Author Archive

Sami Lais

Sami Lais is a special contributor to Washington Technology.
Defense Systems

New satcom contract opens for business

The Future Commercial Satellite Communications Acquisition contract now has enough contractors to begin competitions for work under the $5 billion Schedules program.

Defense Systems

SatCom policies slammed by Inmarsat executive

Inmarsat Government Services President Rebecca Cowen-Hirsh voices concerns that the policies and structure of GSA and DISA's satellite communications procurement won't meet the needs of the warfighter.

Defense Systems

A $10B contract with plenty of questions

GSA-DISA satellite contract is lucrative, but Inmarsat chief has her doubts.

Defense Systems

DISA, GSA lay out Satcom buying strategy

DISA and GSA are moving forward with plans for a $3.5 billion satellite procurement that will guide how the government buys services through 2016.

Defense Systems

DOD space program dogged by delays, cost overruns

Poised at the beginning of a new era in satellite acquisition, the Defense Department continues to see its space programs dogged by significant and persistent cost overruns and sometimes declining capabilities, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

Defense Systems

GSA, DISA ready $5B satellite opportunity

In part two of a three-part interview, General Services Administration's Assistant Commissioner for IT Services Ed O'Hare explains how GSA and DISA are working together on a lucrative satellite opportunity, which will be released Feb. 9.

Defense Systems

$5B SatCom may augur DISA-GSA deals to come

Satellite service providers met with government procurement officials Oct. 22 to hear details about the upcoming $5 billion, 10-year Future ComSatCom Services Acquisition.

Defense Systems

DISA, GSA detail $5 billion satellite pact

A new satellite contract that the General Services Administration and the Defense Information Systems Agency are entering into will offer a $5 billion, 10-year multiple award schedule and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity terms.

Defense Systems

DOD rolls out net-centric data strategy

A network-centric data strategy that streamlines data discovery and sharing is crucial to Defense Department transformation efforts, Pentagon officials said.

Defense Systems

DISA awards $2.5B network deal

The Defense Information Systems agency has tapped Verizon Business Network Services Inc. for network support.

Defense Systems

Navy unveils NGEN requirements

Navy holds industry day to issue NMCI NGEN Requirements.

Defense Systems

All solutions go

After three years of wrangling, Defense Department and civilian agencies are finally digging into the Army’s Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-2 Services contract.

Defense Systems

Debriefing: Joint Space Operations Center's departing director, Col. Stephen Whiting

Defense Systems contributor Sami Lais spoke recently with Air Force Col. Stephen Whiting, former JSpOC commander and director. In June, Whiting handed over command of JSpOC to Col. Richard Doltz after being selected for the Chief of Staff Air Force Fellows program.

Defense Systems

On the fly

Pacific Command’s Alaskan range complex pushes the technology envelope in training.

Defense Systems

Interoperability path opens

Training range builds data bridge for joint exercises.

Defense Systems

The future of intelligence

New intell group wants researchers to bring back scientific breakthroughs

Defense Systems

Innovation on demand

The Rapid Reaction Technology Office looks for answers on the double