general for management and administration with VA’s OIG, said “the identified contract planning and management deficiencies are similar to those identified in other VA IT modernization projects.”

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis.​​ — the subcommittee’s chairman​​ — warned that VA is “batting zero for IT projects” and pressed Dahl as to whether or not he believed VA could complete the digital GI Bill platform by its new July 2026 deadline. 

“VA does have a track record of difficulty in implementing major IT systems,” Dahl said. “They almost, without fail, take longer.”

nsf,-doc-issue-solicitation-for-national-network-for-microelectronics-education-coordination-hub

NSF, DOC Issue Solicitation for National Network for Microelectronics Education Coordination Hub

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The U.S National Science Foundation, in coordination with the Department of Commerce, has issued a solicitation for the creation of a Network Coordination Hub for the National Network for Microelectronics Education.

The Network Coordination Hub will establish and operate regional nodes across the United States, where educational programs will be implemented, according to a notice released on Sam.gov Friday.

These nodes will offer instructional materials, experimental opportunities and teacher professional development programs to help train the semiconductor and microelectronics industry’s workforce.

The NSF will manage the Network Coordination Hub with the help of the DOC.

Interested vendors may submit their proposals by Oct.28, at 4 pm EDT. An information webinar will be held on Oct. 4 to discuss the hub and the application process.

federal-agencies-have-deployed-3,600-employees-in-helene-response

Federal agencies have deployed 3,600 employees in Helene response

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Federal agencies have sent 3,600 employees to the Southeast and Appalachia in response to the devastating fallout from Hurricane Helene, a storm that has so far claimed more than 100 lives and left sweeping damage throughout the region. 

At least eight agencies have sent personnel to 10 states as officials continue to engage in search and rescue operations and begin recovery efforts. After the number of residents without power peaked at 4.6 million after the hurricane hit last week, federal and local teams have cut the figure in half. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is leading the federal response and has 900 employees in affected areas. It is sending dozens of trailers with food and water to North Carolina, the state currently reeling the hardest from the storm’s wreckage. Cell phone service is unavailable in much of the western part of the state, and other areas, and FEMA is working with the Federal Communications Commission to set up mobile assets that can restore coverage. 

President Biden on Monday promised that federal responders will remain present until “the job is done.” 

“I’m here to tell every single survivor in these impacted areas that we will be there with you as long as it takes,” Biden said. Both he and Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to visit storm-damaged sites as soon as officials deem it no longer disruptive to do so. 

FEMA said on Monday more Incident Management Assessment Teams, search and rescue teams and other personnel are en route to North Carolina, while Biden noted the number of federal personnel deployed to storm recovery efforts is “growing by the day.” 

Twenty-four federal search and rescue teams are already in the region and have worked with state and local partners to assist more than 1,400 people. Biden said those efforts will continue until every person is accounted for. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in the area providing power restoration, infrastructure assessment and debris removal.

The Environmental Protection Agency also has personnel on the ground working to provide technical assistance with debris management and water systems. The Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency sent staff to the region to provide emergency credit to those who lost crops and livestock. 

The Health and Human Services Department’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response has sent 200 personnel to Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, where various teams are assessing the status of health care facilities or preparing to provide health care themselves. 

Biden noted FEMA is working with the Small Business Administration to provide assistance to individuals whose homes or businesses “were literally destroyed, washed away or blown away.” The U.S. Postal Service is working to restore delivery and retail service in large swaths of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina. The storm has also affected processing and transportation of mail and packages, USPS noted. 

The federal government’s response to Helene is one of its first major tests after FEMA promised to take a new approach in 2024 that would focus on more prepositioning to reach victims more quickly. The agency said it would place both commodities and personnel just outside of impact zones before storms hit this year, allowing it to “jumpstart the recovery process.” It also comes as FEMA is fighting to make progress in a longstanding push for more staffing. 

