28 Aug 12. The Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) has completed testing of EADS North America’s ECTOCRYP® Black high-capacity voice encryption device at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. The device, which recently was certified by the National Security Agency, successfully demonstrated its ability to operate seamlessly with U.S. government networks of a variety of classifications and existing equipment during the recent trials. With four T1 interfaces that allow for 92 simultaneous individual calls per unit and the ability to store hundreds of cipher keys, ECTOCRYP® Black provides interoperability between classified and unclassified networks to a greater degree than any existing system of its size, as well as potential key management efficiencies. Through the device, users on unclassified networks equipped with Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol (SCIP)-compliant phones can communicate transparently with secured enclaves and engage in enterprise services, such as secure teleconferencing with multiple locations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

28 Aug 12. L-3 Communications’ STRATIS division has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract under the Agile Cyber Technology (ACT) program. Supporting the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), ACT has a funding ceiling of $300m over the next five years. As one of six firms selected as an ID/IQ award winner, L-3 STRATIS is now qualified to compete for task orders as an ACT prime contractor. The ACT contract provides a focused, yet flexible contracting vehicle for cyber acquisition between AFRL, military program offices and the operational community for rapid development, prototyping, demonstration, evaluation and transition of cyber capabilities. AFRL is the Air Force’s organization wholly dedicated to leading the discovery, development and integration of warfighting technologies for air, space and cyberspace forces. L-3 STRATIS will be executing this contract from its cyber program office in San Antonio, Texas, which is also the home of 24th Air Force (AFCYBER) and the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

28 Aug 12. Following a plan laid out before its establishment, U.S. Cyber Command is on its way toward becoming a unified combatant command, Army Gen. Keith Alexander told an audience of military and civilian cyber experts this month. The move will increase the prominence of the command, as CYBERCOM has functioned as a sub-unified command reporting to U.S. Strategic Command since its formation in 2010. Several news outlets reported in May that Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, would recommend that the command be elevated, although a specific time frame for the move is unclear. Any elevation of a command requires presidential approval. (Source: Defense News)

28 Aug 12. CBP Launches Test Providing Centralized Decision-Making Authority for Four CBP Centers of Excellence and Expertise.(77 Fed. Reg. 52048) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a plan to conduct a general test to further develop the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEEs) to facilitate the entry of merchandise imported by companies within certain industries. This document involves testing how the following four CEEs will operate with broad decision-making authority: the Electronics CEE; Pharmaceuticals, Health & Chemicals CEE; the Automotive & Aerospace CEE; and the Petroleum, Natural Gas & Minerals CEE. This notice invites public comment concerning the methodology of the test program, identifies the purpose of the test and the regulations that will be affected, determines the length of the test, explains the application process, and provides the eligibility and selection criteria for voluntary participation in the test. This document also provides the legal authority for the test and explains the repercussions and appeals process