The National Science Foundation (NSF) launched a new challenge, called the Career Compass Challenge, to try and tackle the cyber and technology workforce shortage in the Federal government. The challenge, launched on Friday, looks to develop a tool that will match “people with data science and cybersecurity skills with the right mission needs.” NSF is looking to develop an app that knows a user’s individual skills, strengths, and preferences; recommends possible future careers; and suggests growth paths – such as detail opportunities and advanced degree programs. The challenge will be held in two parts and interested parties can participate in both parts or only one half. In the first part, NSF is soliciting white papers. In part 2, participants will adopt concepts from the winning papers in part one to build upon. Up to five papers may be selected as winners for part 1; however, only one prototype will be selected as the winner for part 2. The submission deadline for part 1 is Dec. 31, 2018. Winners will be announced Feb. 22, 2019.