A Government Accountability Office report earlier this year found FEMA was 6,000 employees short of its staffing targets, forcing it to function at 65% of its operating capacity.

FEMA employees in recent years have deployed to natural disaster sites, wildfires, the U.S.-Mexico border, in support of the resettling of Afghan evacuees and for pandemic assistance. Employees have warned they are fatigued due to the lack of downtime between deployments and said burnout is spiking as they no longer experience a true offseason. GAO confirmed in its report that increased workloads have caused burnout to increase and attrition to jump. 

Employees and GAO have said burnout at FEMA has increased since the pandemic and recruiting remains a challenge since most of its staff are reservists who only work part of the year. The benefit for those employees was commonly that they had months of break in between deployments, but increasingly the workers—particularly those with specialized skills—are being sent from one disaster to the next without any time off.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell—who surveyed the damage in North Carolina on Monday—told Congress earlier this year she was optimistic her agency is better retaining its part-time workforce after Congress passed the Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act to provide those employees who leave their day jobs to address disasters with the same protections as members of the armed forces deployed to active duty. She also said recruitment bonuses are helping to bring in more employees, as FEMA has been regularly onboarding new personnel every two weeks.

Jaclyn Rothenberg, a FEMA spokeswoman, said the agency can tap its cadre of federal employees at other components and agencies who volunteer to deploy to disaster sites when needed to ensure it maintains adequate staffing. 

“FEMA has the ability to use the Surge Capacity Force across the federal government to help with response and recovery efforts,” Rothenberg said when asked about potential staffing concerns. 

Congress created the force in the 2006 Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act and FEMA has activated it on limited occasions for hurricane response, as well as to address upticks in migrants arriving at the southern border and for COVID-19 response. It activated the federal workers last year in response to the wildfires in Hawaii and Hurricane Idalia. 

While Biden vowed for the federal response to continue as long as necessary, he conceded such efforts will require emergency funding from Congress. He noted he may have to request lawmakers—who are currently on recess until after the Nov. 5 election—to come back for a special session to pass a supplemental disaster spending package, but no decision has been made on that front.

mda-chooses-northrop-grumman-for-glide-phase-interceptor-program

MDA Chooses Northrop Grumman for Glide Phase Interceptor Program

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The Missile Defense Agency has selected Northrop Grumman as the single contractor to deliver services for the the Glide Phase Interceptor, or GPI, program, DefenseScoop reported Wednesday.

The GPI program is an initiative that aims to produce an advanced missile that can meet, counter and dispense with adversarial hypersonic weapons that can reach speeds of Mach 5 or greater. The system will look to intercept and defeat incoming hypersonics while traveling through the perimeters of the Earth’s atmosphere—the glide phase.

Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, MDA director and a 2024 Wash100 awardee, said, “Today’s decision represents a turning point for hypersonic glide phase defense.”

The MDA is developing the program alongside Japan’s Ministry of Defense and expects Northrop Grumman’s selection to result in follow-on development and production.

“I’m very proud of the entire team including our industry partners, for all the hard work to get to this point. It is also an honor to have Japan as our partner as we move forward on this critical counter-hypersonic capability,” Collins added.

Northrop Grumman’s GPI design reportedly features an advanced seeker for threat tracking and hit-to-kill accuracy, a re-ignitable upper-stage engine for threat containment and a dual engagement mode to deal with threats across a wide range of altitudes, the company said in a release. Northrop Grumman beat out RTX for the continued development of the GPI. 

Wendy Williams, Northrop Grumman’s vice president and manager of launch and missile defense systems, said the GPI provides “mission critical” capabilities in warfighting situations where distance creates strategic opportunities. 

“Tailorable to a multitude of mission requirements, Northrop Grumman’s revolutionary solution is designed to perform in the evolving threat landscape,” Williams stated. 

