James Eselgroth, MS, PMP, CSM

Profoundly powerful and insightfful article by Martin F. Klein that speaks ckearly to proven approaches to deliver startegic, operational, and tactical advantage to our most demanding challenges.

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Read Guidehouse Defense and Security's new article, Managing Change Fatigue in the Federal Workforce, outlining our team's recommendations for agencies looking to produce better outcomes in the face of complex workforce challenges: https://lnkd.in/eZ5rEVxh.

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Government Contracting #govcon seems to be a labyrinth 😕to many outsiders and newer folks coming into the space. I once created an Access database🧮 at a previous employer many years ago to highlight the importance of good data management and common unique identifiers... As the company tended to have some byzantine processes and nomenclature that I was trying to flesh out and focus 🔍on measuring the things that matter. So I've seen quite a bit of diverse contracts from over $100M 💰annual jobs to ones under $100K. I believe the process is essentially the same to ensure a smooth transition from pre-award to 🥇post-award. It starts with being able to accurately code 🔣your contract into your system of record. Do your #proposal 📚and #pricing 💵documents match the contract award 📝documents? Check that before you 🖋sign! Had an experience recently where there was some ambiguity 😵with a contract modification document in what it was doing as it relates to the changes we proposed. Some contracts get complex when you get to a dozen mods or so with many CLINs, SLINs, and 🗜ARCNs... IYKYK We both had differing interpretations🗣 as we worked through the document. There was a 💪🏼challenge with all the moving parts and new CLINs added and old ones removed and it turns out that we both had the same initial confusion that it wasn't done correctly... However, when we dug ⛏deeper into the changes in Section B (contract values) and Section G (funding values) we determined that this customer was doing It's important to have a uniform 🥋methodology on how you read and review your contract documents before you sign it and book the funding and contract values in your accounting system. Set your books up right the first time, or you'll pay💸 for it over-and-over again each month. And get the right people 🤼 and departments involved! Make it a great week 👊🏼

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On 5/28/2024, DoD will publish notice of an Information Collection Requirement titled, "Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Assessing Contractor Implementation of Cybersecurity Requirements" in the Federal Register. So what does this mean? First off... ✅️This is a notice, not a rule. ✅️There is NO impact to existing DFARS provisions or clauses (so don't go getting all excited). ✅️This is NOT the "DFARS 7012" rule everyone is waiting for. It's a notice of proposed extension of currently approved collection of data under DFARS provision 252.204-7019, Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirement, and the DFARS clause 252.204-7020, NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements, in order to assess contractor implementation of cybersecurity requirements. Got heartburn with how things are done now with this data collection? DoD and OMB are requesting comments and recommendations by 6/27/2024. Search on Docket Number DARS-2024-0006 (or OMB Control Number 0750-0004) at https://lnkd.in/gM3mykRp What impacts are there to offerors and contractors? No changes at this time. DoD wants to use this extended data collection process to continue to assess where vulnerabilities exist in its supply chain. DFARS clause 252.204-7020 requires contractors provide the Government access to facilities, systems, and personnel in order to conduct a Medium Assessment or High Assessment, as necessary. Background: DFARS provision 252.204-7019 states that an offeror that is required to have implemented NIST SP 800-171 per DFARS clause 252.204-7012 shall have a current assessment for each covered contractor information system that is relevant to the offer, contract, task order, or delivery order in order to be considered for award. DFARS clause 252.204-7020 states that contractors must provide the Government access to its facilities, systems, and personnel in order to conduct a Medium Assessment or High Assessment, if necessary. Permalink to the Notice: https://lnkd.in/gsx3MeTJ

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Read Guidehouse Defense and Security's new article, Managing Change Fatigue in the Federal Workforce, outlining our team's recommendations for agencies looking to produce better outcomes in the face of complex workforce challenges: https://lnkd.in/ep3bnyPS.

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Pro tip for government leaders looking for AI use cases rn: Step 1. Take your current processes, as they are, don’t reinvent the wheel, people hate learning new wheels Step 2. Look for the parts of said process that require the least creative or critical thinking and/or require the most manual effort Step 3. Start with applying AI to these parts of the process, start small, make a positive impact on people’s lives, then expand in both directions along the process Simple, not easy, but this has worked really well for us.

