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NIST Debuts Long-Anticipated AI Risk Management Framework
With the launch of the AI RMF 1.0, federal researchers focused on four core functions to structure how all organizations evaluate and introduce more trustworthy AI systems.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology unveiled its long-awaited Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework on Thursday morning, representing the culmination of an 18-month-long project that aims to be universally applicable to any AI technology across all sectors.
Increasing trustworthiness and mitigating risk are the two major themes of the framework, which NIST Director Laurie Locascio introduced as guidance to help organizations develop low-risk AI systems. The document outlines types of risk commonly found in AI and machine learning technology and how entities can build ethical, trustworthy systems.
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The GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program is implementing new subcontracting plan templates.
Effective January 25, 2023, we updated Commercial and Individual Subcontracting Plans. Model Subcontracting Plans are often used as a tool by “other than small businesses (OTSB)” to complete their small business subcontracting plans when the total value of the acquisition exceeds $750,000. Contracting officers also use Model Subcontracting Plans to understand the statutory requirements.
The updated plans affect new offers and new subcontracting plans as of January 25, 2023.
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DoD Releases Small Business Strategy
The Department of Defense (DoD) released its Small Business Strategy today. The strategy promotes a strong, dynamic, and robust small business industrial base by focusing on reducing barriers to entry, increasing set-aside competitions, and leveraging programs to grow the industrial base.
“From manufacturers providing the critical parts that we need for our arsenal – to technology companies developing innovative systems and capabilities – small businesses are vital along the entire spectrum of the Department’s needs,” Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks said. “Reducing barriers and creating more opportunities for small businesses will allow us to expand, innovate, and diversify, increasing our warfighter advantage, strengthening our supply chains, increasing competition in our marketplace, and growing our economy here at home.”
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DOD Announces the Establishment of the Defense Management Institute
Today, at a kick-off symposium at the Institute for Defense Analyses, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and Pentagon Director of Administration and Management Michael Donley announced the establishment of the Defense Management Institute, a non-profit, non-partisan research organization committed to enhancing the management, organization, performance improvement and enterprise business operations of the department.
“The Department of Defense is the world’s largest and most complex institution, with a budget of more than $800 billion and a workforce of 3 million operating 24 hours a day in every time zone around the globe,” said Deputy Secretary Hicks. “We owe it to the taxpayers to ensure that their resources are managed as efficiently and effectively as possible. The DMI will contribute to that effort by learning from the best of the public and private sectors and helping us to constantly update and improve our management practices.”
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DOD instructs acquisition teams to prioritize small business engagement over best-in-class contracts
The Defense Department is instructing its components to support efforts to expand small business participation in the federal marketplace following the release of its “Small Business Strategy” earlier this month.
The Department of Defense is tweaking its contracting strategy to place more of an emphasis on meeting small business acquisition goals, even it if means supplanting its use of Best in Class vehicles.
The Office of the Under Secretary for Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment released a memorandum on Jan. 27 that described small businesses as "critical" to its mission while outlining specific steps the department can take to increase small business participation in the federal marketplace, from transitioning to bundling and consolidating contracts to expanding access to education on category management practices.
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Request for Information on the 2023 Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Strategic Plan
Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014, Federal agencies must update the Federal cybersecurity research and development (R&D) strategic plan every four years. The NITRD NCO seeks public input for the 2023 update of the Federal cybersecurity R&D strategic plan. The updated plan will be used to guide and coordinate federally funded research in cybersecurity, including cybersecurity education and workforce development, and the development of consensus-based standards and best practices in cybersecurity.
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February 23, 2023
11:00 am - Noon
Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Commercial Avenue Campus
2125 Commercial Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
This month we will be joined by Madalena Maestri: DBE Program Chief WisDOT and Sally Maier: Purchasing Agent Senior WisDOT, along with WPI staff to learn more about DBE certification and contracting opportunities available to certified firms.
WisDOT will share with us details about the certification process, how to leverage your certifications, and much more.
Learn who buys what for WisDOT, what the purchasing opportunities are, and the differences between engineering, highway, airport, and bridge construction projects.
As this is an in-person event, you will have the opportunity to discuss, ask questions, and share information about your business with WisDOT representatives.
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DOD Supply Chain: Cyber Workshop
Wisconsin manufacturers are facing a significant challenge in meeting cyber and security compliance requirements that are being included in their Defense, Federal and commercial contracts and subcontracts.
Join us at one of the following in person sessions to learn from a veteran of the IT Industry as he provides insights and guidance on what manufacturers can do to improve their security position in a rapidly shifting digital landscape while positioning themselves to meet both existing and upcoming supply chain requirement (such as NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, ITAR).
All session are scheduled for 10 am - Noon
Click date for more information
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March 9
Envision Greater Fond Du Lac
23 S Main St Ste 101
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
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March 15
Progress Lakeshore
202 N 8th St Ste 101
Manitowoc, WI 54220
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March 21
Greater Oshkosh EDC
100 N Main St Ste 104
Oshkosh, WI 54901
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Be sure to follow WPI on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) for regular updates on events, news and opportunities.
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WPI 10437 Innovation Dr. Suite 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226 414-270-3600
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