Booz Allen’s corporate venture capital arm, Booz Allen Ventures, has strategically invested in Second Front Systems (2F), a public-benefit corporation driving mission-critical solutions for the U.S., Europe, Australia, and NATO. The investment supports 2F’s Game Warden DevSecOps Platform, an innovative tool streamlining the accreditation process for delivering software to U.S. government customers, including the Department of Defense (DOD). Booz Allen’s investment aligns with its VoLT business strategy, emphasizing velocity, leadership, and technology. The Game Warden Platform accelerates software delivery, reduces barriers for non-traditional vendors, and fosters innovation in the fast-paced national security landscape.
Layoffs: Technica
National defense contractor Technica Corp, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is poised to lay off 60 employees at its San Antonio operation on February 15, according to notices sent to the Texas Workforce Commission. Layoffs impact workers on the Air Force’s Cyberspace Vulnerability Assessment/Hunter weapon system, part of the $74 million Defensive Applications and Network Support (DANS) contract awarded in 2019. The classified system aids the Air Force in identifying and mitigating cyberspace threats. Technica’s contract is set to expire on February 14.
Hiring: Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is aiming to bolster its workforce by recruiting tech industry experts, with a focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and user support services. Charles Worthington, the VA’s Chief Technology Officer, stressed the need for the tech industry to embrace public service as a tradition, encouraging skilled recruits to consider careers in government. The VA aims to attract talent by highlighting its mission to deliver healthcare and benefits to veterans. Kurt DelBene, Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology, emphasized the importance of creating understandable career paths and job descriptions aligned with the commercial sector. The VA has experienced significant growth in its information technology branch in recent years, with a focus on improving digital services for veterans.
Cleared Employer at Work: CISA
CISA is more than just cybersecurity. Did you know that we also have openings in electronic communications, infrastructure security, and stakeholder engagement?
Opportunity to Watch
Due to construction supply chain challenges, the opening of the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria has been postponed to spring 2025, with the first academic building originally slated for fall 2024 now scheduled to open in 2025. Despite the delay, the Innovation Campus, part of Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program, continues to thrive, with enrollment reaching 376 graduate students in computer science and computer engineering in the D.C. area. The Innovation Campus aims to bridge the tech talent gap in Northern Virginia, fostering collaboration with companies on student projects and contributing to the region’s growing tech ecosystem. The campus, strategically located near the Potomac Yard-VT Metrorail Station, remains a key element in Virginia Tech’s expanding presence in the greater D.C. metro area.