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🚨 Army Science Board Request for Information: “Data-Centric Command and Control (C2)” ACTION: Request for information (RFI) in support of an Army Science Board (ASB) study titled “Data-Centric Command and Control (C2)” "NARRATIVE: The US Army is dedicated to advancing and incorporating cutting-edge #technology to enhance military capabilities and to streamline operations in battlefield applications. A crucial aspect of this is to ensure that the Army is properly aligning Science and Technology acquisition to support C2 Systems, meeting MDO mission command needs, and using ‘best practices’ across government, industry, and academia. In support of that effort, the ASB is conducting a study titled, “Data-Centric Command and Control (C2).” To complete its analyses and explore as many viable sources of data as possible, the ASB is soliciting information from organizations external to the Army which includes industry (traditional defense contractors as well as and non-traditional, commercial based and/or small businesses). Based on information submitted in response to this request, the Board may conduct additional market research. Organizations are invited to submit information in line to the specific inquires below as related to industry data centric decision-making capabilities and best practices to help inform and define the Army future #Data-Centric C2 concept and capabilities in a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) environment." Ref the below SAM.GOV or ( https://lnkd.in/eTpw2fhk ) Please Share!!!!!

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Awesome news as we close out #AiApril. Today, Booz Allen Hamilton announced the launch of aiSSEMBLE Baseline, a first-of-its-kind, open-source iteration of Booz Allen’s aiSSEMBLE solution built to dramatically simplify the engineering and deployment of #AI systems. The aiSSEMBLE solution represents a pioneering leap in the field of AI, leveraging a lean manufacturing-inspired approach to accelerate impactful delivery of AI at enterprise scale. We are laying the groundwork for repeatable, scalable, secure, and explainable AI solutions for our clients’ most pressing missions. And, in making aiSSEMBLE open source, we are empowering people to change the world via their own collective ingenuity. #ArtificialIntelligence #AiApril #Opensource #ScalableAi #SecureAi #Innovation #technology #BoozAllen https://lnkd.in/eEWKHHnA

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Read Guidehouse Defense and Security's new article, Managing Change Fatigue in the Federal Workforce, outlining our team's recommendations for agencies looking to produce better outcomes in the face of complex workforce challenges: https://lnkd.in/eXD7JN7V.

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#BoozAllen released new research on the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies for the Department of Defense (DOD) and National Security," which identifies and analyzes critical technology to achieve day-one mission impact now and over the next three years. Read about the Top 10 and link to the report here: https://lnkd.in/eCHz4ERa

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Who doesn’t love some wonderful Wednesday news - especially when it positively impacts the world we live in!? Today we were awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) to support the agency’s modernization efforts and its mission to protect human health and the environment. Under this contract, Booz Allen Hamilton will have the opportunity to provide AI, machine learning (ML), and data analytics capabilities, in addition to advanced technology, to infuse innovation into the ongoing, critical efforts of the EPA to ensure Americans have clean air, land, and water; reduce environmental risks; and to provide accurate, science-based information to protect human health and the environment. #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIML #ML #Data #DataAnalytics #EPA #CleanAir #Environment #humanhealth #missioncritical

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Did you see the article from Patrick Tucker, "Navy slow to adop modern ship-designing tools, GAO finds" The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recently released a report highlighting the U.S. Navy's lagging shipbuilding efforts due to its slow adoption of digital design tools. These tools, such as 3D modeling and digital twinning, have revolutionized the process of building commercial ships and military aircraft, enabling faster design, prototyping, and experimentation. The report, titled "Navy Shipbuilding: Increased Use of Leading Design Practices Could Improve Timeliness of Deliveries," emphasizes the importance of embracing these digital tools. With the United States heavily reliant on new ships to deter potential conflicts in the Pacific, where China's naval presence is rapidly growing, timely shipbuilding is crucial. The report cites instances where commercial shipbuilders and maintainers have successfully implemented digital twinning, augmented reality, and high-fidelity 3D design rendering. However, the Navy's slow provision of vendor-furnished information (VFI) data, necessary for feeding digital models, and the use of outdated 2D design information for legacy ship classes pose significant challenges. The shipbuilders express a need for the Navy to explicitly demand the use of new digital tools in design and to provide a stronger business case for investing in their acquisition and implementation. The GAO report offers seven recommendations to the Navy and lawmakers, including requirements validation, to address these issues. The Navy has concurred with the recommendations, recognizing the importance of embracing digital design tools to enhance shipbuilding efficiency and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving naval landscape. #AI #Quantum #Cybersecurity #Leadership #Industry40 #DigitalTwin #MBSE #IOT https://lnkd.in/gcXmNvmH

