Cyber intrusions are a constant threat and concern for U.S. government agencies – especially with international geopolitical tensions. In anticipation of this the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) teamed up to get the word to all companies doing business with the DoD to tighten up their cybersecurity. On Monday (February 14) DoD officials, reinforced a CISA advisory entitled, “Shields Up”. DoD officials also identified three cybersecurity resources for companies doing business with the DoD: the DoD Cyber Crime Center (DC3), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the National Defense Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ND-ISAC).
Steve Shirley, ND-ISAC Executive Director said, “Preparing in advance for cybersecurity incidents is sound advice for ALL companies; in fact it should be a core concern.” Shirley noted, “We appreciate being named as a trusted resource. In fact, for nearly 20 years ND-ISAC has focused on delivering secure threat sharing and processes for developing cybersecurity technical solutions to companies doing business with the DoD plus companies who are key interdependencies and partners.” The latter, he explained, included companies which may have primary lines of business in the Finance, Health, Energy, Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Chemical critical infrastructure sectors.
Shirley communicated to companies contracting with the DoD that the requirement to report cyber incidents, per DFARS 252.204-7012. He also noted that the ND-ISAC is the official source for the DIB Critical Infrastructure Sector recognized by DoD and DHS.
Layoffs Impacting the Cleared Industry
| Hopin |
As events push to come back in person, event management software firm, Hopin, moves to reduce it’s workforce by 12% – 138 employees. Hopin was created just two years ago when events moved predominantly online, and has been in growth mode to-date. But with interests shifting, it requires an adjustment in strategy and focus. “Following unprecedented growth and several acquisitions, we are reorganizing to align with our goals for greater efficiency and sustainable growth,” Hopin told TechCrunch in a statement. |
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Hiring impacting the Cleared Industry
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Arthur |
The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) has selected Arthur to deliver its AI performance management solution as part of the Test and Evaluation (T&E) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA,) a $249M effort to accelerate production AI capabilities across the Department of Defense (DoD).
This new vehicle will allow the DoD to leverage the Arthur platform for AI monitoring and optimization to deliver better results with accuracy, explainability, and fairness. Arthur’s world-class research team has pioneered exclusive capabilities in computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), bias mitigation, and other key functional areas. With the rollout of the DoD’s Ethical AI Principles—Responsible, Equitable, Traceable, Reliable, Governable—in February 2020, ensuring the appropriate foundation is in place for production AI capabilities is paramount. The Arthur team brings considerable expertise and commitment to the federal government, having successfully worked with DARPA, the IC, NSF, NIST, ARPA-E, Treasury, Air Force, Army, and Navy. |
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Cleared Employer at Work: General Dynamics Mission Systems
Join an Amazing Team Keeping Our Nation Safe. Explore career opportunities at General Dynamics Mission Systems.
Opportunity to Watch
Technology innovation continues to be a key DoD strategy, and Epirus is one company that continues to grow to meet the expanding needs. Last week, Epirus announced $200 million in Series C funding, bringing the company’s total financing raised to-date to $287 million. With a valuation of $1.35 billion, the company is uniquely positioned as a robust technology provider.
“I am grateful for our new and returning investors who share our vision for redefining the future of power. Nothing that we achieve as a company would be possible without the extraordinary work and dedication of our most valuable asset: our people,” said Leigh Madden, Chief Executive Officer of Epirus. “This new round of funding and associated valuation are clear signals of the increased demand for our directed energy systems and the limitless application areas for our SmartPower technology. Our successes to date are noteworthy and, with our world-class team at the helm, I trust that the best is yet to come for Epirus.”
Since its founding in 2018, Epirus has quickly translated its bold vision into a rapidly scaling company with multiple product lines in development to support both government and commercial markets. In the past year alone, Epirus more than doubled its workforce and opened a new Corporate Headquarters in Torrance, CA to support the company’s accelerated growth. With recent contracts awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Army Applications Laboratory, Epirus continues to establish itself as a major player in the defense technology space and lay the groundwork for the commercial application of its technology.
“What we’re seeing in the market today is a disconnect between the national security challenges at hand and the pace of innovation needed to solve them,” said Simon Paterson, Investment Analyst at T. Rowe Price Associates. “With its scientific sophistication, cutting-edge technology and seasoned leadership team, Epirus is well positioned to bring forth enduring solutions to some of the most defining challenges of our time, helping to make the world a safer place.”
Epirus built, demonstrated and validated its flagship product Leonidas – the world’s most powerful software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) system – in under a year, a testament to the company’s culture of rapid innovation. Epirus recently expanded their directed energy product portfolio with the introduction of Leonidas Pod, a portable and modular HPM system. Leonidas and Leonidas Pod work in unison to create a layered defense system against hostile drones and other electronic threats.
“These funds position Epirus to further disrupt an industry in desperate need of change and invention. Epirus’ SmartPower platform will transform a broad range of defense and commercial applications by saving power, extending range and increasing reliability,” said Grant Verstandig, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Epirus. “At a time when drone attacks are on the rise, Epirus’ world-class leadership team has validated the efficacy of HPM technology.”
Powering the company’s cutting-edge products is Epirus’ machine-intelligent SmartPower technology platform. The platform uses real-time machine intelligence to deliver unprecedented outcomes in power management – increasing efficiency and maximizing output. This technology could address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, distributing energy more efficiently across various use cases.
“In just three short years since we founded the company, the team at Epirus has disrupted the status quo with their revolutionary technology, bridging the gap between innovation and establishment,” said Joe Lonsdale, Managing Partner at 8VC and Co-Founder of Epirus. “This new round of funding will enable the company to ascend even further – expanding the visionary team, forging new markets and ultimately creating long-term economic and societal value.”
