Heidi Shyu, undersecretary for research and engineering OUSD(R&E) at the Department of Defense (DoD), recently accepted her 2022 Wash100 Award, the highest annual honor bestowed to the highest members of the government contracting (GovCon) community, during a visit by Executive Mosaic CEO Jim Garrettson.
Executive Mosaic is thrilled to recognize Heidi Shyu as a two-time Wash100 Award recipient for her influential leadership and efforts to foster greater collaboration with the Department of Defense as well as driving new innovation in the latest science and technology initiatives.
As the Pentagon’s chief technology officer, Shyu helps ensure the advancement and technological superiority of the U.S. military. She’s also responsible for the research and development, as well as prototyping activities across the DoD enterprise.
In addition, Shyu oversees the activities of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Space Development Agency (SDA), the DoD Laboratory and Engineering Center enterprise.
Most recently, the Department of Defense announced its intent to put more than $1.2 billion in investment into the advancement of biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovation over the next five years.
Shyu explained that the executive order will change how the DoD conducts its missions, develops new capabilities and adapts to major global changes. DoD will also put forth $200 million to improve the cybersecurity posture and biosecurity of biomanufacturing facilities.
“This executive order will advance and synchronize our efforts across the DoD and across the federal government to strategically leverage biotechnology so that our Nation maintains its economic, military, and technological advantage,” added Shyu.
In addition, Heidi Shyu also commented on the issuing of five cooperative agreements to elevate the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education of various two-year institutions and community colleges.
DoD is making the investments to produce more certified graduates of training programs focused on DOD-critical technology areas with special attention to veterans, their spouses and underrepresented populations.
“Two-year institutions and community colleges play a key role in educating, training, and transitioning students onto a path to a STEM career,” Heidi Shyu explained. She also mentioned that educational investments are critical as the DoD broadens the defense innovation base.
Executive Mosaic is pleased to recognize the Department of Defense and Heidi Shyu as a 2022 Wash100 Award winner. Her contributions to the GovCon community deserve to be recognized with the highest honor in the GovCon industry and has been awarded in anticipation of Shyu’s future accomplishments over the course of the next year.
