Chad Storlie

Old datasets can sometimes throw a curve ball at you ⚾! ⚾I usually receive datasets that are CSV (meaning they have comma separated values). But I have received very old datasets that use other delimiters – such as pipes, dashes – and even spaces! I do not recommend 😦! ⚾Most datasets I receive have “headers”, meaning the first row of the dataset has the column names in it. But some do not – and then you have to figure this out when you are importing the data into your program! Better go get your offline documentation 😬! ⚾Believe it or not, I have seen old datasets with columns that are little 255 characters long! They often contain full sentences. These sentences unfortunately tend to include special characters that like to give import engines indigestion 🤢! Are you suffering through trying analyze old datasets – or new datasets in old formats? Register for our upcoming workshop, “Application Basics: Dealing with Legacy Systems”, get the necessary background on legacy applications, and be regarded as an expert who can analyze both old and new data formats! #R4sasUsers #DethwenchLive #healthcare #dataanalytics #rstats Wendel Cabillo Vincent Batza Amarjit Gunjal Filippos Admasu Sravan Kumar Dandu David Townes Nirali Vadodaria

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This week in Defense Tech: 1️⃣ Pentagon announces new reciprocity guidance to streamline software adaptation. “We’ve heard you loud and clear on this within the DoD. I’m not going to say this is going to solve every bit of it, but it’s going to help us a bit,” Office of the DoD Chief Information Officer John Sherman said. 2️⃣ United States Department of Defense surpasses $600M in JWCC task order awards. Google, Oracle, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft compete for task orders under the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability enterprise cloud program. 3️⃣ The Defense Information Systems Agency has launched a new cloud service management platform called Olympus to help defense agencies develop and mature their cloud environments. 4️⃣ Switchblade 600 drones in the running for Replicator mass production. With a 24-mile range, 40 minutes of loitering endurance and the ability to fly at speeds of up to 115 miles per hour, Switchblade 600s are built to destroy armored vehicles and other targets in multi-domain military operations. 5️⃣ Embracing and incentivizing digital methods in design and manufacturing can help the U.S. match or outpace its adversaries, a new report from the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies argues—and top Pentagon and industry officials say they are working to do just that. 6️⃣ The Wall Street Journal covers how America is getting ready for space warfare. Pentagon officials open up about potential threats as China’s presence in orbit grows and Russia shows interest in gear that can destroy satellites. 7️⃣ United States Space Force is getting a cloud-based, classified environment for industry collaborations. The Space Force recently extended General Dynamics Information Technology's contract to expand Project Enigma, adding more stakeholders and cloud service providers to the digital environment. 8️⃣ US Army lays out strategy for new $1B contract vehicle for modern software development. The service is seeking feedback from industry. 9️⃣ Losing hearts and minds: The desperate state of US influence operations. The United States is surrendering ground to Russia and China’s propaganda machines. That has key officials increasingly worried. 🔟 Anduril Industries is building out the Pentagon’s dream of deadly drone swarms. The US military aims to maintain its dominance by building autonomous attack drones that collaborate with humans and overwhelm defenses in swarms. 🔗 Links in comments below 👇 #DoD #DHS #defenseinnovation #defense #defensetechnology #technology #tech #nationalsecurity #jadc2 #army #navy #airforce

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I attended a great luncheon hosted by the 757 Chapter of AFCEA International (Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association) led by Caitlin Johnson. The keynote speaker, Jenniffer Minks, CISSP, the Assistant Deputy Director South for Command, Control, Communications and Computers/Cyber Integration U.S. Joint Staff J6, gave an excellent presentation on the latest status of the Pentagon's Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) efforts. The team has been solving seemingly insurmountable problems related to combined joint data operations between us and allied nations to minimize sensor-to-shooter/decision-maker kill chains, all while holistically safeguarding and share-enabling federated data pools. A data exchange process that enables system interoperability, identifies and shares the correct data with those needing to know, and prevents the denial or disruption by hostile actors are just some of the challenges this program faces. Many bright minds are working on this problem, and a big experiment to dip our toe into these waters is on the immediate horizon (more on that in the attached article). Well done to all those helping to make this capability a reality! #AFCEA757 #DOD #JOINTSTAFF https://lnkd.in/ewBU5Sr2

