Stephanie T.

#Grant Announcement! 📣 💰🚔 Today the #DOJ #COPS Office released its FY24 Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) program with applications due June 26th. This funding program is intended to support State law enforcement agencies in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions, for the purpose of locating or investigating illicit activities, through Statewide collaboration, relating to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil, or relating to the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids. Eligible applicants can request up to $4M with no required cost share. Agencies must have primary LE authority over state seizures of #heroin and other #opioids, as well as multi-jurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary teams (e.g., task forces). #police #lawenforcement #grant #grantwriting #publicsafety #taskforce #statepolice #opioidcrisis #funding

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U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has released strategic guidance to bolster #criticalinfrastructure #security and #resilience. Originating from President Joe Biden’s National Security Memorandum (NSM-22), this directive instructs federal agencies, critical infrastructure owners, and other stakeholders to focus on specific risk areas. Additionally, it outlines priorities for the 2024-2025 national critical infrastructure #riskmanagement cycle defined in NSM-22. This comprehensive effort, planned for the next two years, is designed to safeguard the critical infrastructure systems essential to everyday American life. The priority areas set down in the strategic guidance are addressing cyber and other threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC); managing evolving risks and opportunities presented by #artificialintelligence and other emerging technologies; identifying and mitigating #supplychain v#ulnerabilities; incorporating climate risks into sector resilience efforts; and addressing the growing dependency of critical infrastructure on #space systems and assets. #Threatlandscape #Cybersecurityrisk https://lnkd.in/gw9Mz7yr

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In an era of complex supply chain geopolitics and increasing national security risks, America's leadership needs insights from those who have served at the highest levels. The Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC) at SAFE is rising to meet these challenges, welcoming five distinguished four-star generals and admirals who will lend their expertise to help guide America and its allies forward. Proud to see this commitment to bolstering our national security strategy and energy resilience. Read more about these impressive additions and the steps they’ll help shape for America’s future. 📖 Learn more in the press release: https://lnkd.in/ge5fD6Z4 #supplychains #energysecurity #nationalsecurity

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By publishing this new paper, the National Institute for Public Policy indulges my hope that a new US administration will take seriously the deterioration of our information environment ... and consider practical, non-ideological, and bipartisan responses. I begin with a brief overview of the post-truth environment, drawing on my earlier work, and offer some straight-from-the-headlines examples where national security is concerned. Then, the second half of the short paper offers a modest outline of what effective responses might look like. I am grateful for any feedback.

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There are excellent and detailed resources for journalists to research munitions. What makes OSMP so useful for investigative reporters is that it helps identify weapons systems the way journalists and, more importantly, victims and media sources typically encounter them: as steel fin blades or blackened wiring or charred cylinders scattered near bomb craters.

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THREE IDEAS THE NEXT ADMINISTRATOR AND COMMISSIONER SHOULD CONSIDER TO IMPROVE GSA’S FEDERAL ACQUISITION SERVICE: With Congress out of town we thought we’d share our ideas now on changes GSA’s next political appointee management team may want to focus on for the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). 1.              Create A True Schedules Management Office: The GSA Schedules program realizes over $40 billion a year in business, yet its operation is so highly decentralized that there is little continuity throughout the program. The current Schedule Program Management Office (PMO) is a step in the right direction but does not have the resources or authority that are actually needed. The Schedules program is simply too important to the efficient running of government to not have an SES-led PMO. Indeed, it is likely that officials in DOD, the largest Schedule customer agency, would be surprised to learn that the program they rely upon doesn’t already have one.     2.              Set a Sunset Date for the Technology Transformation Service (TTS): TTS seemed like a good idea when it was created: a government agency to help others in government to maximize use of new technologies and maybe help develop them. It’s never worked well, though. The well-documented problems with Login.gov are only one example. This relatively small office tied up considerable agency resources to try and straighten the problems out. Worse, in an agency where most operations are supposed to be self-supporting, TTS continues to operate in the red. While TTS may be a pet project for some, it’s tough to justify spending taxpayer dollars on a service few agency customers seem to want. Give TTS 18 months to turn itself around or let it sunset. 3.              Understand the Role of the IG and the Role of Operations Offices: It is important to have a professional and well-organized Office of the Inspector General (OIG). OIG offices play an important role in ensuring that government operates properly. That said, GSA and FAS leadership need to understand that it is the role of the OIG to find problems. Some uncovered problems are legitimate. Others, such as the OIG’s opposition to the agency’s legislative request to make a commonsense change to the Competition in Contracting Act, seem more rooted in a fear that their own role will diminish, rather than a legitimate policy disagreement. Similarly, the OIG is not, and should not be, a de facto co-program manager. GSA and FAS management should remember that the OIG’s goal is to second guess the decisions they make. Looked at through that lens, the agency could really implement innovative acquisition ideas, saving time and money. We certainly have additional ideas on GSA and the Federal Acquisition Service. We’d like your feedback, though. Send us a not-for-attribution email at [email protected].

