SpaceLink, the company that is building the Communications Superhighway for the Space Economy™, has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center (USASMDC-TC) in Redstone Arsenal, AL. Under the agreement, the organizations will work together to explore alternative space communications pathways that ensure resiliency and reduce sensor-to-shooter latency. SpaceLink is building a satellite relay system in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), with both optical and RF links to speed the flow of remote sensing data and augment the U.S. national security space architecture. SpaceLink provides secure, continuous, high-bandwidth communications between spacecraft and U.S. Earth Stations or tactically deployed ground terminals. The collaborative research and simulations will provide a baseline of interoperability between Government systems and the SpaceLink network.

“We are honored to work with USASMDC-TC to assure that our development efforts meet the Army’s needs,” said Dave Bettinger, CEO of SpaceLink. “Sharing facilities, intellectual property, and expertise will elevate solutions for both the warfighter and industry, ultimately enhancing national security and U.S. dominance in space.”

The cooperative agreement will help SpaceLink better understand the U.S. Army concept of operations and adjust its technology roadmap to meet customer needs. For the Army, it will provide the empirical modeling and simulations needed to support interagency requirements development for commercial remote sensing tactical downlink timeline requirements.

Because of its location in MEO and optical/RF communications relay capabilities, the SpaceLink network has continuous line of sight to LEO, MEO and GEO satellites and high-altitude airborne assets. It also has continuous connectivity to its dedicated Gateway Earth Stations. It is designed to support real-time tasking and downlink of data needed for military operators to make tactical decisions.


Layoffs 

Oracle

Oracle continues to trend in the news for their latest round of layoffs. Some insiders have labeled the layoff season as chaos, which is to be expected. Even when one side of the company is experiencing fear over layoffs and downsizing, other sections still feel the impact. Oracle has about 130,000 employees, and they recently slashed thousands from their rolls globally. As the database company seeks to compete against AWS, Google, and Microsoft, costs will drive their ability to get a seat at the table.


Hiring

BAE Systems

BAE Systems will move their control and avionics solutions division to Austin, TX. This move is expected to require the company to hire 100 employees by the beginning of 2023, with about 75% expected to be added before the end of this year.

BAE Systems is making this move with a focus on growing their footprint in Austin, TX. While based in Arlington, VA, since 2020, the aerospace and defense tech giant has boosted its hiring across all divisions with their new 390,000 square-foot facility.


Cleared Employer at Work: Leidos

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Opportunity to Watch

Accenture Federal Services (AFS), a subsidiary of Accenture won a five-year contract from the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) to deploy ServiceNow and modernize its Enterprise Service Management (ESM) capabilities. The cloud-based ServiceNow™ platform automates IT workflows, connecting people, functions, and systems. Deployment of the platform will enhance customer support and maximize efficiencies for INSCOM by consolidating service management functions across all security domains.

“As a former U.S. Army senior intelligence officer, I understand that digital transformation plays a mission-critical role in supporting the Army’s complex, multi-disciplinary operations across the globe,” said Mary Legere, AFS Managing Director and Strategy and Engagement Lead, National Security Portfolio. “Accenture Federal Services has deep expertise in ServiceNow™ integrations and we look forward to supporting INSCOM on this deployment.”

AFS will deploy ServiceNow™ as part of the INSCOM Digital Transformation Support Services (IDTS2) contract issued in partnership with Carahsoft under their Department of Defense Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) blanket purchase agreement for Service Solutions and Services.

“Accenture Federal Services is thrilled to support INSCOM’s ongoing drive to digital,” said Erik Raynes, AFS Managing Director and Services Intel Client Account Lead, National Security Portfolio. “This award reflects our leading capabilities and trusted partnership with ServiceNow™. We look forward to playing a key role in enhancing the quality and speed of the support INSCOM provides to its workforce and supported commands around the world.”

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Jillian Hamilton has worked in a variety of Program Management roles for multiple Federal Government contractors. She has helped manage projects in training and IT. She received her Bachelors degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Penn State University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.