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Next week Xage Government returns to Charleston for #CDCAEasternDefenseSummit 2024 - you can find us in booth #722 sharing all things Zero Trust for mission critical operations. Swing by to meet with the team and learn more about how we secure tactical, operational, and strategic critical assets from the edge to the core to assure mission success. Learn more about the conference here: bit.ly/4g0ckLw

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Commanders and ammunition logistics planners require accurate information about the disposition of ammunition to evaluate operational readiness and maximize mission success. However, disparate information exists about the quantity and location of ammunition and what needs to be resupplied. We're working with the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition to solve this problem by creating a real-time combat logistics platform named Knowledge-based Ammunition Logistics (KAML). KAML integrates available supply and consumption information for units on the frontline to provide an accurate picture of ammunition availability and force readiness. https://ow.ly/W1JQ50TA3KI

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Are you in the #military? Want to do Operational Planning in one tenth the time? Come check out the Operational Planner chatbot. Any organization interested in a competition to identify the 100x staff officer using the tool? The Digital Insurgency is going to run the following webinars. If you want your own presentation for you or your organization: 1. How to build out an operational design and scenarios in 15 minutes. 2. How do you capture lessons learnt through recording discussions and incorporate them into a pre-after action review. 3. How do write out a warning order in 15 minutes. https://lnkd.in/ebStQt7f

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DoD Weapon System Production and Sustainment at Risk: National Security Implications of Port Disruptions The recent U.S. port strike resolution may seem like a temporary reprieve, but it highlights significant vulnerabilities for the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain—particularly in the context of weapon system production and sustainment. As labor costs rise and U.S. ports struggle with automation adoption, increased shipping fees and delays could severely impact the delivery of critical components needed for military platforms, from aircraft to precision-guided munitions. In a time of rising tensions with near-peer adversaries like China, these disruptions pose a real national security risk. The U.S. is already facing a $19 billion backlog in weapon transfers, including to key allies like Taiwan, and studies have shown that the U.S. could run out of long-range precision munitions in less than a week in the event of a major conflict. Supply chain vulnerabilities like these will only be exacerbated by rising costs and port inefficiencies. Furthermore, reliance on alternative foreign ports, particularly those in Mexico, where China has significant influence and investments, could introduce additional risks. Supply chain visibility in these ports is less robust, increasing the potential for foreign adversaries to exploit weaknesses in the defense industrial base. The DoD has already acknowledged its limited visibility into the lower tiers of its supply chain. This is a critical oversight that needs urgent attention, especially when many critical materials and electronic components are sourced from regions vulnerable to adversary control. The inability to track these vulnerabilities across the supply chain means delays and disruptions could cascade, undermining weapon system production and sustainment. To mitigate these risks, the DoD must accelerate its supply chain risk management efforts, modernize its industrial base, and reduce reliance on foreign ports by investing in domestic production capabilities. The development of “ever-warm” production lines for critical materials, as well as increased automation at U.S. ports, are key strategies that can enhance resilience and ensure the U.S. is prepared for any conflict scenario. Now more than ever, a robust, resilient, and secure supply chain is essential to maintaining military readiness and safeguarding national security. Govini #SupplyChainRisk #SupplyChainRiskManagenent #NationalSecurity #DoDLogistics #DefenseLogistics #WeaponSustainment #DefenseIndustrialBase #DefenseReadiness

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"Data is our lifeblood – everything we do is about data," emphasizes Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach at the AFCEA Hampton Roads Maritime IT Summit. Commander, Naval Information Forces leaders highlight the crucial role of information warfare in modern naval operations, integrating it across all domains to ensure superior battlespace awareness and command control. #InformationWarfare #NAVIFOR #DefenseInnovation #DataDrivenDecisions Read more below:

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Level up your army data knowledge! The new Data Stewardship Roles memo outlines the key players for efficient data use. Learn how these roles impact mission effectiveness. ➡️ FULL Army Data Stewardship Roles and Responsibilities MEMO: http://spr.ly/6045gc0zD

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Want to learn more about Data Governance? The Army is getting after it and we have a front row seat!