MDA requested $182 million for GPI in its fiscal 2025 budget and plans for the missiles to reach initial operational functionality by the end of 2029 and full operational capacity by the 2030s.

omb-needs-to-provide-public-details-on-its-plan-to-finish-federal-programs-inventory,-gao-says

OMB needs to provide public details on its plan to finish federal programs inventory, GAO says

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The Office of Management and Budget has not fully completed requirements from a 2011 law to create and manage an inventory of all the federal government’s programs, a new report says. 

A provision in the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act required additional information about program spending and performance to be included in the inventory and set a deadline of January 2025. However the Government Accountability Office, in a report published on Sept. 25, found that OMB has not made public a plan to implement the inventory by that date or otherwise provided a time frame for completion. 

“A comprehensive listing of programs, along with related funding and performance information, would help federal decision-makers and the public better understand what the government does, what it spends and what it achieves each year,” investigators wrote. “It could also be a critical tool to help decision-makers better identify and manage fragmentation, overlap and duplication across the federal government.”

OMB in 2024 did release an inventory of federal financial assistance programs, which covered $4.47 trillion in obligations for fiscal 2022. But the report noted that federal agencies spent about $9 trillion that fiscal year. Therefore, approximately half of federal spending is not currently represented. 

Specifically, the inventory currently doesn’t include information about acquisition, defense and regulatory programs. OMB also has not included the additional information that is required by the 2021 NDAA for the programs already in the inventory.

The partial inventory is largely the result of the first of four planned pilots that were part of OMB’s 2021 implementation plan for the full inventory. That implementation plan, in turn, was prompted by a 2017 GAO report on the stalled development of the inventory. 

In 2021, OMB estimated that it would need $20.5 million to finish the inventory. GAO reported, however, that OMB did not explicitly request that funding nor has it updated the estimate since then. 

GAO also found shortcomings in OMB’s rules for managing data in the incomplete inventory, including that it hasn’t documented roles and responsibilities for the team developing it as well as quality issues with data from SAM.gov and USAspending.gov. The two websites cover information about federal contracts, grants and loans, and OMB used existing data from them to create the partial inventory. 

The watchdog recommended that OMB fully develop a data governance structure for the inventory of federal programs and publicize its plans to finish implementation and that such plans should identify any necessary actions, resources and timeframes. GAO said that OMB “generally concurred” with the recommendations.

va-begins-market-research-for-data-management-saas-platform

VA Begins Market Research for Data Management SaaS Platform

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The Department of Veterans Affairs has started soliciting information from industry stakeholders on a software-as-a-service platform that could meet its data management and data analytic requirements.

According to a presolicitation notice published Friday, the SaaS platform should be authorized at the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program High level and meet the Federal Information System Management Act, or FISMA 2014 High requirements.

The commercial-off-the-shelf platform should be fully configurable, deployed and ready for VA use within 14 days of award to facilitate ingestion of data, metadata and transformations and allow user configurations.

The contractor should sign a service-level agreement and provide the architectural diagram and artifacts representing the SaaS platform’s security controls.

VA expects the SaaS platform to ingest and analyze unstructured and disaggregated data from various sources and formats, provide operational decisional support to VA and its stakeholders and provide granular security controls.

According to the department, the platform should maintain data origin and reproducibility of all integrated data sources and develop a comprehensive analytics framework that links data to key analytic questions and decisions it informs to rapidly expand the data’s utility.

Responses to the request for information are due Oct. 3.

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 11, and explore the transformative trends and innovations shaping the future of the U.S. health care sector. Register now!

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navigating-the-continuing-resolution-2024:-what-government-contractors-need-to-know

Navigating the Continuing Resolution 2024: What Government Contractors Need to Know

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Government contractors, you know the drill. Each year, it seems we face the same uncertainty as the fiscal year draws to a close — will there be a government shutdown, or will Congress pass a continuing resolution, or CR, to keep the lights on? For 2024, we find ourselves in the middle of this familiar scenario once again. In this article, we’ll break down everything contractors need to know about the Continuing Resolution of 2024, its implications and how to prepare for the weeks ahead.

