BAE names new SVP of government relations

BAE Systems has named Frank Ruggiero senior vice president of government relations, where he oversee the company’s relationships with members of Congress, the Defense Department, and other cabinet-level organizations and state government leaders.

He replaces Erin Moseley, who was promoted to president of the company’s Support Solutions sector in the middle of February.

103 deals chasing the next big thing

Several factors were at play in the 103 mergers and acquisitions that closed in 2012, but two common themes were transformation and anticipation.

The prevailing wisdom says that in a market where budget uncertainty rules the day, investing millions in an acquisition might not be a wise use of resources. But government contractors are forever in search of the next hot opportunity. That above all else is what Washington Technology’s annual M&A roundup teaches us.

The growing legend of Richard Spires' departure

It’s time for the Homeland Security Department and Richard Spires to come clean on why the widely hailed CIO has been on leave for the last month.

I know it’s a personnel matter, but this is a political appointee who is one of the stars of the government IT world. He’s been credited with being a catalyst for change at DHS. As recently as last month, he won the Eagle Award from FCW for his work at the department.

United States, China form cybersecurity working group

The United States is teaming up with China through a working group on cybersecurity that the two countries are forming, according to secretary of state John Kerry, The Times of India reported Read More

iRobot wins $28.8M contract mod for Navy robot systems

iRobot Corp. has won a $28.8 million contract modification to provide the U.S. Navy with Man Transportable Robotic System production systems, as well as related parts and services.

The Man Transportable Robotic System is a small robotic vehicle used by explosive ordnance disposal technicians to conduct remote reconnaissance, or either disarm or dispose of explosive devices, the Defense Department said in an announcement. Read More

Cybersecurity policy looking more like ballistic policy

President Barack Obama has the authority to initiate a preventive cyber strike if there is threat of an attack on the United States, meaning that the United States now has the authority to attack foreign nations, in the cyber domain, regardless of whether the country is already involved in conflict with them, HSToday reported.

ITT Exelis rearranges execs in Electronic Systems sector

ITT Exelis has named Rich Sorelle as the new leader of the company's Electronic Systems division. He previously was the vice president and general manager of the division's integrated electronic warfare systems business area.

Joe Rambala will take Sorelle’s place as the leader of that business.

Lockheed to host cyber defense exercise

Lockheed Martin will host emerging cyber leaders from the U.S. and Canadian military service academies to test their capabilities this week against experts from the National Security Agency in the annual Cyber Defense Exercise, Yahoo Finance reported.

Washington Technology Insider program takes flight

In many ways, I feel like an expectant father as Washington Technology launches its Insider membership program.

Months of planning and anticipation, idealism, hopes and dreams are about to meet reality.

How veterans boost your bottom line

Veterans will continue to struggle in corporate America more so than their civilian counterparts. While the national unemployment rate stands at 7.6 percent, nearly 10 percent of vets are without work.

It’s true that job creation has been paltry over the past few months, but the problem will only exacerbate as sequestration finally takes hold. Active duty personnel will be given “RIFs” or notice by the Defense Department that they will be released from service as their positions are eliminated. That will mean more vets looking for work in the coming months, and the likelihood of finding employment will be as daunting as ever.