Defense Systems

As Huawei ban looms, waivers are an option

Waivers for a looming federal rule prohibiting agencies from signing new contracts with companies that use a list of Chinese-made communications gear are only a temporary fix, says one expert.

Defense Systems

Navy shifts to zero trust mindset to deal with COVID-related telework

Yesterday's buzzword has become today's security imperative, according to the department's CISO.

Defense Systems

Sustainment issues plague F-35’s logistics IT backbone

Questions remain about the replacement for the F-35’s logistics infrastructure, Autonomic Logistics Information Systems, which has been riddled with errant alerts and corrupted data transfer.

Defense Systems

House passes NDAA with TikTok ban

The House of Representatives passed a defense bill for 2021 that authorizes $731.6 billion in defense spending, includes cyber, workforce, acquisition provisions and a ban on the popular social media app Tik Tok on government equipment.

Defense Systems

Army re-orgs tech directorate

The Army has a new strategic operations directorate under the department's management office, an organization said to be a "precursor" to the upcoming CIO reorganization.

Defense Systems

2020 election security is 'number one goal', NSA chief says

Gen. Paul Nakasone's remarks come as a group of former senior officials seek funds to counter the "extraordinary challenges" posed by coronavirus pandemic and foreign interference to state and local election administrators.

Defense Systems

Navy considers wearables for proximity tracking

The Naval Sea Systems Command is looking for wearable tracking devices so it can tell when staff members might have been exposed to a COVID-positive person at work.

Defense Systems

Army stands up its first software factory

Army Futures Command announced it has launched its first software factory at its headquarters in Austin, Texas. The entity is expected to hit initial operating capacity in early 2021.

Defense Systems

Army tech chief: CIO split was 'right decision at the right time'

Army CIO/G6 Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford said the move, which follows his retirement, will allow the new CIO to focus more on big data, cloud migrations.

Defense Systems

DISA leans in on zero trust

The Defense Information Systems Agency is teaming up with the National Security Agency to deliver the first zero trust reference architecture guidance later this year.

Defense Systems

NDAA gets new wave of Solarium cyber amendments

Much of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's agenda is being pushed into this year's defense authorization process, including its crown jewel idea of a national cyber director.

Defense Systems

House panel advances FY2021 DOD spending bill

The House Appropriations Committee passed its 2021 defense spending bill along party lines, 30-22, including funding for COVID-19 procurement and support for cyber workforce recruitment.

Defense Systems

How DOD's executive exodus could affect tech modernization

Back-to-back resignations raise concerns about how things will be run without permanent leadership in key areas from policy to tech development.

Defense Systems

DIU issues $13 million in drone contracts to fight COVID

The Defense Department's innovation arm has fast-tracked $13.4 million in small-drone contracts under the Defense Production Act.

Defense Systems

White House CTO to take over DOD's top research role

Defense Secretary Mark Esper names U.S. CTO Michael Kratsios to be acting undersecretary of defense for research and engineering after Michael Griffin's resignation from that post took effect July 10.

Defense Systems

Deadline looms for contractors to ditch banned Chinese equipment

A broad federal prohibition on contractors that use gear from a host of Chinese tech makers goes into effect in mid-August.

Defense Systems

DOD CMO boasts $11B in savings as Congress moves to cut position

The Defense Department has saved $11 billion in the past two years thanks to reform efforts, said Lisa Hershman, DOD's chief management officer.

Defense Systems

Navy, Marines look to boost virtual ‘sailorization’ for recruits

Wwhile recruits are under restricted movement orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19 , the Navy and Marine Corps are using a distributed learning environment where lessons to recruits are pushed to wireless devices.

Defense Systems

JADC2 tops Pentagon’s artificial intelligence efforts

The Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is focused on overlaying AI tools on the military’s mega information-sharing platform effort, called Joint All Domain Command and Control.

Defense Systems

Defense contractors mount pressure for more pandemic stimulus funds

Major defense company executives are pushing the White House and Pentagon for additional financial relief due to increased costs caused by the coronavirus pandemic.