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📊 GAO Report on ODNI Recommendations: Big Gains for GovCon? I love diving into research like this! The latest GAO study, "Status of Open #GAO Recommendations to the ODNI", reveals BIG opportunities for improvement in the intelligence community and presents key takeaways for us in #GovCon. ➡ Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gXrtucRM Here’s the breakdown: - 108 recommendations made since 2011 - 63 implemented, but 39 are still open - Major opportunities remain for workforce, vetting, infrastructure, and intelligence management 🔑 Key Areas for Improvement: - Workforce Management: Better planning to fill skill gaps. - Personnel Vetting: Stronger processes to secure national safety. - Infrastructure & Facilities: Modernize to improve efficiency. - Intelligence Enterprise Management: Streamline coordination for maximum mission success. 🔍 Why it matters: If #ODNI fully implements these remaining recommendations, they could increase efficiency and effectiveness across their operations. This kind of progress is a win for everyone in the intelligence space—and for those of us working in #govcon supporting these efforts! 👀 I’m excited to see how this unfolds and the impact it will have on future contracts!

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Understanding GSA: A Key Federal Agency The General Services Administration (GSA) is a crucial federal agency that plays a vital role in supporting the core operations of the United States government. Established in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman, the GSA's primary mission is to streamline acquisition processes and ensure consistent access to cost-effective, high-quality products and services for the benefit of the American public.As the single largest source of procurement for goods and services by the federal government, the GSA manages government procurement, real estate, travel policies, and sustainable practices. The agency's diverse responsibilities encompass government procurement, property management, real estate, travel services, vehicle acquisition, telecommunication services, and https://is.gd/ALKv3v #FederalAcquisitions #Federalgovernment #Federalrealestate #GeneralServicesAdministration #Governmentagency #GovernmentProcurement #GSAoperations #GSAprograms #GSAServices #Publicbuildings

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Check out this compelling article on the critical need for the United States to maintain the capability to engage in multiple conflicts at once. In the past few decades the U.S. defense strategy has shifted towards a single-war focus, a stance that appears increasingly out of touch with current global realities. The assumption that the U.S. will only need to fight one war at a time is not just optimistic—it’s unrealistic given the present circumstances. Today, the U.S. is entangled in two significant conflicts—in Ukraine and the Middle East—with the potential for a third in East Asia over Taiwan or South Korea. Each of these theaters is crucial for American interests and interconnected, highlighting the need for a robust and flexible military strategy. Our adversaries are not isolated; they collaborate in ways that undermine global stability. From Iran selling oil to China, to North Korea supplying weapons to Russia, the U.S. faces a formidable authoritarian alliance. To safeguard an international rules-based order and ensure global stability, it is imperative for the U.S. to be prepared to address multiple threats simultaneously. This article is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and necessities of the modern international security dilemma. #DefenseStrategy #USMilitary #GlobalSecurity #InternationalRelations #InternationalSecurity #NationalSecurity #Geopolitics

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As people are recovering from the impact of Hurricane Helene and preparing for Milton, which is expected to be even worse, there is a lot of misinformation—and disinformation (deliberate lies)—out there about emergency response and disaster relief. FEMA has set up a hurricane rumor response website to counter misinformation and disinformation with facts. (How sad that this is necessary.) Here is the link: #disasterrelief #emergencyservices #FEMA #misinformation #disinformation #Helene #Milton #Florida #NorthCarolina #publicservice #publicpolicy

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As we approach another election cycle, the warnings about foreign malign influence continue to mount. This is a great call to action for the level of increased vigilance required to safeguard our democratic processes against external threats. At VoterGuard, we are dedicated to providing robust cybersecurity solutions to political campaigns and party offices, ensuring they remain resilient against such threats. Our collective effort in securing the integrity of our elections is more vital than ever. Read more about the latest warnings from intelligence agencies here: https://lnkd.in/eiqVNjZF #Cybersecurity #ElectionSecurity #PublicPrivatePartnerships #VoterGuard #Democracy

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In light of increasing global security demands, it is crucial for the U.S. defense industrial base to invest in enhancing both capacity and capability. Strengthening these areas will ensure we remain competitive against global powers such as China, Russia, and Iran. Now more than ever, strategic investment is key to maintaining our national security and global leadership.

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I wonder if we were to unpack the portfolio of contracts within our Primes, what percentage of their contracts are standard government contracts vs Commercial Contracts? What % of their revenue is spread across the different contract types? How does that differ from a company like Palantir (defense first, dual-use) compared to L3Harris? This feels like a 4D chess move by Shyam Sankar who can continuously improve his product in the commercial sector and prove out the business fundamentals compared to a much heavier defense revenue prime like L3. Intuition tells me that L3Harris abandoning Cost Plus isn’t a thing. My guess is that some of their business units wouldn’t survive without it, where as Palantir can hedge most bets with its commercial viability.