Will There Be a Government Shutdown?

The question on everyone’s mind is — will the government shut down? The short answer is: no, not right now. Congress passed a stopgap funding bill on Sep. 25, which means the government will remain operational until Dec. 20. This CR temporarily avoids a shutdown, but it’s essential to understand that this is a short-term solution. The threat of a shutdown still looms if Congress cannot agree on a long-term funding plan after the Presidential election on Nov. 5.

The implications of a government shutdown can be severe for contractors. Projects may come to a halt, payments can be delayed and employees might face furloughs. However, with the CR in place, government operations, including contracts, will continue without interruption for now. This temporary relief gives contractors some breathing room but underscores the importance of staying prepared for any eventuality.

What Is a Continuing Resolution?

A continuing resolution is legislation that allows federal agencies to continue operating at current funding levels for a set period, buying Congress more time to agree on a full-year budget. In essence, it’s a financial Band-Aid that keeps the government running.

CRs are not new; they have been a recurring feature in U.S. budget policy. They help avoid the disruptive and costly effects of a government shutdown, but they also come with limitations. Under a CR, no new programs can start, and existing programs cannot expand their budgets. This status quo approach can limit a contractor’s ability to plan and execute long-term projects effectively.

For government contractors, understanding the nuances of a CR is crucial. It means maintaining flexibility and being ready to adapt to funding changes once a full-year budget is passed. Contracts may be extended or modified, and timely communication with contracting officers becomes essential to ensure smooth operations.

How Often Does Congress Pass a CR?

In short: quite often! According to the Congressional Research Service, Congress has enacted one or more CRs in all but three fiscal years since 1977. 1997 was the last fiscal year in which a CR was not needed or passed.

When Does Government Funding Run Out?

The current CR extends government funding until December 20, 2024. This timeline is critical for contractors to note. After this date, if Congress does not reach an agreement on the new budget, the risk of a government shutdown resurfaces.

In the weeks leading up to this deadline, government contractors should stay informed about legislative developments. Monitoring news from reliable sources, such as GovCon Wire, can provide valuable insights. Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication with your government’s contracting officers can help you anticipate any changes or disruptions.

Contractors should also use this time to review their contingency plans. Assess project timelines, identify critical milestones and ensure that essential tasks are prioritized. Being proactive in managing your contracts can mitigate the impact of funding uncertainties.

What Does This Mean for Government Contractors?

The passage of the CR brings both relief and challenges for government contractors. While it avoids an immediate shutdown, it perpetuates a state of uncertainty that can affect planning and operations. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Project Continuity

With the CR in place, your current contracts will continue to receive funding, allowing ongoing projects to proceed. However, be prepared for potential modifications or extensions. Stay in close contact with your contracting officers to receive updates on any changes that may affect your work. 

A great way to maintain dialogue with government leaders is to attend events, like those hosted by GovCon’s premier events organization, the Potomac Officers Club. Check out the Potomac Officers Club’s upcoming events and harness your opportunity for critical face time with federal decision makers. 

2. Financial Planning

A CR often means operating with a level of financial uncertainty. Contractors should review their cash flow projections and ensure they have sufficient reserves to manage any delays in payments. Consider negotiating flexible payment terms with subcontractors and suppliers to maintain liquidity.

3. Staffing Considerations

The uncertainty of government funding can impact staffing decisions. Contractors may need to evaluate their workforce needs carefully. Avoid making hasty hiring or layoff decisions until there is more clarity about long-term funding. Communicate transparently with your employees about the situation and your strategy to manage it.

4. Compliance and Reporting

During a CR, contractors must remain vigilant about compliance and reporting requirements. Ensure that all project documentation is up to date and readily accessible. Accurate and timely reporting can help maintain a positive relationship with contracting officers and reduce the risk of audit issues.