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INNOVATIVE AF | Ideas are a dime a dozen... Crafting a narrative is difficult... Organizing a team is harder yet... Executing on a vision is even more infrequent... Developing a prototype is challenging... Securing resources is a formidable undertaking... Delivering a solution—at any appreciable scale—a rare feat of courage, determination, and grit... Gaining market adoption is always a hurdle... Ensuring sustainability is the ultimate test... All told, innovation is hard. But then there are moments where we get glimpses of success. It's in these moments that it's incumbent on the workforce, contemporary peers, and senior leaders alike to amplify the story—not just the monolithic achievement, but the stories of the people themselves. Say it with me: the proverbial stories of historical lore are getting tired. It's time for a refresh. Make no mistake, NIPRGPT is awesome. Even more awesome-r? The people behind it. Who are they? Collen Roller, Nick Brooks, Alexis B., and a whole host of others who you should ask about—including all the volunteers at hackathons and behind-the-scenes supporters. They each have personal stories full of insight, inspiration, and wisdom that will enable others to go faster and do even better. To that point, if there's only one axiom found in public service, it's that FOMO is real. I can just hear senior leaders in other services and agencies now, "Hey! Where's our NIPRGPT?!" This FOMO and observational precedent can be a POWERFUL tool. Witness a young person successfully empowered and in charge of something? They'll respond, "Where's my Gen Z or Millennial?!" Take liberty with a policy? They'll proclaim, "We should do that too!" The list goes on and on, which can lead to some perverse outcomes or behaviors—insert budget/technological redundancies and the oftentimes dangerous currency dealing of political capital show theater here—but when harnessed and wielded, it's, for the most part, a good thing. Like healthy sibling rivalry. And what does that lead to? More innovation, more trailblazing, more mindsets like "Yes, if..." and professional improv like "Yes, and..." Isn't that all we really want? Sure, NIPRGPT is great; there are also a lot of iterative fixes ahead, too. Don't dwell on the thing. Focus on the real takeaway: the stories of others that compel and inspire. Humans are storytellers. Tell more contemporary stories. It's a marker of progress that leads to growth and learning. Because, truly, the best form of learning is found by doing. #technology #leadership #artficialintelligence #future #innovation

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Decision Lens and Society of Defense Financial Management (SDFM) published their initial #PPBE survey findings, which reveal remarkably positive attitudes toward the importance and feasibility of PPBE reform across the DoD FM workforce. Click the link below to see the results! https://lnkd.in/eM2cw7HB #DoD #financialmanagement #modernization #reform

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The Distance Learning Version of Senior Service College (or War College) can be challenging for the student. But there are some surprising benefits that might make you consider DL instead of the Resident Version. #armylife #militarycareer #promotions

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For #entrepreneur #Startup #founders #CEO #Smallbusiness in my network looking to get into #defense #innovation, this is the Webinar for you! NSIN - National Security Innovation Network Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

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In a thought-provoking report published recently Booz Allen Hamilton explores 10 critical emerging technology ecosystems set to revolutionize defense and national security over the next 1-3 years. I highly recommend it as a valuable resource for anyone working on dual use technology R&D, incubation, acceleration, commercialization, and transition into DOD programs. The dual-use technologies identified in the report range from #AI accelerator chips and #autonomousswarms to post-quantum #cryptography and #space domain awareness, were identified through a rigorous methodology involving public DOD reports, expert consultations, and quantitative evaluations. The report delves into AI chips accelerating #ML computations, alternative #navigation for GPS-denied environments, autonomous drone swarms, generative AI for software development, high-density #energy storage, #hypersonic vehicles, multimodal AI for data fusion, counter-UAS systems, quantum-resistant cryptography, and space situational awareness. Each technology is analyzed for its potential impact, market growth, and emerging innovators. The DOD’s intense interest in bringing these technologies into its programs, systems, and operations presents a huge opportunity for tech companies working in these verticals to collaborate with the DOD and align their innovations with national security imperatives. The report encourages exploring partnerships with DOD innovation hubs, tailoring dual-use products for defense needs, and collectively driving the responsible adoption of these critical technologies to maintain strategic advantage and ensure a safer future. If you are a tech company curious about how to engage the DOD successfully, I highly recommend FedTech as your go-to source of expertise. Kudos to BAH for sharing these valuable insights publicly ( and h/t to Johan Restrepo for flagging this report for me.)  #technology #natsec #defense #dualuse #entreprensurship #partnership #geopolitics #innovation #techtransfer

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In IT operations, true success is when no one knows you exist. #BoozAllen Vice President, Franco Susi discusses how large federal civilian agencies can prepare for significant #ITOps programs and move towards a proactive IT Ops posture through #AI Ops. https://lnkd.in/e6xkZZqf

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DoD SBIR/STTR Program Office has deeply embraced a new paradigm in the defense industrial base. No longer big defense firms are gonna be the exclusive suppliers to US Armed Forces. Now more than ever before, DUT firms are gonna lead a new pathway which, in some cases, will complement traditional military acquisition ones. Its time for technologists to reinvent war every single day; every single minute. Not by changing the essence of war, but ways to be carried out. Let's stop thinking about admin issues and begin thinking about Technology deterrence. That's the only manner We will avoid conflict. Essence has never changed at all.

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