AFCEA International Chapter News
NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER CHAPTER - Jan 18, 2019

Guest Speaker Discusses Emerging Technologies

The chapter launched 2019 with a stellar luncheon in January. This event was the place to be for any contractor curious about the most effective strategies to bring emerging technology solutions to the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). With over 200 attendees, the atmosphere was vibrant. Networking at the beginning of the event provided a wonderful reconnecting opportunity for colleagues doing business or hoping to do business with DISA. Stephen Wallace was the keynote speaker. Wallace is a systems innovation scientist for the Emerging Technologies (EM) Directorate at DISA, which is a new position at the agency. He presented a clear picture of the organization's focus as it relates to emerging technologies and how best to engage for optimal results. He clarified the steps DISA leadership is taking to reshape the organization to more effectively align with its mission, which is to provide enterprise-level IT capabilities and services to the nation's warfighters, national-level leaders and mission and coalition partners. Leadership's decision to create Wallace's role testifies to their commitment to mature their approach of adopting emerging technologies. Wallace explained DISA's progress in specific technical areas, including browser isolation, software-defined enterprise, assured identity, machine learning/AI and mobile desktop convergence. The advancements in browser isolation was of particular interest. The first use of other transaction authorities (OTA) was actually used to tackle this challenge, as it is DISA's goal to create a seamless user experience and make browser isolation as accessible as possible. Wallace articulated that the emerging technologies' function within DISA is not meant to be in competition with DARPA. DISA is hoping to partner with industry to implement enterprise-level solutions that are 'closer to reality.' Leveraging tools like OTAs, DISA is committed to engaging with industry with the hope that industry partners will present compelling emerging technology solutions. If you are looking to propose emerging technical solutions to Wallace's office, he gave a huge tip for success: Be sure to communicate both the positives and negatives of the tech solution you are proposing. Additionally, be prepared to provide examples of how you have used that technology to advance a customer's mission, and be frank about the challenges you encountered as a result of that approach. Wallace concluded the luncheon by answering poignant questions about DISA's initiatives and progress made in the various technical areas. Tune into the podcast to hear more from Wallace.

Event Photographs:

Stephen Wallace, systems innovation scientist for the Emerging Technologies (EM) Directorate at DISA, was the keynote speaker for the January event.
Stephen Wallace, systems innovation scientist for the Emerging Technologies (EM) Directorate at DISA, was the keynote speaker for the January event.
Brian Bott (c) receives Young AFCEAN of the Month Award gathers with (l-r) committee member Rear Adm. William Timme, USN (Ret.), deputy commander for Undersea Warfare for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA); Chapter  President Tamara  Greenspan; keynote speaker Stephen Wallace, systems innovation scientist for the Emerging Technologies (EM) Directorate at DISA; and Chapter Vice President of Programs Chuck Griffith at the chapter's January meeting.
Brian Bott (c) receives Young AFCEAN of the Month Award gathers with (l-r) committee member Rear Adm. William Timme, USN (Ret.), deputy commander for Undersea Warfare for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA); Chapter President Tamara Greenspan; keynote speaker Stephen Wallace, systems innovation scientist for the Emerging Technologies (EM) Directorate at DISA; and Chapter Vice President of Programs Chuck Griffith at the chapter's January meeting.

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