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On September 4, 2020, President Trump signed Space Policy Directive-5 (SPD-5), which establishes a set of cybersecurity principles designed to protect the nation's valuable "space systems" from a host of cyber threats aimed at disrupting our Nations critical infrastructure.

As defined in SPD-5, "space systems" is a "combination of systems, to include ground systems, sensor networks, and one or more space vehicles, that provides a space-based service. A space system typically has three segments: a...

The end of FY20 is around the corner, which means countless government contractors have recently received an award decision (or are patiently waiting for an award decision) from a federal agency. It also means that some contractors are waiting for an opportunity to receive a debriefing under the Federal Acquisition Regulation ("FAR").

Under FAR Part 15 (negotiated procurements) and FAR 16.505(b)(6) (task/delivery orders exceeding $5.5 million), fe...

This week's Weekly Debrief covers the Space Force, NSA's tips to limit location data exposure, and cyber threat information sharing in a 5G world.

Space

• DefenseNews – The Pentagon’s new space organizations start to take shape as leadership comes onboard

  • "Gen. James Dickinson on Aug. 20 took the reins of U.S. Space Command, becoming the second-ever leader of the organization and the first Army officer to hold the position."

• SpaceNews – As he welcomes new space commander,...

This week's Weekly Debrief is chock full of news, including the NDAA, a Russian hacking tool, Space Force doctrine, Army's new communications tech, FPDS to beta.SAM.gov by October, and expert commentary on SBA's loan forgiveness FAQ.

Congress

• NextGov – What the Rest of Government Should Watch When the Defense Authorization Bill Goes to Conference

  • ​"An amendment that would codify the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, with some major new stipulations, is one of seve...

Matross Managing partner and GCJ publisher, Joshua Duvall, will be presenting a webinar on Monday, August 3, 2020 on "Debriefings & Bid Protests: What Every GovCon Should Know." The webinar is part of the "GovCon Best Practices Series" with Glenn Robinson of Blue Ridge Information Systems.

Summary:

• Debriefings and bid protests are powerful tools for government contractors. By developing a basic understanding of these issues, decision makers can not only avoid undue cost and headache but also g...

This week's Weekly Debrief covers NIH's search for an "honest broker" to manage COVID-19 data warehouse, NASA's trip to Mars, Cyber Solarium Commission report on scanning defense contractor networks, Pentagon's increased telework, hackers targeting federal teleworkers, and three tribal officials charged in bribery scheme.

NIH

• NextGov – NIH Needs ‘Honest Broker’ To Manage New COVID-19 Data Warehouse

  • ​"The National Institutes of Health is standing up a new research data sharing init...

According to a recent U.S. Department of Justice ("DoJ") press release, a Maryland defense contractor agreed to pay nearly $1 million to resolve False Claims Act ("FCA") allegations that the company knowingly billed the National Security Agency ("NSA") for services performed by the contractor's employees who "did not meet all of the specialized qualifications required under their contract with NSA."

The press release provided the following details regarding the civil settlement agr...

This week's Weekly Debrief covers several interesting – and elevated – topics, including Treasury's push for a new cloud, SBA's data exposure response, Space Force acquisition and new logo, Energy's blueprint for a quantum internet, and a report on the Pentagon's UFO research.

Treasury

• NextGov – Treasury Department Wants To Move Its Cloud Into Another Cloud

  • ​"The Fiscal Service—the Treasury Department component charged with compiling and ensuring public access to the government’s finan...

This week's Weekly Debrief covers several interesting topics, including GSA's Alliant 2 SB, a White House cyber coordinator, security clearance reforms, a contract for an experimental space station, defense spending, and the VA's hunt for cyber. 

GSA

• FCW – GSA working on Alliant 2 Small Business replacement

  • ​"Development work continues on an alternative to the General Services Administration’s cancelled $15 billion Alliant 2 Small Business vehicle, according to one of the age...

In May, we wrote about the U.S. Small Business Administration's ("SBA") long-awaited final rule amending its regulations for the Women-Owned Small Business Program (third-party certification). Notably, through that final rule, SBA also amended certain 8(a) Business Development Program ("8(a) Program") requirements, which take effect on July 15, 2020.

These additional changes harmonize the 8(a) Program and EDWOSB requirements that were the subject of scrutiny because of di...