5. Strategic Planning

Use the CR period to review and refine your strategic plans. Consider how your organization can remain agile and responsive in the face of funding uncertainties. Explore opportunities to diversify your contract portfolio and reduce reliance on any single funding stream.

Key Takeaways

The CR offers a temporary reprieve from the threat of a government shutdown, but it also highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness among government contractors. By understanding the implications of a CR, staying informed about legislative developments and proactively managing your contracts, you can navigate this period of uncertainty more effectively.

Government contracting is inherently unpredictable, but with the right strategies and a proactive approach, you can minimize disruptions and continue delivering value to your government clients. Stay tuned for further updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out to experts in government contracting for additional support and guidance.

nasa-completes-laser-communications-demo,-sets-new-world-records

NASA Completes Laser Communications Demo, Sets New World Records

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NASA has concluded the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery demonstration setting new world records for the fastest satellite downlink from space.

The agency said Wednesday the TBIRD, onboard the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-3 spacecraft, used laser communications instead of radio frequency communication systems in transmitting data from space to Earth resulting in record-setting benchmarks.

The project sought to determine the potential of laser communications, which utilize infrared light, in data transmission. Within the two years of the mission, there was a significant increase in data sent through a single communications link.

In 2023, the TBIRD managed to transmit 4.8 terabytes of error-free data at a rate of 200 gigabits per second, eclipsing the old record of 100 Gbps set in June 2022.

The PTD-3 was launched in May 2022 and, once it reached low-Earth orbit, the TBIRD started sending laser communications signals to an optical ground station in Table Mountain, California.

In addition, the mission set the record for the highest accuracy by a NASA CubeSat in “body pointing” without relying on any moving parts or propulsion systems. The PTD-3/TBIRD system also proved its small, lightweight, cost-effective and power-efficient design was suitable for such space missions.

office-of-space-commerce-taps-industry-collaborators-for-tracss-pathfinder-project

Office of Space Commerce Taps Industry Collaborators for TraCSS Pathfinder Project

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The Office of Space Commerce has named the commercial partners that accepted orders for space situational awareness services as part of the Traffic Coordination System for Space, or TraCSS, pathfinder project.

The OSC said Wednesday the companies that agreed to provide SSA data in low Earth orbit and geostationary Earth orbit are COMSPOC, ExoAnalytic Solutions and Slingshot Aerospace. Orders to serve as data quality monitors for LEO and GEO observations were accepted by Kayhan Space and SpaceNav.

The project aims to determine if satellite positions and trajectory data, or ephemeris, based on self-reported information gathered by satellite owners/operators are effective in tracking satellites more accurately. This is necessary to prevent possible satellite collisions.

The OSC will use the results of the pathfinder project to enhance the TraCSS system.

new-center-debuts-to-drive-semiconductor-industry-workforce-development

New Center Debuts to Drive Semiconductor Industry Workforce Development

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The Department of Commerce has launched the National Semiconductor Technology Center’s Workforce Center of Excellence, or WCoE, and has allocated $250 million over 10 years for the WCoE mission to fill workforce gaps in the U.S. chip manufacturing industry through collaborative and innovative approaches. 

WCoE will pursue its goal through joint efforts with stakeholders in the government, private industry, academia, non-profits and labor organizations, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. 

As part of the WCoE launch, the nonprofit Natcast overseeing the NSTC consortium established by the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, announced over $11 million in expected funding awards to seven semiconductor workforce development projects.

The projects, funded through the NSTC’s Workforce Partner Alliance program, are geared toward career growth and experiential training under the WCoE’s amplifier program, one of the center’s inaugural focus areas. Over 12,000 individuals are expected to benefit from the projects that would prepare them for long-term careers in the semiconductor industry. 

The first batch of funding awardees are the American Federation of Teachers Educational Foundation, Idaho Technology Council, Maricopa County Community College District, Rochester Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, University of California–Los Angeles and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.