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GSA's "Emerging Tech Radar" is a strategic initiative designed to monitor and evaluate new technological developments that may influence government operations. This program aims to identify trends in emerging technologies, enabling the GSA to better understand their potential applications and impacts on federal services. Additionally, GSA is emphasizing the importance of collaboration with industry partners and other federal entities to foster innovation and ensure that the government remains agile in adapting to new technologies. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness and encourage a forward-thinking approach to how the government leverages technology to improve service delivery. The Emerging Tech Radar represents a proactive effort to align government capabilities with fast-paced technological advancements. I am very happy to see this program developing under Michael Berkholtz's leadership. #fedit #govcon #innovation #startup #emergingtech

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The US Government Accountability Office report (released last Wednesday and linked here) underscores a critical need: for real impact, we must unify our efforts to address military housing challenges and quality-of-life issues across all service branches. Rising housing costs and limited availability are placing financial and emotional strains on military families with some that have long commutes, leave families behind in other states, and work 2 jobs just to afford housing. Five & Thrive is a foundational part of the solution to these challenges by bringing military leaders, communities, and families together to create a common vision for quality-of-life across the military services. Through strengthened partnerships and amplifying the voices of military spouses, Five & Thrive is ensuring that these essential perspectives not only have a seat at the table but also play a substantial role in these quality-of-life efforts in their communities. The DoD’s new Housing Feedback System (announced back in August) is a promising step forward, allowing active-duty members and their families in privatized housing to elevate maintenance issues and persistent housing concerns. But more tools, collaboration, and unified advocacy are needed to address the GAO’s recommendations in this report. A highlight for me, is GAO's recommendation that DoD "consistently obtaining feedback from service members so that they are aware of the extent of the effects of limited supply or unaffordable housing on its service members and be better positioned to identify critical housing areas." Together, we can create lasting, positive change and maximize our impact on military family readiness and support. 💪 #FiveAndThrive #MilitaryFamilies #HousingAdvocacy #QualityOfLife #GAORecommendations https://lnkd.in/eyFYxcZf

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Bridging Cultural Divides in Defense Partnerships Defense partnerships are a cornerstone of international security, involving nations with diverse cultural backgrounds. Addressing cultural differences is not just beneficial but essential for the success of these alliances. Here's how defense partnerships work towards bridging cultural divides: **Cross-Cultural Competence Training** Defense partnerships often begin with cross-cultural competence training, which is crucial for personnel to effectively interact with allies from different cultural backgrounds. This training encompasses language skills, regional knowledge, and cultural awareness, enabling military personnel to conduct operations with a nuanced understanding of their partners' perspectives and practices. **Educational Outreach and Exchange Programs** Educational outreach and exchange programs are another method used to address cultural differences. These initiatives provide military personnel with the opportunity to study abroad, engage with foreign cultures, and develop a deeper appreciation for their allies' histories, values, and social norms. Such programs foster mutual respect and understanding, which are vital for smooth collaboration. **Joint Exercises Incorporating Cultural Aspects** Joint military exercises often incorporate scenarios that require understanding and navigating cultural differences. These exercises are designed not only to improve operational readiness but also to enhance the ability of forces to work cohesively in a culturally diverse environment. Through these exercises, personnel learn to respect and adapt to each other's cultural practices and communication styles. **Institutionalizing Cultural Awareness** At an institutional level, defense partnerships strive to embed cultural awareness into their doctrines and policies. By recognizing the importance of cultural competence, military institutions can ensure that their strategies, operations, and interactions with partner nations are conducted with cultural sensitivity and understanding. **Building Cross-Cultural Teams** Creating mixed-nationality teams or units within defense partnerships can also help address cultural differences. These teams allow for continuous, day-to-day interaction among personnel from different cultures, fostering a shared identity and camaraderie that transcends cultural boundaries. **Research and Development on Cross-Cultural Dynamics** Ongoing research and development efforts focus on understanding cross-cultural dynamics within military operations. This research helps identify best practices for integrating forces from different cultures and developing tools and methods to enhance cross-cultural competence across the defense partnership network. In conclusion, defense partnerships actively address cultural differences through a combination of training, educational programs, joint exercises, institutional policies, team-building, and research.

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Strategic Shifts in the Indo-Pacific: Taiwan’s Defense Alert, U.S. Support, and Quad's Growing Role in Regional Security: In a significant development, #Taiwan’s defense ministry reported a heightened alert due to "multiple waves" of #missile firings detected from inland #China. This comes just days after Beijing test-launched an intercontinental #ballistic missile, raising concerns over regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, in a decisive show of support, U.S. President Joe Biden approved a $567 million defense package for #Taiwan. This move underscores the U.S.'s ongoing commitment to bolstering Taiwan’s military capabilities amidst growing #geopolitical tensions. In the backdrop of these escalations, the recent #Quad summit in the U.S. saw key discussions on strengthening #defense and #economic cooperation between the U.S., #India, #Japan, and #Australia. The Quad's efforts in enhancing regional stability align with the rising need for strategic collaboration to counter potential threats in the Indo-Pacific region. Indian Council of World Affairs

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