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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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I applaud the Dept creating and publishing this strategy. Safe, secure, effective, and reliable IT infrastructure is absolutely required to achieve Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2). I believe that those with the right data and information at the right time, ahead of adversaries, will win in the future. They will win day to day, in crisis, and in conflict. Being able to operate inside of your adversaries Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act loop (OODA) is foundational to warfare. Day to day being able to operate inside of an adversaries OODA loop creates doubt in the mind of adversaries about their ability to achieve their desired effects. Doubt is critical for deterrence. Same can be said in crisis. In conflict, it will enable defeat options. Foundational infrastructure, such as our own IT infrastructure, is crucial to enable future warfare (deter and defeat) which will be data and information driven. Unfortunately, foundational infrastructure has been a "bill payer" for many years. It's hard to fund things that are not tangible ... not a bright and shiny object on the ramp to appease constituents. Now is the time to pay the bill. Strategies should drive action and resources. Unfortunately, there's a history of having great strategies without action and resources. The words of the strategy must be incorporated into Defense Planning Guidance and adhered to. Without foundational infrastructure investment, CJADC2 and our ability to deter and win will be challenged.

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An interesting summary from Holland and Knight on the new #CMMC rule 32CFR170 which went final last Friday. I found their final paragraph particularly interesting... "The above is just the tip of the iceberg when thinking about the intricacies of the CMMC program and the implications for the DIB (including contractors far down the supply chain). Companies in the DOD supply chain would be wise to not delay further and ensure they are properly certified." At 470 pages the assessment community (C3PAO's and CCA's) are still getting their minds wrapped around the many aspects including significant changes that will impact how we assess Organizations Seeking Assessment (OSAs). The fundamental point though that DIB companies "would be wise to not delay further" is of course spot on. As Jacob Horne, Robert Metzger and others have been saying for a while, the time is past to get moving on having a cybersecurity program that supports CMMC compliance. There is a LOT of detail and nuance in a document with a word count 80% the New Testament. That said the fundamentals remain. First have a Program. This is not going to be something solved by either writing policies in a long weekend nor by buying a single tool. The #1 aspect of this or any program are the people executing it. These are activities that will need to be done now and into the future as long as an organization has a DoD contract or subcontract. The first thing to do for any program is pick the leader. Who will do this? Who will direct the work and make sure it stays on track? Do it in house, hire contractors, buy tools, whatever needs to be done... Who is the leader of your CMMC Program?

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Do you know❓your federal #govcon "codes?" I'm not just talking about the North American Industry Classification Systems (#NAICS) 🏭and Product and Service Code (PSC) ⌨. I'm talking about the numbering schematic 💾that is included in federal solicitations (RFP, RFQ, etc.) and contract award numbers as specified in the federal acquisition regulations (FAR) part 4.1603. The code for interpreting💽this is as follows: ✅OFFICE-YR-X-1234 The first 6 digits correspond to an agency's contracting 🏛office (United States Department of Defense called these DODAACS) that issued the notice in #samgov. The next 2 digits correspond to the fiscal year (FY), which runs from 10/1-9/30 📆that the notice or contract was made. Currently in FY "25." The next 1 digit corresponds to the notice type. I won't get into all of them (read the FAR!) but the main two on the pre-award side are "R" for RFP and "Q" for RFQ. The main two awards🥇are "D" for an #IDIQ and "C" for a stand-alone award. Check the FAR for other types. The last 4 digits are sequential 🔢and reset with each FY. So notices released and contracts awarded 📑in October will be in the low digits and the ones made in September could be in the hundreds depending on the volume of the work in the office. Check your target/customer agency for THEIR version of the FAR 📚as there could be some differences. This information ℹ allows you to obtain intel 🔎on how procurements are done, how many bidders, how they were evaluated, and other helpful information to get insights💡into buying patterns and trends. You never know which piece of information☁could be the difference in making or breaking your next bidding 🎯opportunity! Make it a great day everybody 👊

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"If what you want is modernization, call it that, and then be more specific about what you mean by modernization. But don't call it innovation and hope that you get better operations." - Jennifer Pahlka in the comments.

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